MMA News
Dricus du Plessis' biggest mistake against Khamzat Chimaev revealed by rising UFC contender
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 2, 2025
Dricus du Plessis couldn’t get much going against Khamzat Chimaev, and one surging contender thinks he knows why. Entering UFC 319, du Plessis was looking for his third successful UFC Middleweight Championship defense. It was apparent early on that Chimaev’s takedowns and control would be the story of the night. “Borz” had a methodical game plan that allowed him to preserve energy all the way until the final horn.
UFC 322 betting odds are 'disrespectful' to Jack Della Maddalena ahead of Islam Makhachev fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 2, 2025
Is Jack Della Maddalena being disrespected ahead of UFC 322? Maddalena is scheduled to put the UFC Welterweight Championship at stake when he meets Islam Makhachev on Nov. 15. Makhachev has a chance to win UFC gold in a second weight class. He relinquished the lightweight title in a bid for 170-pound hardware.
Tom Aspinall's father leaves door open for possible boxing match
Harry Kettle - September 2, 2025
Tom Aspinall’s father believes his son could go down the route of trying to secure a big boxing match in the future. As we know, Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. He has been an absolute force of nature since arriving on the mixed martial arts scene, and in his next outing, he’ll attempt to successfully defend the belt against Ciryl Gane. Beyond that, though, if he wins, it’s not clear as to how many other clear contenders there are in the division.
Ilia Topuria may opt to wrestle Justin Gaethje, says Ali Abdelaziz
Harry Kettle - September 2, 2025
Ali Abdelaziz believes that Ilia Topuria may decide to wrestle Justin Gaethje if they were to fight one another. Right now, Ilia Topuria is the biggest star in the world of mixed martial arts – and that doesn’t feel like a very controversial thing to say. He has done some incredible things throughout the course of his time in the sport and as we look ahead to the future, it certainly feels like he’s on his way to becoming something special.
Din Thomas still isn't sure about Khamzat Chimaev as UFC champion
Harry Kettle - September 2, 2025
MMA analyst Din Thomas has doubled down on his thoughts regarding Khamzat Chimaev being an active UFC champion. As we know, Khamzat Chimaev is the UFC middleweight champion. He earned that title by defeating and dominating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in impressive fashion. Now, though, the focus shifts to the future, with many wondering who ‘Borz’ will face off against next.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 203 with Modestas Bukauskas and Martin Buday
Cole Shelton - September 2, 2025
The 203rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Paris. We’re first joined by UFC light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas (1:15). We close things out chatting with former UFC heavyweight Martin Buday (17:24).
Marie McManamon receives chance at redemption against Selina Flores at ONE Fight Night 36
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 2, 2025
Marie McManamon seeks to erase the memory of her promotional debut disappointment. The English-Irish striker faces dangerous newcomer Selina Flores in her most important career crossroads. McManamon faces WBC Muay Thai World Champion Flores in atomweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 36 on Friday, October 3, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The London-based fighter enters seeking her first ONE Championship victory after suffering a setback in her debut appearance.
Ibragim Dauev vows to control pace against Akbar Abdullaev: "Not going to play by his rules"
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 1, 2025
Ibragim Dauev enters his biggest career test with unwavering confidence in his game plan. The undefeated Russian believes his approach will neutralize Abdullaev’s perfect finishing record and elite ranking. Dauev faces #1-ranked featherweight MMA contender Akbar Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 35 on Friday, September 5, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The 24-year-old seeks to extend his perfect promotional record while claiming the division’s top ranking.
UFC Paris loses main card fight due to family tragedy
Dylan Bowker - September 1, 2025
UFC Paris now has a vacancy on the main card as a participant had to withdraw due to a tragedy in their family. The fighter in question is Fares Ziam, who will no longer be competing in the coming days in the wake of his grandmother’s passing away. Kaue Fernandes does not have an opponent for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card at the Accor Arena in France, with no indication at this juncture that the promotion is pursuing a replacement opponent. The French fighter finds himself in a bereaved situation while also missing out on the chance to fight in front of a raucous, partisan crowd during one of the most important cards for European MMA this calendar year.
UFC Vegas 112 Announces Main Event Matchup for Final 2025 Card
Dylan Bowker - September 1, 2025
UFC Vegas 112 will serve as the last card of the calendar year, and the promotion is ending off 2025 with a meaningful matchup in the flyweight division. Brandon Royval versus Manel Kape will serve as the headliner for the promotion’s final event before they enter the Paramount media rights deal next year. This bout will emanate from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 13th, and this fight news was first reported on by Marcel Dorff.
Mohammed Usman vs. Valter Walker Bolsters UFC Rio
Dylan Bowker - September 1, 2025
Valter Walker is next competing at UFC Rio and is lined up for an intriguing heavyweight tilt. Walker will clash with Mohammed Usman in Rio de Janeiro on October 11th. ‘The Clean Monster’ was born in Rio and will undoubtedly be the partisan favorite against Usman in the coming weeks. Both men have famous fighting brothers with Valter Walker being the half brother of Johnny Walker and Mohammed Usman being the brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Colby Covington reveals two names he wants to fight in UFC return
Harry Kettle - September 1, 2025
Colby Covington has revealed two of the fighters that he’s interested in fighting in his next UFC outing. As we know, Colby Covington is a pretty controversial fighter in the world of mixed martial arts. While he’s clearly very talented, the way in which he’s been able to build a real reputation for himself doesn’t sit well with a lot of fans. From his outlandish comments to his pro wrestling-like persona, it’s not to everyone’s taste.
Dillon Danis reveals excitement over Luke Rockhold's knockout loss
Harry Kettle - September 1, 2025
Dillon Danis has made it clear that he was pretty happy to see Luke Rockhold get knocked out at Misfits Boxing 22. Last weekend, Luke Rockhold collided with Darren Till in the main event of Misfits Boxing 22. Dillon Danis was also part of the same card, even getting into a war of words with the former UFC middleweight champion in the lead-up to the event. In the end, though, they picked up very different results on the night.
Tony Ferguson says pressure is off after breaking losing streak at Misfits Boxing 22
Harry Kettle - September 1, 2025
Tony Ferguson has said the pressure is off his shoulders after defeating Salt Papi last weekend to break his losing streak. As we know, Tony Ferguson has been through a lot when it comes to his combat sports career. He’s experienced a string of defeats in the last five years, leading to him no longer competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Alas, when he entered the Misfits Boxing scene, many had hope that he’d finally be able to get back in the win column.
Johan Ghazali promises to show more than punching power: "I needed to switch my style"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 31, 2025
Johan Ghazali refuses to let recent setbacks derail his championship ambitions. The 18-year-old striker believes his tactical adjustments will pay dividends against experienced opposition. Ghazali faces Zakaria El Jamari in flyweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The teenager seeks to end a two-fight losing streak that exposed flaws in his aggressive approach.
Akbar Abdullaev plans to use ONE Fight Night 35 as catalyst for Tang Kai rematch: "I don't have the belt, so I don't feel like a champion"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 31, 2025
Akbar Abdullaev carries the sting of missed opportunity into his next championship chase. The undefeated featherweight seeks redemption after his title dreams slipped away due to a critical scale failure against Tang Kai. Top-ranked Abdullaev faces Ibragim Dauev in featherweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 27-year-old Kyrgyzstani enters seeking to rebuild his path toward another championship opportunity.
Frankie Edgar admits family members initially opposed BKFC debut
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 31, 2025
Frankie Edgar is coming out of combat sports retirement, but those close to him weren’t gung-ho about the idea at first. Most within the MMA community have said that Edgar has nothing left to prove. The former UFC Lightweight Champion has beaten the likes of the legendary BJ Penn, Charles Oliveira, Urijah Faber, and Yair Rodriguez to name a few. Edgar felt the need to take on a different challenge as he gets closer to the age of 44.
Dillon Danis delivers clear message to Dana White and UFC following Misfits Boxing 22 win
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 31, 2025
Dillon Danis is pounding the table for a UFC run. Danis participated in Misfits Boxing’s first MMA bout this past Saturday. He faced Warren Spencer in a fight that didn’t make it past 15 seconds. Spencer made a costly mistake by grappling with “El Jefe.” The jiu-jitsu specialist locked up a choke for the quick submission finish.