MMA News
Sean O'Malley's coach admits he "wouldn't be surprised" if 'Suga' takes down Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292
Cole Shelton - August 16, 2023
Tim Welch, the head coach of Sean O’Malley says he wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Suga’ outwrestled Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292. In the main event of UFC 292 from Boston, O’Malley is looking to become the new bantamweight champion when he faces Sterling. It’s an intriguing matchup and in the lead-up, many believe that if Sean O’Malley is going to win, it is because he kept the fight standing.
Michael Chandler warns Dustin Poirier of potential welterweight move: "It's not smart"
Josh Evanoff - August 16, 2023
UFC lightweight Michael Chandler believes Dustin Poirier should think twice about welterweight. ‘The Diamond’ is fresh off his rematch opposite Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 last month. Over five years after Dustin Poirier scored a knockout win, ‘The Highlight’ returned the favor. In the pay-per-view main event, the former interim lightweight champion suffered a second-round knockout loss.
Ian Garry believes he's the biggest draw of UFC 292: "They're tuning in for me because I'm a superstar!"
Josh Evanoff - August 16, 2023
UFC welterweight Ian Garry believes that the fans are tuning in for him on Saturday night. ‘The Future’ has been out of the cage since a knockout win over Daniel Rodriguez in May. That was the victory that many needed to see to believe the hype. While undefeated at 12-0, Ian Garry’s win earlier this year was the biggest of his career to date, sending him into the rankings.
Demetrious Johnson serious about catchweight fight with Bradley Martyn: "It's going to happen"
Josh Evanoff - August 16, 2023
ONE Championship flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson really wants to fight Bradley Martyn. The bodybuilding YouTuber has made several headlines over the last few months. While never having trained for a sustained amount of time, let alone fight, Bradley Martyn has been vocal about his fighting ability. In a recent interview with Brendan Schaub, he even argued that he could beat Demetrious Johnson in a street fight.
UFC 292 | Pro fighters make their picks for Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O'Malley title fight
Cole Shelton - August 16, 2023
In the main event of UFC 292, the bantamweight title is up for grabs as Aljamain Sterling looks to defend his title against Sean O’Malley. Heading into the scrap, Sterling is a sizeable -265 favorite while ‘Suga’ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are nearly unanimous in thinking Sterling defends his belt, with some thinking it comes with ease due to his grappling.
Jonathan Haggerty ready to "take over" ONE's bantamweight ranks: "It will become a reality"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 16, 2023
ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Jonathan Haggerty’s ascent through the sport has been remarkable. But in a few months, his journey will take an unexpected turn in Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. Haggerty faces reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio Andrade for the division’s vacant kickboxing title at ONE Fight Night 15 on Prime Video on Friday, October 6.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk exits USADA testing pool, officially notifies UFC of retirement
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 16, 2023
Joanna Jedrzejczyk has decided to make her UFC retirement official. The once-dominant UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion had announced her retirement following a knockout loss against Zhang Weili back in June 2022. Things weren’t made official up to this point, however. That’s because Jedrzejczyk remained in the USADA testing pool and was going back-and-forth on whether or not to pump the brakes on leaving pro MMA competition.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals prediction for Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O'Malley at UFC 292
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 16, 2023
UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has high praise for both Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley, and he’s made his pick for the UFC 292 headliner. Sterling will be putting the UFC Bantamweight Championship at stake against O’Malley on August 19. For the “Funk Master,” he’s hoping to extend his record for the most successful consecutive UFC bantamweight title defenses. He also told Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour” that he plans to move up to featherweight following UFC 292.
Dana White believes Mark Zuckerberg is serious about fighting in the UFC: “He loves the sport and is training hard”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 16, 2023
UFC President Dana White insists Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is all in on having an MMA fight. Zuckerberg left MMA fans in awe when it was revealed that he’s been putting in serious time training Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He had success in his first BJJ tournament, taking gold and silver medals in the white belt bracket. Zuckerberg also recently earned his BJJ blue belt.
Mike Perry challenges former UFC champion Robbie Lawler to fight in BKFC
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 16, 2023
Former UFC fighter and current BKFC bare-knuckle boxer Mike Perry has called out Robbie Lawler. Lawler retired from pro MMA competition following his vintage knockout victory over Niko Price at UFC 290. Many fans and experts believe that the win was a great way for “Ruthless” to leave the sport. Now, “Platinum” is trying to lure Lawler back in the competitive fight game.
The UFC parts ways with three more fighters including James Krause
Harry Kettle - August 16, 2023
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced the departure of three more fighters, including James Krause. The wicked nature of mixed martial arts, and the UFC, often means that fighters get released. It happens all the time with the promotion making moves that they believe will benefit them in the long run. There are some instances in which the fans and media agree with the decision, and others whereby it leads to some extended questioning.
Alex Pereira explains why he feels Jan Blachowicz is a “tougher fight” than future opponent Jiri Prochazka
Harry Kettle - August 16, 2023
Alex Pereira has explained why he believes Jiri Prochazka won’t be as tough as his recent opponent Jan Blachowicz. Back at UFC 291, Alex Pereira fought Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut. It was a pretty close bout but in the end, the Brazilian sensation was able to edge out a victory over the man behind Polish Power. Now, he’s largely expected to face Jiri Prochazka in a bout for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship.
Sean O’Malley reacts to Cody Garbrandt pulling out of UFC 292 fight: “Some people aren’t built for this”
Harry Kettle - August 16, 2023
Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Cody Garbrandt pulling out of his scheduled bout at UFC 292 this weekend. On Saturday night, Cody Garbrandt was set to return to the Octagon for the first time since March. He was going to take on Mario Bautista, hoping to follow up with another win after his triumph over Trevin Jones. Unfortunately, it’ll no longer be happening as a result of Garbrandt pulling out of the bout due to injury.
John Dodson plans to clear out flyweight division after winning inaugural title at BKFC 48: "I want to be one of the most decorated combat sports strikers"
Cole Shelton - August 15, 2023
John Dodson has been taking over BKFC and he finally got a chance to fight for a world title at BKFC 48. Dodson was fighting for the inaugural flyweight title against JR Ridge and entering the fight, he had a ton of confidence that he would score a finish. He knew Ridge would try to be technical, so he wasn’t surprised when he caught Ridge by surprise with his speed and power.
Dana White supports Irish boxer Callum Walsh: “We’re gonna help build the kid and see if we can get him to a world title”
Zain Bando - August 15, 2023
Although UFC president Dana White isn’t directly involved in boxing, that isn’t to say that he has his favorites. This observation can be noted when discussing “King” Callum Walsh, one of the brightest young prospects in the sport. Dana White has been an avid supporter of Callum Walsh since the middle of 2022, where he has been regularly seen attending Walsh’s fights, including his most recent stoppage of Wesley Tucker in the spring. The victory makes Walsh unbeaten in his last seven fights, and White is keen on ensuring the 21-year-old’s trajectory stays consistent.
Jonathan Haggerty confident he'll smash Fabricio Andrade in kickboxing: "We love a trier"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 15, 2023
Jonathan Haggerty and Fabricio Andrade’s bout for the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title has captivated fans around the world. The two divisional kings will meet at ONE Fight Night 15 on Prime Video, which goes down Friday, October 6, at Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor tried to ‘get under his skin’ every chance he could on TUF 31
Zain Bando - August 15, 2023
After nearly an entire summer of reality television, Michael Chandler was given a chance to reflect on his experiences, coaching opposite Conor McGregor on TUF 31. Michael Chandler’s veterans team dominated McGregor’s prospects, winning all but one fight throughout the first nine weeks of competition.
Elon Musk questions if Mark Zuckerberg actually wants to fight him: "Is there anywhere he will fight?"
Cole Shelton - August 15, 2023
Elon Musk doesn’t think Mark Zuckerberg actually wants to fight him. Musk and Zuckerberg recently came out and agreed to fight one another on social media which caught many by surprise. UFC president Dana White then tried to get involved and promote the bout and he claimed it would be the biggest fight in combat sports history.