MMA News
Ben Askren would "absolutely" face Jorge Masvidal in UFC 300 rematch: "I'll fight him!"
Josh Evanoff - January 3, 2024
Former UFC welterweight contender Ben Askren is willing to run it back against Jorge Masvidal. ‘Gamebred’ made headlines earlier this week, officially announcing that he was out of retirement. Now, the announcement from Jorge Masvidal wasn’t exactly shocking. In recent months, the former UFC title challenger has teased that he will be returning in 2024.
Cris Cyborg alleges Kayla Harrison turned down long-awaited PFL fight: "We accepted the bout"
Josh Evanoff - January 3, 2024
Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg reportedly won’t be fighting Kayla Harrison in the PFL. Late last year, the Scott Coker-led MMA promotion was bought out by the PFL. As a result, Donn Davis and company quickly began to plan several big matchups. One of those matchups, is multiple-time tournament winner Kayla Harrison, against the legendary Cris Cyborg.
Bryce Mitchell voices frustration with how medical staff handled him in the Octagon after KO loss to Josh Emmett
Cole Shelton - January 3, 2024
Bryce Mitchell isn’t happy with how he was handled after he was knocked out by Josh Emmett at UFC 296. Mitchell stepped up on less than 10 days’ notice to face Emmett in a pivotal fight for the featherweight division. Although Mitchell was stepping up on short notice, he was the betting favorite to defeat the heavy-handed KO artist.
Ben Askren claims Robert Whittaker had a serious ankle injury going into Dricus Du Plessis fight
Cole Shelton - January 3, 2024
Ben Askren has an idea why Robert Whittaker struggled against Dricus Du Plessis in July. Whittaker and Du Plessis were fighting at UFC 290 in July in a potential number-one contender fight at middleweight. The Aussie entered the fight as the betting favorite, but it was Du Plessis who pulled off the upset as he scored a second-round TKO for the biggest win of his career.
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland opens up on horrific childhood abuse
Susan Cox - January 3, 2024
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is opening up about the horrific abuse he suffered as a child. Strickland’ sat down with Theo Von on ‘This Past Weekend’ and the video of the podcast has been released. An emotional ‘Tarzan’ opened up about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
Marvin Vettori set to take on streaking UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen this April
Susan Cox - January 3, 2024
Marvin Vettori is set to take on streaking UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen this coming April. ‘The Italian Dream’ (19-7 MMA) last fought and lost to Jared Cannonier (17-6 MMA) by unanimous decision in June of 2023. With that loss Vettori is 3-3 in his last 6 fights in the Octagon. Vettori, 30, most recent unanimous decision victories have come against Roman Dolidze (12-2 MMA), Paulo Costa (14-2 MMA) and Kevin Holland (25-10 MMA).
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev shares photos of recent health scare: “I was very sick”
Susan Cox - January 3, 2024
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has shared photos of his most recent health scare. Chimaev (13-0 MMA) recently fought and defeated Kamaru Usman (20-4 MMA) by majority decision in October of last year at UFC 284.
Reinier de Ridder to defend middleweight title in rematch with Anatoly Malykhin
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 3, 2024
Fight fans around the world will be treated to an epic rematch when Anatoly Malykhin runs it back with Reinier de Ridder. The rematch will headline ONE 166: Qatar, airing live from the Lusail Sports Arena on March 1. This time around, De Ridder’s ONE Middleweight MMA World Title will be on the line.
Derek Brunson reveals he earned his “biggest payday ever” in PFL debut: “It’s a lot more than the UFC”
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2024
PFL star Derek Brunson has revealed that he earned a pretty nice payday in his debut for the promotion. For so many years, Derek Brunson was a consistent fixture in the UFC’s middleweight division. He never fought for the title, but he did compete against some of the biggest and best names at 185 pounds.
Sean O’Malley reacts to Aljamain Sterling’s loss at Fury Pro Grappling 8: “If you butt scoot, you're a fruit loop”
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Aljamain Sterling’s recent grappling defeat. Ever since losing his bantamweight title to Sean O’Malley, Aljamain Sterling has been preparing for a return to the Octagon. He’s been doing so in plenty of ways, which includes taking part in grappling contests.
Dustin Poirier refutes rumors of possible Nate Diaz fight at UFC 300: “It ain’t happening”
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2024
UFC star Dustin Poirier has dismissed the idea that he will be battling Nate Diaz at UFC 300. It’s safe to say that Dustin Poirier is one of the most notable names in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. From his incredible longevity to his trilogy with Conor McGregor, he’s had a lot of highlight-reel moments over the years.
Seksan Or Kwanmuang accepts challenge from Liam Harrison: ‘I’ll meet you at 140 pounds’
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 3, 2024
The Muay Thai world is buzzing with excitement as Seksan Or Kwanmuang has officially responded to Liam Harrison‘s bold challenge. The English striker took to X, formerly known as Twitter, declaring his desire to face Seksan in what could potentially be the final bout of his storied Muay Thai career.
Opening odds released for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, 'Iron' reacts
Cole Shelton - January 2, 2024
The opening betting odds have been released for the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight in June. On New Year’s Eve, McGregor took to X to announce his return fight will be against Chandler on June 29, which is International Fight Week. However, the UFC has still yet to officially announce the matchup, but all signs point to it happening.
Dana White gives TV deal update: “That’s when you’re going to see people making big moves"
Zain Bando - January 2, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White is already looking ahead to the future of streaming media, which includes the promotion’s current seven-year contract with ESPN in the U.S. Dana White, named CEO after the UFC and WWE merged under TKO Group Holdings Inc., provided a perspective on where things sit with television negotiations with ESPN and other media partners.
Ian Garry slams Sean Strickland for "off limits" trash talk comment: "How the tables have turned"
Josh Evanoff - January 2, 2024
UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry has a bone to pick with middleweight champion Sean Strickland. ‘Tarzan’ is fresh off his first fight with Dricus du Plessis last month at UFC 296. In the days leading to their brawl at the pay-per-view event, they traded heated words. At the seasonal press conference days before, ‘Stillknocks’ mocked the abuse that Sean Strickland suffered at the hands of his father.
Jake Paul alleges Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz is on after 'Gamebred' makes return announcement
Josh Evanoff - January 2, 2024
According to Jake Paul, a boxing match with Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz is on the books for 2024. Earlier this week, ‘Gamebred’ took to social media to announce that his retirement was officially over. In April, Jorge Masvidal suffered a unanimous decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. Weeks prior to the event, he stated that he would retire with a defeat. Ultimately, he stayed true to his word.
Henry Cejudo praises Michael Chandler for being patient and waiting for Conor McGregor fight
Cole Shelton - January 2, 2024
Henry Cejudo has praised Michael Chandler for sticking to his guns and waiting for Conor McGregor. After McGregor broke his leg in the trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, immediately many wondered who would be his return fight. From the get-go, Chandler had been vocal in saying he would be the Irishman’s return opponent, which led to the two coaching TUF 31 last year.
Eddie Hearn names Francis Ngannou as 1 of 3 possible opponents for Anthony Joshua’s next fight
Susan Cox - January 2, 2024
Eddie Hearn has named Francis Ngannou as 1 of 3 possible opponents for Anthony Joshua’s next fight. Anthony Joshua most recently defeated Otto Wallin at the ‘Day of Reckoning’ event this past December (see that here). The Brit’s record now sits at 27 wins and 3 losses. Of those 27 wins, 24 came by way of knockout.