MMA News
Nico Carrillo still has more to prove: “I don't believe I'm in my prime yet”
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 16, 2024
Nico Carrillo believes the world has yet to witness him in peak form. Since joining ONE Championship in 2023, he has been an unstoppable force, decimating every opponent in his path with a series of KO victories.
Hiroyuki Tetsuka eager to move closer to title shot with win at ONE 168
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 15, 2024
Hiroyuki Tetsuka knows if he plays his cards right in his next outing, a win may land him a shot at the ONE Welterweight MMA World Championship. “Japanese Beast” reports for duty against Isi Fitikefu at ONE 168: Denver on September 6. This event takes place at the 21,000-seater Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
What's next for Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez after UFC Denver?
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
The UFC was in Denver, Colorado for UFC Denver with a women’s flyweight bout headlining the card as Rose Namajunas took on Tracy Cortez. Heading into the bout, Namajunas was coming off a decision win over Amanda Ribas in her second fight at flyweight as she lost to Manon Fiorot in her debut. Cortez, meanwhile, took the fight on short notice and was a perfect 5-0 in the UFC.
Diego Lopes explains why fighting Aljamain Sterling next "doesn't make sense"
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes doesn’t think he should fight Aljamain Sterling next time out. Lopes is coming off a decision win over Dan Ige at UFC 303, on a fight that Ige took on just hours notice. Lopes was originally supposed to fight Brian Ortega, but the former title contender was forced out of the bout on the day of the event.
Rose Namajunas reacts to viral eyelash punch vs. Tracy Cortez at UFC Denver
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas has opened up on a heavily discussed moment from her win over Tracy Cortez at UFC Denver. Namajunas defeated Cortez by unanimous decision to earn her second-straight win in Denver on Saturday. She’s now won back-to-back flyweight fights since a loss to Manon Fiorot in Paris last year.
Jordan Oliver vs. Braydon Akeo added to PFL Playoffs card on 08/16 (Exclusive)
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
PFL featherweights Jordan Oliver and Braydon Akeo will battle it out on the league’s upcoming postseason card on August 16th. Promotional sources informed BJPenn.com of the Oliver/Akeo matchup on Monday.
Fanmio issues response after Nate Diaz's lawsuit, claims ex-UFC fighter was paid "seven figures"
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel responded to Nate Diaz’s lawsuit on Monday. TMZ Sports first reported that Diaz and his team sued Fanmio after they didn’t get paid for his recent boxing match against Jorge Masvidal. Diaz claims fraud against Engel after guaranteeing a $10 million payday which Diaz has not been paid.
Sean O'Malley hits back at critics of his ESPY 'Best MMA Fighter' win: "I was a crazy underdog"
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley earned an ESPY Award last weekend despite many questioning his designation as the show’s ‘Best MMA Fighter’. O’Malley, who is expected to face Merab Dvalishvili later this year, earned the 2024 ESPY Award for ‘Best MMA Fighter’ last weekend. He beat out other top UFC names such as Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira for the award.
Julianna Pena slams critics who believe she shouldn't get a UFC title shot: "I've done it all!"
Josh Evanoff - July 15, 2024
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena doesn’t care what the critics say. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ hasn’t competed since her rematch against Amanda Nunes in July 2022. The bout took place just seven months after Julianna Pena shocked the world, and handed ‘The Lioness’ a submission loss. However, the second bout between the two wasn’t even close, as the Brazilian won a lopsided decision.
Jon Jones reportedly charged with two misdemeanors in case involving Drug Free Sport agent
Josh Evanoff - July 15, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has found himself in legal trouble ahead of his return. ‘Bones’ has been out of the cage since a submission victory over Ciryl Gane last March. Jon Jones wound up submitting ‘Bon Gamin’ in the first round, winning vacant heavyweight gold in the process. Following the victory, the newly crowned champion called to face Stipe Miocic, and the two quickly booked a bout for November.
Video shows Khabib Nurmagomedov spitting on Conor McGregor after UFC 229 win
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
The UFC has released a video showing Khabib Nurmagomedov spitting on Conor McGregor after his UFC 229 win. Nurmagomedov and McGregor fought in a highly-anticipated fight back in October 2018 at UFC 229. It served as McGregor’s return to the Octagon, as he previously had squared off with Floyd Mayweather in the boxing ring. The Irishman was looking to reclaim his lightweight title that he never lost.
Miesha Tate dismisses that MMA community turned its back on Ronda Rousey: "Thousands of little girls idolized her!"
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey’s former rival, Miesha Tate, feels the former bantamweight titleholder is still revered by many MMA fans. Tate and Rousey competed against one another twice during their MMA careers, with Rousey earning wins in both matchups. After coaching opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter 18 before Rousey defeated Tate in their rematch by third-round submission.
Nate Diaz sues Fanmio for $9 million for fraud, breach of contract after Jorge Masvidal boxing match
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
Nate Diaz’s representatives have filed a $9 million lawsuit against Fanmio, the broadcast partner of his recent boxing match against Jorge Masvidal. TMZ Sports was among the first to report the news of Diaz’s suit on Monday. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Miami.
Curtis Blaydes isn't making big changes ahead of Tom Aspinall fight at UFC 304
Harry Kettle - July 15, 2024
Curtis Blaydes has admitted that he isn’t making too many changes ahead of his showdown with Tom Aspinall. As we know, Curtis Blaydes will take on Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 304. The contest will take place in Manchester, England as Aspinall looks to set up a future date for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Kamaru Usman calls on Leon Edwards to bring out "killer" at UFC 304
Harry Kettle - July 15, 2024
Kamaru Usman has called on Leon Edwards to bring out his killer edge when he takes on Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. As we know, Leon Edwards is the UFC welterweight champion. We also know that he’s going to defend that belt against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. In the eyes of many, he’s the clear favorite, but he can’t afford to be complacent.
Official: Christian Lee returns to action against Alibeg Rasulov at ONE 169
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 14, 2024
Christian Lee’s highly anticipated return to action finally has a date. This happens at ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8, airing live from the State Farm Arena. There, the two-division ONE World Champion puts his lightweight MMA crown against Alibeg Rasulov.
Jean Silva vs. Ilia Topuria? Din Thomas feels Brazilian's striking "looks the part" for UFC title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 14, 2024
UFC analyst Din Thomas is so impressed by Jean Silva that he thinks the Brazilian could fare well against Ilia Topuria if he can cut down in weight. Silva went one-on-one with Drew Dober inside the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado this past Saturday night. The fight will be remembered for Silva’s ability to slice the eyebrow of Dober, causing a deep gash which led to the fight being stopped.
Mike Perry doubts Jake Paul ever fights him under bare-knuckle rules: "I’m going to beat him with 10-ounce gloves on"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 14, 2024
Mike Perry doesn’t believe Jake Paul would ever agree to fight him under bare-knuckle boxing rules. Perry and Paul are set to throw down in a traditional boxing match on July 20th. Perry received the opportunity after Paul’s fight with boxing legend Mike Tyson had to be pushed back after “Iron” Mike suffered an ulcer flareup during a flight.