MMA News
Dan Hooker "would love to" fight Beneil Dariush at UFC 303 at International Fight Week
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2024
Dan Hooker is hoping to face Beneil Dariush next. Hooker has been rehabbing the broken arm he sustained during his win over Jalin Turner from last July. He reinjured the arm in his training camp for Bobby Green which was supposed to take place last December.
Stephen Thompson names top NMF’s in the UFC, including a pair of former champions
Curtis Calhoun - April 23, 2024
Stephen Thompson feels the UFC wouldn’t have any shortage of NMF title challengers if the promotion introduces a friendly-focused championship. Thompson is one of the most decorated kickboxers to ever compete in the UFC Octagon. Despite a recent loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, he remains one of the top welterweight contenders, and is targeting a UFC comeback for later this year.
Leon Edwards' coach says he's "99.9 percent" certain Belal Muhammad is next
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2024
Dave Lovell, the head coach of Leon Edwards expects his fighter to defend his welterweight title in Manchester against Belal Muhammad. Edwards has not fought since UFC 296 in December when he beat Colby Covington by decision to defend his title. The Brit had been trying to get a fight, and he was reportedly offered fights at UFC 300 against Islam Makhachev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Khamzat Chimaev but none came to fruition.
Justin Gaethje has no regrets over trading with Max Holloway in final seconds of UFC 300 bout: "There was no other option"
Josh Evanoff - April 23, 2024
Justin Gaethje wasn’t going to say no to trading with Max Holloway in the final seconds of their UFC 300 fight. ‘The Highlight’ returned to the octagon on the main card of the historic card earlier this month. There, Justin Gaethje looked to make the first defense of his ceremonial ‘BMF’ title against Max Holloway. The fight was a rare lightweight appearance for the Hawaiian, and he didn’t disappoint. Despite entering the fight as an underdog, Holloway put on a show.
Stephen Thompson responds to Michael 'Venom' Page's 'boring fight' claims about a potential UFC booking
Curtis Calhoun - April 23, 2024
Former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson has responded to Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s recent remarks about a possible UFC booking. Thompson is one of the top karate-focused fighters to ever crossover into MMA. He’s awaiting his next UFC booking as he looks to get back on track after a loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 296.
Ronda Rousey details rift with Joe Rogan, MMA media towards the end of her UFC run: "I'll be waiting on that call forever!""
Curtis Calhoun - April 23, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey wishes UFC commentator Joe Rogan and other media personalities would apologize for their past criticism of how she handled losses. Rousey is arguably one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time after pioneering the promotion’s dip into women’s MMA. She headlined the UFC’s first all-female main event, defeating Liz Carmouche for the bantamweight championship at UFC 157.
Arman Tsarukyan hits back at Michael Chandler over harsh criticism of declined short-notice UFC title fight: "You're waiting for a paycheck"
Curtis Calhoun - April 23, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan didn’t take long to respond to Michael Chandler’s stance that declining a short-notice title fight at UFC 302 was a mistake. Tsarukyan earned the biggest win of his UFC career by defeating former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He won the fight by split decision and earned No. 1 lightweight contender status.
Sean O’Malley weighs in on Aljamain Sterling’s “boring decision” win over Calvin Kattar at UFC 300: “I saved the bantamweight division”
Harry Kettle - April 23, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling’s dominant decision win over Calvin Kattar. At UFC 300, Aljamain Sterling defeated Calvin Kattar in convincing fashion. He battered him from pillar to post, largely through his dominant ground game. Now, many are left to wonder what’s next for him following his successful featherweight debut.
Coach John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor is looking “super slick” ahead of comeback fight at UFC 303
Harry Kettle - April 23, 2024
Head coach John Kavanagh has said that Conor McGregor is looking slick ahead of his comeback fight at UFC 303. At UFC 303 this summer, Conor McGregor will finally return to the Octagon. He will do so for the first time in three years, dating back to when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier.
BKFC: ‘KnuckleMania 4’ Fight Card and Start Times
Harry Kettle - April 23, 2024
This weekend, BKFC returns with one of its biggest events of all time as KnuckleMania 4 attempts to grow the sport to even greater heights. Event: BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 Date: Saturday, 27th April 2024 Location: Peacock Theater (Los Angeles, California) Broadcast: YouTube (9pm EST prelims, 10pm EST main card) + BKFC app
Daniel Cormier explains why Aljamain Sterling should be in the next BMF title fight
Harry Kettle - April 23, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on why he thinks Aljamain Sterling should be in the next BMF title fight. At UFC 300, Aljamain Sterling got off to a winning start at featherweight. The man known as ‘Funk Master’ dominated Calvin Kattar, registering a one-sided victory over a veteran in the division. Now, many believe that Sterling could be just one or two wins away from a shot at the title.
Reece McLaren “excited to showcase” evolved MMA game at ONE Fight Night 22
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 23, 2024
Fourth-ranked flyweight MMA contender Reece McLaren has been a staple of ONE Championship for almost a decade, but the 32-year-old believes that his best has yet to come. “Lightning” faces #5-ranked Hu Yong at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video on May 3 in a contest that will propel the winner one step closer to a shot at flyweight MMA king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.
Smilla Sundell aims to end Natalia Diachkova’s unbeaten run: “I like stopping people’s streaks”
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 22, 2024
Smilla Sundell is eager to get back to work in the ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video main event. “The Hurricane” puts her ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against Russian powerhouse Natalia Diachkova at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 3 live in U.S. primetime.
Jiri Prochazka eyeing middleweight move if he reclaims UFC light-heavyweight title: "I could handle the division"
Josh Evanoff - April 22, 2024
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is down to move to 185 pounds. The former titleholder is fresh off his return to the cage at UFC 300 against Aleksandar Rakic. For a round and a half, ‘Rocket’ was largely dominating the action on the feet. However, in classic Jiri Prochazka fashion, he eventually rocked and stopped Rakic in a wild firefight. Afterward, he called for a rematch against Alex Pereira.
Ryan Garcia responds to Sean O'Malley after 'Sugar' expresses interest in boxing match: "PREPARE TO BLEED RAINBOW"
Josh Evanoff - April 22, 2024
It seems that boxing star Ryan Garcia and UFC champion Sean O’Malley are on a collision course. ‘KingRy’ returned to the boxing ring over the weekend against Devin Haney. Heading into the contest, Ryan Garcia was a massive underdog, as he seemingly struggled with substance abuse and questions about his mental state. Instead, he dominated the WBC super lightweight champion handing him a majority decision defeat. For Garcia, the win was a satisfying one.
Chris Weidman interested in facing Sean Strickland after recent win: "I'd like to test myself"
Josh Evanoff - April 22, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is down to face Sean Strickland next. ‘The All-American’ returned to the octagon late last month in Atlantic City against Bruno Silva. Chris Weidman entered the bout, admittedly on the verge of retirement. With a loss, the former UFC champion would’ve retired in the cage. Instead, Weidman picked up a controversial unanimous decision victory over the Brazilian.
Cédric Doumbé set to make Bellator Champions Series debut on May 17th
Curtis Calhoun - April 22, 2024
PFL superstar Cédric Doumbé will look to bounce back from his first professional MMA loss when he returns on May 17th in Paris. Doumbé will make his Bellator Champions Series debut when he faces Derek Anderson in a welterweight matchup. The PFL announced the news of Doumbé’s MMA return in a Monday press release.
Paul Hughes reveals UFC didn't make "meaningful offer" before PFL signing
Curtis Calhoun - April 22, 2024
Former Cage Warriors star Paul Hughes took mere seconds to decide between the PFL and UFC in his recent free agency. Hughes signed with the PFL last weekend, over the UFC and other promotions, for his next MMA chapter. The former Cage Warriors interim featherweight champion is expected to enter the 2025 PFL regular season and compete in non-tournament bouts for the rest of 2024.