MMA News
Strawweight champion Carla Esparza booed at UFC 281 presser in New York (Video)
Andrew Whitelaw - November 9, 2022
Carla Esparza was given a harsh reception from the New York crowd at the UFC 281 pre-fight presser. Boos rang out in the Big Apple a the 115lb champ talked about having ‘unfinished business’ heading into her co-main event clash with Zhang Weili. The American became the inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion when she beat Rose Namajunas to win the belt in 2014. But she failed to defend it after getting knocked out by Joanna Jędrzejczyk in her first title defence.
Matt Frevola plans to drag Ottman Azaitar into deep waters to finish him at UFC 281 after 2021 fight cancellation: "I owe that dude an ass beating"
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2022
Matt Frevola couldn’t have picked a better opponent for his return to Madison Square Garden. Frevola is set to take on Ottman Azaitar who is an opponent the ‘Steamrolla’ has wanted to fight for quite some time. The two were booked to face one another at UFC 257 on Fight Island, but after Azaitar snuck a bag and people into the hotel, he was released from the promotion.
Bus carrying Israel Adesanya involved in minor accident before UFC 281 press conference
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2022
The bus driving Israel Adesanya to the UFC 281 press conference was involved in a minor accident. According to the Brazilian outlet AGFight, the bus hit a fire hydrant en route to Madison Square Garden for the press conference. Although the bus was damaged in the accident, no one on the bus sustained injuries, according to the report. Along with Adesanya, it is reported that Alexander Volkanovski was also on the bus with Adesanya.
Chris Gutierrez says "the fans are going to be in for a good fight" when he faces Frankie Edgar at UFC 281: "I'm always trying to get the finish"
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2022
Chris Gutierrez is honored to be Frankie Edgar’s retirement fight at UFC 281. Edgar is making the walk to the Octagon for the final time against Gutierrez at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. It’s a big moment for Edgar but is also a big moment for Gutierrez who finally gets the chance to fight a big name he has wanted.
Frankie Edgar confirms retirement at UFC 281 is set in stone but is open to possible big boxing match: "If Manny Pacquiao wants to do an exhibition"
Josh Evanoff - November 9, 2022
UFC bantamweight champion Frankie Edgar’s MMA career is coming to a close, but he’s open to other ventures. ‘The Answer’ has been out of action since his knockout loss to Marlon Vera last November. The loss was Edgar’s fourth in his last five contests, and his second straight stoppage. Following the defeat, the New Jersey native was quiet as to his future.
Dustin Poirier announces partnership with UFC to promote his Louisiana-style hot sauce: "It means a lot"
Josh Evanoff - November 9, 2022
Lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has announced a partnership with the UFC. ‘The Diamond’ has been out of action since his loss to Charles Oliveira last December. However, it hasn’t been for a lack of trying. Poirier repeatedly called for a clash with Nate Diaz, and almost stepped in last minute at UFC 279 in September. Instead, the Stockton native faced Tony Ferguson.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier gives update on Cain Velasquez after posting bail: "I'm just happy for him to be back"
Josh Evanoff - November 9, 2022
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given an update on Cain Velasquez. The former UFC heavyweight champion has been embroiled in legal issues since February. Velasquez was arrested and later charged with attempted murder, among other charges. He allegedly chased Harry Goularte Jr. through traffic and fired his handgun at him. Instead of hitting that individual, he hit the man’s stepfather.
Alex Pereira says Israel Adesanya would deserve an immediate rematch after UFC 281, but claims "he isn't going to want it"
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2022
Alex Pereira doesn’t think Israel Adesanya would fight him again if he gets his hand raised at UFC 281. Pereira is set to challenge Adesanya for the middleweight title on Saturday in the main event of UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. It’s a fascinating matchup given the fact that the two fought twice in kickboxing with Pereira winning both including the last time by KO.
Israel Adesanya recreates 'game over' scene from SAW horror movie (Video)
Lewis Simpson - November 9, 2022
Israel Adesanya sends a strong message to his challenger Alex Pereira ahead of their heated bout at UFC 281. Adesanya is hopeful of seeking redemption this Saturday in Maddison Square Garden, New York, over his old kickboxing nemesis Pereira. The upcoming middleweight title fight’s hype is solely built on the history between the two highly skilled strikers.
Cain Velasquez gives his first statement upon release from jail on $1 million bail: “Just thank you to everybody who had my support"
Lewis Simpson - November 9, 2022
At last, Cain Velasquez had some good news as he breathed a sigh of relief whilst leaving a holding facility in Santa Clara County. Velasquez underwent eight months in prison pending trial for attempted murder charges.
Israel Adesanya admits Alex Pereira has “bragging rights” but claims “I know something he doesn’t” ahead of UFC 281
Susan Cox - November 9, 2022
Israel Adesanya is admitting that Alex Pereira has ‘bragging rights’, but claims he ‘knows something’ Alex doesn’t ahead of UFC 281. UFC 281 takes place this coming Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Sean O’Malley explains how Henry Cejudo “shot himself in the foot” with premature retirement
Susan Cox - November 9, 2022
Sean O’Malley is explaining how Henry Cejudo ‘shot himself in the foot’ with premature retirement. Henry Cejudo, 35, (16-2 MMA) has not stepped foot in the Octagon since May of 2020 at UFC 249, where he defeated Dominick Cruz (24-4 MMA) via knockout in round 2. It was following that bantamweight title bout that Cejudo announced his retirement from the sport. Cejudo’s career ended with six consecutive wins and the flyweight and bantamweight championships.
UFC 281 | Pro fighters make their picks for Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira title fight
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2022
In the main event of UFC 281, the middleweight title is up for grabs as Israel Adesanya takes on Alex Pereira. Heading into the fight, Adesanya is a -210 favorite while the challenger is a +162 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro-fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The pros slightly lean towards Pereira winning once again by KO as they think Adesanya will fight too emotionally and get caught.
Conor McGregor expresses interest in purchasing Liverpool FC: “I WOULD LOVE IT! I requested my information on this”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2022
Conor McGregor has expressed his interest in potentially purchasing Liverpool Football Club as his next business venture. For the longest time now, Conor McGregor has been thriving outside of the Octagon. The Irishman has a string of businesses to his name and in addition to that, you could argue he’s still the ‘face of the fight game’.
Photos | Paulo Costa trolls former opponent Israel Adesanya ahead of UFC 281: “Gyno is back!”
Harry Kettle - November 9, 2022
Paulo Costa has accused Israel Adesanya of having gyno again heading into his UFC 281 main event this weekend. On Saturday night, Israel Adesanya will collide with Alex Pereira at Madison Square Garden. He’ll do so as the UFC middleweight champion, a title he’s held for over three years now.
Read the letter the Judge read to Cain Velasquez when he granted him bail: "I hope you don’t prove me wrong"
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2022
Cain Velasquez was officially granted bail on Wednesday after previously being denied three times. Velasquez has been in jail since February on attempted murder charges among others. Although he had been denied bail three times, Velasquez’s lawyer continued to press on, and on Tuesday, Judge Arthur Bocanegra granted the former heavyweight champ his request. Velasquez’s bail is set at $1 million. He will also have to wear GPS tracking; he must also comply with a protective order 300 yards away from the victims in the case.
Israel Adesanya believes he's the reason Alex Pereira got signed to the UFC and fighting for the belt: "I cleared the way for him to get to the top"
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2022
Israel Adesanya thinks he is the reason why Alex Pereira even got signed to the UFC and is fighting for the title so soon in his career. Adesanya and Pereira fought twice in kickboxing with the Brazilian winning twice including one by KO. The KO defeat was the last time Adesanya fought in kickboxing as he transitioned to MMA and had a ton of success. Just 14 months after signing with the promotion he won the interim belt and has been the undisputed champion since October 2019.
Carla Esparza relishing in underdog role ahead of UFC 281 title defense against Weili Zhang: "It’s always great to win, but to silence all the doubters"
Josh Evanoff - November 8, 2022
UFC women’s strawweight champion Carla Esparza is happy to be the underdog this weekend. ‘Cookie Monster’ is set to return for the first time since her controversial win over Rose Namajunas in May. While their first outing eight years prior was a dominant win for Esparza, the second encounter wasn’t.