MMA News
Conor McGregor admits he’s “on the gargle every night” but says he will still smack the sh*t out of Michael Chandler at UFC 296
Harry Kettle - August 29, 2023
Conor McGregor has taken another shot at Michael Chandler ahead of their proposed showdown at UFC 296 in December. For the longest time now, fans have been waiting patiently for more news regarding the rumored match-up between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Recently, the Irishman has hinted at UFC 296 as a landing spot, but the UFC has yet to confirm that.
Four more fighters removed from the UFC’s active roster
Harry Kettle - August 29, 2023
Four more fighters have been removed from the UFC’s roster, including the legendary Korean Zombie. The Ultimate Fighting Championship serves as the highest level of competition in mixed martial arts. As such, most fighters from across the globe strive to make their way over at one point or another in their careers. Unfortunately, while some rise to the very top, others aren’t quite as lucky.
BJ Penn believes if he didn't run for Governor he still would've continued to fight: "The Governor run pulled me out"
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2023
BJ Penn knows firsthand how hard it is for fighters to walk away from the sport. Penn last fought back in May of 2019, where he suffered a decision loss to former Strikeforce title holder Clay Guida.
What's next for Max Holloway and Korean Zombie after UFC Singapore?
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2023
In the main event of UFC Singapore, a featherweight banger headlined the card as Max Holloway took on Korean Zombie. Holloway entered the fight coming off a decision win over Arnold Allen back in April to return to the win column after losing a one-sided decision to Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title in July 2022. Korean Zombie, meanwhile, was ending his layoff as he last fought back in April 2022 when he suffered a TKO loss to Volkanovski for the featherweight title.
Israel Adesanya excited to expose 'gym hero' Sean Strickland: "Knock him out with my painted nails"
Josh Evanoff - August 28, 2023
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is looking forward to fighting Sean Strickland. ‘The Last Stylebender’ has been out of action since his April rematch with Alex Pereira. Just months after suffering a knockout loss to ‘Poatan’, the former champion avenged his defeat. In the main event of UFC 287, Israel Adesanya scored a second-round knockout win to re-earn middleweight gold.
UFC veteran Sam Alvey signs with Karate Combat ahead of September heavyweight debut
Josh Evanoff - August 28, 2023
Former UFC middleweight contender Sam Alvey is heading to Karate Combat. ‘Smilin’ had a lengthy and high-profile stint in the UFC from 2014 to 2022. Early in his tenure, Sam Alvey proved his place as a middleweight contender, defeating names such as Rashad Evans, Nate Marquardt, Dan Kelly, and more. However, things took a turn for the worse in 2018.
Former opponent offers Dustin Poirier late 2023 rematch: "I'm up one!"
Josh Evanoff - August 28, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has received a callout from Michael Johnson. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off his return late last month at UFC 291 opposite Justin Gaethje. Over five years after Dustin Poirier handed ‘The Highlight’ a knockout loss, he suffered the same fate. In their pay-per-view headliner, Gaethje scored a highlight-reel second-round knockout win.
UFC Paris down to 10 bouts after two fight cancellations
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2023
UFC Paris is now down to a total of 10 fights. The Octagon is set for the second-ever event in France after MMA was legalized in the country in 2020, but due to the pandemic, the UFC wasn’t able to make their first stop in Paris until September of last year. In the debut event, Ciryl Gane beat Tai Tuivasa by knockout which got him the title fight against Jon Jones.
Ian Machado Garry names the two opponents he'd like to headline UFC Dublin against
Cole Shelton - August 28, 2023
Ian Machado Garry has an idea for who will be standing across the Octagon from him in the main event of UFC Dublin. After Garry beat Neil Magny at UFC 292, he called out Stephen Thompson for a fight in November or December, which he believes will happen. Following that, the plan according to UFC president Dana White, is to bring the Octagon back to Ireland for UFC Dublin and have Garry as the main event.
Teen star Smilla Sundell motivated to inspire a new generation of female athletes
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 28, 2023
Smilla Sundell is relishing the opportunity to be among the cast of headliners at ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video. The ONE Championship event on September 29 airs live in U.S. primetime and features three all-women World Title bouts.
Kevin Holland doubts he'll get a chance to face Ian Machado Garry: "I don't think I fit the blueprint"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 28, 2023
Kevin Holland would like to share the Octagon with Ian Machado Garry, but he doesn’t think the bout will happen in the near future. Garry has been emerging in the UFC welterweight division. He’s fresh off a dominant unanimous decision victory over seasoned veteran Neil Magny at UFC 292. Garry has called for a showdown with Stephen Thompson, but “Wonderboy” is more interested in a clash with former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.
Chael Sonnen thinks Merab Dvalishvili could be risking his career by waiting for UFC title shot
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 28, 2023
Chael Sonnen isn’t so sure that Merab Dvalishvili is playing his cards right. Dvalishvili recently witnessed his training partner and close friend Aljamain Sterling lose the UFC Bantamweight Championship to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. After the fight, Merab told “The Schmo” that he plans to wait for a title shot because he doesn’t feel he has anything left to prove since he’s on a nine-fight winning streak. He took things a step further during an interview with MMAJunkie, saying he’d be willing to wait longer than one year for a title opportunity.
Alex Pereira sounds off on “washed up” Anthony Smith for bashing other fighters: “He never amounted to anything”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 28, 2023
Alex Pereira has some scathing words for fellow UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith. Pereira has caught wind of comments made by “Lionheart.” Smith expressed his belief that “Poatan” isn’t as intimidating at light heavyweight as he was in the middleweight division. Smith is known for being vocal about his takes, while insisting he never intends to be disrespectful.
Denice Zamboanga expects Stamp Fairtex to finish Ham Seo Hee at ONE Fight Night 14
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 28, 2023
Denice Zamboanga has voiced her support for former teammate and No. 1 women’s atomweight MMA contender Stamp Fairtex. Stamp will duke it out with No. 2-ranked Ham Seo Hee for the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship. The bout will headline ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on September 29 via Amazon’s Prime Video service.
Max Holloway heaps praise on MMA “legend” The Korean Zombie: “It was an honor to be his last fight”
Harry Kettle - August 28, 2023
Max Holloway has praised Chan Sung Jung, aka The Korean Zombie, following their fantastic fight at UFC Singapore. Last Saturday night, in the main event of UFC Singapore, Max Holloway went to war with The Korean Zombie. The two men traded back and forth until finally, at the start of the third round, Holloway caught Zombie with a counter after the underdog rushed forward and threw caution to the wind. He knocked him out, earning his first finish in almost five years.
UFC champion Sean O’Malley sounds off on MMA managers that take 20% of fighter purses: “If you do this to the fighters you are a POS”
Harry Kettle - August 28, 2023
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has taken a shot at MMA managers who take a certain amount of their fighter’s purse. In mixed martial arts, it’s always been tough to receive big paydays. Unless you’re one of the top stars in the sport, you probably aren’t going to be receiving the kind of lifechanging money that some would expect. As we know, fighter pay has been a big issue in the last couple of years, and this is one of the reasons why.
Stephen Thompson reveals the alternative fight offers he received for UFC 291, says he wants Kamaru Usman next
Harry Kettle - August 28, 2023
Stephen Thompson has spoken candidly about what the future holds for him after what happened back at UFC 291. Back at UFC 291, Stephen Thompson was scheduled to take on Michel Pereira. Unfortunately, Pereira missed weight, with Thompson refusing to go ahead with the bout as a result.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon puts friendship with Superlek Kiatmoo9 aside in much-awaited clash
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 27, 2023
For Rodtang Jitmuangnon, his highly anticipated bout against Superlek Kiatmoo9 is strictly business. He defends his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title against the division’s kickboxing champ at ONE Friday Fights 34. The event takes place at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on September 22.