MMA News
Tom Aspinall shares prediction for Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida fight at UFC 321
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2025
Tom Aspinall knows his next fight will come from the winner of Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida at UFC 321 if he also wins on that card. Aspinall is set to defend his heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 321 against Ciryl Gane. Heading into the bout, Aspinall is a sizable -460 favorite while the Frenchman is a +320 underdog on FanDuel. Also on the UFC 321 card is a No. 1 contender bout at heavyweight featuring Volkov taking on Almeida.
Ilia Topuria strongly advised not to pursue boxing match with Terence Crawford
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 19, 2025
Ilia Topuria has been calling for a showdown with boxing great Terence Crawford, but one UFC fighter doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Topuria has certainly seen his stock soar thanks to stellar performances against Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. “El Matador” is a former UFC featherweight titleholder, who vacated the gold to eventually capture the lightweight championship. Many believe Topuria has taken a page out of Conor McGregor’s playbook, and his callout of “Bud” Crawford is an example of that.
UFC analyst defends The Fighting Nerds amid recent losing streak
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 19, 2025
It’s easy for fans to pile on when fighters are down on their luck, and one UFC analyst has seen enough. Carlos Prates, Caio Borralho, Jean Silva, and Mauricio Ruffy were all riding hot streaks and representing The Fighting Nerds while doing so. The fighters gained a ton of buzz for their exciting fighting styles and personalities. While fans were singing the praises of all four men, they quickly turned on the quartet after they all dropped their most recent outings.
Surprising name suggested for Conor McGregor's UFC White House opponent
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 19, 2025
If Conor McGregor gets his UFC White House wish, could he be sharing the Octagon with an unexpected foe? McGregor has made it clear that he wants in on the UFC’s planned card at the White House in 2026. The “Notorious” one hasn’t competed since 2021, but UFC CEO Dana White insists the Irishman is taking comeback plans seriously. White has said that McGregor is in the drug testing pool and has been training as if he intends to go through with a return to the Octagon.
Raja Jackson is arrested following pro wrestling assault
Harry Kettle - September 19, 2025
Rampage Jackson’s son Raja Jackson has been arrested following his pro wrestling assault incident recently. As we know, Raja Jackson was involved in a serious incident at a pro wrestling event where he attacked a performer in the ring. While it seemed as if the two were working an angle, it quickly became obvious that the situation had escalated quite severely. The victim, Syko Stu, was knocked out cold, with the whole thing being streamed live.
Jon Jones’ pre-Gustafsson preparation involved heavy drinking session
Harry Kettle - September 19, 2025
Bogdan Guskov has told a wild story about Jon Jones’ preparation for his first fight against Alexander Gustafsson. One thing we know to be true is that Jon Jones is a bit of a wildcard – and that’s us putting it lightly. He has a tendency to do some crazy things from time to time, whether it be in or outside of the cage. Despite that, he’s still widely considered by many to be one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Magomed Ankalaev’s “easiest” fight ever revealed in forgotten tweet
Harry Kettle - September 19, 2025
In a resurfaced tweet, world champion Magomed Ankalaev looks back at what he considers to be the easiest fight of his UFC career. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the current UFC light heavyweight champion. In just a matter of weeks, he’ll attempt to successfully defend that crown when he goes head to head with Alex Pereira for the second time – the same man from whom he won the belt. In the eyes of many, he’s the favorite to win and walk away with the title around his waist.
Elbrus Osmanov predicts "easy fight" against former world title challenger
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 18, 2025
Elbrus Osmanov faces Saemapetch Fairtex in the main event of ONE Friday Fights 125 on September 19 in Bangkok, Thailand. The 24-year-old Dagestani warrior enters this bantamweight Muay Thai clash hunting his second consecutive victory and the life-changing $100,000 contract. Osmanov rebounded from career adversity in spectacular fashion. After suffering his first promotional loss to Yuki Yoza in May, “The Samurai” channeled that disappointment into fuel for improvement. He returned just two months later with a vicious first-round knockout of Kampeetewada Sitthikul at ONE Friday Fights 117.
UFC Perth co-main event falls out from card
Dylan Bowker - September 18, 2025
The initially scheduled penultimate fight of the night at UFC Perth has now been scrapped from the event. Ibo Aslan and Junior Tafa will no longer be throwing down in a light heavyweight contest on September 27th, as announced by the promotion. An emergent injury caused the bout to fall out, although the Ultimate Fighting Championship did not specify which of the combatants fell to said injury.
Yuki Yoza promises revenge against Superlek at ONE 173: "I'm definitely going to win"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 18, 2025
Yuki Yoza is carrying his teammate’s burden into the biggest fight of his career. Yoza steps up where Takeru couldn’t finish the job. Yoza faces ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a bantamweight kickboxing clash at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 27-year-old Team Vasileus standout enters this career-defining moment carrying more than personal ambition.
Merab Dvalishvili explains why he's rooting for Mario Bautista against Umar Nurmagomedov
Cole Shelton - September 18, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is hoping Mario Bautista defeats Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321. Bautista is taking on Nurmagomedov in a No. 1 contender bout, as the winner should get a title shot. Although Nurmagomedov has a bigger name and following, Dvalishvili says he is actually rooting for Bautista as he wants a fresh matchup.
Dana White rips notion that UFC lacks big stars entering massive Paramount deal
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 18, 2025
Dana White is lashing out at those who claim the UFC has a problem building new stars. The UFC has made significant business moves over the years to take control of a substantial portion of the combat sports market. The promotion scored a $1.5 billion deal to have its fights air on ESPN, and has now secured an even larger deal with Paramount. The deal with Paramount will last for seven years and is worth $7.7 billion.
Mario Bautista predicts title shot if he defeats Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 18, 2025
Mario Bautista believes a win over Umar Nurmagomedov would take him to the promised land. Bautista and Nurmagomedov will share the Octagon in a pivotal bantamweight clash at UFC 321 on Oct. 25. Earlier that month, Merab Dvalishvili will put the UFC Bantamweight Championship at stake against Cory Sandhagen. Bautista vs. Nurmagomedov is a significant chance for either man to earn a crack at 135-pound gold.
Tom Aspinall wants a quick turnaround after fighting at UFC 321
Harry Kettle - September 18, 2025
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall wants a quick turnaround after fighting Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. At UFC 321 next month, Tom Aspinall is set to square off with Ciryl Gane as he prepares to defend his UFC heavyweight championship for the first time. It’s been a long time coming for the Englishman who has been forced to sit and wait to see whether or not Jon Jones would accept the fight against him. He didn’t, meaning that Tom has now been promoted to the position of undisputed champion.
Michael Bisping agrees with Dana White's stance on Jon Jones' return
Harry Kettle - September 18, 2025
UFC commentator Michael Bisping agrees with Dana White regarding Jon Jones potentially not fighting at UFC White House. For a while now, Jon Jones has been talking about returning to competitive mixed martial arts – even though it hasn’t been that long since he actually retired. As you can imagine, this led to a lot of raised eyebrows and eye rolls from those within the sport.
Kayla Harrison doesn't expect much trash talk in build-up to Amanda Nunes fight
Harry Kettle - September 18, 2025
Kayla Harrison has said she doesn’t expect much trash talk in the build-up to her proposed superfight against Amanda Nunes. Ever since capturing the UFC women’s bantamweight championship, Kayla Harrison has been focused on a potential showdown with Amanda Nunes. As we know, Nunes is widely considered to be the greatest female fighter of all time, and she’s been eager to come back and try to reclaim her throne.
MMA analyst wants to see fresh opponents for Alexander Volkanovski
Harry Kettle - September 18, 2025
Masaaki Noiri challenges Rukiya Anpo: "If you have something to say, then first, beat Grigorian"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 17, 2025
ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Masaaki Noiri isn’t entertaining rematch talks with Rukiya Anpo until both fighters handle business first. Noiri has more pressing concerns than revenge scenarios with promotional newcomers. Noiri faces Superbon to unify the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 32-year-old interim titleholder carries unfinished business with newly-signed rival Anpo.
Anatoly Malykhin embraces Russian legacy: "Japan needs a second Fedor Emelianenko"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 17, 2025
Anatoly Malykhin views his Japan rematch as an opportunity to honor his childhood idol’s dominance. The Russian superstar believes capturing heavyweight gold in Japan will complete his transformation into the country’s next heavyweight legend. Malykhin faces “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane for the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The 37-year-old seeks to reclaim the title he lost via split decision in his first career defeat last November.