MMA News
Sean O’Malley admits he is just a “causal fan” when it comes to UFC: “I didn’t watch one fight on the card last week”
Harry Kettle - March 6, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has revealed that he sees himself as more of a casual fan of the promotion. This weekend, the masses will be tuning in to see Sean O’Malley defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Marlon Vera. Between his personality outside of the cage and his fun style in it, ‘Suga’ has turned himself into a real superstar in recent years.
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.
Kevin Holland thinks Michael Page is just focused on getting "paid" ahead of UFC debut
Cole Shelton - March 5, 2024
Kevin Holland thinks Michael Page only cares about getting paid ahead of his UFC debut. Page signed with the UFC last year and it was announced he would be making his debut at UFC 299 against Kevin Holland. It was a bit of a surprise that ‘MVP’ had signed with the UFC as he is about to turn 37 next month. Yet, Holland thinks Page finally signed with the UFC because he knows his career is coming to an end and he wanted to get paid as much as possible.
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.
Dricus Du Plessis details why he rejected Israel Adesanya fight offer for UFC 300
Susan Cox - March 5, 2024
Dricus Du Plessis is detailing why he rejected the offer to fight Israel Adesanya at April’s historic UFC 300 event. UFC 300 takes place of Saturday, April 13th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
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.
UFC 299: ‘O’Malley vs. Vera 2’ Fight Card and Start Times
Susan Cox - March 5, 2024
The countdown is on for UFC 299: ‘O’Malley vs. Vera 2’ which takes place this coming Saturday, March 9th at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The Early Prelims will kickoff this Saturday at 6pm ET / 3pm PT in the United States on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. The Prelims will air at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on ESPN, ESPN News and ESPN+. The Main Card will air exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. at 10pm ET / 7pm PT.
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).
Alexander Volkanovski voices support for fellow former champ Petr Yan ahead of UFC 299: “This will put him right back up there”
Harry Kettle - March 5, 2024
Alexander Volkanovski has voiced his support for Petr Yan ahead of his return to action at UFC 299. This Saturday night, Petr Yan makes his long-awaited return to action. The Russian sensation hasn’t been seen since last March, when he was handily beaten by Merab Dvalishvili in a decision loss. This time around, he’ll be battling Song Yadong, in an attempt to break a run of four losses in his last five fights with an impressive return to form.
Chatri Sityodtong claims ONE heavyweight champion Anatoly Malykhin would “smash” Francis Ngannou in MMA: “The greatest Heavyweight on the planet”
Harry Kettle - March 5, 2024
ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong believes Anatoly Malykhin would defeated Francis Ngannou in an MMA fight. Last weekend, Anatoly Malykhin made history. He finished Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166, earning himself a third world title in the promotion. In the eyes of many, Malykhin is easily one of the best heavyweights on the planet.
Gilbert Burns walks back on comments about Belal Muhammad not deserving a UFC title shot: “I don’t like the guy very much”
Harry Kettle - March 5, 2024
Gilbert Burns has gone back on his remarks about Belal Muhammad not deserving a UFC title shot. For the longest time now, Gilbert Burns has been a big fan favorite in the UFC. He may not always be the most successful, but he’s certainly one of the most entertaining fighters in the welterweight division. This weekend at UFC 299, he’ll attempt to make a real statement when he locks horns with Jack Della Maddalena.