MMA News
Brandon Moreno shares his thoughts on Henry Cejudo’s loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288: “Just rusty”
Harry Kettle - June 21, 2023
UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno has given his thoughts on Henry Cejudo’s recent loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288. The rumor mill is currently suggesting that Henry Cejudo will return to action to battle Marlon Vera later this summer. In doing so, he’ll attempt to vault himself back into contention in the UFC’s bantamweight title picture.
Ilia Topuria has moved past the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett: “He’s not worth anything”
Harry Kettle - June 21, 2023
UFC fighter Ilia Topuria has moved past the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett, believing it’s not worth his time and effort. Dating back to UFC London last year, Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett have had a big problem with one another. In fact, it stretches back even beyond that, to a social media interaction between the two.
Michael Chandler vents frustration over Conor McGregor still not being enrolled in USADA testing: “One hundred and seventy-nine days left”
Harry Kettle - June 21, 2023
UFC fighter Michael Chandler has vented his frustration as Conor McGregor continues to miss out on being enrolled in the USADA testing pool. For the majority of the year thus far, it’s seemed as if Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor would be squaring off in the Octagon. As time has gone on, however, more and more doubts have been creeping in regarding the Irishman’s availability.
UFC star Conor McGregor shares photos from recent sparring session with Dillon Danis
Harry Kettle - June 21, 2023
UFC star Conor McGregor has shared photos of him sparring with Dillon Danis as speculation over his future continues. Right now, Conor McGregor has bigger things on his plate than fighting as a result of the recent accusations against him. With that being said, a lot of fans are still curious to see whether or not he’ll be competing against Michael Chandler – as was rumored to be the case.
Shane Burgos expects "fireworks" against Yamato Nishikawa at PFL 6 as he needs a finish to make playoffs
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Shane Burgos knows his PFL 6 fight against Yamato Nishikawa is do-or-die for his season. Burgos left the UFC last year and proceeded to sign with PFL, competing at lightweight as part of their tournament format. Unfortunately, in his debut, ‘Hurricane’ suffered a decision loss to Olivier Aubin-Mercier. The setback was disappointing, but Burgos is just glad he gets to fight again so soon.
Josh Emmett explains why he believes Ilia Topuria is a "great matchup" for him at UFC Jacksonville
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Josh Emmett thinks Ilia Topuria is a great matchup for him. Emmett is set to headline UFC Jacksonville on Saturday against Topuria in a very intriguing featherweight matchup. Emmett is coming off a stoppage loss to Yair Rodriguez for the interim featherweight title and although it was a tough loss, he is making a quick turnaround to face Topuria.
Kelvin Gastelum accepts Shavkat Rakhmonov's callout: "Stylistically I’m horrible for him"
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Kelvin Gastelum is ready to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov next time out. After Gastelum announced he would be making the move to welterweight, Rakhmonov quickly called him out on social media. Although Gastelum did not immediately respond as he was on vacation, the TUF 17 winner has said he wants that fight and hopes it can happen on the Mexican Independence card on September 16.
Sean O'Malley explains why he thinks Cory Sandhagen fighting Umar Nurmagomedov is "not smart"
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Sean O’Malley thinks Cory Sandhagen fighting Umar Nurmagomdov is a gangster move but isn’t a smart one. Sandhagen is set to headline UFC Nashville against Nurmagomedov in a crucial fight for the bantamweight division. It is Nurmagomedov’s first chance to fight a ranked opponent and he gets the fourth-ranked bantamweight in Sandhagen. With that, O’Malley says Sandhagen taking the fight is not smart as he isn’t following Chael Sonnen’s main rule of fighting.
Francis Ngannou slams UFC's willingness to book Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury: "Everything is about how to take down Ngannou"
Josh Evanoff - June 20, 2023
Francis Ngannou seemingly doesn’t care for the UFC’s attempt to make Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury. Over the last few weeks ‘Bones’ and ‘The Gypsy King’ have been going back and forth. While the boxer first only showed interest in competing in the boxing ring, he’s changed his tune a little bit. In recent days, Tyson Fury has shown interest in facing Jon Jones in a potential two-fight deal.
Kai Kara-France set for fast turnaround against Manel Kape at UFC 293 in Australia
Josh Evanoff - June 20, 2023
UFC flyweight contenders Kai Kara-France and Manel Kape are set to collide in September. ‘Don’t Blink’ is fresh off his return at UFC Vegas 74 earlier this month. The bout was Kai Kara-France’s first since coming up short against Brandon Moreno for interim gold last July. As the headliner, he faced Amir Albazi. In the flyweight main event, many felt that the New Zealander did much of the better work.
Max Holloway opens up as a historic betting favorite against The Korean Zombie for UFC Singapore
Josh Evanoff - June 20, 2023
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway has opened as a massive favorite against The Korean Zombie. ‘Blessed’ has been out of the cage since his clash with Arnold Allen at UFC Kansas City in April. The two headlined the event, as the ‘Almighty’ entered on a lengthy winning streak. However, that momentum was halted earlier this year, as Max Holloway won by unanimous decision.
Jessica Andrade set to take on Tatiana Suarez at UFC Nashville with Virna Jandiroba out
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
Jessica Andrade will be making the walk to the Octagon for the fourth time in 2023. The UFC announced in a press release on Tuesday that Andrade will face Tatiana Suarez at UFC Nashville at strawweight. Originally, Suarez was supposed to fight Virna Jandiroba, but the Brazilian has suffered an injury and will be replaced by the former champ in Andrade. The main event of UFC Nashville sees Cory Sandhagen taking on Umar Nurmagomedov.
Several PFL fighters suspended & fined following failed drug tests, multiple bout results overturned
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 20, 2023
We now know the outcome of several PFL fighters who were flagged due to failed drug tests. Back in May, the Nevada State Athletic Commission revealed a slew of fighters who competed in the first set of PFL 2023 regular season bouts popped. At the time, some fighters received sanctions, while others were still be to determined. The punishments for those fighters have been finalized and publicly revealed.
Ranked UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan explains callout of Michael Chandler: "It makes sense"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 20, 2023
Top-ten-ranked UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has been calling for a clash with Michael Chandler and he’s explaining why. The Armenian-Russian has found himself at the number eight spot on the official UFC 155-pound rankings. He’s fresh off a third-round TKO victory over Joaquim Silva at UFC Vegas 75. It’s the second straight win for Arman Tsarukyan. After the fight, Tsarukyan blasted Michael Chandler for thinking a lucrative fight with Conor McGregor will actually come to fruition.
Charles Oliveira's coach predicts KO win over Islam Makhachev in UFC title rematch
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 20, 2023
Charles Oliveira’s team certainly isn’t lacking confidence. Charles Oliveira pulled off a scintillating first-round TKO finish over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 earlier this month. This was a pivotal bout in the lightweight division. The quick finish for “do Bronx” may have earned him a rematch against Islam Makhachev. Back in October 2022, Makhachev took the previously vacant UFC Lightweight Championship via second-round submission over Oliveira.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 127 with Shane Burgos, Randy Brown, and Gillian Robertson
Cole Shelton - June 20, 2023
The 127th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of 2023 PFL 6 and UFC Jacksonville aka UFC on ABC 5. We’re first joined by former UFC featherweight and current PFL lightweight Shane Burgos (1:38). Next, UFC welterweight Randy Brown (13:42) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC strawweight Gillian Robertson (28:26).
Michael Bisping says Amanda Nunes joined two other fighters by retiring at the perfect time
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes Amanda Nunes retired from mixed martial arts at the perfect time. Earlier this month, Amanda Nunes announced her retirement from MMA, effective immediately. She did so after successfully defending her UFC bantamweight championship against Irene Aldana in Vancouver, Canada.
Islam Makhachev describes previous training sessions with UFC heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich: “He has crazy strength”
Harry Kettle - June 20, 2023
Islam Makhachev has explained what it felt like to train with Sergei Pavlovich as he continues his rise in the UFC. There’s always been a certain intrigue around the UFC’s heavyweight division. The baddest men on the planet have often fought there, including the likes of Francis Ngannou, Cain Velasquez, Stipe Miocic, and more.