MMA News
Kade Ruotolo vs. Francisco Lo official for ONE Fight Night 21
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 18, 2024
As the anticipation for ONE Fight Night 21 on Prime Video this April 5 continues to build, Kade Ruotolo joins the fanfare. The reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion competes in a 180-pound catchweight contest against Francisco Lo. This bout takes place live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paddy Pimblett targets UFC fight against Renato Moicano amid social media beef: "You owe me money, lad"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Paddy Pimblett has something to say to Renato Moicano. Paddy “The Baddy” has had some back and forth exchanges with “Money” Moicano on social media. The Brazilian bruiser has gained some new fans with his hilarious personality, but Pimblett isn’t laughing. Back in January, Moicano poked fun at Pimblett’s weight gains after each fight. Moicano had the following to say on his YouTube channel:
UFC fighter Ian Machado Garry unloads on Colby Covington, Challenges Him To WWE Style "I Quit" Match
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Ian Machado Garry has gone full WWE mode on Colby Covington. Garry and Covington have been going at one another with personal digs. Covington has gone as far as to call Garry a “c*ck.” More recently, Covington made a video where he called “The Future’s” wife a “gold digging w*ore.”
Nate Diaz stands with Conor McGregor amid UFC inactivity: "This was me for years before Conor even got here"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Nate Diaz has posted a message on social media in support of Conor McGregor. McGregor hasn’t been inside the Octagon since suffering a broken leg during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier back in July 2021. McGregor has expressed frustration due to the fact that a fight hasn’t been booked for his return. UFC CEO Dana White has said that Conor McGregor’s next fight is up to how “Mystic Mac” is feeling about wanting to step back inside the Octagon when he’s made a substantial amount of money throughout his career and outside of fighting.
Marcin Tybura thinks Tai Tuivasa has earned another UFC fight: "He deserves one more shot"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Marcin Tybura is all class following his technical submission victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Vegas 88. Tybura choked out Tuivasa in the first round, handing “Bam Bam” his fourth loss in a row. While Tuivasa has become a fan favorite over the years, many believe he could be in danger of losing his spot on the UFC roster.
Marvin Vettori sends harsh warning to Brendan Allen after being removed from UFC Fight Night headliner
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Marvin Vettori has a message for Brendan Allen after being forced off their planned UFC Vegas 90 main event. Vettori suffered an injury, and it’s something he called a “freak accident.” Vettori ended up being replaced by Chris Curtis. While the one-time UFC middleweight title challenger won’t be facing Brendan Allen on April 6, he says he wants the fight once he’s healthy enough to return to the Octagon.
Tom Aspinall reacts to Jon Jones removing hand from his shoulder during tense run-in: "I wasn't there to be disrespectful"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2024
Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall recently had a tense moment, and the interim UFC heavyweight champion has now responded to the brief encounter. Jones and Aspinall were able to have a brief conversation during the Arnold’s Sports Festival UK in Birmingham, England. Aspinall put his hand on “Bones'” shoulder, but Jones calmly took his hand off of him. The two did have a cordial conversation about a potential fight, but Jones turned down a face-to-face photo with Tom. Instead, he opted for a regular side-by-side picture with Aspinall.
Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg official for UFC 301 in Brazil
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2024
UFC flyweight Alexandre Pantoja will defend the gold at home against the rising Steve Erceg in May. ‘The Cannibal’ is in a bit of a weird spot. As Alexandre Pantoja has pointed out on several occasions, he’s already defeated most top contenders at 125 pounds. As of now, the flyweight champion has scored victories over Brandon Moreno three times, Brandon Royval twice, and wins over the likes of Manel Kape and Alex Perez.
Daniel Cormier doesn't hold back on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson: "It absolutely sucks"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier isn’t happy with Mike Tyson’s boxing return against Jake Paul. Earlier this month, ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Problem Child’ announced plans to compete in a boxing match this summer. The two stars will compete in a Netflix-produced event, in what will likely be Mike Tyson’s first real boxing match since 2005. However, depending on what the Texas State Athletic Commission says, the bout with Jake Paul may go down as an exhibition.
Chris Curtis replaces Marvin Vettori, set to rematch Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 90
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2024
Chris Curtis will be stepping up on short notice to rematch Brendan Allen in the main event of UFC Vegas 90. It was revealed on Thursday that Marvin Vettori was out of his main event fight against Allen. After the news broke, Allen took to Instagram to call out several middleweights ranked ahead of him like Jared Cannonier and Robert Whittaker.
Bo Nickal mocks fans upset about his UFC 300 main card spot: "I like that it makes people mad"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2024
Middleweight prospect Bo Nickal doesn’t care what you think about his UFC 300 spot. The former Penn State wrestler has gotten a heavy push since joining the UFC in late 2022. Last year, Bo Nickal fought twice in the octagon, with both fights coming on pay-per-view main cards. For what it’s worth, he defeated both Jamie Pickett and newcomer Val Woodburn inside of one round.
Mark Coleman issues first statement since being hospitalized
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer and inaugural heavyweight champion Mark Coleman has issued his first statement since being hospitalized. Coleman was airlifted to a hospital after saving his parents from a house fire. According to local news stations, Coleman went in to save his parents and got them out. ‘The Hammer’ later went back in for the family dog who unfortunately passed away. The house is believed to be a total loss as the fire reportedly started in the kitchen, but it’s uncertain how the fire started.
Tyson Pedro quickly ends his retirement, set to become a pro boxer
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2024
Tyson Pedro has already ended his combat sports retirement. Following his decision loss to Vitor Petrino at UFC Vegas 87 on March 2, Pedro announced his retirement from combat sports. Pedro claimed he no longer had a passion for the sport, and he said the expenses to train and travel for the fights started to take a toll on him.
UFC Vegas 88: 'Tuivasa vs. Tybura' Weigh-In Results - Three Fighters Miss Weight
Susan Cox - March 15, 2024
The Fighter weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 88 took place today, Friday March 15th. UFC Vegas 88 takes place tomorrow, Saturday March 16th at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Marlon Vera’s coach believes Sean O’Malley rivalry will continue after UFC 299: “No clock? Chito goes to jail for murder!”
Susan Cox - March 15, 2024
Marlon Vera’s coach believes their rivalry with bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley will continue after UFC 299. Jason Parillo is a world renowned head coach at the RVCA Sport Training Centre, in Costa Mesa, California. A former professional boxer himself, Parillo went on to coach big name MMA fighters including the likes of BJ Penn, Michael Bisping, Cris Cyborg, Rafael Dos Anjos, Tito Ortiz and of course Marlon Vera.
Islam Makhachev explains why Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300 is a “useless fight”
Susan Cox - March 15, 2024
Islam Makhachev is explaining why Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300 is a ‘useless fight’. The historic UFC 300 takes place on Saturday, April 13th at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Islam Makhachev explains why he accepted Dustin Poirier fight despite ‘The Diamond’ being undeserving
Harry Kettle - March 15, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has explained why he’s open to defending his belt against Dustin Poirier. Last weekend at UFC 299, Dustin Poirier scored a beautiful knockout win over Benoit Saint-Denis. The veteran overcame some early adversity and got it done in the second round, cementing himself as a real contender at 155 pounds once again.
Benoit Saint-Denis vows to earn revenge against “Louisiana guy” Dustin Poirier: “I fought completely dehydrated”
Harry Kettle - March 15, 2024
UFC fighter Benoit Saint-Denis is out for revenge following his knockout defeat to Dustin Poirier last weekend. For years, Benoit Saint-Denis had been building his name up as a real threat in the UFC’s lightweight division. Last Saturday at UFC 299, however, he failed in his attempt to earn the biggest win of his career. Despite a promising start, he ultimately fell short in his battle with veteran Dustin Poirier.