MMA News
Muhammad Mokaev claims the UFC "didn't want" him to break Jon Jones' record of youngest UFC champion
Cole Shelton - July 17, 2024
UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev claims the UFC didn’t want him to break Jon Jones’ record of being the youngest UFC champion. Mokaev signed with the UFC at the end of 2021 as he was just 21 at the time. He had made it clear he wanted to become the youngest UFC champion in history and started out his UFC tenure with a 58-second win over Cody Durden. He then picked up two more wins in 2022 to end the year 3-0 and in contention at flyweight.
Belal Muhammad encourages Colby Covington to retire from combat sports: “There’s literally nothing left for him”
Susan Cox - July 17, 2024
Belal Muhammad is encouraging former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington to retire from combat sports. Covington (17-4 MMA) last fought and was defeated by Leon Edwards back in December of 2023 at UFC 296. ‘Chaos’, at 36, has 3 wins and 3 losses in his last 6 fights inside of the Octagon.
Report | Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal pay-per-view did “horrible” numbers: “I was absolutely stunned how poorly it did”
Susan Cox - July 17, 2024
The Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal pay-per-view reportedly did ‘horrible’ numbers. The 10-round boxing bout between Diaz and Masvidal took place on Saturday, July 6th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. It was Diaz who would receive a majority decision victory over Masvidal.
Magomed Ankalaev continues to express huge confidence in striking with Alex Pereira
Harry Kettle - July 17, 2024
UFC contender Magomed Ankalaev is feeling pretty confident about his chances against UFC champion Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is a real problem in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. However, it’s safe to say that his momentum has slowed dramatically in recent years. From no contests to draws and beyond, Ankalaev seemed to be struggling to make his case for another title shot.
Belal Muhammad is in incredible shape heading into UFC 304
Harry Kettle - July 17, 2024
UFC contender Belal Muhammad appears to be in the best shape of his life heading into UFC 304 next weekend. It’s safe to say that Belal Muhammad has his eyes on the prize. For the longest time, he’s been campaigning for a shot at the UFC welterweight championship. At UFC 304, his wish will come true as he challenges Leon Edwards for the belt. The two have history together, and Belal hasn’t been shy when explaining how he thinks the fight is going to go down.
Aljamain Sterling makes another push to fight Movsar Evloev later this year
Harry Kettle - July 17, 2024
Former UFC champion Aljamain Sterling continues to push for a fight against featherweight rival Movsar Evloev. As we know, Aljamain Sterling is a former UFC bantamweight champion. Now, he’s got his sights set on a second world title. He has made the shift up to 145 pounds, and his hope is that he can take over the featherweight division in the same manner. Alas, it’s going to be easier said than done.
Shamil Gasanov promises fans unforgettable clash with Aaron Canarte: "That's my fighting style"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 17, 2024
Despite his growing stature in ONE Championship, Shamil Gasanov assures fans that he’s not taking his upcoming opponent lightly. The #5-ranked featherweight MMA contender squares off with Aaron Canarte at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video. This card emanates live in U.S. primetime from the fabled Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 2.
Brian Kelleher reveals he's fighting out his contract at UFC Vegas 94 against Cody Gibson: "My literal life feels like it is on the line"
Cole Shelton - July 16, 2024
Brian Kelleher knows his back is against the wall in his UFC Vegas 94 fight against Cody Gibson. Kelleher is on a three-fight losing streak and is coming off a knockout loss to Cody Garbrandt back in December. Following the loss, Kelleher wasn’t sure if he’d get another UFC fight but is excited he gets the chance to try and save his job.
Danielle Kelly plans to use Mayssa Bastos to bolster legacy: "When I beat her, it’s better for me"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 16, 2024
Danielle Kelly relishes the fact that she’s entering the first defense of her ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title as an underdog. This happens at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video, airing live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 2. There, she puts her crown on the line against the highly touted Mayssa Bastos.
Michael Bisping cautions Nate Diaz after $9 million Fanmio lawsuit: "Winning a lawsuit is one thing..."
Curtis Calhoun - July 16, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping credits Nate Diaz for his $9 million crusade against Fanmio, but wonders if it will produce the desired dividend. Diaz defeated Jorge Masvidal by majority decision in their recent boxing match earlier this month in Anaheim. He earned his first professional boxing win after a loss to Jake Paul in the ring last year.
Georges St-Pierre slams the door on possibly re-booking combat sports return: "My body can't keep up anymore!"
Curtis Calhoun - July 16, 2024
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre has opened up on the injury that he suffered ahead of his planned grappling match against Nick Diaz last year. St-Pierre, who retired from MMA after a win over Michael Bisping at UFC 217, was supposed to face Diaz in a grappling match at the UFC Fight Pass Invitational in December. But, his combat sports return was indefinitely postponed after St-Pierre suffered an injury during his camp.
Chris Weidman reveals Kevin Holland called him out for a fight during recent Las Vegas run-in
Curtis Calhoun - July 16, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman shared a hilarious story about running into Kevin Holland to talk about a possible fight. Weidman, who hasn’t fought since a controversial win over Bruno Silva in Atlantic City earlier this year, is pushing forward towards a return to the cage. After a long road back to the Octagon recovering from multiple leg surgeries, he’s looking to make the most of this latest chapter.
Dustin Poirier acknowledges seven men as potential opponents for his next fight: “Definitely one of those guys”
Susan Cox - July 16, 2024
Dustin Poirier is acknowledging seven men as potential opponents for his next fight. The former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, at 35, is looking to fight again and has a rather lengthy list of potential opponents.
Jake Paul takes aim at Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal following their recent boxing match: “Guess that $15 million from PFL needs to be taken a little more seriously”
Susan Cox - July 16, 2024
Jake Paul is taking aim at Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal following their recent boxing match. The PFL (Professional Fighters League) offered Nate Diaz a cool $15 million to fight Jake Paul under MMA rules. Diaz turned down the offer.
Video | Georges St-Pierre follows through after losing Stanley Cup bet to Kamaru Usman
Susan Cox - July 16, 2024
Former two-division UFC champion George St-Pierre has followed through after losing a Stanley Cup bet to Kamaru Usman. It was just last month, on June 24th, that the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 2-1, to secure the coveted Stanley Cup Trophy.
Abdul Razak Alhassan unloads on "p***y" Cody Brundage after UFC Denver: "Let’s run it back"
Cole Shelton - July 16, 2024
Abdul Razak Alhassan believes Cody Brundage wanted a way out of their UFC Denver fight and he took it at the first opportunity. Alhassan and Brundage were fighting on the main card in an intriguing middleweight bout that many didn’t think would need the judges. Right when the ball rang, Brundage shot in for a takedown, and Alhassan landed a big shot that rocked him. As Brundage was scrambling and holding onto a single leg, Alhassan landed several elbows to the back of Brundage’s head and the ref stopped the fight. Unfortnately, Brundage couldn’t continue and the fight was ruled a No Contest just 37 seconds into the opening round.
Kamaru Usman reveals plans for welterweight return, opens up on who could be next: "It's an interesting spot"
Josh Evanoff - July 16, 2024
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is planning to fight at 170 pounds later this year. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is an interesting spot. Kamaru Usman hasn’t competed since a short-notice clash at middleweight with Khamzat Chimaev last October at UFC 294. Despite being outgrappled by ‘Borz’ early, the former champion made a late rally. Ultimately, Chimaev emerged with a majority-decision victory to remain undefeated.
Former Bellator title challenger 'King Mo' ends retirement, set for BKFC debut in September
Josh Evanoff - July 16, 2024
Former Bellator light-heavyweight contender Muhammed ‘King Mo’ Lawal has signed with BKFC. The 43-year-old has been out of action since a catchweight bout against Andrew Kapel in November 2019. Entering the contest, the man known to fans as ‘King Mo’ had suffered three straight knockout losses. However, stoppage defeats to Jiri Prochazka, Liam McGeary, and Ryan Bader didn’t deter Muhammed Lawal.