MMA News
Jon Jones claims Francis Ngannou "didn’t believe in himself" which is why the fight didn't happen: "He had the opportunity to face me but he opted out"
Cole Shelton - February 23, 2023
Jon Jones has a reason as to why the Francis Ngannou fight didn’t happen. Ever since Ngannou became the heavyweight champ and Jones announced he was moving up to heavyweight, the hope was the fight would happen. But, after contract negotiations stalled, Ngannou was released from his deal and instead, Jones will now face Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 for the vacant belt.
Jon Jones reveals his top-five greatest MMA fighters of all-time: "I appreciate his existence"
Josh Evanoff - February 23, 2023
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones has revealed his greatest of all-time list. ‘Bones’ is slated to return to the octagon next month at UFC 285. In his first bout in over three years, Jones will be making the jump to heavyweight to face Ciryl Gane. The two will battle for the vacant heavyweight championship, left inactive after Francis Ngannou left the promotion last month.
Chael Sonnen blasts Conor McGregor's coaching ability after Irishman posts questionable video outside TUF house: "What part of that do we see as mentorship?
Josh Evanoff - February 23, 2023
Chael Sonnen isn’t happy with Conor McGregor’s recent video at The Ultimate Fighter house. ‘The Notorious’ recently arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada to coach the show alongside Michael Chandler. While it’s still not sure when, or what weight class McGregor will return to, his return seems to be inbound. However, the Irishman still likes to have fun it seems.
California bill supported by Ronda Rousey proposes pension for retired MMA fighters: "We should make sure they're taken care of when they retire"
Josh Evanoff - February 23, 2023
A proposal in the California legislature is looking to give back to retired MMA fighters. The topic of fighter pay and the treatment of athletes in combat sports has continued to gain traction. While Dana White and the UFC are actively attempting to squash the idea that their fighters are mistreated, many continue to call for change.
Conor McGregor shares prediction for upcoming bout with “good fighter” Michael Chandler
Susan Cox - February 23, 2023
Conor McGregor is sharing his prediction for the upcoming bout with ‘good fighter’ Michael Chandler. TUF 31 is currently underway in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Coach Fernand Lopez discusses Ciryl Gane’s recent claims about being lazy between camps: “That’s how Ciryl used to be”
Lewis Simpson - February 23, 2023
Last week, surprisingly, Ciryl Gane revealed he was ‘lazy’ when it came to training, but his coach Fernand Lopez assures fans that was an older version of ‘Bon Gamin’. Gane is set for his second crack at UFC heavyweight gold. The Frenchman will welcome Jon Jones back to competition on March 4th at UFC 285 for the vacant heavyweight title. Ahead of the showdown in Las Vegas, Gane admitted his approach to training was far from professional and has hardly trained since knocking out Tai Tuivasa in Paris last September.
Michael Bisping thinks 'hothead' Conor McGregor is 'biting off more than he can chew' after threatening to 'kill' Tom Aspinall
Lewis Simpson - February 23, 2023
Michael Bisping believes Conor McGregor is ‘biting of more than he can chew’ by threatening his fellow countryman Tom Aspinall. McGregor has his hands full while in Las Vegas filming the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter against Michael Chandler. However, the Irishman has still found time to throw insults Aspinall’s way on social media.
Daniel Cormier explains why he is against an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovksi
Susan Cox - February 23, 2023
Daniel Cormier is explaining why he is against an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. It was indeed lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) vs featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (25-2 MMA) at UFC 284 earlier this month. The super fight saw Makhachev defeat ‘The Great’ via unanimous decision, in his first title defence. Volkanovski fell short in his quest to become a two division champion, but held on to his No. 1 spot in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
Jordan Leavitt expects to "surprise a lot of people" at UFC Vegas 70 against Victor Martinez: "I think this fight will be a little bit more gritty than I would prefer"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Jordan Leavitt thought he would be fighting a lot sooner. Leavitt last competed back in July at UFC London as he took on Paddy Pimblett. It was a big opportunity for Leavitt but he suffered a submission loss. Yet, even though he lost, he says he learned a lot from that fight.
Actor Kevin James details "scary" sparring with Merab Dvalishvili: "He starts lighting me up like a Christmas tree"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Kevin James had an interesting sparring session with UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili. James, who has acted in shows like The King of Queens and Everybody Loves Raymond while also being in movies like Paul Blart Mall Cop, Grown Ups, and Here Comes The Boom, was training in a gym when Dvalishvili started to work with him. James says he tagged in, when everyone in the gym knew he was an actor but Dvalishvili just assumed James was a heavyweight fighter.
Gilbert Burns anticipates a bloody war with Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287: “I’m looking forward to a finish”
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Gilbert Burns expects his fight against Jorge Masvidal to be a violent one. Burns and Masvidal are set to be the co-main event of UFC 287 on April 8 in Miami, Florida. It’s an intriguing matchup where the winner could be in title contention and given that Burns is a sizeable favorite, he expects to finish Masvidal in a violent fight.
Dustin Poirier accepts Islam Makhachev's call for a new title challenger: "That's the plan"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has answered Islam Makhachev’s call. The Russian returned to the octagon earlier this month in the main event of UFC 284. Standing opposite the newly crowned champion was fellow titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. Despite Makhachev entering the fight a massive favorite, ‘The Great’ held his own for five rounds.
Jake Paul reveals discussions underway with Francis Ngannou to join the PFL: "There's massive things we can do"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
According to Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou could be making his way to the PFL. ‘The Predator’ famously walked out of the UFC last month as heavyweight champion. He was later stripped of his title, with the promotion setting Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship in March. Nonetheless, Ngannou was undeterred and set July as a likely return date.
Aaron Chalmers reveals discussions underway for two-fight crossover series with Jake Paul: "I'm sitting down with the PFL in March"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
Bellator veteran Aaron Chalmers might have the task of being Jake Paul‘s first MMA opponent. ‘The Joker’ is currently slated to face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition fight this Saturday night. The bout will be the first time ‘Money’ competes in the U.K., as the two will headline a pay-per-view card at The O2 Arena in London.
Erin Blanchfield confident ahead of possible title shot against Valentina Shevchenko: "I've been watching her since high school"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
UFC women’s flyweight contender Erin Blanchfield believes she will be champion by the end of 2023. ‘Cold Blooded’ returned to the octagon over the weekend in the main event of UFC Vegas 69. While Blanchfield was initially slated to face Taila Santos in the headliner, the Brazilian was forced to pull out due to injury. As a result, Jessica Andrade got the nod to the main event.
Diego Sanchez set to file an appeal to overturn loss against Austin Trout at KnuckleMania 3: "We will be filling a formal complaint"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Diego Sanchez will be appealing his KnuckleMania 3 loss to Austin Trout. Sanchez was set to make his BKFC debut against the former boxing world champ in Trout. It was a big fight and heading into the scrap, both men were confident that they would emerge victorious. However, in the end, it was Trout winning by stoppage due to a cut above Sanchez’s eye.
Alan Belcher expects to KO Arnold Adams "early" to win BKFC heavyweight title, believes Ben Rothwell could be his first title defense
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Alan Belcher is confident he will become the BKFC heavyweight champion on Friday in Louisiana at BKFC 36. Belcher is set to take on Arnold Adams for the heavyweight title in an intriguing matchup. Since signing with BKFC, Belcher is 3-0 and coming off a first-round knockout win over Frank Tate. After the win, he thought a title shot would be next, but was okay if he had to fight again.
Ryan Bader set for TUF return as a coach on Team Chandler
Susan Cox - February 22, 2023
Ryan Bader is set to return to TUF as a coach on Team Chandler. The former UFC light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader (31-7 MMA), who currently fights under the Bellator banner, will be heading back to the UFC to assist head coach Michael Chandler in Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.