MMA News
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.
Kayla Harrison blasts Julianna Peña over doping allegations: "You will find every excuse..."
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison was accused this week of using performance-enhancing drugs by former UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña. During Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Peña accused Harrison of having a checkered past when it comes to using banned substances to gain an advantage in the cage.
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.
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.
Dana White shoots down Conor McGregor's claim about Michael Chandler fight being official: "I don't have a date for it"
Josh Evanoff - July 15, 2024
According to UFC President Dana White, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is far from official. ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Iron’ were set to meet in the main event of UFC 303 last month in Las Vegas. The bout was going to be Conor McGregor’s first, since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Nearly three years later, the Irishman was set to meet Michael Chandler at 170 pounds in a blockbuster of a fight.
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.
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.
UFC's Dana White shares phone conversation with Donald Trump after recent assassination attempt
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone just hours after a gunman attempted to assassinate him at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump was in the middle of a speech at a campaign rally in Butler, PA on Saturday when a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, striking the former president in the right ear. U.S. Secret Service eliminated the suspected gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, within seconds of the shooting.
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.
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.
Shamil Gasanov vs. Aaron Canarte official for ONE Fight Night 24
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 14, 2024
An intriguing featherweight MMA tilt goes down at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video when Shamil Gasanov squares off against Aaron Canarte. This three-round duel takes place live in U.S. primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 2.
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.
Rose Namajunas feels closer to UFC flyweight title shot after win over Tracy Cortez: "All that matters is winning, right?"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 14, 2024
Rose Namajunas feels closer to a 125-pound title opportunity with her victory over Tracy Cortez. Namajunas and Cortez went toe-to-toe in the main event of UFC Denver this past Saturday night. “Thug” Rose clipped and dropped Cortez early in the fight. It was clear that Namajunas was outgunning Cortez on the feet and even utilized some wrestling of her own to show she is simply more well-rounded.
Conor McGregor tells Michael Chandler that they have a new fight date in 2024: “I talked to Dana today”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 14, 2024
Conor McGregor claims a new fight date for a showdown with Michael Chandler has been discussed. McGregor and Chandler were set to collide in the main event of UFC 303 in Las Vegas at the end of June. That didn’t happen, as McGregor pulled out of the fight due to a toe injury. A light heavyweight championship rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka ended up taking its place.