MMA News
Firas Zahabi says he was “speechless” after hearing news of the UFC’s split with USADA: “One guy is going to ruin it for everybody?”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
Georges St-Pierre’s head coach Firas Zahabi has revealed his concern for the future after UFC’s split with USADA. Last month, it was announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship would be parting ways with USADA, starting in January 2024. It appeared to be quite a bitter split, with USADA releasing a statement that noted their frustration with Conor McGregor and when he’d be cleared to compete again.
"Pokemon Master" Ben Tynan flexes Charizard tattoo After ONE Fight Night 16 win
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 9, 2023
Ben Tynan proudly displayed his love for Pokemon after his remarkable win at ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video this past Friday, November 3. The undefeated American authored a promotional debut to remember, beating Kang Ji Won by way of third-round submission in a scintillating heavyweight MMA showdown. The chaos happened at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Video | Daniel Cormier takes low kicks from former middleweight champion Alex Pereira ahead of UFC 295
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has posted a video of him taking low kicks from UFC contender Alex Pereira. This Saturday night, Alex Pereira will lock horns with Jiri Prochazka as they battle it out over the UFC light heavyweight championship. The bout will serve as the main event of UFC 295, with Pereira having the chance to become the latest two-weight world champion.
Dana White shoots down rumors of Brock Lesnar or Ronda Rousey fighting at UFC 300: “They’re not coming back”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2023
UFC president Dana White has dismissed the idea of Brock Lesnar or Ronda Rousey returning in time for UFC 300. In April 2024, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is expected to host its landmark UFC 300 event. The show is set to be one of the biggest in the history of mixed martial arts, and as such, plenty of big stars are likely to appear on the card.
Mackenzie Dern says she's still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce ahead of UFC 295: “Literally this whole fight is still paying me ex”
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
Mackenzie Dern is still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce ahead of her UFC 295 fight against Jessica Andrade. Dern revealed she got a divorce ahead of her last fight against Angela Hill, which she won by decision back in May. It was a dominant performance, but Dern admitted there were a lot of mental struggles ahead of the fight.
Sergei Pavlovich says UFC 295 fight against Tom Aspinall is for the "legit title"
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
Sergei Pavlovich doesn’t think he’s fighting for the interim heavyweight title on Saturday. Pavlovich is set to fight Tom Aspinall in the co-main event of UFC 295 from Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Originally, the card was supposed to be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. However, just over two weeks out from the event, Jones tore his pec so the promotion made an interim title fight between Pavlovich and Aspinall.
Aspen Ladd replaces Julia Budd, will face Kayla Harrison at 2023 PFL Championships
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
PFL’s World Championship card has taken a bit of a turn, as Kayla Harrison will now face Aspen Ladd. The former tournament winner has been out of action for a year, last competing at PFL 10 last Fall. That night, Kayla Harrison suffered the first loss of her career in her trilogy bout with Larissa Pacheco. While the former Judoka had hoped for a future bout with Cris Cyborg, that was blown up for the moment.
Chael Sonnen shares his side of Ariel Helwani fiasco: "His opening line to me was a lie"
Zain Bando - November 8, 2023
Chael Sonnen has responded to Ariel Helwani after the pair argued over the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou pay-per-view numbers. For context, Sonnen, the former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight title challenger came on a recent episode of “The MMA Hour” to discuss Ngannou’s near-victory against the WBC heavyweight champion, plus whether or not Ngannou was the rightful winner in the entire saga.
UFC 295 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira title fight
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
In the main event of UFC 295, the vacant light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Jiri Prochazka takes on Alex Pereira. Heading into the fight, Prochazka is a +100 underdog while the Brazilian is a -128 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the title fight. The pros slightly lean towards Prochazka becoming the light heavyweight champion again at UFC 295, but all expect this to be a very exciting scrap.
Deontay Wilder confirms plans to crossover to MMA amid talks with Francis Ngannou: "I'll be a dangerous man"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is serious about potentially facing Francis Ngannou in the cage. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ is currently awaiting his next opponent, defeating Robert Helenius last year. Following the win, Deontay Wilder was ordered to face Andy Ruiz Jr. by the WBC. However, talks with ‘Destroyer’ as well as Anthony Joshua fell apart, leaving the former champion without an opponent.
Anthony Smith still backing Jon Jones in possible Francis Ngannou clash: "Would've left there without a mark on his face"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
UFC light-heavyweight Anthony Smith is still backing Jon Jones if he ever faces Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ returned to action late last month in Saudi Arabia in the boxing ring against Tyson Fury. There, Francis Ngannou turned in a spirited effort, knocking down ‘The Gypsy King’ in round three. However, it wasn’t enough to earn a win, as the boxer instead scored a split-decision victory.
Daniel Cormier believes Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will headline UFC 300: "How crazy is that?!"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2023
UFC analyst Daniel Cormier believes Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will meet next April. ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Iron Mike’ have been in discussions for a fight for seemingly all of 2023. Earlier this year, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler coached against one another on The Ultimate Fighter. However, it took him months to enter the USADA testing pool, postponing his return. Despite the Irishman’s comments about fighting names such as Justin Gaethje, he will seemingly return against the former Bellator champion.
Daniel Cormier believes lengthy layoff “is going to hurt” Jiri Prochazka in title fight with Alex Pereira at UFC 295
Susan Cox - November 8, 2023
Daniel Cormier believes a lengthy layoff ‘is going to hurt’ Jiri Prochazka in title fight with Alex Pereira at UFC 295. UFC 295 will take place this coming Saturday, November 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Michael Bisping shares prediction for Tom Aspinall vs. Sergei Pavlovich title fight at UFC 295: “He’s going to make this look easy”
Susan Cox - November 8, 2023
Michael Bisping is sharing his prediction for Tom Aspinall vs. Sergei Pavlovich title fight at UFC 295. UFC 295 takes place this Saturday night, November 11th at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Chael Sonnen suggests Alex Pereira will become Fighter of the Year with victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295
Harry Kettle - November 8, 2023
Chael Sonnen has explained why he believes Alex Pereira could become Fighter of the Year with a victory at UFC 295. This Saturday night, Alex Pereira returns to action in a blockbuster encounter with Jiri Prochazka. The two will fight for the UFC light heavyweight championship, with Pereira attempting to become the latest two-division UFC champion.
Joe Rogan set to return to the commentary booth for first time in 3 months at UFC 295
Harry Kettle - November 8, 2023
Joe Rogan will reportedly return to the commentary booth for the first time in three months at UFC 295 this weekend. Over the course of the last few decades, Joe Rogan has been an ever-present member of the UFC family. From major event to major event, Rogan has been there every step of the way to react to some of the greatest moments in mixed martial arts history.
Ayaka Miura breathes sigh of relief after ONE Fight Night 16: "I had to win this fight""
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 8, 2023
At ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video last Friday, November 3, Ayaka Miura found her way back to the winner’s circle. The former ONE MMA World Title contender authored a rousing victory in a strawweight bout against Meng Bo. There, she submitted the Chinese knockout artist with her signature scarf-hold Americana in the first round.
Dustin Poirier weighs in on the UFC’s split with USADA
Harry Kettle - November 8, 2023
UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has given his thoughts on the promotion’s recent split with USADA. Last month, it was announced that USADA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship will be ending their working relationship. Their association with one another will conclude in January 2024, following a pretty public fallout between the two companies.