MMA News
Alexander Volkanovksi retains top spot in UFC P4P Rankings despite loss to Islam Makhachev
Susan Cox - February 14, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski has retained the top spot in the UFC P4P Rankings despite his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. It was just last Saturday, February 11th where Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) defeated Alexander Volkanovski (25-2 MMA) via unanimous decision at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. In doing so, Makhachev retained the lightweight championship belt and declared himself ‘the best in the world‘.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 110 with Diego Sanchez, Austin Trout, John Dodson, Zac Pauga, and Evan Elder
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2023
The 110th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of KnuckleMania 3 and UFC Vegas 69 this weekend. We’re first joined by former UFC fighter and current BKFC fighter Diego Sanchez (2:43). Next, former WBA light middleweight champion and current BKFC fighter Austin Trout (29:54) comes on. John Dodson (42:01) returns to the program. Then, UFC light heavyweight Zac Pauga (55:04) stops by. Closing out the program is UFC lightweight Evan Elder (1:04:53).
Anthony Smith would like to see the UFC make changes to existing weight classes: “I’d love to see no weight cap on heavyweight”
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2023
UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith has given his thoughts on the UFC’s current weight class structure. For many years now, there’s been a lot of debate regarding weight classes in mixed martial arts. Some believe we should have more, whereas others think the actual limits should be different.
Alexander Volkanovski hints at immediate rematch with Islam Makhachev, gives Yair Rodriguez the green light to defend his new title
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski has suggested that he wants an immediate rematch with Islam Makhachev, delaying his return to featherweight. Last weekend, Alexander Volkanovski battled Islam Makhachev in a fantastic main event at UFC 284. The two competed for the UFC lightweight championship and in the end, Makhachev was the one who walked away with the belt.
Video | UFC 285: ‘Jones vs. Gane’ promo released
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2023
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has released an incredible new promo for UFC 285: Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane. After three years away from the Octagon, Jon Jones will make his return at UFC 285 on March 4. He will be competing at heavyweight for the first time ever, aiming to take home the division’s title belt and become a two-weight world champion.
Islam Makhachev's team denies use of IVs after UFC 284 weigh-ins: "We all know this is completely BS"
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2023
Islam Makhachev’s team is denying the lightweight champ used IVs to rehydrate after the UFC 284 weigh-ins. In the main event of the card, Makhachev was defending his lightweight title for the first time. In the lead-up, Alexander Volkanovski said the champ was having a hard weight cut. However, Makhachev did make the weight and ended up winning a close decision.
Arnold Allen believes past damage could play a role in fight against Max Holloway: "He's been in a lot of crazy fights for a long time"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2023
UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen believes past damage could play a role in his return. ‘Almighty’ has been out of the octagon since his clash with Calvin Kattar last October. In the second round, ‘The Boston Finisher’ collapsed with a knee injury, handing Allen the win. It was later learned the injury was a torn ACL that could hold Kattar out until 2024.
Alexander Volkanovski thinks he was close to finishing Islam Makhachev in the fifth round at UFC 284: "He was done"
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski believes he nearly finished Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. Volkanovski was moving up in weight on Saturday to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title in hopes of becoming a champ-champ. The fight was extremely competitive and late in the fifth round, Volkanovski dropped Makhachev and started landing heavy ground-and-pound.
Chuck Liddell cautiously optimistic for Conor McGregor's return against Michael Chandler: "I want to see if he comes back serious"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2023
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell wants to see that Conor McGregor is serious about his return. ‘The Notorious’ has been out of action since his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. In their July 2021 clash, McGregor shattered his leg in final seconds of round one. Due to that injury, the former double champion has been out of the octagon for nearly two years.
Jens Pulver discusses reaction to being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame: "It was huge to me"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2023
Former UFC lightweight champion Jens Pulver is grateful to finally be in the Hall of Fame. ‘Lil Evil’ is one of the unsung pioneers of the world’s leading MMA promotion. Making his debut at UFC 22 in 1999, Pulver quickly became one of the most entertaining lightweights on the planet. Within two years, he was seen as a potential future star for the promotion.
Daniel Cormier reacts after Islam Makhachev receives backlash for his UFC 284 win over Alexander Volkanovksi: “The feigned outrage that was online was unfair”
Susan Cox - February 13, 2023
Daniel Cormier is reacting after Islam Makhachev receives backlash for his UFC 284 win over Alexander Volkanovski. This past weekend saw featherweight champion Volkanovski (25-2 MMA) and lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA) fight for the lightweight belt at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Dan Hooker accuses Islam Makhachev of cheating using an IV after weigh-in: "He doesn’t cheat, he doesn’t win"
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2023
Dan Hooker has accused Islam Makhachev of cheating at UFC 284. Makhachev was defending his lightweight title for the first time against featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski. It was an intriguing matchup but heading into the fight, Makhachev was a sizeable favorite and edged out a very close decision.
Justin Gaethje explains why it makes “perfect sense” that Conor McGregor chose to fight Michael Chandler next: “That man only fights people I beat”
Susan Cox - February 13, 2023
Justin Gaethje is explaining why it makes ‘perfect sense’ that Conor McGregor chose to fight Michael Chandler next. It was announced earlier this month that the 31st season of the Ultimate Fighter will feature former UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and the No. 5 ranked lightweight contender Michael Chandler go head-to-head as coaches. TUF 31 will premiere on Tuesday May 30th thru to August 15th on ESPN/ESPN+. Following the series, the two coaches will themselves battle it out in the Octagon, with a date and place yet to be determined.
What's next for the stars of UFC 284?
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2023
The UFC headed down under to Perth, Western Australia for UFC 284 which saw the lightweight title and the interim featherweight title up for grabs. In the main event of UFC 284, Islam Makhachev was looking to defend his lightweight title for the first time against featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski. The co-main event saw Yair Rodriguez battle Josh Emmett for the interim featherweight title.
Stephen Thompson explains why he believes Ciryl Gane will become the heavyweight champion at UFC 285: “I just don’t see Jon Jones touching him”
Susan Cox - February 13, 2023
Stephen Thompson is explaining why he believes Ciryl Gane will beat Jon Jones and become the heavyweight champion at UFC 285. UFC 285 is set to take place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Islam Makhachev proclaims himself “the best fighter in the world” following UFC 284 win over Alexander Volkanovksi
Susan Cox - February 13, 2023
Islam Makhachev is proclaiming himself ‘the best fighter in the world’ following his UFC 284 win over Alexander Volkanovski. UFC 284 took place this past weekend at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Video | Watch Jens Pulver’s emotional reaction to his UFC Hall of Fame induction
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2023
Jens Pulver‘s reaction to being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame was captured via his live stream on Saturday night. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the MMA leader and has been for over two decades now. So then, it only makes sense that they’ve got their own Hall of Fame in order to recognise some of the great fighters who have competed in the promotion.
Fighters react after the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2023
Many fighters were watching last night as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl 57. There are plenty of big occasions in mixed martial arts, and especially the UFC. From the annual MSG show to International Fight Week and beyond, the promotion certainly knows how to put on a show.