MMA News
Sean O’Malley believes he could take over top spot in pound-for-pound rankings by defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292
Harry Kettle - July 4, 2023
Sean O’Malley has, perhaps jokingly, suggested he could become the new pound-for-pound number one fighter in the UFC if he beats Aljamain Sterling. At UFC 292, Sean O’Malley’s chance at glory arrives. He will battle Aljamain Sterling with the UFC bantamweight championship on the line. If he wins, he will finally become a world champion at the highest level – something he’s promised to do for years. It’s a quick turnaround for Sterling, of course, who faced Henry Cejudo back in May.
Dricus du Plessis slams Israel Adesanya for bringing race into the conversation: “I don’t like that narrative at all”
Harry Kettle - July 4, 2023
Dricus du Plessis has hit out at rival Israel Adesanya for bringing race into their ongoing middleweight feud. This weekend, Dricus du Plessis faces the biggest fight of his career. He’ll go head to head with Robert Whittaker in an attempt to secure a shot at the UFC middleweight championship. If he wins, he’ll collide with Israel Adesanya later in the year. He is, however, seen by many as the underdog in this contest.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 129 with Dricus Du Plessis, Brandon Royval, Kamuela Kirk, and Shannon Ross
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2023
The 129th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 290 this Saturday. We’re first joined by fifth-ranked UFC middleweight Dricus Du Plessis (2:00). Next, fourth-ranked UFC flyweight Brandon Royval (16:33) comes on. UFC lightweight Kamuela Kirk (32:32) then joins the show. Closing out the program is UFC flyweight, Shannon Ross (46:01).
Alex Pereira takes aim at Abus Magomedov for having “a fake record” following UFC Vegas 76
Harry Kettle - July 4, 2023
Alex Pereira has taken a shot at Abus Magomedov for having what he deems to be a fake record after his loss last weekend. If there’s one man who knows what it takes to succeed at middleweight, and do so quickly, it’s Alex Pereira. The Brazilian sensation was able to rapidly rise up through the ranks of the division, eventually becoming champion. So, then, when he saw Abus Magomedov get a huge opportunity to take on Sean Strickland last Saturday night, he was understandably intrigued.
What's next for Sean Strickland and Abus Magomedov after UFC Vegas 76?
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
In the main event of UFC Vegas 76, Sean Strickland was taking on unranked Abus Magomedov. Strickland entered the fight coming off a decision victory over Nassourdine Imavov, in a scrap he took on short notice. That fight got him back into the win column after suffering back-to-back losses to Jared Cannonier and Alex Pereira. Magomedov, meanwhile, was coming off a 19-second KO win over Dustin Stoltzfus in his UFC debut to earn a main event spot.
Ronda Rousey has informed WWE of her “hard out” date as rumors of UFC return continue to swirl
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has reportedly informed the WWE of her soon-to-be departure. Rousey went full-time with the WWE in 2018 after sporadic appearances for a couple of years following her departure from MMA and the UFC. After Ronda Rousey suffered a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016, she left the sport and in 2018 told Ellen DeGeneres that she likely would never make a comeback.
Dana White reflects on 'friend' Kobe Bryant investing in the UFC: "An incredible human"
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
UFC President Dana White recently took some time to discuss Kobe Bryant. In the summer of 2016, the UFC completed was bought out by WME-IMG. While many executives left the company during this timeframe, Dana White famously decided to stay around. Ultimately, when the purchase was made final, Endeavor had a meeting with all of their clients, where they would be able to buy a share of the UFC.
Aljamain Sterling unloads on "entitled brat" Sean O'Malley ahead of UFC 292 title defense
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Aljamain Sterling has taken aim at Sean O’Malley. Sterling is set to defend his bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 292 against O’Malley. It’s a highly-anticipated bout as it marks Suga’s first chance to become a UFC champ, this after receiving a strong push from the promotion. O’Malley has also been vocal in saying he won’t just win but will finish Aljamain Sterling early to become the champ. He has also taken aim at ‘Funkmaster’ for complaining about the scrap taking place in August.
Jim Miller calls for UFC 300 fight with Matt Brown: "That'd be an awesome one"
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
Lightweight contender Jim Miller would love to face Matt Brown at UFC 300 next year. ‘A10’ has been out of the cage since his clash with Jesse Butler last month at UFC Vegas 74. Predictably, Jim Miller scored the knockout victory over the short-notice replacement. Following the win, the lightweight again discussed the possibility of fighting at UFC 300.
VIDEO | Jose Aldo turns opponent into panic wrestler during boxing return
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo produced some big highlights in his boxing return. It’s not exactly a secret that ‘Junior’ is attempting to make a career in the boxing ring these days. Last year, the Brazilian suffered a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Following the loss, Jose Aldo retired from MMA and was later released from his promotional contract.
Sean O'Malley explains why he thinks Henry Cejudo will retire again after pulling out of Marlon Vera fight
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Sean O’Malley doesn’t think Henry Cejudo will fight again. Cejudo ended his retirement back in May to face Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title but lost by split decision. After the loss, he was adamant he wanted to fight again and called out Merab Dvalishvili. Yet, he ended up getting booked at UFC 292 against Marlon Vera, but unfortunately, Henry Cejudo was forced out of the scrap due to a shoulder injury.
Michael Bisping believes Alexa Grasso is a "better fighter" than Valentina Shevchenko
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Michael Bisping has high praise for Alexa Grasso. Grasso stunned many back in March as she submitted Valentina Shevchenko to become the women’s flyweight champ. The two are set to rematch in September and many expect Shevchenko to prove that was a fluke and regain her belt.
Sean Brady shares gnarly photo of the infection that forced him out of UFC 290: “It was growing in my elbow”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
UFC fighter Sean Brady has shown off a photo that highlights the infection that has forced him to withdraw from UFC 290. While he may have suffered defeat to Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady is still viewed as a top contender at welterweight. He has a great, smothering style, and he isn’t afraid to use it. He was scheduled to take on Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 this weekend. But, unfortunately, he’s been forced to withdraw.
Dan Hooker credits manager for keeping him from doing “more dumb sh*t” ahead of UFC 290: “I probably would have rushed things”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
Dan Hooker has credited his manager for helping him to avoid making poor decisions as he prepares for his return to the cage. While he may not be the most consistent, Dan Hooker is certainly a fan favorite in the UFC. His style always invites chaos, and that’s the kind of thing mixed martial arts fans can get on board with.
Report | Miami Heat axe deal to have Conor McGregor’s Tidl Sports patch on their jerseys: “It’s a reminder of the 24 hours of hell the organization went through”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
The Miami Heat have reportedly axed a deal that would’ve seen Conor McGregor’s Tidl Sports brand sponsor the team next season. It’s been a strange few weeks for Conor McGregor, and one of the big reasons for that was his appearance at an NBA Finals game in Miami, Florida. After punching the team’s mascot and sending him to hospital, the Irishman was accused of sexual assault by a woman he met at the event. The messy ordeal has led many to wonder whether or not he’ll actually return to the Octagon, as he was expected to do.
Tim Sylvia reveals the UFC offered him a contract to fight Daniel Cormier but Dana White nixed the deal: “They were sh**ty bosses”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
UFC heavyweight Tim Sylvia has revealed that the UFC once offered him a contract to fight Daniel Cormier in the promotion. When you speak of iconic UFC heavyweights, you need to speak of Tim Sylvia. He’s a true veteran of the game, a former UFC heavyweight champion, and someone who fought the best of the best. These days, he can be found in slap fighting as he pursues a new venture in combat sports.
Michael Morales explains why he's not completely satisfied with UFC Vegas 76 win over Max Griffin
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Michael Morales emerged victorious over Max Griffin at UFC Vegas 76, but he’s not overjoyed with how things played out. Morales and Griffin shared the Octagon inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. For Morales, this was a chance to make a statement and improve his unbeaten record. Griffin was hoping to derail the hype train and win his second bout in a row. Ultimately, it was Morales who earned the unanimous decision victory.
Rinat Fakhretdinov expected quick finish over Kevin Lee at UFC Vegas 76: "This is exactly what I was planning for"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Rinat Fakhretdinov wasn’t shocked when he finished Kevin Lee in under a minute at UFC Vegas 76. Fakhretdinov and Lee collided inside the UFC Apex this past Saturday (July 1). This was the featured preliminary bout on the UFC Vegas 76 card. “The Motown Phenom” was hoping to make his UFC return a successful one, but that was far from what ended up happening. Lee was choked out in 55 seconds.