MMA News
Nontachai confident size advantage will benefit him against Abdulla Dayakaev
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 10, 2025
Nontachai Jitmuangnon believes he holds a clear advantage over his next opponent. The question is whether he can capitalize on it. The Thai striker faces #5-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Abdulla Dayakaev in featherweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Nontachai, the bout represents a chance to extend his perfect ONE Championship record.
Giancarlo Bodoni and Rafael Lovato Jr. set for submission grappling showdown at ONE 173
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 10, 2025
Two of the world’s elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners will make their ONE Championship debuts in Tokyo this November. The question is which American will leave the bigger impression. Giancarlo Bodoni faces Rafael Lovato Jr. in middleweight submission grappling action at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena. The bout represents a significant addition to an already star-studded card.
Austen Lane eager to throw down with Vitor Petrino at UFC Nashville: "The dude is always down to brawl"
Cole Shelton - July 10, 2025
Austen Lane is glad to be fighting again so soon as he looks to get back into the win column. Lane is coming off a KO loss to Mario Pinto back in March. After the loss, Lane had to deal with some personal stuff involving his stepdad, but is now ready to return and is eager to fight in front of fans at UFC Nashville.
Calvin Kattar believes he's "got something to prove" amid losing streak at UFC Nashville
Cole Shelton - July 10, 2025
Calvin Kattar believes people are writing him off ahead of UFC Nashville. Kattar is set to return to the Octagon on the main card of UFC Nashville on Saturday against Steve Garcia in an intriguing featherweight fight. Entering the fight, Kattar is on a four-fight losing streak and he believes he has something to prove that he isn’t done as a contender.
Caio Borralho believes Khamzat Chimaev will retire after UFC 319: "Some whispers about that"
Cole Shelton - July 10, 2025
UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho believes Khamzat Chimaev will retire following UFC 319. Chimaev is set to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago. Heading into the bout, Chimaev is a -188 favorite on FanDuel to become the new champ.
Beloved UFC welterweight opposes idea of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2025
One beloved UFC welterweight admits he isn’t gung-ho over the idea of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev. When Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to capture the 170-pound gold, it left the door open for a clash with Makhachev. While the bout hasn’t been made official, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that the plan is for the two to collide next. Makhachev vacated the UFC Lightweight Championship to get the welterweight title fight.
Former UFC title challenger will retire following Nashville Fight Night event
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2025
One ex-UFC title contender will be hanging up the gloves at the conclusion of the next “Fight Night” event. UFC Nashville takes place on Saturday and will be headlined by a heavyweight collision between fan favorite Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. Featured on the preliminary portion of the card will be former UFC flyweight title challenger Lauren Murphy going one-on-one with Eduarda Moura.
Top UFC coach blasts Jon Jones for teasing another fight despite retiring
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 10, 2025
One renowned MMA coach isn’t pleased with how Jon Jones has conducted himself after claiming to be retired. While many fans had been clamoring to see Jones share the Octagon with Tom Aspinall, “Bones” ultimately informed the UFC brass that he has retired from pro MMA competition. Despite this, the future Hall of Famer has already teased a return.
UFC analyst fully believes Alex Pereira can regain UFC title
Harry Kettle - July 10, 2025
UFC analyst Din Thomas believes Alex Pereira has the potential to regain his UFC title, even at the age of 38. As we know, Alex Pereira is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. He’s achieved some incredible things during his time in the sport, which includes becoming a two-weight world champion. Now, though, after losing his strap to Magomed Ankalaev, there are more questions than answers regarding what exactly his future holds.
UFC Shanghai: ‘Walker vs Mingyang’ Fight Card & Start Times
Harry Kettle - July 10, 2025
The Ultimate Fighting Championship heads back to China next month for UFC Shanghai – and the card is looking pretty interesting. Event: UFC Shanghai: Walker vs Mingyang Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025 Location: Shanghai Indoor Stadium (Shanghai, China) Broadcast: ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass (7am EST main card)
UFC parts ways with four more fighters, including Trevin Giles
Harry Kettle - July 10, 2025
The UFC has reportedly parted ways with four more fighters from its roster in the latest round of cuts. As we know, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is constantly churning out elite fighters who are all capable of mixing it up in the top 15 of their respective divisions. In equal measure, though, there are also many out there who fall short of the mark – in the eyes of the higher-ups, at least.
Tye Ruotolo set for MMA debut against Adrian Lee at ONE Fight Night 35
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 9, 2025
Tye Ruotolo is ready to test his skills in a completely different arena. The grappling world champion will find out if his success translates to mixed martial arts. The reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion makes his MMA debut against Adrian Lee at ONE Fight Night 35 on Friday, September 5, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Ruotolo, the bout represents a significant career transition.
Max Griffin eager to punch Chris Curtis at UFC Nashville: "He just rubs me the wrong way"
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2025
Max Griffin says he doesn’t like Chris Curtis and is eager to fight him at UFC Nashville. Griffin is coming off a disappointing loss to Michael Chiesa. After the loss in December, Griffin made it clear that he wanted to return ASAP, but he didn’t get booked until now.
WATCH | Emotional Ben Askren gives health update from hospital bed: "I only died four times"
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2025
Ben Askren has given an update from his hospital bed after he had a double lung transplant. Askren has been in the hospital for months and is starting to get better after getting the transplant. On Wednesday, he posted a video on his Instagram giving fans a big update on his health and what he was going through.
MMA legend Randy Couture suffers significant injuries following crash during practice run
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2025
Randy Couture suffered serious injuries following a car accident during an NHRA practice run in Kansas City. TMZ reports that the MMA legend was airlifted to a burn center, as the accident led to first and second degree burns. The 62-year-old also suffered traumatic injuries and smoke inhalation. There is good news for “The Natural,” as he is expected recover.
Charles Oliveira explains what he should've done differently against Ilia Topuria
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2025
Charles Oliveira admits he made some mistakes in his title fight against Ilia Topuria. Oliveira and Topuria did battle in the main event of UFC 317. The fight hit the ground, but only momentarily. Once the action returned to the feet, it didn’t take “El Matador” long to put “do Bronx” to sleep with a right hand followed by a left.
Former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy admits to lying about military award: 'I am deeply sorry'
BJ Penn Staff - July 9, 2025
Former UFC middleweight Tim Kennedy is coming clean. Kennedy, once a top middleweight in both Strikeforce and the UFC, has an extensive military background, and several awards for his service. However, he has previously claimed to have received a Bronze Star with Valor. That claim was eventually called out by several members of the military. Then, it was proven to be outright false.
Derrick Lewis explains why he doesn't believe he'd get booked on a UFC White House card
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2025
UFC veteran Derrick Lewis isn’t convinced that he’ll get the call to compete on a UFC White House card. On Saturday night, Derrick Lewis will go head to head with Tallison Teixeira. After winning two of his last three fights, some wonder whether or not ‘The Black Beast’ could have one more big run in the promotion. Given how light it seems to be at the top of the heavyweight division, it certainly feels like a possibility.