MMA News
Josh Thomson explains why he’s “not sold” on Khamzat Chimaev being a legit superstar: “He came out on fireworks and just kind of fizzled out”
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
MMA analyst Josh Thomson has explained why he isn’t entirely convinced by the superstar potential of Khamzat Chimaev. For over three years now, Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the most talked about stars in mixed martial arts. His dominance inside the Octagon has been clear for all to see, and that goes for middleweight as well as welterweight.
Up next! UFC Fight Night: ‘Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker 2’ Fight Card & Start Times
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
The first UFC event of the new year will be headlined by a blockbuster light heavyweight showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Following UFC 296 earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship went on something of a break over the holidays – as they tend to do. Now, as we approach the new year, it’s time to get pumped up about the prospect of some massive fights that lie ahead in 2024.
Quinton Jackson reveals the one time he ended up crying in the UFC locker room: “I’m almost ashamed to say it”
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
Quinton Jackson has admitted that he once cried in the UFC locker room – for a fight he didn’t even take part in. Over the course of his career Quinton Jackson, better known as ‘Rampage’, has been a fan favorite in mixed martial arts. Between his electric style and larger than life personality, he’s even been able to crossover into Hollywood.
Islam Makhachev sends warning to Justin Gaethje following recent callout
Susan Cox - December 27, 2023
Islam Makhachev has sent a warning to BMF title holder Justin Gaethje following his recent callout. The current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA) is not mincing words after the most recent callout from Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA).
Sean O’Malley questions if Conor McGregor’s return delay could be due to the UFC “losing money” when he fights
Susan Cox - December 27, 2023
Sean O’Malley is questioning if Conor McGregor’s return delay could be due to the UFC ‘losing money’ when he fights. McGregor (22-6 MMA) last entered the Octagon in July of 2021 at UFC 264, where he lost to Dustin Poirier (29-8 MMA) via TKO.
Cody Garbrandt eyes future “money fight” with UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley: “I would just love to go and smack him around”
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
UFC sensation Cody Garbrandt believes a showdown with rival Sean O’Malley is in his future. Across his last two bouts, Cody Garbrandt has been able to get back on the winning track. He’s defeated Trevin Jones and Brian Kelleher, with the latter coming via emphatic knockout at UFC 296. Now, the 32-year-old wants to reignite his push for another UFC bantamweight championship run.
Justin Gaethje says he’s “waiting on the call” for UFC title fight with Islam Makhachev: “Do Bronx had his shot and didn’t show up”
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
UFC star Justin Gaethje has said that he is “waiting on the call” regarding a title shot against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. For as long as we can remember, Justin Gaethje has been seen as one of the most exciting fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He’s quick, he’s got an entertaining style, and he has more UFC bonuses than we can count.
Holly Holm's manager alleges that Miesha Tate turned down rematch despite UFC 300 callout
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2023
Don’t expect to see Holly Holm vs. Miesha Tate 2 going down at UFC 300 in April. The historic card is expected to include a lot of high-profile matchups, and fighters. Already, bouts such as Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar, and Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic have been added to the card. Furthermore, names such as Conor McGregor have also been linked to the event.
Cody Garbrandt rejects potential Dominick Cruz rematch: "What else am I supposed to do with the guy?"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2023
Former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt isn’t very interested in facing Dominick Cruz again. ‘No Love’ is fresh off his return earlier this month at UFC 296. Facing off against Brian Kelleher, the former champion scored a first-round knockout victory. The win was Cody Garbrandt’s second in a row, helping him get back on track after a failed flyweight move in late 2021.
Conor McGregor vents frustration over mistreatment from the UFC: “My patience is wearing thin”
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
UFC sensation Conor McGregor has given his thoughts on how he has been treated by the promotion recently. Over the course of the last few months, fight fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Conor McGregor. Many thought it would happen in December, but it didn’t. Then, he was expected to make his comeback at UFC 300 – but again, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen.
Aljamain Sterling was shocked by the dismal pay-per-view numbers generated from UFC 292 fight with Sean O’Malley
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
Aljamain Sterling has admitted that he was surprised by the PPV numbers generated from his fight against Sean O’Malley. Earlier this year, Aljamain Sterling was able to defeat Henry Cejudo and successfully retain his UFC bantamweight championship. Then, just a matter of months later, he went up against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. While it was a quick turnaround, many still felt as if Sterling was the favorite to get the win.
Former ONE heavyweight world champion Arjan Bhullar to battle Amir Aliakbari at ONE 166: Qatar
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 27, 2023
ONE Championship’s maiden on-ground event in Qatar will witness a clash of titans as Arjan Bhullar faces off against fellow contender Amir Aliakbari. The heavyweight MMA encounter is penciled to take place at ONE 166: Qatar, emanating live from the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha on March 1.
Superbon Singha Mawynn looks to end 2023 with world title in tow: “This is my best opportunity for redemption”
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2023
As the curtains draw on 2023, Superbon Singha Mawynn is driven to end the year with a ONE World Title around his waist. He has the chance to do so when he challenges Tawanchai PK Saenchai for the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Nong-O Hama seeks to silence retirement talks at ONE Friday Fights 46: “I’m still strong and hungry for victory”
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2023
Nong-O Hama is determined to prove that he still possesses the fire and skill to compete at the highest level. He returns to action at ONE Friday Fights 46 on December 22. There, he faces Nico Carrillo in a crucial bantamweight Muay Thai bout at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Israel Adesanya reveals he will make his UFC return "soon"
Harry Kettle - December 23, 2023
UFC star Israel Adesanya has revealed that he will soon make his return to the Octagon after previously claiming he’ll be out for years. At UFC 293 in September, Israel Adesanya fell to a lop-sided defeat against Sean Strickland. In the process, he lost his UFC middleweight championship. ‘Stylebender’ made it clear in the aftermath that he wanted to take some time off, and at one point, he even suggested that his hiatus could last until 2027.
Claressa Shields reveals interest in PFL "dream fight" with Cris Cyborg: "It's the scariest fight for me"
Josh Evanoff - December 22, 2023
Boxing world champion Claressa Shields has revealed that Cris Cyborg would be her PFL dream fight. The ‘GWOAT’ has been out of the boxing ring since a unanimous decision win over Maricela Cornejo in June. That victory was yet another dominant title defense for Claressa Shields, and it seems that will be her last boxing appearance for a while. Not long following the win, she re-signed with the PFL.
RIZIN's Nobuyuki Sakakibara confirms talks with Anderson Silva for retirement bout: "We're always open"
Josh Evanoff - December 22, 2023
RIZIN executive Nobuyuki Sakakibara is down to welcome Anderson Silva to the ring in the future. ‘The Spider’ has been out of action since he clashed with Jake Paul well over a year ago. Facing off in the main event of a Showtime pay-per-view, Anderson Silva suffered a unanimous decision loss. ‘The Spider’ made a great account of himself in the bout, but an eighth-round knockdown from Paul sealed the defeat.
Fight fans sound off on Colby Covington for latest excuse regarding his UFC 296 loss to Leon Edwards
Harry Kettle - December 22, 2023
Fight fans aren’t pleased with Colby Covington’s latest excuse following his defeat to Leon Edwards at UFC 296. Last weekend in the main event of UFC 296, Colby Covington fell to a unanimous decision loss at the hands of Leon Edwards. It wasn’t particularly close, either, with many believing that Covington put in one of the worst performances of his career.