MMA News
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.
Benoit Saint-Denis lays out his path to earn rematch with Dustin Poirier
Cole Shelton - September 24, 2024
Benoit Saint-Denis hopes to earn a rematch with Dustin Poirier. Saint-Denis suffered a second-round TKO loss to Poirier at UFC 299. The Frenchman had success in the first round but Poirier took over in the second and got the win.
Alexander Volkov reveals knee injury, pulls out of UFC 308 rematch against Ciryl Gane
Josh Evanoff - September 24, 2024
UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov won’t be fighting Ciryl Gane next month. ‘Drago’ has been out of the octagon since his clash against Sergei Pavlovich in June. That bout saw Alexander Volkov easily outpoint his former friend and teammate en route to a unanimous decision victory. The victory was the Russian’s fourth in a row, previously scoring wins over the likes of Tai Tuivasa, and Alexander Romanov.
Jon Jones' coach believes 'Bones' will likely retire following UFC 309: "This is a dangerous game"
Josh Evanoff - September 24, 2024
Brandon Gibson believes Jon Jones will likely walk away after his UFC 309 title defense. ‘Bones’ has been out of the cage since his move to heavyweight last March. In the main event of UFC 285, Jon Jones scored a quick submission victory over Ciryl Gane, winning the title Francis Ngannou left vacant. Following the win, the newly crowned champion called out Stipe Miocic. While an injury prevented the two from squaring off last year, they’re finally set to collide in November.
Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones nor Stipe Miocic will fight Tom Aspinall despite backup role: "Fighting each other and nobody else"
Josh Evanoff - September 24, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes there’s no way Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic fight Tom Aspinall. ‘Bones’ is finally set to return to the cage in November at UFC 309. In the main event, Jon Jones will look to make his first heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic. For his part, the challenger hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. Ahead of the contest, Dana White revealed that Tom Aspinall would be the backup fighter.
REPORT | Former ONE champion Reinier de Ridder signs with UFC
Curtis Calhoun - September 24, 2024
Former two-division ONE champion Reinier de Ridder has reportedly inked a multi-fight contract with the UFC after a brief free agency. X account UFC Roster Tracker was the first to report the news of De Ridder’s addition to the UFC roster. MMA Junkie confirmed the signing with an anonymous source close to De Ridder and his team.
Michael Chandler points out Arman Tsarukyan's recent hypocrisy over long title shot wait: "Pot, meet kettle"
Curtis Calhoun - September 24, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler has questions for Arman Tsarukyan after the presumptive next title challenger’s planned wait for Islam Makhachev. Chandler will face former foe Charles Oliveira in the UFC 309 co-main event in Madison Square Garden. He returns after a three-year wait for Conor McGregor’s return, which remains uncertain after McGregor’s withdrawal from UFC 303.
Diego Lopes calls for "very interesting fight" against Alexander Volkanovski
Cole Shelton - September 24, 2024
Diego Lopes is hoping to secure a number-one contender fight against Alexander Volkanovski next time out. Lopes picked up the biggest win of his career at UFC 306 as he scored a decision win over Brian Ortega. It was a statement win and following the victory, the Brazilian is hopeful to face Volkanovski next. However, Lopes also says he’s open to being the backup fighter for the featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Firas Zahabi advises Merab Dvalishvili to work on finishes: "The fans will get sick of him"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 24, 2024
Renowned MMA coach Firas Zahabi believes Merab Dvalishvili is doing himself a disservice by not working on finishing fights. Dvalishvili is the newly-minted UFC bantamweight champion. He utilized effective pressure and grappling to thwart the striking of Sean O’Malley at UFC 306. The fight went the distance, and Dvalishvili was able to avoid the big shot to walk out of the Sphere in Las Vegas with UFC gold.
Ali Abdelaziz thinks it's "bullsh*t" Magomed Ankalaev isn't fighting for UFC gold next
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 24, 2024
Top MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz isn’t thrilled about Magomed Ankalaev not receiving the next UFC light heavyweight title shot. Ankalaev has been calling for a showdown with the champion Alex Pereira. “Poatan” claims that the Russian avoided a title opportunity for UFC 307. Ankalaev vehemently denies that claim.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 177 with Matt Frevola, Bryan Battle, and Vince Morales
Cole Shelton - September 24, 2024
The 177th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Paris. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Matt Frevola (1:45). Next, UFC welterweight Bryan Battle (12:04) comes on. Closing out the show is UFC bantamweight Vince Morales (22:53).
Sean O'Malley reveals he regularly fights while dealing with injuries
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2024
UFC star Sean O’Malley has revealed that he regularly goes into fights while suffering from some kind of injury. Earlier this month, Sean O’Malley lost his UFC bantamweight championship. He was beaten comprehensively by Merab Dvalishvili, who dominated him in a one-sided affair to capture the belt at Noche UFC. Ever since then, ‘Suga’ has reacted to the loss in a variety of ways, which has included revealing he needs to undergo surgery on his left labrum in his hip.
Khamzat Chimaev blames “lack of experience” for his previous remarks about Khabib Nurmagomedov: “I would not fight my countrymen”
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2024
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has blamed his lack of experience for previous remarks about Khabib Nurmagomedov. As we know, Khamzat Chimaev isn’t afraid to speak his mind. The unbeaten middleweight star has made plenty of big declarations over the years, and that’ll likely continue for as long as his career lasts.
Coach explains strategy behind Ciryl Gane not fighting at UFC Paris: “It makes sense for us”
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2024
Ciryl Gane’s coach has explained why they opted against fighting at UFC Paris after previously headlining twice at the event. It’s been a year since we last saw Ciryl Gane compete inside the Octagon. While he did pick up a decisive win, his absence has left many to wonder what’s next for him in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Amy Pirnie to go head-to-head with Shir Cohen at ONE Fight Night 25
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 24, 2024
ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video plays host to an atomweight Muay Thai tiff with significant World Title implications. On the card, Amy Pirnie and Shir Cohen are booked to collide live in U.S. primetime on October 4 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sinsamut, Thongpoon kick off road to redemption at ONE Fight Night 25
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 24, 2024
Sinsamut Klinmee and Thongpoon PK Saenchai finally get their chance to reinsert their names into the win column. Both men are booked to compete in separate bouts at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event takes place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 4.
Nong-O Hama shuts down retirement ahead of next bout: “I am still hungry for victory”
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 23, 2024
Nong-O Hama is on a mission to show the world that his career is far from over. The former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion sees action at ONE Friday Fights 81. The event airs live in Asian primetime from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 27.
Daniel Cormier defines what makes a “Great” UFC championship reign
Curtis Calhoun - September 23, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes there’s a specific standard that modern champions must reach to be considered a legend in the sport. Cormier knows a thing or two about what it takes to be considered an all-time great in MMA. After a legendary run in the UFC that featured two divisional titles, he’s become one of the top analysts in combat sports.