MMA News
Zabit Magomedsharipov teases possible return to mixed martial arts
Harry Kettle - September 5, 2025
Former UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov has teased the idea of a possible return to mixed martial arts. For many years, Zabit Magomedsharipov has been one of the big “what if” cases in mixed martial arts history. When he was healthy and active, he was one of the most intriguing fighters on the roster. He was talented, he was calm, and he was able to hang with the majority of the best featherweight fighters in the world. Unfortunately, a few years ago, he made the decision to quietly walk away without ever really reaching his full potential.
Rambolek targets early finish against Dmitrii Kovtun at ONE Fight Night 35
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 4, 2025
Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon enters his rescheduled showdown with supreme confidence in his ability to expose his opponent’s weaknesses. The #4-ranked bantamweight believes Dmitrii Kovtun’s conditioning issues will be his downfall when they finally clash. Rambolek faces Dmitrii Kovtun in pivotal bantamweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 35 on Friday, September 5, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The Thai striker seeks to defend his top-five ranking against the surging Russian contender.
Aljamain Sterling wants "to know who is being a weasel" among MMA managers amid fighter settlement payments
Dylan Bowker - September 4, 2025
Aljamain Sterling wants shady management in mixed martial arts to be spotlighted as he weighed in on some discourse around the UFC’s recent fighter settlement situation. The official X account of Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Association, which has advocated for the rights of MMA fighters since 2009, tweeted out a message on this subject, which said, “A public service announcement: All “managers” trying to claim a percentage of fighters settlements-please announce yourselves in public. You did nothing to change the status quo, you did nothing to assist the lawsuit, and you feel entitled to payment? Who are you? Announce.”
"Not a better matchup for Losene Keita than Patricio Pitbull", says ex-UFC vet
Dylan Bowker - September 4, 2025
Losene Keita is fighting Patricio Pitbull at UFC Paris, with many hyped up about the former two-division Oktagon MMA champ’s UFC debut, including a current Oktagon MMA fighter. That fighter being referenced is also a former UFC vet, Khalid Taha, who does battle with Edgar Delgado Jimenez at Oktagon 75 on September 13th. Taha appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts as someone looking to ascend to the vacant featherweight title throne that was left empty by Keita’s arrival in the UFC. When addressing his thoughts on how Keita’s UFC debut will go against Patricio Pitbull and what the former decorated Oktagon MMA fighter’s ceiling could be as a UFC contracted fighter, Taha said,
Pereira vs. Ankalaev 2 at UFC 320 predicted by UFC Paris fighter
Dylan Bowker - September 4, 2025
The outcome in the rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will mirror their first fight, according to a surging UFC contender. The mixed martial artist who gave that assessment is Modestas Bukauskas, who takes on Paul Craig this weekend at UFC Paris. The hungry light heavyweight contender is looking to notch a statement win over the promotional stalwart to get himself in closer proximity for his own 205-pound title shot someday. The first fight between Ankalaev and Pereira took place in March, with the former unseating the latter from his light heavyweight throne at UFC 313.
Top prospect Baisangur Susurkaev booked for return fight after historic start to UFC career
Curtis Calhoun - September 4, 2025
Khamzat Chimaev’s longtime training partner, Baisangur Susurkaev, will make his second UFC Octagon appearance on one of the biggest cards of the year. UFC middleweight Baisangur Susurkaev introduced himself to fight fans in style, winning two fights in five days last month. After earning a win on Dana White’s Contender Series, Susurkaev was called upon to make his short-notice promotional debut at UFC 319, defeating Eric Nolan by second-round submission.
Terence Crawford makes head-scratching pick for best boxer in the UFC
Curtis Calhoun - September 4, 2025
Boxing superstar Terence Crawford made a controversial pick for the UFC’s best boxer. Boxing superstar Terence Crawford is considered one of the greatest combatants in the sport’s history. Crawford and Canelo Alvarez will square off in a massive superfight later this month for Alvarez’s super middleweight titles.
Report: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker in the works for upcoming main event
Curtis Calhoun - September 4, 2025
A massive UFC lightweight matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker is reportedly the plan for an upcoming UFC Fight Night headliner. Top lightweights Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker are reportedly on a collision course for a massive UFC Fight Night main event, amid uncertainty surrounding the next title fight in the division.
Daniel Cormier shares blunt advice to aging ex-UFC stars who won't stay retired
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 4, 2025
Daniel Cormier is having some truth talk with former UFC stars who can’t let go of the fight game. MMA and boxing fans are used to seeing beloved fighters compete past their prime. Some fighters are able to garner some success despite aging, but others end up fighting through extensive losing streaks. It gets uncomfortable for many fans and experts when the veterans are knocked unconscious after each fight.
Islam Makhachev's coach warns Jack Della Maddalena to avoid crucial mistake at UFC 322
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 4, 2025
Islam Makhachev’s coach has a warning for Jack Della Maddalena ahead of UFC 322. Makhachev ditched the UFC Lightweight Championship in favor of fighting for gold at 170 pounds. He’ll get a chance to add another UFC title to his mantle when he enters Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 15. Maddalena is looking to prove that he won’t be giving up his spot at the top of the welterweight mountain.
UFC Paris headliner reveals why he likes Khamzat Chimaev as middleweight champion
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 4, 2025
One half of the UFC Paris main event is happy that Khamzat Chimaev is the current middleweight king. Chimaev scooped up UFC gold for the first time in his pro MMA career with his dominant grappling performance against Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev gained nearly 22 minutes of control time on his way to a unanimous decision victory at the conclusion of UFC 319.
Martin Buday details UFC exit, explains reason for signing with OKTAGON
Cole Shelton - September 4, 2025
Martin Buday wasn’t too surprised that the UFC opted not to re-sign him after his last win. Buday pulled off an upset win over Marcus Buchecha back at UFC Abu Dhabi in July. Buday was fighting out his contract despite being on a two-fight winning streak and being 6-1 in the UFC.
Bo Nickal gets his wish and will make MMA return at UFC 322
Harry Kettle - September 4, 2025
UFC prospect Bo Nickal is set to get his wish and make his return to competitive mixed martial arts at UFC 322. As we know, Bo Nickal is a pretty interesting figure within the world of MMA. Ever since making the transition over from amateur wrestling, he has been pretty vocal in his belief that he’s one of the best fighters on the planet. Alas, more often than not, fighters with that kind of confidence come crashing back down to earth. For Bo, that happened in his last Octagon appearance.
Islam Makhachev sends a message to Jack Della Maddalena ahead of UFC 322
Harry Kettle - September 4, 2025
UFC star Islam Makhachev has sent a message to Jack Della Maddalena ahead of their upcoming clash at UFC 322. In the main event of UFC 322, Islam Makhachev will challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight championship. If he’s able to pick up the win, he will join an elite group of fighters who have been able to win world titles in two different weight classes in the promotion.
VIDEO | Watch the official ONE Fight Night 35 weigh-ins
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 4, 2025
Sixteen martial artists must clear their final hurdles before competing at ONE Fight Night 35. Jackie Buntan and Stella Hemetsberger headline the card for the vacant ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. Official weigh-ins and hydration tests take place at 6 p.m. ICT/7 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 4, for ONE Fight Night 35 in Bangkok, Thailand. Every athlete must hit their contracted weight and pass hydration testing.
Bampara Kouyate anticipates thrilling contest with Shadow Singha Mawynn: "It's gonna be a tough fight"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 3, 2025
Bampara Kouyate respects his opponent’s abilities while remaining confident in his championship path. The French-Malian striker believes his strategic preparation will overcome Shadow Singha Mawynn’s dangerous elbow work and aggressive style. He faces Shadow in featherweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 35 on Friday, September 5, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The #2-ranked contender seeks to prove his worthiness for a title shot against divisional king Tawanchai PK Saenchai while the #3-ranked Thai aims to derail those plans.
Alexander Volkanovski goes on X-rated rant on the one UFC fighter he hates the most
Curtis Calhoun - September 3, 2025
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski showed a rare side when asked about one fighter he despises. Alexander Volkanovski is one of the most beloved fighters in the UFC today. After returning to the UFC featherweight throne earlier this year at UFC 314, Volkanovski’s comeback story is one of the biggest headlines of the year inside the Octagon.
Patricio Pitbull opens up on facing promotional newcomer at UFC Paris
Cole Shelton - September 3, 2025
Patricio Pitbull is set to welcome Losene Keita to the UFC on the main card of UFC Paris. Pitbull is coming off a decision win over Dan Ige to pick up his first win in the UFC. Despite being ranked 11th, Pitbull is set to take on a newcomer, which is a bit of a surprise, but the Brazilian is fine with it.