MMA News
Luke Rockhold makes prediction for UFC 311 clash between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill: 'He goes for the kill'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 30, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold believes he knows who could have the edge in the upcoming light heavyweight battle between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Both Prochazka and Hill have held UFC gold, but they’re coming off knockout losses to the current champion Alex Pereira. The two will share the Octagon on the UFC 311 card in hopes of holding on in the 205-pound title picture. For Hill, the path back to a title fight could be easier than for Prochazka, who has been defeated twice by “Poatan.”
Colby Covington reacts to corner wanting to throw in the towel at UFC Tampa
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
UFC fighter Colby Covington has reacted to his corner wanting to throw in the towel during his UFC Tampa main event. As we know, Colby Covington took on Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Tampa. Unfortunately for Colby, it didn’t quite pan out the way he had planned. Instead of bouncing back from defeat, he suffered a doctor stoppage loss as a result of a nasty cut on his eye.
Darren Till's new Misfits Boxing opponent announced after Tommy Fury controversy
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
Former UFC star Darren Till’s new opponent for his upcoming appearance at Misfits Boxing has now been revealed. As we know, Darren Till was once a big name within the context of mixed martial arts. He was a top contender in the UFC’s welterweight division, and even had a crack at the world title. Alas, following defeat to Tyron Woodley, his career went into something of a decline.
Rampage Jackson discusses what led to the downfall of his legendary career
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
MMA legend Rampage Jackson has detailed what he believes led to the downfall of his iconic career in the sport. As we know, Rampage Jackson is an icon within mixed martial arts. That’s been the case for decades now, as he made his mark both in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and outside of it. Of course, he declined, as is the case with most fighters.
Tom Aspinall predicts every male UFC champion by the end of 2025
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has taken the time to predict who will be the male UFC champions by the end of 2025. Everybody knows that Tom Aspinall is next in line for a shot at the undisputed heavyweight championship. Of course, until negotiations are finalized with Jon Jones, he isn’t able to actually prove that he’s the best heavyweight on the planet.
Kyoji Horiguchi intends to prove that he's the best flyweight on the planet in RIZIN Decade return: "That's my goal"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
RIZIN flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi wants to prove that he’s the best in the world. ‘The Typhoon’ hasn’t been seen in the ring since a bantamweight clash with Sergio Pettis in June. In a rematch of their Bellator 272 classic which saw ‘The Phenom’ score a knockout win, Kyoji Horiguchi dominated. After 15 minutes of action, he moved his unbeaten streak to five by unanimous decision.
Drake names Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor as his all-time favorite UFC fighters: "I love him with all my heart"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
Canadian rapper Drake has named Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor his favorite UFC fighters of all time. It’s no secret that the 38-year-old artist is a massive fan of combat sports. Over the last few years, many fans have seen Drake place massive, million-dollar wagers on MMA and boxing events. Some of his biggest bets include a $1.6 million bet on Israel Adesanya to defeat Alex Pereira in 2022, $1 million on Alexander Volkanovski to beat Yair Rodriguez, and $450,000 on Jon Jones to knock out Stipe Miocic.
Khalil Rountree admits he felt happy following brutal UFC title loss to Alex Pereira: "Felt like I was where I belong"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
Khalil Rountree was happy following his brutal knockout loss to UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. ‘The War Horse’ and ‘Poatan’ met in Salt Lake City in October. The title shot was a surprising one, but Khalil Rountree entered the fight riding a wave of momentum. Knockout wins over the likes of Anthony Smith and Chris Daukaus led to the striker facing UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Brazilian entered the cage as a massive betting favorite, fresh off a win over Jiri Prochazka in June.
Former two-division UFC champion believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is bigger fight than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 27, 2024
A former UFC “champ-champ” believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria could be even bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. Many fans have been clamoring for Jones vs. Aspinall given that it would settle who is the best heavyweight in the UFC. “Bones” holds the main title, while Aspinall has his hands on interim gold. While UFC CEO Dana White is looking to make that title unification bout a reality in 2025, is it possible that another mega fight tops that one?
UFC legend urges Robert Whittaker to move up to light heavyweight: 'Let's encourage that'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 27, 2024
One notable name in the UFC history books is vouching for the idea of Robert Whittaker moving up to light heavyweight. Whittaker was recently asked on his podcast about a potential change in weight class. The former UFC middleweight champion ruled out a return to the welterweight division. With that said, “The Reaper” did throw out the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight.
Three UFC fights that make sense for Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
Conor McGregor may well return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2025 – and there are some interesting fights he could take if he does. Right now, Conor McGregor is in need of a change. Following his controversial sexual assault civil case, his reputation is in tatters. From disdain in his home country of Ireland to disrespect from the mixed martial arts community, it seems as if the public opinion of ‘Notorious’ has shifted dramatically.
How Alex Pereira could cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time in 2025
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
Alex Pereira has already done some incredible things in mixed martial arts – but he could take things to a whole new level in 2025. Over the course of the last few years, Alex Pereira has made his mark in the UFC in ways that few could’ve imagined. Within just one year of debuting, he had captured the UFC middleweight championship. Then, he proceeded to go up to light heavyweight and become a two-division world champion. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, he wound up defending the belt three times in 2024 – securing three finishes along the way.
Sean O'Malley explains why he's taking a break from social media
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
UFC star Sean O’Malley has explained why he wants to take a break from social media ahead of his proposed return to the cage. As we know, Sean O’Malley is one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. He has accomplished some amazing things throughout the course of his career, including becoming UFC bantamweight champion.
Kade Ruotolo’s top three performances in 2024
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2024
It’s no exaggeration to say that ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo had a phenomenal 2024. The grappling prodigy-turned-MMA star defied expectations, cementing himself as a two-sport superstar. Let’s dive into Ruotolo’s top three performances of the year.
Bellator champion Corey Anderson becomes the latest to slam the PFL: "They have not fulfilled my 6-fight contract"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Bellator light-heavyweight champion Corey Anderson has taken aim at the PFL. Over the last few weeks, the Donn Davis-led company has come under heavy fire. When the PFL bought Bellator last fall, there was a lot of optimism and excitement from the MMA world. Within a few weeks, they revealed a brand new streaming deal with HBO Max and a loaded schedule for 2024. Sadly, many of those events failed to come to fruition.
Former WWE star Bobby Lashley remains interested in return to MMA: "I love to fight"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Former Bellator heavyweight and current AEW wrestler Bobby Lashley wants another fight. The 48-year-old professional wrestler is one of many names who made the jump to MMA over the years. Having a background in amateur wrestling, Bobby Lashley sought out a career in the cage after being released from the WWE in 2008. Over the next two years, he compiled an impressive 4-0 record on the regional scene.
Rodtang recalls watching Takeru: "I felt chills down my spine"
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2024
Great fights are made of unforgettable moments. And when former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon saw Takeru Segawa fight firsthand, he experienced a whirlwind of emotions. The iconic duo will meet at ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, inside Japan’s historic Saitama Super Arena in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight for the ages.
Javier Mendez thinks Islam Makhachev can win UFC middleweight title: 'It's a matter of whether he wants to'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has full confidence in Islam Makhachev’s ability to capture gold at 185 pounds. Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. He rules a division where the athletes are 30 pounds lighter than middleweights. It’s a fact that won’t deter Mendez, however, who believes his fighter can move up to 185 pounds and rule the roost there. If welterweight doesn’t become an option for Makhachev due to his teammate, Belal Muhammad, running the division, then a middleweight run could be in the cards.