MMA News
Bryan Battle plans to "make a statement" against Rinat Fakhretdinov at UFC Vegas 66: "It will be a really bad night for him"
Cole Shelton - December 14, 2022
Bryan Battle was preparing to fight by the end of the year. After Battle knocked out Takashi Sato in 44 seconds in June, he wanted a quick turnaround. Yet, that did not come to fruition so when Michael Morales was forced out of his fight against Rinat Fakhretdinov, Battle immediately took the scrap on short notice.
Sean Strickland claims he hasn't "even thought" about his game plan for how he's going to fight Jared Cannonier
Cole Shelton - December 14, 2022
Sean Strickland isn’t sure what game plan he will utilize when he faces Jared Cannonier on Saturday. Strickland is set to headline UFC Vegas 66 against Cannonier in an intriguing middleweight bout. It’s also a key fight for the division as both men are ranked in the top 10 and are only a few wins away from a title shot. Yet, Strickland admits he hasn’t even thought of what his game plan will be.
Ben Askren praises Paddy Pimblett's attitude following controversial win over Jared Gordon: "That’s what early McGregor would have done"
Josh Evanoff - December 14, 2022
While many are attacking Paddy Pimblett, Ben Askren liked what he saw at UFC 282. ‘The Baddy’ made his return to the octagon last Saturday night on pay-per-view. The bout was just Pimblett’s fourth in the promotion, and despite that, he’s already a star. Promotional deals with brands such as Barstool Sports have only raised his profile further.
Glover Teixeira confirms retirement plans on hold ahead of Jamahal Hill fight at UFC 283: "We see the level I'm fighting"
Josh Evanoff - December 14, 2022
Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira isn’t thinking about retirement. The Brazilian has been out of action since his loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 275 in June. While the bout was back and forth for all five rounds, it was ‘Denisa’ who secured the victory by submission.
Pro fighters make their picks for Jared Cannonier vs. Sean Strickland
Cole Shelton - December 14, 2022
In the main event of UFC Vegas 66 on Saturday, a middleweight bout headlines the card as Jared Cannonier takes on Sean Strickland. Heading into the fight, the oddsmakers have it as a pick’em as Cannonier is -111 while the comeback on Strickland is -115 on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The pros believe Cannonier will get his hand raised, with some even expecting the fight to end by KO.
Daniel Cormier sounds off on Raul Rosas Jr. calling to face UFC champion Aljamain Sterling: "That's youthful ignorance"
Josh Evanoff - December 14, 2022
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes Raul Rosas Jr. is showing his youth by calling out Aljamain Sterling. ‘El Nino Problema’ is fresh off his UFC debut last Saturday night against Jay Perrin. At UFC 282, Rosas Jr. dominated the much more experienced bantamweight in the first round. Near the end of the frame, the prospect picked up the victory by submission.
Legless wrestler Zion Clark set for MMA debut this Saturday against Eugene Murray
Josh Evanoff - December 14, 2022
Former collegiate wrestler Zion Clark will make his professional MMA debut this weekend against Eugene Murray. The 25-year-old was born with caudal regressions syndrome. The birth defect is a rare disorder that disrupts the development of the lower half of the body. While the syndrome is extremely rare, Clark has never let the disorder define him.
James Krause and Darrick Minner have suspensions extended by Nevada State Athletic Commission
Cole Shelton - December 14, 2022
James Krause and Darrick Minner will remain suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Krause and Minner were suspended following Minner’s first-round TKO loss to Shayilan Nuerdanbieke – which saw a ton of unusual betting activity. Although the initial suspension was temporary, the Nevada Commission agreed to extend it until the ruling of the investigation is announced and revealed to the public.
Conor McGregor removed from the official UFC rankings for the first time in over 8 years
Susan Cox - December 14, 2022
Conor McGregor has been removed from the official UFC rankings for the first time in over 8 years. The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA) has not competed in the Octagon since July of 2021.
Islam Makhachev reacts to Paddy Pimblett’s controversial decision win at UFC 282
Susan Cox - December 14, 2022
Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has reacted to Paddy Pimblett’s controversial decision win at UFC 282. As have several fans and fighters alike, Islam Makhachev is also weighing in on the Liverpudlian’s most recent victory at UFC 282.
Ariel Helwani responds to the latest accusations from UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett
Susan Cox - December 14, 2022
Ariel Helwani is responding to the latest accusations from UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett. It was last Saturday, December 10th at UFC 282 that saw Paddy Pimblett (20-3 MMA) defeat Jared Gordon (19-6 MMA) in the co-main lightweight bout. It was a controversial decision win for the Liverpudlian which extended his undefeated record to 4-0 within the promotion.
Henry Cejudo reveals plans to “dye my hair blonde” for UFC title fight with Aljamain Sterling
Harry Kettle - December 14, 2022
Henry Cejudo has joked about dying his hair blonde in order to get a favourable decision when he fights Aljamain Sterling. In the wake of Paddy Pimblett’s controversial win at UFC 282, there’s been an awful lot of chatter about scoring. Many believe, as was the case when Petr Yan lost to Sean O’Malley, that the scorecards were incorrect.
Valentina Shevchenko name drops two opponents for her next title defense
Harry Kettle - December 14, 2022
Valentina Shevchenko has given her thoughts on who she will face next as her UFC flyweight title reign continues. Ever since capturing the belt four years ago, Valentina Shevchenko has been the queen at 125 pounds. ‘Bullet’ has been able to defeat everyone who has stepped forward, even if the win over Taila Santos was a bit controversial.
Artem Lobov slaps Conor McGregor with another lawsuit following alleged “intimidation” and “harassment”
Harry Kettle - December 14, 2022
Artem Lobov has hit Conor McGregor with another lawsuit as their dispute over Proper No. Twelve whiskey continues. Last month, it was announced that Artem Lobov would be suing his former best friend Conor McGregor. The dispute was believed to be in relation to the creation of Proper No. Twelve whiskey, with Artem claiming he was promised 5% of the deal. During an interview, he had the following to say.
Cody Brundage believes Michal Oleksiejczuk has holes in his game that he will "exploit" at UFC Vegas 66: "I think I can get him out of there"
Cole Shelton - December 13, 2022
Cody Brundage is excited to fight one more time in 2022. Brundage was supposed to face Rodolfo Vieira in November but the Brazilian pulled out on fight week. The news was disappointing for Brundage as no replacement opponent was found – despite him being offered one.
Julian Erosa believes Alex Caceres won't be able to keep up with his pressure, plans to "break him in the third round" at UFC Vegas 66
Cole Shelton - December 13, 2022
Julian Erosa has gotten his wish for the third straight fight. After Erosa beat Charles Jourdain, he called out Steven Peterson and got that fight and won a decision. He then called out Hakeem Dawodu – and once again got his wish. Then, after his win over Dawodu, he called out Alex Caceres who he will fight at UFC Vegas 66.
UFC champion Aljamain Sterling reveals beef with Raul Rosas Jr. over filming grappling session: "You'd think someone would have taught him some etiquette"
Josh Evanoff - December 13, 2022
UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has shed light on a prior run-in with Raul Rosas Jr. ‘El Nino Problema’ is fresh off his return at UFC 282 this weekend against Jay Perrin. The 18-year-old made his UFC debut at the event and put on a show. He moved to 7-0 in his young career by the way of first-round submission.
Magomed Ankalaev issues statement on his split draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282: “It’s hard to describe the words”
Cole Shelton - December 13, 2022
Magomed Ankalaev still can’t believe he isn’t the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Ankalaev was fighting Jan Blachowicz for the vacant belt at UFC 282, and when the fight ended, many thought the Russian would be declared the new champ. However, the judges scored it as a split draw and now, after a couple of days, Ankalaev has taken to Instagram to release a lengthy statement.