MMA News
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 107 with Johnny Walker, Terrance McKinney, and Cody Stamann
Cole Shelton - January 17, 2023
The 107th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 263. We’re first joined by 12th-ranked UFC light heavyweight Johnny Walker (1:48). Next, UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney (13:47) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Cody Stamann(23:48).
Coach explains that Francis Ngannou refused to be a “sellout” in UFC negotiations: “He’s not scared of anybody”
Harry Kettle - January 17, 2023
Xtreme Couture coach Eric Nicksick has hit back at UFC president Dana White following his claims regarding Francis Ngannou’s release. The news that Francis Ngannou was gone from the Ultimate Fighting Championship hit hard for the MMA community. The former UFC heavyweight champion is now set to explore other options outside of the promotion, and perhaps even outside of mixed martial arts.
Dan Ige sounds off on conspiracy theorists commenting on Victoria Lee’s death: “Give them freaking respect, because that’s their tragedy”
Harry Kettle - January 17, 2023
UFC fighter Dan Ige has hit out at conspiracy theorists over the death of ONE Championship fighter Victoria Lee. Earlier this month, it was announced that Victoria Lee had passed away at the age of 18. Lee had just started her mixed martial arts career, following in the footsteps of her siblings Angela and Christian.
Former UFC champion Chuck Liddell open to fighting Jake Paul if offered enough money: “He’s got no chance”
Harry Kettle - January 17, 2023
Former UFC star Chuck Liddell has admitted he would be willing to fight Jake Paul if he received the right kind of offer. It was announced earlier this month that Jake Paul has signed a deal to fight with PFL. He will head up their new Super Fight division, although it has yet to be seen who he will make his debut against.
Ciryl Gane does hilarious Nate Diaz impression ahead of UFC 285
Zain Bando - January 16, 2023
Ciryl Gane is on the verge of making history, as a win against Jon Jones March 4 will make him the first vacant heavyweight champion since the division’s inception in 1997. With the fight almost two months away, Gane is embracing his second crack at championship gold, as he fell short against ex-heavyweight champion and UFC superstar, Francis Ngannou, in Jan. 2022.
What's next for Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov after UFC Vegas 67?
Cole Shelton - January 16, 2023
In the UFC’s first event of 2023, a light heavyweight bout headlined the card as Sean Strickland stepped up on short notice to take on Nassourdine Imavov. Strickland lost a split decision to Jared Cannonier in the final event of 2022 and decided to step up on a few days’ notice to try and get back in the win column. Prior to his loss to the ‘Killa Gorilla’, Sean had been knocked out by Alex Pereira in a potential title eliminator. Imavov, meanwhile, entered the fight on a three-fight winning streak to earn his first UFC main event.
Aljamain Sterling hopeful Henry Cejduo waits for him, but isn't mad if he takes "the easier fight" against Sean O'Malley
Cole Shelton - January 16, 2023
Aljamain Sterling wants to fight Henry Cejudo next but understands if ‘Triple C’ decides to face Sean O’Malley instead. Sterling and Cejudo have been taking shots at each other for quite some time and both said they agreed to fight one another on March 4 at UFC 285. However, Sterling then revealed he had a torn bicep and wanted to get that fixed before taking a fight.
Deiveson Figueiredo reveals plans to move to bantamweight as long as Henry Cejudo isn't champion: "He's my brother"
Josh Evanoff - January 16, 2023
UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo could be headed to bantamweight after this Saturday. ‘Deus Da Guerra’ has been out of action since his trilogy matchup with Brandon Moreno at UFC 270 last January. In that outing, the Brazilian made it 1-1-1 in the series, defeating ‘The Assassin Baby’ by unanimous decision. In the process, Figueiredo also reclaimed his 125-pound gold.
Jon Jones' manager says 'Bones' will be "the highest-paid heavyweight" in UFC history when he returns at UFC 285
Cole Shelton - January 16, 2023
Jon Jones will be the highest-paid heavyweight in UFC history when he makes his return at UFC 285. On Saturday, it was announced that Jones would be making his heavyweight debut for the vacant title at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane. It’s a massive fight for the promotion and ‘Bones’ is getting paid for it as Jones’ manager says he is now the highest-paid heavyweight in history.
Paddy Pimblett expected to be out of action for foreseeable future due to ankle surgery in March
Josh Evanoff - January 16, 2023
Don’t expect UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett to fight anytime soon. ‘The Baddy’ has been out of action since his clash with Jared Gordon at UFC 282 in December. Despite being a heavy favorite against ‘Flash’, Pimblett faced a lot of adversity. Throughout the majority of the contest, Gordon was seemingly in control.
Ciryl Gane responds to critics who believe he will be out-wrestled by Jon Jones at UFC 285: “I’m a little bit more well-rounded (than Ngannou)”
Susan Cox - January 16, 2023
Ciryl Gane is responding to critics who believe he will be out-wrestled by Jon Jones at UFC 285. It will indeed be Ciryl Gane (11-1 MMA) vs Jon Jones (26-1 MMA) for the heavyweight title on Saturday, March 5th, 2023 at UFC 285 which takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jake Paul reacts after Dana White announces that the UFC has released Francis Ngannou: “He’s the heavyweight champ in MMA and will be until he loses.”
Lewis Simpson - January 16, 2023
The mixed martial arts community was left stunned on Saturday when it was announced that UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou would be released. After a long period of trying to nail Ngannou down with a new contract, Dana White revealed at the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference that his heavyweight champion would be parting ways with the UFC. This announcement comes after Ngannou turned down an offer that would have made him the highest-paid heavyweight in the company’s history.
Henry Cejudo explains why he doesn’t rank Anderson Silva in the top fighters in MMA history
Susan Cox - January 16, 2023
Henry Cejudo is explaining why he doesn’t rank Anderson Silva in the top fighters in MMA history. Cejudo and Jon Jones, who have been training together for over a year now, discussed who are the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.
Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez slams the UFC for using false “narrative” with the release of Francis Ngannou
Susan Cox - January 16, 2023
Former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez is slamming the UFC for using a false ‘narrative’ concerning the release of Francis Ngannou. It was UFC President, Dana White, who announced at the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight news conference that Francis Ngannou (17-3 MMA) has been freed from his contract and consequently stripped of his heavyweight title.
Dillon Danis reacts after KSI knocks out short notice replacement FaZe Temperrr
Harry Kettle - January 16, 2023
Dillon Danis has given his thoughts following KSI’s short notice boxing knockout win over FaZe Temperrr. Last Saturday night, KSI knocked out FaZe Temperrr after the latter took on the bout on short notice. The win ensured that KSI remains undefeated in the boxing ring as he aims to set up another lucrative opportunity later on this year.
Former UFC referee Mario Yamasaki responds to criticism from fight fans and Dana White: “Let’s say I referee 800 fights, and I f***ed up in four”
Harry Kettle - January 16, 2023
Former UFC referee Mario Yamasaki has hit back at past criticism from fight fans and UFC president Dana White. For many years now, fans and pundits have had their favourite – and least favourite – referees. In that time, few have created quite as much controversy as Mario Yamasaki. The former ref is often used as an example of someone who lets the fight go on far too long, not taking the health of the fighters into consideration.
Daniel Cormier reacts after the UFC books Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title
Harry Kettle - January 16, 2023
Former UFC star Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on the UFC booking Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. After much speculation, the return of Jon Jones has finally been announced. After three years away, the light heavyweight GOAT will make his heavyweight debut at UFC 285 in March.
Nassourdine Imavov reacts following decision loss to Sean Strickland at UFC Vegas 67
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 15, 2023
Nassourdine Imavov fell short in his UFC Vegas 67 main event clash with Sean Strickland, and he’s spoken out following the loss. Imavov and Strickland collided inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 14. This one went the distance and in the end, Strickland had his hand raised via unanimous decision.