MMA News
Tyson Pedro reveals he had "extreme diarrhea and vomiting" prior to UFC 284 loss: "When the UFC bus came, I was still on the toilet"
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2023
Tyson Pedro had a tough 24 hours before his UFC 284 fight. Pedro was fighting at home at against Modestas Bukauskas in a fight he was a sizeable betting favorite in. Pedro entered the fight on a two-fight winning streak having won both fights by KO, but he suffered a decision loss to Bukauskas in a competitive fight. However, according to Pedro, the night before the fight up until when he left for the arena, he was vomiting and had diarrhea.
Mateusz Gamrot replaces Dan Hooker, set to fight Jalin Turner at UFC 285
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2023
Mateusz Gamrot is stepping up on less than a month’s notice. According to FanSided’s Amy Kaplan, Gamrot has agreed to step up on short notice to take on Jalin Turner at UFC 285. Turner was originally supposed to face Dan Hooker but the Kiwi was forced out of the bout due to a broken hand. UFC 285 goes down on March 4 in Las Vegas, with Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane serving as the main event for the vacant heavyweight title.
Belal Muhammad rips Colby Covington for turning him down, proclaims himself "the best in the world"
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2023
Belal Muhammad believes he is the best fighter in the world. Muhammad is coming off a TKO win over Sean Brady and is likely one win away from a title shot. Yet, who he fights next is uncertain, as Gilbert Burns is set to face Jorge Masvidal, leaving many to think Muhammad would face Colby Covington in a title eliminator bout.
Yair Rodriguez admits Josh Emmett knocked him out in round one sequence: "I went into automatic mode, I don’t remember much after that"
Josh Evanoff - February 14, 2023
UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez had to go through a lot to win the gold. ‘El Pantera’ returned to the octagon over the weekend in the co-main event of UFC 284. Standing opposite the Mexican star was Josh Emmett, who was riding a five-fight winning streak. During that stretch, ‘The Fighting Falmer’ defeated names such as Calvin Kattar and Dan Ige.
Ariel Helwani dismisses comparisons between Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov following UFC 284: "I’m sorry, he isn’t as good as Khabib. He is not!"
Lewis Simpson - February 14, 2023
Following UFC 284, mixed martial arts journalist Ariel Helwani is confident that Islam Makhachev is not as good as his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov. Since Khabib’s retirement in 2021, the former lightweight champion and his late father have pushed their prodigy Makhachev to become the next dominant sensation from their team.
Javier Mendez confirms Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 will happen: "I don’t see no reason why they wouldn’t do a rematch"
Lewis Simpson - February 14, 2023
Javier Mendez is confident Islam Makhachev will run it back with Alexander Volkanovski. After five-rounds of back-and-forth action in Perth, Australia, Makhachev edged a close unanimous decision victory to hold onto his lightweight title at UFC 284.
Former UFC champion Jose Aldo claims a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather is in the works: “His side has already agreed, my side too”
Susan Cox - February 14, 2023
Former UFC champion Jose Aldo is claiming a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather is in the works. Jose Aldo (31-8 MMA) retired from the UFC in September of 2022 after a loss to Merab Dvalishvili (15-4 MMA) at UFC 278. The Brazilian had an illustrious career with the promotion, winning 18 straight fights and reigned with the UFC featherweight belt through a record of seven title defenses.
Diego Sanchez sends warning to Austin Trout ahead of KnuckleMania 3: "You are not who you think you are and you are in for a rude awakening"
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2023
Diego Sanchez believes Austin Trout is overlooking him. Sanchez is set to make his BKFC debut at KnuckleMania 3 against Trout who is the former WBA light middleweight champion. The pro boxer has fought the likes of Canelo Alvarez and the Charlo twins. Given Trout is a big name in boxing, Sanchez was excited when he got the call to fight him as he wanted the biggest name possible for his debut.
Daniel Cormier responds to fans requesting that he avoids commentating the ‘Jones vs. Gane’ title fight: “Any other fights you want me off?”
Susan Cox - February 14, 2023
Daniel Cormier is responding to fans requesting that he avoids commentating the ‘Jones vs. Gane’ title fight. UFC 285, which takes place on Saturday, March 4th will feature Jon Jones (26-1 MMA) vs. Ciryl Gane (11-1 MMA) in the heavyweight main event.
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.
Conor McGregor shares his first comments on upcoming Michael Chandler fight: “I'm throwing up my high kicks faster than I'm throwing up my jab”
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2023
Conor McGregor has given his first on-camera reaction to his return fight coming against Michael Chandler later this year. In the last few weeks, it’s been confirmed by the UFC that Conor McGregor will return this year. First, he’ll coach opposite Michael Chandler on the new season of The Ultimate Fighter. Following that, likely in the third quarter of 2023, he’ll battle ‘Iron Mike’ inside the Octagon.
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.
Justin Gaethje reveals prediction for return against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286: "Put that motherf*cker to sleep"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje is planning to score a knockout in his return. ‘The Highlight’ has been out of action since his clash with Charles Oliveira last May. Prior to the bout, ‘Do Bronx’ missed weight, and was stripped of his lightweight gold. As a result, only Gaethje was able to win the title in the UFC 274 main event last year.
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.