MMA News
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.
Ian Machado Garry shares his hit list of UFC opponents for 2024
Harry Kettle - January 3, 2024
UFC star Ian Machado Garry has shared a list of potential opponents he wants to fight this year. While his success inside the Octagon is there for all to see, Ian Machado Garry has become something of a villain outside of the cage. In recent months, a string of stories have come out about the Irishman that have left many scratching their heads. Some are in relation to his wife, and others relate to him being kicked out of gyms.
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.
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.
Fans express concern over Paddy Pimblett’s holiday weight gain
Cole Shelton - January 2, 2024
UFC fans are concerned with Paddy Pimblett after the fan-favorite lightweight appears to have gained plenty of weight over the holidays. Pimblett has been no stranger to massive weight gains when outside of fight camp as he says he likes to enjoy food and a vacation after putting in the work for several weeks. However, before his fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 296, Pimblett had said he was done with the large weight gains between fights.
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.
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.
Chuck Liddell explains frustration with personal nature of modern UFC trash talk: "I guess that's the thing now"
Josh Evanoff - January 2, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell isn’t exactly a fan of what he’s been seeing lately. ‘The Iceman’ is considered one of MMA’s earliest stars, and one of the more high-profile names to ever fight in the UFC. Across his tenure, he had massive fights with names such as Tito Ortiz, Rashad Evans, Wanderlei Silva, and more. Chuck Liddell’s aforementioned rivalry with ‘The Huntington Beach Bad Boy’ was massive for the early growth of the company.
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.
Sean Strickland admits he was “boiling” following “off limits” comments by Dricus Du Plessis
Susan Cox - January 2, 2024
Sean Strickland is admitting that he was ‘boiling’ following the ‘off limits’ comments made by Dricus Du Plessis. It was at a pre-fight press conference where du Plessis shouted at Strickland saying “you think your dad beat the sh*t out of you? Your dad doesn’t have sh*t on me … every childhood memory you have is going to come back when I’m in there with you”.
Jorge Masvidal announces he is ending his retirement
Susan Cox - January 2, 2024
Former UFC welterweight title challenger and BMF champion Jorge Masvidal has announced that he is ending his retirement. Taking to ‘X‘, Masvidal simply stated:
Tom Aspinall expresses interest in fighting the winner of Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida: “Sounds good”
Harry Kettle - January 2, 2024
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has expressed his interest in fighting the winner of Curtis Blaydes vs Jailton Almeida. At UFC 295, Tom Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to become a world champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The next step for him, as an interim title holder, would usually be to take on the reigning champion to unify the belts. Unfortunately, it seems as if Jon Jones is still planning to battle Stipe Miocic when he makes his comeback.
Photo | TJ Dillashaw has put on some serious mass following UFC retirement: “Patience pays off”
Harry Kettle - January 2, 2024
Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is looking bigger than ever following his retirement from MMA. In late 2022, TJ Dillashaw made the decision to retire from mixed martial arts. It came following a headline-filled career, from upset title wins to a long suspension to a series of nasty injuries. Through it all, though, Dillashaw is still widely considered to be one of the best bantamweight in the history of the sport.
Leon Edwards announces he will be defending his welterweight title at UFC 300
Harry Kettle - January 2, 2024
UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has revealed that he will be defending his belt at UFC 300. Last month, Leon Edwards successfully defended his belt for the second time. He did so by defeating Colby Covington, confirming his status as the best 170-pounder on the planet. In the immediate aftermath, many called for him to take on either Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov in his next outing.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai open to challenging Chingiz Allazov for kickboxing crown
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 2, 2024
Tawanchai PK Saenchai is considering the prospect of facing Chingiz Allazov for the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship. The 24-year-old featherweight Muay Thai king has developed a fondness for Allazov, who has undeniably had a stellar 2023.