MMA News
Paulo Costa explains why Khamzat Chimaev is the "perfect" opponent for his next fight
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
Paulo Costa is hoping to fight Khamzat Chimaev next as he says he’s the perfect opponent for him. Costa is coming off a decision loss to Sean Strickland back at UFC 302 after losing to Robert Whittaker by decision earlier this year. In his last fight against Strickland, Costa didn’t throw too much volume or many power punches, at least when compared to his earlier UFC fights.
Robert Whittaker plans to make a "statement" against Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia: "Stop Ikram in his tracks"
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker plans to make a statement at UFC Saudi Arabia. Whittaker was originally supposed to headline the card against Khamzat Chimaev. However, a week out from the fight, Chimaev was forced to withdraw and was replaced by Ikram Aliskerov. When Whittaker got the call, he admitted he didn’t know who Aliskerov was, but he has since become familiar with him.
Jorge Masvidal “Lost all respect” for Nate Diaz after viral press conference brawl
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
All previous respect between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz has fizzled out ahead of their July 6 professional boxing match. Masvidal and Diaz will battle in a rematch of their UFC 244 BMF title fight in the boxing ring, Masvidal defeated Diaz in their MMA clash by TKO (doctor’s stoppage) to win the inaugural BMF belt.
Conor McGregor places massive bet on Cristiano Ronaldo, UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
UFC superstar Conor McGregor’s friendship with soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo reached a new level of trust this week. McGregor bet $60,000 for Ronaldo, the star of the Portugal National Team, to win the Golden Boot award at the UEFA Euro 2024 soccer tournament. The award is given to the leading goalscorer of the tournament, which Ronaldo acclaimed in 2020.
Jorge Masvidal fires off at 'lesbian' Chael Sonnen after Anderson Silva boxing match: "I'm not coming for an exhibition match"
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
It seems that Jorge Masvidal wasn’t a fan of the boxing match between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva. Over the weekend in Brazil, ‘The American Gangster’ and ‘The Spider’ faced off in Brazil for a third time. Over a decade removed from their two fights in the UFC, Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva met in the boxing ring. However, the fight was an exhibition, and it looked that way. After five rounds of lackluster action, the bout was ruled a draw.
Bellator announces pair of title fights for September, including Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Alexandr Shabliy
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
Bellator MMA’s schedule for September is heating up, as it now includes the return of Usman Nurmagomedov. Fans are now six months into PFL’s ownership of Bellator. Last fall, the Donn Davis-led promotion purchased the company from Viacom but had no plans to get rid of the company. Instead, each brand has run events separately in 2024, but have featured a lot of overlap. Names such as Cedric Doumbe have jumped back-and-forth, and that will likely only continue.
Michael Chandler plans to attend UFC 303 despite Conor McGregor fight cancelation: "I made a commitment"
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
Michael Chandler is going to be at UFC 303 whether Conor McGregor is there or not. It’s only been a few days since the long-awaited fight between ‘Iron’ and ‘The Notorious’ was canceled. Due to an injury to Conor McGregor, his June 29th bout against Michael Chandler will need to wait. As a result, a light-heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka will headline UFC 303 instead.
UFC’s Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov set to star in upcoming U.S. shooter/slasher film
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
Rising UFC middleweight star Shara Magomedov will make his Hollywood debut in a fitting role for the elite striker. Magomedov will face Joilton Lutterbach at UFC Saudi Arabia this Saturday in Riyadh. The card is headlined by a middleweight matchup between former titleholder Robert Whittaker and surging contender Ikram Aliskerov.
Belal Muhammad believes he's Leon Edwards' "kryptonite" ahead of UFC 304 title fight: "I'm going to make it look easy"
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
Belal Muhammad is entering his UFC 304 title fight against Leon Edwards with plenty of confidence. Muhammad is set to fight Edwards for the second time, as their first fight in 2021 was a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke. Entering the rematch, which is also Muhammad’s first crack at UFC gold, ‘Remember The Name’ not only thinks he will beat Edwards but says he plans to make it look easy.
VIDEO | Israel Adesanya posts epic self-made promo video ahead of UFC 305 return
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya got fight fans excited ahead of his highly anticipated return to the Octagon. Adesanya will face UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the UFC 305 main event on August 17. The card marks Adesanya’s return after a yearlong hiatus and the promotion’s return to Perth, Australia.
Daniel Cormier: Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 withdrawal is calculated to “mess” with Michael Chandler
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier feels there may be more to the story behind the reasoning for Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 pull-out. McGregor and Michael Chandler were scheduled to headline UFC 303 on June 29 to cap off International Fight Week in Las Vegas. But, McGregor is out of the event due to injury, and the UFC ended up scrambling to book almost an entirely new UFC 303 main card.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry official for July 20 in Tampa
Susan Cox - June 18, 2024
Its official – Jake Paul will be boxing Mike Perry on Saturday, July 20th in Tampa, Florida. Most Valuable Promotions announced the eight-round cruiserweight bout today, Tuesday June 18th. The bout will air on DAZN pay-per-view.
Nico Carrillo promises to torch Saemapetch at ONE Fight Night 23: "I’m bringing the heat"
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 18, 2024
Nico Carrillo has promised nothing short of a spectacular display when he returns to the ring on July 6. The #1-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender locks horns with #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex in a three-round duel.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 169 with Robert Whittaker and Impa Kasanganay
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
The 169th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Saudi Arabia and PFL 5. We’re first joined by former UFC middleweight champion and current third-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker (1:18). We close it out by talking to PFL light heavyweight and reigning champion Impa Kasanganay (11:40).
Bo Nickal goes to bat for Conor McGregor following criticism of his UFC 303 withdrawal: “He’s literally torn his ACL and fought”
Harry Kettle - June 18, 2024
Bo Nickal has given his thoughts on the ongoing situation regarding Conor McGregor and his withdrawal from UFC 303. As we know, Conor McGregor has been ruled out of UFC 303 due to injury. As a result, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are stepping up to fight for the UFC light heavyweight championship. Of course, for many fans, the bigger concern is whether or not McGregor will still be able to return later this year – which is what the promotion seems to be shooting for.
Video | Alex Pereira reveals he needs to cut 22 pounds ahead of UFC 303
Harry Kettle - June 18, 2024
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira needs to cut 22 pounds ahead of UFC 303 next weekend. We all know that Alex Pereira is a beast. He’s already done so much in his short mixed martial arts career and yet, many already see him as an absolute legend. Now, as we look ahead to next Saturday, he’s set to put together something even more special. He’s set to defend his UFC light heavyweight championship on short notice, taking on Jiri Prochazka for the second time.
Michael Bisping questions if Conor McGregor will ever return to the UFC following recent injury: “His titanium skin bone has failed”
Harry Kettle - June 18, 2024
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has questioned the future of Conor McGregor after he pulled out of UFC 303. As we now know, Conor McGregor is out of UFC 303. He’s been forced to withdraw due to injury, meaning his bout with Michael Chandler will be pushed back to later in the year. Of course, while we all hope that still happens, there are serious questions that have been raised regarding the Irishman’s future and whether or not he’ll actually compete again.
Jonathan Haggerty outlines path to top of the MMA world
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 18, 2024
Jonathan Haggerty is charting a careful and methodical path toward his transition into MMA. Known for his striking prowess, “The General” hinted at his future in the all-encompassing sport after capturing the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against divisional MMA ruler Fabricio Andrade in November 2023.