MMA News
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.
Colby Covington takes aim at “hypocrite” Sean Strickland for suggesting UFC pay is utter garbage: “Who is he to say this?”
Harry Kettle - June 18, 2024
UFC star Colby Covington has gone after Sean Strickland for criticizing the state of fighter pay in the promotion. As we know, Sean Strickland is an outspoken guy. He’s made a career, at least in the last few years, out of letting the world know what he thinks. Some people believe it’s an act, whereas others just think that’s who he is. Either way, he’s annoyed a lot of people, and his latest frustration has been in relation to UFC fighter pay.
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.
What's next for Tatsuro Taira and Alex Perez after UFC Vegas 93?
Cole Shelton - June 17, 2024
In the main event of UFC Vegas 93 on Saturday, ranked flyweights threw down as Tatsuro Taira took on former title challenger Alex Perez. Taira entered the fight with a perfect 15-0 record and was ranked 13th at flyweight. The Japanese fighter was 5-0 in the UFC and had notable wins over C.J. Vergara and Carlos Hernandez, but this was a big step-up in completion. Perez, meanwhile, was ranked fifth at flyweight and was coming off a KO win over Matheus Nicolau to return to the win column.
Opening betting odds for Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya UFC 305 clash unveiled
Curtis Calhoun - June 17, 2024
The opening betting line for the upcoming Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya UFC title clash is out. Du Plessis will make his first UFC middleweight title defense against the former titleholder Adesanya to headline UFC 305 in Perth. The August 17 pay-per-view marks the return of Adesanya after falling to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last year.
Rampage Jackson defends 'young legend' Conor McGregor after UFC 303 withdrawal: "He's done a lot for our sport"
Josh Evanoff - June 17, 2024
Rampage Jackson has taken up for former UFC champion Conor McGregor in light of his recent injury. ‘The Notorious’ was slated to headline UFC 303 later this month against Michael Chandler. The bout was going to be his first, since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Nearly three years removed from that injury, Conor McGregor was set to return opposite ‘Iron’ in a welterweight contest.
VIDEO | UFC fan takes on the “Body shot challenge” with top heavyweight Ciryl Gane
Curtis Calhoun - June 17, 2024
One UFC fan got to experience first-hand what it’s like to take a brutal body shot from former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. Gane is one of the most unique talents in UFC heavyweight history. His speed and striking techniques have made him one of the most difficult puzzles to solve in the heavyweight division.
Dana White opens up on Jon Jones' UFC return, confirms 'Bones' will be back soon
Josh Evanoff - June 17, 2024
According to Dana White, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones could be back as soon as this summer. ‘Bones’ hasn’t competed in well over a year. Last March at UFC 285, Jon Jones ended a lengthy hiatus by moving up to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane. Fighting for the title that Francis Ngannou left vacant, he needed only one round to dispatch of ‘Bon Gamin’. Jones earned a first-round submission victory to win the gold.
UFC antitrust case continues as judge reveals "serious concerns" over $335 million settlement
Josh Evanoff - June 17, 2024
It seems that the UFC antitrust case won’t be coming to a close after all. As some fans might be aware, MMA’s biggest company has been dealing with two lawsuits for a few years now. The original class-action lawsuit was filed by UFC veterans including Cung Le, Jon Fitch, Nate Quarry, and others, back in 2014. Meanwhile, Kajan Johnson filed another suit in 2021, which would cover another bracket of fighters.
Dana White claims Michael Chandler "Wants to wait" for Conor McGregor fight despite "No Guarantees" remark
Josh Evanoff - June 17, 2024
According to Dana White, Michael Chandler isn’t ending his pursuit of former UFC champion Conor McGregor. ‘Iron’ has spent the better part of two years trying to get a fight with ‘The Notorious’. Following a knockout victory over Tony Ferguson in May 2022, Michael Chandler took to the live mic with a passionate callout of Conor McGregor. After a loss to Dustin Poirier later in the year, the Bellator champion got the news he was waiting for.
Steve Erceg rips Alexandre Pantoja after claiming he “hit like a girl” in UFC 301 title fight
Curtis Calhoun - June 17, 2024
Former UFC flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg’s immense respect for Alexandre Pantoja has faltered since their May title clash. Erceg fell to Pantoja by unanimous decision at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. The loss snapped an 11-fight winning streak, including a 3-0 unbeaten run inside the UFC entering his first promotional five-rounder.
Michael Chandler says there are "no guarantees" on his next fight after Conor McGregor scrap gets canceled
Cole Shelton - June 17, 2024
Michael Chandler has opened up on his UFC 303 fight against Conor McGregor being canceled. Chandler was set to headline the pay-per-view card from Las Vegas on June 29 against McGregor. However, just two weeks out from the fight, it was revealed the bout was off as the Irishman had suffered an injury.
Robert Whittaker on why Ikram Aliskerov is a “harder” fight than undefeated Khamzat Chimaev
Curtis Calhoun - June 17, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker feels Ikram Aliskerov provides a more dangerous puzzle to solve than Khamzat Chimaev. Whittaker will face Aliskerov in the UFC Saudi Arabia main event on Saturday. The former titleholder was scheduled to face Chimaev, who withdrew due to an undisclosed medical emergency.
Montana mountains cost Bo Nickal a potential big money fight at UFC Saudi Arabia: “I didn’t get back to cell service for 3 days”
Susan Cox - June 17, 2024
Apparently the Montana mountains cost Bo Nickal a potential big money fight at UFC Saudi Arabia. UFC Saudi Arabia takes place this coming weekend, on Saturday June 22nd at the Kingdom Arena, in Riyadh.
Dana White confirms Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya will headline UFC 305 in Perth
Susan Cox - June 17, 2024
Dana White has confirmed that Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya will headline UFC 305 in Perth. UFC 305 will take place on Saturday, August 17th at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Rafael Dos Anjos takes aim at Conor McGregor over UFC 303 withdrawal: “It’s just a bruise”
Susan Cox - June 17, 2024
Rafael Dos Anjos is taking aim at Conor McGregor over his UFC 303 withdrawal. Apparently, Rafael Dos Anjos hasn’t forgotten comments McGregor made way back in 2016 when the Brazilian had to withdraw due to injury.