MMA News
Pro fighters make their picks for Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria
Cole Shelton - June 22, 2023
In the main event of UFC Jacksonville, a battle of ranked featherweights go down as Josh Emmett takes on Ilia Topuria. Heading into the fight, Emmett is a +280 underdog while the Georgian is a -390 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The pros lean towards Topuria getting the job done as they believe the Georgian is the real deal.
Bellator gets some serious props from Ariel Helwani: “There is no other promotion, outside of the UFC, that has a collection of champions like that”
Zain Bando - June 22, 2023
Ariel Helwani shares his thoughts about Bellator’s roster Long-time MMA journalist Ariel Helwani always gives credit where credit is due, especially when it comes to the sport as a whole. Last Friday showcased Bellator 297, which featured two world title fights. Bellator light heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov, took on Yoel Romero in the main event, while Sergio Pettis fought Patricio Pitbull for the bantamweight strep in the co-main.
Dana White says Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are "dead serious" about fighting each other in the UFC
Cole Shelton - June 22, 2023
Dana White plans to try and make Mark Zuckerberg vs. Elon Musk happen in the UFC. Zuckerberg – the FaceBook co-founder – and Musk – the CEO of Tesla and owner of Twitter – recently took shots at one another and said they would fight each other in the Octagon in the UFC. Although not many fans thought it would happen, UFC president Dana White spoke to TMZ and confirmed they are serious about making the fight happen and he hopes it can get made.
Phil Rowe blasts UFC commentators for weight miss criticisms: "It's always negative until the guy is laid out in front of me"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 22, 2023
Phil Rowe has a bone to pick with UFC commentators. This Saturday (June 24), Phil Rowe will compete in the biggest pro MMA bout of his career. He’ll share the Octagon with Neil Magny inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a significant bout for Rowe, as Magny holds the number 11 spot on the official UFC welterweight rankings. A win will put Phil Rowe in the top 15.
UFC Jacksonville: ‘Emmett vs. Topuria’ Fight Card and Start Times
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 22, 2023
This weekend’s UFC Jacksonville card featuring Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria is set. On Saturday (June 24), the UFC returns to the ABC network for a Fight Night card. The action will emanate from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. In the main event, Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria will collide. This is a pivotal featherweight clash, as the winner could be one step closer to UFC gold.
Jeremy Stephens calls out Conor McGregor for a boxing match: “Give the fans what they want”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 22, 2023
Jeremy Stephens is calling for a boxing match with Conor McGregor. Stephens has been dabbling into the sweet science as of late. Back in April, he took on soon-to-be UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo in a boxing clash. The bout went the distance and the result was a majority draw. He’ll look to nab his first pro boxing victory when he steps in the ring with Chris Avila. The bout will be featured Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz card on August 5.
Daniel Cormier reacts to sexual assault allegations against Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - June 22, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on the sexual assault allegations being made against Conor McGregor. It’s safe to say that Conor McGregor’s future is uncertain. He was supposed to be fighting Michael Chandler later this year, but it doesn’t appear as if that’s going to happen in 2023.
UFC veteran Neil Magny responds to “interesting” callout from undefeated welterweight Ian Garry
Harry Kettle - June 22, 2023
UFC veteran Neil Magny has given his thoughts on being called out by rising welterweight star Ian Garry. When you think of fan favorite fighters, it’s hard not to think of Neil Magny. While he may not exactly be an all-action star, he’s been an ever-present member of the welterweight division – and he has the most wins in history at 170 pounds.
Tyson Fury blames “little sh*tbag” Joe Rogan for Jon Jones fight rumors: “There was never talk of me saying I was going to go in a cage with Jon”
Harry Kettle - June 22, 2023
Tyson Fury has hit out at Joe Rogan for kickstarting talk of a fight between himself and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. As we all know, Tyson Fury is considered by many to be the best heavyweight boxer of his generation. In the eyes of some, he’s one of the greatest of all time. On the flip side, Jon Jones is seen as the GOAT by the majority of pundits in mixed martial arts.
Gillian Robertson plans to call out Mackenzie Dern after she submits Tabatha Ricci at UFC Jacksonville
Cole Shelton - June 21, 2023
Gillian Robertson is making a quick turnaround. Robertson returned at strawweight back in April and submitted Piera Rodriguez in the first round. After the win, she called out Tabatha Ricci and was granted her wish as she will return just two months later at UFC Jacksonville.
Sean Strickland shares some interesting advice to "dumb" Marvin Vettori after loss to Jared Cannonier
Cole Shelton - June 21, 2023
Sean Strickland has offered Marvin Vettori some advice following his lopsided decision loss to Jared Cannonier. Vettori entered the fight as the betting favorite, but after rocking Cannonier early, ‘The Killa Gorilla’ took over and dominated the rest of the scrap. It was a one-sided decision victory for Cannonier and after Vettori lost – which dropped him to 2-3 in his last five – Strickland shared some interesting advice for ‘The Italian Dream’.
Henry Cejudo opens as a sizeable betting favorite over Marlon Vera at UFC 292
Cole Shelton - June 21, 2023
Henry Cejudo has opened as the betting favorite for his UFC 292 fight against Marlon Vera. Earlier this week, Dana White announced that Cejudo would return at UFC 292 on August 19 in Boston against Vera. It’s an intriguing matchup as ‘Triple C’ looks to rebound from his loss to Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title following his return fight from retirement.
Anderson Silva confirms he's "working on" MMA fighter union with Jake Paul
Cole Shelton - June 21, 2023
Anderson Silva will be sticking to his word. Last October when Paul and Silva boxed, the brash YouTuber-turned-boxer made a deal with the former UFC champ that if he won, Silva would have to help him with an MMA fighter union. Ultimately, it was Paul who won by decision, but since then there has been no talk of the fighter union.
John Gotti III reveals Floyd Mayweather rematch is targeted for October: "It was the most googled thing in the whole world"
Josh Evanoff - June 21, 2023
Believe it or not, John Gotti III vs. Floyd Mayweather 2 is somehow on the table. ‘Money’ had yet another exhibition bout earlier this month in Florida. While Floyd Mayweather has continued to compete in an exhibition capacity, the vast majority of these bouts have been treated as little more than sparring sessions. Over the last few years, the boxer has faced YouTubers such as Logan Paul and Deji.
Eddie Hearn labels Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz a mismatch: "You can see people hit pads and you know"
Josh Evanoff - June 21, 2023
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn doesn’t believe Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz will be competitive. In August, the Stockton slugger will make his long-awaited professional boxing debut. The bout will be Nate Diaz’s first since his exit from the UFC last September, submitting Tony Ferguson. Ahead of his boxing debut, the former MMA fighter has been training with names such as Andre Ward.
Eddie Alvarez challenges Michael Chandler to trilogy bout amidst doubts of Conor McGregor fight
Josh Evanoff - June 21, 2023
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez is ready to return against Michael Chandler. ‘Iron Mike’ is still waiting for his clash with Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious’ coached the latest season of the show alongside Michael Chandler, with a fight expected for December. However, due to the Irishman’s USADA issues, the contest remains in jeopardy.
Ilia Topuria wants UFC title shot if he beats Josh Emmett in Jacksonville: "I'm the next guy"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 21, 2023
Ilia Topuria believes he’ll be closer than ever to a UFC championship bout after this weekend. In the main event of UFC Jacksonville, Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria will collide in a pivotal featherweight clash. Going into the bout, Topuria is the number nine-ranked UFC 145-pounder. Emmett’s number five spot is in jeopardy, and he hopes to halt Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top.
Michael Bisping on who had the upper hand during staredown between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou: "That's a 10-9"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 21, 2023
Unofficial staredown scorer Michael Bisping thinks he knows who had the edge in the faceoff between UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and PFL star Francis Ngannou. Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou ran into each other during the PFL 5 event recently. The two were sizing each other up during their staredown. While it was a cool moment for MMA fans, the reality has quickly set in. This fight will not be taking place after Ngannou and the UFC couldn’t come to terms on a new contract.