MMA News
Jan Blachowicz calls for Jiri Prochazka headliner in Europe after he returns from shoulder surgery
Cole Shelton - December 8, 2023
Jan Blachowicz is hopeful to face Jiri Prochazka in the main event of a Fight Night card in Europe. Blachowicz is set for shoulder surgery, hopefully in the next week or two, he revealed to BJPENN.com on Friday. The plan is for the Pole to return in the summer, once he does the rehab and gets a training camp in.
Daniel Cormier praises Colby Covington's incredible work ethic: "No one has done more with less"
Josh Evanoff - December 8, 2023
Play-by-play Commentator Daniel Cormier believes Colby Covington might be the hardest-working fighter in the UFC today. ‘Chaos’ has been out of action since a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal last March at UFC 272. While that victory was massive, he was later kept out of action due to being assaulted by ‘Gamebred’ later that month. However, Colby Covington is now set to return later this month in a welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards.
OKTAGON's Vladimir Lengal compares boxing vs. MMA: "It really is a different sport"
Zain Bando - December 8, 2023
Vladimir Lengal has had an interesting combat sports career thus far. Before transitioning to MMA entirely in February, the undefeated Lengal (12-0, 6-0 MMA) took up boxing and became a Czech world champion, further showcasing his skills as a prospect to look out for moving forward.
Shavkat Rakhmonov wants title shot with UFC 296 win, but admits: "Belal Muhammad also deserves"
Josh Evanoff - December 8, 2023
Shavkat Rakhmonov believes that either he or Belal Muhammad is likely next for a UFC welterweight title shot. ‘Nomad’ has been out of the cage since a submission win over Geoff Neal in March at UFC 285. That victory put the welterweight to a perfect 16-0 in his MMA career. Now, Shavkat Rakhmonov will return to the cage later this month to face Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. The Karate-based fighter is coming off a knockout win over Kevin Holland last December.
Jan Blachowicz details shoulder injury, lays out timeframe for return
Cole Shelton - December 8, 2023
Jan Blachowicz says his shoulder injury was something that has hindered him for years now. On Thursday it was revealed that Blachowicz was forced out of his UFC 297 rematch against Aleksandar Rakic due to him needing shoulder surgery. Speaking exclusively to BJPENN.com on Friday afternoon, Blachowicz revealed the injury is something he has been dealing with for years but finally gave out, which forced him to need the surgery.
Deontay Wilder reveals what he needs in order to accept mixed rules bout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 8, 2023
Deontay Wilder has listed what to be done in order for a mixed rules bout with Francis Ngannou to come to fruition. Ngannou has forced his way into the boxing conversation thanks to his performance against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Despite losing the 10-round heavyweight tilt via split decision, Ngannou was praised for scoring a knockdown on Fury and nearly pulling off a massive upset.
UFC 296: Colby Covington accuses Leon Edwards of being a cheater: "This guy makes ‘Marty’ look like a freakin’ saint"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 8, 2023
Colby Covington thinks he has reason to believe his UFC 296 opponent Leon Edwards is a cheater. Covington will be challenging Edwards for the UFC Welterweight Championship on December 16. The title fight will headline UFC 296 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’ll be Covington’s first bout since March 2022 when he defeated Jorge Masvidal via unanimous decision.
UFC 296 fighter Ian Machado Garry defends his trash talk: "I’m absolutely going to sit there and hound you about that"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 8, 2023
Ian Machado Garry doesn’t believe his trash talk ever crossed a line. Garry has received criticism from some fans for the way he handled his pre-fight builds for Neil Magny and Geoff Neal. Magny has never been known to engage in pre-fight banter with his opponents, but a fire was certainly lit under him before the Garry bout. Ultimately, “The Future” defeated Magny via unanimous decision and even flipped the bird at him.
Thongpoon aims to impress in U.S. primetime debut: “This fight is going to be a barn burner”
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 8, 2023
Thongpoon PK Saenchai finds himself on the cusp of elevating his status even further on the global stage. The Thai hard-hitter returns to action against Ellis Badr Barboza in a 120-pound catchweight Muay Thai fight at ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video. The event airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, December 8.
Anthony Pettis reacts to Mike Perry’s callout from BKFC 56
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2023
Anthony Pettis has given his thoughts on a potential showdown with Mike Perry after the latter called him out. Last weekend, Mike Perry improved his unbeaten record in BKFC with a stoppage win over Eddie Alvarez. It was another violent affair and in the end, Alvarez’s corner intervened and deemed him unable to continue. As for Perry, this is another big victory that he has to his name as his superstardom continues to grow.
Aljamain Sterling turns his attention to Calvin Kattar after Max Holloway fight fizzles out: “I just think he has bigger opportunities”
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2023
Aljamain Sterling has called for a fight against Calvin Kattar after plans for a bout with Max Holloway seemingly fell through. Ever since his loss to Sean O’Malley earlier this year, Aljamain Sterling has been looking for fresh opportunities. At the top of that list, seemingly, is a move to featherweight.
Daniel Cormier believes Anthony Smith “let pride get in the way” by not allowing DQ in 2019 title fight with Jon Jones
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes Anthony Smith allowed his pride to get in the way during his fight against Jon Jones in 2019. In the eyes of many, Jon Jones is the greatest of all time. He built that reputation by running through numerous light heavyweight stars, which included a run between 2018 and 2020 after making his long-awaited return. One of his opponents was Anthony Smith, who he battled at UFC 235.
Roman Kryklia plans to seize the moment at ONE Fight Night 17: "It's an amazing opportunity"
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 8, 2023
ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia understands the rarity of the chance he has in his upcoming bout. The Ukrainian powerhouse battles Alex Roberts for the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video. The event emanates live from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, December 8.
Text messages emerge showing Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta celebrating “cut throat” negotiations with Eddie Alvarez and Gilbert Melendez
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2023
A string of released text messages have shown Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta celebrating the “cut throat” nature of their business dealings. The ongoing antitrust lawsuit is something to keep a real eye on heading into 2024. While business is booming for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, this class action could hit them hard – and we don’t say that lightly. The potential damages could enter the billions if they lose in court, with the main claim being that they purposefully bought out competitors while driving down fighter pay.
Sean O'Malley says one trait drives him: "Meditation"
Zain Bando - December 7, 2023
Current UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has remained relaxed since knocking out Aljamain Sterling in August. O’Malley, 29, is already thinking about his long-term goals and what he hopes to achieve before the end of his career, which may include a trial run in boxing.
WATCH | Conor McGregor drops sparring partner with left hand ahead of potential UFC return
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2023
Conor McGregor dropped a sparring partner with his patented left hand. Training footage was recently released of McGregor sparring with someone ahead of his UFC return. In the clip, the two are getting good work in with one another as they worked on movement and landing light shots.
Daniel Cormier admits that he nearly pulled a Mike Tyson during infamous Jon Jones scuffle: "I'm going to bite!"
Josh Evanoff - December 7, 2023
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier nearly went full Mike Tyson against Jon Jones during their infamous scuffle. ‘DC’ and ‘Bones’ famously had one of the most heated feuds in MMA history. In the cage, the two met on two different occasions. On both occasions, Jon Jones emerged with a win over Daniel Cormier. However, his UFC 214 victory in July 2017 was overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test.
Michael Chandler gives his take on 'Bittersweet' Bellator-PFL sale: "They were important to me"
Josh Evanoff - December 7, 2023
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is a bit sad to see their recent sale to the PFL. ‘Iron’ is now one of the UFC’s biggest stars and most entertaining fighters. Although, Michael Chandler hasn’t been seen in the cage since a submission loss to Dustin Poirier well over a year ago. Now, the former Bellator champion has been stuck on the sidelines, waiting for a long-awaited fight with Conor McGregor.