MMA News
Regian Eersel prepared to go through ‘five rounds of war’ in next title defense
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 22, 2024
Two-sport king Regian Eersel is under no illusion about the challenge that lies ahead when he defends his ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Title. This happens in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video on April 5. There, “The Immortal” dukes it out with Alexis Nicolas live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Belal Muhammad doesn’t buy Dana White’s claim that Leon Edwards accepted three different opponents for UFC 300: “I think it was more so to hype up Leon”
Harry Kettle - March 22, 2024
Belal Muhammad doesn’t believe Dana White’s claim that Leon Edwards accepted three different opponents for UFC 300. While he may not be fighting at UFC 300, it wasn’t through a lack of trying for Leon Edwards. The UFC welterweight champion was reportedly offered three different opponents for the event, as per Dana White. However, none of those actually came to fruition.
Fans react after Dana White suggests that Kamaru Usman surpassed Georges St-Pierre as the greatest welterweight of all time: “Usman hasn't even surpassed Matt Hughes”
Harry Kettle - March 22, 2024
Fight fans have reacted to Dana White’s suggestion that Kamaru Usman is the greatest welterweight of all time. It goes without saying that Dana White is an opinionated guy. The UFC CEO has never been one to shy away from a debate, and he’s always going to speak his mind. In a recent podcast appearance, he caught many off guard by suggesting that Kamaru Usman – not Georges St-Pierre – is the greatest welterweight ever.
Dana White reveals UFC commentator Joe Rogan worked his first 12-13 events free of charge: “I’d do anything for Joe”
Harry Kettle - March 22, 2024
Dana White has revealed that for the first chapter of his UFC career, Joe Rogan commentated on events for free. For the longest time now, Joe Rogan has been a mainstay in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He’s been one of the defining voices in the promotion and as we look ahead to the future, it doesn’t seem like he’s planning on hanging up his microphone anytime soon.
Kurt Holobaugh says he's no longer just satisfied to be fighting in the UFC after winning TUF
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024
Kurt Holobaugh is in his third stint with the UFC and he now has the tools to be a ranked lightweight. Holobaugh made his UFC debut in 2013 but after losing his first Octagon appearance, he was released. He worked his way back to the promotion, but after going 0-3 he was released from the promotion once again.
Amanda Ribas plans for Rose Namajunas fight to be a "war" to prove it is worthy of being the main event
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024
Amanda Ribas is ready to prove her UFC Vegas 89 fight against Rose Namajunas deserves to be the main event. Ribas and Namajunas are set to headline the card on Saturday in a very intriguing matchup. Namajunas is looking to avoid her first three-fight losing streak of her career, while Ribas is looking for the biggest win of her career. However, heading into the bout, Ribas has heard the talk that the fight isn’t main event worthy, so the Brazilian is looking to prove those fans wrong.
UFC parts ways with five fighters
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024
The UFC has parted ways with five more fighters. On Thursday evening, X account UFC Roster Tracker, which tracks the UFC roster and who has been added and removed, revealed five fighters have been let go. According to the account, Bryan Barberena, Carlos Candelario, Philipe Lins, Josh Parisian, and Joanne Wood are no longer listed on the UFC’s active roster.
Dana White says "you cannot deny" Kamaru Usman is the greatest welterweight of all time
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White says Kamaru Usman, not Georges St-Pierre, is the greatest welterweight of all time. Usman held the welterweight title from 2019 until 2022 and defended the belt five times. He was a dominant champion, but still, most fans think St-Pierre is the greatest welterweight of all time due to his longevity as champion.
PFL's Donn Davis opens up on possibility of signing Conor McGregor when 'The Notorious' hits free agency: "We're ready"
Josh Evanoff - March 21, 2024
PFL’s Donn Davis is ready to make a big splash in free agency, and that could involve Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious’ is currently hoping to return to the cage this summer, against Michael Chandler. In recent weeks, Conor McGregor has opened up on a lot about his MMA future. The former UFC champion has even revealed that he only has two more fights with the Dana White-led company on his deal.
Julian Erosa plans to "drag" Ricardo Ramos into deep waters at UFC Vegas 89: "He has less stamina and less heart than I do"
Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024
Julian Erosa was hoping to return much sooner than he is at UFC Vegas 89. Erosa hasn’t fought since last April when he suffered a controversial first-round knockout loss to Fernando Padilla, in a fight many believed was an early stoppage. Since then, Erosa has changed his coaches which is partly why he wanted a bit of time off.
Dana White brutally takes aim at Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: "He's going to fight Clint Eastwood next"
Josh Evanoff - March 21, 2024
UFC President Dana White really, really hates the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. Earlier this month, ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘Iron Mike’ announced plans to hold a boxing match this summer, that will be streamed on Netflix. The bout will be Jake Paul’s heavyweight debut, but there are still a lot of questions about the event itself. As of now, it remains to be seen if the bout will be a professional one, or not.
Ronda Rousey reveals severe concussions forced retirement from the UFC: "I really couldn't talk about it"
Josh Evanoff - March 21, 2024
Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey was forced to leave combat sports due to concussions. ‘Rowdy’ is still one of the biggest UFC stars of all time, and directly led to the company introducing women into the promotion. Due to Ronda Rousey’s success in Strikeforce, Dana White took notice. He signed her in late 2012 and thus began a dominant stranglehold on the 135-pound division.
UFC heavyweight Walt Harris receives four-year suspension for banned substances
Susan Cox - March 21, 2024
UFC heavyweight veteran Walt Harris has received a four-year suspension for the use of banned substances. Walt ‘The Big Ticket’ Harris (13-10 MMA) last fought in June of 2021, going down to defeat against Marcin Tybura (25-8 MMA) by TKO. With the loss, the 40-year-old heavyweight had the unenviable record of losing 3 fights in a row inside of the Octagon – all by TKO.
UFC legend Tito Ortiz says he “lost everything” in the 2020 stock market crash: “We need to make sure we make America great again”
Susan Cox - March 21, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz is saying he ‘lost everything’ in the 2020 stock market crash. Known as ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’, Tito, now 49, spent much of his MMA career in the UFC. Ortiz (21-12 MMA) was a former light heavyweight champion and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 0f 2012.
Fans and Fighters share disappointment over lackluster UFC 300 poster design
Harry Kettle - March 21, 2024
A parade of fans and fighters have given their thoughts on the questionable UFC 300 poster design after its recent reveal. As we know, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is gearing up for their blockbuster UFC 300 event next month. It is set to showcase some of the very best stars that the company has to offer. After all, there are stacked fights from top to bottom. With that being said, some have also suggested that the card could’ve been even better.
Heavyweight phenom Robelis Despaigne books quick turnaround for UFC St. Louis
Harry Kettle - March 21, 2024
UFC heavyweight prospect Robelis Despaigne is set to make a quick turnaround and return to the Octagon in May. Over the course of the last few weeks, Robelis Despaigne has been one of the hottest topics in the heavyweight division. Upon being signed, fans couldn’t help but marvel at the 35-year-old Olympic bronze medalist. The taekwondo star with a 4-0 record, having knocked out his three previous opponents in a combined 19 seconds.
Muhammad Mokaev reacts after Steve Erceg books title shot against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301: “I have more finishes in the UFC than he has fights”
Harry Kettle - March 21, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev has given his thoughts on Steve Erceg receiving a UFC flyweight title shot ahead of him. Ever since entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Muhammad Mokaev has made it clear that he plans on becoming world champion. Alas, while he dazzled on his debut, some have questioned his ability to consistently finish his opponents at 125 pounds.
Official: Tetsuka vs. Da Silva, Smith vs. Puric added to ONE Fight Night 21
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 21, 2024
Anticipation for ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video this April 5 continues to mount, and two intriguing matchups have been added to its lineup. This U.S. primetime event takes place at the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. There, two World Titles contests on the marquee.