MMA News
Ariel Helwani responds to recent criticism from former UFC champion Jamahal Hill: “I am not going anywhere”
Josh Evanoff - November 6, 2023
Longtime MMA journalist Ariel Helwani has responded to former UFC champion Jamahal Hill. Over the weekend, ‘Sweet Dreams’ put out a video slamming Ariel Helwani. The video itself took aim at the journalist’s recent interview with Chael Sonnen on The MMA Hour. ‘The Bad Guy’ got into it with him over Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou, as well as the pay-per-view numbers accompanying it.
Bantamweight champ Sean O’Malley explains why the UFC should sign Dillon Danis
Josh Evanoff - November 6, 2023
Bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley would like to see Dillon Danis in the UFC. ‘El Jefe’ has been out of action since his boxing match with Logan Paul in October. That was Dillon Danis’ first boxing match of his career, and he lost badly. He was easily outboxed by ‘The Maverick’, eventually being disqualified in the sixth round after attempting a takedown and guillotine on the YouTuber.
Sean O'Malley believes he'll end 2024 as the biggest name in sports: "Doing it in spectacular fashion"
Josh Evanoff - November 6, 2023
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is calling his shot. ‘Sugar’ has been out of action since a knockout win over Aljamain Sterling in August. That stoppage victory saw Sean O’Malley claim bantamweight gold, and he already had a name on his mind. Following the event, the newly crowned titleholder called for a rematch with Marlon Vera.
Jorge Masvidal vows he and Colby Covington are going to "see each other" again: "It’s going to be fun"
Cole Shelton - November 6, 2023
Jorge Masvidal says he and Colby Covington are going to see one another again, whether it’s in a cage or on the street. On Monday, Masvidal pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and agreed to pay the court fees associated with the case in a plea deal where prosecutors dropped the felony charges. The result will be no jail time for Masvidal for his alleged attack on Covington at a Miami steakhouse.
Marlon Vera reacts after booking Sean O’Malley rematch at UFC 299: “Time to take the garbage out”
Susan Cox - November 6, 2023
Marlon Vera is reacting after booking Sean O’Malley rematch at UFC 299. UFC CEO Dana White announced today that Sean O’Malley (17-1 MMA) will defend his UFC bantamweight title against Marlon Vera (23-8 MMA) in the main event at the promotions March 2024 pay-per-view card. A date and location have yet to be announced.
Sean Strickland reacts after booking title fight against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297: “Didn’t want to fight in Jan or in Canada”
Cole Shelton - November 6, 2023
Sean Strickland has reacted to the news that he will be defending his middleweight title in the main event of UFC 297 on Jan. 20 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada against Dricus Du Plessis. On Monday afternoon, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Strickland will headline UFC 297 against Du Plessis in a very intriguing fight. It will be the first time Strickland defends his middleweight title, but according to the champ, he says he didn’t want to fight in January, or in Canada.
Coach explains why beating Conor McGregor would do nothing for the legacy Islam Makhachev is looking to create
Susan Cox - November 6, 2023
Coach Javier Mendez is explaining why beating Conor McGregor would do nothing for the legacy Islam Makhachev is looking to create. Islam Makachev (25-1 MMA), the current lightweight champion, most recently defeated Alexander Volkanvoski (26-3 MMA) last month at UFC 294.
UFC CEO announces three pay-per-view title fights including Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera 2
Cole Shelton - November 6, 2023
UFC CEO Dana White has announced the first three pay-per-view headliners of 2024. BREAKING…… pic.twitter.com/eW9Q23FVmI
Jonathan Haggerty teases transition to MMA after ONE Fight Night 16 win: "Be careful Andrade – I’m coming for your belt”
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 6, 2023
Jonathan Haggerty is taking a deliberate approach to his transition to MMA following his historic victory at ONE Fight Night 16 last Friday, November 3. “The General” recently captured the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title with a stunning knockout victory over divisional MMA king Fabricio Andrade.
Islam Makhachev will not be ready to defend his UFC lightweight title until March of 2024
Harry Kettle - November 6, 2023
Islam Makhachev will reportedly not be defending his UFC lightweight championship until at least March 2024. Following his win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, many questions were asked regarding what was next for Islam Makhachev. Then, just a matter of days ago, it was reported that he’d be defending his belt again in January against Charles Oliveira.
Jailton Almeida responds to criticism over his “cautious” performance against Derrick Lewis at UFC São Paulo
Harry Kettle - November 6, 2023
UFC heavyweight Jailton Almeida has responded to criticism over his performance against Derrick Lewis at UFC Sao Paulo. Last weekend, Jailton Almeida dominated Derrick Lewis in their heavyweight main event and secured a blockbuster decision victory. In doing so, he firmly established himself as one of the top contenders in the world in that division.
Armen Petrosyan’s management claims their fighter was “seriously poisoned” ahead of fight at UFC São Paulo
Harry Kettle - November 6, 2023
Armen Petrosyan’s management has claimed that he may have been poisoned ahead of UFC Sao Paulo last weekend. On Saturday night, Armen Petrosyan was scheduled to go head to head with Rodolfo Vieira. Unfortunately, the bout fell through at the last minute, with Petrosyan reportedly suffering an illness backstage at the arena.
Mike Tyson gushes over Francis Ngannou's efforts against Tyson Fury: "He listened to everything I said"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
International boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson is quite pleased with Francis Ngannou. Ngannou was a massive underdog going into his boxing match with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury late last month. “The Predator” made fools of many by knocking “The Gypsy King” down and almost defeating him at his own game.
UFC veteran Matt Brown thinks Jon Jones is the only MMA fight for Francis Ngannou: "That’s the biggest fight you could make in MMA history"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
Matt Brown is of the belief that Jon Jones is the only name Francis Ngannou should be fighting under MMA rules. Ngannou’s stock has never been higher. Boxing and MMA experts gave Ngannou very little chance in his boxing match with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. “The Predator” not only knocked “The Gypsy King” down, but he almost defeated him in what most thought would be a one-sided fight. Fury won the bout via split decision, but Ngannou sure doesn’t feel like a loser.
UFC Sao Paulo winner Nicolas Dalby talks heartfelt moment with Brazilian crowd: "I’m a bit in awe"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
Nicolas Dalby has explained embracing the fans in Brazil following his UFC Sao Paulo win. Dalby shared the Octagon with Gabriel Bonfim. Going into the bout, Bonfim had an unbeaten pro MMA record of 15-0. Dalby ended up handing Bonfim the first loss of his career with a second-round TKO finish. During his post-fight interview, Dalby told the disappointed Brazilian fans in attendance how impressed he was by their show of support for their home country athletes. Fans responded positively to Dalby’s praise for their support.
Ali Abdelaziz shuts down rumored UFC 297 rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira: “Please don’t listen to people that can’t even get credentials”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
The manager for Islam Makhachev, Ali Abdelaziz, has blasted a report claiming a UFC lightweight title rematch with Charles Oliveira is targeted for January 2024. Ariel Helwani recently reported that the plan is for Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 to headline UFC 297. Here’s what Helwani reported on his X account:
Derek Brunson explains why he enjoyed the UFC São Paulo main event between Jailton Almeida and Derrick Lewis: “If someone runs the ball in the NFL”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
Derek Brunson is one of the few who have an appreciation for the Jailton Almeida vs. Derrick Lewis fight at UFC Sao Paulo. Almeida’s game plan was clear, and that was to minimize risk by taking Lewis down and not giving him too many chances to sweep. The game plan led to Almeida not being very active with punches despite achieving full mount multiple times. Referee Marc Goddard had to warn Almeida for his lack of action numerous times. With that said, mission accomplished for Almeida, who scored a clear unanimous decision win over Lewis.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topruria featherweight title fight targeted for UFC 298 in February
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 5, 2023
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski may not be fighting in January, but he is factored into plans for a February title bout. Volkanovski had asked for a quick turnaround after suffering a head kick knockout loss in his rematch with UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. After the defeat, an emotional Volkanovski said he needs to fight again soon because without something scheduled he loses direction.