MMA News
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.
UFC Apex set to host WWE event as TKO partnership strengthens
Cole Shelton - April 22, 2024
The TKO partnership between the WWE and UFC has been a strong one, and now the WWE will host an event at the UFC Apex. The WWE announced that their NXT Battleground event will take place on Saturday, June 9 at the UFC Apex. It marks the first time the WWE will host an event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Video | Sean O’Malley mocks Ryan Garcia following his upset win over Devin Haney: “Interesting technique”
Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Ryan Garcia’s upset win over Devin Haney. Last weekend, Ryan Garcia pulled off quite the upset. After months of antics and strange behavior, he somehow managed to overcome and defeat Devin Haney in what proved to be a huge upset. He dropped Haney on multiple occasions, eventually securing a majority decision victory.
Movsar Evloev responds to Aljamain Sterling following comments of a potential fight: “Brave for you to talk about me”
Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024
Movsar Evloev has given his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling requesting a featherweight showdown against him. At UFC 300, Aljamain Sterling made a winning start to life at featherweight. He defeated Calvin Kattar, and he did so convincingly. Now, the attention has turned to the future and what could be next for the former bantamweight king.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson announce he’s started his MMA training camp for ‘Smashing Machine’ movie
Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has announced that he has begun his mixed martial arts training camp ahead of his Smashing Machine movie. This year, The Rock has focused a lot of his attention on his professional wrestling return. Now, following WrestleMania XL, he’s preparing for his next move. He’s set to play Mark Kerr later this year in a movie titled Smashing Machine, chronicling his journey in the world of mixed martial arts.
Reece McLaren guarantees upgraded form in return to ONE Championship: “I’ve gone to another level”
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 21, 2024
Reece McLaren is on a mission to rejuvenate his MMA career. “Lightning” gets the chance to do so when he returns to action at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event takes place live from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7.
Renato Moicano appreciates Paddy Pimblett's kind words following UFC 300, still thinks he's "easy money"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 21, 2024
Renato Moicano and Paddy Pimblett have shown mutual respect as of late, but “Money” still thinks he’d make short work of “The Baddy.” Moicano’s stock has never been higher. The lightweight veteran is riding a three-fight winning streak. He recently made a huge statement by scoring a second-round TKO finish over Jalin Turner at UFC 300. As a result, Moicano has cracked the top 10 on the official UFC lightweight rankings.
Gegard Mousasi's manager explains current situation with PFL: "It surely doesn’t feel like a priority for them at Gegard’s detriment"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 21, 2024
Gegard Mousasi’s manager doesn’t feel the PFL is making an honest effort to welcome his fighter to the promotion. Mousasi recently told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn that attempts from his manager, Nima Safapour, to reach out to PFL have gone unanswered. Mousasi is a member of the Bellator roster and that remains the case after PFL purchased the promotion.
VIDEO | Nate Diaz walks out of final tour stop with Jorge Masvidal: "Square off with yourself mother f**ker"
Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024
Nate Diaz is done promoting his upcoming boxing bout with Jorge Masvidal, as he walked out of their final tour stop on Friday night. Diaz (21-13 MMA, 0-1 Boxing) and Masvidal (35-17 MMA) have been on a cross-country tour promoting their upcoming rematch, a boxing bout, which will take place on June 1st at The Forum in Los Angeles.
Justin Gaethje reflects on decision to take "huge risk" against Max Holloway at UFC 300: "I have no regrets"
Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024
Justin Gaethje knew he was taking a “huge risk” when he signed on to fight Max Holloway at UFC 300. Gaethje (25-5 MMA) was coming off a second-round knockout victory over Dustin Poirier in July of last year at UFC 291 to claim the promotion‘s vacant BMF title. In addition to taking home the ‘Baddest Mother F**ker’ belt, ‘The Highlight’ had seemingly cemented himself as the top contender to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Sean Strickland says it is a "damn shame to see" the current state of America: "I drive home and I see Mexican flags everywhere"
Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is explaining why loving your country is one of the worst things for mental health. Strickland (28-6 MMA) is known for his brash takes and once again stirred up controversy with his latest comments regarding the current state of America.
VIDEO | Luke Rockhold KO's Joe Schilling at Karate Combat
Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold scored a knockout victory over Joe Schilling at today’s Karate Combat event. Karate Combat 45 took place earlier this evening in Dubai and was headlined by an intriguing matchup between Rockhold and Schilling.
VIDEO: Dana White takes on 'MMA experts' over pre-UFC 300 disappointment and critiques
Curtis Calhoun - April 20, 2024
UFC president Dana White didn’t let some of his biggest critics go unaddressed after a successful night of business at UFC 300. UFC 300 was arguably one of the greatest cards in promotional history. The stacked event from top-to-bottom featured a slew of current and former UFC champions from the first fight of the night, to the headliner.