MMA News
Julianna Pena explains why her “back hurts” ahead of trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes at UFC 289: “From carrying this fight and from making her relevant again”
Susan Cox - April 19, 2023
Julianna Pena is explaining why her ‘back hurts’ ahead of her trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes at UFC 289. It was announced on April 9th that UFC 289 will feature Nunes vs. Pena 3 in the upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship which takes place on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. The bantamweight title bout will see Nunes (22-5 MMA) taking on Peña (11-5 MMA) in the Octagon.
Bryce Mitchell believes Conor McGregor will receive special treatment for Michael Chandler fight: “I don't think they are gonna test this properly”
Harry Kettle - April 19, 2023
UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell doesn’t think Conor McGregor will be tested properly for his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler. Later this year, fans are expecting to see the return of Conor McGregor. He’s set to square off with Michael Chandler, the man who he will coach opposite in the new season of The Ultimate Fighter. At this time, it’s not quite clear what weight the two will fight at.
Kay Hansen explains how MMA provided an escape from her traumatic upbringing: “I was raped and sexually assaulted by my father”
Harry Kettle - April 19, 2023
Former UFC fighter Kay Hansen has opened up on how mixed martial arts helped her overcome a troubled upbringing in an emotional new mini-documentary. Hansen, 23, holds a 7-6 professional MMA record. After being released by the UFC last year, she signed with Invicta FC, who she had previously fought for eight times in her career. The youngster was once seen as a future champion in the UFC and while that may still be true, she first has to go back to the drawing board.
Chael Sonnen dismisses talk of Israel Adesanya having a trilogy fight with Robert Whittaker: “How many times does he have to prove and re-prove”
Harry Kettle - April 19, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has dismissed talk of Robert Whittaker getting a third fight against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Following Israel Adesanya’s win over Alex Pereira, he is once again the king of the middleweights. As such, there’s been a whole lot of talk about what could be next for him in the division.
UFC announces three new fights for May 20 event, including Raquel Pennington vs. Irene Aldana 2 as the headliner
Cole Shelton - April 18, 2023
The UFC has found its main event for UFC Vegas 73 on May 20. The promotion announced in a press release that Raquel Pennington vs. Irene Aldana has been booked to headline the card on May 20 from the UFC Apex. The fight serves as a rematch of their fight back in July of 2019 in a scrap that Pennington won by split decision.
Rani Yahya says wrestling is key to success against Montel Jackson, expects to secure Cody Garbrandt fight with stoppage win at UFC Vegas 71
Cole Shelton - April 18, 2023
Rani Yahya is finally set to return to the Octagon. Yahya has not fought since November of 2021 when he beat Kyung-ho Hang by decision. He was then booked to fight Cody Garbrandt twice in 2022, but a neck injury forced him out of both fights. Now, after over a year away, he is finally set to return on Saturday at UFC Vegas 71.
Song Yadong vs. Ricky Simon slated for UFC Vegas 72 main event on April 29th
Josh Evanoff - April 18, 2023
Following the cancelation of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Renato Moicano, UFC Vegas 72 has a new main event. The two lightweight contenders were expected to headline the event, which takes place later this month. However, due to an injury to the Brazilian, he was forced to withdraw. While Beneil Dariush reportedly agreed to fight Tsarukyan after having his UFC 288 fight with Charles Oliveira fall apart, the promotion is reportedly going in a different direction.
Vitor Belfort calls to face Logan Paul on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz: "I promise I won't hurt you"
Josh Evanoff - April 18, 2023
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort wants to return to the boxing ring soon. ‘The Phenom’ has been out of the ring since his clash with Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza at Gamebred Boxing 4 earlier this month. The bout was a rematch of sorts, as the two had previously fought in MMA under the UFC banner. In May 2016, Souza defeated the former champion by first-round stoppage.
Curtis Blaydes names himself Jon Jones' biggest challenge at heavyweight: "The odds are in my favor"
Josh Evanoff - April 18, 2023
UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes believes he’s Jon Jones’ biggest challenge. ‘Razor’ has been out of the octagon since his UFC London showdown with Tom Aspinall last July. In that outing, the British star suffered a knee injury in the first round, giving Blaydes the victory by stoppage. The win was his third in a row, having already earned lopsided wins over Chris Daukaus and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Demetrious Johnson reveals retirement possible after trilogy with Adriano Moraes: "I don't want to fight for two more years"
Josh Evanoff - April 18, 2023
ONE Championship flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson won’t be around much longer. ‘Mighty Mouse’ has been out of the cage since his rematch with Adriano Moraes last August. In their first outing the previous April, the Brazilian scored a highlight-reel second-round knockout win. To his credit, Johnson repaid the favor last year, winning the flyweight title with a third-round stoppage.
Bobby Green clarifies retirement talk, reveals he'll just go by 'King' after UFC Vegas 71: "I'm going to be changing my name"
Cole Shelton - April 18, 2023
Bobby Green won’t actually be retiring after UFC Vegas 71 after all. After Green suffered a knockout loss to Drew Dober, he revealed his next fight would serve as his retirement bout. The veteran has been fighting as a pro since 2008 and has fought 44 times as a pro, including 20 times in the UFC. Shortly after announcing his next fight would be his last, Green was booked to face Jared Gordon at UFC Vegas 71.
Gilbert Burns believes two fighters could lure Jorge Masvidal back out of retirement
Susan Cox - April 18, 2023
Gilbert Burns believes two fighters could lure Jorge Masvidal back out of retirement. It was earlier this month that Gilbert Burns (22-5 MMA) took on Jorge Masvidal (35-17 MMA) at the co-main welterweight event at UFC 287 in Miami, Florida. The result was a unanimous decision win for ‘Durinho’.
Max Holloway jumps two spots in official UFC P4P rankings following his win over Arnold Allen
Susan Cox - April 18, 2023
Max Holloway has jumped two spots in the official UFC P4P rankings following his win over Arnold Allen. UFC Kansas City saw Max Holloway (24-7 MMA) defeat Arnold Allen (19-2 MMA) via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in the featherweight main event which took place last Saturday, April 15th.
Jose Aldo apologizes to Conor McGregor following post-fight outrage: "Conor is my friend"
Lewis Simpson - April 18, 2023
Jose Aldo has sent his apology to old foe turned-friend Conor McGregor. Following his draw with with Jeremy Stephens in his second professional boxing bout at Gamebred Boxing, Aldo, who was still full of adrenaline and disappointment, threw some shots at McGregor.
Chad Mendes expects Eddie Alvarez fight to be his last - not interested in BKFC title
Andrew Whitelaw - April 18, 2023
Chad Mendes is gearing up for a barnburner against Eddie Alvarez at BKFC 41, but believes the clash with his fellow UFC veteran is likely to be his last dance. Speaking in an interview with War Sports, the Team Alpha Male star said,
Robert Whittaker not keen to fight Khamzat Chimaev, 'the rankings are there for a reason!'
Andrew Whitelaw - April 18, 2023
Robert Whittaker has ruled out an imminent fight with Khamzat Chimaev. ‘The Reaper’ is very much in the title conversation at middleweight and sits at #2 in the division following his unanimous decision win over Marvin Vettori in September.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 119 with Rani Yahya, Ricky Glenn, and Christos Giagos
Cole Shelton - April 18, 2023
The 119th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 71. We’re first joined by UFC bantamweight Rani Yahya (1:44). Next, UFC lightweight Ricky Glenn (13:52) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC lightweight Christos Giagos (25:48).
Luke Rockhold reacts to Israel Adesanya’s knockout victory over Alex Pereira: “I'm sure I inspired Izzy as he was younger and he's inspiring me now”
Harry Kettle - April 18, 2023
Former UFC fighter Luke Rockhold has praised Israel Adesanya following his knockout victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 287. Earlier this month, Israel Adesanya was finally able to defeat Alex Pereira and regain the UFC middleweight championship. He did so with a vicious KO, sending a message to the rest of the division in the process.