MMA News
Report: Reinier de Ridder returns from first UFC defeat vs. budding star at UFC 326
Curtis Calhoun - December 17, 2025
UFC middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder was medically cleared to compete faster than expected and will return at UFC 326. Former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder hinted at a long absence from competition due to medical issues stemming from his loss to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver. But months later, it appears De Ridder has worked through some of his health issues and will return to the Octagon on one of the first cards of 2026, way ahead of schedule.
Jake Paul sends direct message to Anthony Joshua ahead of boxing match: 'Let's go to war'
Cole Shelton - December 17, 2025
Jake Paul has sent a clear message to Anthony Joshua ahead of their highly anticipated fight on Friday. Paul is set to take on Joshua in an intriguing heavyweight fight, which is a massive step-up in competition for the brash YouTuber-turned-boxer. Heading into the bout, many expect Joshua to make quick work of Paul and get a knockout early; however, some have wondered how seriously Joshua is taking it.
Movlid Khaybulaev stripped of 2025 PFL title win after USADA suspension announced
Curtis Calhoun - December 17, 2025
2025 PFL featherweight title winner Movlid Khaybulaev’s championship belt has been forfeited after he was served a one-year USADA suspension. One of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s top proteges, Movlid Khaybulaev, is in hot water after he was handed a one-year USADA suspension stemming from testing positive for a banned substance.
Chihiro Sawada Faces Natalie Salcedo at ONE Fight Night 39 in potential title eliminator
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 17, 2025
Chihiro Sawada gets another shot at breaking into title contention, but the Japanese grappler needs to solve an undefeated puzzle first. Sawada meets Natalie Salcedo in a women’s atomweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday, January 23, 2026, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The event opens ONE Championship’s U.S. primetime calendar and features two fighters desperate to crack the championship picture.
Former PFL champ Movlid Khaybulaev slammed by former foe after USADA announces one-year-suspension
Curtis Calhoun - December 17, 2025
Former PFL champion Movlid Khaybulaev was handed a one-year USADA suspension after testing positive for a banned performance enhancer. 2025 PFL World Tournament featherweight title winner Movlid Khaybulaev’s recent championship win is now under intense scrutiny after a failed drug test.
Ilia Topuria should be stripped of UFC gold, says popular analyst
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 17, 2025
One well-known analyst has shifted his opinion on Ilia Topuria’s status as the UFC Lightweight Champion. Topuria might be holding the main 155-pound title, but he will not be featured in the next lightweight championship bout. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will be fighting for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on Jan. 24. The bout will headline UFC 324, which will be UFC’s debut event on Paramount+.
Anderson Silva explains why he has no beef with UFC boss Dana White
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 17, 2025
Anderson Silva has no issues with UFC CEO Dana White. Silva once ruled the UFC’s middleweight division and was considered to be the best fighter in the world during his prime. “The Spider’s” relationship with White wasn’t always perfect, as the UFC boss criticized Silva’s performances when he felt it was warranted. Silva also had a rather unceremonious exit from the company despite his legendary status.
Tony Ferguson sought out advice from former WWE champion: 'I value his opinion'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 17, 2025
Tony Ferguson once called upon a former WWE titleholder for some advice. Ferguson turned into a popular pro MMA personality who could mix it up with elite talent during his prime years. Ferguson even captured the interim UFC Lightweight Championship at one point. While he ultimately left UFC on a losing skid, he has rebounded under the Misfits Boxing banner.
Henry Cejudo understands why UFC snubbed lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan
Harry Kettle - December 17, 2025
UFC legend Henry Cejudo has explained why he understands Arman Tsarukyan being snubbed for a world title shot. Right now, Arman Tsarukyan is in a difficult position. While he’s coming off the back of an incredible submission win over Dan Hooker, he wasn’t selected to be part of the UFC interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324. Instead, that honor went to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett who will battle it out next month.
Yod-IQ gets rematch against Alexey Balyko at ONE Friday Fights 137
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 16, 2025
Elbrus Osmanov’s injury opened a door for Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri. The Thai striker will now get his chance at redemption. Osmanov withdrew from his scheduled bantamweight Muay Thai clash at ONE Friday Fights 137 on Friday, December 19, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. Yod-IQ moves up to featherweight to face Alexey Balyko, the only man to beat him in the weekly series.
Paddy Pimblett pleads for Anthony Joshua to 'punch Jake Paul's head in' in upcoming boxing match
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
UFC lightweight superstar Paddy Pimblett didn’t hold back on Jake Paul ahead of his upcoming boxing match against Anthony Joshua. Paddy Pimblett is a little over a month away from challenging for the interim lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Pimblett and Gaethje headline a stacked card next month as the UFC kicks off its 2026 event slate on its new broadcasting home, Paramount+.
BREAKING: Terence Crawford announces boxing retirement to 'walk away on his own terms'
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
The conclusion of one of boxing’s legendary careers was announced on Tuesday as Terence Crawford opted to hang up the gloves. Legendary boxer Terence Crawford shook the boxing world on Tuesday when the 38-year-old superstar announced his abrupt retirement from the sport.
Tom Aspinall blasts 'cheat' Ciryl Gane as feud continues to grow: 'I’ll be back to smash your face'
Cole Shelton - December 16, 2025
Tom Aspinall has taken aim at Ciryl Gane as their feud continues to take shape. Aspinall was defending his heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 321 back in October against Gane. It was a highly anticipated fight, and early on, Gane was having success. However, Gane poked Aspinall in both of his eyes, and the champ said he couldn’t see, so the fight was ruled a No Contest.
Tawanchai returns to kickboxing at ONE Friday Fights 137: "I want that second belt"
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 16, 2025
Nine months removed from his first kickboxing loss, Tawanchai PK Saenchai carries unfinished business back into the ring. The ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion refuses to let one setback derail his two-sport dream. The 26-year-old Thai superstar faces Chinese standout Liu Mengyang in featherweight kickboxing at ONE Friday Fights 137 on December 19, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The main event clash represents his first kickboxing appearance since former K-1 Champion Masaaki Noiri finished him in the third round at ONE 172 in Saitama, Japan.
Belal Muhammad claims Islam Makhachev favors 'easier matchup' in Kamaru Usman over other top welterweights
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad accused Islam Makhachev of cherry picking opponents ahead of his first title defense. Islam Makhachev won a second UFC title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 last month. Makhachev, just months after vacating the lightweight belt, put on one of the most dominant performances of his career to dethrone Maddalena and win the welterweight championship.
Chael Sonnen shares unique take on Dana White/Francis Ngannou alleged physical confrontation at the height of UFC beef
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen had a similar run-in with Francis Ngannou that UFC CEO Dana White recently alleged. Despite being two years removed from their nasty split, UFC CEO Dana White and former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou remain at odds.
Conor McGregor will not fight at UFC White House, predicts former MMA star
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 16, 2025
A former UFC title contender isn’t sold on Conor McGregor fighting on the White House card. McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, yet UFC continues to use him to market the promotion’s debut on Paramount+. The “Notorious” one is the biggest name to ever compete in UFC and he has vowed to fight again. It hasn’t happened since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight.
Arman Tsarukyan reveals what he'd like to do after his MMA career ends
Harry Kettle - December 16, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan has spoken about what he would like to do once his mixed martial arts career comes to an end. Right now, Arman Tsarukyan is in a tricky spot. Despite demolishing Dan Hooker in their UFC Qatar main event, Arman didn’t get the call to be part of the UFC 324 main event for the interim UFC lightweight championship. Instead, that went to Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, who will compete for the belt next month.