MMA News
Daniel Cormier questions Francis Ngannou's underdog status against Anthony Joshua: "A guy Andy Ruiz knocked out"
Josh Evanoff - January 9, 2024
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes Francis Ngannou will shock Anthony Joshua in their March boxing match. Earlier this month, ‘The Predator’ made his return to the boxing ring official. Just a few months removed from a split-decision loss to Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou will face another high-profile boxer. This time around, he will face the red-hot Anthony Joshua, who is riding a three-fight winning streak.
Manager details why Islam Makhachev doesn't have a fight booked, gives timeframe for return
Cole Shelton - January 9, 2024
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev appears to be on the sidelines for quite some time. Makhachev defended his lightweight title for the second time with a first-round knockout over Alexander Volkanovski back in October. After the fight, many expected Makhachev to return in the first quarter of 2024 before Ramadan and he was pushing to return on March 9.
Jon Jones sounds off on Tom Aspinall following recent Twitter exchange: “That intern championship means absolutely nothing if you seriously haven’t noticed yet”
Susan Cox - January 9, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has sounded off on Tom Aspinall following their recent exchange on ‘Twitter’. Tom Aspinall (14-3 MMA) is not giving up on his claims that he should be given undisputed champion status and if the UFC won’t do that, it is he who should get the opportunity to fight Jon Jones for the heavyweight belt.
Khamzat Chimaev says he will “one hundred percent” be fighting the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis: “They should be afraid”
Susan Cox - January 9, 2024
Khamzat Chimaev says he will ‘one hundred percent’ be fighting the winner of Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis. Strickland (28-5 MMA) is set to make his first title defense against Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA) at UFC 297 which takes place on Saturday, January 20th at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jon Jones responds to latest troll job from UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall
Susan Cox - January 9, 2024
Jon Jones has responded to the latest troll job from UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Jones (27-1 MMA) is the current UFC heavyweight champion.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 149 with Jim Miller, Mario Bautista, and Marcus McGhee
Cole Shelton - January 9, 2024
The 149th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 84, which is the first event of 2024. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Jim Miller (1:33). Next, UFC bantamweight Mario Bautista (17:24) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Marcus McGhee (25:21).
Ariel Helwani confirms Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2 is in the works for 2024
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
Ariel Helwani has confirmed that Jorge Masvidal vs Nate Diaz 2 is in the works for a possible boxing match later this year. Many years ago, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz fought one another over the inaugural BMF championship. It was seen as something of a gimmick, but their main event showdown at UFC 244 in New York City pulled in a lot of fans. Due to the bout ending via doctor stoppage, many have always wanted to see a rematch. However, now that they’ve both left the UFC, it didn’t seem likely.
Demetrious Johnson reacts to rumors that Joe Rogan facilitated his trade from UFC to ONE Championship
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
Demetrious Johnson has given his thoughts on the rumors suggesting Joe Rogan helped facilitate his trade to ONE Championship. Many years ago, Demetrious Johnson was traded to ONE Championship with Ben Askren joining the UFC in return. It was a fairly unprecedented move in the world of mixed martial arts, as “trades” don’t tend to happen often in the sport. Alas, it happened the way it happened, and it seemed to work out well for everyone involved.
Liam Nolan set to make much-awaited return at ONE Fight Night 18
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2024
ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video this Friday, January 12, will play host to the highly anticipated return of British Muay Thai star Liam Nolan. “Lethal” was supposed to make his comeback against former ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Sinsamut Klinmee in a rematch last November. However, he fell ill in the days leading up to the matchup, forcing him to withdraw.
Ian Machado Garry advises Sean Strickland to “seek therapy” following his “inexcusable” comments and actions
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
UFC star Ian Machado Garry has given his thoughts on Sean Strickland’s recent personal admission as their feud continues. In recent months, it’s safe to say Ian Machado Garry has been catching a lot of heat. From gym controversies to rumors about his wife to pulling out of a fight, there are more questions than answers for the Irishman.
Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu planning to crash top-five rankings at ONE Fight Night 18
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2024
Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu is gearing up for a pivotal bout that he sees as the stepping stone to ONE Championship’s competitive bantamweight MMA rankings. In his next outing, he squares off with #4-ranked Artem Belakh at ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video, This event emanates live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, January 12.
Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo to defend belt against Tommy Langaker at ONE 165
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2024
The stage is set for a riveting rematch as Kade Ruotolo defends his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title against Tommy Langaker. This grappling duel headlines ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru and airs live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on January 28.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones provides injury update after undergoing second surgery
Jeffrey Walter - January 8, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has provided an injury update after undergoing a second surgery, this time on his elbow. Jones (27-1 MMA) captured the promotion’s vacant heavyweight world title in March of 2023, scoring a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane in the main event of the UFC 285.
REPORT | Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz boxing match targeted for February 28th
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
According to Josh Thomson, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz will meet again under boxing rules later this year. ‘Gamebred’ recently made headlines, announcing his intentions to exit retirement. Now, the announcement didn’t exactly shock too many. Since Jorge Masvidal’s retirement last April, he’s routinely teased a return. For his first bout back, he’s been heavily linked to a rematch with Nate Diaz.
Israel Adesanya opens up on decision to take UFC hiatus: "I missed the beast"
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya felt that he badly needed time off after his last fight. ‘The Last Stylebender’ has been out of the octagon since a clash with Sean Strickland last September. Fighting in Australia in the main event of UFC 293, Israel Adesanya approached the title defense as any other. The normally-active middleweight had famously re-captured the title from Alex Pereira just months prior, by knockout.
Bo Nickal opens up on 2024 plans, reveals plans to fight four times
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal is hoping to have a busy, busy year in MMA. The former NCAA champion has been out of action since a knockout win over Val Woodburn in July at UFC 290. That stoppage victory was Bo Nickal’s fifth, all of which came in the first round. The middleweight is largely viewed as MMA’s greatest prospect at the moment, and for good reason.
Francis Ngannou commits to PFL fight despite Anthony Joshua boxing match: "We're in business together"
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
Despite his boxing match against Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou is still planning on fighting in the PFL. Last week, ‘The Predator’ signed his return to the boxing ring against ‘AJ’. Just a few months removed from his split-decision loss to Tyson Fury, Francis Ngannou will look to earn his first win. For his part, Anthony Joshua enters the matchup riding a three-fight winning streak. He last defeated Otto Wallin by knockout last month, before his plans for a Deontay Wilder clash this Spring were foiled.
Francis Ngannou plans to “find out” if Anthony Joshua actually has a chin: “I've heard that he doesn't”
Susan Cox - January 8, 2024
Francis Ngannou is planning to ‘find out’ if Anthony Joshua actually has a chin. It will be Francis Ngannou going up against Anthony Joshua on Saturday, March 9th in Saudi Arabia.