MMA News
Taila Santos bashes Valentina Shevchenko for supposedly turning down a rematch: "I showed she was no big deal"
Josh Evanoff - November 22, 2022
UFC women’s flyweight contender Talia Santos isn’t happy with Valentina Shevchenko turning down a rematch. At UFC 275 in June, the two-faced off in the co-main event. The Brazilian headed into the fight as a massive underdog, and it was understandable. Prior to the event, Shevchenko had lost just two rounds total during her time at 125 pounds.
Brendan Schaub hoping the UFC books Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev next: "Khamzat would be a handful for him"
Josh Evanoff - November 22, 2022
Fighter-turned-podcaster Brendan Schaub knows who he wants to see Alex Pereira fight next. ‘Poaton’ is fresh off his return at UFC 281 earlier this month in New York. Standing opposite the Brazilian was the-then middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The two men previously clashed twice in kickboxing, with Pereira winning on both occasions.
Bellator women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg added to the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. David Avanesyan
Josh Evanoff - November 22, 2022
Bellator women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will make her return to the boxing ring next month. The Brazilian has been out of the cage since her rematch with Arlene Blencowe in April. In the main event of Bellator 279, ‘Angerfist’ put forth a great fight, and showed a lot of heart. However, Cyborg retained her title after five hard-fought rounds.
Anthony Smith reflects on loss to Jon Jones, believes former champion is very beatable: "He's not that good"
Josh Evanoff - November 22, 2022
UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith feels he should’ve performed better against Jon Jones. ‘Lionheart’ and ‘Bones’ faced off in March 2019 at UFC 235. The bout was the biggest of Smith’s career. While he was previously an unranked gatekeeper at 185 pounds, his move to light-heavyweight the prior year had him positioned as one of the best in the weight class.
UFC eye potential bout between Jon Jones and Curtis Blaydes if Francis Ngannou fails to resign
Lewis Simpson - November 22, 2022
The UFC is looking into a potential bout between Jon Jones and Curtis Blaydes if Francis Ngannou fails to resign with the company. Questions about when Jones would make his highly anticipated heavyweight debut have been asked. After numerous rumoured dates and opponents being thrown in the hat, the UFC have finally pencilled in a date, an opponent, and even a backup fighter.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 102 with Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Brendan Loughnane, Stevie Ray, and Larissa Pacheco
Cole Shelton - November 22, 2022
In the 102nd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of the 2022 PFL Championship on Friday. We’re first joined by Oliveir-Aubin Mercier (1:57) ahead of his lightweight title fight. Next, PFL featherweight Brendan Loughnane (16:32) comes on. PFL lightweight Stevie Ray (27:07) then joins the show. PFL women’s lightweight Larissa Pacheco (41:22) closes out the program.
Paddy Pimblett reveals the secret to his extreme weight cutting and shares bold prediction for his upcoming fight at UFC 282: “Jared Gordon’s getting finished in the first”
Harry Kettle - November 22, 2022
Paddy Pimblett has revealed the secret behind his extreme weight cutting as he prepares to battle Jared Gordon. With a 3-0 record since entering the UFC, Paddy Pimblett is understandably on top of the world. He’s looked sharp in every performance, he continues to improve, and he has his sights set on the big time.
Official main card lineup announced for UFC 282: ‘Prochazka vs. Teixeira 2’
Harry Kettle - November 22, 2022
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has announced the main card for UFC 282, headlined by Jiri Prochazka vs Glover Teixeira 2. The final UFC pay-per-view of 2022 is almost upon us as the company signs off on another great year. From a financial standpoint, it was impressive – and when you look at the quality of the fights, it’s equally as memorable.
ONE Championship's Chatri Sityodtong hits out at Bellator: “Our champions would steamroll Bellator guys”
Harry Kettle - November 22, 2022
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong has taken a shot at Bellator by comparing their respective success. In recent years, ONE Championship and Bellator have widely been viewed as two of the biggest promotions in MMA. Of course, the UFC leads the way by quite some distance, but Bellator and ONE certainly have great products in their own right.
Sean O'Malley reveals he's been promised a title shot next: "I'm the biggest fight"
Cole Shelton - November 21, 2022
Sean O’Malley will be fighting for UFC gold next time out. O’Malley picked up the biggest win of his career at UFC 280 as he beat Petr Yan by split decision. Since the fight, many have wondered what would be next for O’Malley, but now it is set. According to ‘Suga’ – who just sat down with the UFC – he will be fighting for the belt in his next fight.
Darren Till reveals the request he made to the UFC ahead of UFC 282 fight against Dricus Du Plessis
Cole Shelton - November 21, 2022
Darren Till doesn’t think there is any pressure on him ahead of his return fight at UFC 282 against Dricus Du Plessis. Till is set to return to the Octagon in Las Vegas against Du Plessis in his first fight in over a year since he suffered a submission loss to Derek Brunson. The Brit is on a two-fight losing skid and has lost four of his last five overall.
Jiri Prochazka determined to put on "best performance" against Glover Teixeira at UFC 282: "I don't want to repeat those mistakes"
Josh Evanoff - November 21, 2022
UFC light-heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is determined to put forth a better showing against Glover Teixeira. In June in a clash in Singapore, the two 205-pound contenders went to war. In the main event of UFC 275, Prochazka and Teixeira put forth one of the best fights of the year. For five rounds, it was back-and-forth action, with each man having success.
Michael Chandler hits back at accusations of being a dirty fighter in Dustin Poirier fight: "You're just in there trying to survive"
Josh Evanoff - November 21, 2022
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler wants to make it clear that he’s not a dirty fighter. ‘Iron’ returned to action at UFC 281 earlier this month in New York City. Standing opposite the former Bellator champion was Dustin Poirier. ‘The Diamond’ was also looking to break back into title contention, having been out of action for nearly a year.
Bellator's Scott Coker laments Dillon Danis heading to boxing to face KSI: "He had a lot of potential"
Josh Evanoff - November 21, 2022
Bellator President Scott Coker isn’t super thrilled with Dillon Danis’s new career choice. ‘El Jefe’ has been a controversial figure since making his way into the MMA world. Originally coming onto the scene as Conor McGregor‘s jiu-jitsu coach, Danis quickly began making a name of his own. In 2017, the submission ace signed with Bellator.
Cain Velasquez requests permission to compete in Lucha Libre wrestling event while on bail
Cole Shelton - November 21, 2022
Cain Velasquez is looking to compete at a Lucha Libre wrestling match on December 3 in Tempe, Arizona. On November 8, Velasquez was officially released on bail. The judge indicated he understood Velasquez’s danger but views it as an isolated incident. Due to Velasquez’s previous criminal history (none), his status as a father with children, his flight risk status (low), and his previously proposed set of stipulations.
Conor McGregor responds to Khabib Nurmagomedov's latest diss: "You quit and ran, brother. God bless. I’m still here if you wanna go again"
Lewis Simpson - November 21, 2022
Conor McGregor has responded to the latest diss from his long-time rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. Nurmagomedov took part in a public speaking event in Toronto. The former lightweight champion discussed the recent success of coaching and his newly crowned champions, Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov. Makhachev attained UFC gold at UFC 280 by submitting Charles Oliveira. At the same time, his younger relative Usman picked up gold on Friday past at Bellator 288 over Patricky Pitbull. Two lightweight champions under two organisations.
Ben Askren says it is “obvious” that Jorge Masvidal is ducking Gilbert Burns: “Obviously he is declining”
Harry Kettle - November 21, 2022
Ben Askren believes that Jorge Masvidal is ducking Gilbert Burns due to an ongoing decline in his abilities. Back in 2019, Jorge Masvidal was the biggest thing going in mixed martial arts. With Conor McGregor being on the shelf and Khabib Nurmagomedov only fighting once, Masvidal stepped up to the plate with three fights in an incredible twelve-month period.
Alistair Overeem tests positive for banned substance following Glory return
Harry Kettle - November 21, 2022
Combat sports veteran Alistair Overeem has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance following his return at Glory: Collision 4. After more than a decade away from the kickboxing realm, Alistair Overeem returned with Glory last month. He took on his old rival Badr Hari, coming from behind to win via unanimous decision.