MMA News
Aaron Pico receives new opponent for UFC 319 co-main event slot
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
Aaron Pico will be competing in the co-headliner of next month’s UFC 319 pay-per-view event in Chicago, Illinois. Pico (13-4 MMA) was originally slated to make his highly anticipated Octagon debut against undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev (19-0 MMA) in this afternoon’s UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event. Unfortunately for fight fans, Evloev suffered an injury and was forced to withdraw from the contest.
Paulo Costa takes aim at Reinier de Ridder following UFC Abu Dhabi: "With all due respect"
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
Paulo Costa shared some choice words for fellow middleweight Reinier de Ridder following today’s UFC on ABC 9 event in Abu Dhabi. De Ridder (21-2 MMA) squared off with former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-9 MMA) in the headliner of this afternoon’s fight card in Abu Dhabi.
UFC Abu Dhabi Bonus Report: Muslim Salikhov one of four POTN winners
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
The Octagon returned to Abu Dhabi for today’s UFC on ABC 9 event, and four fighters wound up taking home performance bonuses. The fight card was headlined by a key middleweight contest featuring Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder. The bout proved to be a wild back and forth affair. Robert Whittaker got off to a strong start, using his speed and angles to get the better of his opponent in the opening five minutes. However, Reinier de Ridder was able to battle back in round two, this after landing a big knee and then a takedown. The third round was absolutely hectic; Whittaker dropped De Ridder with a right hand and almost finished him off with ground and pound. Yet, despite the onslaught, ‘RDR’ was able to whether the storm before ultimately taking top position in the late stages of the round. The final two rounds were closely contested, with De Ridder landing his big knee and some body shots, while Whittaker worked to keep the fight standing while dishing out some good combinations. After 25 minutes of action, ‘RDR’ was awarded the split decision win.
Pros react after Reinier de Ridder defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
Today’s UFC Abu Dhabi event was headlined by a key middleweight contest featuring Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker (26-9 MMA) had entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in his most previous Octagon appearance at UFC 308 last October. Prior to that setback, ‘The Reaper’ was coming off back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov respectively.
'It was the right time' for Dustin Poirier to retire, says renowned UFC coach
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2025
One beloved MMA head coach believes Dustin Poirier hung up his gloves exactly when he should have. Poirier stepped inside the Octagon for the final time as a competitor in the main event of UFC 318. “The Diamond” threw leather with Max Holloway, another fan favorite who he had two victories over. The third time ended up being the charm for Holloway, as he defeated Poirier via unanimous decision in enemy territory.
UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins: Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder avoid drama
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2025
The UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins have concluded, and fans will be pleased to know that the main event remains intact. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker will do battle with Reinier de Ridder on Saturday. It’s a key matchup in the 185-pound division, as Whittaker will fight to remain in the title picture. It’ll be a huge opportunity for de Ridder, who is the No. 13-ranked UFC middleweight.
UFC CEO Dana White recalls private conversation with late WWE icon Hulk Hogan
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2025
Dana White has given his reaction to the passing of Hulk Hogan. TMZ reported that Hogan passed away on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest. There had been conflicting reports about the health status of Hogan prior to his death. While Eric Bischoff and Jimmy Hart both denied Bubba the Love Sponge’s claim that Hogan was in a dire situation, the WWE Hall of Famer ultimately died in Clearwater.
George Jarvis fights for two generations: "Everything's for him now"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 24, 2025
George Jarvis discovered that becoming a father transformed his understanding of sacrifice in ways training never could. The British striker now carries the weight of providing for his son while honoring the man who shaped him. He challenges reigning king Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium at Bangkok, Thailand. The 29-year-old enters with his father in his corner and his son serving as motivation.
Davey Grant excited for 'great challenge' against Da'Mon Blackshear at UFC Abu Dhabi: 'It should be a fantastic fight'
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2025
Davey Grant knows he will have his hands full at UFC Abu Dhabi. Grant is set to take on Da’Mon Blackshear in a fight that was booked on short notice. Grant was supposed to fight back in April, but Daniel Santos pulled out due to a weigh-in issue, and after that, Grant said he wanted to return on this card.
Petr Yan open to having 'fire fight' with Marcus McGhee to earn next title shot: 'Cement my place'
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2025
Petr Yan is hoping to secure the next bantamweight title shot at UFC Abu Dhabi. Yan is set to take on McGhee in an intriguing fight, as the American is taking a massive step-up in competition. Although Yan could have gotten a title shot, he took this fight to cement himself as the next title contender.
Robert Whittaker claims Reinier de Ridder 'hasn't fought anyone like me' ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2025
Robert Whittaker believes Reinier de Ridder hasn’t fought anyone like him or with his skills. Whittaker is set to headline UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday against de Ridder in a pivotal middleweight bout. Whittaker is coming off a stoppage loss to Khamzat Chimaev and is looking to get back into the win column in a big way on Saturday.
Daniel Cormier issues warning to Justin Gaethje regarding UFC stalemate
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has warned Justin Gaethje about his title shot ultimatum and apparent feud with the promotion. As we know, Justin Gaethje isn’t particularly happy right now. He wants a shot at the UFC lightweight championship, and he seemingly isn’t going to stop until he gets it. Unfortunately, a parade of other contenders are currently waiting in line to try and claim their own opportunity to fight current champion Ilia Topuria.
Reinier de Ridder is ready to try and get Robert Whittaker tired at UFC Abu Dhabi
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC star Reinier de Ridder will attempt to get Robert Whittaker tired when the pair battle in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. Since entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Reinier de Ridder has been on a sensational run of form. He’s unbeaten, he’s got several finishes under his belt, and he is set to face Robert Whittaker on Saturday night in arguably the biggest fight of his career. At this point, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him fight for the belt next if he’s able to get past Whittaker.
Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan continue to clash over potential title shot
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria continues to clash with Arman Tsarukyan over him possibly receiving a title shot. As we know, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan aren’t big fans of one another. Arman is attempting to make a push for a championship opportunity, whereas Ilia has several different guys waiting to see whether or not they’ll get the call to face him for the belt. This includes Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett, but as of this writing, it’s not quite clear as to who will be the lucky one.
Yod-IQ outlines urgent path to victory against Alessio Malatesta: "I need to win"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 23, 2025
Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri knows that Friday night could change everything for him. The rising Muay Thai star has won seven straight at ONE Friday Fights, but what awaits could be a life-changing contract. He faces Italian powerhouse Alessio Malatesta in the bantamweight Muay Thai main event at ONE Friday Fights 117 on Friday, July 25, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 23-year-old Thai understands he needs something special to secure a spot on ONE Championship’s roster with the $100,000 contract.
Kirill Grishenko ready to shut down Ben Tynan: "It's a great opportunity"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 23, 2025
Kirill Grishenko has nothing but respect for Ben Tynan, but that won’t stop him from destroying his record. The former title challenger believes his experience will prove decisive in Bangkok, Thailand. He meets the undefeated Canadian at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium. The Belarusian enters on a two-bout winning streak, and victory would see him take another step toward a shot at the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title.
Ilia Topuria scoffs at Max Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan: 'You ran away'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 23, 2025
Ilia Topuria has had enough of two top lightweight contenders. Topuria is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion after delivering a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to close out “International Fight Week.” It’s another accolade in the young career of “El Matador.” He vacated the UFC Featherweight Championship after handing Max Holloway his first knockout defeat.
Tom Aspinall shares lofty goal for UFC 321 main event against Ciryl Gane
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 23, 2025
Tom Aspinall wants to make quite the statement for his UFC 321 headliner. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced that Aspinall will put his undisputed heavyweight gold at stake against Ciryl Gane on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi. This will be Aspinall’s first fight as the undisputed champion. Fans have long expected Aspinall and Gane to eventually cross paths and barring unforeseen circumstances, that day will finally come.