MMA News
Akbar Abdullaev showcased underrated wrestling at ONE Fight Night 22: "I can do everything"
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 9, 2024
At ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3, Akbar Abdullaev demonstrated why he’s far from being a one-trick pony. Known initially for his striking prowess and knockout power, he surprised many with his exceptional grappling skills.
Dmitry Menshikov targets rematch with Regian Eersel: “I want to be the champion”
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 9, 2024
It’s safe to say that Dmitry Menshikov is a man on a mission. After his stunning victory at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3, the Russian striker believes he has earned the right to rematch Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title.
Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira: “He knocked out everybody… not me”
Harry Kettle - May 9, 2024
Jan Blachowicz has called for a rematch against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira upon his return from injury. Back in July 2023, Jan Blachowicz went head to head with Alex Pereira. After what proved to be a really tight and tense affair, it was Pereira who managed to edge out a decision victory. From there, he proceeded to become a two-weight world champion by claiming the belt at 205 pounds.
Stamp anticipates Denice Zamboanga’s best version at ONE 167
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 9, 2024
Amid the hype and anticipation of Stamp Fairtex’s upcoming duel with Denice Zamboanga, the Thai megastar carries a sense of respect and acknowledgment for her rival. Stamp puts her ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title on the line against the Filipina challenger in the main event of ONE 167 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event takes place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7.
Thiago Moises details “awkward” encounter with drug tester at his home: “My dog came into the bathroom”
Harry Kettle - May 9, 2024
UFC fighter Thiago Moises has detailed an awkward encounter with a drug tester in his home recently. As we all know, drug testing in mixed martial arts has been a hot topic for as long as the sport has been around. In the UFC, that’s particularly true, especially since the departure of USADA.
Denice Zamboanga determined to make history at ONE 167
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 8, 2024
Denice Zamboanga is fully aware of the historical relevance of her upcoming assignment. “The Menace” challenges Stamp Fairtex for the Thai superstar’s ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship in the main event of ONE 167 on Prime Video.
Chase Hooper expecting an "exciting fight" against Viacheslav Borshchev in grappler vs. striker matchup at UFC St. Louis
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024
Chase Hooper knows he will have to get Viacheslav Borshchev to the ground if he is going to get his hand raised at UFC St. Louis. Hooper is set for his third fight at lightweight as he’s 2-0 and coming off a submission win over Jordan Leavitt back in November. After the win, he was hoping to get a quick turnaround, but that didn’t happen.
Derrick Lewis vows to do something "special" at UFC St. Louis against Rodrigo Nascimento: "This is my prime"
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024
Derrick Lewis believes he’s just entering the prime of his career as he headlines UFC St. Louis on Saturday night against Rodrigo Nascimento. Lewis is coming off a lackluster decision loss to Jailton Almeida back in November. Although Lewis is 39 and 1-4 in his last five fights, ‘The Black Beast’ believes he’s just entering his prime.
Report: Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape added to UFC 304 on July 27
Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024
A matchup between surging UFC flyweight contenders Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape has reportedly been added to UFC 304 in Manchester. Mokaev and Kape will square off at UFC 304 on July 27th. Home of Fight was the first to report the news of the Mokaev vs. Kape matchup, although the UFC has yet to confirm it, as of this writing.
Anthony Smith responds to Alex Pereira's video of him falling asleep during his UFC 301 intro
Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024
Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith has weighed in on Alex Pereira’s latest social media jab. Smith earned a statement win over previously undefeated Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. He got back in the win column after a knockout loss to Khalil Rountree in December.
Mike Perry turned down an offer to fight on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson undercard: "Another option to have more money"
Josh Evanoff - May 8, 2024
BKFC’s Mike Perry was offered the chance to face a former champion on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. ‘Platinum’ is fresh off his return to the bare-knuckle boxing ring against Thiago Alves earlier this month. In the main event of BKFC: KnuckleMania IV, Mike Perry scored a first-round knockout victory over the Brazilian. Just weeks removed from that victory, the former UFC welterweight is in talks for his next fight.
Former Olympian and WWE wrestler Gable Steveson reportedly begins training in MMA, also has multiple NFL offers
Josh Evanoff - May 8, 2024
Former Olympic gold medalist and WWE superstar Gable Steveson is working on his next career path. The 23-year-old is viewed as one of the greatest American wrestlers of all time. After winning Olympic gold in 2020, Gable Steveson seemingly decided to focus on his next career path. Despite interest from several MMA companies including the UFC, he instead signed with the WWE in 2021. In the process, following in the footsteps of the great Kurt Angle.
Dustin Poirier reacts to viral video of Islam Makhachev hitting a punching machine ahead of UFC 302 headliner
Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier didn’t think much of Islam Makhachev’s punching power he showcased in a recent social media clip. Poirier and Makhachev will clash in the UFC 302 main event on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. This is Poirier’s third career lineal UFC lightweight title shot after losses to Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former titleholder Charles Oliveira.
Colby Covington reveals how much longer he has left in his fighting career
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024
Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington believes he still has a few years left in his fighting career. Covington is 36 and has been a pro fighter since 2012. Although he is getting close to the age of 40, Covington believes he still can fight at a high level for a couple more years, and wouldn’t be surprised to be fighting past the age of 40 like Daniel Cormier did.
Steve Erceg gets a fresh callout from top flyweight after gritty performance at UFC 301
Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024
UFC 301 flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg already has a potential next fight lined up just days after falling short in Brazil. Erceg lost to UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro last Saturday. Despite going toe-to-toe with the titleholder, Ereceg fell short on the judges’ scorecards to snap an 11-fight winning streak.
Alexandre Pantoja reiterates desire for superfight against Demetrious Johnson
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has made it clear that he’s interested in a future showdown with Demetrious Johnson. At UFC 301, Alexandre Pantoja just about managed to successfully defend his UFC flyweight championship. He saw off the challenge of Steve Erceg in what proved to be a really competitive encounter.
Dan Hardy predicts Conor McGregor will use broken leg as "bait" at UFC 303
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024
MMA analyst Dan Hardy believes Conor McGregor will use his broken leg from three years ago as bait at UFC 303. Next month, fans will finally see the long-awaited return of Conor McGregor to the Octagon. He’s gearing up for a comeback that has been three years in the making as he prepares to battle Michael Chandler.
Islam Makhachev promises "something special" against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has promised something special against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. In the eyes of many, this serves as Poirier’s last chance to finally claim undisputed gold in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As you can imagine, the intensity is high – but Makhachev doesn’t appear to be feeling the pressure.