MMA News
Mike Tyson might choose to fight high against Jake Paul in boxing return: "That's a possibility!"
Josh Evanoff - September 24, 2024
Boxing legend Mike Tyson could be high on more than just life when he faces Jake Paul in November. ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Problem Child’ are set to face off later this year at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The fight booking is a re-scheduling of their July contest when Mike Tyson was forced out due to health issues. The 58-year-old had to pull out due to an ulcer issue but is now deep into training.
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.
Conor McGregor blasted by Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith for behavior during Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 24, 2024
Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith weren’t exactly enamored with the antics of Conor McGregor during the Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua event. McGregor was in attendance for the big IBF heavyweight title fight. As one would expect, “Mystic Mac” was as flamboyant as ever. McGregor even had an unlit cigar throughout the fight.
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).
Renato Moicano explains why he’s “glad” to have not trained with teammate Dustin Poirier ahead of Benoit Saint Denis fight at UFC Paris
Harry Kettle - September 24, 2024
Renato Moicano has explained why he’s glad not to have trained with Dustin Poirier heading into his fight against Benoit Saint Denis. This weekend, Renato Moicano faces a huge challenge. He’ll step into enemy territory in Paris, France as he prepares to battle Benoit Saint Denis. If he wins, it’ll give his UFC lightweight title hopes a huge boost.
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.
Superbon determined to earn title shot by beating Jo Nattawut
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 23, 2024
Superbon knows a huge payoff awaits him if he plays his cards right in his next outing. The Thai superstar takes on compatriot “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut in a featherweight Muay Thai clash headlining ONE Friday Fights 81. This takes place in Asian primetime at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 27.
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.
Boxing legend Mike Tyson endorses Dana White's boxing plans, calls him the "Best thing" for the sport
Curtis Calhoun - September 23, 2024
Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson believes UFC CEO Dana White could potentially change boxing forever if he fully commits to investing in the sport. White made headlines when he admitted in a Q+A session that “big announcements” are coming soon. He specifically confirmed that he’s “in” when it comes to promoting boxing, and he could be potentially on the verge of launching his often-teased Zuffa Boxing.
Jamahal Hill explains why Khalil Rountree can give Alex Pereira problems at UFC 307
Cole Shelton - September 23, 2024
Jamahal Hill believes Khalil Rountree is being overlooked ahead of his UFC 307 title fight against Alex Pereira. Rountree is set to fight Pereira for the light heavyweight title, in a fight that Hill is surprised by. Although Rountree is a sizeable underdog, Hill believes the challenger will give Pereira problems because he is a southpaw.
Charles Oliveira understands Michael Chandler's decision to wait for Conor McGregor fight: "He has a family to provide to"
Josh Evanoff - September 23, 2024
Former UFC champion Charles Oliveira understands Michael Chandler’s decision to wait for Conor McGregor. For two years, ‘Iron’ sat, and waited for ‘The Notorious’. Last year, Michael Chandler coached The Ultimate Fighter opposite Conor McGregor, and the two hoped to be booked in late 2023. Instead, that fight date never came. After a long time on the sidelines, the two were booked for the main event of UFC 303 in June.