MMA News
Belal Muhammad says Din Thomas is “way off” on Khamzat Chimaev stance
Harry Kettle - August 6, 2025
Belal Muhammad disagrees with Din Thomas for suggesting Khamzat Chimaev as UFC champion could be a ‘disaster’ due to his inactivity. Later this month, Khamzat Chimaev will challenge Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship. While many believe he’s more than capable of getting the job done, others have questioned whether or not his cardio will hold up. In addition to that, some wonder whether Khamzat will be able to succeed as champion given his notable inactivity in recent years.
Joshua Pacio celebrates compatriot's milestone: "She's a World Champion now, a female World Champion at that"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 5, 2025
Joshua “The Passion” Pacio couldn’t hide his pride watching Denice Zamboanga make history for the Philippines. The ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion witnessed his compatriot’s journey through injuries and setbacks before she capturDenice Zamboangaed the nation’s first female MMA World Title. Pacio challenges Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 29-year-old seeks two-division supremacy while Zamboanga makes her first atomweight title defense on the same card.
"Reug Reug" Oumar Kane relates to Rodtang: "Our stories are quite similar, just in different countries"
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 5, 2025
“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane found an unlikely kindred spirit in Thailand’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The towering Senegalese wrestler and compact Thai striker discovered shared experiences that transcend size differences and fighting disciplines. Kane defends his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title in a rematch against Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 33-year-old seeks his first successful title defense in a rematch against the man he dethroned at ONE 169.
Eryk Anders expects his pressure to break Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 109
Cole Shelton - August 5, 2025
Eryk Anders is winding down his career and looking to end on a high note. Anders has two fights left on his contract, and he says those will be his final two fights of his career. However, he was hoping to fight much sooner than this after scoring a TKO win over Chris Weidman back in December.
Anthony Hernandez not worried about looming title shot with win at UFC Vegas 109: 'This game is crazy'
Cole Shelton - August 5, 2025
Anthony Hernandez knows he’s closing in on a title shot at middleweight. Hernandez is set to headline UFC Vegas 109 on Saturday against Roman Dolidze in a pivotal middleweight fight. Heading into the fight, Hernandez is a sizeable -370 favorite on FanDuel against Dolidze. If Hernandez gets his hand raised, he would be close to a title shot, but he doesn’t care about any of that.
Reinier de Ridder not interested in grudge match with Paulo Costa right now
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 5, 2025
Reinier de Ridder isn’t entertaining a clash with Paulo Costa at the moment. “RDR” is fresh off a split decision victory over former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker. The bout headlined UFC Abu Dhabi. It was certainly no small task for de Ridder, but he may have punched his ticket to a title opportunity or a No. 1 contender bout. Not everyone was impressed with the performance, however.
Dricus du Plessis reveals one UFC fight that had him nervous: 'Best guy I faced'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 5, 2025
Reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis admits he was nervous entering one high-profile fight. “Stillknocks” has been adding to his impressive resume with two wins over Sean Strickland and a victory over Robert Whittaker. He has two successful title defenses and will be looking for a third in the main event of UFC 319 against Khamzat Chimaev on Aug. 16.
Former UFC veteran criticizes exit of Martin Buday amid 'weak' heavyweight division
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 5, 2025
Martin Buday’s UFC exit has been debated within the MMA community, and one well-known personality has shared his opinion. Buday is riding a three-fight winning streak and he went 7-1 under the UFC banner. He was even ranked No. 15 in the official UFC heavyweight rankings. Ultimately, the decision was made not to renew Buday’s deal. Those who argue against the UFC’s decision feel there’s no room to be picky with talent in the heavyweight division, while others argue that Buday was never going to make a significant splash.
Tony Ferguson flirts with idea of eventual move from MMA to baseball
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.
Chael Sonnen doesn't believe it's fair to question Khamzat Chimaev's conditioning
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.
Robert Whittaker is close to MMA retirement, says UFC middleweight contender
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.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 201 with Eryk Anders, Miles Johns, Keith Jardine and Mark Hulme
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).
Islam Makhachev's coach admits he's impressed by Ilia Topuria, leaves door open for UFC mega fight
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.
Dricus du Plessis could eventually move up to heavyweight, says popular MMA personality
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.
Islam Makhachev teases the beginning of fight camp for rumored Jack Della Maddalena fight
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.
Sean Brady calls for welterweight collision with Shavkat Rakhmonov
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.
Arman Tsarukyan reveals that Khabib Nurmagomedov was his biggest MMA inspiration
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.
Shamil Gasanov reflects on victory over Garry Tonon: "I am happy that I got my revenge today"
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.