MMA News
How Robert Whittaker almost wrestled a WWE star for real before UFC intervened
Dylan Bowker - September 12, 2025
Robert Whittaker is one of the most decorated mixed martial artists of this generation, but there was a time when he almost ventured into another martial art to compete against a prominent professional wrestler. The former UFC middleweight champion, at one point, qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games to participate in their freestyle wrestling event. Another notable figure who had also qualified for that field was professional wrestling star Joe Hendry, who called out the UFC combatant upon finding out he would be competing in his same weight category.
Din Thomas lambasts women's MMA as 'stale' in brutal assessment: "Not sure what happened!"
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2025
UFC analyst Din Thomas believes women’s MMA is at its lowest point. Din Thomas is never afraid to express his opinions. The former UFC star turned top analyst has set himself apart in the combat sports broadcasting space, for his views on topics such as Khamzat Chimaev’s title reign and hotly debated issues.
Noche UFC Fighter "not opposed" to Joe Pyfer rematch once getting on a win streak
Dylan Bowker - September 12, 2025
Joe Pyfer has called for a particular rematch a few times over the intervening years with the fighter in question responding to the call for a sequel clash someday. Dustin Stoltzfus collides with Kelvin Gastelum at Noche UFC on September 13th with the bout being amended to a catchweight following the latter’s weight miss on the scales. Stoltzfus punched his ticket to the UFC by defeating Pyfer in August 2020 after an arm injury came from the former slamming the latter, causing the bout to be halted in the opening stanza on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Dana White reveals significant potential payouts for Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard fighters
Curtis Calhoun - September 12, 2025
UFC CEO Dana White says the bonuses paid out to select Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard fighters will be significantly higher than UFC bonuses. We’re hours away from one of the biggest fights in boxing history as superstars Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford prepare to square off in Las Vegas. Alvarez will put his super middleweight titles on the line against Crawford in a matchup of two of the best pound-for-pound boxers of the modern era.
Dana White reveals Jon Jones' apology, remains firm in UFC White House stance
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 12, 2025
While Jon Jones may have apologized to UFC CEO Dana White, it doesn’t appear he’ll be getting his White House wish. Jones left the heavyweight division in a lurch with his noncommitment to a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Aspinall had been the interim UFC Heavyweight Champion since Nov. 2023, but “Bones” continued to tease both going through with the fight and retiring. White claimed that Jones initially agreed to the fight, but walked it back by retiring.
Kelvin Gastelum bombs on scale with massive Noche UFC weigh-in miss
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 12, 2025
Kelvin Gastelum did not have a great start to his day prior to Noche UFC. Gastelum tipped the scales ahead of what was supposed to be a middleweight fight against Dustin Stoltzfus. While Stoltzfus made the contracted weight at 185.5 pounds, Gastelum didn’t come close. He ended up weighing in at 191 pounds, which is five pounds over the weight limit for a non-title bout.
What went down at the ONE 173 press conference in Japan
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 11, 2025
Rukiya Anpo refuses to show respect for established kickboxing royalty. The three-time K-1 Champion believes his ONE Championship debut will mark the beginning of a new era in featherweight kickboxing. Anpo faces Marat Grigorian in featherweight kickboxing action at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 29-year-old Japanese striker seeks to establish himself as the division’s premier threat in front of his home crowd against the Armenian knockout artist.
Winningest strawweight in UFC history returns at UFC 322
Dylan Bowker - September 11, 2025
The all-time leader for strawweight wins in the UFC will return to the octagon at Madison Square Garden. UFC 322 will see Angela Hill step back into the cage to take on an up-and-coming prospect in Fatima Kline, as first reported by MMA Junkie. On November 15th at the World’s Most Famous Arena, the former Invicta FC titleholder will look to further add to her records for overall appearances in UFC contracted bouts at 115 pounds, in addition to Hill’s all-time strawweight wins distinction. ‘Overkill’ has garnered 12 wins across 27 appearances, which represent both of the aforementioned all-time records at 115 pounds throughout the annals of the promotion’s existence.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon faces Nong-O Hama for vacant flyweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 173
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 11, 2025
Rodtang Jitmuangnon seeks redemption against living legend Nong-O Hama in a Thai super-fight for vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title, while Christian Lee defends his ONE Lightweight MMA World Title against Alibeg Rasulov in their highly anticipated rematch in Japan. ONE Championship announced the blockbuster additions to ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. The former flyweight champion faces the ex-bantamweight king in the most anticipated Muay Thai clash of the year between two Thai legends.
Terence Crawford shuts down injury rumors ahead of Canelo Alvarez megafight
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2025
Terence Crawford says he’s healthy and isn’t battling any injuries despite some online rumors. Crawford is set to box Canelo Alvarez on Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a highly anticipated bout. Heading into the fight, Crawford is a +140 underdog while the Mexican is a -180 favorite on FanDuel.
Kelvin Gastelum believes he's fighting for his job at Noche UFC
Cole Shelton - September 11, 2025
Kelvin Gastelum believes he could be on the chopping block ahead of Noche UFC. Gastelum is set to take on Dustin Stoltzfus on Saturday in a fight he believes has high stakes. Gastelum is coming off a decision loss to Joe Pyfer and is 3-7 in his last 10, so he believes he’s fighting for his job on Saturday night.
Eddie Hearn wants to 'take on' Dana White as UFC head prepares full-scale move into boxing
Curtis Calhoun - September 11, 2025
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn addressed UFC CEO Dana White’s recent comments about becoming the ‘CEO of Boxing’ ahead of Alvarez vs. Crawford. We’re days away from one of the biggest fights in boxing history as Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford prepare to square off in Las Vegas. The event is co-promoted by Riyadh Season and UFC CEO Dana White, who will launch his full-scale move into the sport this weekend.
UFC 'sociopath' Sean Strickland was 'excited' to learn Charlie Kirk was killed
BJ Penn Staff - September 11, 2025
You had to know Sean Strickland would be one of the first UFC fighters to chime in on the murder of Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a controversial conservative pundit, was shot and killed in Utah on Wednesday, and graphic video of the incident quickly began to surface. The hunt for the killer is still underway as of Thursday afternoon, yet FBI have identified a person of interest.
Decho embraces Suriyanlek's knockout challenge at ONE Friday Fights 124: "I'm ready to rumble"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2025
Decho Por Borirak refuses to be intimidated by Suriyanlek Por Yenying’s devastating finishing power. The 22-year-old rising contender believes his tactical preparation will overcome the veteran’s explosive striking arsenal in Friday’s main event showdown. Decho faces Suriyanlek in 132-pound Muay Thai action at ONE Friday Fights 124 on September 12 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The young striker headlines his first card against one of the weekly series’ most lethal knockout artists.
Suriyanlek targets knockout at ONE Friday Fights 124 despite height disadvantage: "I'm confident in my fists"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 10, 2025
Suriyanlek Por Yenying believes his power advantage will overcome Decho Por Borirak’s physical dimensions. The veteran Thai striker seeks his 84th career victory against a dangerous opponent riding an eight-fight winning streak in Friday’s main event. Suriyanlek faces Decho in 132-pound Muay Thai action at ONE Friday Fights 124 on September 12 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The 29-year-old hunts another spectacular finish to solidify his contract candidacy.
Maycee Barber set for UFC 323 return in first fight since stunning last-minute withdrawal
Curtis Calhoun - September 10, 2025
UFC women’s flyweight contender Maycee Barber will return to the Octagon just months after a significant health scare canceled her fight with Erin Blanchfield. Maycee Barber will return to the Octagon just months after her scheduled main event bout against Erin Blanchfield was canceled just minutes before she was supposed to walk to the cage.
Terence Crawford issues hilarious response to UFC star Ilia Topuria's knockout threats
Curtis Calhoun - September 10, 2025
One of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, Terence Crawford, was asked to respond to UFC star Ilia Topuria’s KO promise. Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez are just days away from squaring off in one of the biggest fights in boxing history this Saturday in Las Vegas. In a significant move up in weight, Crawford will challenge for Alvarez’s super middleweight titles in an attempt to add to his legacy.
Rob Font "is levels above [David Martinez] in terms of skill", says ranked UFC bantamweight
Dylan Bowker - September 10, 2025
Rob Font will look to extend his winning streak to three straight this weekend at Noche UFC and a training partner of his has weighed in on the contest. A picture of Aiemann Zahabi with Rob Font honing their skills inside the gym came up on social media a couple months ago with the two ranked bantamweights getting in key work ahead of big fights that each are lined up for. While Font had his Raul Rosas Jr. fight fall out, David Martinez has since stepped in there for this Noche UFC card to battle the talented 135 pounder.