MMA News
Robert Whittaker’s coach says Gilbert Burns provided the blueprint on how to beat Khamzat Chimaev
Susan Cox - June 13, 2024
Robert Whittaker’s coach is saying Gilbert Burns provided the blueprint on how to beat Khamzat Chimaev. Robert Whittaker (25-7 MMA) is slated to face Khamzat Chimaev (13-0 MMA) in the middleweight main event on Saturday, June 22nd at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, rumors are now swirling that ‘Borz’ has been forced to withdraw from the contest.
Darren Till vents frustration after boxing debut gets pushed back to November: “I’ve been in the gym 18 months now”
Susan Cox - June 13, 2024
Darren Till is venting his frustration after his boxing debut gets pushed back to November. Till, a former UFC welterweight contender was scheduled to make his boxing debut on July 20th against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Arlington, Texas. Following the recent news that the Paul vs. Tyson bout had to be postponed due to illness, so was Till’s boxing debut.
Chael Sonnen believes potential UFC 303 fight cancellation would result in Conor McGregor’s retirement
Susan Cox - June 13, 2024
Chael Sonnen believes that the potential UFC 303 fight cancellation would result in Conor McGregor’s retirement. UFC 303 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 29th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
REPORT | Khamzat Chimaev withdraws from UFC Saudi Arabia main event vs. Robert Whittaker
Curtis Calhoun - June 13, 2024
UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has reportedly pulled out of his scheduled five-rounder with Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia. An exact reason for Chimaev’s reported withdrawal hasn’t been reported as of this writing. Australian MMA insider Benny P was among the first to report the news of Chimaev’s withdrawal.
Belal Muhammad says Leon Edwards is in for a “rude awakening” at UFC 304: “I'm gonna knock out Leon”
Harry Kettle - June 13, 2024
UFC contender Belal Muhammad has made a bold prediction for his upcoming title showdown with Leon Edwards. Next month at UFC 304, Belal Muhammad will challenge Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight championship. It serves as the biggest opportunity of his career, and one that he’s been calling for over the course of the last few years.
Jake Paul accepts Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303: “PFL vs UFC June 29th”
Harry Kettle - June 13, 2024
Jake Paul has accepted Sean O’Malley’s offer to “save” UFC 303 by taking on the UFC bantamweight champion. As we know, the current status of the UFC 303 main event is uncertain. Conor McGregor is scheduled to take on Michael Chandler, but recent reports suggest that it may not happen. While we don’t know exactly why that is, the popular opinion is that ‘Notorious’ has picked up some kind of injury.
Merab Dvalishvili explains how previous KO loss made him a smarter fighter: “I’m not going to chase the finish”
Harry Kettle - June 13, 2024
UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili has explained how a previous defeat in the Octagon actually made him smarter as a fighter. As we know, Merab Dvalishvili is one of the top bantamweight in the world right now. He’s been able to turn back a parade of top fighters, and now, he looks set to challenge for the UFC belt. When he does, he’ll more than likely be battling current champion Sean O’Malley.
Chatri Sityodtong targets Tawanchai-Nattawut III for Atlanta
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 13, 2024
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong is hinting at the possibility of a trilogy bout between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and “Smokin” Jo Nattawut. Following their electrifying rematch at ONE 167 on Prime Video last Friday, June 7, he sees the potential for the fierce rivals to clash once more at one of the promotion’s two U.S. events later this year.
VIDEO | Sean Strickland simulates water boarding in latest bizarre social media post
Curtis Calhoun - June 12, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland continues to push his own limits in and out of the Octagon. Strickland is fresh off his split decision win over former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa at UFC 302. He defeated Costa to get back in the win column, and potentially earn himself another middleweight title shot for his next fight.
Sean O'Malley offers to "save" UFC 303 amid uncertainty with Conor McGregor: "I'll fight Jake Paul"
Josh Evanoff - June 12, 2024
Amid uncertainty with Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley is ready to “save” UFC 303. As many fans are likely aware, it seems that the UFC’s pay-per-view at the end of the month is in major danger. That card in Las Vegas is currently slated to be headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler. The bout is set to be the first for ‘The Notorious’ since a July 2021 stoppage defeat to Dustin Poirier.
Anderson Silva confirms Chael Sonnen boxing match won't be the final fight of his career: "It's my last fight in Brazil"
Josh Evanoff - June 12, 2024
UFC legend Anderson Silva won’t be retiring after facing Chael Sonnen this weekend. On Saturday night in Brazil, ‘The Spider’ will make yet another walk to the boxing ring. Anderson Silva hasn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in October 2022, his first defeat since leaving the UFC in 2020. Nearly two years removed from that defeat, he will return to the ring to face Chael Sonnen.
Michael Chandler posts another cryptic message amidst new uncertainty surrounding UFC 303, Conor McGregor
Curtis Calhoun - June 12, 2024
UFC star Michael Chandler broke his social media silence on Wednesday amidst the promotion’s reported scramble to save UFC 303. As of this writing, Chandler is still scheduled to face former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor in the UFC 303 main event. But, as MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported on Wednesday, the UFC 303 main event is “in limbo” due to undisclosed reasons, and the promotion is attempting to book a new headliner.
‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson injures his ‘People’s Elbow’ during filming of new ‘Smashing Machine’ movie
Susan Cox - June 12, 2024
‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson has injured his ‘People’s Elbow’ during the filming of the new ‘The Smashing Machine’ movie. ‘The Smashing Machine’ is an upcoming American biographical sports drama film based on the career of UFC veteran Mark Kerr. The film stars Dwayne Johnson as former wrestler and mixed martial artist Mark Kerr, alongside Emily Blunt, Lyndsey Gavin, Oleksandr Usyk, Ryan Bader, and Zoe Kosovic. The slated release date for the film is December 2024.
Mikey Musumeci reflects on emotional win over Gabriel Sousa: "It was just more about me finally shutting him up"
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 12, 2024
Mikey Musumeci’s victory over Gabriel Sousa in their rematch at ONE 167 on Prime Video last Friday, June 7, stood out as a defining chapter in his storied career. Moving up to bantamweight, the reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion needed just over three minutes to submit Sousa in front of a sold-out crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Jared Cannonier reacts after referee Jason Herzog comments on controversial stoppage at UFC Louisville: “My career was pretty much in his hands and he decided it ain't worth fighting for”
Harry Kettle - June 12, 2024
UFC fighter Jared Cannonier has given his thoughts on Jason Herzog’s remarks regarding the finish in the main event of UFC Louisville. Last weekend, Jared Cannonier was beaten by Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Louisville. However, the bout wasn’t without controversy. Imavov had Cannonier hurt in the fourth round but despite that, many felt as if Jason Herzog stopped the fight too early.
Marlon Vera plans to “go to the basement and pull all the demons” in UFC Abu Dhabi fight with Deiveson Figueiredo
Harry Kettle - June 12, 2024
UFC star Marlon Vera is planning to dig deep in order to come out on top against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi. On August 3, the bantamweight division will be lit up once again by an electric collision. At UFC Abu Dhabi, Marlon Vera and Deiveson Figueiredo will collide in a blockbuster clash. For ‘Chito’, he’s hoping to get back on track after a one-sided demolition at the hands of Sean O’Malley earlier this year.
Sean Strickland admits UFC pay is “utter garbage” in back and forth with Mike Perry: “I advocate for better pay for me and the entire roster”
Harry Kettle - June 12, 2024
Sean Strickland has once again given his thoughts on UFC fighter pay during a recent exchange with Mike Perry. For the longest time now, Sean Strickland has been the king of controversy in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He’s spoken his mind at every available opportunity, and more often than not, he gets himself in hot water for doing so. Alas, even with all of the remarks he’s made, he continues to serve as one of the major forces in the middleweight division.
Denice Zamboanga calls for interim title shot after ONE 167 win
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 11, 2024
For Denice Zamboanga, waiting idly on the sidelines is not an option. Her recent assignment at ONE 167 on Prime Video last Friday, June 7, marked the end of a 14-month layoff. And she did so with an emphatic statement. There, she dominated Noelle Grandjean over three rounds to claim a unanimous decision win.