MMA News
Merab Dvalishvili calls Umar Nurmagomedov an "easy" fight for him: "I will dominate him"
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2024
Merab Dvalishvili believes Umar Nurmagomedov is an easy fight for him and looks forward to handing him his first loss. Dvalishvili is set to take on Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 306 on Saturday for the bantamweight title. Although the Georgian is the underdog, he has full confidence he will get his hand raised at The Sphere.
Canelo Alvarez teases 2025 clash with Conor McGregor, predicts the fight
Curtis Calhoun - September 11, 2024
Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez welcomes a crossover fight against UFC superstar Conor McGregor in 2025 if the two sides can come to terms. Alvarez faces Edgar Berlanga in a Mexican Independence Day Weekend showcase in Las Vegas this Saturday. He returns to the ring to defend the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles against the surging Berlanga.
Sean O'Malley believes he could surpass Conor McGregor in star power soon: "I'm the guy"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley believes he’s arguably a bigger star than Conor McGregor. ‘Sugar’ is set to return to the cage in the main event of Noche UFC on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Set to headline the promotion’s first card from The Sphere, Sean O’Malley will look to make his second title defense. Back for the first time since a decision victory over Marlon Vera at UFC 299, the bantamweight champion will face Merab Dvalishvili.
Belal Muhammad explains why he continues to mock Leon Edwards: "I am just better than you"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2024
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is happy to kick Leon Edwards while he’s down. ‘Remember The Name’ and ‘Rocky’ clashed earlier this summer in the main event of UFC 304 in Manchester. The bout was their first time in the cage with each other since their meeting in March 2021. That night in the UFC Apex saw Leon Edwards outstrike Belal Muhammad early, but an eye poke led to a no-contest.
Daniel Cormier says Las Vegas Sphere venue's aura could benefit Sean O'Malley against Merab Dvalishvili
Curtis Calhoun - September 11, 2024
UFC analyst and Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier feels Sean O’Malley will hold a distinct advantage over Merab Dvalishvili in embracing the unique aura of UFC 306. O’Malley and Dvalishvili headline UFC 306 this Saturday at the Las Vegas Sphere. The event will mark the first major sporting competition held at the venue.
Chael Sonnen pitches a surprising contender for Belal Muhammad's first title defense
Curtis Calhoun - September 11, 2024
Chael Sonnen believes a title eliminator fight between two top contenders could set Belal Muhammad up to face an up-and-coming welterweight star. Muhammad earned the UFC welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July. The title win capped off a remarkable run in the cage, including several wins over former title challengers.
UFC 306 | Pro fighters make their picks for Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili title fight
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2024
In the main event of UFC 306, the bantamweight title is up for grabs as Sean O’Malley looks to defend his belt for the second time against Merab Dvalishvili. Heading into the fight, O’Malley is a slight -140 favorite while the Georgian is a +110 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the bantamweight title fight. The majority of pros believe O’Malley will remain the bantamweight champ as they expect him to KO Dvalishvili.
Alexa Grasso responds to not headlining UFC 306 with Valentina Shevchenko trilogy
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 11, 2024
UFC women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso has given her response to not getting the UFC 306 headlining spot. Grasso will be putting her gold at stake against Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event of the UFC’s debut inside the Sphere. While the event is being billed as an homage to Mexican culture and fighting history, the main event features Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili.
Kayla Harrison gives Ronda Rousey her due: "She paved the way when there was no way"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 11, 2024
Kayla Harrison doesn’t care about the negative perception around Ronda Rousey. Rousey’s place in MMA history can’t be disputed. She was a pioneer for women in the sport, becoming a crossover star for the UFC. She set the record for the most successful UFC women’s bantamweight title defenses before suffering a brutal knockout loss to Holly Holm back in 2015.
Superlek relishes victory on U.S. soil: "I'm extremely grateful for the chance"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 11, 2024
Superlek Kiatmoo9 couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular debut on U.S. soil. The Thai megastar stole the spotlight in the main event of ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6, making quick work of Jonathan Haggerty.
Israel Adesanya drops out of pound-for-pound list as Aljamain Sterling returns
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is out of the pound-for-pound list with Aljamain Sterling taking his place. Over the course of the last six years plus, Israel Adesanya has been making a name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has served as one of the most entertaining fighters of his generation, and it’s been phenomenal to watch him win the UFC middleweight title not once, but twice.
Rafael Fiziev confirms he's ready for UFC return after ACL injury
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
UFC star Rafael Fiziev has confirmed he’s ready to return to the promotion after his ACL injury last year. For the longest time now, Rafael Fiziev has been seen as a real top contender at lightweight. However, after suffering a torn ACL against Mateusz Gamrot last year, he’s been forced to sit and recover.
Daniel Cormier issues warning to Brian Ortega heading into Noche UFC
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has issued a warning to Brian Ortega heading into Noche UFC this weekend. On Saturday night, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will put on a super special event at the Sphere in Las Vegas. In addition, they will also be giving us some incredibly fun fights throughout the card.
Takeru Segawa gets new opponent for return at ONE Friday Fights 81
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2024
Takeru Segawa has a new opponent for his much-awaited return to action at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27. Originally scheduled to face Black Panther, the Japanese superstar will now be pitted against Thant Zin in a flyweight kickboxing bout at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Tristan Hamm expects to KO Ashley Rak-Su at Misfits 18, eyes rematch with Le'Veon Bell
Cole Shelton - September 10, 2024
Tristan Hamm is looking to silence the doubters at Misfits 18. Hamm is coming off a decision loss to former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell back in May. After the loss, the Canadian influencer decided to drop down to his natural weight class of 175lbs and will take on Ashley Rak-Su on Saturday in Newcastle, England.
REPORT | Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig in the works for UFC 309
Curtis Calhoun - September 10, 2024
A middleweight clash between the unbeaten Bo Nickal and Paul Craig is reportedly in the works for UFC 309 on November 16th. Australian MMA insider Benny P. was the first to report the news of the targeted Nickal vs. Craig matchup.
Jon Jones reacts to Dana White's MMA 'Mount Rushmore' list
Curtis Calhoun - September 10, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones lauded CEO Dana White for his inclusion on the UFC headman’s MMA ‘Mount Rushmore’ list. Jones is expected to face former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in November. He hasn’t competed since winning the then-vacant heavyweight belt over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Song Yadong scolds Henry Cejudo for Sean O'Malley callout: "You've been ducking me since July!"
Curtis Calhoun - September 10, 2024
UFC bantamweight contender Song Yadong scoffed at Henry Cejudo’s recent comments over a future clash with Sean O’Malley. O’Malley will face Cejudo’s most recent opponent, Merab Dvalishvili, in the UFC 306 main event this Saturday in Las Vegas. Top contenders like Cejudo, Yadong, and Umar Nurmagomedov are waiting in the wings for potential title shots.