MMA News
Michael Bisping calls for changes in refereeing following Roman Dolidze vs. Nassourdine Imavov fight: “For the fans' sake”
Harry Kettle - February 6, 2024
MMA analyst Michael Bisping has given his thoughts on the state of refereeing following the Roman Dolidze vs Nassourdine Imavov fight. Last weekend, Nassourdine Imavov had his hand raised as he defeated Roman Dolidze in their middleweight main event. While many saw it as a clean and decisive win for Imavov, others couldn’t help but comment on how strange the contest was.
Rampage Jackson announces plans to have boxing matches with two former UFC rivals: “Age ain’t nothing but a number”
Harry Kettle - February 6, 2024
Former UFC star Rampage Jackson has laid out his boxing plans following his upcoming showdown with Shannon Briggs. For years now, we haven’t seen Rampage Jackson compete in regular, active competition. However, starting on June 1, that looks set to change. The veteran is set to square off against Shannon Briggs in a grudge match that’s been building for a long time.
Dustin Poirier shares surprising prediction for BMF title fight between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - February 6, 2024
UFC star Dustin Poirier has given his thoughts on the upcoming showdown between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. At UFC 300, the BMF title will be on the line when Justin Gaethje defends against Max Holloway. These two men are considered to be among the most exciting fighters in MMA today, which should make for an almighty collision.
Nong-O Hama squares off against Vladimir Kuzmin at ONE 166: Qatar
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 6, 2024
As the countdown begins for ONE Championship’s historic event in Qatar, fans are in for a treat as a legendary name joins the stellar lineup. Former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama is set to make his return to action against Vladimir Kuzmin at ONE 166: Qatar. The spectacle broadcasts live on pay-per-view from Lusail Sports Arena on March 1.
Colby Covington says he's "the best welterweight on Earth" despite UFC 296 loss to Leon Edwards
Cole Shelton - February 5, 2024
Colby Covington says he remains the best welterweight in the world, despite losing to Leon Edwards for the UFC’s welterweight title back at UFC 296. Covington suffered a lackluster decision loss to Edwards in a fight he broke his foot in the first round. Although ‘Chaos’ lost the fight, he remains confident he will work his way back to an undisputed title shot as Covington still considers himself the best welterweight on the planet.
Ilia Topuria tells Max Holloway, Yair Rodriguez, and Brian Ortega to retire because he will "never give them" a title shot
Cole Shelton - February 5, 2024
Ilia Topuria has some advice for some of the top-ranked featherweights. Topuria is set to headline UFC 298 on February 17 as he takes on Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title. It’s a highly-anticipated matchup and in the lead-up to the fight, the Georgian is a slight underdog as he’s -105 to defeat the Aussie. Yet, Topuria has full confidence he will beat Volkanovski with ease.
Francis Ngannou sends Anthony Joshua chilling threat ahead of boxing match: "Taking his soul"
Josh Evanoff - February 5, 2024
PFL heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou is out to take Anthony Joshua’s soul in their boxing match next month. ‘The Predator’ recently signed a deal to return opposite ‘AJ’ in Saudi Arabia on March 8th in Saudi Arabia. For those who remember, Anthony Joshua was initially expected to face Deontay Wilder on that date. However, due to ‘The Bronze Bomber’ being upset by Joseph Parker in December, he was replaced by Francis Ngannou.
Ilia Topuria dismisses future fight with 'beginner' Paddy Pimblett: "His last fight was embarrassing"
Josh Evanoff - February 5, 2024
UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria isn’t interested in facing Paddy Pimblett in a cage. ‘El Matador’ is currently slated for the biggest fight of his life later this month at UFC 298. Fresh off a dominant win over Josh Emmett last summer, Ilia Topuria will attempt to win featherweight gold. On pay-per-view, he will face the dominant Alexander Volkanovski, back for the first time since a knockout loss to Islam Makhachev last October.
Josh Barnett to make first combat sports appearance since 2022 in grappling match against KSW's Phil De Fries
Josh Evanoff - February 5, 2024
Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett is set to return to action against KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries. ‘The Warmaster’ hasn’t competed in years, but that’s largely thanks to an incredibly busy schedule. Over the last few years, Josh Barnett’s professional wrestling career has taken off. While he’s been active in the ring for a long time now, he’s now one of the key faces of the GCW promotion. Furthermore, he continues to be active as a commentator as well, while also appearing on AEW television.
Dustin Poirier admits he expected to be offered a "legacy" type of fight next, not Benoit Saint-Denis
Cole Shelton - February 5, 2024
Dustin Poirier admits he was surprised when he got offered to fight Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. After Poirier was knocked out by Justin Gaethje in a fight for the promotion’s BMF belt, ‘The Diamond’ wasn’t sure what would be next for him. He said he needed a fight that would get him out of bed in the morning, and he thought Rafael dos Anjos or another former champion made sense.
Ian Machado Garry vows to make Geoff Neal “quit” at UFC 298: “He’ll choose when he’s done”
Susan Cox - February 5, 2024
Ian Machado Garry is vowing to make Geoff Neal ‘quit’ at UFC 298. UFC 298 takes place on Saturday, February 17th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano seemingly agree to fight following UFC Vegas 85: "I could smoke u"
Cole Shelton - February 5, 2024
Paddy Pimblett and Renato Moicano have agreed to fight one another following Saturday’s UFC Vegas 85 main event. Moicano picked up a decision win over Drew Dober in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 85 on Saturday to extend his win streak to two. Following his win, the Brazilian took to social media to claim that Dober should fight Pimblett next as he thinks it would be a good test for both of them.
Daniel Cormier reacts to rumors that the UFC may introduce a 165lbs division: “If you do 165, it has to be Conor”
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on a potential 165-pound division in the promotion. For the longest time now, there has been discussion surrounding a potential 165-pound division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It seems to stem from the gap that exists between 155 and 170, aka lightweight and welterweight. There is a popular opinion out there from some fans and media members that we should see 155, 165, 175 and 185 take over as the new weight classes in the UFC.
Ilia Topuria shares bold first-round prediction for UFC 298 title fight with Alexander Volkanovski
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2024
Ilia Topuria has provided an official prediction for his upcoming title showdown with Alexander Volkanovski. At UFC 298, Ilia Topuria faces the biggest test of his career thus far. He will challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight championship in what serves as his first crack at the gold. While Volkanovski is seen by many as the favorite, others are of the opinion that Topuria is the most well-rounded contender he’s ever faced.
Diana Belbita provides injury update following nasty armbar at UFC Vegas 85: “No broken bone”
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2024
UFC fighter Diana Belbita has provided an update on her health following a brutal defeat at UFC Vegas 85. On Saturday night, Diana Belbita stepped into the cage for a showdown with Molly McCann. While many saw her as an underdog, her fans were still hoping to see her put up a good fight.
Photos | Robert Whittaker appears to be in phenomenal shape for his fight with Paulo Costa at UFC 298
Harry Kettle - February 5, 2024
UFC star Robert Whittaker looks to be in incredible shape ahead of his showdown with Paulo Costa later this month. At UFC 298, Robert Whittaker will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon. He’ll do so against Paulo Costa, in a contest that has been in the making for quite some time.
Bellator champion Cris Cyborg tired of waiting for another fight, says Larissa Pacheco bout could be slipping away in 2024
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 4, 2024
Cris Cyborg is looking for a fight, but she does not plan on waiting around. When the PFL announced its acquisition of Bellator MMA, it turned many heads within the MMA world. Most Bellator champions appeared to be on board with PFL founder Donn Davis and his vision. In fact, many of them were in attendance for the PFL 2023 championship event. There was one titleholder who wasn’t ready to dive in headfirst, however, and that was Cris Cyborg.
Molly McCann dug down deep to snap losing skid at UFC Vegas 85: "I couldn’t have done any better"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 4, 2024
Molly McCann feels a huge weight has been lifted off her shoulders. Riding high off a three-fight winning streak, “Meatball” would soon find herself on the wrong end of back-to-back first-round submissions. Her streak ended at the hands of Erin Blanchfield back in November 2022, and then she was submitted by Julija Stoliarenko in her home country. It certainly felt like McCann’s back was against the wall going into UFC Vegas 85, but she showed up and showed out with a first-round armbar finish against Diana Belbiţă.