MMA News
Alexander Volkov shocked that he didn’t receive a bonus after defeating Tai Tuivasa with an Ezekiel choke at UFC 293: “It was my very first submission”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
Alexander Volkov has expressed his surprise at not being awarded a bonus for his submission win over Tai Tuivasa. Last weekend at UFC 293, Alexander Volkov and Tai Tuivasa went to war. They put it all on the line in the heavyweight division and in the end, Volkov got the win via Ezekiel choke in the second round. It was his first submission win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it took his current win streak up to three.
Michael Bisping names the opponent Sean Strickland will “probably” fight in his first UFC title defense
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping has given his thoughts on who Sean Strickland will probably fight first when defending his new UFC title. Last weekend, Sean Strickland shocked the world. He defeated Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision to capture the UFC middleweight championship. In the eyes of many, it’s one of the biggest upsets in UFC history – and that probably stretches to all of mixed martial arts, too. It’s the kind of fight that will live long in the memory, but for now, it’s time to look ahead to the future.
Robert Whittaker sends a strong message after watching fellow fighters use homophobic slurs at UFC 293: “Really young kids watching. Set a good example”
Harry Kettle - September 12, 2023
UFC star Robert Whittaker wasn’t too pleased after seeing his fellow fighters use homophobic slurs at UFC 293. As was the case for many of us, Robert Whittaker sat and watched UFC 293 last weekend and enjoyed the drama on display throughout. It was a fun, competitive card, with lots of big moments – especially in the middleweight division.
WATCH | Sean Strickland breaks his UFC belt, fixes it with duct tape
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
Sean Strickland has already broken his UFC belt. Strickland became the UFC’s new middleweight champion on Saturday night – Sunday afternoon in Australia – as he cruised to a decision win over Israel Adesanya. It was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, and Strickland even nearly finished the fight as he dropped Adesanya in the first round.
What's next for Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya after UFC 293?
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
In the main event of UFC 293, the middleweight title was up for grabs as Israel Adesanya was looking to defend his strap against Sean Strickland. Adesanya entered the fight having reclaimed his title last time out with a KO win over Alex Pereira back in April. Before that, he suffered a fifth-round TKO loss to Pereira to lose his middleweight title. Strickland, meanwhile, was just 2-2 in his last four but was riding a two-fight win streak as he TKO’d Abus Magomedov his last time out.
UFC fighter reportedly arrested in Thailand for kidnapping, torturing and extorting a man
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov was arrested in Thailand for allegedly forcing his way into an Italian man’s house and then robbing, kidnapping, and torturing him. Askhabov and his twin brother Khasan were arrested on Sept. 5 according to The Phuket News. According to the report, the brothers allegedly forced their way into a villa at a resort in Cherng Talay, where they gagged and beat a man across an extended period of time for information.
Chael Sonnen believes Dricus du Plessis will be forgotten after UFC 293: "Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa just became a number one contender's match"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
Chael Sonnen believes UFC middleweight Dricus du Plessis could be forgotten after this weekend. In the main event of UFC 293 on Saturday, Israel Adesanya returned to face Sean Strickland. While he was first expected to face Dricus du Plessis, ‘Stillknocks’ was still recovering from his win over Robert Whittaker in July. As a result, ‘Tarzan’ stepped up, and pulled off one of the biggest upsets ever.
Michael Chandler still eyeing Conor McGregor despite middleweight comment: "Finally an easy cut"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is even down to face Conor McGregor at middleweight. ‘Iron Mike’ and ‘The Notorious’ famously coached the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter earlier this summer. Tensions were high when filming, with the two nearly getting into a brawl on one occasion. However, even during the show’s filming, Conor McGregor stated that he didn’t want to fight Michael Chandler.
Robert Whittaker rejects idea Israel Adesanya was "off" at UFC 293: "Sean shut him down"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC middleweight contender Robert Whittaker doesn’t believe Israel Adesanya was off on Saturday. ‘The Last Stylebender’ returned to the octagon opposite Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293 this weekend. Heading into the matchup, Israel Adesanya was a massive betting favorite. Furthermore, he was already targeting a future title defense against Dricus du Plessis following his win over Robert Whittaker in July.
Ian Garry hopeful for future dream fight with Colby Covington: "Slap the mouth off of him"
Josh Evanoff - September 11, 2023
UFC welterweight contender Ian Garry is eyeing a future clash with Colby Covington. ‘The Future’ is fresh off his return opposite Neil Magny at UFC 292 last month. Heading into the bout, it was viewed as the biggest challenge of Ian Garry’s career thus far. However, the Irishman easily dominated, scoring a unanimous decision win over the longtime contender last month.
Israel Adesanya opens as small favorite in potential rematch against Sean Strickland
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2023
Israel Adesanya has opened as a small favorite in a potential rematch with Sean Strickland. Adesanya and Strickland headlined UFC 293 in Australia and heading into the fight, ‘The Last Stylebender’ was a massive betting favorite. However, in the first round, Strickland dropped Adesanya and had him hurt at the end of the round. Strickland ended up cruising to a clear-cut decision to pull off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history to become the new middleweight champion.
Dricus Du Plessis slams Israel Adesanya's UFC 293 performance: "Get your sh*t together"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 11, 2023
Dricus Du Plessis has gone off on Israel Adesanya for his performance at UFC 293. This past Saturday night (September 9), Adesanya put the UFC middleweight prize on the line against Sean Strickland. Many expected this to be a cakewalk for “The Last Stylebender.” Instead, Adesanya had no answer for Strickland’s relentless pressure. “Izzy” was even dropped by a punch in the opening frame. In the end, Strickland took home UFC gold via unanimous decision.
Teddy Atlas explains what went wrong for Israel Adesanya at UFC 293
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 11, 2023
An icon among boxing trainers, Teddy Atlas, has given his take on what went south for Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. “Izzy” is no longer the UFC middleweight champion after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Strickland. It was apparent throughout the fight that Adesanya struggled with his opponent’s pressure. Strickland also demonstrated his ability to move out of the way of Adesanya’s kicks consistently. Ultimately, Strickland’s first-round knockdown set the tone for the fight, and he rode that momentum all the way until the final horn.
Conor McGregor teases move to 185lbs following Sean Strickland’s title win at UFC 293: “I’d fancy it”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 11, 2023
Conor McGregor is once again having some fun on Twitter, this time teasing a move to middleweight. McGregor has been no stranger when it comes to hinting at changing weight classes. Throughout his recovery journey after suffering a broken tibia and fibula, the “Notorious” one has bulked up considerably. It’s to the point where many are wondering if McGregor will end up returning to the lightweight division at all.
Manel Kape issues apology after using a homophobic slur during his callout of Kai Kara-France at UFC 293
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape has issued an apology after using a homophobic slur during his callout of Kai Kara-France. It’s safe to say that Manel Kape has been a busy man this week. After his fight against Kai Kara-France was called off, Kape got into a verbal altercation with both Kai and Israel Adesanya during the pre-fight press conference earlier this week. Then, at UFC 293, he defeated Felipe dos Santos in what proved to be one hell of a fight.
Coach explains what went wrong for Israel Adesanya in UFC 293 title fight with Sean Strickland
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
Israel Adesanya’s head coach Eugene Bareman has explained what went wrong for his student in the UFC 293 main event. Last weekend, Israel Adesanya lost the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 293. He did so at the hands of Sean Strickland, who defeated him fairly convincingly via unanimous decision. It came after a fascinating five-round fight with perhaps the most notable moment coming in the first, when Strickland was able to drop ‘Stylebender’ pretty badly.
Sean Strickland reflects on his journey to become UFC middleweight champion: “Thank god for child abuse”
Harry Kettle - September 11, 2023
Sean Strickland has taken a look back at his incredible journey that led to him capturing the UFC middleweight championship. Last weekend, Sean Strickland shocked the world. He took on Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 293, and he defeated ‘Stylebender’ over the course of five rounds. He also dropped the former champ, with many believing he was close to stopping him in the first round.
Jessa Khan believes onus to perform falls on Danielle Kelly: "She needs to prove herself"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 11, 2023
Jessa Khan is set to face Danielle Kelly once again. But this time, it’s for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Submission Grappling World Title. The rematch happens at ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video, which airs live in U.S. primetime from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on September 29.