MMA News
Sean O’Malley perplexed by recent images of Conor McGregor: “I don’t think that’s going to be an advantage or a benefit”
Susan Cox - December 8, 2021
Sean O’Malley is perplexed by Conor McGregor’s decision to bulk up ahead of his UFC return. McGregor (22-6 MMA) has not competed since July’s UFC 264 event, where he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. Now back on the mend, the Irish star recently took to social media where he shared some photos of his new “190lbs of granite” physique (see those here).
Jose Aldo and Rob Font face six month medical suspensions after both men suffer orbital fractures in war at UFC Vegas 44
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2021
UFC bantamweights Jose Aldo and Rob Font both face potential six-month medical suspensions after their war at UFC Vegas 44. Last Saturday night we saw, arguably, one of the best Fight Night cards of the year go down in Las Vegas. From Jose Aldo vs Rob Font to Rafael Fiziev vs Brad Riddell and beyond, there was a whole lot for mixed martial arts fans to sink their teeth into.
George Kambosos Jr. plans to train MMA with Alex Volkanovski: “You might see me make my UFC debut in the near future”
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2021
Boxing star George Kambosos Jr. has teased the idea of training in mixed martial arts with UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski. Less than two weeks ago, George Kambosos Jr. shocked the boxing world when he defeated Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring lightweight titles. It was the kind of win that changed everything we thought we knew about the weight class, even though the champion himself probably felt like this was a long time coming.
Justin Gaethje explains why a rematch with Dustin Poirier would go differently: “I played a different game back then”
Harry Kettle - December 8, 2021
Justin Gaethje has explained why he believes a rematch with Dustin Poirier would go differently from their initial bout. Back in April 2018, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier went to war in a lightweight scrap for the ages. The pair spent just over three rounds swinging for the fences before eventually, Poirier was able to land the final blow that handed him the TKO victory.
'It's a joke!' Rafael Fiziev manager slams #11 lightweight ranking
Andrew Whitelaw - December 7, 2021
Daniel Rubenstein – who manages Rafael Fiziev, is not happy with his client’s latest UFC lightweight ranking. Fiziev pulled off a masterful win against former training partner Brad Riddell at UFC Fight Night: Font vs Aldo and finished the Kiwi with a savage wheel kick. Since losing his UFC debut, the Tiger Muay Thai fighter has put together a run of five straight wins including two highlight reel finishes. Riddell was ranked at #12 in the 155lb division heading into the bout with Fiziev.
Chael Sonnen explains why Jake Paul made the 'biggest mistake' of his career by rematching Tyron Woodley
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2021
Chael Sonnen believes Jake Paul rematching Tyron Woodley is a big mistake for him. Paul was supposed to headline a Showtime pay-per-view boxing card on December 18 against Tommy Fury. It was an intriguing matchup but on Monday, it was revealed Fury was out of the fight due to an injury and Woodley will now rematch Paul, yet Sonnen isn’t a fan of it for Paul.
Holly Holm among 2022 boxing Hall of Fame inductees
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2021
Holly Holm will be going into the boxing Hall of Fame. It was revealed on Tuesday that the former UFC bantamweight champion is among the five fighters apart of the 2022 class. Of course, Holm was known for her boxing career before transitioning to MMA.
Tyson Fury targeted to defend WBC heavyweight title against Dillian Whyte in the UK
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2021
Tyson Fury has been ordered to defend his heavyweight titles against Dillian Whyte in the spring of 2022. The WBC announced on Tuesday they have ordered Fury to face the interim WBC heavyweight champion in Whyte. The hope is for the fight to happen in the spring in the UK, according to multiple reports.
Khamzat Chimaev challenges Conor McGregor to London showdown after Nate Diaz “ran away like his brother”
Susan Cox - December 7, 2021
Khamzat Chimaev has challenged Conor McGregor to a London showdown after Nate Diaz “ran away like his brother”. Chimaev (10-0 MMA) most recently competed at October’s UFC 267 event, where he scored a first round TKO victory over ranked welterweight Li Jingliang. That win marked his fourth under the UFC banner and ‘Borz’ is now eyeing a high profile matchup for his next appearance.
Josh Emmett preparing for a '15-minute war' against Dan Ige at UFC 269 but hopes for a KO win to cement himself as a title contender
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2021
Josh Emmett is excited to finally get back into the Octagon. Emmett tore his ACL in the opening seconds of his June 2020 win over Shane Burgos. Since then he has been rehabbing and had other setbacks. During that time, Emmett admits he didn’t know how he would be when he was able to return.
Kai Kara-France warns fans not to bet on Cody Garbrandt at UFC 269
Susan Cox - December 7, 2021
Kai Kara-France is advising fans not to bet money on Cody Garbrandt at UFC 269. Kara-France (22-9 MMA) and Garbrandt (12-4 MMA) are set to collide in a flyweight bout this weekend at UFC 269.
Sean O'Malley explains why it "makes sense" for him to fight on the UFC 269 PPV and Dominick Cruz on the prelims
Susan Cox - December 7, 2021
Sean O’Malley believes it “makes sense” that he is fighting on the UFC 269 PPV while former champ Dominick Cruz is on the prelims. O’Malley (14-1 MMA), is scheduled to return to the Octagon at next Saturday’s pay-per-view event for the bantamweight bout with Raulian Paiva (21-3 MMA).
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 61 with Josh Emmett, Dan Ige, Phil Daru, Eryk Anders, and Randy Costa
Cole Shelton - December 7, 2021
The 61st episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC 269. We’re first by the seventh-ranked UFC featherweight, Josh Emmett (2:44). Next, ninth-ranked featherweight, Dan Ige (16:43) joins the show. Dustin Poirier’s strength and conditioning coach, Phil Daru (35:44) comes on. UFC middleweight, Eryk Anders (51:46) then joins the program. Closing out the show is UFC bantamweight, Randy Costa (1:02:53).
Dustin Poirier to host ‘Thanks-Christmas’ after UFC 269, plans to use world title as a dinner plate
Harry Kettle - December 7, 2021
UFC star Dustin Poirier is clearly in a relaxed mood after declaring he will have ‘Thanks-Christmas’ dinner to celebrate if he wins at UFC 269. This Saturday night, Dustin Poirier will attempt to finally reach the top of the mountain when he challenges Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight championship. Both men have been on incredible runs as of late with Oliviera beating Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, whereas Poirier has defeated Dan Hooker and Conor McGregor twice since his title defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
UFC announces 3 new women’s matchups, including the returns of Michelle Waterson and Jessica Eye
Harry Kettle - December 7, 2021
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has booked three notable fights across three divisions, including the return of Michelle Waterson. While the UFC can look back and be proud of what they’ve produced so far in 2021, it’s always important to look ahead to the future – especially when you have as many events as they do. Across the next few months the groundwork is going to be laid for a string of high-profile bookings and in the last couple of days, the following three bouts have been set in stone for three different women’s divisions.
Ciryl Gane warns fans not to expect the same Francis Ngannou at UFC 270: “He knows I can manage the power”
Christopher Taylor - December 6, 2021
Ciryl Gane has warned fight fans not to expect the same style out of Francis Ngannou at UFC 270. Gane (10-0 MMA), the promotions current interim heavyweight title holder, and Ngannou (16-3 MMA) the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion, are set to collide in a title unification bout on January 22.
Jake Paul scoffs at ‘no knockout clause’ rumor, implements $500k bonus to Tyron Woodley for rematch
Cole Shelton - December 6, 2021
Jake Paul has made it clear there is nothing in the contracts saying his opponent can’t knock him out. Back in August, Tyron Woodley rocked Paul badly but didn’t throw anything of substance after that to finish the job. To no surprise, after the fight, Dillon Danis claimed Woodley had a no knockout rule in his contract which Paul says is not true. Instead, he offered Woodley a $500k bonus if he does knock him out in their rematch on December 18.
Jake Paul opens as sizeable favorite over Tyron Woodley ahead of December 18 rematch
Cole Shelton - December 6, 2021
Jake Paul has opened as the betting favorite over Tyron Woodley. Paul was originally supposed to box Tommy Fury in the main event of the Showtime boxing pay-per-view on December 18 in Tampa, Florida. Unfortnately, on Monday it was revealed Fury was forced out of the fight due to an injury. Shortly thereafter, it was revealed Paul would be rematching Woodley, who took the fight on 12 days’ notice.