MMA News
Colby Covington endorses Conor McGregor to be President of Ireland: "Would be a great leader"
Cole Shelton - December 8, 2023
Colby Covington is endorsing Conor McGregor to be the President of Ireland. McGregor has recently been vocal on social media saying that he wants to run for President of Ireland. The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion believes he would be a good fit for the role.
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.
Gilbert Burns has had enough of Ian Garry drama about his wife: "Do whatever you want"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 8, 2023
Gilbert Burns isn’t interested in the drama going on with Ian Garry and his wife. As word began to spread that Garry’s wife, Layla Machado, wrote a book on how to be WAG, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland made a public video urging Garry to leave his wife. A WAG is a wife or girlfriend who links up with their partner solely for status and money.
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.
Mohamed Younes Rabah steps in to face Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 17
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 8, 2023
Saemapetch Fairtex will clash with a new opponent at ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video this Friday, December 8. He was originally slated for a bantamweight Muay Thai rematch against Felipe Lobo. However, he found himself in need of a new dance partner when his Brazilian rival withdrew from the bout due to injury.
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.
Anthony Smith explains why taking the belt from Alex Pereira "would mean more" to him
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2023
Anthony Smith believes he could get a title shot with a win at UFC Vegas 83. Smith stepped up on short notice to face Khalil Rountree in the co-main event on Saturday. It’s a key fight for the division, and although Jamahal Hill is likely to be next in line, Smith thinks he can make it clear he’s next in line with a great performance on Saturday.
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.
ONE Fight Night 17: Where and how to stream in North America
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 7, 2023
This Friday, December 8, ONE Championship returns to North American primetime television with a unique year-end offering — ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video. Broadcasting live from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, the event brings an all-Muay Thai card to the forefront.
Vicente Luque believes Ian Garry's disrespect could lead to Kill Cliff ban: "Everybody has my back"
Josh Evanoff - December 7, 2023
UFC welterweight contender Vicente Luque has discussed his upcoming fight with Ian Garry. ‘The Silent Assassin’ and ‘The Future’ are currently slated to clash at UFC 296 later this month. For Vicente Luque, the bout will be his first since a unanimous decision win over Rafael dos Anjos in August. Meanwhile, Ian Garry has been out of action since a victory over Neil Magny in August.
Jan Blachowicz reveals he's set for shoulder surgery, out of UFC 297 rematch against Aleksandar Rakic
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2023
UFC 297 has taken a hit as Jan Blachowicz is out of his rematch with Aleksandar Rakic. Blachowicz and Rakic were set to rematch on Jan. 20 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in a pivotal fight for the division. The winner was immediately in the title conversation, and the fight was one many fans were looking forward to, given the first fight ended due to an injury.