MMA News
Ariel Helwani reacts to Donn Davis’ “crazy” comments about Kayla Harrison: “You can’t be doing that”
Susan Cox - June 11, 2024
Ariel Helwani is reacting to Donn Davis’ ‘crazy’ comments concerning Kayla Harrison. It was Kayla Harrison, who after parting ways with the PFL (Professional Fighters League), made her debut with the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 300 on April 13th of this year. Harrison (17-1 MMA) fought and defeated Holly Holm (15-7 MMA) by submission at 1:47 of Round 2 of their bantamweight bout.
UFC Abu Dhabi: “Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov” Fight Card and Start Times
Susan Cox - June 11, 2024
The UFC Abu Dhabi ‘Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov’ fight card and start times have been announced by the promotion. UFC Abu Dhabi will take place on Saturday, August 3rd at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Dustin Poirier compares skillsets of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2024
UFC star Dustin Poirier has compared the skillsets of former opponents Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Earlier this month, Dustin Poirier fell to submission defeat at the hands of Islam Makhachev. Of course, as we know, earlier in his career, Poirier was also submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite losing in both instances, he put up a real fight against these two legends and you could argue he came close to winning both times.
Dominick Reyes reveals he wouldn't have retired if he'd lost to Dustin Jacoby
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2024
UFC fighter Dominick Reyes has revealed that he wasn’t considering retirement even if he’d have lost to Dustin Jacoby. Last weekend at UFC Louisville, Dominick Reyes finally got back on the winning trail. After suffering four straight defeats, many believed it was a real do or die moment for him against Dustin Jacoby. In the face of great adversity, he was able to overcome Jacoby and secure a big knockout victory.
Nassourdine Imavov breaks into top five of UFC middleweight rankings after Jared Cannonier win
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2024
UFC middleweight Nassourdine Imavov has moved into the top five of the division’s rankings after his win over Jared Cannonier. Last weekend, Nassourdine Imavov picked up arguably the biggest win of his career. He defeated Jared Cannonier and although it was in controversial circumstances, the victory will stand. The fact that it was a finish, too, will undoubtedly serve as a big boost for him as he continues to climb the middleweight ranks.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 168 with Shawne Merriman, Liz Carmouche, Taila Santos, and Brady Hiestand
Cole Shelton - June 11, 2024
The 168th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview PFL 4 and UFC Vegas 93. We’re first joined by former NFL star and current Lights Out XF owner Shawne Merriman (2:05). Next, we are joined by Bellator women’s flyweight champ and current PFL flyweight Liz Carmouche (21:12). Next, PFL flyweight Taila Santos (31:47) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Brady Hiestand (45:24).
Rodtang wants Takeru next following triumphant return at ONE 167
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 11, 2024
Rodtang Jitmuangnon now wants to revisit unfinished business with Takeru Segawa. The reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion wasted no time in calling out the Japanese superstar following his successful return to action at ONE 167 on Prime Video on Friday, June 7.
What's next for Nassourdine Imavov and Jared Cannonier after UFC Louisville?
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2024
In the main event of UFC Louisville, ranked middleweights threw down as Nassourdine Imavov took on Jared Cannonier. Imavov entered the fight with a record of 13-4 and one No Contest and was coming off a majority decision win over Roman Dolidze. The Frenchman was ranked seventh at middleweight and was 5-2 and one No Contest going into the fight. Cannonier, meanwhile, was ranked fourth and was coming off a decision win over Marvin Vettori a year ago.
Dominick Cruz calls for rematch with Henry Cejudo: “Face a better version of me”
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2024
Dominick Cruz is campaigning for a rematch with Henry Cejudo. Cruz and Cejudo fought back in May, 2020 at UFC 249 as ‘Triple C’ was looking to defend his bantamweight title for the first time. It was also the first time Cruz had fought in three-and-a-half years. In the end, it was Cejudo who won by second-round TKO.
Sean O'Malley reacts to Ryan Garcia's recent arrest for vandalism
Curtis Calhoun - June 10, 2024
UFC bantamweight titleholder Sean O’Malley has weighed in on boxing star Ryan Garcia’s latest hiccup outside of the ring. Beverly Hills police arrested Garcia for felony vandalism on Saturday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He allegedly damaged numerous areas of the hotel, including his room and a nearby hallway.
Former NFL star Shawne Merriman says Dana White attempted to book him a UFC fight against Greg Hardy
Curtis Calhoun - June 10, 2024
UFC president Dana White allegedly tried to book an Octagon clash between former NFL stars Shawne Merriman and Greg Hardy. Merriman and Hardy were two of the most explosive athletes in the NFL during their professional football careers. Since retiring from football, both men have transitioned into combat sports in different roles, and Merriman launched his own promotion in 2019.
RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asakura officially signs with the UFC: "I will definitely get the belt"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Former RIZIN bantamweight champion Kai Asaukra is officially heading to the UFC. The 30-year-old has been viewed as one of the greatest Japanese fighters on the planet for years now. For the unaware, Kai Asakura has been competing in the RIZIN ring since late 2017 and holds victories over the likes of Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi. In December, the bantamweight earned a knockout victory over former Bellator champion Juan Archuleta.
Chael Sonnen says losing to Anderson Silva in boxing will make him a "miserable" failure
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2024
Chael Sonnen says this is his final chance at beating Anderson Silva. Sonnen and Silva are set to box on Saturday in Brazil in a fight that came together seemingly out of nowhere. Although the two were rivals in the UFC, they have become close and friendly since both retired from MMA.
Savannah Marshall calls for MMA rematch with Claressa Shields after PFL debut: "I'm quite confident I'd do her in the cage"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Women’s boxing star Savannah Marshall wants a rematch with Claressa Shields inside the PFL cage. ‘The Silent Assassin’ officially made the move to MMA over the weekend. Headlining PFL Europe 2, Savannah Marshall stepped into the cage for the first time opposite Mirela Vargas. In attendance was the British boxer’s longtime rival, Claressa Shields. Like Marshall, the ‘GWOAT’ is now fighting in MMA under the PFL banner.
Dominick Reyes reveals shock bonus from Dana White after UFC Louisville win: "You absolutely deserve it"
Josh Evanoff - June 10, 2024
Dominick Reyes has revealed that he was given a bonus for his UFC Louisville win after all. ‘The Devastator’ returned to the octagon on Saturday night, in the co-main event of the UFC’s trip to Kentucky. There, Dominick Reyes competed for the first time since a knockout loss to Ryan Spann in November 2022. That defeat to ‘Superman’ was his fourth in a row, previously losing to the likes of Jon Jones, Jan Blachowicz, and Jiri Prochazka.
Alex Pereira questions the timing of Jamahal Hill's UFC 300 remarks: "Maybe he just woke up?"
Curtis Calhoun - June 10, 2024
UFC light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira harshly criticized Jamahal Hill for reigniting their feud almost two full months since UFC 300. Pereira defeated Hill in the UFC 300 main event in April to retain the UFC light heavyweight title. Just minutes into the fight, Pereira landed a massive left hook to send Hill into unconsciousness.
Dominick Reyes shares how Muhammad Ali inspired his first win in five years at UFC Louisville
Curtis Calhoun - June 10, 2024
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes seized the opportunity to snap his previous losing skid in Muhammad Ali’s home city. Reyes defeated Dustin Jacoby in the UFC Louisville co-main event on Saturday. The first-round knockout over Jacoby was his first MMA victory since knocking out former UFC middleweight champ Chris Weidman in Oct. 2019.
Dustin Poirier confirms he had rib injury going into UFC 302, says his wife wanted him to pull out
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2024
Dustin Poirier says he did suffer a rib injury in the lead-up to his UFC 302 fight against Islam Makhachev. Poirier was headlining UFC 302 against Makhachev in what he called his final crack at UFC gold. Unfortnately for Poirier, he came up short as he suffered a fifth-round submission loss.