MMA News
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.
Israel Adesanya plans to remind fans of his greatness in UFC Saudi Arabia return: "Y'all must've forgot"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya wants to remind fans how good he is. ‘The Last Stylebender’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a grudge match against Dricus du Plessis in August. In the main event of UFC 305, the two middleweights went back and forth in the first three rounds. However, in round four, ‘Stillknocks’ rocked, and quickly submitted Israel Adesanya to retain middleweight gold.
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.
MMA legend doubts Conor McGregor fights outside UFC anytime soon: 'I just know how difficult it is'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
One former UFC legend doesn’t believe that Conor McGregor will be fighting outside of the UFC again for a long time, and that’s if he ever does get the chance. McGregor has long hinted at potentially stepping back into the boxing ring and even throwing hands under the BKFC banner. The “Notorious” one acquired minority ownership stake in BKFC and he’s teased possibly going one-on-one with Mike Perry.
Why 2024 was a great year for ONE Championship
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024
Another year has passed, and ONE Championship has solidified its status with yet another wildly successful 12 months. In fact, 2024 brought landmark moments, epic fights, and the emergence of prodigious talents who made their mark on the global stage.
3 Must-See ONE Championship Fights In 2025
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024
ONE Championship’s 2024 is coming to a close, but the promotion’s 2025 looks to be its biggest year ever. Its biggest announcement has been the five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight between former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Japanese sensation Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 on March 23.
What’s Next for Marat Grigorian After ONE Friday Fights 92?
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024
ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow capped off a tremendous 2024 for ONE Championship. For #2-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender Marat Grigorian, the year couldn’t have ended better. The striking great scored a second-round TKO win over surging star Abdelali Zahidi in featherweight kickboxing action. The bout featured prominently on Friday, December 20, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Michael Bisping thinks judges got it right with Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 scorecards
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk has defeated Tyson Fury a second time, and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping feels the score totals were justified. Usyk and Fury shared the ring inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this past Saturday night. This was a rematch, as the two collided back in May. Usyk took the first fight via split decision, and while the second matchup was also competitive, the Ukrainian bruiser walked away with a unanimous decision verdict this go-around.
Paddy Pimblett explains why he wasn't impressed by Islam Makhachev's submission win over Dustin Poirier
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
Paddy Pimblett wasn’t exactly blown away by Islam Makhachev’s submission victory over Dustin Poirier. Back in June, Makhachev defended his UFC Lightweight Championship against “The Diamond.” The title fight headlined UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. It wasn’t an easy fight for Makhachev, but he held his own before locking up a choke for the finish in the final round.
Popular UFC lightweight blasts Ilia Topuria for copying Conor McGregor: 'D*ckhead'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
One notable UFC lightweight contender is taking aim at Ilia Topuria for using the Conor McGregor playbook. It’s no secret that Topuria loves the spotlight. While “El Matador” has shown humbleness after his fights, he never shies away from talking trash. As the reigning UFC featherweight champion keeps winning, he’s likely to see his stock continue to increase.
Jon Jones details five-year plan for UFC retirement amid uncertainty of Tom Aspinall fight: "Money is a motivator"
Josh Evanoff - December 23, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has laid out his plans for the next five years. ‘Bones’ is fresh off his return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 309 in New York City last month. Back for the first time since a submission win over Ciryl Gane last spring, Jon Jones met former champion Stipe Miocic. The 42-year-old was ending his own hiatus, last being knocked out by Francis Ngannou in early 2021.
Paddy Pimblett seemingly teases showdown against Michael Chandler is next: "I'll see you at the top"
Josh Evanoff - December 23, 2024
Rising UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett could end up facing Michael Chandler next. ‘The Baddy’ hasn’t been seen since his clash with Bobby Green at UFC 304 in July. Heading into the bout, ‘King’ was seen as the biggest test of the rising Brit’s career. However, it took less than one round for Paddy Pimblett to submit the longtime lightweight, and earn himself a ranking at 155 pounds.
Tommy Fury goes off on Darren Till, blames him for fight cancellation: 'He's an idiot'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 23, 2024
Tommy Fury puts the blame on Darren Till for the cancellation of their planned boxing match. Fury and Till were expected to collide at Misfits Boxing 20 in early 2025. The fight was to be contested under traditional boxing rules. Till, a former UFC title challenger, threatened to go rogue and use MMA tactics on Fury. It didn’t take long after “The Gorilla’s” comments for the fight to be axed.
Jiri Prochazka scoffs at banter from Jamahal Hill ahead of UFC 311: 'My actions will talk'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 23, 2024
Jiri Prochazka is not concerned with the banter from Jamahal Hill. Prochazka and Hill are scheduled to collide on the UFC 311 card on January 18th. It’s a crucial battle between two former UFC light heavyweight champions. Both men are coming off finishing losses to the current 205-pound ruler Alex Pereira, and are hoping to hold strong in the title picture.
UFC veteran Jim Miller admits he still suffers from imposter syndrome
Harry Kettle - December 23, 2024
UFC veteran Jim Miller has admitted that he still suffers from imposter syndrome despite his incredible run in mixed martial arts. When it comes to legends in the UFC, few are bigger than Jim Miller. He is a cult hero at this point and even at this stage of his career, he’s still putting together highlight-reel moments. He’s an absolute gem of a fighter and a man, and we hope to see him stick around for as long as he desires.
Joe Rogan praises what Daniel Cormier achieved in MMA
Harry Kettle - December 23, 2024
UFC commentator Joe Rogan has praised what Daniel Cormier has been able to achieve in the world of mixed martial arts. Throughout the course of his career, Daniel Cormier accomplished some incredible things. From his days as an Olympian to his dominant run in mixed martial arts, he didn’t waste any time. Nowadays, he’s enjoying life as an analyst and a commentator for the UFC after retiring.
Michael Chandler sends a message to Conor McGregor over long-awaited UFC collision
Harry Kettle - December 23, 2024
UFC star Michael Chandler has sent a message to Conor McGregor, once again, over the possibility of a fight between them. As we know, Michael Chandler has been calling for a fight with Conor McGregor for as long as we can remember. The two men have been going back and forth for years at this point, and they were even set to face off earlier this summer. Alas, due to an injury sustained by the Irishman, that didn’t come to fruition.