MMA News
Jorge Masvidal reveals his UFC return is set for April in Miami: "I will be back!"
Josh Evanoff - December 2, 2024
Former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal intends to return to the octagon in April. ‘Gamebred’ is in an incredibly weird position at this stage of his career. He last appeared in action in July, ending a short-lived retirement to face Nate Diaz in the boxing ring. While Jorge Masvidal is still under UFC contract, Dana White gave his blessing for the former title challenger to face off against an old rival.
Ian Machado Garry discusses hopes for double champion status ahead of UFC 310 return: "I'm not afraid of any man"
Josh Evanoff - December 2, 2024
Ian Machado Garry believes his fight at UFC 310 this Saturday is the start of not one, but two championship runs. ‘The Future’ has been out of the cage since a clash with former Bellator star Michael Page in June. The bout was viewed as arguably the biggest test of the Irishman’s career thus far, and he passed. However, Ian Machado Garry was forced to showcase his grappling, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory over the Brit.
Dakota Ditcheva opens up on MMA future following PFL tournament win: "I'm not abandoning that belt just yet"
Josh Evanoff - December 2, 2024
Dakota Ditcheva has no plans of leaving the PFL for the UFC just yet. ‘Dangerous’ returned to the cage over the weekend in Saudi Arabia. On Friday night, Dakota Ditcheva met former UFC title challenger Taila Santos in the finals of the 2024 PFL women’s flyweight tournament. The Brazilian was expected to serve as the undefeated striker’s biggest challenge to date.
Joe Rogan shares examples of "artistic" fighters in boxing and MMA: "If you watch it, it’s beautiful"
BJ Penn Staff - December 2, 2024
Like many fight fans, Joe Rogan believes there is real artistry in the martial arts. The UFC commentator got to talking about the artistry of combat sports in a conversation with television personality Mike Rowe on a recent episode of his podcast.
Jim Miller not a fan of Donald Cerrone's comeback plans following admitted steroid use: 'I'm not super into it'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 2, 2024
Jim Miller isn’t keen on the idea of Donald Cerrone returning to MMA competition after cycling off steroids. “Cowboy’s” comeback plan has been a hot topic within the MMA community. Cerrone initially retired back in 2022 after being submitted by Miller. More recently, the former UFC title challenger posted a video on social media revealing his plans to fight again. He also revealed that he’ll need to get off the juice in order to be eligible to compete.
Kamaru Usman goes off on fans claiming he ducked Shavkat Rakhmonov: 'Shut your mouth'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 2, 2024
Kamaru Usman is not happy with those saying he ducked a UFC 310 matchup with Shavkat Rakhmonov. This Saturday night, Rakhmonov will share the Octagon with Ian Machado Garry. “Nomad” was initially scheduled to challenge Belal Muhammad for the UFC Welterweight Championship. Plans changed when the 170-pound title holder suffered a foot infection.
Johan Ghazali vs. Johan Estupinan booked for ONE 170
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 2, 2024
ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II continues to evolve, and a monumental Muay Thai firefight has been added to the billing. Fiery flyweights Johan “Jojo” Ghazali and Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan will collide in a must-see contest on Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena. It’s a battle of the Johans, and one man is expected to fall.
UFC 310 title challenger had first fight against his own brother: “He was really trying to kill me”
BJ Penn Staff - December 1, 2024
Technically speaking, UFC 310 headliner Kai Asakura had his first fight in 2012, when he submitted Tomoya Suzuki. If you ask the man himself, however, he’ll tell you his first fight came earlier than that, when he took on his own brother, Mikuru. Kai Asakura’s first ever fight was a street fight against his own brother
Kayla Harrison won't be calling out Amanda Nunes just yet: 'I have great respect for everything she’s accomplished'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Kayla Harrison won’t be calling for a showdown with Amanda Nunes just yet. Harrison appears to be in prime position to challenge for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. The current titleholder is Julianna Pena, who has called for a trilogy fight with Nunes.
Bo Nickal names potential opponents following UFC 309 win over Paul Craig: 'They all pose interesting threats'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Bo Nickal has name-dropped potential opponents for him following his UFC 309 win. Nickal was in action back in November against seasoned veteran Paul Craig. While Nickal earned a unanimous decision victory, it was a tough crowd inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. Fans booed Nickal and chanted “overrated.”
Michael Bisping reveals key factor in UFC 310 fight between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Michael Bisping thinks there’s a major deciding factor that looms over Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry. Rakhmonov was expected to challenge Belal Muhammad for the UFC Welterweight Championship. A foot infection forced Muhammad off the UFC 310 card. As a result, Rakhmonov and Garry will collide in the co-main event.
Alexandre Pantoja shuts down bantamweight move ahead of UFC 310 title defense against Kai Asakura
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Alexandre Pantoja isn’t thinking about a move to the bantamweight division at the moment. Pantoja is the reigning UFC flyweight titleholder, but he had teased dabbling into the 135-pound division for a showdown with Sean O’Malley. At the time, O’Malley held the bantamweight championship.
Chael Sonnen believes UFC will give Jon Jones two options for his fighting future and Alex Pereira isn't one of them
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Chael Sonnen doesn’t believe the UFC is without leverage when it comes to Jon Jones’ future. Jones hasn’t shown eagerness to have a title unification bout with Tom Aspinall. Both men currently split the UFC Heavyweight Championship, with Aspinall being the interim titleholder. Despite this, “Bones” has been more interest in a clash with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Danielle Kelly determined to reclaim grappling crown at ONE Fight Night 26
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 30, 2024
Former ONE Women’s Atomweight Submission Grappling World Champion Danielle Kelly enters the biggest bout of her career next week, and she’s determined to leave Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium as queen once again. The American submission artist meets reigning divisional queen Mayssa Bastos at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov, on Friday, December 6, in an immediate rematch following their August encounter.
Shamil Gasanov preparing for war with Halil Amir at ONE Fight Night 26
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 30, 2024
Fourth-ranked featherweight MMA star Shamil Gasanov is under no illusions when it comes to the test that awaits him at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov. “The Cobra” meets Halil “No Mercy” Amir on Friday, December 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, in a pivotal bout as both men look to continue climbing the division.
Video | Andre Onana play fights with PFL champion Francis Ngannou at Old Trafford: “I demand a rematch”
Josh Evanoff - November 29, 2024
Manchester United star Andre Onana recently fought with PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ is fresh off his return to the cage in Saudi Arabia last month. In the main event of PFL: Battle Of The Giants, Francis Ngannou collided with former tournament winner Renan Ferreira. For the former UFC champion, the bout was his first in MMA since a decision victory over Ciryl Gane in January 2022.
Thongpoon in do-or-die mode at ONE Fight Night 26: "My back is against the wall"
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 29, 2024
Thongpoon PK Saenchai has always worn shades when he walks to the ring, stating that it’s because his future’s so bright. But after mixed results, the sun hasn’t been shining in his part of town, and the Thai striker is in do-or-die mode. He meets Danial Williams at ONE Fight Night 26: Lee vs. Rasulov on Friday, December 6, in what’s expected to be a strawweight Muay Thai slugfest inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
WATCH | Dakota Ditcheva bludgeons Taila Santos to secure stunning PFL title victory
Josh Evanoff - November 29, 2024
PFL flyweight Dakota Ditcheva has officially arrived with her win over Taila Santos. ‘Dangerous’ entered the PFL 10 card earlier today riding a wave of momentum. With a stellar 13-0 undefeated record, Dakota Ditcheva stamped earned her way to the tournament final with three straight knockout wins. The last of which came in August, when the British prospect dominated Jena Bishop to score a first-round stoppage.