MMA News
Pro fighters make their picks for Rose Namajunas vs. Amanda Ribas
Cole Shelton - March 20, 2024
In the main event of UFC Vegas 89, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas takes on Amanda Ribas at flyweight. Heading into the fight, Namajunas is a -235 favorite while the Brazilian is a +180 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the main event. The pros believe Namajunas will be too much for Ribas on the feet and get the victory to return to the win column.
Tyson Fury insists Deontay Wilder is “by far” a bigger puncher than Francis Ngannou: “By a mile”
Susan Cox - March 20, 2024
Tyson Fury is insisting that Deontay Wilder is ‘by far’ a bigger puncher when compared to Francis Ngannou. Fury and Ngannou headlined a boxing event billed as the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last October. In what was Ngannou’s boxing debut, it would ultimately be Fury who would emerge the victor by split decision.
Islam Makhachev pins blame on Alex Volkanovski's team for knockout loss to Ilia Topuria
Susan Cox - March 20, 2024
Islam Makhachev is pinning the blame on Alex Volkanovski’s team for the Aussie’s knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. It was last October at UFC 294 that saw Alexander Volkanovski (26-4 MMA) get knocked out by lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA).
Ian Machado Garry’s wife Layla responds to controversial comments from former UFC champion Sean Strickland
Susan Cox - March 20, 2024
Ian Machado Garry’s wife Layla is responding to some controversial comments made by former UFC champion Sean Strickland. The undefeated Garry (14-0 MMA) most recently triumphed over Geoff Neal (15-6 MMA) by split decision this past February at UFC 298. Since signing on with the UFC, ‘The Future’ has won all seven fights in the Octagon.
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.
Joshua Pacio eager to settle ‘unfinished business’ with Jarred Brooks
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 20, 2024
For Joshua Pacio, the desire to finish his beef with Jarred Brooks burns deeply. Their paths crossed once more at ONE 166: Qatar earlier this month, reigniting a rivalry that has captivated fans worldwide. However, what transpired left both fighters and spectators with the bitter taste of controversy.
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.
Jonathan Martinez vows to spoil Jose Aldo's Brazil return at UFC 301: "It doesn't faze me"
Josh Evanoff - March 19, 2024
UFC bantamweight contender Jonathan Martinez is ready to spoil Jose Aldo’s return. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the former UFC featherweight champion was ending his retirement. Jose Aldo famously retired after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022, feeling that his title hopes were over for good. However, just two years later, the Brazilian is set to return against Jonathan Martinez in May.
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 Strickland advises “piece of sh*t” Jon Jones to “sack up” and fight Tom Aspinall
Susan Cox - March 19, 2024
Sean Strickland is advising ‘piece of sh*t’ Jon Jones to ‘sack up’ and fight Tom Aspinall. The former middleweight champion was asked about current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones’ (27-1 MMA) recent interaction with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (14-3 MMA).
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.