MMA News
UFC welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena plans to “shock the world” by finishing Shavkat Rakhmonov
Harry Kettle - March 20, 2024
UFC welterweight Jack Della Maddalena has reiterated his desire to fight and defeat Shavkat Rakhmonov later this year. Earlier this month, Jack Della Maddalena secured the biggest win of his career. He beat and finished Gilbert Burns, doing so with a broken arm, to establish himself as a top contender in the welterweight division. In the immediate aftermath, he made it known that he’d be interested in taking on the seemingly unstoppable Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Michael Bisping shares his prediction for upcoming Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal boxing match: “I do not see much changing”
Harry Kettle - March 20, 2024
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has given his prediction for the upcoming boxing clash between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. Later this year, Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will square off in a boxing match. It comes almost five years after the two met inside the Octagon, which ended in Masvidal becoming the inaugural BMF champion via doctor stoppage.
Mariya Agapova issues apology to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard for her recent remarks
Harry Kettle - March 20, 2024
UFC fighter Mariya Agapova has apologized for her recent remarks that were directed at UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard. While she may be seen as a big prospect in the women’s flyweight division, we haven’t seen Mariya Agapova compete since 2022. In a since-deleted post, she couldn’t hold in her frustration any longer.
The path that led Izaak Michell to ONE Fight Night 21: "A search for meaning"
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 20, 2024
Izaak Michell is gearing up to make an impact in ONE Championship. Australia’s rising star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event unfolds at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 5.
Jeremy Kennedy expects to "break" Patricio Pitbull to win Bellator featherweight title: "It's not going to go five rounds"
Cole Shelton - March 19, 2024
Jeremy Kennedy jumped at the chance to face Patricio Pitbull at Bellator Belfast on Friday. Kennedy was originally supposed to fight James Gallagher on Friday night, but after Pitbull’s fight at the PFL vs. Bellator event was canceled, he wanted to fight ASAP so the promotion elevated Kennedy to a title fight.
Conor McGregor says it's "all systems go" for summer return against Michael Chandler
Cole Shelton - March 19, 2024
Conor McGregor could be returning to the Octagon this summer. McGregor revealed on New Year’s Eve that he would return on June 29 for International Fight Week against Michael Chandler. Yet, nothing has been made official and recently, UFC CEO Dana White has said he isn’t even sure the Irishman will fight this year at all.
Alexandre Pantoja opens as a sizeable favorite over Steve Erceg ahead of UFC 301 title fight
Cole Shelton - March 19, 2024
Alexandre Pantoja has opened as a sizeable betting favorite ahead of his UFC 301 title fight against Steve Erceg. Pantoja is set to defend his flyweight title for the second time in Brazil on May 4 against the 10th-ranked Erceg. The fight came as a bit of a surprise given Erceg is only 3-0 in the UFC, but due to Pantoja having wins over several top ranked fighters, it made sense for the Aussie to get the title shot.
Raquel Pennington explains why it's "not fair" that Kayla Harrison could fight her after UFC 300
Josh Evanoff - March 19, 2024
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington would rather not fight Kayla Harrison next. The former PFL tournament winner is set to make her promotional debut at UFC 300 next month. There, Kayla Harrison will meet former champion Holly Holm, in one of the key bouts on the milestone card. If there’s one woman who will be watching the bout closely, it will be the current women’s bantamweight titleholder, Raquel Pennington.
Bellator signs massive deal with HBO Max, full 2024 event schedule revealed
Josh Evanoff - March 19, 2024
HBO Max will now be the exclusive home of Bellator MMA moving forward. It’s been a hectic few months for the brand that used to be led by Scott Coker. Late last year, Bellator was sold by Viacom to the PFL and Donn Davis. Quickly, the likes of Coker left the company, but the company itself wasn’t going anywhere. After the purchase last year, Davis revealed plans to run both companies as separate entities.
Cory Sandhagen explains why he wants to fight Umar Nurmagomedov for five rounds
Cole Shelton - March 19, 2024
Cory Sandhagen wants to fight Umar Nurmagomedov over five rounds. Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov were scheduled to headline UFC Nashville last August, but an injury to the Dagestani native forced him out of the matchup. Since then, Sandhagen went on to defeat Rob Font. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov picked up a win earlier this month, and after that victory, he once again called for a fight with the American.
Colby Covington sounds off on “dangerous” Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match: “He’s doing every chemical known to man”
Susan Cox - March 19, 2024
Former UFC title challenger Colby Covington is sounding off on the ‘dangerous’ Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match. It will be the legendary ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson (50-6) vs. Jake Paul (9-1) on Saturday, July 20th at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The event will stream live on Netflix.
Marlon Vera hopes to return in New York against a former UFC champion
Susan Cox - March 19, 2024
Marlon Vera is hoping to make his return in New York against a former UFC champion. Vera (23-9 MMA) had his chance at bantamweight gold earlier this month when he met up with Sean O’Malley (18-1 MMA) at UFC 299. However, it would be the reigning champion, ‘Suga‘, who would be awarded the unanimous decision victory that Saturday night in Miami, Florida.
Sean O’Malley unloads on “fake-ass” Marlon Vera following greasing accusations: “F**k that guy”
Susan Cox - March 19, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has unloaded on ‘fake-ass’ Marlon Vera following his greasing accusations. It was on Saturday, March 9th at UFC 299 that Sean O’Malley (18-1 MMA) avenged his one and only loss to Marlon Vera (21-9 MMA) in his first bantamweight title defense. O’Malley kept the belt and finished ‘Chito’ by unanimous decision. The official judges’ scorecards read 50-45, 50-45, and 50-44 after their five-round contest.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 158 with Jeremy Kennedy, Julian Erosa and Kurt Holobaugh
Cole Shelton - March 19, 2024
The 157th episode of Just Scrap Radio with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Vegas 89 and Bellator Belfast. We’re first joined by Bellator featherweight Jeremy Kennedy (1:09). Next, UFC featherweight Julian Erosa (18:19) comes on. Finally, UFC lightweight Kurt Holobaugh (36:37) closes out the program.
Alexandre Pantoja admits Steve Erceg was “so lucky” to get a title shot at UFC 301
Harry Kettle - March 19, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has given his thoughts on his next opponent Steve Erceg. At UFC 301, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his UFC flyweight championship once again. He’ll do so against Steve Erceg, a name that many casual fans won’t be too familiar with.
Sean Strickland opens up on his daily struggles with mental health: “I want to burn everything down in the world”
Harry Kettle - March 19, 2024
UFC fighter Sean Strickland has opened up on some of the mental health issues he’s been struggling with recently. As many fans know, Sean Strickland is one of the most unpredictable fighters in mxied martial arts. From his style in the cage to what he says and does outside of it, he’s been known to fly off the handle.
UFC flyweight Mariya Agapova calls out matchmaker Mick Maynard: “I am not able to get a job”
Harry Kettle - March 19, 2024
UFC flyweight Mariya Agapova has revealed her frustration at not being able to get a fight booked. For many years now, Mariya Agapova has been seen as someone who has real potential to go far in the women’s flyweight division. However, as time has gone on, she’s experienced a parade of setbacks in her attempt to become a title contender.
Ayaka Miura battles Jihin Radzuan at ONE Fight Night 21
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 19, 2024
An intriguing atomweight MMA showdown has been booked for ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video this April 5. Ayaka Miura is set to take on #5-ranked contender Jihin Radzuan live in U.S. primetime. The fight happens at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.