MMA News
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.
Roy Jones Jr. ready to welcome Fedor Emelianenko to boxing: "We are both Russian athletes!"
Josh Evanoff - August 15, 2023
Roy Jones Jr. would love to welcome former Bellator heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko to the boxing ring. ‘The Last Emperor’ famously retired from the sport of MMA earlier this year after his rematch with Ryan Bader. Four years after suffering a first-round stoppage loss to ‘Darth’, the rematch went the same way. In the main event of Bellator 290, Fedor Emelianenko suffered a first-round knockout loss.
Logan Paul extends million dollar bet to Conor McGregor for Dillon Danis fight: "Imagine all the coke you can buy!"
Josh Evanoff - August 15, 2023
Ahead of his fight with Dillon Danis, Logan Paul has extended an offer to UFC star Conor McGregor. ‘The Maverick’ and ‘El Jefe’ recently announced their fight slated for October. Set for the co-main event of KSI vs. Tommy Fury, the boxing match will be Logan Paul’s first in over two years. The WWE superstar last fought to a no-contest against Floyd Mayweather in a June 2021 exhibition.
Aljamain Sterling confirms move to featherweight with UFC 292 win over Sean O'Malley: "I'm out of here!"
Josh Evanoff - August 15, 2023
UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling won’t be at 135 pounds after his fight with Sean O’Malley. ‘Funk Master’ is slated to return to the octagon this Saturday night in the main event of UFC 292. There, he will face ‘Sugar’, nearly a year after the bantamweight contender scored a controversial decision win over Petr Yan. For Aljamain Sterling, he’s making a quick turnaround after defeating Henry Cejudo in May.
Israel Adesanya claims the UFC originally didn't want to give Sean Strickland the title shot in fears of "embarrassing the company"
Cole Shelton - August 15, 2023
Israel Adesanya claims the UFC wasn’t originally interested in having Sean Strickland fight for the middleweight title. The original plan was for Adesanya to defend his middleweight title at UFC 293 in Australia against the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker. ‘DDP’ ended up winning by TKO, but he suffered a foot injury, and couldn’t fight on that date.
Teddy Atlas criticizes Francis Ngannou's team over training snub: "Why don't you be upfront with me?"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 15, 2023
Teddy Atlas feels he was disregarded by Francis Ngannou after being asked to help train him. Atlas, who is a legendary boxing trainer, claims that Ngannou was seeking his assistance ahead of the big October 28 bout against Tyson Fury. Atlas even claims to have helped the former UFC Heavyweight Champion with a technique, but he was taken aback when it was revealed that “The Predator” is being trained by Mike Tyson.
Ray Longo reveals his biggest fear for Chris Weidman ahead of UFC 292 return
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 15, 2023
Renowned coach Ray Longo has a big concern for Chris Weidman ahead of UFC 292. Weidman is set to make the walk to the Octagon for the first time since April 2021. At UFC 261, the “All-American” suffered a grotesque leg break just seconds into his bout with Uriah Hall. Weidman ended up having to undergo two surgeries, as the fracture wasn’t healing properly. The good news for the former UFC Middleweight Champion is that his leg has now healed and he is set to fight Brad Tavares this Saturday night (August 19).
Eddie Hearn takes aim at “awful” boxing match between Nate Diaz and Jake Paul: “You're talking about low level”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 15, 2023
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn was not impressed by the boxing skills on display during the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz match. Paul and Diaz shared the ring inside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas earlier this month. The bout had its moments with Paul scoring a fifth-round knockdown, and Diaz continuing to hang in there and land punches. The problem for Diaz was his punches had no significant impact on his opponent. Paul’s punches were clearly more effective and he won the bout via unanimous decision.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 135 with John Dodson and Andre Petroski
Cole Shelton - August 15, 2023
In the 135th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com, host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 292 and recapping BKFC 48. We’re first joined by the new BKFC flyweight champion John Dodson (1:17). Closing out the show is UFC middleweight Andre Petroski (14:31). Sorry for only two guests, we did have interviews with Rob Font and Mario Bautista that went out after their opponents pulled out, as well as an interview scheduled with Geoff Neal before he withdrew.