MMA News

Harry Kettle - July 7, 2023

Islam Makhachev has laughed off claims from Dan Hooker that he used an IV prior to their UFC 267 showdown in October 2021. Back in late 2021, Dan Hooker opted to take on Islam Makhachev on short notice. In the end, the contest went how many were expecting, with Makhachev picking up a quick submission win. His road to immortality, of course, would eventually end in him capturing the UFC lightweight championship.

Harry Kettle - July 7, 2023

Former UFC referee John McCarthy has dismissed the idea of Ronda Rousey making a sensational return to the UFC. As many fans know, Ronda Rousey built quite a legacy for herself in mixed martial arts. She holds a 12-2 record, and served as the first major female star the UFC had seen. She became a global phenomenon and while she did lose her last two bouts to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, she also had a lot of great moments along the way.

Harry Kettle - July 7, 2023

Niko Price is excited about the opportunity to battle Robbie Lawler this weekend in what will serve as the veteran’s retirement fight. On Saturday night at UFC 290, Robbie Lawler will finally ride off into the sunset. After a career that has spanned over two decades, ‘Ruthless’ will make his last walk to the Octagon when he battles Niko Price.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

Deiveson Figueiredo will be moving up to bantamweight. According to Brazilian outlet Quinto Quarto, Figueiredo has verbally agreed to move up to bantamweight to face former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz in September. The exact date of the fight is not known at this time, but that should be finalized in the next few days, according to Figueiredo.

Josh Evanoff - July 6, 2023

Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is ready to give back to MMA. ‘Ruthless’ has been out of the cage since a knockout loss to Bryan Barberena last July at UFC 276. Nearly a year on from that defeat, the former champion is set to return this Saturday. At UFC 290, Robbie Lawler will face fellow action fighter, Niko Price. ‘The Hybrid’ is coming off a knockout loss to Phillip Rowe last December.

Josh Evanoff - July 6, 2023

Former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre is back on the mats. ‘Rush’ has been out of competition since his 2017 comeback against Michael Bisping. That was the Canadian’s first fight in over four years. He previously took a hiatus after a split-decision win over Johny Hendricks. In his middleweight comeback, Georges St-Pierre submitted ‘The Count’ to win UFC gold.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

Dana White has provided a big update on the potential Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight. McGregor and Chandler are coaching TUF 31 and the hope was the fight would happen in December. However, a big hurdle was the Irishman re-entering the USADA testing pool as the drug testing administrator had said Conr needs to be in the pool for six months before he can fight.

Josh Evanoff - July 6, 2023

UFC commentator Jon Anik believes Mark Hunt vs. Bigfoot Silva needs to be in the Hall of Fame. Later today, the UFC will hold its yearly Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring the legends of the past. This year, it is an extremely stacked class, with names such as Anderson Silva, Jose Aldo, Jens Pulver, and more all set to be inducted. In a recent interview with MMAJunkie, Jon Anik discussed his excitement for the ceremony.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

In the featured fight of UFC 290, a middleweight title eliminator goes down as Robert Whittaker takes on Dricus Du Plessis. Heading into the fight, Whittaker is a sizeable -400 favorite while the South African is a +300 underdog. Ahead of the fight at UFC 290, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are in favor of the odds as they are unanimous in thinking Whittaker gets the job done.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

Tai Tuivasa will be getting a hometown fight. According to MMAJunkie, Tuivasa is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia against Alexander Volkov. The fight has been signed, according to the report. UFC 293 goes down on Sept. 9 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The headliner for the event is not yet official, but the hope is Israel Adesanya will defend his belt in the main event.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

Jon Jones has squashed the beef with Israel Adesanya. For years, Jones and Adesanya have taken shots at one another, and it was a fight both men had interest in. The two exchanged verbal jabs countless times in interviews and even just recently, Adesanya claims the story with Jones is not over.

Susan Cox - July 6, 2023

UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones appeared quite chummy during their recent meetup. The UFC Middleweight Champion and the UFC Heavyweight Champion have apparently ended their feud.

Cole Shelton - July 6, 2023

Dricus Du Plessis is fully focused on Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 but knows a matchup against Israel Adesanya would be massive. Du Plessis is set to take on Whittaker in a title eliminator bout with the winner expected to face Adesanya in September. Although it is a quick turnaround, Dricus Du Plessis says if the fight plays out as he expects he will be ready to fight Israel Adesanya for the belt in Australia. He also knows if that is the matchup, it will be a massive fight for the UFC.

Susan Cox - July 6, 2023

UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has shared his pick for ‘the sleeper fight’ of Saturday night’s UFC 290 event. UFC 290 takes place on Saturday, July 8th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Harry Kettle - July 6, 2023

Michael Bisping has explained why he’s backing Alexandre Pantoja to dethrone Brandon Moreno at UFC 290 this weekend. This Saturday night, Alexandre Pantoja will challenge Brandon Moreno for the UFC flyweight championship. It serves as his first chance at the undisputed strap and with four wins in his last five, he’s certainly earned it. It helps, too, that he’s beaten Moreno twice in the past, adding an extra layer of spice to what is already a phenomenal title showdown.

Harry Kettle - July 6, 2023

Bo Nickal has given his thoughts on being the biggest betting favorite in UFC history ahead of his return to the cage this weekend. Everyone knows that Bo Nickal is an incredible prospect in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He’s 4-0 in his mixed martial arts career, has a great wrestling pedigree, and has all the confidence in the world. This weekend, he was initially scheduled to take on Tresean Gore before he unfortunately pulled out after sustaining a torn ligament in his wrist. Now, he’ll meet Val Woodburn, a 7-0 prospect in his own right who will be making his UFC debut.

Harry Kettle - July 6, 2023

Combat sports legend Alistair Overeem’s management appears to have contradicted his recent retirement statement. Many fans know and love the work of Alistair Overeem. Across kickboxing and mixed martial arts, he’s built an incredible career and reputation for himself. The veteran has fought and beaten the best of his generation, and a few days ago, he seemingly made it clear that he was ready to hang up his gloves.

Cole Shelton - July 5, 2023

Brandon Royval is more than ready to fight for UFC gold on Saturday night at UFC 290. In the co-main event of UFC 290, Brandon Moreno is looking to defend his flyweight title as he takes on Alexandre Pantoja. The two have fought twice – with Pantoja winning both, although one was on TUF so it was ruled an exhibition.