MMA News
Jon Jones' legacy can't be tarnished by outside activities, says UFC legend
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
Jon Jones’ legacy has been called into question for his outside antics, but one UFC legend says it shouldn’t matter. Jones put forth one of the most memorable runs in UFC history when he competed in the light heavyweight division. His lone defeat was a disqualification against Matt Hamill. “Bones” ran through some of the biggest stars at 205 pounds such as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, and Daniel Cormier to name a few. He moved up to heavyweight and submitted Ciryl Gane to win gold in a second weight class.
Ian Machado Garry thinks Belal Muhammad is avoiding UFC 319 fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
Ian Machado Garry isn’t convinced that Belal Muhammad wants to fight him. Muhammad recently lost the UFC Welterweight Championship to Jack Della Maddalena in a five-round clash back in May. “Remember The Name” will look to rebound, but the question remains, will he be able to compete in Chicago for UFC 319 on Aug. 16? It would be a homecoming for Muhammad.
Sean O’Malley gets unexpected support from fellow UFC bantamweight following second loss to Merab Dvalishvili
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley has received some support from an unlikely name. O’Malley recently competed in a rematch against Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Bantamweight Championship. The “Suga” show lost the fight in the third round via submission. It was the first submission loss of O’Malley’s pro MMA career.
Khamzat Chimaev receives interesting advice ahead of UFC 319 title fight against Dricus du Plessis
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
Khamzat Chimaev has been given some advice from one former UFC champion ahead of his showdown against Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev is set to challenge du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship on Aug. 16. The title fight will headline UFC 319 inside United Center in Chicago. Chimaev will enter the bout with an undefeated record, while du Plessis hasn’t suffered a loss since 2018.
Former UFC star derailed broadcasting career due to drug use
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
An ex-UFC fighter had a chance to transition to the booth post-fighting, but the opportunity was wasted. It certainly isn’t unusual to see former UFC fighters become desk analysts or even color commentators. Some fighters who are a part of the UFC’s broadcast team are still active competitors, although more of them have retired in recent years. One man who nearly defeated MMA legend Demetrious Johnson could’ve been a permanent fixture on UFC programming long after his fighting career wrapped up.
Israel Adesanya questions Sean Strickland's current mental state 2 years after UFC title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 6, 2025
Israel Adesanya believes Sean Strickland might be going through some things at the moment. Adesanya and Strickland are no strangers to one another inside the Octagon. The two collided back in Sept. 2023. Adesanya was the UFC Middleweight Champion going into the bout and he was a huge betting favorite. Strickland ended up getting the better of “Izzy” for five rounds to pull off the upset unanimous decision victory to become the 185-pound titleholder.
Jon Jones announces he's re-entered the UFC testing pool: "That lasted for about two weeks"
Chris Taylor - July 4, 2025
Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones could be ending his retirement just weeks after announcing his departure from the sport. It was only 13 days ago when UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jones (28-1 MMA) had decided to hang up his gloves for good, thus promoting Tom Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion status.
UFC 318 loses major fight as fans continue to criticize 'worst PPV in recent history'
BJ Penn Staff - July 4, 2025
UFC 318 just lost one of its biggest fights. It’s the latest blow to a fight card MMA fans were already criticizing for its low quality. UFC 318 goes down on July 19 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The card will be topped by a lightweight clash between Louisiana’s own Dustin Poirier, and Hawaii’s Max Holloway. It will mark the final fight of Poirier’s illustrious career — hence the setting in his home state.
Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones would have beaten Tom Aspinall — with a catch
BJ Penn Staff - July 4, 2025
Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones could have beaten Tom Aspinall if their UFC super fight came together — with one condition. Jones and Aspinall spent several years as the UFC’s undisputed and interim heavyweight champions respectively. Unfortunately, a fight between them never came together, as Jones ultimately decided to retire.
Conor McGregor and other UFC stars line up to fight for Donald Trump at the White House
BJ Penn Staff - July 4, 2025
US President Donald Trump is hoping to host a UFC event on the White House lawn, and a number of notable fighters—including Conor McGregor—are already eager to sign up. Trump announced plans for a UFC event at the White House in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence—this date next year.
Vladimir Kuzmin promises "thrilling fight" against Stefan Korodi at ONE Fight Night 33
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 3, 2025
Vladimir Kuzmin knows exactly what type of fight fans can expect when he steps into the ring next week. The only question is who will be left standing. The Russian striker faces Stefan Korodi in bantamweight Muay Thai action at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Kuzmin, the bout represents a chance to bounce back from his recent setback.
Chihiro Sawada targeting finish against Macarena Aragon: "I'm aiming for a submission victory"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 3, 2025
Chihiro Sawada isn’t interested in leaving anything to chance in her next outing. The Japanese grappler has already decided how she wants her night to end. The #5-ranked atomweight MMA contender faces Argentine striker Macarena Aragon at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Sawada, the bout represents an opportunity to get back on track after her recent setback.
Jean Silva makes things personal with Diego Lopes ahead of Noche UFC
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 3, 2025
Jean Silva isn’t mincing words ahead of his showdown with Diego Lopes. Silva and Lopes are set to collide in the main event of Noche UFC on Sept. 13 inside Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Going into the fight, Silva has decided to rev up the trash talk. The Fighting Nerds standout has never been shy in hurling barbs at his opponent, which is what he did prior to his most recent fight against Bryce Mitchell.
Former UFC star inks deal with Eddie Hearn to pursue boxing career
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 3, 2025
Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has announced the signing of a retired UFC fighter. Many MMA stars have transitioned to the world of boxing, whether it’s for a quick payday or a long-term play. Some of those fighters have found success in the sweet science to varying degrees. You can add Molly McCann to the list of MMA athletes turned boxers.
UFC commentator gushes over Ilia Topuria's run: 'It's almost as if he bends time'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 3, 2025
One UFC commentator continues to be amazed by the current run Ilia Topuria is on. After knocking out two all-time greats in Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway back-to-back, Topuria decided to relinquish the featherweight gold in an effort to move up to 155 pounds. While some considered it to be a bold move for Topuria, he ended up starching Charles Oliveira in the opening frame to lay claim to the UFC Lightweight Championship.
Belal Muhammad claims UFC rival Kamaru Usman 'cried' during podcast brawl: 'He's trying to edit it out'
BJ Penn Staff - July 3, 2025
Belal Muhammad claims he made Kamaru Usman tear-up during their infamous podcast brawl. The brawl occurred on Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo several months ago. It’s been talked about to death by both parties, but so far, no footage of the incident has emerged.
Dustin Poirier proclaims he's 'getting on steroids' after UFC retirement
BJ Penn Staff - July 3, 2025
Dustin Poirier has some interesting plans for life after the UFC. Poirier is one of the best lightweights in MMA history, and could well be destined for a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame. Later this month, in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans, he’ll fight for a final time, with plans to hang up the gloves win, lose or draw. His opponent will be former featherweight champ Max Holloway.
Chael Sonnen argues Ilia Topuria should already have 3 UFC belts
BJ Penn Staff - July 3, 2025
If you ask Chael Sonnen, Ilia Topuria should already have three UFC titles—not two. Topuria is undefeated at 17-0. His last three wins have been particularly impressive. First, he knocked out featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski to claim that division’s title. Then he defended the featherweight belt with a knockout o another legend in Max Holloway—who had never been stopped with strikes before. He then vacated the featherweight belt, and moved up to lightweight, where he knocked out a third legend in Charles Oliveira to claim the division’s vacant title.