MMA News
Justin Gaethje shares prediction for UFC 249 fight with Tony Ferguson
Mike Pendleton - May 6, 2020
With his interim lightweight title main event fight coming up against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, Justin Gaethje is looking to continue doing what he’s been known for throughout his career. Of his 21 professional wins, 18 of them have come by way of knockout, including his last three knockouts in his last three fights, all happening in the first round. Known for his willingness to brawl with every opponent he fights against, Gaethje also has a more than respectable wrestling background, yet his upcoming opponent, Ferguson, believe’s “The Highlight” is one-dimensional, but Gaethje might agree.
Stipe Miocic responds to Daniel Cormier: "I have never ducked anyone"
Adam Martin - May 6, 2020
UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic released a statement on his social media Wednesday, denying he is ducking a trilogy fight against Daniel Cormier. Miocic and DC are set to collide for the third time for the UFC heavyweight title sometime later this year. DC has been vocal as of late saying that he wants to fight in the summer, but Miocic wants the fight to take place in the fall. Miocic is a first responder in his native Ohio and has been busy working the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic. He recently said his training has been compromised because his gym isn’t open.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says he'll be ready to "smash all of them" in July
Cole Shelton - May 6, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov says he’ll be ready to fight in July and smash who is ever in his way. Nurmagomedov was expected to defend his lightweight title against Tony Ferguson on April 18 at UFC 249. Yet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dagestani champion was stuck in Russia and could not get to the States so the event was canceled.
Pro fighters make their picks for Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz title fight
Cole Shelton - May 6, 2020
In the co-main event of UFC 249, Henry Cejudo is looking to defend his bantamweight title for the first time against former champion, Dominick Cruz. Heading into this fight, “Triple C” is a -225 favorite while the challenger is a +180 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros believe Cejudo will defend his belt, but they realize they can’t count out Cruz, who many consider is the bantamweight GOAT.
Conor McGregor wants to fight in June, says Dana White
Adam Martin - May 6, 2020
UFC president Dana White confirmed that superstar Conor McGregor wants to fight in June and he wants to compete on Fight Island. White this week admitted that McGregor wants to compete at the UFC’s new Fight Island complex, but cautioned that doing so would lose the UFC a $20 million gate due to having no fans in the arena. At the same time, White is fully aware that fans may not be allowed into arenas for a long time, and McGregor appears eager to step back into the Octagon soon.
Dana White: Georges St-Pierre never wanted to fight Anderson Silva
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
For a time, a fight between Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva—the long-time welterweight and middleweight champs respectively—was arguably the most widely-desired fight among fans. Unfortunately, it never came together. According to UFC President Dana White, that’s because GSP never actually wanted the fight.
Anderson Silva has knee surgery, plans on fighting final two fights on UFC contract
Adam Martin - May 6, 2020
UFC middleweight legend Anderson Silva underwent surgery on his right knee and he plans on fighting the last two fights on his contract upon his return. Silva has not fought in a year since losing to Jared Cannonier via injury TKO last May at UFC 237. Now 45 years old, Silva is currently the oldest fighter on the UFC roster. Despite his age and the ugly losing skid he’s endured over the last few years, “The Spider” still has the itch to fight again and won’t let his surgery get in the way.
Dana White: Stipe Miocic could "possibly" be stripped if he doesn't defend title
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
UFC President Dana White says it’s possible UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will be stripped of his title if he doesn’t defend it in a timely manner. Miocic has long been linked to a tie-breaking trilogy fight with fellow heavyweight legend Daniel Cormier. That being said, Miocic moonlights as a firefighter, and is focused on his duties as a first-responder during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He doesn’t intend to rematch Cormier until the pandemic is under control and he’s able to undertake a complete training camp.
Coach hails Yoel Romero as "the greatest athlete I've ever seen"
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
Yoel Romero is currently riding consecutive decision losses to UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, top contender Paulo Costa, and former champ Robert Whittaker, but his coach Mike Brown believes he’ll work his way back up to the top — even at 43 years old. In fact, Brown feels Romero is the greatest athlete he’s ever worked with.
MMA veteran Sergei Kharitonov tried to contract coronavirus "to feel what it is like"
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
Bellator heavyweight Sergei Kharitonov recently admitted that he tried to contract COVID-19 in order “to feel what it is like.” Kharitonov made this shocking admission in a recent Instagram post, adding that he believes soaking oneself in cold water is an adequate way of staving off the virus.
Sergio Moraes details battle with "aggressive" COVID-19
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
Sergio Moraes is one of several MMA stars to contract COVID-19, and he says it was the toughest opponent he’s ever faced. Consider he’s battled the likes of Kamaru Usman, Neil Magny, and James Krause, that’s saying something.
Aljamain Sterling vs. Cory Sandhagen discussed for June 6 event
Adam Martin - May 6, 2020
The UFC is reportedly discussing a bantamweight bout between top contenders Aljamain Sterling and Cory Sandhagen for an upcoming event on June 6. Sterling vs. Sandhagen was previously targeted to take place on the UFC San Diego card that was supposed to take place on May 16 before it was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic. However, the bout was never confirmed, and when the event fizzled out so did all of the matchups that were set to take place on the event, including the main event between lightweights Dustin Poirier and Dan Hooker.
Justin Gaethje says he needs his nose broken, hopes a Tony Ferguson elbow does the trick
Natasha Hooper - May 6, 2020
Justin Gaethje has a problem with his nose, and he’s hoping his UFC 249 opponent Tony Ferguson will fix it. On May 9, the postponed UFC 249 will finally take place despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In the main event, Gaethje will take on the number one ranked lightweight, Ferguson.
Dana White says May 23 UFC event will take place in Las Vegas
Adam Martin - May 6, 2020
UFC president Dana White has confirmed the world’s leading MMA promotion will be holding an upcoming event on May 23 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The UFC is scheduled to hold events on May 9, May 13, and May 16 in Jacksonville, Florida, and many assumed the promotion would continue to hold its events there until the coronavirus pandemic subsides. But according to White, the UFC is already targeting its return to its home base of Las Vegas very soon.
Henry Cejudo explains why Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan don't deserve title shots
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
UFC bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo is days out from a title defense opposite the former champ Dominick Cruz. Beyond that he has his sights set on former featherweight champ Jose Aldo. Speaking on Tuesday’s UFC 249 conference call, Cejudo explained why Cruz and Aldo are the top of his list.
Brendan Schaub suggests he would fight an opponent with COVID-19
Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub recently suggested that he would fight an opponent even if they tested positive for COVID-19. This weekend, the UFC will return to our screens with UFC 249, a stacked card in Jacksonville, Florida. The UFC has undertaken extensive measures to simultaneously ensure fighter safety and dispel public skepticism, but it’s still not clear how the promotion will proceed if a fighter test positive for COVID-19.
VIDEO | Tony Ferguson receives COVID-19 nasal swab test for UFC 249
Harry Kettle - May 6, 2020
UFC 249 headliner Tony Ferguson has released footage of himself receiving a COVID-19 nasal swab test ahead of this weekend’s event. One of the biggest concerns from critics of the event on Saturday going ahead has been the safety of the fighters involved. While there’s still no guarantee as to what the accuracy of these tests will be, it does appear as if the UFC has put certain measures in place to try and ensure things go as smoothly as they possibly can.
Henry Cejudo outlines his plans following victory at UFC 249, Aljamain Sterling responds
Harry Kettle - May 6, 2020
UFC champion Henry Cejudo has outlined his plans following UFC 249 this weekend — with divisional rival Aljamain Sterling taking exception to it. Cejudo will defend the UFC Bantamweight Championship against former king Dominick Cruz on Saturday night in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to the event itself being controversial, the decision to make Cruz the number one contender has also received quite a bit of pushback.