MMA News
Ilia Topuria's coach advises Alexander Volkanovski to take a tuneup fight before rematching ‘El Matador’
Harry Kettle - March 6, 2024
Ilia Topuria’s coach Jorge Climent has given his thoughts on Alexander Volkanovski getting a rematch for the title. Just a few weeks ago, Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become the new UFC featherweight champion. In doing so, he brought an end to the Australian’s incredible reign as the king at 145 pounds.
Merab Dvalishvili booked as the official backup fighter for Saturday’s UFC 299 event
Harry Kettle - March 6, 2024
UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili is officially stepping up as the backup fighter for Saturday’s UFC 299 event. Just a matter of weeks ago, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Henry Cejudo. In doing so, he set himself up nicely for a future shot at the UFC bantamweight championship. As we know, two men will be competing for that belt this weekend. Sean O’Malley will be defending the strap against Marlon Vera in the main event of the utterly incredible UFC 299 showcase.
Cory Sandhagen responds after being called out by Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Vegas 87
Harry Kettle - March 6, 2024
UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen has revealed that he’s open to a showdown with Umar Nurmagomedov. Last summer, Cory Sandhagen and Umar Nurmagomedov were set to meet in the Octagon. However, due to injury, Umar was forced to withdraw, with Rob Font taking his place. Sanhdagen was able to extend his win streak to three, whereas Nurmagomedov returned this past weekend. He was able to defeat Bekzat Almakhan, stretching his unbeaten record to 17-0 in the process.
American Muay Thai legend Janet Todd aims for storybook farewell: “I want to end my career at the top”
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 6, 2024
Janet Todd embarks on the final chapter of her illustrious career. The curtain is set to fall, but not before she steps into the ring for a historic showdown against Phetjeeja in a ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Title unification.
Cristina Morales aims to inspire in world title pursuit: "If you do it, it will come true"
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 6, 2024
A historic clash will unfold at ONE Fight Night 20 on Prime Video this Friday, March 8, when Cristina Morales faces Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The encounter promises to be an epic battle for Rodrigues’ ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title. However, Morales believes it carries a more profound message that extends beyond the realm of sports.
AJ McKee says he was "always keen on" re-signing with Bellator, open to returning to featherweight for Patricio Pitbull trilogy
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
AJ McKee always knew he was going to re-sign with Bellator. McKee is the former Bellator featherweight champion and was recently a free agent but opted to re-sign with the promotion. McKee says he is a loyal person and wanted to continue to be the face of Bellator going forward.
Kyler Phillips expects to be "too fast" for Pedro Munhoz at UFC 299
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
Kyler Phillips believes his speed and striking will be too much for Pedro Munhoz to handle at UFC 299. Phillips is coming off a decision win over Raoni Barcelos back in August and after the victory, he figured a ranked opponent would be next. Phillips is on a two-fight winning streak and is 5-1 in the UFC, so he’s eager to face someone like Munhoz who has fought some of the who’s who of the bantamweight division.
Sean Strickland admits he’s “a little” mentally unstable: “I'll wake up some days wanting to strangle a puppy”
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland admits he is a little mentally unstable. Strickland has never been afraid to say what is on his mind and he often gets close or does cross the line with what he says. He has said a lot of that is due to how he was raised, explaining the situation on Theo Von’s podcast speaking about his childhood.
Islam Makhachev names Anatoly Malykhin as “most dangerous guy on the planet”
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 5, 2024
Anatoly Malykhin has earned the respect and admiration of Islam Makhachev following the Russian hard-hitter’s historic milestone. The unprecedented feat unfolded in his epic rematch against Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166: Qatar last Friday, March 1.
Sean O'Malley's coach takes blame for loss to Marlon Vera at UFC 252: "That was definitely a mistake"
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
Tim Welch, the head coach of Sean O’Malley is taking the blame for ‘Suga’s’ UFC 252 loss to Marlon Vera. O’Malley’s lone career loss came by first-round TKO to Vera in a fight that ‘Suga’ hurt his ankle in the first round. O’Malley entered the fight as a sizeable betting favorite but in the scrap, he rolled his ankle several times and ended up not being able to get back to his feet.
Conor McGregor blames UFC's "lack of action" as reason for return delay: "I need a decision"
Josh Evanoff - March 5, 2024
Former two-weight UFC world champion Conor McGregor badly wants to fight in June. ‘The Notorious’ hasn’t competed since a July 2021 trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. As the story goes, Conor McGregor broke his leg in the final seconds of the first round. As a result, he lost the bout and was forced onto the sidelines for nearly three years. However, according to McGregor, he’s ready to return.
Francis Ngannou reveals the fight he wants after Anthony Joshua: "I still have those three names"
Josh Evanoff - March 5, 2024
PFL star Francis Ngannou still wants to meet Deontay Wilder in the boxing ring. ‘The Predator’ is currently slated to return to the boxing ring this Friday night, against Anthony Joshua. The bout will be Francis Ngannou’s second in the sport, previously crossing over to face Tyson Fury in October. In his debut, the former UFC champion dropped, and cut ‘The Gypsy King’ in their ten-round bout.
Khabib Nurmagomedov opens up on life after stepping back from MMA: "I like fighting more than talking"
Josh Evanoff - March 5, 2024
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is retired from fighting, but not coaching. ‘The Eagle’ is one of the more interesting figures in MMA history. Holding a 29-0 undefeated record, Khabib Nurmagomedov is the rare athlete to retire in his prime. Due to the death of his father, the Russian retired after a second-round submission win over Justin Gaethje in 2020.
Conor McGregor shows interest in December boxing match with Manny Pacquiao: "It's still there"
Josh Evanoff - March 5, 2024
Former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor is down to face Manny Pacquiao in boxing. ‘The Notorious’ is currently awaiting his return to the octagon. Conor McGregor famously broke his leg in his July 2021 trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, and he’s been on the sidelines since then. As of now, the Irishman is hoping to return to the UFC cage later this year against Michael Chandler.
Sean O'Malley reveals he will be rocking special shorts at UFC 299
Susan Cox - March 5, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has revealed that he will be rocking special shorts at UFC 299. UFC 299 takes place this weekend, on Saturday, March 9th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Conor McGregor reveals new two-fight plan which includes Nate Diaz trilogy
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
Conor McGregor is hopeful to fight two times this year, as he took to social media to reveal his new plan. McGregor has not fought since July of 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier. Since then, he has been rehabbing and is getting closer to a return. He said back in December he would return in June against Michael Chandler in a highly anticipated matchup.
Francis Ngannou’s coach guarantees ‘The Predator’ will knockout Anthony Joshua: “Lightning will strike twice”
Susan Cox - March 5, 2024
Francis Ngannou’s coach is guaranteeing ‘The Predator’ will knockout Anthony Joshua in their upcoming boxing bout. It will be Anthony Joshua (27-3, 24 KOs) battling Francis Ngannou (0-1) in a 10-round heavyweight main event bout from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this coming Friday, March 8th.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 156 with AJ McKee, Kyler Phillips, and Anthony Taylor
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
The 156th episode of Just Scrap Radio is live to preview UFC 299 and talk about the latest in combat sports. We’re first joined by former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee (1:16). Next, UFC bantamweight Kyler Phillips (13:25) comes on. Closing out the program is boxer Anthony Taylor (23:22).