MMA News
Sean O'Malley's coach noncommittal on Umar Nurmagomedov getting next bantamweight title shot
Cole Shelton - September 10, 2024
Tim Welch, the head coach of Sean O’Malley is noncommittal on Umar Nurmagmedov getting the next bantamweight title shot. O’Malley is set to defend his bantamweight title for the second time in the main event of UFC 306 on Saturday against Merab Dvalishvili. It’s an intriguing fight and if ‘Suga’ wins, many expect Nurmagomedov to be next. Welch also had nothing but praise for the undefeated fighter.
Alexander Volkanovski makes stunning prediction for Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 10, 2024
Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has given his prediction for the bantamweight title fight between Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley and Merab are set to collide in the main event of UFC 306 on September 14th. The title fight takes place inside the Sphere in Las Vegas. There is some bad blood going into this one, and fans have been debating on who will get their way on fight night.
Seksan showcases exciting style at ONE 168: "I've done it for the longest time"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2024
Seksan Or Kwanmuang couldn’t be any happier that the American audience saw him in his vintage form. The Thai hard-hitter made a memorable U.S. debut at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6. There, he showcased his renowned Muay Thai skills in a 140-pound catchweight bout against Liam Harrison.
Demetrious Johnson says Adriano Moraes vs. Danny Kingad should be for vacant belt
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2024
Following Demetrious Johnson’s retirement, the path to the ONE Championship flyweight MMA throne is now wide open. The American superstar officially called it a career at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6.
Sean O'Malley's coach explains how Max Holloway can beat Ilia Topuria at UFC 308
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 10, 2024
The coach of UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley thinks Max Holloway has a solid chance of dethroning Ilia Topuria. Holloway is set to challenge Topuria for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 308 on October 26th. Topuria is a betting favorite going into the title fight. Still, fans haven’t forgotten about the spectacular last-minute KO that “Blessed” scored over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Chatri Sityodtong teases Rodtang vs. Superlek II on U.S. soil
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2024
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has his eyes set on the perfect location for one of the most highly anticipated rematches in Muay Thai history — the United States. The head honcho believes the American fans would absolutely love to see Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Superlek Kiatmoo9 go at it for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Stephen Thompson wants UFC Hall of Fame induction after retirement
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
UFC veteran Stephen Thompson has made it known that he’d like to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame one day. For so many years now, Stephen Thompson has been providing fans with entertaining moments in combat sports. From karate to kickboxing to mixed martial arts, he’s achieved a great deal throughout the course of his career.
Henry Cejudo shares Sean O’Malley’s “weakness” as noted by three different training partners: “Am I a snitch?”
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
Henry Cejudo has shared what he considers to be Sean O’Malley’s big ‘weakness’ from apparent training partners. As we know, Henry Cejudo enjoys a good troll every now and then. He’s one of the best in the business at it, even if some believe his style is ‘cringeworthy’. Someone who he’s had more than a few interactions with in this regard is none other than Sean O’Malley.
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev 2 will reportedly take place “early next year”
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2024
Arman Tsarukyan vs Islam Makhachev 2 is reportedly set to take place early next year for the UFC world title. Right now, Islam Makhachev is considered by many to be the pound for pound best fighter in the UFC. While you may or may not agree with that assessment, there’s no way of denying what he’s been able to achieve as UFC lightweight champion.
What's next for Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns after UFC Vegas 97?
Cole Shelton - September 9, 2024
The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday for UFC Vegas 97 which saw a welterweight bout headlining the card. In the main event, Sean Brady took on Gilbert Burns in the American’s first UFC main event spot. Brady was coming off a submission win over Kelvin Gastelum. Burns, meanwhile, was on a two-fight losing streak and was coming off a knockout loss to Jack Della Maddalena.
ONE releases statement on controversial move to strip Mikey Musumeci after weight miss
Curtis Calhoun - September 9, 2024
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong defended his promotion’s decision to strip Mikey Musumeci of his flyweight grappling title. Musumeci, who was scheduled to face Bebeto Oliveira at ONE 168, withdrew from the 135-pound match after a medical emergency. This after he was originally set to face Kade Ruotolo in a 170-pound match before Ruotolo withdrew due to injury.
ONE 168 Bonus Report: Six athletes receive extra $50K
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 9, 2024
Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Seksan Or Kwanmuang stole the spotlight with stunning performances at ONE 168: Denver last Friday, September 6, and both received a bonus for doing so. Superlek, who already has the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in his possession, only needed 49 seconds to beat Jonathan Haggerty for the bantamweight Muay Thai crown.
VIDEO | Sean O'Malley walks off Henry Cejudo's podcast after 30 seconds: "You're welcome!"
Curtis Calhoun - September 9, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley used part of his pre-UFC 306 media availability to troll Henry Cejudo on his podcast. O’Malley will defend the UFC bantamweight title against the surging Merab Dvalishvili this Saturday in Las Vegas. The UFC 306 card marks the first major sporting event held at the Las Vegas Sphere.
Israel Adesanya's coach weighs in on former champ's UFC title window
Curtis Calhoun - September 9, 2024
One of Israel Adesanya’s coaches has addressed the former champion’s current title window following his loss to Dricus du Plessis. Adesanya lost to the UFC middleweight titleholder du Plessis at UFC 305 last month in Perth. He returned to the Octagon following a year-long hiatus, stemming from a defeat to Sean Strickland that shocked the world.
Cain Velasquez's sentencing date set in attempted murder trial
Curtis Calhoun - September 9, 2024
The attempted murder trial of former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is nearing its conclusion in California. Velasquez, as reported by MMA Fighting, will appear in Santa Clara County District court on October 18th for sentencing. He pleaded no contest to several charges, including attempted murder, last month after cutting a deal with the prosecution.
WATCH | Ciryl Gane spars with NBA star Rudy Gobert ahead of UFC 308 return
Josh Evanoff - September 9, 2024
Heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane has trained with NBA star Rudy Gobert ahead of his UFC return. ‘Bon Gamin’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a fight in his home country of France a year ago. In Paris, Ciryl Gane scored a second-round knockout victory over Serghei Spivac, his first bout since losing to Jon Jones last March. Despite rumors of the heavyweight returning to France for his next bout, he will instead be traveling to Abu Dhabi.
Brandon Moreno praises fellow flyweight Demetrious Johnson after retirement announcement: "Legend of the sport"
Josh Evanoff - September 9, 2024
Brandon Moreno has nothing but respect for UFC legend Demetrious Johnson. ‘Mighty Mouse’ made his return to the cage at ONE 168 over the weekend. Prior to the event, the promotion teased that Demetrious Johnson had a big announcement to make. While the 38-year-old had teased one final fight, that won’t be happening. Instead, Johnson announced his retirement in an emotional speech that had fans, and even the legend himself, in tears.
Alexa Grasso expecting a violent fight against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306: "We are going to kill each other"
Cole Shelton - September 9, 2024
Alexa Grasso is expecting her UFC 306 title defense against Valentina Shevchenko to be violent. Grasso and Shevchenko are set for their trilogy match on Saturday at the Sphere in a highly-anticipated bout at UFC 306. The two fought to a draw last September after Grasso scored an upset submission win in March of 2023 to win the title.