MMA News
Former UFC star scolds Raja Jackson amid brutal assault of Syko Stu
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 26, 2025
A former UFC bruiser has weighed in on the horrific incident involving Raja Jackson during an independent wrestling show. Raja, who is the son of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was a guest for KnokX Pro Wrestling this past weekend. Raja was filmed backstage when he had an incident with wrestler Skyo Stu. Raja was mistaken for an in-ring talent, and Stu used what appeared to be a gimmicked beer can to hit him in the head.
Paul Hughes believes he will break Usman Nurmagomedov in rematch
Harry Kettle - August 26, 2025
PFL star Paul Hughes believes that he will break Usman Nurmagomedov in their planned rematch later this year. Back at the start of the year, Paul Hughes challenged Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator/PFL lightweight championship. While many felt as if the Irishman would be able to put forward a solid effort, few could’ve imagined that he would push Usman all the way in the manner that he did.
Islam Makhachev gives his thoughts on the decline in American champions in UFC
Harry Kettle - August 26, 2025
UFC star Islam Makhachev has given his thoughts on the decline of American champions in the promotion in recent years. As we know, Islam Makhachev is the former UFC lightweight champion. Now, he’s pursuing a second world title up at welterweight, as he prepares to go head to head with Jack Della Maddalena for the strap.
Sean O'Malley admits trying to be too much like Conor McGregor in the past
Harry Kettle - August 26, 2025
UFC star Sean O’Malley has admitted that in the past, he’s tried too hard to be like former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor. As we know, Sean O’Malley is a pretty interesting case study when it comes to superstars in mixed martial arts. While it’s undeniable that he’s one of the most popular fighters in the sport, he’s never quite been able to reach the heights that many expected. Of course, there’s still time, but he has a lot of work to do after consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili.
UFC's Winningest Welterweight Ever Returns at UFC Perth
Dylan Bowker - August 25, 2025
A combatant who has recorded more wins at 170 pounds than anyone in UFC history will be making his octagon return at UFC Fight Night 260. Neil Magny will throw down with Jake Matthews at the looming UFC Perth card. This bout can be seen by North American audiences on September 27th, September 28th in Australia, inside RAC Arena, Magny will attempt to secure his twenty-fourth win as a contracted UFC welterweight fighter. This will be Magny’s sophomore UFC outing of the calendar year as he previously finished Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in the second stanza of their contest from earlier this month. In addition to being the welterweight all time wins leader, Magny also has accolades like most fights, total fight time, and most significant strikes in the promotion’s history of 170 pound fighters.
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Sean Brady "isn't happening", per manager
Dylan Bowker - August 25, 2025
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Sean Brady throwing down in the octagon in a few months was going around the rumor mill recently until a representative of the former came out to clarify some things. A report from Sportilinet.Kz intimated that this battle of ranked welterweights would happen in the final quarter of 2025. The report from the Kazakhstan-based media source intimated that Brady versus Rakhmonov was in the works for the looming UFC Qatar card.
Bryan Battle Booked for Jon Jones-Mike Perry Promotion After UFC Release
Dylan Bowker - August 25, 2025
Bryan Battle did not have to wait even two weeks to find out what his next combat sports assignment would be in the wake of being released from the UFC. After weight misses happening in back to back bookings under the UFC banner, Battle received his walking papers. This came after missing the mark at welterweight and in his most recent attempt, missing the contracted middleweight limit. The next time the combat sports world will see Battle compete will be next week as part of the Jon Jones and Mike Perry helmed promotion Dirty Boxing Championship. DBX will be holding another card on August 29th from The Hangar in Miami, Florida with the recently released octagon warrior prepared to step into the DBX ring as announced on the promotion’s official social media.
Rodtang is fair game but Johan Ghazali will not fight Nong-O
Dylan Bowker - August 25, 2025
Rodtang is a massive figure in Muay Thai and has served as a huge inspiration for a new wave of fighters to ply their trade in this sport. That includes Johan Ghazali who will clash with Zakaria El Jamari in a Muay Thai matchup at ONE Fight Night 35 on September 5th. Ghazali appeared on Bowks Talking Bouts and touched on how the ONE flyweight Muay Thai rankings are stacked with notable names like Nong-O, Rodtang, and Superlek as well.
Adrian Lee explains increase in social media presence ahead of ONE Fight Night 35: "An MMA fighter who just happens to document his life"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 25, 2025
Adrian “The Phenom” Lee balances content creation with championship ambitions as he documents his rising career. The 19-year-old fighter uses social media to connect with fans while maintaining focus on his primary goal of MMA success. Lee faces Tye Ruotolo in lightweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The undefeated Hawaii native enters riding three consecutive first-round finishes that earned $50,000 performance bonuses.
What's next for Johnny Walker and Zhang Mingyang after UFC Shanghai?
Cole Shelton - August 25, 2025
The UFC was in Shanghai, China, on Saturday for a solid UFC Shanghai Fight Night card. The main event saw light heavyweight contenders throw down as Johnny Walker took on Zhang Mingyang. Entering the fight, Walker was on a two-fight losing streak after back-to-back KO losses to Volkan Oezdemir and Magomed Ankalaev. Mingyang, meanwhile, was a perfect 3-0 in the UFC and was coming off a first-round stoppage win over Anthony Smith.
Paulo Costa turns attention to 'unpredictable' Dricus Du Plessis as his next opponent: 'A huge fight'
Cole Shelton - August 25, 2025
Paulo Costa has his eyes set on former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis as his next opponent. Costa is coming off an upset win over Roman Kopylov to prove he’s still a contender at middleweight. Following the win, the Brazilian wanted to face Khamzat Chimaev, but he knows he will likely need another fight, so he wants to face Du Plessis instead of rematching the likes of Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland.
Khabib Nurmagomedov explains why Ilia Topuria doesn't have a chance against Arman Tsarukyan
Cole Shelton - August 25, 2025
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t think Ilia Topuria has much of a chance against Arman Tsarukyan. Topuria became the lightweight champ with a knockout win over Charles Oliveira back in June. He’s currently waiting to be booked for his first title defense, but all signs point to it being against either Paddy Pimblett or Arman Tsarukyan.
Legendary referee poses interesting question to Brian Ortega amid UFC Shanghai defeat
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 25, 2025
A renowned ex-referee has an important question for Brian Ortega. Ortega was in action this past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai. It was a big spot for “T-City,” as he was facing a former UFC champion in Aljamain Sterling. It was also an opportunity for Ortega to rebound after losing his UFC 306 clash with Diego Lopes.
Dricus du Plessis posts lengthy statement following lopsided UFC 319 loss against Khamzat Chimaev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 25, 2025
Dricus du Plessis has spoken out after losing the UFC Middleweight Championship. Many were expecting an interesting affair between du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago. Many questioned if Chimaev would have the gas tank to keep up with “Stillknocks” for five rounds. Ultimately, Chimaev kept du Plessis grounded throughout the fight to take a clear unanimous decision victory.
Natalie Salcedo guarantees entertainment in promotional debut: "Either they keep up with me or they break"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 24, 2025
Natalie Salcedo brings undefeated confidence into her ONE Championship debut against seasoned competition. The American newcomer faces Macarena Aragon determined to prove her perfect record translates against elite-level opposition. Salcedo battles Aragon in atomweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 33-year-old Denver native enters with a spotless 3-0 professional record highlighted by two impressive finishes.
Tye Ruotolo reveals MMA debut strategy: "My plan is to get him out and finish the fight as soon as possible"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 24, 2025
Tye Ruotolo refuses to ease into mixed martial arts competition gradually. He targets an immediate statement victory against undefeated Adrian Lee in his highly anticipated MMA debut. Ruotolo faces Lee in lightweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 22-year-old California native enters as the reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion.
Islam Makhachev unsure if he'll ever return to lightweight, remains interested in Ilia Topuria fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 24, 2025
Former UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev isn’t so sure that a return to 155 pounds will be doable. Makhachev decided to vacate the lightweight gold in favor of challenging Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship. While the bout hasn’t been made official, most experts are expecting the matchup to take place before 2025 wraps up. Rumors have pointed to a November date in New York City, and it’ll be interesting to see if that ends up happening.
Luke Rockhold explains why he isn't interested in MMA return prior to boxing match against Darren Till
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 24, 2025
Luke Rockhold isn’t thinking about a return to MMA competition, but could that change? Rockhold has had some ventures in combat sports post-UFC. He’s dabbled into the world of bare-knuckle boxing and Karate Combat with mixed success. Now, he will enter the boxing ring to take on a fellow ex-UFC star in Darren Till for Misfits Boxing 22.