MMA News
Javier Mendez reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov is still coaching his fighters despite recent announcement
Cole Shelton - May 30, 2023
Khabib Nurmagomedov is still coaching his fighters, according to Javier Mendez. Back in January, it was revealed that Nurmagomedov was retiring from coaching and being involved in MMA completely. This came after he was serving as a coach for the likes of Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov among others and having success doing so.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier shares his top three fights of 2023
Susan Cox - May 30, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier is sharing his top three fights of 2023. Even though we’re not quite through the 1st half of the year, speaking on his YouTube channel, Cormier has listed his picks for his three top fights of 2023. It should be noted that his three selections also took home fight of the night honors, and can be found below:
UFC President Dana White sounds off on uneducated critics of Power Slap: “Pure hate”
Susan Cox - May 30, 2023
UFC President, Dana White, is sounding off on the ‘uneducated’ critics of Power Slap. White got into the slap-fighting industry earlier this year with the official debut being held on January 18th. The first season consisted of 8 episodes in the ‘Power Slap League’ tournament. Contestants on the show slap each other in the face in order to achieve victory. A winner is decided by judges after three rounds. The league has over 30 competitors, referred to as ‘strikers’ and a win could see a purse of $2K to $10K per match.
Alexander Volkanovski and Conor McGregor go back and forth over a potential UFC fight at lightweight
Susan Cox - May 30, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski and Conor McGregor are going back and forth over a potential UFC fight at lightweight. Volkanovski, expressed his interest in fighting McGregor when speaking on ‘The MMA Fan Podcast’ saying:
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 124 with Randy Couture, Jim Miller, and Daniel Pineda
Cole Shelton - May 30, 2023
The 124th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 74 this weekend and to talk Francis Ngannou’s signing with the PFL. We’re first joined by UFC Hall of Famer and PFL commentator Randy Couture (1:11). Next, UFC lightweight Jim Miller (20:49) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC featherweight Daniel Pineda (40:31).
Chael Sonnen slams Shavkat Rakhmonov for his callout of Kelvin Gastelum: “It was about as wimpy as you could do a callout”
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has questioned Shavkat Rakhmonov for his recent callout of returning welterweight Kelvin Gastelum. In his return to action last month, Kelvin Gastelum got back to winning ways with a solid victory over Chris Curtis. Ever since then, many have wondered what’s next for him – with Gastelum himself being open to the idea of a move back to welterweight.
Michael Bisping refutes Chael Sonnen’s claim that the UFC is now working on Jon Jones vs. Sergei Pavlovich: “I've heard nothing of the sort”
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2023
Michael Bisping has questioned Chael Sonnen’s claim that the UFC is working on booking Jon Jones vs Sergei Pavlovich. Ever since he beat Ciryl Gane in quick fashion, questions have been circulating regarding Jon Jones’ future. The fight he desires, it seems, is against Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight championship.
Beneil Dariush confident he will “dominate” Charles Oliveira on the ground and in the standup at UFC 289: “I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on him”
Harry Kettle - May 30, 2023
Beneil Dariush has given his thoughts on how he believes his match-up with Charles Oliveira will play out at UFC 289. Next month at UFC 289, Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira will meet in a mammoth lightweight collision. If Dariush is able to get his hand raised, the expectation is that he will be the next man to take on Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. The same could be true for ‘Do Bronx,’ but he’d likely have to secure some kind of finish in order to get the call.
Dana White says Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler showed a 'level of respect' on TUF 31
Zain Bando - May 29, 2023
Ahead of Tuesday’s first episode of TUF 31, headlined by coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler on ESPN and ESPN+, UFC president Dana White said he was pleased with how the show was filmed. As it has done since 2005, the annual reality television series looks for the next generation of talent to join the UFC roster to become a world champion eventually. Although McGregor, the former UFC multiple-weight world champion, and Chandler, the former UFC lightweight title challenger, have had their fair share of words over the years, White revealed the season’s filming brought out the best in both competitors and how they settled their differences.
Mark Coleman responds to Conor McGregor's callout, confident he "smashes" the Irishman in MMA
Cole Shelton - May 29, 2023
UFC Hall of Famer Mark Coleman has responded to Conor McGregor’s callout. It was recently announced that Coleman would be returning to combat sports for a celebrity boxing match. The 58-year-old last fought professionally in 2010 when he suffered a submission loss to Randy Couture. But, the UFC’s inaugural heavyweight champion has continued to train and coach, and after it was announced he’d be having the boxing match, McGregor showed interest.
Loopy Godinez believes she deserves a ranked opponent next after short notice win over Emily Ducote
Cole Shelton - May 29, 2023
Loopy Godinez didn’t think she would make such a quick turnaround to the Octagon. After Godinez beat Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 287 she said she wanted a bit of time off to go to Mexico and train with Alexa Grasso and Irene Aldana. Yet, she was offered a short-notice fight against Emily Ducote at UFC Vegas 73 which she accepted as she liked the style matchup.
A.J. McKee vs. Patricky Pitbull to headline Bellator x RIZIN 2 in July
Josh Evanoff - May 29, 2023
A.J. McKee and Patricky Pitbull will headline the second Bellator vs. RIZIN event later this year. In December, the two promotions had their first cross-promoted event. While Bellator and RIZIN have long held a talent partnership, their fighters didn’t face off until late last year. In the initial event, the Scott Coker-led company had a clean sweep, going 5-0 against their counterparts in Japan.
Belal Muhammad beginning to embrace heel role due to some fan backlash: "I'm starting to like it"
Josh Evanoff - May 29, 2023
UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad is ready to play the bad guy. ‘Remember The Name’ is fresh off his five-round clash against Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 earlier this month. In the short-notice co-main event, Muhammad scored a lopsided unanimous decision win over ‘Durinho’. In the process, he extended his undefeated streak to 10.
Amanda Nunes labels Irene Aldana a more dangerous opponent than Julianna Pena
Josh Evanoff - May 29, 2023
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes has discussed her return against Irene Aldana. ‘The Lioness’ has been out of the octagon for almost a year, last competing at UFC 277 in July. That bout was the Brazilian’s long-awaited rematch against Julianna Pena. In December 2021, ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ famously upset Nunes by second-round submission, ending her title reign.
Justin Gaethje calls BMF belt "stupid" but explains why he's excited for rematch against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291
Cole Shelton - May 29, 2023
Justin Gaethje thought the BMF belt was stupid when the UFC first introduced it for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz. After Diaz beat Anthony Pettis he called out Masvidal so he could defend his ‘Baddest Mother F****r’ belt which the UFC ended up actually making. However, it was considered a one-off and after Mavidal won, the belt was never defended.
Henry Cejudo explains why he believes Leon Edwards is a more "winnable" fight for Conor McGregor than Michael Chandler
Cole Shelton - May 29, 2023
Henry Cejudo thinks Conor McGregor would have an easier time beating Leon Edwards than he would Michael Chandler. McGregor is set to coach TUF 31 opposite Chandler with the two set to fight later this year, likely at welterweight. With the fight expected to take place at 170lbs, many have thought that if the Irishman wins, he could get a little shot against Leon Edwards as he looks to become the first person in UFC history to win titles in three weight classes.
The best flying knee knockouts in UFC history
Lewis Simpson - May 29, 2023
Since the birth of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) in 1993, the company has provided some of the most memorable jaw-dropping moments in combat sports history. The sport of mixed martial arts continues to evolve yearly, delivering special moments for fans to reflect on for decades. From slick submissions to highlight reel knockouts, the UFC has it all.
UFC President Dana White trashes MMA media for rumors regarding his relationship with Khamzat Chimaev
Susan Cox - May 29, 2023
UFC President, Dana White, is trashing the MMA media for spreading rumors about his relationship with Khamzat Chimaev. Reports surfaced earlier this week that ‘Borz’ was in the middle of a serious social media shakeup and unfollowed everyone on Twitter except for United Arab Emirates MMA pioneer, Tam Khan and the controversial Andrew Tate.