MMA News

Harry Kettle - August 5, 2025

Former MMA star Tony Ferguson has suggested that he could eventually make the move over into baseball. As we know, Tony Ferguson is set to return to active competition later this month. He’ll do so against Salt Papi as part of the upcoming Misfits Boxing card, in a move that has led to many raising an eyebrow. Of course, given his infamous losing streak in mixed martial arts, it makes sense that ‘El Cucuy’ would want to mix things up a bit.

Harry Kettle - August 5, 2025

MMA analyst Chael Sonnen doesn’t believe it’s fair to question the state of Khamzat Chimaev’s conditioning ahead of UFC 319. As we know, we’re just a few weeks away from Khamzat Chimaev challenging Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship. It’s a fight that’s been a long time coming, and it’s one that many are backing ‘Borz’ to win. However, some have questioned the state of his conditioning.

Harry Kettle - August 5, 2025

UFC middleweight Caio Borralho believes Robert Whittaker is getting close to retiring from mixed martial arts. As we know, Robert Whittaker is one of the best middleweights of his generation. There are some out there who might dispute that but in reality, it’s the truth. He has done some incredible things throughout the course of his career, which includes becoming UFC middleweight champion.

Cole Shelton - August 5, 2025

The 201st episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Vegas 109 and OKTAGON 74. We’re first joined by UFC middleweight Eryk Anders (1:33). UFC bantamweight Miles Johns (11:40) joins the show. Former UFC fighter Keith Jardine (22:16) comes on. Closing out the program is OKTAGON middleweight Mark Hulme (40:47).

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 4, 2025

Islam Makhachev’s coach likes what he has seen from Ilia Topuria. Topuria captured his second UFC title at the age of 28. After becoming the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway in a successful UFC featherweight title defense, “El Matador” captured the 155-pound gold by starching Charles Oliveira. Topuria vs. Oliveira was booked for the vacant lightweight title after Makhachev vacated the gold in an effort to chase the UFC Welterweight Championship.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 4, 2025

Could Dricus du Plessis find success beyond the middleweight division? “Stillknocks” is the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion with two successful title defenses. He’ll be looking to thwart the challenge of Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on Aug. 16. While du Plessis would still have some worthy contenders to face if he defeats Chimaev, one former UFC fighter believes the 185-pound champion could eventually move up in weight.

Harry Kettle - August 4, 2025

Islam Makhachev has teased the beginning of his fight camp for his heavily rumored showdown with Jack Della Maddalena. As we know, Islam Makhachev is gearing up for a run in the UFC’s welterweight division. Given the success he’s been able to have at 155 pounds, it certainly seems like he’s destined for a title shot straight away. If he gets his wish, which certainly seems like the direction we’re heading in, he will battle reigning welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena for the strap.

Harry Kettle - August 4, 2025

UFC welterweight Sean Brady has called for a #1 contender showdown with divisional rival Shavkat Rakhmonov. Over the course of the last few years, Sean Brady has really made his presence felt in the welterweight division. He has firmly established himself as a top contender at 170 pounds, and that much is obvious. In equal measure, though, things are as stacked as they have been in a long time at welterweight.

Harry Kettle - August 4, 2025

UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov was his biggest MMA inspiration growing up. As we know, Khabib Nurmagomedov is an absolute legend within the world of mixed martial arts. He has achieved things that few would’ve thought possible, which includes completing his career with an unbeaten record of 29-0. Even some of the greatest to ever do it haven’t managed to go to an entire career unbeaten, which speaks volumes.

BJPENN.COM Staff - August 3, 2025

Shamil Gasanov finally settled the score with the only man to defeat him professionally. The Dagestani’s revenge mission against Garry Tonon required three grueling rounds and overcoming a late-fight injury to achieve closure. Gasanov defeated Tonon by unanimous decision at ONE Fight Night 34 on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The #3-ranked featherweight contender avenged his lone career setback while proving his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist.

BJPENN.COM Staff - August 3, 2025

Regian Eersel made his most emphatic statement yet about his Muay Thai credentials. The Dutch-Surinamese champion silenced doubters with a devastating first-round knockout that left no questions about his place atop the lightweight division. Eersel defended his ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title against George Jarvis at ONE Fight Night 34 on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 32-year-old champion needed just 84 seconds to crush his British challenger, extending his reign with authority.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 3, 2025

Max Holloway may be shelved until 2026. Holloway is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over Dustin Poirier in “The Diamond’s” retirement fight. “Blessed” outstruck his opponent throughout the bout and it earned him a bounce back win after suffering his first knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 3, 2025

Sean O’Malley wanted an intriguing matchup shortly after falling short against Merab Dvalishvili a second time. O’Malley attempted to dethrone the man who defeated him and took the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Ultimately, Dvalishvili secured a second-round submission finish over the “Suga” show at UFC 316.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 3, 2025

Renato Moicano’s comments on the UFC antitrust lawsuit settlement have garnered heavy criticism from one former slugger. Moicano turned plenty of heads within the MMA community when he revealed on social media that he is refusing to take the money owed to him from the settlement. Moicano argued that he had already agreed to the terms of his previous contract, and he doesn’t feel the need to accept the settlement pay.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 3, 2025

Michael Bisping thinks a rising UFC flyweight needs one more fight before competing for gold. This past Saturday, Tatsuro Taira took on Hyun Sung Park in the main event of UFC Vegas 108. Taira secured a second-round submission finish via neck crank. Taira made it clear after the fight that he feels ready to meet reigning UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 3, 2025

A 155-pound slugger won’t deny that other fighters are avoiding Arman Tsarukyan, but he feels the reasoning is valid. Tsarukyan is currently the No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight. He was expected to challenge Islam Makhachev for UFC gold, but he was forced off the card just hours prior to the weigh-ins. Tsarukyan hasn’t exactly found himself in the UFC’s good graces, and his refusal to face Mateusz Gamrot in a rematch certainly didn’t help.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 1, 2025

One ex-Jon Jones opponent is ripping the future Hall of Famer over how he’s handled retirement. Jones consistently teased both retirement and a fight with Tom Aspinall, who was the interim UFC Heavyweight Champion. “Bones” held the main title, and the logical move would’ve been for a title unification bout. Ultimately, Jones retired and relinquished his championship.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 1, 2025

The UFC Vegas 108 weigh-ins are over, and it didn’t end without a couple of snafus. The good news is that the planned main event between Tatsuro Taira and Hyun Sung Park is official. Both men tipped the scales at 126 pounds for their flyweight clash. It’s an impressive feat for Park, as he accepted the bout on late notice.