MMA News
Dustin Poirier shoots down Dan Hooker's recent call for a UFC rematch
Curtis Calhoun - September 25, 2024
UFC star Dustin Poirier feels former opponent Dan Hooker’s recent calls for a rematch inside the Octagon aren’t genuine. Poirier hinted at retirement following a loss to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. But, after contemplating his combat sports future, he envisions at least one more fight in the Octagon before calling it quits.
Referee Herb Dean defends encouraging Merab Dvalishvili to "work" more in later rounds at UFC 306
Curtis Calhoun - September 25, 2024
MMA referee Herb Dean explained his persistence in wanting more volume and action from Merab Dvalishvili in the later rounds of the UFC 306 headliner. Dvalishvili defeated Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision to earn the UFC bantamweight title at UFC 306. He largely dominated the fight against O’Malley with his wrestling, despite O’Malley believing he was robbed on the judges’ scorecards.
Brendan Schaub pitches Conor McGregor vs. Paddy Pimblett for the Irishman's return: "You wouldn't watch that?"
Josh Evanoff - September 25, 2024
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub believes Conor McGregor vs. Paddy Pimblett makes sense. ‘The Notorious’ is currently without an opponent for his long-awaited UFC return. While Conor McGregor was set to face Michael Chandler earlier this year, he was forced out due to injury. ‘The Notorious’ called to face ‘Iron’ in December, but the former Bellator star had other plans. Instead, he signed a deal to face Charles Oliveira in November.
Reinier de Ridder explains decision to leave ONE Championship for the UFC: "We had a plan..."
Josh Evanoff - September 25, 2024
Former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier De Ridder is opening up on his UFC signing. ‘The Dutch Knight’ has long been viewed as one of the best fighters outside of Dana White’s promotion. From 2019 to 2022, Reinier de Ridder picked up big win, after big win, inside ONE Championship. At one point, the Dutchman held gold at two different weight classes and held wins over the likes of Aung La Nsang and Vitaly Bigdash.
Belal Muhammad targets Shavkat Rakhmonov for first title defense despite Kamaru Usman talk: "He has more aura"
Josh Evanoff - September 25, 2024
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has his sights set on Shavkat Rakhmonov, not Kamaru Usman. ‘Remember The Name’ has been out of the cage since a trip to Manchester in July. In the main event of UFC 304, Belal Muhammad finally challenged for gold against Leon Edwards. Despite entering the cage as a heavy betting underdog, the challenger wound up earning a unanimous decision victory.
Former ONE champ Reinier de Ridder's UFC debut set for November 9th against Gerald Meerschaert
Curtis Calhoun - September 25, 2024
Former two-division ONE titleholder Reinier de Ridder is set for his UFC debut just hours after his reported signing with the promotion in free agency. De Ridder will face the veteran Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 100 on November 9th. Dutch publication UFC op Eurosport was the first to report the news of the De Ridder vs. Meerschaert booking.
REPORT | Petr Yan vs. Deiveson Figueiredo headlines UFC Macau on November 23
Curtis Calhoun - September 25, 2024
Former UFC titleholders Petr Yan and Deiveson Figueiredo are reportedly set to clash in a potential No. 1 bantamweight contender fight. Yan and Figueiredo will reportedly headline UFC Fight Night: Macau on November 23rd. MMA journalist Léo Guimaraes was the first to report the Yan vs. Figueiredo fight news.
REPORT | Nick Diaz vs. Vicente Luque targeted for UFC 310
Curtis Calhoun - September 25, 2024
A UFC welterweight matchup between Nick Diaz and Vicente Luque is reportedly in the works for a rebooking at UFC 310 on December 7th. MMA Mania‘s Alex Behunin was the first to report the Diaz vs. Luque booking news. As of this writing, promotion officials haven’t confirmed the fight.
Max Holloway reveals if preparation for Ilia Topuria is different from Justin Gaethje fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 25, 2024
Max Holloway has discussed his preparation for Ilia Topuria versus how he prepared for Justin Gaethje. Holloway is set to challenge Topuria for the UFC Featherweight Championship on October 26th. The title fight will headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. It’s a chance for “Blessed” to become a two-time 145-pound titleholder, which would add to an already stellar career.
Dricus Du Plessis exposes poor analysis of his fighting style: "What are you talking about?"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 25, 2024
Dricus Du Plessis is puzzled by all the bad takes on his fighting style. Du Plessis has solidified himself as the king of the middleweight division. He’s defeated the likes of Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland. He’s the UFC middleweight champion with one successful title defense on his resume.
Michael Bisping wonders how Renato Moicano will handle hostile UFC Paris fans
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 25, 2024
Michael Bisping believes Renato Moicano is stepping into the lion’s den when he meets Benoit Saint Denis in enemy territory. Moicano and Saint Denis will collide this Saturday at a UFC Paris event. The fight will be held inside the Accor Arena. This is a big opportunity for “Money” Moicano to extend his winning streak to four and emerge as a true contender at 155 pounds. As for Saint Denis, he’ll want to make a statement coming off a second-round knockout loss to Dustin Poirier.
Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier believe now is the time for UFC champion Islam Makhachev to do a heel turn: “I think that’s the move”
Harry Kettle - September 25, 2024
Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier believe now is the time for Islam Makhachev to take on a more villainous persona. Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion and he has earned that title. He defeated Charles Oliveira to capture the strap before going on to defend it against the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier.
Alexis Nicolas looks to extend reign beyond ONE Fight Night 25: “I’m the king”
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 25, 2024
ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video represents a significant chapter in Alexis Nicolas’ quest to build his own empire. The ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Champion defends his throne for the first time in a rematch with Regian Eersel. This matchup headlines the aforementioned U.S. primetime event. It airs live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 4.
Dana White reacts after 8-1 underdog scores wild upset finish on Contender Series: “I love this sh*t”
Harry Kettle - September 25, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White has reacted to an 8/1 underdog scoring a big upset victory on the Contender Series. As we know, the Contender Series has served as a great entry point into the Ultimate Fighting Championship for so many fighters. From former champions to top prospects, the show has produced some incredible talent over the years.
John Lineker to battle Alexey Balyko in Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 25
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 24, 2024
John Lineker has just signed up for his second assignment in Muay Thai. This is booked to happen at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video. The U.S. primetime event airs live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 4.
Chael Sonnen calls Jorge Masvidal "Thirsty" after recent Leon Edwards callout
Curtis Calhoun - September 24, 2024
Chael Sonnen is at it again with his jabs toward Jorge Masvidal after the former BMF champion’s recent callout for a possible UFC return. Masvidal wants to re-sign with the UFC after retiring from the promotion last year following UFC 287. In what many anticipated was his UFC swan song, he lost to Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision.
Dustin Poirier hints at desired UFC return opponent in one-word tweet
Curtis Calhoun - September 24, 2024
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier provided a glimpse into who he prefers to fight for his potential career-ending bout inside the Octagon. Poirier hasn’t fought since a fifth-round submission loss to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302. Immediately after his third lineal title loss, Poirier hinted at retirement in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Sean Strickland joins Alex Pereira for UFC 307 camp, sends a message to Dricus du Plessis
Curtis Calhoun - September 24, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is joining forces with Alex Pereira for the latter’s upcoming title defense in Salt Lake City. Pereira will defend the UFC light heavyweight title against the surging Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on October 5th. He returns to the Octagon after two successful title defenses this year, including on weeks’ notice at UFC 303.