MMA News

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

It was a night of exciting fights at the UFC on FOX 18 event on Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey. Fan favorites Ryan Bader and rising star Sage Northcutt are both facing indefinite suspensions pending results of a respective CT scan and x-ray for an injured foot.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

It was a tough pill to swallow for Ryan Bader. After campaigning hard for a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title on a five-fight win streak, Bader was put to the test before getting a title fight and met the hard-hitting Anthony Johnson in the main event of UFC on FOX 18 on Saturday night. After a failed shot in for a takedown by Bader, Johnson was able to control Bader on the ground and secured the mount position and poured on heavy shots causing referee Keith Peterson to stop the bout at 1:26 of the opening round.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3pem78_ryan-baders-final-preparation-for-anthony-johnson_sport Ryan Bader came up short in his main-event LHW clash of contenders when Anthony “Rumble” Johnson came in like a freight-train and put the hurt on Bader capping off the night with a first round KO.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

[ooyala code=”42M2lneTpfbQSJRvQGtAAkTjY137m7Q8″ player_id=”631143aa3982447caf394a185941cb69″ width=”1280″ height=”720″ auto=”true” autoplay=”true”] Check out this killer video highlight of Nate Diaz with never seen before footage of his dominating performances over the years.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

Many critics hate to hear excuses about losses, while fans can often find comfort and reasoning on why their favorite fighters have losses on their records. Rising star Sage Northcutt had his undefeated record come to an end on Saturday night against a late replacement opponent Bryan Barberena. Northcutt spoke with the MMA Hour on Monday and revealed that he was not himself on Saturday night (transcribed by MMA Fighting):

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

https://youtu.be/VS018TJ-u0Q Benson Henderson made news earlier today about his recent signing with the Bellator organization. “Smooth” wanted to test the free-agency market after beating Jorge Masvidal via split decision in November of last year.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

It was an answer to a question that sparked a lot of arguments on Twitter and likely one that will have a lot of fans on BJPENN.COM debate about as well. A fan asked UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, “@joerogan do you think the size of Dos Anjos will be to much for McGregor?” Rogan responded to the question saying, “There’s a good argument that @RdosAnjosMMA is the best LW ever, and if @TheNotoriousMMA beats him it’ll be insane.”

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

Pat Miletich didn’t seem serious at the time but in light of recent news from Scott Coker, The Croatian Sensation” may be wanting a shot at the winner of Bellator 149 Ken Shamrock vs Royce Gracie. The retired 47 year old mix martial artist hasn’t competed since 2008 but from what Coker spoke about Miletich’s current diet and training regimen, he might be ready.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

UFC women’s bantamweight title contender Miesha Tate is looking to be in great shape ahead of her title fight with Holly Holm scheduled for UFC 196 on March 5. This will be Tate’s second chance at the UFC women’s bantamweight title with her first attempt falling short against former champion Ronda Rousey. “Cupcake” lost against Rousey back on December 28, 2013 by submission. Rousey’s perfected armbar forced Tate to tap in the third round.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

Looks like Fedor Emelianenko is back at it teasing the UFC and the fans about a potential signing with the UFC. “The Last Emperor” recently fought at Rizin Fighting Federation against Singh Jaideep at the NYE event last year. “I’m open to all organizations – said Emelianenko told reporters. – If you have any suggestions, we look at all of them. In this respect, we like to work with Rizin – contracts are not exclusive. Regarding M1 big question. Rather, perhaps my appearance in the UFC, than in M1. ”

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

There have been those who have criticized Sage Northcutt after his first professional loss and there have been those who have been supportive of the young UFC star. Fan favorite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone has been one to give Northcutt support after his loss and is willing to go a step further and show the young teen fighting in the UFC a thing or two more about living.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

https://youtu.be/CunW7kOsBV0 Carlos Condit knows to have fun at a bar without over indulging in the beverages. He must be into some new training techniques because you just don’t walk into a bar and see Carlos Condit MMA icon squatting a guy on his shoulders for no reason.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

Former UFC lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson announced his move to Bellator MMA on Monday. The rumors and talks had been buzzing since Henderson’s contract with the UFC was up after defeating Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 79 in Seoul, South Korea. Henderson released the news on his personal website blog stating the following:

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

Conor McGregor revealed some very interesting news on Monday. The UFC featherweight champion that has a historic fight scheduled against lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196 on March 5 announced on Twitter that he has been placed in the UFC Hall of Fame. “The Notorious” tweeted the following message that resonated a very loud message to his fans: “I’m happy to announce that I have inducted myself into the UFC hall of fame. Details of event to follow.”

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

You have to wonder how much of a factor the walkout plays for fighters and their mindset going into the Octagon for a fight.

Russell Ess - February 1, 2016

19-year-old UFC star Sage Northcutt had his dreams crushed on Saturday night. Late replacement opponent Bryan Barberena submit Northcutt by arm-triangle choke in the second round on Saturday night at UFC on FOX 18. Many fighters roasted Northcutt for his seemingly quick tap while a few fighters gave support to the young star. It seems like Northcutt’s higher than average paychecks for a newcomer in the UFC and being promoted by the company has made a lot of his fellow fighters jealous.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

https://youtu.be/OQi8zX9g7yA #2 Johny”Bigg Rigg” Hendricks and #8 Stephen”Wonderboy” Thompson step into the octagon as the main-event on Feb. 6th this weekend.

bjpenndotcom - February 1, 2016

Alex “Bruce Leeroy” Caceres goes on a hike on Mt. Fuji and shows us what the snacks on the mountain are like. Keep in mind that these are NOT hot rocks.