MMA News

Jailton Almeida
Jailton Almeida

Alexander Volkov booked to fight Jailton Almeida at UFC 302

Harry Kettle - March 26, 2024

A new heavyweight showdown has been booked for UFC 302 as Alexander Volkov prepares to return against Jailton Almeida. Right now, the heavyweight division is looking a bit deadlocked. While Jon Jones is the champion, Tom Aspinall is the interim champion, and it appears as if the promotion is waiting for Jon to get healthy so they can book Jones vs Miocic. Beyond that, though, as Aspinall continues to sit and wait, there are plenty of other contenders rising up through the ranks.

Alexis Nicolas
ONE Championship

Alexis Nicolas shows no fear ahead of world title bout at ONE Fight Night 21: “I’m a workhorse”

BJPENN.COM Staff - March 26, 2024

Alexis Nicolas finds himself on the brink of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in his professional career. The French phenom challenges two-sport king Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship in the main event of ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event airs live from the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 5.

Ben Tynan
ONE Championship

Ben Tynan targets quick finish of Duke Didier at ONE Fight Night 21

BJPENN.COM Staff - March 26, 2024

Ben Tynan has already carved a niche for himself within the fervent fan base at ONE Championship. But come April 5, he’s poised to escalate the anticipation to new heights as the undefeated Canadian heavyweight steps into the U.S. primetime spotlight once again.

Rose Namajunas and Amanda Ribas
Rose Namajunas

What's next for Rose Namajunas and Amanda Ribas after UFC Vegas 89?

Cole Shelton - March 25, 2024

In the main event of UFC Vegas 89, flyweight contenders took center stage as Rose Namajunas battled Amanda Ribas. Namajunas entered the fight coming off a decision loss to Manon Fiorot in her flyweight debut, and before that, she lost to Carla Esparza to drop the strawweight title. Ribas, meanwhile, had most recently TKO’d Luana Pinheiro, this after suffering a TKO loss to Maycee Barber.

Stamp Fairtex
Stamp Fairtex

Stamp vs. Zamboanga, Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II booked for ONE 167 in June

BJPENN.COM Staff - March 25, 2024

Excitement is building as two World Title bouts will grace the marquee of ONE 167 on Prime Video this June 7. This U.S. primetime event airs live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, promising an evening of unforgettable martial arts action.

Chris Weidman
UFC

Chris Weidman feels like a title contender ahead of UFC Atlantic City return: "I could be the best in the world again"

Josh Evanoff - March 25, 2024

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman feels great heading into his return. The former champion has had an absolutely brutal last few years. In April 2021, Chris Weidman was slated to face Uriah Hall in a rematch of their bout on the regional scene that took place over a decade ago. Sadly for the longtime wrestler, the second outing went about as terrible as it possibly could.

Jake Paul, Mike Tyson
Jake Paul

Jake Paul downplays Mike Tyson's punching power ahead of boxing match: "I have an iron chin"

Josh Evanoff - March 25, 2024

Jake Paul really wants to taste Mike Tyson’s punching power in their boxing match this summer. Earlier this month, ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘Iron Mike’ announced plans to compete in a boxing match on July 20th. The fight will be streamed on Netflix and will be held in front of 85,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Texas. The venue normally known for housing the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, will instead hold Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson this summer.

Dana White, Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan

Dana White threatened to resign in protest when Joe Rogan's job was at stake over 2022 controversy: "I'm very loyal"

Josh Evanoff - March 25, 2024

When UFC commentator Joe Rogan was at risk of losing his job in 2022, Dana White stepped up. Around two years ago now, the longtime color commentator was in very hot water. A compilation of Joe Rogan saying slurs was making the rounds on social media, and Spotify quickly caved to public pressure. Several of the podcaster’s episodes were removed from the service for controversial content, and comments.

Maycee Barber
UFC

Maycee Barber reveals she spent nine days in the hospital following UFC 299 win: "I wasn’t sure if I was going to be okay"

Cole Shelton - March 25, 2024

Maycee Barber has revealed that she spent over a week in the hospital after her UFC 299 win over Katlyn Chookagian. Barber picked up one of the biggest wins of her career as she beat the former flyweight title challenger. It was a solid performance from Barber who won by decision, but following the event, she dealt with plenty of adversity.

Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili
Sean O'Malley

Sean O’Malley confirms he is fighting Merab Dvalishvili next: “Your wish is granted”

Susan Cox - March 25, 2024

Sean O’Malley is confirming he is fighting Merab Dvalishvili next. Reigning UFC bantamweight champion, O’Malley (18-1 MMA) is hot off a unanimous decision victory over Marlon Vera (23-9 MMA) earlier this month at UFC 299. Prior to that victory, Sean O’Malley had captured the 135lbs crown by stopping Aljamain Sterling (23-4 MMA) by TKO last August at UFC 292.

Nick Diaz
UFC

Nick Diaz hints at combat sport return: “Somebody is going to pay very soon”

Susan Cox - March 25, 2024

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Nick Diaz is hinting at a combat sports return. Diaz (26-10 MMA) has not fought since September of 2021 when he went up against Robbie Lawler (30-16 MMA) at UFC 266. The result was a TKO loss for Diaz.

Dustin Poirier Benoit Saint-Denis UFC 299
Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier reacts after Benoit Saint-Denis blames staph infection for his UFC 299 performance: “You don’t say that when you lose”

Susan Cox - March 25, 2024

Dustin Poirier is reacting after Benoit Saint-Denis blames staph infection for his UFC 299 performance. UFC 299 took place on Saturday, March 9th and the co-main event featured Dustin Poirier (30-8 MMA) going up against Benoit Saint-Denis (13-2 MMA) in a lightweight bout. The result was a KO victory for ‘The Diamond’.

Cris Cyborg
Professional Fighters League (PFL)

Cris Cyborg refutes Donn Davis’ claim that their business relationship is totally fine: “I want a meeting in person”

Harry Kettle - March 25, 2024

MMA legend Cris Cyborg has refuted the idea that her relationship with PFL boss Donn Davis is in a positive place. For years now, Cris Cyborg has been known as one of the biggest female stars in the history of mixed martial arts. Her resume speaks for itself, and now, she’s also kickstarted a venture into the world of boxing.

Jan Blachowicz
UFC

Former UFC champion Jan Blachowicz announces second shoulder surgery: “It is what it is”

Harry Kettle - March 25, 2024

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz has announced that he will have a second surgery on his shoulder. At the age of 41, Jan Blachowicz is still seen as a contender in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. He’s lost just two of his last nine outings, with his most recent appearance being a tight split decision defeat to Alex Pereira. Following that bout, he was set for a rematch against Aleksandar Rakic, but he was forced to pull out as he required shoulder surgery.

Payton Talbott, UFC Vegas 89, Bonus, UFC
UFC

Payton Talbott expresses interest in fighting Dominick Cruz following UFC Vegas 89

Harry Kettle - March 25, 2024

UFC bantamweight Payton Talbott has expressed an interest in taking on Dominick Cruz in his next fight. Last weekend, Payton Talbott really announced himself to the rest of the bantamweight division. He went head to head with Cameron Saaiman and, in more ways than one, he outclassed him. It was a really strong performance from the unbeaten sensation and now, he’s ready to try and make a splash in the top 15.

Valmir Da Silva
ONE Championship

Valmir Da Silva in search of statement win at ONE Fight Night 21

BJPENN.COM Staff - March 24, 2024

Valmir Da Silva hopes to finally get his rhythm when he returns to action at ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video this April 5. The Brazilian hard-hitter locks horns with Hiroyuki Tetsuka in a welterweight MMA bout. This bout takes place live in U.S. from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Andre Lima
UFC

Andre Lima reveals initial reaction to being bitten by Igor Severino at UFC Vegas 89: "I really thought that the fence had gotten into me"

Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 24, 2024

Andre Lima has revealed what he was thinking when Igor Severino bit him during their UFC Vegas 89 fight. Lima vs. Severino was a battle of two unbeaten prospects who were looking to take a step forward in their pro MMA careers. No one could’ve expected the outcome of the fight, as Severino went full 90s Mike Tyson and took a chunk out of his opponent’s skin after biting him. As a result, Igor was disqualified in round two, and UFC CEO Dana White fired Severino due to his actions during the fight.

Laura Sanko
Laura Sanko

Laura Sanko responds to Jamie Varner's UFC commentary criticism with class: "You and I actually fought on the same card in 2011"

Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 24, 2024

UFC color commentator Laura Sanko has responded to harsh criticism from Jamie Varner. Varner received quite a bit of unwanted attention when he chimed in on his X account during the UFC Vegas 89 broadcast, which saw Sanko at the desk with Brendan Fitzgerald and Paul Felder. The former UFC fighter slammed Sanko, calling her a “try hard” who didn’t know what she was talking about. He also dismissed Sanko’s credentials as an MMA fighter, and suggested that former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm take her place at the desk.