MMA News
UFC Abu Dhabi: ‘Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov’ Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - August 3, 2024
The Octagon returns to Etihad Arena for tonight’s UFC Abu Dhabi event, a 13-bout fight card headlined by Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen (17-4 MMA) will enter tonight’s main event sporting a three-fight winning streak, his latest being a unanimous decision victory over Rob Font 12 months ago. Prior to that victory, ‘Sandman’ had earned wins over Marlon Vera and Song Yadong.
Kamaru Usman believes Belal Muhammad copied his blueprint to defeat Leon Edwards at UFC 304
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2024
Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman believes Belal Muhammad copied his blueprint to defeat Leon Edwards. Last weekend, Belal Muhammad shocked the world. He dominated Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 304 and captured the UFC welterweight championship. It marks the conclusion of an incredible journey to the top of the division, and now, it’s a case of seeing whether or not he can keep hold of it.
PFL president confirms they aren't interested in signing Muhammad Mokaev
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2024
PFL president Ray Sefo has explained why the promotion isn’t interested in signing former UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev. Last weekend, Muhammad Mokaev managed to defeat Manel Kape in a tight flyweight collision at UFC 304. From there, the expectation was that he would go on to receive a UFC flyweight championship opportunity. Instead, though, Dana White revealed that they would not be offering him a new contract with the promotion.
Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov's evolution as a coach
Harry Kettle - August 3, 2024
Javier Mendez has revealed how his student Khabib Nurmagomedov has managed to evolve as a coach in mixed martial arts. As we know, Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters of all time. While he may have retired four years ago, his impact on the sport of MMA can still be felt in so many different ways.
Cory Sandhagen plans to "apologize" to Khabib Nurmagomedov for prevailing over cousin Umar at UFC Abu Dhabi
Curtis Calhoun - August 2, 2024
UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen is already planning on what he’ll say to Khabib Nurmagomedov after stopping Umar at UFC Abu Dhabi. Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov headline a stacked card at UFC Abu Dhabi this Saturday. The winner is next in line for a likely bantamweight title shot against the Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili winner.
Conor McGregor confirms plans for December return against Michael Chandler at UFC 310
Josh Evanoff - August 2, 2024
Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor will (probably) fight Michael Chandler in December. ‘The Notorious’ was set to end his long hiatus in June, at UFC 303. Conor McGregor hasn’t competed since breaking his leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Due to that injury, as well as ‘Road House’ obligations, the Irishman has been out of action for three years. However, he finally had a fight date against Michael Chandler earlier this summer.
Islam Makhachev interested in Max Holloway fight if 'Blessed' can get past Ilia Topuria: "Crazy fight for the fans"
Josh Evanoff - August 2, 2024
If Max Holloway can get through Ilia Topuria, he could have a shot at UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The Russian has been out of the cage since a fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier in June. That win at UFC 302 was Islam Makhachev’s second title defense, and he already began to eye a move to welterweight. However, with Belal Muhammad’s victory over Leon Edwards over the weekend, those plans were dashed.
Tony Ferguson has no plans to retire ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi return: "Where am I going to go?"
Josh Evanoff - August 2, 2024
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has no plans to retire. ‘El Cucuy’ is currently set to make the walk tomorrow night in Abu Dhabi. Back for the first time since a unanimous decision loss to Paddy Pimblett in December, Tony Ferguson will face Michael Chiesa. Much like the former interim champion, ‘The Maverick’ has struggled as of late. Heading into UFC Abu Dhabi, Chiesa has lost three straight.
Islam Makhachev admits Belal Muhammad “Broke his plans” for UFC double champ run
Curtis Calhoun - August 2, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev plans to change course after Belal Muhammad’s welterweight title victory. Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision to capture the UFC welterweight title last Saturday in Manchester. After a long road to the welterweight title shot, Muhammad made the most of his opportunity and put on a largely dominant performance to dethrone Edwards.
Manager reveals Magomed Ankalaev has his next fight booked and it's not against Alex Pereira
Cole Shelton - August 2, 2024
Magomed Ankalaev will not be the next title contender for Alex Pereira. After Pereira knocked out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, all signs pointed to his next title defense being against Ankalaev who is ranked second at light heavyweight. It is an intriguing fight, but according to Ankalaev’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, the Russian has his next fight booked and it is not against Pereira for the belt as the UFC wanted to go in a different direction.
Steve Erceg demolishes Muhammad Mokaev for “Coward Mentality” after UFC release, Mokaev responds
Curtis Calhoun - August 2, 2024
UFC flyweight contender Steve Erceg didn’t mince words in his reaction to Muhammad Mokaev’s controversial release from the promotion. Erceg will face Kai Kara-France in the UFC 305 co-main event later this month. The card marks the UFC’s return to Perth, Australia, headlined by Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya.
UFC champion Belal Muhammad takes aim at “so-called experts” Demetrious Johnson and Kamaru Usman: “They don’t know what they’re talking about”
Susan Cox - August 2, 2024
UFC champion Belal Muhammad is taking aim at ‘so-called experts’ Demetrious Johnson and Kamaru Usman. ‘Remember the Name’ (24-3 MMA) is riding high after defeating Leon Edwards (22-4 MMA) to win welterweight gold last weekend at UFC 304 which took place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Carla Esparza announces her retirement fight will take place at UFC 307: “I feel it’s time”
Susan Cox - August 2, 2024
Carla Esparza has announced that her retirement fight will take place at UFC 307. UFC 307 will take place on Saturday, October 5th at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
UFC Abu Dhabi: ‘Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov’ Weigh-in Results
Susan Cox - August 2, 2024
The UFC Abu Dhabi: ‘Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov’ Weigh-ins took place today, Friday, August 2nd. On Saturday, August 3rd UFC Abu Dhabi will take place at the Etihad Arena on ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Dustin Poirier responds after Colby Covington claims he walked out of recent restaurant run-in in Florida
Susan Cox - August 2, 2024
Dustin Poirier is responding after Colby Covington claimed he walked out of a recent restaurant run-in in Florida. Covington (17-4 MMA) and Poirier (30-9 MMA) have a history together as they both used to train at American Top Team.
Pro fighters make their picks for Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov
Cole Shelton - August 2, 2024
In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, a pivotal bantamweight bout goes down as Cory Sandhagen takes on Umar Nurmagomedov. Heading into the fight, Sandhagen is a sizeable +230 underdog while the undefeated fighter is a -310 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the bantamweight fight. The pros believe Sandhagen will be able to edge it out as they think it is too much too soon for Nurmagomedov.
Tom Aspinall admits he has "no idea" if he'll ever fight Jon Jones
Harry Kettle - August 2, 2024
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has admitted he has no idea if he will ever fight Jon Jones. Last weekend, Tom Aspinall made yet another emphatic statement. He defended his interim UFC heavyweight championship against Curtis Blaydes, dusting off the American in just one minute. Then, after the bout concluded, he opted to call out undisputed UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
Former UFC star Francis Ngannou defends his professional boxing career
Harry Kettle - August 2, 2024
PFL sensation Francis Ngannou has defended his decision to test the waters in professional boxing. As we know, Francis Ngannou embarked on an incredible boxing journey after leaving the UFC. First, he took on Tyson Fury, taking ‘The Gypsy King’ to the limit before losing a tight decision.