MMA News
Merab Dvalishvili is ready to hit 100-takedown milestone against Cory Sandhagen
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2025
UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili believes he will hit the 100-takedown milestone against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320. Right now, Merab Dvalishvili is easily one of the best fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He is the UFC bantamweight champion and if he beats Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, he will have successfully defended the strap for the third time.
Julianna Pena gives her thoughts on Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2025
Former UFC champion Julianna Pena has given her thoughts on the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes fight. While she may not be everyone’s favorite fighter, there’s no denying that Julianna Pena has had a pretty great success story in mixed martial arts. She is a former two-time world champion, only losing the belt to the aforementioned Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes.
UFC champion suggests Charles Oliveira makes move to welterweight
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2025
UFC champion Alexandre Pantoja believes Charles Oliveira should consider a move up to the welterweight division. As we know, Charles Oliveira is an absolutely huge fan favorite within the world of mixed martial arts. He has achieved some incredible things during his time in the sport and for his next outing, he was originally scheduled to battle Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio. Unfortunately, that’ll no longer be taking place.
Reinier de Ridder expresses disappointment at losing Anthony Hernandez fight
Harry Kettle - September 23, 2025
UFC star Reinier de Ridder has expressed disappointment at Anthony Hernandez being forced out of their fight. Right now, Reinier de Ridder is one of the most fascinating contenders in all the UFC. He is enjoying life in the middleweight division and after defeating Robert Whittaker, he was given a number one contender fight (of sorts) against Anthony Hernandez. However, now that ‘Fluffy’ has pulled out, Brendan Allen has stepped up to try and make a statement of his own against RDR.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 204 with Jimmy Crute and Colby Thicknesse
Cole Shelton - September 23, 2025
The 204th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Perth. We’re first joined by UFC light heavyweight contender Jimmy Crute (1:13). We close things out by chatting with UFC bantamweight Colby Thicknesse (9:39).
Nabil Anane switches sports to face former champion in kickboxing debut at ONE Friday Fights 126
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 22, 2025
Nabil Anane refuses to take the easy path toward multi-division glory. The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion seeks immediate validation against elite competition when he enters unfamiliar territory. Anane faces Ilias Ennahachi at ONE Friday Fights 126 on Friday, September 26, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The 21-year-old makes his kickboxing debut against the former flyweight ruler in a potential title eliminator.
Jiri Prochazka "will be a problem for Khalil [Rountree]" at UFC 320, per former Prochazka training partner Martin Buday
Dylan Bowker - September 22, 2025
Jiri Prochazka will take on Khalil Rountree in the coming weeks, and someone who has previously trained with the former has broken down that bout. Martin Buday discussed this on Bowks Talking Bouts and referenced getting in work with Jiri Prochazka around this time last September at New Park Gym. When asked for his thoughts on the consequential contest in the light heavyweight hierarchy between Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree at UFC 320, Buday said,
Robert Whittaker "I'd love to fight [Sean] Strickland" at UFC Sydney
Dylan Bowker - September 22, 2025
Robert Whittaker is eyeing a return to the cage next year and looks to put himself in the position of partisan favorite against a fellow former UFC middleweight champion. The man known as Bobby Knuckles has recently referenced that he feels iced out of the UFC middleweight title scene after back-to-back losses to current champ Khamzat Chimaev and surging contender Reinier de Ridder. That being said, Sean Strickland is a relevant fighter in the division without a dance partner and is someone who is also interwoven into the UFC’s 185-pound titleholder history. Appearing on the MMArcade Podcast and indicating what he wants next for an in-cage competitive assignment, Whittaker said [via Sportskeeda],
'Boxing is a joke'...Fight fans fume at Jake Paul/Gervonta Davis size difference in viral first faceoff
Curtis Calhoun - September 22, 2025
Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis’ first pre-fight faceoff left many boxing fans perplexed by their ridiculous size difference. WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and the polarizing Jake Paul are less than two months away from squaring off in one of the biggest fights of the year in the ring. This will mark Paul’s second fight since defeating Mike Tyson last year, and comes after dismantling Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier in 2025.
Daniel Cormier blames teammate for controversial 'towel incident' ahead of one of his legendary title fights
Curtis Calhoun - September 22, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier shared never-before-shared details surrounding the most controversial moment of his legendary career. Ahead of one of his light heavyweight title defenses at UFC 210, Daniel Cormier was at the center of one of MMA’s biggest controversies at the official weigh-in. Cormier was set to rematch Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in Buffalo amid Jon Jones’s suspension.
Tom Aspinall claims he never wanted to wait for Jon Jones fight: 'My hands were completely tied by the UFC'
Cole Shelton - September 22, 2025
Tom Aspinall claims he never wanted to wait for Jon Jones. Aspinall was the interim heavyweight champion for over a year as he was waiting to face Jones, and even had to defend his belt once. Yet, the Jones fight never happened as ‘Bones’ retired and Aspinall was promoted to the undisputed champion.
Top MMA analyst explains why Dakota Ditcheva would beat Valentina Shevchenko in potential showdown
Curtis Calhoun - September 22, 2025
Dan Hardy believes a potential fight between PFL superstar Dakota Ditcheva and UFC flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko would have a decisive victor. 2024 PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva is arguably the face of the league after a torrid start to her MMA career. Following Kayla Harrison’s PFL departure last year, Ditcheva has become one of the league’s biggest stars and is one of the most talked-about athletes in women’s MMA.
Marat Grigorian prepares for explosive encounter against Rukiya Anpo at ONE 173: "I'm ready for war"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 21, 2025
Marat Grigorian refused to match his opponent’s energy during their heated verbal exchange last week. The Armenian veteran plans to let his fists deliver the real message when they finally meet inside the Circle. Grigorian faces Rukiya Anpo in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 34-year-old former title challenger enters this pivotal matchup against the promotional newcomer who attacked his professionalism during their press conference confrontation.
Fabricio Andrey details ONE Championship debut: "I feel much more confident fighting here"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 21, 2025
Fabricio Andrey faces Eduardo Granzotto in a bantamweight submission grappling clash at ONE Fight Night 36 on Friday, October 3, live from Bangkok, Thailand. The 25-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion carries personal motivation into this rematch after losing to Granzotto at the IBJJF World Championships earlier this year. Andrey dominated Ashley Williams in his promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 30, securing a unanimous decision victory. But the spectacle surrounding his first appearance left him mesmerized by the organization’s production value and global reach.
UFC legend Ronda Rousey admits she's 'finding my love' for MMA again
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 21, 2025
Ronda Rousey likely won’t be returning to pro MMA competition, but she’s renewing her love for the sport. Rousey became a pioneer for women’s MMA thanks to her dominance as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, as well as her popularity. “Rowdy” was one of combat sports’ most talked about figures during her prime. At the end of her run, Rousey grew bitter towards the sport that helped put her on the map due to mental exhaustion.
UFC champion Kayla Harrison admits she was wrong about recent foe: 'She did what she had to do'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 21, 2025
Kayla Harrison isn’t as harsh on one of her past rivals as she once was. Harrison shared the Octagon with Julianna Pena for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship back in June. Harrison scored the second-round submission finish to capture UFC gold for the first time in her career. There was a war of words between the two going into fight night, as Pena even accused Harrison of juicing.
Mario Bautista shares interesting thoughts about Umar Nurmagomedov's camp ahead of UFC 321
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 21, 2025
Mario Bautista isn’t sold on Umar Nurmagomedov having a good time during his training camp ahead of UFC 321. Bautista and Nurmagomedov are scheduled to collide in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25. The pivotal bantamweight scrap will be featured on the same card headlined by a UFC Heavyweight Championship fight between titleholder Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. Bautista hopes to be closer than ever to a shot at the 135-pound gold, and a win over Nurmagomedov would certainly shake things up.
Former Bellator champion wants UFC contract before his 38-fight career ends
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 21, 2025
A near 40-fight veteran who has made his mark in Bellator and Rizin is looking for a UFC run before he wraps up his career. Juan Archuleta has mixed it up with the likes of Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, Patchy Mix, Sergio Pettis, and Kai Asakura. While Archuleta has been in the trenches as a pro MMA fighter since 2013, “The Spaniard” has never competed under the UFC banner.