MMA News

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 25, 2026

Allycia Hellen Rodrigues has never been one to duck a challenge. She stripped Stamp Fairtex of the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title in her promotional debut back in 2020. She unified the division’s gold against combat sports legend Janet “JT” Todd. She’s answered short-notice calls twice without flinching. But nothing in her five-year reign compares to what awaits her at ONE Fight Night 41 on Friday, March 13, live on Prime Video from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Curtis Calhoun - February 25, 2026

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes Khamzat Chimaev would fit like a glove in the UFC’s light heavyweight division if he makes the move. UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev eyes a potential second world title before defending his current 185-pound belt.

Curtis Calhoun - February 25, 2026

BMF champion Max Holloway believes influencer Deen The Great is biting off more than he can chew in calling out top UFC stars. Max Holloway is weeks away from returning to the Octagon to defend his BMF title against former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. Holloway will make his second BMF title defense after defeating Dustin Poirier in an instant classic at UFC 318 last year.

Curtis Calhoun - February 25, 2026

UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey pivoted on some of her past concerning admissions about her neurological health ahead of her MMA comeback. Ronda Rousey nearly broke the internet when it was announced she’ll make her first MMA appearance in 10 years against fellow fighting pioneer, Gina Carano, in an upcoming Most Valuable Promotions main event. Rousey will return to the cage for the first time since a loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207.

Cole Shelton - February 25, 2026

Robert Whittaker believes a move to light heavyweight is long overdue. Whittaker announced his decision that his next fight will be at 205lbs and he’s hoping his debut happens in the summer. If Whittaker had his way, his goal is to make his light heavyweight debut in June.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 25, 2026

Charles Oliveira didn’t expect his night to go south as quickly as it did against Max Holloway back in 2015. Before Oliveira and Holloway reached the prime of their careers, they were matched up in a pivotal featherweight showdown. The bout ended rather quickly, as Oliveira suffered a micro-tear in his esophagus.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 25, 2026

If Alex Pereira passes on the idea of fighting Khamzat Chimaev, then “Borz’s” team wouldn’t be surprised. Chimaev has yet to defend the UFC Middleweight Championship, but that hasn’t stopped him from calling for a fight with Pereira. “Poatan” currently holds the light heavyweight gold. Chimaev and Pereira have traded barbs on social media, but UFC CEO Dana White told reporters that he’d rather see the 185-pound title be defended next.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 25, 2026

Caio Borralho isn’t buying into the narrative that Reinier de Ridder is a quitter. In his most recent outing, de Ridder couldn’t make it out of his corner for the final round of his clash with Brendan Allen. The outcome left some fans questioning de Ridder’s heart. Borralho doesn’t agree with that assessment.

BJ Penn Staff - February 25, 2026

It’s no secret that Joe Rogan is a big combat sports fan — and is obsession is not limited to the UFC. The long-time UFC commentator also pays close attention to other MMA promotions, and even other combat sports. That includes the Muay Thai fights that ONE Championship promotes in Asia.

Harry Kettle - February 25, 2026

UFC star Paddy Pimblett has revealed a possible timeline for his return to the cage after his loss to Justin Gaethje. As we know, Paddy Pimblett is coming off the back of his first UFC loss at the hands of Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. While he certainly showed a lot of heart and resilience, it ultimately wasn’t enough to earn him the UFC interim lightweight championship.

Harry Kettle - February 25, 2026

Sean Strickland’s coach Eric Nicksick has given his thoughts on their potential gameplan for a fight against Khamzat Chimaev. As we know, Sean Strickland is riding high in the wake of his triumph over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Houston. In the eyes of many, this sets us up for a title fight between him and Khamzat Chimaev – but given the presence of Nassourdine Imavov as another possible contender, that may not end up being the case.

Harry Kettle - February 25, 2026

UFC legend Charles Oliveira has discussed wanting his father to put the belt around his waist if he wins at UFC 326. At UFC 326, Charles Oliveira will go head to head with Max Holloway in a huge clash for the BMF title. It will take place in the main event of the evening, and while both men have lost to Ilia Topuria recently, they will both be hoping to vault themselves back into world championship contention at lightweight with a win here.

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 24, 2026

A flyweight Muay Thai bout with major implications has been added to ONE Friday Fights 147. Yodlekpet “The Destroyer” Or Atchariya meets Gingsanglek Wor Kumchamnarn on Friday, March 20, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Whoever wins between Yodlekpet and Gingsanglek could step closer to a coveted US$100,000 contract with ONE Championship.

Curtis Calhoun - February 24, 2026

UFC heavyweight fan favorite Josh Hokit will fight a top contender with three times his career fighting experience at UFC 327. Dana White’s Contender Series alum Josh Hokit earned one of the early contenders for ‘Knockout of the Year’ when he finished Denzel Freeman with one second left in Round 1 at UFC 324. Hokit moved to 8-0 with back-to-back knockouts to kick off his promotional tenure.

Curtis Calhoun - February 24, 2026

UFC welterweight champ Islam Makhachev wants Usman Nurmagomedov to consider re-signing with the PFL before pondering a UFC move. PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, is set to become a free agent later this year with one more fight on his current contract. While the PFL is expected to make Nurmagomedov a lucrative offer to extend his deal, he could potentially be a top UFC target when his free agency officially kicks off.

BJ Penn Staff - February 24, 2026

The UFC is pushing ahead with its planned event in Mexico, despite a surge of cartel violence in the country. The MMA promotion is set to touch down in the country’s capital, Mexico City, this Saturday. Just days ahead of the card, the Mexican military staged an operation in the nearby state of Jalisco, which led to the death of “El Mencho,” Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the mastermind behind the dangerous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC).

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 24, 2026

Nico “King of the North” Carrillo walked into ONE Fight Night 40 on February 13 as the featherweight Muay Thai division’s most dangerous knockout threat. He walked out as ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion. The Scottish striker defeated Thai slugger Shadow Singha Mawynn via unanimous decision over five rounds at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, with a fourth-round knockdown courtesy of his trademark right hand proving the decisive moment. The title was a long time coming. All six of Carrillo’s previous ONE Championship victories came via stoppage, five of them in the second round. The finishing rate isn’t a product of any single weapon — it stems from an explosiveness the 27-year-old Glasgow native believes separates him from everyone else in the division.

Cole Shelton - February 24, 2026

Michael Page isn’t pleased with Conor Benn’s reported deal with Zuffa Boxing. Benn reportedly signed a one-fight deal worth $15 million in Dana White’s boxing promotion. It’s a hefty payday, and Page admits it’s frustrating to see White spend more money on boxers than the actual sport he’s been promoting for decades.