MMA News
Brandon Moreno promises not to become a jerk now that he is a UFC champion: "I don't want to be that guy"
Adam D Martin - July 21, 2021
UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno promises not to become a jerk now that he is a UFC champion, saying that “I don’t want to be that guy.” Moreno defeated rival Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263 last month in a rematch to claim the promotion’s 125lbs title. In the lead-up to the fight, Moreno was not complimentary towards Figueiredo, who he accused of changing as a person once he became the champion. Now that Moreno himself is holding UFC gold around his waist, he is promising the fans that he will not change and, in his words, turn into what he calls an “asshole.”
Photos | Conor McGregor receives his customized Lamborghini Yacht valued at over $3 million
Harry Kettle - July 21, 2021
Conor McGregor has received his customized Lamborghini yacht nine months after initially beginning the process. While he may not have been able to get his hand raised at UFC 264, McGregor still rules the mixed martial arts landscape when it comes to just how much he earns. In addition to being a competitive combat sports star, he also has several businesses that have been thriving over the course of the last few years.
Andre Ewell says he saved friend's life while stopping a moving car with his hand: “Planted it. You literally see my handprint on the hood”
Harry Kettle - July 21, 2021
UFC bantamweight Andre Ewell has told the story of how he saved his friend’s life by stopping a moving car. We tend to hear plenty of crazy stories within the world of mixed martial arts because, well, that’s just the nature of the sport. Some of them are negative but we also get some truly inspiring tales that restore our faith in combat sports as a whole – and the fighters within it.
Michael Chandler claims Justin Gaethje turned him down three or four times, still wants the fight: "Be prepared to make a highlight or be made a highlight"
Cole Shelton - July 20, 2021
MMichael Chandler is aiming to fight Justin Gaethje in his next fight. After Chandler suffered a second-round TKO loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 for the vacant lightweight title, many thought he should face Gaethje next time out.
Jeremy Stephens calls out Conor McGregor after latest loss: "The true fight to make is me and Conor"
Cole Shelton - July 20, 2021
Jeremy Stephens believes the fight to make is him vs. Conor McGregor. Stephens and McGregor have a history at the UFC 205 press conference where Stephens said he would be the toughest fight because he’s the real hardest hitter at 145lbs. Of course, the Irishman followed it up with the famous, “who the f**k is that guy line” which went viral.
Stephen Thompson reveals he vomited before UFC 264 ceremonial weigh-ins
Adam D Martin - July 20, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Stephen Thompson revealed that he vomited before the UFC 264 ceremonial weigh-ins two weeks ago in Las Vegas. Thompson lost a unanimous decision to fellow contender Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of the UFC 264 pay-per-view card. It was a disappointing showing by Thompson, who could have earned a title shot had he emerged victoriously. However, he instead was ground out for three rounds and lost a decision. But while it was a tough night at the office for Thompson on Saturday night, he admits he also had a rough one at the weigh-ins Friday.
Ian Heinisch plans to finish Nassourdine Imavov after training at Sanford MMA to show he's "a force to be reckoned with"
Cole Shelton - July 20, 2021
Ian Heinisch wanted a quick turnaround after he lost to Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 258, but that didn’t come to fruition. Following the loss to Gastelum, Heinisch moved down to Florida to start training at Sanford MMA full-time. After a short time there, he was offered to fight Jacare Souza at UFC 262 in Houston. However, he turned it down as Henri Hooft wanted him to just focus on training.
Kyler Phillips plans to finish Raulian Paiva and get a ranked opponent next: "I'm going to grab that belt"
Cole Shelton - July 20, 2021
Kyler Phillips wasn’t too mad when Raphael Assuncao was forced out of their fight and was replaced by Raulian Paiva. After Phillips beat Song Yadong at UFC 259, many expected him to get a ranked opponent next. That ended up being the case as he was set to meet Raphael Assuncao at UFC Vegas 32. Unfortnately, Assuncao got injured which was disappointing news. However, for Phillips, he said his mindset didn’t change at all.
Matt Mitrione released by Bellator following third straight knockout loss
Adam D Martin - July 20, 2021
Heavyweight MMA fighter Matt Mitrione has been released by Bellator following his third straight knockout loss this past weekend. MMAFighting.com confirmed with promotional officials that Mitrione received his walking papers from Bellator after tapping out to strikes against Tyrell Fortune at last Friday’s Bellator 262 event. In addition to Mitrione, Bellator also confirmed that it has released Ronny Markes and Adil Benjilany. Markes was knocked out at Bellator 262, but Benjilany defeated Johnny Soto, marking his release as a strange one considering he just won.
Cory Sandhagen calls TJ Dillashaw's past PED use "gross" ahead of grudge match at UFC Vegas 32
Adam D Martin - July 20, 2021
UFC bantamweight contender Cory Sandhagen called rival TJ Dillashaw’s past PED use “gross” ahead of their grudge match at UFC Vegas 32. Sandhagen and Dillashaw meet in the five-round headliner of this Saturday’s UFC Vegas 32 card. They are former teammates in Denver, Colorado and with both men at the top of the UFC bantamweight division, there are some who believe the winner of this fight could get a title shot at 135lbs. It’s a huge fight for the bantamweight division and it’s a fight that is so much more intriguing just because of the fact that these two men used to train together.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 45 with Chris Daukaus, Kyler Phillips, Ian Heinisch, Randy Costa, and Adrian Yanez
Cole Shelton - July 20, 2021
The 45th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN with Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC Vegas 32. We’re first joined by 10th-ranked UFC heavyweight, Chris Daukaus to preview his fight against Shamil Abdurakhimov (3:14). The fight has since been postponed one week to UFC Vegas 33. Next, 14th ranked bantamweight, Kyler Phillips (17:14) comes on. UFC middleweight contender, Ian Heinisch (34:36) then joins the show. Rising UFC bantamweight contender, Randy Costa (45:37) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight, Adrian Yanez (1:03:03).
Managers agree to Paulo Costa vs. Marvin Vettori matchup
Adam D Martin - July 20, 2021
Managers Ali Abdelaziz and Wallid Ismail have agreed for their clients in Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori to have an upcoming matchup. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto spoke to Ismail, Costa’s manager, who said that the fight that his team wants is against Vettori. Not long after the word emerged that Costa is looking to fight Vettori next, Vettori’s manager Abdelaziz responded and said they want the fight.
Michael Bisping explains why he respects TJ Dillashaw for admitting that he cheated
Adam D Martin - July 20, 2021
UFC analyst Michael Bisping explained why he respects former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw for admitting that he cheated. Dillashaw hasn’t fought in over two years since being handed a suspension in January 2019 after being caught with PEDs in his system following a knockout loss to Henry Cejudo. Dillashaw admitted that he cheated and was trying to gain an unfair advantage and he has served the suspension for the last two years on the sidelines. This Saturday night at UFC Vegas 32, Dillashaw finally returns to the cage when he takes on rival Cory Sandhagen.
Dan Hooker challenges “tickle party” fighter Islam Makhachev to throw down in September
Harry Kettle - July 20, 2021
UFC lightweight Dan Hooker has laid down a challenge to Islam Makhachev as their social media spat continues. This past Saturday night, Makhachev continued his rise up through the 155-pound ranks with a decisive win over Thiago Moises. He controlled the right all the way through until the fourth round when he was finally able to secure a strong submission victory, vaulting himself closer to a potential title shot in the near future.
WWE star Big E says not every wrestler would welcome Conor McGregor in potential crossover
Harry Kettle - July 20, 2021
WWE star Big E has said not every wrestler would welcome Conor McGregor with open arms in a possible crossover. Big E, who won the Money in the Bank contract on Sunday night, is known for being a big mixed martial arts fan. He regularly tweets about the latest goings-on in the UFC and beyond, keeping a close eye on the action alongside his busy WWE schedule.
Nate Diaz hints at headlining another UFC card at Madison Square Garden: "I might have to do that again soon"
Cole Shelton - July 19, 2021
Nate Diaz is looking to fight again and wants it to be at Madison Square Garden. Back at UFC 244 in November of 2019, Diaz headlined the pay-per-view card at MSG against Jorge Masvidal for the BMF belt. It was a big fight and massive event, and now the fan-favorite Stockton native says he might have to headline another card at MSG.
Mike Brown fires back after John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor was doing well against Dustin Poirier before injury
Adam D Martin - July 19, 2021
Mike Brown fired back after John Kavanagh said that Conor McGregor was doing well against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 before his injury. Poirier defeated McGregor via first-round TKO (doctor stoppage) after the Irishman suffered a broken leg that caused a stop to the contest. Even before the injury, however, Poirier was doing quite well in the fight and two of the three judges scoring the bout cage-side gave him the first round 10-8. So when Kavanagh recently came out and stated that he thought McGregor was doing well in the fight before the injury, there were a lot of fans who didn’t agree with his assessment of the fight, and Brown doesn’t agree with it, either.
Tai Tuivasa buries Greg Hardy on social media: "Don’t talk sh*t after I already f*cked you up!"
Adam D Martin - July 19, 2021
UFC heavyweight contender Tai Tuivasa buried Greg Hardy on social media, telling him “don’t talk sh*t after I already f*cked you up!” Tuivasa knocked out Hardy in a heavyweight bout that took place on last weekend’s UFC 264 pay-per-view card. Following the fight, Hardy shared a post on his own social media where he accepted the loss and congratulated Tuivasa on his win. Apparently, though, Hardy has been saying some negative remarks about the Aussie since then, and Tuivasa is having none of it. On Monday, the lovable heavyweight took to his Instagram where he posted a series of photos trashing Hardy and telling him to stop talking smack about him.