MMA News
Israel Adesanya shares his prediction for Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia: “This is a banger”
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2024
Israel Adesanya has shared his prediction for this weekend’s Robert Whittaker vs Ikram Aliskerov showdown. As we know, Robert Whittaker is an all-time great in the UFC’s middleweight division. In addition to being a former champion, he’s also had some genuinely incredible moments in the division. Of course, this weekend, he was expecting to face Khamzat Chimaev – but that isn’t going to happen.
Khamzat Chimaev's team shuts down “bullsh*t” rumors that food poisoning forced him out of UFC Saudi Arabia: “As a brother I won’t share his dark times”
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2024
A member of Khamzat Chimaev’s team has shut down rumors that food poisoning forced him out of UFC Saudi Arabia. As we now know, Khamzat Chimaev will no longer be facing Robert Whittaker this weekend. They were set to battle it out in a fascinating collision in Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately, it’s not happening. That’s because Chimaev came down with an illness that has forced him out of the contest, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for him.
Official: Jarred Brooks, Gustavo Balart to throwdown for interim strawweight title
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 20, 2024
With reigning ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio sidelined due to an ACL injury, Jarred Brooks and Gustavo Balart will clash for the interim title. The #1-ranked contender in Brooks and #3-ranked Balart battle for the belt in the main event of ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event is set to take place at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 2.
UFC Saudi Arabia gets another new fight after Joilton Lutterbach tests positive for banned substance
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2024
UFC Saudi Arabia has another new bout after Joilton Lutterbach tested positive for a banned substance and is out of his fight against Shara Magomedov. The UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia this weekend has seen plenty of key changes as last week the main event was changed from Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev to Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov. According to Tapology, seven fights have been changed or canceled.
Jorge Masvidal targets Logan Paul, Floyd Mayweather next with rematch win vs. Nate Diaz
Curtis Calhoun - June 19, 2024
Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal has a pair of ambitious callouts in mind should he defeat Nate Diaz in their July 6 boxing match. Masvidal and Diaz will clash in a rematch of their UFC 244 BMF battle, this time in the boxing ring as opposed to the cage. After defeating Diaz at UFC 244, Masvidal is looking to put their rivalry in the rear-view mirror in a triumphant fighting return.
Colby Covington explains why he didn't fight Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2024
Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington has given a reason as to why he isn’t fighting Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303. Covington and Garry took shots at one another on social media and many expected the two would end up fighting. Both called each other out, but Garry will be returning at UFC 303 against Michael Page and not Covington. After the fight was booked, Daniel Cormier criticized Covington for not taking the fight, but ‘Chaos’ says it is because he isn’t healthy.
Dana White believes The Rock could be Oscar-bound for portraying UFC legend Mark Kerr: "He will kill this!"
Josh Evanoff - June 19, 2024
UFC President Dana White has given Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson his stamp of approval for his upcoming movie. As some MMA fans are likely aware, the WWE wrestler is currently filming ‘The Smashing Machine’. Being directed by Benny Safdie of ‘Uncut Gems’ fame, ‘The Rock’ will portray UFC legend Mark Kerr. In the early 2000s, an HBO documentary followed the heavyweight’s rise, and then brutal decline in the sport.
Anthony Smith believes Alex Pereira fight is possible with UFC 303 victory: "It lines up!"
Josh Evanoff - June 19, 2024
Anthony Smith believes that he’s just a good win and callout away from facing UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Poatan’ were recently added to UFC 303 on June 29th. Due to the collapse of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, Alex Pereira will headline the card in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka. The event’s co-main event has been changed as well. Due to an injury to Jamahal Hill, Carlos Ulberg has been slotted down the card in a new bout against Anthony Smith.
REPORT | Olympic Gold Medalist Zaurbek Sidakov considering move to MMA
Curtis Calhoun - June 19, 2024
Freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist Zaurbek Sidakov could be on the way to making his MMA debut. Sidakov won an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He’s also won three gold medals at the freestyle wrestling world championships and is one of Russia’s most accomplished athletes.
Dana White claims Jon Jones would've run through Francis Ngannou had they fought: "One hundred percent"
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2024
Dana White doesn’t think Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones would have been all that competitive had they fought. Jones vs. Ngannou would have been one of the biggest fights of all time, but the bout unfortunatley never came to fruition. Instead, Ngannou went to free agency so he could box, and once he left, Jones finally moved up to heavyweight and quickly submitted Ciryl Gane to become the new champ.
Jake Paul believes Conor McGregor has lost his celebrity and star power: “I’m sure I could comp him a fourth or fifth row seat”
Susan Cox - June 19, 2024
Jake Paul believes that Conor McGregor has lost his celebrity and star power. Paul is currently preparing to fight Mike Perry on Saturday, July 20th at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Israel Adesanya believes Michael Chandler should “take another fight” following UFC 303 cancellation
Susan Cox - June 19, 2024
Israel Adesanya believes Michael Chandler should ‘take another fight’ following the UFC 303 cancellation. UFC 303 is taking place on Saturday, June 29th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
UFC Saudi Arabia: ‘Whittaker vs. Aliskerov’ Fight Card and Start Times
Susan Cox - June 19, 2024
The UFC Saudi Arabia ‘Whittaker vs. Aliskerov’ Fight Card and Start Times have been announced. UFC Saudi Arabia will take place this coming Saturday, June 22nd at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kelvin Gastelum believes his career is on the line at UFC on ABC 6: “Loser goes home”
Harry Kettle - June 19, 2024
Kelvin Gastelum believes that his tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship could be on the line this weekend. On Saturday night, Kelvin Gastelum will go head to head with Daniel Rodriguez. As we know, it’s not been the easiest of journeys for Gastelum in the UFC – especially in the last few years. Across his last eight fights, he’s gone 2-6, leaving many to wonder whether the 32-year-old still has what it takes to get the job done at the elite level.
Report | MMA veteran Shannon Ritch kills a man in self defense
Harry Kettle - June 19, 2024
MMA veteran Shannon Ritch has reportedly killed a man in self defense, as per a report from FOX 10 Phoenix. For those who don’t know, Shannon Ritch has been around for a long time in mixed martial arts. He holds a record of 58-90 with four no-contests, in a career that has spanned decades. His last outing took place in January 2020, when he lost to Glenn Sparv via leg lock.
Mike Davis forced out of Drew Dober matchup at UFC Denver, requires surgery: “This kills me man”
Harry Kettle - June 19, 2024
UFC prospect Mike Davis has been forced out of his scheduled matchup against Drew Dober due to injury. Over the course of the last few years, Mike Davis has been making a real name for himself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In his most recent outing, he submitted Natan Levy back in March. That made it four wins on the trot, and six in his last seven, and he seems to be getting better and better.
Chatri Sityodtong: ONE to bring in record-breaking 2024 revenues
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 19, 2024
ONE Championship could achieve a milestone that eludes many in the combat sports industry — profitability. The company’s Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, recently announced that the promotion is on track to accomplish that by 2024.
Daniel Cormier shares how Mike Perry can beat Jake Paul in upcoming boxing match
Curtis Calhoun - June 18, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier thinks Mike Perry has a clear path to victory to defeat Jake Paul in their upcoming boxing clash. Paul and Perry will come face-to-face in the ring in a professional boxing match on July 20. Paul was originally scheduled to face heavyweight boxing legend Mike Tyson before Tyson was pulled due to a recent medical scare.