MMA News
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.
Ciryl Gane opens up on infamous UFC 285 loss to Jon Jones: 'I don't recognize myself there'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 2, 2024
Ciryl Gane has taken a moment to reflect on his infamous title fight with Jon Jones. Back in March 2023, Gane and Jones fought for the vacant UFC Heavyweight Championship. This one was a quick wipeout in favor of “Bones,” who secured a first-round submission finish. The takedown and the choke looked almost too easy, even for one of the greatest fighters of all time.
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.
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
Surging UFC contender makes shocking prediction for Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
One top UFC welterweight contender believes Ian Machado Garry will get the job done against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Garry and Rakhmonov are set to collide in a pivotal 170-pound tilt at UFC 310. Garry received this opportunity after UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was pulled due to a foot infection.
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.
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.
UFC can't salvage Conor McGregor's image following sexual assault verdict, says MMA legend
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 1, 2024
Conor McGregor has found himself in hot water, and the UFC may not be able to pull him out of it. A Dublin court recently found McGregor liable for sexual assault. The accusation dates back to 2018, and while the Irishman plans to appeal the verdict, many have already taken action. McGregor has seen his image scrapped from murals, video games, and even the Proper No. 12 Irish Whiskey brand, which he started.
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.
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.
2024 PFL World Championships Results and Highlights
Josh Evanoff - November 29, 2024
The PFL cage touched down in Saudi Arabia earlier today for their final card of 2024. In the main event, Timur Khizriev met Brendan Loughnane in the featherweight tournament finale. For his part, the Russian entered the cage with a stellar 18-0 undefeated record. However, Loughnane was also riding a wave of momentum. The Brit entered the finals fresh off a three-fight winning streak, last defeating Kai Kamaka in August.
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.
Kai Asakura thinks UFC benefits if he defeats Alexandre Pantoja in UFC 310 title fight: 'I'm here to make it exciting'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 29, 2024
Kai Asakura believes capturing UFC gold would be best for business. There’s a reason why Asakura’s first bout under the UFC banner is for a title. The UFC could make a splash in the Japanese market with Asakura, who has proven to be a dangerous competitor as a RIZIN star. Asakura is aware of the potential value he’d bring if he can be as good as advertised against the UFC’s elite at 125 pounds.
Jon Anik suggests voting board for UFC Hall of Fame: 'Every case is unique'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 29, 2024
Jon Anik has a suggestion for how UFC Hall of Fame inductees are determined. As it stands now, there’s no publicly known criteria for earning the distinction. It’s led to some debates throughout the MMA community on who deserves to make it to the Hall. We’ve even seen Daniel Cormier explain why he wouldn’t have someone like Jim Miller get in.