MMA News
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.
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.
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.
PFL re-signs undefeated prospect 'Baki' following upset victory over Cedric Doumbe
Josh Evanoff - June 18, 2024
The undefeated Baissangour ‘Baki’ Chamsoudinov will be sticking with the PFL. The 22-year-old prospect known to many fans online simply as ‘Baki’ is considered one of the brightest talents at welterweight. The Frenchman currently holds an undefeated 8-0 record inside the cage, last appearing at PFL Europe 1 in March. There, Baissangour Chamsoudinov met fellow prospect, Cedric Doumbe.
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.
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.
Chael Sonnen claims Conor McGregor is in "rehab" for substance abuse which led to UFC 303 withdrawal
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2024
Chael Sonnen has an interesting theory as to why Conor McGregor was out of his UFC 303 fight against Michael Chandler. McGregor was supposed to headline UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas against Chandler in a highly-anticipated matchup. However, just over two weeks out from the fight, it was confirmed that McGregor was out of the bout due to an injury. But, according to Sonnen, he says it is due to the Irishman being in rehab for substance abuse.