MMA News
Former UFC welterweight contender Mike Swick announces he's cancer free after beating stage four lymphoblastic lymphoma
Josh Evanoff - March 9, 2023
Former UFC welterweight contender Mike Swick is officially cancer free. ‘Quick’ has been out of the octagon since a unanimous decision defeat to Alex Garcia in July 2015. That bout ended his UFC career, and he wound up retiring for good as well. Sitting at a professional record of 15-6, he defeated names such as Joe Riggs, Marcus Davis, and Ben Saunders in his MMA career.
Ari Emanuel discusses possible partners for next UFC broadcast rights deal: "There’s a lot of buyers out there"
Josh Evanoff - March 9, 2023
Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel is already taking a look at what’s next for the UFC. The promotion is currently contracted with ESPN until 2025, having made the jump from Fox Sports years ago. The current deal is worth over $300 million dollars a year and allows the channel to have exclusive rights to all pay-per-view events.
Pro fighters make their picks for Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili
Cole Shelton - March 9, 2023
In the main event of UFC Las Vegas, Petr Yan is looking to snap his two-fight losing skid as he takes on Merab Dvalishvili. Heading into the fight, Yan is a -290 favorite while the Georgian is a +215 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros slightly lean towards Yan getting it done, and possibly by stoppage.
Petr Yan believes Merab Dvalishvili's style poses little danger in bantamweight main event: "I hold all the keys to victory"
Josh Evanoff - March 9, 2023
Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan doesn’t believe he’s in much danger this Saturday. ‘No Mercy’ has been out of the octagon since his clash with Sean O’Malley last October. At UFC 280, the bantamweights put on a show for 15 minutes, but many felt the Russian did much of the better work. Nonetheless, Yan lost his second straight bout by split decision.
Dana White announces Power Slap has been extended for two more seasons, will take place on Fight Island
Cole Shelton - March 9, 2023
Dana White has announced Power Slap will continue for at least two more seasons. On Saturday, Power Slap will have its season one finale at the UFC Apex and throughout the season, there have been mixed opinions. Many have been critical of it – including a former NSAC chairman, while some fighters have been vocal in their support of it.
Jake Paul responds after being filmed running away from Floyd Mayweather entourage: "I’m not going to sit there and try to fight 50 dudes"
Lewis Simpson - March 9, 2023
Jake Paul has responded after being filmed running away from Floyd Mayweather and his entourage. Yesterday, following a Miami Heat game in Florida, Paul ran into Mayweather and his team, and if Paul had not removed himself from the situation, things might have escalated.
Daniel Cormier responds to backlash over his reaction to Jon Jones winning the UFC heavyweight title: “Not bitter at all”
Harry Kettle - March 9, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has defended his immediate reaction to Jon Jones’ win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Last Saturday night at UFC 285, Jon Jones won the UFC heavyweight championship. He did so by submitting Ciryl Gane in just two minutes, making it look relatively easy in the process.
Former NSAC Chairman says he made a “mistake” sanctioning Power Slap: “I’m not happy about it”
Harry Kettle - March 9, 2023
Former NSAC chairman Stephen J. Cloobeck believes he made a mistake in helping to sanction the Power Slap league. Ever since it was announced by UFC president Dana White, there have been plenty of questions surrounding Power Slap. In addition to how popular it would be, the general safety of the slappers – or athletes – involved.
Henry Cejudo reveals the “only way” Stipe Miocic can defeat Jon Jones at UFC 290: “Good luck with that”
Harry Kettle - March 9, 2023
Henry Cejudo has given his thoughts on Stipe Miocic’s best route to victory when he fights Jon Jones at UFC 290. While it hasn’t been officially announced, the UFC has heavily teased that Jon Jones will defend his UFC heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic during International Fight Week. Jon captured the belt last weekend when he submitted Ciryl Gane in just two minutes at UFC 285.
New details revealed from the altercation between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler on TUF 31
Jeffrey Walter - March 8, 2023
New details have emerged regarding the altercation that occurred between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler on TUF 31. During last weekend’s UFC 285 post-fight press conference, Dana White revealed that an incident recently occurred between McGregor and Chandler, and that the two lightweights were now at odds with one another.
Jamie Pickett will no longer appeal UFC 285 loss to Bo Nickal, rep reveals
Cole Shelton - March 8, 2023
Jamie Pickett has decided not to appeal his UFC 285 loss to Bo Nickal. Opening up the pay-per-view main card, Pickett took on Nickal in a highly-anticipated fight as it was Bo’s UFC debut. Right away, Nickal closed the distance and appeared to land a low blow that was not called. Seconds later, Nickal got Pickett down to the ground and submitted him.
Dan Hooker reveals he's had more USADA visits since accusing Islam Makhachev of cheating: "You think that’s a coincidence?"
Cole Shelton - March 8, 2023
Dan Hooker says USADA has been testing him more frequently since he came out and accused Islam Makhachev of cheating at UFC 284. After Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski by decision, Hooker accused Makhachev of using an IV to rehydrate after weigh-ins. However, there has been no proof of anything, and Hooker expects the UFC will try and punish him with some tough matchups going forward. Along with that, Hooker says USADA has been testing him more frequently since his comments.
Jonathan Martinez hopeful the judges are not needed for his UFC Las Vegas fight against Said Nurmagomedov: "I'm excited to prove that I should be ranked"
Cole Shelton - March 8, 2023
Jonathan Martinez wasn’t sure who he would be fighting next. Martinez picked up the biggest win of his career last time out as he scored a stoppage victory over Cub Swanson. It was a big win for Martinez who is now set to return at UFC Las Vegas against the 14th-ranked bantamweight in Said Nurmagomedov.
Ariel Helwani explains why the UFC should avoid giving “deserving” Valentina Shevchenko an immediate rematch with Alexa Grasso
Zain Bando - March 8, 2023
Alexa Grasso shook up the UFC flyweight division with a fourth-round submission victory over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285 in the night’s co-main event. While the upset arguably changed the trajectory of the division, it begged the question from many fight fans about whether the March 4 title fight should be run back right away. Shevchenko was arguably ahead entering round four before the tables turned, which led to the eventual outcome. The victory earned Grasso the new and distinct title of becoming the first female Mexican-born UFC champion.
UFC middleweight Sean Strickland sends out video message for International Women’s Day: “For the women!”
Josh Evanoff - March 8, 2023
UFC middleweight contender Sean Strickland has released a passionate video message for International Women’s Day. ‘Tarzan’ has been out of action since his short-notice clash with Nassourdine Imavov in January. The bout took just one month after Strickland’s split-decision defeat to Jared Cannonier, but he was undeterred. He wound up defeating ‘Russian Sniper’ by unanimous decision in the five-round main event.
Jon Jones explains why Ciryl Gane tapped out so quickly at UFC 285: “I could hear his spine popping”
Josh Evanoff - March 8, 2023
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has explained why Ciryl Gane tapped so quickly last Saturday. ‘Bones’ made his long-awaited return to the octagon at UFC 285 against ‘Bon Gamin’. The bout was Jones’ first in over three years, and it was also his heavyweight debut. While the former champion long teased he’d move to the weight class, he finally made the move up last weekend.
UFC star Paddy Pimblett goes viral for landing “Sparta Kick” on little person (Video)
Lewis Simpson - March 8, 2023
UFC star Paddy Pimblett has faced some negative backlash after landing a ‘Sparta Kick’ on a little person. The rising lightweight recently collaborated with Youtube figure Danny Duncan, who has a massive seven-million subscribers.
Deiveson Figueiredo calls to face Dominick Cruz in bantamweight debut: "Would be a great first fight"
Josh Evanoff - March 8, 2023
Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has an opponent in mind for his return. ‘Deus Da Guerra’ has been out of action since his fourth meeting with Brandon Moreno in January. The bout was a historic one, as it was the first time in promotional history two fighters had competed against each other four times. Sadly, it didn’t end well for the Brazilian.