MMA News
Belal Muhammad explains why he switched his prediction for Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306: “If you’d have asked me maybe a month ago..”
Harry Kettle - September 13, 2024
Belal Muhammad has explained why he’s switched his prediction for this weekend’s main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. Tomorrow night, Sean O’Malley will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili. In the eyes of many, this contest is just too close to call.
Video | Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili trade words during intense staredown for UFC 306
Harry Kettle - September 13, 2024
UFC title rivals Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili traded words ahead of their showdown at Noche UFC this weekend. On Saturday night, Sean O’Malley will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili. It’s a fight that has been a long time coming, with Merab beating a parade of other top contenders in order to secure his shot at the gold. O’Malley, meanwhile, has beaten everyone he’s faced in mixed martial arts, and hopes to keep that streak going.
Former featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie forced to withdraw from UFC Paris
Harry Kettle - September 13, 2024
Former UFC women’s featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie has been forced to withdraw from UFC Paris. Later this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Paris, France. The French capital will play host to a string of really fun fights, including Renato Moicano vs Benoit Saint-Denis. In addition, Nora Cornolle was set to go up against Germanie de Randamie, a former UFC champion.
Sean O’Malley sounds off on “little f**king weasel” Henry Cejudo ahead of UFC 306: “I’m a nightmare for him”
Harry Kettle - September 13, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has gone off on Henry Cejudo ahead of the former’s return to the cage tomorrow night. This weekend, Sean O’Malley will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili. The expectation is that it’ll be a night to remember at the Sphere in Las Vegas, with these two fighters – who have drastically different styles – trading blows.
Sean O’Malley explains why he prefers fighting grapplers over strikers
Cole Shelton - September 12, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley says he would prefer to fight strikers over grapplers. O’Malley is known for his striking ability, so many would assume he would prefer to be in striking matches. However, speaking to Stephen A. Smith, O’Malley said that isn’t the case. Instead, he would prefer to fight wrestlers and grapplers all the time.
Joe Rogan makes the case for a Kamaru Usman title shot vs. Belal Muhammad: “He earned it!”
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2024
Joe Rogan believes former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman should get a title shot despite a three-fight losing skid inside the Octagon. Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight belt earlier this year at UFC 304. Muhammad, after earning the title, is plotting his return to make his first title defense as a UFC champion.
Max Holloway predicts Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili: "If there's one hole he has..."
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2024
BMF titleholder Max Holloway shared his prediction for the UFC 306 main event between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley, the UFC’s bantamweight champion, will defend the title for the second time against Dvalishvili at UFC 306. The bantamweight headliner caps off a stacked card at the UFC’s annual Mexican Independence Day Weekend event.
Brian Ortega wanted Diego Lopes fight to be rebooked to "finish" their story: "I don’t want to leave anyone with any doubt"
Cole Shelton - September 12, 2024
Brian Ortega wanted to fight Diego Lopes so fans could get the answer on who would emerge victorious. Ortega has seen plenty of fights get scrapped that never ended up getting rebooked. One of the biggest what-if fights of all time is Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. So, after Ortega was pulled from his UFC 303 bout against Lopes, he knew his next fight had to be against the Brazilian.
Israel Adesanya says teammate Navajo Stirling is "better than me!" after viral DWCS knockout
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2024
Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya dished high praise to Navajo Stirling after his City Kickboxing teammate’s viral win on Dana White’s Contender Series. Adesanya most recently lost to UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305 last month. Despite the loss, Adesanya remains focused on changing the course of his career and eventually earning another title shot.
Ilia Topuria says Max Holloway, featherweights need a "motorcycle helmet" to survive his power
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria believes his upcoming opponents, including Max Holloway, need extra protection to deal with his power. Topuria will make his first featherweight title defense at UFC 308 against Holloway. He returns to the Octagon after finishing Alexander Volkanovski for the belt at UFC 298 in February.
Merab Dvalishvili claims "boring" Sean O'Malley will "run" from him at UFC 306
Cole Shelton - September 12, 2024
Merab Dvalishvili expects Sean O’Malley to run away from him at UFC 306. Dvalishvili is set to headline UFC 306 against O’Malley for the bantamweight title. It’s a highly-anticipated bout, and one many fans are looking forward to. However, Dvalishvili thinks the fight could be a boring one, as he thinks O’Malley may look to run away from him to avoid the takedowns.
Renzo Gracie promotes ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong to BJJ black belt
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 12, 2024
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was celebrated for more than just his promotion’s success at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6. The event also became a memorable occasion for the head honcho. He received his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt from Renzo Gracie.
Dana White Reveals Easter Egg Competition With Huge Payout For UFC 306
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 12, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White is giving away big money to one fan who can nail the Easter egg challenge at UFC 306. The event is taking place this Saturday night and will be held inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The headliner is set to be a bantamweight title fight between champion Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. The co-main event will see UFC women’s flyweight champion Alexa Grasso defend her gold against Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy bout.
Diego Lopes intends to make two trips to the Octagon at UFC 306
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2024
UFC featherweight Diego Lopes is planning on making two trips to the Octagon this weekend at Noche UFC. On Saturday night, Diego Lopes faces the toughest test of his career. He will go up against Brian Ortega in a fight that could set him up for great things at 145 pounds. Of course, it’s going to be a tough bout, but he seems to be feeling pretty confident about his chances.
Valentina Shevchenko doesn’t want the judges to have a say in UFC 306 trilogy with Alexa Grasso: “The concern is to finish the fight”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2024
Valentina Shevchenko doesn’t want the judges to have a say in her huge trilogy showdown with Alexa Grasso this weekend. On Saturday night, Valentina Shevchenko will challenge Alexa Grasso for the UFC women’s flyweight championship. It’s the belt that Shevchenko made famous, but right now, it’s in the possession of Alexa Grasso. She submitted Shevchenko to capture the belt, before the two fought to a draw in last year’s rematch.
Brian Ortega explains why he may move up to lightweight after UFC 306: “It’s like a line to fight for the (145) belt”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2024
Brian Ortega has explained why he is considering a move up to lightweight after Noche UFC this weekend. On Saturday night, Brian Ortega faces a huge test at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He will go head to head with Diego Lopes, a man who is very much on the rise at featherweight. The expectation is that the winner will put themselves right in the running for a shot at the belt down the road.
Japanese kickboxing superstar Kana Morimoto joins ONE Championship
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 12, 2024
Kana Morimoto — also known as KANA — is the latest high-profile athlete to join the ONE Championship roster. The Japanese kickboxing sensation brings a wealth of experience. With an impressive track record, she’s poised to make waves in the promotion’s fiercely competitive striking divisions.
Liam Harrison has no regrets over retiring at ONE 168: "I’m so grateful"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 11, 2024
Liam Harrison seems at peace with his decision to call it quits on Muay Thai. The British legend retired after his grueling encounter against Seksan Or Kwanmuang at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6.