MMA News
Carla Esparza not surprised by Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s retirement, says she “would’ve loved” a rematch
Harry Kettle - June 29, 2022
UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza has admitted she would’ve liked the chance to have a rematch against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. While the way in which Carla Esparza became a two-time UFC champion was somewhat strange, there was nothing odd about how she submitted Rose Namajunas in 2014 to win the gold the first time around. Alas, her joy didn’t last long as just three months later, she was beaten by Joanna Jedrzejczyk as the Polish sensation went on to become one of the all-time greats in the division.
Jorge Masvidal tells McGregor, 'my mom loves you man' after Irishman responds to cocaine comments
Andrew Whitelaw - June 28, 2022
Jorge Masvidal and Conor McGregor have been going back and forth on twitter, with ‘Gamebred’ suggesting that his mother supports a money fight with the Irishman. The pair are two of the biggest stars in the UFC, so fans could be witnessing the build-up to one if the most lucrative fights in the history of the sport. Masvidal certainly sees the potential in the match-up but believes that ‘Notorious’ is not up for it.
Gina Carano tells Joe Rogan how close she got to fighting Ronda Rousey for $1 million
Andrew Whitelaw - June 28, 2022
Gina Carano has been linked to fighting Ronda Rousey for years. Both women are Mixed Martial Arts icons and pioneers of the sport. Talk of a potential match-up has been stirred once again after ‘Rowdy’ said that the fighter-turned-actress was ‘the one person’ she would consider returning to MMA for. Gina Carano responds to Ronda Rousey about potential fight: ‘It could happen’ (@DamonMartin) https://t.co/RvveMuj86q pic.twitter.com/VVIVjDPaOs
Conor McGregor claps back at Jorge Masvidal following accusations of cocaine use and ducking fights: “Me and your mom get along”
Cole Shelton - June 28, 2022
Conor McGregor has fired back at Jorge Masvidal for his recent comments. Masvidal has been vocal in taking shots at McGregor as he hopes that will lead to them fighting. The Irishman is getting close to returning and may return at welterweight given the size he has added on during the time off, which is why Masvidal is interested in the bout, but he claims McGregor doesn’t want it.
Chael Sonnen believes Max Holloway's comments about Conor McGregor may be to set up possible rematch: "I don't think he is a fool"
Josh Evanoff - June 28, 2022
Chael Sonnen believes Max Holloway might have underlying motives for discussing Conor McGregor. ‘Blessed’ is set to face Alexander Volkanovski this Saturday at UFC 276. Ahead of his return, Holloway had an interview where he discussed Conor McGregor. The Hawaiian stated that the Irishman might be retired, saying:
Luke Rockhold reveals abortion and relationship issues led to UFC return: "It just f*cked me up"
Josh Evanoff - June 28, 2022
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has opened up on his UFC return. The 37-year-old has been out of action since his fight with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 239 in July 2019. That bout was a second-round knockout defeat for Rockhold, his third defeat in his last four contests.
Jalin Turner expects to turn Brad Riddell into a wrestler at UFC 276 but plans to "test" his durability: "I'm coming to finish the fight"
Cole Shelton - June 28, 2022
Jalin Turner wanted Brad Riddell next and was excited when he found out that was the fight. After Turner scored a second-round TKO of Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 272 in March, he wanted a ranked opponent next and thought Riddell made sense. Sure enough, the UFC booked the fight as the two will meet on Saturday at UFC 276.
Brendan Schaub opines Jared Cannonier is the perfect fight for Israel Adesanya: "He can light him up like a Christmas tree"
Josh Evanoff - June 28, 2022
Brendan Schaub believes that Jared Cannonier is outmatched against Israel Adesanya at UFC 276. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is set to make another defense of his middleweight strap this weekend in Las Vegas. The 32-year-old is back for the first time since his decision victory over Robert Whittaker in February at UFC 271.
Israel Adesanya claims Alex Pereira is the most overhyped fighter in the UFC: "I'll make him look easy"
Cole Shelton - June 28, 2022
Israel Adesanya believes Alex Pereira is overhyped and he hopes he can expose that. When Pereira signed with the UFC it was highly anticipated due to the fact he is the former GLORY kickboxing champ and has two wins over Adesanya including one by KO. In his debut, he scored a highlight-reel KO win over Andreas Michailidis and then beat Bruno Silva by decision in his sophmore appearance. Yet, for Adesanya, he believes those were handpicked opponents and because of that, he thinks Pereira is the most overhyped fighter in the UFC.
Indian promotion MFN bans all Afghan fighters - accused athlete allegedly trying to flee with false documents
Andrew Whitelaw - June 28, 2022
Indian promotion Matrix Fight Night has issued a lifetime ban on Afghan fighters in what’s become arguably the wildest MMA news story of the week. MFN issued a statement saying that fighters from Afghanistan will no longer feature on their cards following unsavoury scenes at Matrix Fight Night 9 on June 24th. The final fight of the night was between New Delhi-based Puerto Rican Seth Rosario and Afghanistan’s Zahoor Shah.
Israel Adesanya shares his pick for the “biggest pretender” in the UFC
Susan Cox - June 28, 2022
Israel Adesanya has shared his pick for the ‘biggest pretender’ in the UFC. UFC champion Israel Adesanya (22-1 MMA) has recently named middleweight rival Martin Vettori (18-5 MMA) as the biggest pretender in the UFC.
Julianna Pena believes Taila Santos should’ve got the nod over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 275: “She beat her with one eye, and she still lost. It was horrible”
Susan Cox - June 28, 2022
Julianna Pena believes Taila Santos should have got the nod over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 275. It was Santos (19-2 MMA) vs Shevchenko (23-3 MMA) on Saturday June 11th, 2022 in the women’s flyweight co-main event. ‘Bullet’ was awarded the win over Santos via split decision, giving her a record 9 victories in a row and her seventh title defense.
Chito Vera believes “total destruction” of Dominick Cruz could lead to title shot: “I really feel whoever gets the best win is going to jump all of them”
Susan Cox - June 28, 2022
Chito Vera believes ‘total destruction’ of Dominick Cruz could lead to a title shot. It will be Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera (19-7 MMA) vs Dominick Cruz (24-3 MMA) on Saturday, August 13th at the UFC Fight Night bantamweight main event in San Diego, California.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 84 with Jim Miller, Jalin Turner, and Gabe Green
Cole Shelton - June 28, 2022
The 84th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 276.
Dan Hooker reacts to rumored Clay Guida matchup: “How did I go from Conor McGregor to Clay Guida?”
Harry Kettle - June 28, 2022
Dan Hooker has given his thoughts on the rumours suggesting he will be squaring off with Clay Guida in his next fight. Despite being one of the most entertaining fighters of his era, Dan Hooker hasn’t quite had the success he would’ve been hoping for across his last few fights. In his last five he’s only managed to secure one victory across both lightweight and featherweight and following an unsuccessful return to 145 pounds in his loss to Arnold Allen, ‘Hangman’ appears to be gearing up for a lightweight comeback.
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou responds to chicken taunts from Tyson Fury: “You’re still my priority. I’m coming for all of the smoke”
Harry Kettle - June 28, 2022
Francis Ngannou has responded to a challenge from Tyson Fury for a showdown at Wembley Stadium later this year. While both men are currently inactive, Fury as a result of his supposed retirement and Ngannou due to injury, they both still seem to be pretty keen on getting a mixed rules fight in the diary. Ever since his win over Dillian Whyte, Tyson Fury has made it clear that squaring off with Francis Ngannou is just as much of a priority for him as an undisputed heavyweight championship showdown would be.
Israel Adesanya explains why he would never consider sparring with “rotten apple” Sean Strickland: “He’s got many screws loose”
Harry Kettle - June 28, 2022
UFC middleweight king Israel Adesanya has explained why he wouldn’t consider sparring with Sean Strickland. This Saturday night in Las Vegas, Israel Adesanya will defend his UFC middleweight championship when he goes head to head with Jared Cannonier. In addition to that, the main card will also feature a bout that promises to be a barnburner as Sean Strickland and Alex Pereira attempt to determine – potentially – the next challenger for the gold.
'Wonderboy' Thompson wants 4-man tournament with Diaz, Masvidal and Rakhmonov
Andrew Whitelaw - June 27, 2022
Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson has a suggestion for the UFC after Shavkat Rakhmonov called him out following his latest win over Neil Magny last weekend. The ‘Kazakh’ won via submission in the second round to take his undefeated streak to 16-0. https://twitter.com/Tweets_by_Sayan/status/1540913332383010817