MMA News
Kai Kara-France vents frustration for Kai Askaura getting flyweight title shot: "He hasn’t even fought yet"
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2024
Kai Kara-France believes he should have been the one to get the next flyweight title shot. UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his belt in the co-main event of UFC 310 against newcomer Kai Asakura. Asakura is the former RIZIN champion who has notable wins over Manel Kape, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Juan Archuleta, but it still came as a surprise that he received an immediate title shot in his first UFC fight.
Alex Pereira dismisses Jamahal Hill's criticism about UFC 307 performance: "I'm on a different level than him"
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2024
UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has responded to Jamahal Hill. ‘Poatan’ is fresh off his return to the cage in the main event of UFC 307 earlier this month. Back for the first time since knocking out Jiri Prochazka in June, Alex Pereira faced fellow striker Khalil Rountree Jr. Despite ‘The War Horse’ entering the bout as a heavy underdog, he wound up taking an early lead on the scorecards.
Former Bellator champion Gegard Mousasi files lawsuit against the PFL, seeks $15 million in damages
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2024
Former Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi is now suing the PFL. ‘The Dreamcatcher’ hasn’t been seen in the cage in well over a year. Gegard Mousasi’s last appearance came in the main event of Bellator 296 in Paris against former title challenger Fabian Edwards. The bout came just a few months after Johnny Eblen ended the champion’s time at the top with a brutal decision loss.
Alex Pereira slams the door shut on boxing match against Jake Paul: "He knows I'm under contract to the UFC"
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2024
UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is done talking about a boxing match with Jake Paul. ‘Poatan’ is fresh off his return to the cage in the main event of UFC 307 earlier this month. In Salt Lake City, Alex Pereira put on an incredible fight with fellow striker Khalil Rountree Jr. Despite some early success from the challenger, the Brazilian wound up breaking ‘The War Horse’ down en route to a knockout win.
REPORT | Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong targeted for UFC Tampa headliner
Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2024
A UFC bantamweight headliner between contenders Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong is reportedly in the works for the promotion’s return to Tampa, FL in December. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported Thursday that while contracts haven’t been signed, the UFC plans to book the matchup for December 14th. Neither Nurmagomedov nor Yadong have confirmed the reports of the targeted UFC Tampa booking, as of this writing.
Darren Till viciously mocks Bo Nickal's striking after training footage surfaces: "Oh god!"
Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2024
Former UFC title challenger Darren Till is ramping up his mental warfare against rising star Bo Nickal ahead of his potential return to the Octagon. Till, after opting to part ways from the UFC last year, is waiting for his next boxing booking after winning his exhibition debut in July. While he’s focused on other combat sports outside of MMA, he envisions a return to the UFC for another potential run to the title.
Ilia Topuria says Max Holloway's BMF belt is "Only thing that makes him relevant"
Curtis Calhoun - October 17, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria believes Max Holloway’s BMF championship is essential for making him one of mixed martial arts’s top stars. Topuria and Holloway headline UFC 308 next week in Abu Dhabi. It’s one of the biggest fights in UFC featherweight history and easily one of the most anticipated fights of 2024.
Anthony Smith looking for some fun against "dangerous" Dominick Reyes at UFC 310
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 17, 2024
Anthony Smith is looking forward to having some fun against a “dangerous” Dominick Reyes. Smith and Reyes are set to collide in a light heavyweight tilt on December 7th. The bout will be a part of the UFC 310 card. “Lionheart” is hoping to rebound after dropping a unanimous decision to Roman Dolidze back in June.
Brendan Schaub hopes UFC gives Donald Cerrone 'proper matchups' during comeback
Fernando Quiles Jr. - October 17, 2024
Brendan Schaub believes if the UFC brings Donald Cerrone back, he should be properly booked. Cerrone turned some heads when he announced he’s planning to make a comeback. “Cowboy” posted a video on Instagram saying that he needs to get off steroids so that he can fight clean. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has expressed his concern over Cerrone possibly having an unfair edge even if he cleans up.
"Thor" actor Chris Hemsworth praises Rodtang: "You're a warrior"
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 17, 2024
Rodtang Jitmuangnon has every reason to be elated for his upcoming assignment. “The Iron Man” recently received a special message of encouragement from Chris Hemsworth. He’s the Hollywood actor best known for his role as the iconic superhero “Thor” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Francis Ngannou teases unlikely finish in upcoming MMA return against Renan Ferreira: “I’ve been working on some little tricks”
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2024
Francis Ngannou has teased a finish ahead of his upcoming return to mixed martial arts against Renan Ferreira. This weekend, Francis Ngannou will finally make his return to mixed martial arts. He will do so against Renan Fereira as part of the main event at PFL: Battle of the Giants.
UFC CEO Dana White reacts after Conor McGregor and Dan Hooker seemingly agree to fight: “That would be a great fight”
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2024
UFC president Dana White has given his thoughts on the prospect of Conor McGregor squaring off against Dan Hooker next year. Everyone knows that Conor McGregor is a hard guy to predict. One day he’s teasing a return to the cage, and the next he’s off partying in the middle of nowhere. He is a true enigma in the sport of mixed martial arts and, by default, he’s the biggest superstar we’ve ever seen in this sport.
UFC 312 set for February 8 in Sydney, Australia
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2024
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make its return down under in just a couple of months when UFC 312 heads to Sydney, Australia. For the longest time now, the UFC has served as an international product. In addition to airing in multiple locations all across the globe, they’ve also been able to sign fighters from a plethora of different countries. One region, in particular, that has done well in recent years is Australia.
Mario Bautista puts blame on Jose Aldo for lackluster UFC 307 fight, eyes Cory Sandhagen rematch
Cole Shelton - October 16, 2024
Mario Bautista knew getting past Jose Aldo would be tough, and he did what he needed to do to win. Bautista edged out a split decision win over Aldo at UFC 307 in what was considered by many to be a lackluster fight. Heading into the bout, the wrestling and clinch weren’t part of Bautista’s game plan until it was there for him to use.
Jamahal Hill discredits Khalil Rountree Jr. after UFC 307, addresses detractors: "Not in my bracket!"
Curtis Calhoun - October 16, 2024
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has heard the noise from those who believe Khalil Rountree Jr. would beat him after watching UFC 307. Rountree lost to UFC light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira in the UFC 307 main event earlier this month. After nearly finishing Pereira in the opening rounds, Pereira put a torrid pace on Rountree as the fight went on, battering him and finishing him in Round 4.
Mike Perry issues apology to police officers after drunk driving arrest
Cole Shelton - October 16, 2024
Mike Perry has issued an apology after he was arrested for drunk driving in Florida. Perry was arrested by the Clermont Police Department on Oct. 12 at 1:04 a.m. local time. He was charged with driving under the influence along with an offense of refusing to sign a citation requiring a court appearance. ‘Platinum’ was released on a $1,500 bond later that morning, and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30. The maximum penalty is up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.
Eddie Abasolo dukes it out with Mohamed Younes Rabah at ONE 169
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 16, 2024
Fans are in for a thrilling matchup as Eddie Abasolo squares off against Mohamed Younes Rabah on the supporting card of ONE 169. This featherweight Muay Thai encounter takes place at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, airing live in U.S. primetime on November 8.
Brandon Royval explains why he approves of Kai Asakura getting a UFC title shot for his debut
Curtis Calhoun - October 16, 2024
Former UFC flyweight title challenger Brandon Royval believes newcomer Kai Asakura’s title shot is a breath of fresh air for the division. Asakura will face UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja in the UFC 310 co-main event in December. After a decorated tenure in RIZIN, Asakura will make his UFC debut on the highest possible stage in the flyweight division.