MMA News
Dricus Du Plessis questions authenticity of former African UFC champions: “Did those belts ever go to Africa?”
Lewis Simpson - March 2, 2023
Dricus Du Plessis has questioned the authenticity of the former African UFC champions. Du Plessis looks to make it seven-straight consecutive wins this weekend at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. The South African native has the opportunity to leap closer to middleweight gold when he takes on the No.5 ranked Derek Brunson.
Dana White believes people are against Power Slap League because he's the promoter: "They want to f**k me that’s why they’re saying what they’re saying about slap"
Lewis Simpson - March 2, 2023
UFC President Dana White believes people are against his newly formed Power Slap League because they dislike him, not the sport itself. Since the launch of White’s new project in January, the Slap League has received mixed reactions, but most of the feedback has been negative. The UFC boss found an interest in Slap Fighting and then turned his newfound interest into a successful business model.
UFC 285 | Pro fighters make their picks for Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso title fight
Cole Shelton - March 2, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 285, the women’s flyweight title is up for grabs as Valentina Shevchenko takes on Alexa Grasso. Heading into the fight, Shevchenko is a massive -850 favorite while the Mexican is a +500 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. Unsurprisingly, the pros are unanimous in thinking Shevchenko will continue to reign over the division with another title defense.
Jon Jones responds to critics about his new heavyweight physique: "Good thing it's not a bodybuilding competition"
Lewis Simpson - March 2, 2023
Jon Jones has responded to the recent feedback about his new heavyweight physique. Jones, who many believe to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, hasn’t fought since his controversial victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 274 in 2020.
Alexander Volkanovski details the one change he would like to see out of “the GOAT” Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285
Harry Kettle - March 2, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski has given his thoughts on Saturday night’s co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso. At UFC 285, Valentina Shevchenko will attempt to extend her historic reign as UFC women’s flyweight champion. She’ll put the strap on the line against Alexa Grasso, an incredibly worthy contender in the division.
Chael Sonnen believes Jon Jones could be “injured” and in “recovery mode” ahead of UFC 285: “Pool workouts are for injured”
Harry Kettle - March 2, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has yet another theory regarding Jon Jones ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC 285. In the lead-up to his return this weekend, Jon Jones hasn’t been under too much scrutiny. Sure, people are wondering what he’ll look like after three years away, but not many folks have been bringing up his past.
Michael Bisping details what Michael Chandler told him about his interactions with Conor McGregor on TUF 31
Harry Kettle - March 2, 2023
Michael Bisping has revealed what Michael Chandler told him about his interactions with Conor McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter. In late May, the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter will commence. When it does, the two coaches in charge of the teams will be Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor.
Bruce Buffer explains what happened when the New York State Athletic Commission was changing the scorecard in the Octagon at UFC 281: "That is probably a mistake on their part"
Cole Shelton - March 1, 2023
Bruce Buffer didn’t know what to think when the New York State Athletic Commission was changing the scorecard in the Octagon at UFC 281. Before the scorecard between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Silvana Gomez Juarez was read, the commission came into the Octagon to change the score in front of everybody. According to Buffer, he says he couldn’t read the score so told the commission to write it better, but instead of writing it in private, they changed it while inside the Octagon cage.
Charles Oliveira unbothered by possibility of Conor McGregor getting a title shot: "Chandler is going to win!"
Josh Evanoff - March 1, 2023
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira isn’t worried about Conor McGregor getting a title shot over him. ‘The Notorious’ is currently filming the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. While the former dual-weight champion is yet to re-enter the USADA testing pool, his return is expected for later this year. Coaching alongside McGregor is former Bellator lightweight titleholder, Michael Chandler.
Ciryl Gane advises Jon Jones to stay focused after downplaying striking: "I'm going to be focused on that"
Josh Evanoff - March 1, 2023
UFC heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane is advising Jon Jones to stay focused during fight week. ‘Bon Gamin’ has been out of action since his clash with Tai Tuivasa at UFC Paris last November. In that outing, Gane had to survive an early knockdown, but wound up winning by third-round knockout. The win was an important one for the Frenchman, as it helped him rebound from his loss to Francis Ngannou prior in the year.
Luke Rockhold thrilled with BKFC signing after leaving the UFC: "I'm done being a f*cking slave"
Josh Evanoff - March 1, 2023
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold couldn’t be happier with BKFC. The former champion has been out of action since his clash with Paulo Costa last August. In the co-main event of UFC 278, the two middleweight contenders put on a show. Ultimately, it was ‘The Eraser’ who picked up the win by unanimous decision.
Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury pay-per-view buys revealed
Josh Evanoff - March 1, 2023
Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury reportedly pulled in upwards of 500,000 pay-per-view buys according to the YouTuber. ‘The Problem Child’ returned to the boxing ring over the weekend to finally face ‘TNT’. The two celebrity boxers had been signed to fight each other on two prior occasions. However, Fury withdrew from both matchups, resulting in a lot of bad blood heading into fight night.
Daniel Cormier claims Jon Jones “did not punch very hard” and will “need his skill” to overcome Ciryl Gane at UFC 285
Lewis Simpson - March 1, 2023
After sharing the octagon with Jon Jones several times, Daniel Cormier claims his former rival ‘did not punch very hard’. Jones’ is set to make his heavyweight debut this Saturday at UFC 285 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the vacant title. The man welcoming Jones to his new home is Ciryl Gane, who will compete for the heavyweight title for the second time in his career.
BKFC announces stacked fight card for April 29, including Mike Perry vs. Luke Rockhold
Cole Shelton - March 1, 2023
Mike Perry will square off with former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at BKFC 41 on April 29. BKFC president David Feldman went on The MMA Hour and announced that his promotion has signed former UFC champion Luke Rockhold to fight Mike Perry at 185lbs in the main event. The co-main event sees Chad Mendes take on former UFC lightweight champ, Eddie Alvarez at 165lbs. The fight card is set to go down on April 29 in Denver, Colorado.
Paddy Pimblett gives thoughts on UFC 284 lightweight title fight: "That last round Makhachev was hanging on for dear life"
Lewis Simpson - March 1, 2023
UFC star Paddy Pimblett recently gave his thoughts on the lightweight title fight that took place at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev successfully retained his lightweight belt in a five-round battle with featherweight champion Volkanovski. The Aussie undoubtedly gave Makhachev the toughest outing of his career but fell short by the slightest of majors.
Bruce Buffer excited to see Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, believes 'Bones' is the "GOAT"
Cole Shelton - March 1, 2023
Bruce Buffer always thought Jon Jones would fight again. After Jones vacated his light heavyweight title after his win over Dominick Reyes in February 2020, he said the plan was to make his heavyweight debut. However, three years went by without him fighting, but Buffer always expected him back.
Darren Till reveals he asked for his UFC release, vows to "be back"
Cole Shelton - March 1, 2023
Darren Till has confirmed he is no longer on the UFC roster. On Tuesday night, it was revealed Till was removed from the UFC roster which caught many by surprise. Yet, on Wednesday morning, Till took to social media to reveal he asked for his release as he needs to sort some stuff out. However, he vows he will be back in the UFC once he gets things in order.
Chael Sonnen alludes to previous love triangle between Jon Jones, Holly Holm and Valentina Shevchenko: “It’s their story to tell”
Harry Kettle - March 1, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has suggested a love triangle exists between Jon Jones, Holly Holm and Valentina Shevchenko. Chael Sonnen has said a lot of wild stuff over the years and now, we can add this to the list.