MMA News
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.
Swedish fighter believes she can stop Allycia Hellen Rodrigues with elbows: "That's all I can say"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 2, 2025
Seven years of grinding has led Johanna Persson to this moment. Now she just needs to seize it. The Swedish striker challenges reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Persson, the title shot represents the culmination of everything she’s worked toward.
Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg predicts vicious ending to Jhanlo Mark Sangiao fight: "Put him to sleep"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 2, 2025
Confidence isn’t something Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg lacks heading into his next assignment. The question is whether he can back it up. The Mongolian striker faces Filipino prospect Jhanlo Mark Sangiao in bantamweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 33 on Friday, July 11, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Zoltsetseg, the bout represents a chance to silence critics after his recent setback.
Belal Muhammad believes he beat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315: "I won that fight"
Cole Shelton - July 2, 2025
Belal Muhammad believes he did more than enough to beat Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Muhammad was looking to defend his welterweight title for the first time, but dropped a decision to Della Maddalena. The Aussie was able to land the more damaging shots to get the win. However, after watching it back multiple times, Muhammad feels like he did enough to get the win.
Colby Covington names ideal opponent for next UFC bout: I want 'Hall-of-Famer type fights'
BJ Penn Staff - July 2, 2025
Colby Covington only wants the biggest names possible in the UFC from here. Covington, known as much for his virulent trash talk as he is for his fighting ability, is one of the best welterweights of this generation. However, he has now lost his last two fights, and is 2-3 dating back 2020. Given his recent losses, and the fact that he is now 37, most fans feel his career is winding down.
Bo Nickal set to return to wrestling following disastrous UFC loss
BJ Penn Staff - July 2, 2025
Bo Nickal is shifting gears after his first UFC loss. Nickal, a decorated amateur wrestler, started 2025 as one of the hottest prospects in the UFC. Then he ran into Reinier de Ridder. De Ridder, a former ONE Championship titleholder, absolutely dominated Nickal when they met in early May, handing the wrestling specialist his first MMA loss with a second-round TKO.
Renato Moicano gets honest with himself in first statement since UFC 317 loss: 'I need to get better'
BJ Penn Staff - July 2, 2025
Renato Moicano knows he needs to get better after his UFC 317 loss to Beneil Dariush. Moicano met Dariush on the event’s main card. At the time, Dariush was ranked No. 9 at lightweight, and Moicano No. 11, so it was a big fight for the division. It was also Moicano’s opportunity to rebound from a quick loss to Islam Makhachev in a short-notice title fight earlier this year.
Former Conor McGregor opponent possibly returning to UFC: 'They know who I am'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2025
A former Conor McGregor foe believes he will be making his way back to the UFC. Going into his July 19, 2014 bout, McGregor’s stock was already rising. He had been sidelined for almost a full year following an ACL injury during his meeting with Max Holloway. McGregor’s ended up scoring a first-round TKO finish over Diego Brandao.
Top UFC contender blames Joe Rogan for Ilia Topuria's staredown with Paddy Pimblett
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2025
One top-ranked UFC lightweight has pinned blame on Joe Rogan for the staredown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Topuria is fresh off another stellar knockout victory, capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship in the process. It didn’t take long for “El Matador” to find Charles Oliveira’s chin, scoring the first-round finish. After the bout, Pimblett was brought inside the Octagon for a faceoff with Topuria. The newly minted UFC 155-pound titleholder shoved “The Baddy” before security broke things up.