MMA News
Halil Amir guarantees better version of himself at featherweight: “I’ll be faster and stronger”
BJPENN.COM Staff - May 1, 2024
Halil Amir has one goal in mind this Friday, May 3 — to shake up ONE Championship’s featherweight MMA division. The Turkish fighter moves down a weight class to face Akbar Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event takes place at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Muhammad Mokaev calls “number one bullsh*t” on updated UFC flyweight rankings
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev has called out the updated UFC flyweight rankings as Alex Perez jumps above him in the pecking order. As we know, Muhammad Mokaev is a rising force of nature in the UFC’s flyweight division. The youngster fully believes he has what it takes to become a world champion, and with an unbeaten 12-0 record, the future certainly looks bright. With that being said, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the air right now when it comes to the title picture.
Robert Whittaker explains why he hopes Jiri Prochazka doesn’t move down to middleweight: “Then we’re enemies”
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Robert Whittaker has explained why he doesn’t want to see Jiri Prochazka move down to middleweight. For the longest time now, Jiri Prochazka has been a big fan favorite in mixed martial arts. That’s been especially true since he joined the UFC, with his eccentric style winning over the masses.
Daniel Cormier doesn’t believe Ilia Topuria “has much say in this as he thinks he does” with potential Max Holloway title fight
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Daniel Cormier has questioned how much of a say Ilia Topuria has in his potential showdown with Max Holloway. Since knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria has been enjoying life as one of the UFC’s biggest new stars. He’s a huge name in Spain, he’s the featherweight champion of the world, and he has plenty of fighters calling him out.
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.