MMA News
Islam Makhachev downplays future fight against fellow UFC champion Ilia Topuria: "What will that do for me?"
Josh Evanoff - December 4, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t very interested in facing Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ is fresh off his return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 308 in October. Back for the first time since knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February, Ilia Topuria met Max Holloway. Ahead of the contest, both featherweights were discussing a move to 155 pounds. For his part, ‘Blessed’ was coming off a knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April.
UFC commentator argues Jon Jones has "already pushed himself beyond" Floyd Mayweather
BJ Penn Staff - December 4, 2024
Jon Jones has already achieve more as a professional fighter than boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., according to UFC commentator Jon Anik. Anik, who provides play-by-play on the majority of UFC broadcasts, discussed Jones’ legacy in a recent interview with MMA Junkie. He compared the MMA star to Mayweather and Joe Calzaghe, both of whom retired with undefeated records.
UFC 310 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alexandre Pantoja vs Kai Asakura title fight
Cole Shelton - December 4, 2024
In the main event of UFC 310 on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada the flyweight title is up for grabs as Alexandre Pantoja takes on UFC newcomer Kai Asakura. Heading into the fight, Pantoja is a -280 favorite while the challenger is a +210 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their prediction for the flyweight title fight. In the end, most believe Pantoja will get his hand raised as they believe that UFC experience is a true factor as Asakura making his debut in a title fight could hinder him with nerves.
Vicente Luque offers UFC 310 prediction for Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2024
Vicente Luque has given his pick for the UFC 310 clash between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. This will be a crucial bout in the welterweight division, as Rakhmonov’s title shot is at stake. He was initially scheduled to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight gold before “Remember The Name” was benched due to an infection.
Coach explains why Jon Jones fight would be 'tough' for Tom Aspinall: 'It’s not a matchup that scares us at all'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2024
Jon Jones’ striking coach believes Tom Aspinall would face problems against his fighter. Many fight fans are wondering if the UFC will inevitable book a title unification bout between Jones and Aspinall. “Bones” picked Stipe Miocic apart in their UFC 309 heavyweight title fight. Aspinall, who holds interim gold, was in attendance for the fight. There was no staredown inside the Octagon or even an acknowledgment from Jones.
Jon Jones thanks fans as speculation over his future continues
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has thanked fans in the midst of great speculation over his future. At this point, it’s getting hard to argue against Jon Jones being the greatest of all time. The man known as ‘Bones’ has achieved some incredible things in mixed martial arts, and that much is an understatement. He has beaten every man he’s stepped in the cage with and more often than not, it hasn’t been particularly close.
Alex Pereira shows off incredible mansion he's purchased for his parents
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2024
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has showcased the incredible mansion he has bought for his parents. Ever since arriving in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Alex Pereira has been able to accomplish some incredible things. In addition to becoming the middleweight king after knocking out Israel Adesanya, he has also been able to move up and win a second world title at light heavyweight.
Report | Gregory Rodrigues gets his first UFC main event spot against a former title challenger
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2024
Gregory Rodrigues is set to be handed his first UFC main event assignment since arriving in the promotion. At the age of just 32, Gregory Rodrigues has already had a pretty fascinating career. He’s had big highs and big lows in mixed martial arts but through it all, he’s remained as resilient as ever. Recently, he’s been able to put together a nice run for himself, winning five of his last six – which includes claiming victory in his last three.
Rui Botelho promises to walk through Jonathan Di Bella at ONE Fight Night 26
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 4, 2024
Portuguese striking star Rui Botelho has been in ONE Championship since 2018, but in the past year, the Dinamite Team product has showcased a second coming. The 30-year-old has tacked back-to-back wins together in recent time, and next he meets former ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Di Bella at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov this Friday, December 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Mayssa Bastos predicts submission finish of Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 26
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 4, 2024
ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion Mayssa Bastos wants to double down on her position as the division’s queen. And she believes the best way to do so is to submit Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov. Bastos meets the former champ in a rematch this Friday, December 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, following their initial clash this past August.
Ian Garry gets added boost with former UFC champ in corner for co-main event
Zain Bando - December 3, 2024
Ian Garry will have some help Saturday night when he fights Shavkat Rakhmonov in the co-main event of UFC 310 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Enter former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Garry announced Tuesday that Oliveira would be in his corner, giving him an extra set of experience on fight night.
Chael Sonnen claims UFC title shot for Kai Asakura is “right”
Zain Bando - December 3, 2024
Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter-turned-analyst, quickly gave his thoughts on the UFC 310 pay-per-view main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, which headlines this Saturday. Sonnen never won a UFC world title. Between 2010 and 2013, he came up short on three occasions against former middleweight champion Anderson Silva (twice) and current heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Michael Chandler and Jorge Masvidal tease April showdown in Miami: "Say the word and it's a go"
Josh Evanoff - December 3, 2024
It appears a clash between UFC stars Michael Chandler and Jorge Masvidal is on the horizon. ‘Iron’ is fresh off his return to the octagon last month in the co-main event of UFC 309. Ending a two-year hiatus, Michael Chandler faced former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. ‘Do Bronx’ had famously handed the former Bellator star a second-round knockout loss in 2022, in a bid for vacant UFC gold.
Shavkat Rakhmonov claims he submitted Ian Machado Garry in training ahead of UFC 310 clash: "They didn't release that"
Josh Evanoff - December 3, 2024
Days out from his UFC 310 return, Shavkat Rakhmonov is opening up on his infamous sparring session with Ian Machado Garry. ‘Nomad’ is currently set to meet ‘The Future’ in the co-main event of UFC 310 this Saturday. The bout will be a rare non-title five-round co-main event, only being made as a result of Belal Muhammad’s injury. While Shavkat Rakhmonov was set to fight for welterweight gold, ‘Remember The Name’ was forced out last month.
Petr Yan shows interest in Sean O'Malley rematch with title shot unlikely: "I'm leaning towards it"
Josh Evanoff - December 3, 2024
Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan wants another crack at Sean O’Malley. ‘No Mercy’ is fresh off his return to the octagon last month in Macau, China. Back for the first time since halting Song Yadong’s rise in March, Petr Yan met Deiveson Figueiredo. For his part, the former flyweight champion was undefeated since moving to bantamweight last year, recently beating Marlon Vera in August.
Michael Chiesa surprised he's the underdog at UFC 310, vows to rely on experience against Max Griffin
Cole Shelton - December 3, 2024
Michael Chiesa was hoping to get one more fight in 2024 and he got his wish. After Chiesa submitted Tony Ferguson, the goal was to return in December. He ended up getting his wish as he will face Max Griffin on Saturday night at UFC 310.
MMA icon thinks Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman feel they've been demoted with UFC 310 prelim spot
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 3, 2024
One former UFC icon believes Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman aren’t gung-ho over being on the UFC 310 prelims. UFC 310 is coming up this Saturday. It’ll be the UFC’s year-end pay-per-view. Sterling and Weidman will be featured on the card, but not on the PPV. Instead, the “Funk Master” will fight on the ESPN2 prelims, while the “All American” will compete on the early prelims.
Ian Machado Garry unleashes brutal rant on Kamaru Usman: 'Where it matters between the legs, he’s a little man'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 3, 2024
Ian Machado Garry has some harsh words for Kamaru Usman. Usman has been trolled by fans online with ducking accusations. “The Nigerian Nightmare” explained that he decided against fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 due to not having a full camp to prepare. Some have continued to lambast the former UFC welterweight champion.