MMA News
Cris Cyborg books return to the boxing ring, will face Kelsey Wickstrum in January
Josh Evanoff - November 9, 2023
Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will be returning to the boxing ring to face Kelsey Wickstrum. The Brazilian has been out of action since a title defense against Cat Zingano at Bellator 300. That night in October saw Cris Cyborg dominate, and claim a first-round knockout win. Following the victory, the featherweight champion discussed a return to the boxing ring, where she’s been competing since last year.
Nate Diaz offers to welcome Deontay Wilder to MMA: "Respect to a real fighter"
Josh Evanoff - November 9, 2023
Former UFC title challenger Nate Diaz would love to welcome Deontay Wilder to the world of MMA. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ has recently revealed his intention to head to the cage in the future. Last scoring a knockout win over Robert Helenius last Fall, Deontay Wilder has been out of action for over a year. However, the former boxing champion has been in talks with Francis Ngannou for a potential bout in the cage.
Tom Aspinall admits he is "scared" of fighting Sergei Pavlovich, but says he does his best work under pressure
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2023
Tom Aspinall says he’s scared of Sergei Pavlovich but believes he does his best work when he is afraid. Aspinall is set to face Pavlovich on two weeks’ notice in the co-main event of UFC 295 for the interim heavyweight title. It’s an intriguing matchup and a fight that many fans have wanted to see, as the two look like the future of the heavyweight division.
Jessica Andrade says she fought so often in 2023 to pay for her divorce: "I had to spend a lot of money with lawyers"
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2023
Jessica Andrade has opened up on why she fought so often in 2023. Andrade started the year off in January with a decision win over Lauren Murphy. She then returned in February and lost by second-round submission to Erin Blanchfield. After the setback, she fought for the third time in 2023 in May and suffered a first-round TKO loss to Yan Xiaonan. After the loss to Xiaonan, she returned in August and suffered a second-round submission loss to Tatiana Suarez, putting her on a three-fight losing streak.
Henry Cejudo shares prediction for newly announced Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera title fight at UFC 299
Susan Cox - November 9, 2023
Henry Cejudo is sharing his prediction for the newly announced Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera title fight at UFC 299. UFC 299 will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at a yet to be disclosed location. Sean O’Malley (17-1 MMA) will defend his bantamweight title in a rematch with Marlon Vera (23-8 MMA).
UFC 295 | Pro fighters make their picks for Sergei Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall interim title fight
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 295, the interim heavyweight title is up for grabs as Sergei Pavlovich takes on Tom Aspinall. Heading into the fight, Pavlovich is a slight -104 underdog while the Brit is a -122 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the interim title fight. The pros slightly lean towards Pavlovich getting the KO, but the pros know this fight ends early regardless of who wins.
Anthony Smith claims Alex Pereira’s “stoic serial killer” look is just an act: “No you’re not”
Susan Cox - November 9, 2023
Anthony Smith claims Alex Pereira’s ‘stoic serial killer’ look is just an act. This Saturday, November 11th will see Alex Pereira (8-2 MMA) facing former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka (29-3 MMA) in the main event for the vacant light heavyweight belt at UFC 295 which takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Firas Zahabi says he was “speechless” after hearing news of the UFC’s split with USADA: “One guy is going to ruin it for everybody?”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
Georges St-Pierre’s head coach Firas Zahabi has revealed his concern for the future after UFC’s split with USADA. Last month, it was announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship would be parting ways with USADA, starting in January 2024. It appeared to be quite a bitter split, with USADA releasing a statement that noted their frustration with Conor McGregor and when he’d be cleared to compete again.
Video | Daniel Cormier takes low kicks from former middleweight champion Alex Pereira ahead of UFC 295
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has posted a video of him taking low kicks from UFC contender Alex Pereira. This Saturday night, Alex Pereira will lock horns with Jiri Prochazka as they battle it out over the UFC light heavyweight championship. The bout will serve as the main event of UFC 295, with Pereira having the chance to become the latest two-weight world champion.
Dana White shoots down rumors of Brock Lesnar or Ronda Rousey fighting at UFC 300: “They’re not coming back”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
UFC president Dana White has dismissed the idea of Brock Lesnar or Ronda Rousey returning in time for UFC 300. In April 2024, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is expected to host its landmark UFC 300 event. The show is set to be one of the biggest in the history of mixed martial arts, and as such, plenty of big stars are likely to appear on the card.
Loopy Godinez expecting a "dirty, bloody" fight against Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295: "I'm excited about this matchup"
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
Loopy Godinez didn’t think she would fight again this year but was thrilled when she was offered to return at UFC 295. After Godinez submitted Elise Reed in the second round at Noche UFC, a week later she got the call to face Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295. It was an exciting opportunity and for Godinez, she’s honored to be able to fight at Madison Square Garden.
Mackenzie Dern says she's still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce ahead of UFC 295: “Literally this whole fight is still paying me ex”
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
Mackenzie Dern is still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce ahead of her UFC 295 fight against Jessica Andrade. Dern revealed she got a divorce ahead of her last fight against Angela Hill, which she won by decision back in May. It was a dominant performance, but Dern admitted there were a lot of mental struggles ahead of the fight.
Aspen Ladd replaces Julia Budd, will face Kayla Harrison at 2023 PFL Championships
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
PFL’s World Championship card has taken a bit of a turn, as Kayla Harrison will now face Aspen Ladd. The former tournament winner has been out of action for a year, last competing at PFL 10 last Fall. That night, Kayla Harrison suffered the first loss of her career in her trilogy bout with Larissa Pacheco. While the former Judoka had hoped for a future bout with Cris Cyborg, that was blown up for the moment.
Chael Sonnen shares his side of Ariel Helwani fiasco: "His opening line to me was a lie"
Zain Bando - November 8, 2023
Chael Sonnen has responded to Ariel Helwani after the pair argued over the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou pay-per-view numbers. For context, Sonnen, the former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger came on a recent episode of “The MMA Hour” to discuss Ngannou’s near-victory against the WBC heavyweight champion, plus whether or not Ngannou was the rightful winner in the entire saga.
WATCH | Sean O'Malley and Marlon Vera faceoff for first time since being booked to headline UFC 299
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley had his first faceoff with Marlon Vera since their rematch became official. Earlier this week, UFC CEO Dana White announced that O’Malley would defend his bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 299 against Vera. It serves as a rematch of their 2020 fight that Vera won by first-round TKO in a bout that O’Malley hurt his ankle.
UFC 295 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira title fight
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
In the main event of UFC 295, the vacant light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Jiri Prochazka takes on Alex Pereira. Heading into the fight, Prochazka is a +100 underdog while the Brazilian is a -128 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the title fight. The pros slightly lean towards Prochazka becoming the light heavyweight champion again at UFC 295, but all expect this to be a very exciting scrap.
Anthony Smith still backing Jon Jones in possible Francis Ngannou clash: "Would've left there without a mark on his face"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
UFC light-heavyweight Anthony Smith is still backing Jon Jones if he ever faces Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ returned to action late last month in Saudi Arabia in the boxing ring against Tyson Fury. There, Francis Ngannou turned in a spirited effort, knocking down ‘The Gypsy King’ in round three. However, it wasn’t enough to earn a win, as the boxer instead scored a split-decision victory.
Daniel Cormier believes Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will headline UFC 300: "How crazy is that?!"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
UFC analyst Daniel Cormier believes Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will meet next April. ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Iron Mike’ have been in discussions for a fight for seemingly all of 2023. Earlier this year, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler coached against one another on The Ultimate Fighter. However, it took him months to enter the USADA testing pool, postponing his return. Despite the Irishman’s comments about fighting names such as Justin Gaethje, he will seemingly return against the former Bellator champion.