MMA News
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.
2 exciting bouts announced for UFC Vancouver, including the return of Charles Jourdain
Dylan Bowker - August 25, 2025
Charles Jourdain and Kyle Prepolec are both embarking on their Octagon returns in the Fall, with the Canadian combatants getting a chance to compete on home soil. The two fighters have been announced for the looming UFC Vancouver card, with both positioned to receive a hero’s welcome from the partisan crowd on October 18th. Jourdain is set to test skills against Davey Grant, with Prepolec set to do battle against lightweight stalwart Drew Dober.
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.
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.
Itsuki Hirata gets quick turnaround bout against Ritu Phogat at ONE 173
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 25, 2025
Ritu Phogat continues her journey back to title contention against dangerous opposition. The wrestling specialist faces Japanese judoka Itsuki Hirata in a grappling showcase that could determine future championship opportunities. Phogat battles Hirata in atomweight MMA action at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The bout features two elite grapplers seeking to establish themselves among the division’s top contenders.
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.
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.
Former UFC star Tony Ferguson sends fiery message to those who think he should retire
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 25, 2025
Tony Ferguson has a clear message for those who want him to stop fighting. Ferguson is 41 years old and lost eight fights in a row before his time with the UFC came to an end. “El Cucuy” also hasn’t secured a win since 2019. Still, Ferguson snaps at anyone who suggests he should step away from the fight game.
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.
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.
Corey Anderson reveals surprising reason he never received UFC title shot
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 24, 2025
Corey Anderson has made quite the claim on why he never got a chance to compete for UFC gold. Anderson had been a veteran under the UFC banner from 2014 through early 2020. Ultimately, Anderson was granted his UFC release and signed with Bellator MMA. Anderson ended up fighting his way to eventually become the Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion. He is currently recognized as the PFL light heavyweight titleholder.
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.
Johnny Walker felt timing was off despite UFC Shanghai win: 'I was not very trusting'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 24, 2025
Johnny Walker pulled off an upset win at UFC Shanghai, but he feels his performance could’ve been even better. Walker shared the Octagon with Zhang Mingyang this past Saturday. Mingyang was on a 12-fight winning streak entering his light heavyweight showdown with Walker. While many were expecting Mingyang to send the crowd home happy, the crafty Walker added another highlight reel finish to his resume.
Aljamain Sterling explains what made UFC Shanghai win over Brian Ortega satisfying
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 24, 2025
Aljamain Sterling walked out of UFC Shanghai with a win over Brian Ortega, and he says one aspect of the fight makes the victory that much sweeter. Sterling entered his five-round matchup against Ortega on Saturday looking to remain relevant in the featherweight division. He hadn’t competed since a unanimous decision loss to Movsar Evloev in late 2024. “Funkmaster” was able to rebound by defeating “T-City.” It was a clean sweep for Sterling, who earned score totals of 50-45 across the board.