MMA News
Cris Cyborg takes shot at PFL over slow-moving negotiations: "Starting to understand why Kayla tried to leave"
Josh Evanoff - January 30, 2024
Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg appears to be unhappy with the PFL. It’s been a weird month or so for the legendary Brazilian. At the start of the month, Cris Cyborg was eyeing a potential bout with longtime rival Kayla Harrison for later this year. In the meantime, she booked a boxing match against Kelsey Wickstrum, the third of her career.
Joe Rogan pushes back on UFC antitrust lawsuit: "It seems to be connected politically"
Josh Evanoff - January 30, 2024
UFC commentator Joe Rogan has commented on the company’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit. On April 13th, the UFC will hold its milestone 300th pay-per-view event. The card features incredible matchups, including Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, and Kayla Harrison’s bantamweight debut. Two days later, they will head to court in Nevada.
Dana White reacts to Sean Strickland’s controversial comments at UFC 297: “I don't agree with 95% of what this guy says”
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White has given his thoughts on Sean Strickland’s controversial remarks during UFC 297 fight week. At UFC 297, Sean Strickland fell short in his attempt to successfully defend the UFC middleweight championship. He was beaten by Dricus du Plessis in what served as an electric back-and-forth affair in the main event.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 151 with Renato Moicano
Cole Shelton - January 30, 2024
The 151st episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 85 this Saturday. We’re joined by 13th-ranked UFC lightweight Renato Moicano (0:45), as the only guest for this week.
BJJ ace Gordon Ryan issues cautionary warning on steroid abuse: “I’m malnourished and dying”
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2024
Brazilian jiu-jitsu great Gordon Ryan has spoken candidly about his current health condition. For the longest time now, Gordon Ryan has been one of the biggest stars in the jiu-jitsu game. Between his incredible work on the mats to his general persona, he’s certainly a recognizable name in the world of martial arts.
Dana White says ‘journeyman’ Jim Miller has made millions of dollars in UFC
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White has suggested that Jim Miller has earned millions of dollars during his time with the promotion. Earlier this month, Jim Miller defeated Gabriel Benítez via submission, marking his fifth win in his last six fights. At the age of 40 years old, many fans can’t quite believe that Jim is still able to compete at such a high level.
Former UFC champion Carla Esparza shoots down retirement rumors: “Just trying to have an intelligent approach to my comeback”
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2024
Former UFC champion Carla Esparza has responded to rumors suggesting she has retired from mixed martial arts. Throughout the course of her career, Carla Esparza has been through many highs and lows. From winning championships to losing them and beyond, she’s been on quite the journey – especially in the UFC.
Pro fighters react after the Detroit Lions collapse against the San Francisco 49ers: “I’m f**king speechless”
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2024
A parade of pro fighters have given their thoughts on the Detroit Lions’ heartbreaking defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Last night, the Detroit Lions took on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. While the 49ers were seen as the favorites by many, the Lions were the ones who got off to a hot start. They stormed out to a 17-point lead and in the eyes of most fans, they’d be able to hold on to that lead.
Superlek open to moving up in weight: “I want new challenges in my life”
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 30, 2024
Superlek Kiatmoo9 finds himself at a crossroads contemplating the next step in his illustrious career. The Thai megastar defended his ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title against Takeru Segawa at ONE 165 over the weekend. However, it seems that the challenge has only fueled his appetite for more.
Chris Curtis calls for first UFC main event: "Let me show you something great"
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2024
UFC middleweight contender Chris Curtis believes it’s time for him to get a main event. ‘The Action Man’ has had an interesting run since signing with the UFC on short notice in late 2021. Chris Curtis famously stepped in for Deron Winn, to face Phil Hawes that November. In the first round, he scored a knockout win over ‘No Hype’, and he hasn’t looked back.
Holly Holm eyeing title shot with UFC 300 win over Kayla Harrison: "My goal is always to get to the belt"
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2024
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm wants a title shot with a win over Kayla Harrison. ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ has been out of the cage since a no-contest with Mayra Bueno Silva last July. That bout was originally a submission win for the Brazilian but was overturned after a failed drug test. For months, there was radio silence on a potential return to the octagon for Holly Holm.
Georges St-Pierre reveals he was never offered to fight at UFC 300: "That hunger is gone"
Cole Shelton - January 29, 2024
Georges St-Pierre can’t see himself fighting again, as he says his hunger to fight is no longer there. St-Pierre hasn’t fought since UFC 217 when he won the middleweight title from Michael Bisping. However, shortly after that historic victory, GSP stepped away from the game due to health reasons. Since then, many fans have wondered if the Canadian would ever return to the Octagon again.
Coach Eric Nicksick reveals how Francis Ngannou can KO Anthony Joshua: "Francis will find you"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Francis Ngannou’s MMA coach believes he knows where his fighter can catch Anthony Joshua slipping. After shocking the world, not with a win but with his performance against Tyson Fury last year, Ngannou is scheduled to fight Joshua on March 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Reports have claimed that the winner will most likely compete for undisputed gold after Fury and Oleksandr Usyk settle their February 17 showdown for all the gold.
Anthony Joshua downplays undisputed title shot if he beats Francis Ngannou: "I'm not focusing on that"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua insists he isn’t thinking about undisputed gold going into his planned fight with Francis Ngannou. When Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn and Queensberry Promotions’ Frank Warren came together to host a heavyweight themed event in Saudi Arabia in late 2023, the idea was to set the stage for a 2024 showdown between Joshua and Deontay Wilder. It wasn’t meant to be, as Wilder was defeated by Joseph Parker via unanimous decision. Joshua finished Otto Wallin with relative ease.
Bo Nickal dismisses Khamzat Chimaev as credible UFC middleweight challenger: "He has fought less 85'ers than me"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Bo Nickal thinks it’s inevitable that Khamzat Chimaev will receive a UFC title shot, but he doesn’t feel he deserves one. Chimaev had been promised a UFC Middleweight Championship opportunity with a win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Chimaev defeated the former welterweight titleholder via majority decision, and he’s been pounding the table to get his shot. Some believe Israel Adesanya is the favorite to fight Dricus Du Plessis for the gold next despite his hiatus.
Miesha Tate sees Kayla Harrison having rough time in UFC bantamweight division: "It's not the best move"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Miesha Tate couldn’t believe the news that Kayla Harrison would be cutting down to 135 pounds for her UFC debut. UFC CEO Dana White dropped a bombshell when he announced that former PFL champion Kayla Harrison will be featured on the UFC 300 card on April 13. She’ll be facing former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm at 135 pounds. When Harrison competed under the PFL banner, she was in the lightweight division.
Arnold Allen reflects on UFC 297 loss to Movsar Evloev: "Round two, I f***ed that one up"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Arnold Allen is in reflection mode following his close UFC 297 defeat against Movsar Evloev. Allen and Evloev shared the Octagon on January 20 inside Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was three hard-fought rounds of action between these two. The featherweight clash went all three rounds and Evloev was awarded the unanimous decision victory with scores of 29-28 across the board.
Sage Northcutt issues statement following withdrawal from ONE 165 fight against Shinya Aoki
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2024
Sage Northcutt has spoken out after being pulled from a ONE Championship card. Northcutt had been scheduled to meet Shinya Aoki at ONE 165 on January 28. That plan went awry at the last minute, as the former UFC star ended up bowing out of the matchup. He was replaced by John Lineker, who was submitted by Aoki in the first round.