MMA News
Steve Garcia confident he will be first person to KO Calvin Kattar at UFC Nashville: "We are going to swing and watch someone fall"
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2025
Steve Garcia is ready to make a statement and prove he is a top-ranked featherweight at UFC Nashville. Garcia was supposed to face Edson Barboza at UFC Seattle in February, but the Brazilian had to pull out. After he withdrew, it was disappointing for Garcia, as it was going to be a big-name opponent he could build his name off of.
Derrick Lewis says he "needs" to fight Tom Aspinall before his career is over: "I'm just looking to knock guys out"
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2025
Derrick Lewis wants to fight Tom Aspinall before his career is over. Lewis is set to headline UFC Nashville on Saturday against Taillon Teixeira in a fight he’s a +210 underdog in on FanDuel. If Lewis can pull off the upset, he’d be right back in the title picture at heavyweight, and he is hopeful he can face to Aspinall for the belt before his career is up.
Fight fans lash out after Dana White shares full line-up for 'bad ass' UFC card
BJ Penn Staff - July 8, 2025
Dana White is very excited about the line-up for UFC 318. It’s safe to say UFC fans are not quite as jazzed. UFC 318 is set for July 19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the main event, Louisianan hero Dustin Poirier will compete in his final fight, taking on a fellow UFC legend in Max Holloway. You won’t find many fight fans complaining about the card’s main event, but beyond the headliner, the line-up has been the subject of some controversy.
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre shares his 'conclusion' on UFO encounters
BJ Penn Staff - July 8, 2025
Georges St-Pierre is considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. These days, the Canadian MMA star is more concerned with a different acronym: UFO. St-Pierre, the former welterweight and middleweight UFC champion, is well-known for his belief in alien life and UFOs (unidentified flying objects).
Islam Makhachev might be making huge mistake with welterweight move, says UFC icon
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 8, 2025
Did Islam Makhachev bite off more than he can chew? Makhachev relinquished the UFC Lightweight Champion in an effort to compete for gold in a second weight class. Makhachev has long discussed the importance of winning the welterweight title, and he’ll have a chance to do so against Jack Della Maddalena. At this time, a date hasn’t been set for the fight, although UFC CEO Dana White admitted that a November date in Madison Square Garden is appealing.
Daniel Cormier willing to root for Jon Jones, but there's a catch
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 8, 2025
Daniel Cormier has long been at odds with Jon Jones, but he would end up cheering for “Bones” under a special circumstance. POTUS Donald Trump had many within the MMA community buzzing when he discussed possibly holding a UFC event in the White House during Independence Day weekend in 2026. Such an event has not been confirmed, and many have questioned the logistics of such a show.
Diego Lopes blames Yair Rodriguez for holding off on UFC grudge match
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 8, 2025
Diego Lopes is putting the blame on Yair Rodriguez for the lack of movement as far as a grudge match is concerned. Despite having bad blood with “El Pantera,” Lopes will be fighting Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC on Sept. 13. Lopes vs. Silva figures to be an explosive fight with major implications in the featherweight division. Still, many are wondering why Rodriguez wasn’t booked to face Lopes unless he’s receiving the next 145-pound title opportunity.
UFC veteran believes Charles Oliveira needs to take time off after UFC 317 loss
Harry Kettle - July 8, 2025
UFC veteran Gilbert Burns is of the belief that Charles Oliveira needs to take some time off following his loss at UFC 317. In his most recent outing at UFC 317, Charles Oliveira attempted to regain the UFC lightweight championship. He went up against Ilia Topuria, and while he had a few nice moments in the early stages of the fight, it ended in heartbreak for ‘Do Bronx’. He was knocked out cold, with Topuria doing exactly what he said he was going to do.
Din Thomas believes Ilia Topuria will be able to defeat Islam Makhachev
Harry Kettle - July 8, 2025
MMA analyst Din Thomas is of the belief that Ilia Topuria has what it takes to defeat Islam Makhachev if they fought. As we know, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. He has already achieved some incredible things in the sport, which includes becoming a two-weight UFC champion. As we look ahead to the future, it certainly seems as if he’s ready to push for even more sensational accomplishments.
Renato Moicano calls for showdown with Michael Chandler after UFC 317 defeat
Harry Kettle - July 8, 2025
UFC veteran Renato Moicano has called for a showdown with Michael Chandler after his UFC 317 defeat. As we know, Renato Moicano is one of the more outspoken – and entertaining – lightweights on the UFC roster. A lot of that comes from what he does outside of the cage, but he’s also a pretty enjoyable guy to watch in action. Unfortunately for him and his fans, the Brazilian fell short in his most recent ouitng as he was defeated by fellow veteran Beneil Dariush.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 199 with Steve Garcia, Max Griffin, and Austen Lane
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2025
The 199th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Nashville. We’re first joined by UFC featherweight Steve Garcia (1:37). Next, UFC welterweight Max Griffin (19:18) joins the show. Closing out the program is UFC heavyweight Austen Lane (33:23).
Pedro Dantas promises fireworks in ONE Championship debut: "I want to showcase some great knockouts"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 7, 2025
Pedro Dantas has waited his entire life for this moment. Now he’s ready to make the most of it. The undefeated Brazilian prospect makes his ONE Championship debut against #4-ranked featherweight MMA contender Ilya Freymanov at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For the 22-year-old, the opportunity represents validation of everything he’s worked toward.
Justin Gaethje hopeful for Ilia Topuria fight at MSG: "I would love to knock him out"
Cole Shelton - July 7, 2025
Justin Gaethje is hoping he will face Ilia Topuria at Madison Square Garden later this year. Topuria became the UFC’s lightweight champion with a first-round KO win over Charles Oliveira. After his win, it wasn’t clear who Topuria’s first title defense would be against, as Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett could all get the next title shot.
UFC analyst begs Jon Jones not to 'become what Conor has become'
BJ Penn Staff - July 7, 2025
Daniel Cormier doesn’t want Jon Jones to end up like Conor McGregor in his post UFC life. Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, retired last month. His retirement came after months of speculation as to whether he could be convinced to fight England’s Tom Aspinall. In the end, it never happened.
Former UFC star Tony Ferguson drops major news: 'I've got a fight'
BJ Penn Staff - July 7, 2025
Tony Ferguson is headed back to the cage. Scratch that. The former UFC star is headed to the boxing ring in just over a months’ time. Ferguson, best known for a stunning 12-fight win streak in the stacked UFC lightweight division, announced his upcoming fight in a conversation with Red Corner MMA.
Donn Davis pitches Donald Trump on PFL fights at the White House
BJ Penn Staff - July 7, 2025
Donald Trump says he plans on hosting a UFC event at the White House to celebrate America’s 250th birthday next year. Donn Davis is hoping the PFL can get in on the star-spangled MMA action. Trump’s comments about a UFC card on the White House grounds sent the MMA world in a frenzy last week.
Tom Aspinall gives stern warning to UFC fans about taking photos of his children
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 7, 2025
Tom Aspinall will not tolerate having his personal space invaded, especially when it involves his children. Aspinall has developed a reputation for being a friendly fighter who flips a switch when it’s time to compete. Aspinall has also been quite cordial with fans in person, but the UFC Heavyweight Champion has limits. He admits he doesn’t like being interrupted with a selfie request in the middle of training.
Joshua Van shares message to those who don't believe in his UFC title aspirations
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 7, 2025
Joshua Van has a message for those who don’t believe he can win UFC gold. Van is fresh off a top contender for “Fight of the Year” against Brandon Royval. “The Fearless” went three rounds with Royval and even scored a late knockdown to further cement that he was deserving of the decision victory. After having his hand raised, Van had a staredown with current flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.