MMA News
Tye Ruotolo plans to block out pressure of world title clash at ONE Fight Night 16
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 1, 2023
Tye Ruotolo exudes unwavering confidence as he aims to make history this Friday, November 3. He faces Magomed Abdulkadirov for the inaugural ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Title. The bout takes place in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video. It airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Dan Hardy believes Dana White will do “everything he can” to prevent UFC fighters from following in Francis Ngannou’s footsteps
Harry Kettle - November 1, 2023
Former UFC fighter and commentator Dan Hardy thinks Dana White will do everything in his power to stop UFC fighters from going down Francis Ngannou’s path. Ever since leaving the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Francis Ngannou has found great success. In addition to signing a lucrative deal with PFL, he also took part in a blockbuster boxing match with Tyson Fury last weekend. While he may not have won the fight, he did drop ‘The Gypsy King’, with many believing he deserved to get the nod.
Photos | Check out how the MMA world celebrated Halloween
Harry Kettle - November 1, 2023
A parade of stars from the MMA world celebrated Halloween yesterday. It’s known as the spookiest holiday of the year – and for good reason. On October 31st, millions of people around the world let their hair down and really embrace the madness that is Halloween. From trick-or-treating to amazing costumes and beyond, it’s a day that gives many the opportunity to have a bit of fun.
John McCarthy shares theory as to why the UFC didn’t want Stipe Miocic fighting for the interim heavyweight title
Harry Kettle - November 1, 2023
MMA analyst John McCarthy has given his thoughts on why the UFC didn’t want Stipe Miocic in the interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 295. At UFC 295, Tom Aspinall will battle Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight championship. The fight has been made after Jon Jones was forced to pull out of his scheduled title showdown with Stipe Miocic due to injury.
Ahmed Mujtaba relishes underdog role at ONE Fight Night 16: "I don't care if he's 9-0 or 90-0"
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 1, 2023
Ahmed Mujtaba treats his upcoming bout at ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video this November 3 as just another day in the office. On that card, he faces #4-ranked lightweight MMA contender Halil Amir. This matchup airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Vinc Pichel hoping for "legend fights" after he finishes Ismael Bonfim at UFC Sao Paulo: "He will turn into a wrestler once I crack him"
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2023
Vinc Pichel is excited to finally return to the Octagon after a year-and-a-half away. Pichel last fought back at UFC 273 in April of 2022 when he lost a decision to Mark O. Madsen. It was a disappointing loss, and Pichel was eager to make a quick turnaround following the result. Although he was booked to fight Jesse Ronson six months later, an injury forced him into hip surgery which put him on the sidelines.
Vince McMahon shoots down rumors of having a bad relationship with Dana White: "We get along very, very well"
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2023
WWE co-founder Vince McMahon says he and UFC CEO Dana White have a great relationship. McMahon and White have been rumored to not get along due to the two being competitors in the sports entertainment business. But, after the UFC parent company merged with the WWE, it forced McMahon and White to start working with one another.
Michael Bisping encourages Justin Gaethje to accept a fight with Max Holloway: “You can be forgotten about”
Susan Cox - October 31, 2023
Michael Bisping is encouraging Justin Gaethje to accept a fight with Max Holloway. The ‘BMF’ champion Justin Gaethje (25-4 MMA) spoke recently about waiting his turn for a shot at the title, should the UFC re-book a title fight between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA) and Charles Oliveira (34-9 MMA).
Derrick Lewis arrested for reckless driving, reportedly went 86 miles over the speed limit
Josh Evanoff - October 31, 2023
UFC heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis has reportedly been arrested on charges of reckless driving. ‘The Black Beast’ is currently scheduled to return this Saturday against Jailton Almeida. For Derrick Lewis, the bout is a short-notice one, as he’s stepping in for Curtis Blaydes. The former heavyweight title challenger enters the matchup off a knockout win over Marcos Rogerio de Lima in July at UFC 291.
Leon Edwards' gym Team Renegade responds to Ian Garry's comments: "Not in line with what we're creating"
Josh Evanoff - October 31, 2023
The gym of UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards has responded to Ian Garry’s comments. ‘Rocky’ is currently in training camp for a UFC 296 return against Colby Covington. Slated for the undercard is ‘The Future’, as he will face Vicente Luque. Over the last few months, Leon Edwards and Ian Garry have spent some time together at Team Renegade. Granted, their time together was very brief.
Sean O'Malley reveals UFC already shot down potential boxing match with Devin Haney: "No one knows him"
Josh Evanoff - October 31, 2023
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley isn’t going to be fighting Devin Haney. ‘Sugar’ is currently awaiting his first title defense, last defeating Aljamain Sterling in August. That knockout victory handed Sean O’Malley the bantamweight championship, and he quickly zeroed in on a rematch with Marlon Vera next. However, he’s instead been in a war of words with Devin Haney.
Tom Aspinall says Francis Ngannou should've beaten his training partner Tyson Fury: "I couldn’t believe it. I’m still shocked."
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2023
Tom Aspinall thinks Francis Ngannou should have gotten his hand raised over Tyson Fury. Aspinall is a longtime training partner of Fury and a close friend of his, but the UFC heavyweight contender admits he was shocked to see how Fury vs. Ngannou played out. Tyson Fury entered the fight as a massive betting favorite, as many, including Aspinall, expected him to cruise to a win.
Dana White announces stacked UFC Austin fight card for December 2
Susan Cox - October 31, 2023
Dana White has announced a stacked UFC Austin fight card for December 2nd. UFC Austin will takes place on Saturday, December 2nd at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.
Meng Bo fearless of "judo master" Ayaka Miura’s grappling: "This is MMA"
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 31, 2023
Meng Bo is confident that she can handle Ayaka Miura’s vaunted ground game. Both women are slated to collide in a strawweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video. The event takes place on November 3 and airs live in U.S. primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 144 with Vinc Pichel and Modestas Bukauskas
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2023
The 144th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Sao Paulo. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Vinc Pichel (1:17). Closing out the program is UFC light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas (14:11).
Chael Sonnen explains how Francis Ngannou still “fumbled the bag” by not accepting a fight with Jon Jones
Harry Kettle - October 31, 2023
Chael Sonnen believes Francis Ngannou still somewhat “fumbled the bag” despite his fight against Tyson Fury. Last weekend, Francis Ngannou battled Tyson Fury in a boxing superfight. While Fury got the split decision win, Ngannou was able to drop ‘The Gypsy King’ in the third round. In addition to that, many fans felt as if Ngannou actually did enough to get his hand raised in victory.
Demetrious Johnson advises Francis Ngannou to walk away from MMA following Tyson Fury fight: “There's nothing left for him to do in that sport”
Harry Kettle - October 31, 2023
MMA legend Demetrious Johnson has advised Francis Ngannou to focus on boxing after his fight against Tyson Fury. Last weekend, Francis Ngannou surprised a whole lot of people. He went toe to toe with Tyson Fury in what proved to be a really competitive encounter. He even dropped Fury, but in the end, it was ‘The Gypsy King’ who was given the controversial split decision win.
PFL Founder Donn Davis accuses Nate Diaz of “hiding behind a rock” to avoid Jake Paul fight
Harry Kettle - October 31, 2023
PFL founder Donn Davis has accused Nate Diaz of hiding behind a rock and avoiding an MMA fight with Jake Paul. Earlier this year, Nate Diaz went head to head with Jake Paul in a boxing match. In the end, after a strange encounter, it was Paul who was able to get his hand raised in victory.