MMA News
Sage Northcutt weighs in on ONE vs. UFC debate: "ONE's kicking butt. They're taking names."
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 14, 2023
Sage Northcutt believes that ONE Championship’s unique approach to martial arts gives it an edge over the UFC. It cannot be denied that both promotions have largely divided the world of martial arts. While the UFC has long been considered the dominant force in the West, ONE Championship has risen to prominence as the leading organization in the East.
Cory Sandhagen doesn't think Umar Nurmagomedov deserves rebooking after pulling out of their fight in August
Cole Shelton - November 14, 2023
Cory Sandhagen doesn’t think it makes sense for him to be rebooked against Umar Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen was supposed to headline UFC Nashville back in August against Nurmagomedov. But, just over two weeks before the fight, Nurmagomedov withdrew due to an injury and was replaced by Rob Font.
Francis Ngannou confirms that Tyson Fury bout paid more than entire MMA career: "The Royal Treatment"
Josh Evanoff - November 14, 2023
PFL heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou is still buzzing after his boxing match with Tyson Fury. ‘The Predator’ made his boxing debut last month in Saudi Arabia. The event marked a lot of firsts for Francis Ngannou, as the bout with Tyson Fury was his first since leaving the UFC. Famously, his exit was marred with controversy and a feud with Dana White over not being paid what he felt he was worth.
PHOTO | Chael Sonnen allegedly gets Anderson Silva tattoo on his arm
Josh Evanoff - November 14, 2023
It is safe to say that the hatchet between UFC legends Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen is buried. ‘The Spider’ and ‘The American Gangster’ famously had one of the most heated rivalries in MMA history. Despite the Brazilian’s dominance at the time, his first meeting with Chael Sonnen in August 2010 was quite lopsided. The wrestler famously dominated for most of the bout, but a fifth-round submission win saw Anderson Silva retain the gold.
Sean O'Malley details "weird as hell" comment from Marlon Vera during faceoff ahead of UFC 299 rematch
Cole Shelton - November 14, 2023
Sean O’Malley says Marlon Vera made an odd comment during their faceoff last week. It was recently announced that O’Malley would defend his bantamweight title for the first time in March in the main event of UFC 299 against Marlon Vera. The two fought back in 2020 and Vera won by first-round TKO in a fight that ‘Suga’ hurt his ankle.
Paddy Pimblett explains why there is no upside to fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 296
Susan Cox - November 14, 2023
Paddy Pimblett is explaining why there is no upside to fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. UFC 296 takes place on Saturday, December 16th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Jamahal Hill sends warning to newly crowned UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall
Susan Cox - November 14, 2023
Jamahal Hill is sending a warning to the newly crowned UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Hill (12-1 MMA) last fought and defeated Glover Teixeira (33-9 MMA) by unanimous decision in January of this year at UFC 283, claiming the UFC light heavyweight title.
Sean Strickland continues to take jabs at Valentina Shevchenko: “I don’t know who shoots worse. A female or a Russian”
Susan Cox - November 14, 2023
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is continuing to take jabs at Valentina Shevchenko. Strickland (28-5 MMA) is preparing for his upcoming middleweight title defence against Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA) at UFC 297 which takes place this coming January at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
Dustin Poirier confident that Charles Oliveira is capable of dethroning Islam Makhachev: “He can win that fight”
Harry Kettle - November 14, 2023
Dustin Poirier believes that Charles Oliveira has what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev in a future rematch. At UFC 294, Islam Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira. Unfortunately, as a result of ‘Do Bronx’ suffering a nasty cut in training, he was forced to withdraw. Alexander Volkanovski replaced him on short notice and ultimately, came up short in a knockout defeat to the star from Dagestan.
Alex Pereira reacts to Israel Adesanya’s “not very respectful” response to his callout at UFC 295
Harry Kettle - November 14, 2023
Alex Pereira has given his thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s response to his callout at UFC 295 last weekend. On Saturday night, Alex Pereira won the UFC light heavyweight championship. He did so by knocking out Jiri Prochazka, becoming the latest two-weight world champion in UFC history. The win cemented Pereira’s status as one of the most successful fighters of his generation, with many believing it also confirmed his spot in the UFC Hall of Fame one day.
Jake Paul says it’s “a shame” that Dana White isn’t willing to collaborate with PFL for Jones vs. Ngannou: “We share the same media partner?”
Harry Kettle - November 14, 2023
Jake Paul has questioned why Dana White wouldn’t be willing to co-promote with PFL for Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou. It’s well-known that fight fans want to see Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou. The only problem, of course, is that Jones is signed to UFC, and Ngannou is signed to PFL. Many have suggested that the two promotions could work together on the bout and put on a monstrous co-promotion.
Julianna Pena takes aim at “horrible” Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva title fight at UFC 297
Harry Kettle - November 14, 2023
Julianna Pena has taken a shot at the upcoming Raquel Pennington vs Mayra Bueno Silva title fight at UFC 297. Over the course of the last few years, Julianna Pena hasn’t been in the business of making friends. She told the world she would defeat Amanda Nunes and capture the UFC women’s bantamweight championship, and that’s exactly what she did.
What's next for the stars of UFC 295?
Cole Shelton - November 13, 2023
The UFC returned to Madison Square Garden on Saturday for their annual November event which was UFC 295. In the main event of UFC 295, Alex Pereira took on Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title. The co-main event saw Tom Aspinall face Sergei Pavlovich fight for the interim heavyweight title.
Paddy Pimblett claims Leon Edwards KO'd Ian Machado Garry in training before gym dispute
Cole Shelton - November 13, 2023
Paddy Pimblett says Leon Edwards knocked out Ian Machado Garry in training prior to their gym dispute. Recently, Edwards and Garry have butted heads as the Irishman claims he was kicked out of the gym where Edwards trains. Garry revealed the news to The Independent and says it came as a surprise as he thought having two elite welterweights training together made sense.
Jon Jones opens as a slight favorite in potential fight against Tom Aspinall
Cole Shelton - November 13, 2023
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is only a slight favorite in a potential fight against Tom Aspinall. Jones was supposed to defend his heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 295 against Stipe Miocic. However, just over two weeks out from the event, ‘Bones’ tore his pec and had to pull out of the fight.
Alex Pereira opens as underdog against Israel Adesanya, favored over Jamahal Hill
Cole Shelton - November 13, 2023
Opening odds have been released for two potential fights for Alex Pereira. In the main event of UFC 295, Pereira became the promotion’s new light heavyweight champion as he scored a second-round knockout over Jiri Prochakza. In just his seventh UFC fight, Pereira has already won titles and two weight classes and after the victory, called for a trilogy (MMA bout) with Israel Adesanya.
Leon Edwards eyeing Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis winner for UFC 300: "First U.K. double champ"
Josh Evanoff - November 13, 2023
UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards is already eyeing Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis. ‘Rocky’ is currently slated to return next month at UFC 296 against Colby Covington. Back for the first time since a decision win over Kamaru Usman in March, Leon Edwards will look to defeat ‘Chaos’. However, it seems that the welterweight champion’s time at 170 pounds might be limited afterward.
Tom Aspinall feels that the "shine is off" of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic following UFC 295: "What's the point?"
Josh Evanoff - November 13, 2023
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall doesn’t see much of a point in Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic now. The British fighter returned on short notice in the co-main event of UFC 295 over the weekend. While not originally slated for the card, Tom Aspinall stepped up after Jon Jones withdrew from the main event. Due to ‘Bones’ suffering a torn pec, Stipe Miocic was also removed to keep the fight intact.