MMA News
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso added to UFC 285 in March
Josh Evanoff - January 18, 2023
The undercard to UFC 285 continues to build, as women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has been added. ‘Bullet’ has been out of action since her clash with Taila Santos at UFC 275 last June. In that outing, the Brazilian brought the fight to the champion, who was a heavy favorite. Despite early success from Santos, Shevchenko rallied in the championship rounds.
Jamahal Hill open to waiting for Jiri Prochazka as his first title defense if he beats Glover Teixeira at UFC 283: "I want that fight"
Cole Shelton - January 18, 2023
Jamahal Hill is hopeful Jiri Prochazka can return to action this summer. Prochazka was supposed to defend his light heavyweight title against Glover Teixeira in December but had to pull out of the fight and vacate the belt due to a major shoulder injury.
Darren Till defends Francis Ngannou's decision to part ways with the UFC: "If Ngannou feels like he’s not getting paid what he’s worth, he’s right to leave UFC."
Zain Bando - January 18, 2023
Darren Till is one of the most outspoken fighters in the UFC, let alone MMA, who always speaks his mind regardless of repercussions he might face in the eyes of public opinion. However, this time, Till might be on to something, as the former welterweight title challenger conducted an exclusive interview with Basketball Insiders. Till discussed various topics, including his opinion of Andrew Tate, a potential Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington fight, and whether or not Conor McGregor’s best days are numbered. Of course, Till didn’t mince words when he was also asked about now-former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and his recent departure from the promotion.
UFC 283 | Pro fighters make their picks for Glover Teixeira vs. Jamahal Hill title fight
Cole Shelton - January 18, 2023
In the main event of UFC 283, the vacant light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Glover Teixeira takes on Jamahal Hill. Heading into the fight, Teixeira is a +104 underdog while the American is a -132 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The pros slightly lean towards Hill getting his hand raised and likely doing so by knocking out Teixeira.
Former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic reacts to Francis Ngannou parting ways with the UFC
Susan Cox - January 18, 2023
Former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is reacting to the news of Francis Ngannou parting ways with the UFC. Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA) last fought in March 2021 at UFC 260 where he lost the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA) via KO. Prior to that loss Miocic had back-to-back victories against Daniel Cormier (22-3 MMA).
MMA analysts tip Francis Ngannou to get exposed in first boxing bout: "He’s an average puncher. He’s a below average boxer"
Lewis Simpson - January 18, 2023
Francis Ngannou is now officially a free agent after being released from the UFC. The former UFC heavyweight champion now has the freedom to negotiate new opportunities with other promoters across different sports. The 36-year-olds next likely move is to transition into boxing, a dream the Cameroon native has held close to his heart since childhood.
Jake Shields reacts to news of Mike Jackson being cut by the UFC: “Now he goes back to being a nobody”
Susan Cox - January 18, 2023
Jake Shields is reacting to the news of Mike Jackson being cut by the UFC. It was earlier this week that the UFC released Mike Jackson (1-2 MMA) from their current roster. The 37 year old welterweight last fought and lost to Pete Rodriguez (5-1 MMA) this past October at UFC Fight Night 212.
Amanda Nunes expected to return at UFC 285 on March 4 against Irene Aldana
Susan Cox - January 18, 2023
Amanda Nunes is expected to return at UFC 285 on March 4 against Irene Aldana. It was just last weekend that UFC President Dana White announced Jon Jones (26-1 MMA) vs Ciryl Gane (11-1 MMA) would be headlining UFC 285 for the vacant heavyweight belt.
Gilbert Burns says he was told Khamzat Chimaev plans on fighting at middleweight going forward
Harry Kettle - January 18, 2023
UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns has claimed that he was told Khamzat Chimaev plans on moving up to middleweight. Last April, Gilbert Burns and Khamzat Chimaev went to war. The two men battled it out in a welterweight clash for the ages, with Chimaev being pushed to the limit more so than he ever has been before.
Jon Jones shares his thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s UFC release: “I do believe my path will cross with Francis”
Harry Kettle - January 18, 2023
Jon Jones has given his thoughts following Francis Ngannou‘s release ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC 285. Last weekend, it was announced that Jon Jones will return to the UFC after three years away. He’ll do so in March, taking on Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight championship.
Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili set to headline UFC Fight Night event on March 11
Harry Kettle - January 18, 2023
Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili are set to meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night on March 11, Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The bantamweight division is as stacked as it has ever been. From the top 15 to the rising prospects, there’s a whole lot to like at 135 pounds. In terms of the elite, however, there are a few contenders that stand out above the rest.
Jon Jones won’t reveal how much he’ll weigh in heavyweight debut at UFC 285: “I want Ciryl to see me for the first time and it be a nice surprise”
Cole Shelton - January 17, 2023
Jon Jones won’t let anyone know his weight until he steps onto the scales. Jones is set to make his heavyweight debut for the vacant title in the main event of UFC 285 on March 4 against Ciryl Gane. The fight marks Jones’ heavyweight debut which is something he has teased for years but he won’t be telling anyone what he plans on weighing until he steps onto the scale on weigh-in day.
Jon Jones lays out his goals for upcoming heavyweight run: "I'm guaranteeing the fans at least two more fights"
Cole Shelton - January 17, 2023
Jon Jones has laid out his ideal plan for his upcoming UFC heavyweight run. Jones is set to return to the Octagon in the main event of UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title. It’s an intriguing matchup and it also marks the return of Jones who has not fought since 2020.
Conor McGregor gives Francis Ngannou advice after he was released from the UFC: "Correct representation is imperative"
Cole Shelton - January 17, 2023
Conor McGregor has shared some advice with Francis Ngannou. On Saturday, after Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight belt was reported, Dana White confirmed it and also announced Ngannou was released from the UFC. The news was surprising and on Tuesday, Ngannou spoke to The MMA Hour and said he was managing himself during the negotiations with the UFC.
Dana White slams critics concerned about brain damage in Power Slap league: "If you don't f*cking like it, don't watch it"
Josh Evanoff - January 17, 2023
Dana White has a message for those concerned about brain damage in his upcoming Power Slap league. Last year, the UFC president announced his newest venture, as he revealed the Power Slap league. The new sport quickly received clearance from the Nevada State Athletic Commission to proceed. In the process, they established several rules for the upstart league, slated to hold events at the UFC Apex.
Johnny Walker not ruling out grappling with Paul Craig, plans to get a stoppage win at UFC 283: "If 2023 goes the way I want, I get the title shot in 2024"
Cole Shelton - January 17, 2023
Johnny Walker is prepared to grapple at UFC 283. Walker is set to be on the pay-per-view main card against Paul Craig in an intriguing matchup at light heavyweight. It’s also exciting for Walker as he gets to fight at home in Rio de Janeiro in front of his friends and family.
Francis Ngannou reveals plans to make boxing debut in July and names Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua as ideal opponents
Josh Evanoff - January 17, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is preparing to make his boxing debut in July, and hopefully against a big name. ‘The Predator’ has been out of action since his heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Despite fighting with a devastating knee injury, Ngannou prevailed, using his wrestling en route to a unanimous decision victory last January.
Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury reportedly a "done deal" for February 25th
Josh Evanoff - January 17, 2023
Jake Paul and Tommy Fury will now see if the third time is the charm. ‘The Problem Child’ has been out of action since his clash with Anderson Silva in October. The bout was the closest fight of the YouTuber’s boxing career thus far, but he still prevailed. An eighth-round knockdown for Paul helped seal the win by unanimous decision.