MMA News
Demetrious Johnson “honored” to earn BJJ black belt
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 1, 2024
Demetrious Johnson has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the most accomplished mixed martial artists in history. The reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion and former UFC kingpin achieved a significant milestone recently. He received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Bibiano Fernandes and Yan McCane.
Drakkar Klose claims Joaquim Silva is the "easiest fight," vows to KO him at UFC 301
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
Drakkar Klose called for the easiest fight in the lightweight division after his last win and he says he got his wish. After Klose scored a slam KO over Joe Solecki in December, he said he didn’t care who was next, as he just wanted the easiest guy for the most amount of money. Klose ended up getting the call to face Joaquim Silva at UFC 301 in Brazil, which is exciting for the American to go into enemy territory.
Gegard Mousasi claims Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys: “They lose money all the time”
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Gegard Mousasi is claiming that Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys. The PFL (Professional Fighters League) acquired Bellator in November of last year in an attempt to make a stronger competitor to the UFC.
Tom Aspinall vents frustration with “absolutely terrible” UFC 304 start time
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Tom Aspinall is venting his frustration with what he calls an ‘absolutely terrible’ UFC 304 start time. UFC 304 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 27th at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Alexandre Pantoja details the time he "smashed" Sean O'Malley in sparring
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja claims he smashed Sean O’Malley when they sparred years ago. Pantoja and O’Malley have spoken about their sparring in the past, as both have different versions of what happened. However, ahead of his flyweight title defense at UFC 301, Pantoja says he smashed O’Malley in sparring, and it was so bad ‘Suga’ wouldn’t send the Brazilian the sparring footage.
Demetrious Johnson reveals he's targeting professional boxing debut, wants to face 'a legend of the sport'
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is the latest MMA legend to express profound interest in moving to boxing. Johnson has gone viral in recent months for his performances in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. He submitted a 250-pound competitor at a recent tournament, shocking the likes of Joe Rogan and others.
Alex Perez booked for June 15th UFC return just days after UFC Vegas 91 main event KO
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez is already set for his next fight just days after a vicious knockout victory. Perez will make a quick turnaround and face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Vegas 93 on June 15th. MMA journalist Marcel Dorff was among the first to report the news of the Perez vs. Ulanbekov booking.
NSAC votes to withhold 20% of Arman Tsarukyan's UFC 300 purse after attacking fan during walkout
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been fined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for assaulting a fan during his walkout at UFC 300. The NSAC voted to withhold 20% of Tsarukyan’s UFC 300 purse, totaling $31,600, for hitting a fan during an altercation while walking to the Octagon. MMA Junkie‘s Nolan King was among the first to report the news of the vote.
Paige VanZant offers update on BKFC deal after signing contract with Misfits Boxing: "I'm here to stay"
Josh Evanoff - April 30, 2024
While Paige VanZant has a new multi-fight deal with Misfits Boxing, she’s not done fighting in BKFC either. ’12 Gauge’ has had a strange career since leaving the UFC in mid-2020. Paige VanZant’s deal expired after a submission loss to Amanda Ribas, and she quickly showed interest in signing with Bellator, or other MMA companies. Instead, she shocked MMA fans by signing with David Feldman’s BKFC.
Gilbert Burns calls for rematch against Kamaru Usman: "I was very emotional in that first fight"
Josh Evanoff - April 30, 2024
Gilbert Burns wants a rematch with former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman next. ‘Durinho’ is fresh off a return to the cage last month in Miami at UFC 299. That bout ended a nearly yearlong hiatus for Gilbert Burns, as he faced the rising Jack Della Maddalena. The Brazilian had a lot of success in that bout but wound up suffering a third-round knockout loss to the Australian.
Charles Oliveira open to moving up to welterweight for a "big fight" after UFC 300 loss
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
CCharles Oliveira is open to moving up to welterweight for a big-money fight next time out. Oliveira is coming off a split decision loss to Arman Tsrukyan at UFC 300, in a pivotal fight. Had Oliveira won, he would have been in line to get a rematch against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. With the Brazilian losing, it’s unclear what is next for him at lightweight, which is why he’s open to a fight at 170lbs.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 163 with Drakkar Klose and Tristan Hamm
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
The 163rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC 301 and Misfits 15. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Drakkar Klose (1:00). Closing out the show is influencer and boxer Tristan Hamm (11:39).
UFC CEO Dana White reacts to Jon Jones allegedly threatening a drug tester: “He literally is always in trouble”
Harry Kettle - April 30, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White has given his thoughts on Jon Jones’ latest controversy. As many fans know, Jon Jones is quite a controversial figure in mixed martial arts. As it turns out, he’s also widely considered to be the greatest of all time. One way or another, if you’re a fan of MMA, you’ve heard of Jon Jones.
Tatiana Suarez eager for future title shot with Zhang Weili: “I think I could impose my will against her”
Harry Kettle - April 30, 2024
UFC prospect Tatiana Suarez has her eyes firmly set on a future strawweight title showdown against Zhang Weili. For so long now, Tatiana Suarez has been seen as a top contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She’s unbeaten, she’s dominant, and she has a relentless style. Alas, as a result of her many years away from mixed martial arts, she has yet to earn an opportunity at the crown.
Islam Makhachev says he will expose Dustin Poirier’s “one problem” at UFC 302: “I have the key for the easy fight”
Harry Kettle - April 30, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has revealed what he plans to expose about Dustin Poirier’s game at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. He’ll do so in the main event of UFC 302, with the popular opinion being that he will walk away with the victory.
Daniel Cormier shares what Justin Gaethje can learn from Dustin Poirier when plotting his post-UFC 300 comeback
Curtis Calhoun - April 29, 2024
Daniel Cormier feels Dustin Poirier’s recent knockout in his UFC comeback shows that Justin Gaethje isn’t out of the lightweight title mix. Gaethje’s first BMF title defense fell short at UFC 300 as he lost to Max Holloway by knockout. It was the first time in six years that Gaethje had lost by TKO/KO during his UFC tenure.
Former UFC broadcaster Jimmy Smith shreds Ronda Rousey after MMA media comments: 'Everybody behind the scenes couldn't stand her a**'
Curtis Calhoun - April 29, 2024
Former UFC television analyst Jimmy Smith didn’t hold back in critiquing Ronda Rousey’s recent remarks about her relationship with the media. Rousey has found herself in the headlines in recent weeks after the release of her memoir Our Fight in bookstores worldwide. The book covers her burst onto the MMA scene, her Olympic judo run, and her admitted history of concussions.
Bobby Green reveals main reasons for Paddy Pimblett callout at UFC 300: 'I'm jealous, in a way!'
Curtis Calhoun - April 29, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Bobby Green wants to be the first fighter in the promotion to steal Paddy Pimblett’s shine. Green earned an impressive win over UFC legend Jim Miller at UFC 300 earlier this month. He got back in the win column after a knockout loss to Jalin Turner in Austin in December.