MMA News
Gunnar Nelson expects teammate Conor McGregor to shine in his UFC return if he comes prepared: “He’ll kick the sh*t out of him”
Harry Kettle - March 16, 2023
UFC welterweight Gunnar Nelson expects Conor McGregor to shine when returning to the Octagon – if he trains properly. It’s been well-documented that Conor McGregor has a pretty tight circle of friends in mixed martial arts. One person who has been there for the majority of his journey is none other than Gunnar Nelson.
UFC star Conor McGregor defends Dillon Danis from recent backlash: “He’s good for the game”
Harry Kettle - March 16, 2023
Conor McGregor has defended his friend Dillon Danis following recent backlash directed towards the controversial fighter. For many years now, Conor McGregor has had a pretty tight circle within his friendship group. While things have gone a bit sour with Artem Lobov, it seems as if he’s still good pals with Dillon Danis.
Conor McGregor confirms Michael Chandler fight will be at 170lbs, plans to attend Edwards-Usman 3 to secure welterweight title shot: "I'd like that"
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
Conor McGregor says he could be fighting for the welterweight title after his bout with Michael Chandler. McGregor is set to return to the Octagon sometime this year against Chandler in his return fight from his broken leg. The two coached The Ultimate Fighter to help hype up the fight, which McGregor says will be at welterweight, despite Dana White recently saying it would be at lightweight.
Davey Grant believes ref standing him and Raphael Assuncao up was fair but understands why his team was mad: "I was just squeezing for dear life"
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
Davey Grant knew Raphael Assuncao would be a tough out at UFC Las Vegas but admits it was a harder fight than he thought. Grant knew Assuncao was a good wrestler but the Brit was confident he would have his way on the feet and eventually get the KO. But, after ten minutes that wasn’t the case as Assuncao had won both rounds.
Leon Edwards says he'll "open the door" for Kamaru Usman to retire after UFC 286, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' fires back
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
Leon Edwards believes once he beats Kamaru Usman at UFC 286, the former champ will retire from MMA. Edwards and Usman are set for their trilogy match in the main event of UFC 286 on Saturday in London. The two fought back in August with Edwards becoming the new welterweight champ with a fifth-round head kick KO.
Muhammad Mokaev reveals Jake Hadley nearly got physical: ‘He didn’t say one word and his dad started backing him up’
Zain Bando - March 15, 2023
Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC 286 fight week already got interesting as he revealed that another event participant, Jake Hadley, wanted a piece of him. During media day, according to Mokaev, things nearly got physical between he and Hadley. The only thing missing, however, is a fight between the two. Mokaev is scheduled to face Jafel Filho, who is making his Octagon debut. As for Hadley, his third UFC flyweight bout will see him fight Malcom Gordon. Both bouts will take place on the preliminary portion of the event, airing on ESPN+ and ESPN News stateside.
Kamaru Usman responds to Dricus du Plessis after recent South Africa comments: "That doesn't make you more African"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2023
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman feels Dricus du Plessis should be more careful with his comments. ‘Stillknocks’ is fresh off his victory over Derek Brunson earlier this month at UFC 285. The win was the biggest of the South African’s career thus far and was his seventh in a row. Prior to the win over Brunson, du Plessis had picked up victories over names such as Darren Till, and Brad Tavares.
Conor McGregor names Nate Diaz the toughest opponent he's had in his career: "I look forward to completing that trilogy"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2023
While they might be rivals, Conor McGregor still holds a lot of respect for Nate Diaz. ‘The Notorious’ is currently preparing for his return to the octagon. McGregor has been out of action since a broken leg in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Due to the injury, he’s been on the shelf for over a year and a half.
Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou reveals that he's close to signing to next MMA promotion: "We are very close"
Josh Evanoff - March 15, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has revealed that he will sign with PFL or ONE Championship. ‘The Predator’ walked out of the UFC in January, as he declined to re-sign after fighting out his contract. As a result, the promotion stripped Ngannou of his title, and later set Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight championship.
Justin Gaethje eyes Dustin Poirier rematch or a title shot with a win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
Justin Gaethje is looking at Dustin Poirier or a title shot next time out. Gaethje is set to return to Octagon at UFC 286 against Rafael Fiziev in a very intriguing fight. It’s the first time ‘The Highlight’ is fighting since he suffered a submission loss to Charles Oliveira last time out for the belt.
TUF 31 roster includes eight former UFC fighters
Susan Cox - March 15, 2023
The TUF 31 roster will include eight former UFC fighters. ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’ will debut on Tuesday, May 30th on ESPN and run through to Tuesday, August 15th.
Team Alistair Overeem denies PED use following recent suspension
Susan Cox - March 15, 2023
Team Alistair Overeem is denying PED use following the recent suspension he received from Glory Kickboxing. Alistair Overeem (47-19 MMA) was cut from the UFC roster following a TKO loss in his fight with Alexander Volkov (36-10 MMA) at UFC Vegas 18 back in February of 2021.
UFC 286 | Pro fighters make their picks for Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 title fight
Cole Shelton - March 15, 2023
In the main event of UFC 286, the welterweight title is up for grabs as Leon Edwards is defending his welterweight title for the first time in the trilogy match against Kamaru Usman. Heading into the fight, Edwards is a +196 underdog while the challenger is a sizeable -260 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority of the pros expect Usman to have a wrestling-heavy game plan to get his hand raised and reclaim his welterweight title.
Anthony Smith questions whether the friendship between Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili is going both ways: “What I’ve seen is Merab ride hard as s**t for his best friend”
Harry Kettle - March 15, 2023
UFC fighter Anthony Smith has questioned whether the friendship between Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili is too one-sided. Last weekend, Merab Dvalishvili earned the biggest win of his career as he completely outclassed Petr Yan. In doing so, he put himself firmly in line for a shot at the UFC bantamweight championship.
Alex Pereira taunts rapper Drake ahead of his UFC 287 rematch with Israel Adesanya: “I hope this time you bet on the right person”
Harry Kettle - March 15, 2023
UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira has taunted superstar Drake ahead of his rematch with Israel Adesanya. Last November, Alex Pereira shocked the world by finishing Israel Adesanya in the fifth round of their UFC 281 main event. In doing so, he captured the middleweight title and took his series lead over ‘Stylebender’ to 3-0 in combat sports.
Conor McGregor is still not listed in the USADA testing pool
Harry Kettle - March 15, 2023
UFC star Conor McGregor has reportedly still not re-entered the USADA testing pool ahead of his return to the cage this year. In 2023, we’re expected to see Conor McGregor compete in the Octagon for the first time in two years. His opponent is set to be Michael Chandler, one of the most exciting fighters in all of mixed martial arts.
Vitor Belfort reveals he was orignally supposed to box Roy Jones Jr. at Gamebred Boxing 4, vows to KO Jacare Souza: "When I come to the ring, I come to knock people out"
Cole Shelton - March 14, 2023
Vitor Belfort was hoping to box Roy Jones Jr. at Gamebred Boxing 4. When Belfort was first offered to box on the card, the Brazilian says he was going to headline the card against Jones Jr. in a massive fight for both men. Yet, the former UFC light heavyweight champion revealed Jones Jr. turned him down as he wanted an easier matchup.
Conor McGregor believes Michael Chandler hasn't fought anyone like him, plans to be active once he returns: "I hope for 100 more fights"
Cole Shelton - March 14, 2023
Conor McGregor is hoping to remain active once he returns from his broken leg. Ever since McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather, the Irishman hasn’t been as active as he wanted to be for a variety of reasons. Yet, he is set to return later this year against Michael Chandler after the two coach TUF. When the two do fight, McGregor is confident he will be too skilled and slick for him, in large part because he thinks Chandler has never fought anyone like him.