MMA News

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.

Harry Kettle - August 5, 2025

UFC star Rafael Fiziev has ruled out the possibility of a move from lightweight down to the featherweight division. As we know, Rafael Fiziev is one of the most intriguing lightweight fighters on the roster. However, while he’s had some great moments over the years, he’s also had some setbacks. That includes a nasty injury alongside two losses to Justin Gaethje, all of which set him back on his path to a title shot.

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.

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

Has the first UFC lightweight title contender for Ilia Topuria been determined? Topuria recently captured the 155-pound gold by sleeping Charles Oliveira in the opening frame of their UFC 317 main event. That’s now three straight knockout wins over future UFC Hall of Famers for “El Matador.” While Topuria has looked like a world-beater, there are enticing challengers for him.

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

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 legend Amanda Nunes has declared that she will get the bantamweight championship back from Kayla Harrison. As we know, Amanda Nunes is one of the greatest female fighters of all time. She retired from mixed martial arts with that reputation firmly solidified and now, she’s back to try and double down on that. She wants to capture the UFC women’s bantamweight championship once again, and in order to do so, she’ll be locking horns with Kayla Harrison.

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.

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

Neil Magny has a goal in mind after scoring a second-round TKO finish over Elizeu Zaleski. Magny and Zaleski shared the Octagon this past Saturday at UFC Vegas 108. It was a crucial bout for Magny, who was looking to avoid a third straight loss. He was coming off knockout losses to Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.

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

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 3, 2025

Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t want Conor McGregor to continue on the path he is on. McGregor has had his share of legal issues and other run-ins outside of competition. Many within the MMA community believe it has been a significant fall from grace for the man who was once considered to be a special talent inside the Octagon. Some are also disappointed that McGregor didn’t use his popularity for positivity, as he often finds his name in the headlines for an incident.