MMA News
VIDEO | Naiza FC's Alibek Kuzhbaev flattens opponent with a 20-second spinning wheel kick KO
Curtis Calhoun - September 1, 2024
MMA fighter Alibek Kuzhbaev’s lightweight debut at Naiza FC 66 featured one of the craziest knockouts you’ll see in 2024. Kuzhbaev and Ali Gharedaghi competed in a lightweight bout at the Naiza FC 66 co-main event. He was making his lightweight debut after fighting at featherweight for all of his previous nine professional bouts.
Dustin Poirier teases 'big news' surrounding potential UFC return
Curtis Calhoun - September 1, 2024
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier appears to be nearing an Octagon return for his potential retirement fight. Poirier lost to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 earlier this summer. In his third lineal UFC lightweight title shot, he lost by fifth-round submission, effectively ending his pursuit of the belt.
Aung La N Sang vows to "put on a banger fight" at ONE 168: Denver
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 1, 2024
Aung La N Sang aims to steal the spotlight when he returns to action. The Burmese Python” makes his much-awaited comeback at ONE 168: Denver. There, he squares off against Shamil Erdogan in a middleweight MMA bout. This happens live at Ball Arena on September 6.
Stamp comforts Denice Zamboanga amid injury: "Wishing you a speedy recovery"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 1, 2024
Camaraderie often runs as deep as competition. And this is evident in the comforting words offered by Stamp Fairtex to Denice Zamboanga. Zamboanga made the difficult decision to pull out of her ONE Interim Atomweight World Title tilt against Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video.
Dan Hooker not willing to "sell my title shot again" after re-entering top five of UFC lightweight rankings
Chris Taylor - August 31, 2024
Dan Hooker is planning on taking a more measured approach now that he has re-entered the top five of the UFC lightweight rankings. Hooker (24-12 MMA) took over the No. 5 spot in 155lbs rankings after earning a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot earlier this month at UFC 305. That win marked ‘The Hangman’s’ third in a row, as he had previously defeated Claudio Puelles and Jalin Turner respectively.
Ilia Topuria warns Alexander Volkanovski against accepting backup role at UFC 308: "He wants to get knocked out every year"
Chris Taylor - August 31, 2024
Ilia Topuria has cautioned Alexander Volkanovski against accepting a backup role for upcoming title fight at UFC 308. Topuria (15-0 MMA) is set to defend his featherweight title for the first time against former division champion Max Holloway (26-7 MMA) this coming October in Abu Dhabi.
Liam Harrison anticipates epic battle against Seksan
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 31, 2024
Liam Harrison knows he’s in for a rough ride against Seksan Or Kwanmuang. Both men clash in a 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai tiff at ONE 168: Denver. This takes place at Ball Arena on September 6.
Denice Zamboanga stays positive amid injury: "This is just another challenge"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 31, 2024
Despite the difficult predicament she finds herself in, Denice Zamboanga chooses to stay focused on her ultimate goal. The current #2-ranked contender recently had to make the tough decision to withdraw from her ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title bout against #4-ranked Alyona Rassohyna.
Jake Paul believes Jon Jones should demand $25 million to fight Tom Aspinall: "Jon Jones doesn't dodge anyone"
Josh Evanoff - August 30, 2024
Jake Paul has some advice for UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones on navigating negotiations with Tom Aspinall. ‘Bones’ hasn’t competed since a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane last March at UFC 285. That victory was Jon Jones’s first up at heavyweight and saw him claim the title that Francis Ngannou left vacant. Post-fight, the champion was booked opposite Stipe Miocic for November at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Shavkat Rakhmonov reveals Belal Muhammad rejected short-notice UFC 307 fight: "He wasn't ready"
Josh Evanoff - August 30, 2024
According to Shavkat Rakhmonov, UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad rejected a fight against him. ‘Remember The Name’ is fresh off his return to the cage at UFC 304 in Manchester last month. In the main event, Belal Muhammad faced Leon Edwards in a rematch of their March 2021 encounter. Despite entering the cage a big underdog, the title challenger wound up outstriking and outgrappling ‘Rocky’ en route to a decision victory.
Jon Jones praises Dana White after UFC President defends Stipe Miocic fight: "Real recognize real"
Josh Evanoff - August 30, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has a lot of respect for his boss Dana White. ‘Bones’ has been out of the cage since a submission victory over Ciryl Gane last March. That UFC 285 win saw Jon Jones claim the title that Francis Ngannou left vacant, and he quickly targeted Stipe Miocic. The two were booked for November at Madison Square Garden, but the bout ended up being canceled.
Michael Chandler details mental dilemma surrounding Conor McGregor fight: "Inner voice doesn't think I deserve this"
Curtis Calhoun - August 30, 2024
The impact on Michael Chandler’s long wait for Conor McGregor has impacted the UFC star more than most realize. McGregor and Chandler were scheduled to headline UFC 303 in Las Vegas to cap off International Fight Week. But, McGregor withdrew weeks before the event due to injury, and Chandler wasn’t rebooked against a replacement opponent.
Sean Strickland pokes fun at Jon Jones and Bryce Mitchell: "We are all equals ... but"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 30, 2024
Sean Strickland is back to usual social media antics, this time at the expense of UFC Heavyweight Champion, Jon Jones, and 145-pound contender Bryce Mitchell. It’s no secret that Strickland likes to ruffle some feathers. The former UFC Middleweight Champion prefers not to speak with a filter and says what’s on his mind no matter who doesn’t like it. It’s a big reason why he has exploded in popularity with MMA fans.
Khalil Rountree granted clearance from NSAC to challenge Alex Pereira at UFC 307
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 30, 2024
Khalil Rountree has gained clearance to challenge Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. While Pereira vs. Rountree had already been announced for UFC 307, there was one hurdle to get past before the fight could actually materialize. Rountree self-reported DHEA ingestion through a supplement company, which would led the Nevada Athletic Commission to conclude that he took in tainted supplements. This took place prior to a planned UFC 303 bout with Jamahal Hill, which ended up being scrapped.
Usman Nurmagomedov speaks out on CSAC failed drug test controversy: "It was medication, and this was like nothing"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 30, 2024
Bellator Lightweight Champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, has spoken out on his CSAC suspension for a failed drug test. Nurmagomedov was flagged for an undisclosed prohibited substance back in October 2023. His successful Bellator 300 title defense over Brent Primus was changed to a no contest as a result. While the CSAC slapped Nurmagomedov with a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine, both sides agreed that the 155-pound titleholder was able to prove that the substance in question was administered by a physician for therapeutic use.
Maurice Abevi vows to "give everything" for statement performance at ONE 168: Denver
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 30, 2024
Maurice Abevi has the opportunity to put the world on notice when he returns to action on September 6. In his next outing, the Swiss standout takes on Samat Mamedov in a lightweight MMA bout at ONE 168: Denver.
Aljamain Sterling wonders if Max Holloway can fatigue Ilia Topuria
Harry Kettle - August 30, 2024
Aljamain Sterling believes Max Holloway’s key to potentially beating Ilia Topuria could stem from trying to fatigue the champion. Later this year, Max Holloway will challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC featherweight championship. He’ll be attempting to win back the belt that was taken from him by Alexander Volkanovski. Topuria, meanwhile, will hope to prove that he is the rightful man to take the title forward.
Randy Couture explains why UFC won't allow Francis Ngannou crossover fights
Harry Kettle - August 30, 2024
UFC legend Randy Couture has explained why he doesn’t believe the promotion will allow Francis Ngannou to take part in crossover fights. As we know, Francis Ngannou is one of the baddest men on the planet. Following his run with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he decided to venture into the world of professional boxing. In that time, he stood toe to toe with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in two scintillating fights.