MMA News
Hiroki Akimoto determined to score decisive victory at ONE Friday Fights 81
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 23, 2024
Hiroki Akimoto has a crystal-clear plan for his upcoming bout at ONE Friday Fights 81. The former ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion suits up for action against ex-flyweight kickboxing titleholder Ilias Ennahachi. This airs live in Asian primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 27.
Johan Estupinan booked for quick return against Zakaria El Jamari at ONE Fight Night 25
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 23, 2024
The U.S. primetime audience won’t have to wait long to see Johan Estupinan back in action. The undefeated Colombian striker reports for duty at ONE Fight Night 25. There, he’s booked to clash with Zakaria El Jamari in a flyweight Muay Thai contest. This exciting duel broadcasts live from the fabled Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 4.
Raul Rosas Jr. requests the UFC provide him with a ranked opponent next: “I know I’m ready”
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2024
Raul Rosas Jr believes he should be given a ranked opponent in his next fight with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As we know, Raul Rosas Jr is a pretty impressive – and ambitious – young man. Following his successful appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series two years ago, he signed a deal with the promotion. Since then, he’s been able to put together a 4-1 record with the company, which has included three finishes.
Conor McGregor dismisses the idea that Anthony Joshua should retire following KO loss to Daniel Dubois: “Of course he can come back”
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2024
UFC star Conor McGregor has dismissed the idea that Anthony Joshua should retire after his loss to Daniel Dubois. This past weekend, Anthony Joshua battled Daniel Dubois in front of more than 96,000 fans at Wembley. The belief was that with a win, Joshua would vault himself back into undisputed championship contention. Alas, it didn’t quite play out that way, and that’s us putting it lightly.
WATCH | UFC star Colby Covington chokes rapper Lil Pump out cold
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2024
He may not have a fight lined up, but Colby Covington is certainly keeping himself busy outside of the Octagon. As we know, Colby Covington is one of the most polarizing figures in mixed martial arts. For over half a decade now, he has been using a ‘heel’ persona in the sport as a tactic for trying to get big fights. For the most part, it’s worked, even though he hasn’t quite been able to claim the undisputed world title.
Teddy Atlas welcomes Dana White entering boxing world: "Come on in, we need you"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 22, 2024
Legendary boxing trainer Teddy Atlas is more than happy to see UFC CEO Dana White enter the sweet science. For years, White has expressed interest in getting involved with the sport of boxing. The UFC boss has claimed the holdup has been the politics of boxing. More recently, White has been dipping his toes in the water, helping promote rising star Callum Walsh.
Jon Anik recalls Joe Rogan's initial reaction to UFC 306 inside the Las Vegas Sphere
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 22, 2024
UFC play-by-play ace Jon Anik has recalled how his broadcast colleague Joe Rogan reaction to the Sphere in Las Vegas. UFC 306 was held inside the Sphere, and it was an expensive endeavor for the promotion. Dana White has been adamant that the Sphere show was a one and done scenario. The event received praise from fans and experts for its unique feel as well as its tributes to Mexican culture to represent the Noche UFC theme.
Takeru motivated to claim redemption win at ONE Friday Fights 81
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 22, 2024
Takeru Segawa acknowledges that losing isn’t an option as he gears up for his much-awaited return to the ring. The Japanese superstar reports for duty at ONE Friday Fights 81. There, he takes on Thant Zin in a flyweight kickboxing bout. This happens live in Asian primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 27.
Conor McGregor addresses UFC future following Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira 2 booking
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 22, 2024
Conor McGregor hasn’t dipped a single toe inside the Octagon since June 2021, but he insists the comeback will happen. McGregor was in attendance for the big Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight this past Saturday. It was a familiar sight for fans of “Mystic Mac,” as the Irishman appeared to be having the time of his life. Many are convinced that McGregor will never return to pro MMA competition.
BJJ legend Tom DeBlass steps in as ONE Championship VP of grappling
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 22, 2024
ONE Championship has officially appointed Tom DeBlass as Vice President of Grappling. The third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former professional MMA fighter joins Leo Vieira in this critical role as the promotion pushes submission grappling to new heights of popularity.
WATCH | Conor McGregor and Tyson Fury's live reactions to Daniel Dubois knocking out Anthony Joshua
Chris Taylor - September 21, 2024
Conor McGregor and Tyson Fury had very different reactions to Daniel Dubois knocking out Anthony Joshua. Dubois (22-2) and Joshua (28-4) squared off in a twelve-round bout for the IBF heavyweight title earlier tonight in Wembley.
UFC legend Matt Brown officiates groin-kicking fight at Fight Circus event: "So much for Power Slap!"
Curtis Calhoun - September 20, 2024
UFC veteran Matt Brown dove into an unorthodox post-MMA career venture at a recent Fight Circus event; officiating a groin-kicking competition. Brown announced his MMA retirement earlier this year after almost 19 years in the sport. His last fight was a knockout win over Court McGee in May 2023.
Tommy Fury offers to fight Jake Paul in the PFL after training with Tom Aspinall: "I'll beat him in the ring and cage"
Josh Evanoff - September 20, 2024
Tommy Fury is willing to be Jake Paul’s first opponent in the PFL cage. ‘TNT’ hasn’t been seen in combat sports for nearly a year. Tommy Fury last appeared in the boxing ring last October, against YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. Despite some early trouble from ‘The Nightmare’, the younger brother of Tyson Fury wound up securing a unanimous decision victory.
Max Holloway speaks out against gun violence after recent shootings: "Put the guns down boys"
Josh Evanoff - September 20, 2024
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway wants to see an end to gun violence. ‘Blessed’ is just a few months removed from his monumental UFC 300 win over Justin Gaethje. With that victory, Max Holloway earned the ceremonial ‘BMF’ championship. Despite some brief talk about a potential lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev, the Hawaiian instead decided to return to 145 pounds.
Aljamain Sterling shares details of altercation with "Assh***" Sean O'Malley fans ahead of UFC 306
Curtis Calhoun - September 20, 2024
Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling nearly got into a brawl with a group of Sean O’Malley’s fans during UFC 306 fight week. Sterling’s teammate, Merab Dvalishvili, defeated O’Malley in the UFC 306 main event last weekend in Las Vegas. Dvalishvili got some revenge for the Serra-Longo team after Sterling lost to O’Malley by TKO at UFC 292.
Henry Cejudo blasts "World's biggest cuck" Sean O'Malley after dismissing his Olympic accolades
Curtis Calhoun - September 20, 2024
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo has a pointed message for Sean O’Malley after the latter downplayed his career accolades. O’Malley lost the UFC bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 last weekend in Las Vegas. Despite initially taking the unanimous decision loss gracefully, he’s pivoted recently, claiming he was robbed on the judges’ scorecards.
Sean O’Malley's coach clears the air on UFC 306 corner advice: "It sounded way worse than it actually was"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 20, 2024
Tim Welch, Sean O’Malley’s coach, has responded to criticisms of his corner advice going into the final round of the UFC 306 main event. It was clear that O’Malley needed a finish in the final round if he wanted to retain the bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili. Welch told his fighter that he was “almost done with this.” Fans gave Welch some flak for what they perceived to be a lack of urgency.
Deiveson Figueiredo makes case for UFC bantamweight title shot over Umar Nurmagomedov: "He has to get tested more"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 20, 2024
Deiveson Figueiredo doesn’t believe it’s time for Umar Nurmagomedov to receive a UFC title opportunity. Much has been made over newly-minted UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili expressing his desire to fight Figueiredo next over Nurmagmedov. While Nurmagomedov’s latest win was against Cory Sandhagen, Dvalishvili argues that “Figgy’s” resume should earn him a shot at the 135-pound gold first.