MMA News

Israel Adesanya
Joaquin Buckley

Israel Adesanya can't stand one ranked UFC welterweight: 'I hate him, bro'

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 16, 2025

Israel Adesanya is not a fan of one well-known UFC welterweight. This past Saturday, Kamaru Usman stepped inside the Octagon for the first time since Oct. 2023. After healing from nagging injuries, “The Nigerian Nightmare” faced Joaquin Buckley. Ahead of the UFC Atlanta main event, many felt that this would be another case of the old guard being phased out. Instead, Usman’s grappling gave “New Mansa” significant problems. While Buckley was dangerous in the final round, it wasn’t enough. Usman scored the unanimous decision victory.

Rodolfo Bellato and Paul Craig UFC Atlanta
UFC

UFC fighter denies flopping accusations following controversial bout ending

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 16, 2025

One UFC fighter who has been under heavy scrutiny from fans is denying claims that he flopped. Rodolfo Bellato shared the Octagon with seasoned veteran Paul Craig on the UFC Atlanta card on Saturday. Things took a turn at the end of the opening round. Craig connected with an illegal upkick. Bellato fell to the canvas, and it appeared he had been knocked out from the blow. This resulted in a no contest ruling. Fans have criticized Bellato, however, pointing out that he complained to the referee before he was seemingly unconscious.

Mario Bautista
UFC

Mario Bautista calls for big showdown with Umar Nurmagomedov

Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025

UFC contender Mario Bautista has called for a showdown with Umar Nurmagomedov after defeating Patchy Mix. At UFC 316, Mario Bautista defeated Patchy Mix in the latter’s promotional debut. It served as a real coming of age moment for Mario who, up to this point, hadn’t been getting a whole lot of notice or respect from casual MMA fans. Alas, it’s hard to deny that he’s a top contender now, and he’s ready to try and make a push for the title at 135 pounds.

Khalil Rountree
UFC

Khalil Rountree Jr admits struggles with jet lag ahead of UFC Baku

Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025

UFC light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr has admitted that he’s had struggles with jet lag ahead of UFC Baku. As we know, Khalil Rountree Jr is one of the top light heavyweight contenders in the UFC today. He’s coming off the back of an incredible performance over Alex Pereira and while he didn’t get the win and the gold, he certainly earned the respect of the masses. Now, he’s preparing to square off against Jamahal Hill in a highly anticipated main event at UFC Baku.

Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman

Francis Ngannou praises Kamaru Usman following his UFC Atlanta victory

Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025

Francis Ngannou has praised Kamaru Usman following the latter’s victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. In the main event of UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman reminded us all why he’s one of the best welterweights of all time. The former champion dominated Joaquin Buckley through most of their encounter, landing nasty ground and pound after a series of successful takedowns. While Buckley had a strong fifth round, it wasn’t enough to overcome ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ – who seemed to look like himself again.

Superbon
Superbon

Superbon gives advice to young rising star after deflating loss: "Never give up"

BJPENN.COM Staff - June 16, 2025

ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon has advised teenage Muay Thai phenom Johan Ghazali not to give up on his dreams following defeat at ONE Fight Night 32. “Jojo” played his part in an exciting flyweight Muay Thai duel with American striker Diego Paez on Friday, June 6, at Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. He ultimately lost a split decision. But Superbon advised him not to take the setback to heart.

Francis Ngannou and Eric Nicksick
Francis Ngannou

Eric Nicksick reveals Francis Ngannou's reaction to his UFC return comments

Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025

Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick has revealed Francis Ngannou’s reaction to his remarks suggesting he’s open to a UFC return. While he may have focused on boxing and PFL in recent years, Francis Ngannou is still recognized as a UFC legend. He’s a former heavyweight champion in the promotion and scored some of the most important knockouts in the company’s history.

Kamaru Usman Belal Muhammad
Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad reiterates his desire for showdown with rival Kamaru Usman

Harry Kettle - June 16, 2025

UFC star Belal Muhammad has reiterated his desire to fight rival Kamaru Usman at some point in the future. As we know, Belal Muhammad is a former UFC welterweight champion. He lost the belt to Jack Della Maddalena and since then, fans have been wondering what could be next for him. He’s unlikely to get an immediate title shot and instead, he’s been linked with fights against Kamaru Usman and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Ilia Topuria
UFC

Ilia Topuria reveals true reason he moved up to UFC lightweight division

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025

Ilia Topuria has unveiled the real reason behind his decision to move on from the featherweight division. Topuria is set to compete for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship on June 28. He’ll go one-on-one with former 155-pound titleholder Charles Oliveira. Since “El Matador” is moving up in weight to challenge for a title, he relinquished the featherweight championship.

Kamaru Usman takes Joaquin Buckley down
UFC

Joaquin Buckley speaks out following UFC Atlanta loss to Kamaru Usman

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025

Joaquin Buckley has issued a statement after suffering a unanimous decision loss at UFC Atlanta. Buckley took on former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. It was the highest-profile fight of Buckley’s career, and a win would’ve been put him closer than ever to a title opportunity. Ultimately, Usman’s grappling proved to be too much for “New Mansa.” While Buckley was able to thwart takedowns and land some clean shots in the final frame, it wasn’t enough to prevent the outcome.

Cody Garbrandt UFC Atlanta
UFC

Cody Garbrandt reacts following UFC Atlanta loss to Raoni Barcelos

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025

Cody Garbrandt fell short at UFC Atlanta, and he has spoken out following the loss. “No Love” shared the Octagon with Raoni Barcelos on the main card of UFC Atlanta. Garbrandt was hoping to rebound from a submission loss to Deiveson Figueiredo. While Garbrandt went the distance this time, he was unable to defeat Barcelos.

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato
UFC

Paul Craig reacts to controversial ending to UFC Atlanta fight

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025

Paul Craig has given his reaction to the aftermath of his controversial UFC Atlanta fight. Craig shared the Octagon with Rodolfo Bellato on Saturday. Before the end of the opening frame, Craig landed an illegal upkick on Bellato, which led to a no contest. Many argue that Bellato milked the foul by “flopping.”

Paul Craig's illegal upkick on Rodolfo Bellato
Rodolfo Bellato

Anthony Smith scolds UFC fighter for 'pretending' to be unconscious during controversial bout

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025

Anthony Smith thinks one UFC fighter was looking for a free win. If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to be hit with an illegal strike, it’s Smith. “Lionheart” was hit with an illegal knee from Jon Jones in their 2019 title fight. While Smith could’ve milked the foul, he refused to take the out and kept on fighting. Six years later, Smith served as a desk analyst for UFC Atlanta and he witnessed a bout that ended due to an illegal upkick.

Kamaru Usman
UFC

Kamaru Usman declares interest in UFC welterweight title shot after win over Joaquin Buckley

Harry Kettle - June 15, 2025

UFC star Kamaru Usman has made it crystal clear that he wants a welterweight title shot after his win over Joaquin Buckley. Last night, Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley and he did so in convincing fashion. While he had to survive a late scare in the fifth round, he spent the first four rounds dominating Buckley on the ground. It was a comprehensive performance that reminded everyone why he is one of the greatest welterweights of all time.

Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison staredown, UFC 316
Jon Anik

Jon Anik makes big claim about Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes superfight

Harry Kettle - June 15, 2025

UFC commentator Jon Anik has made an interesting claim regarding the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes fight. As we know, Kayla Harrison is the new UFC women’s bantamweight champion. She won the gold by defeating Julianna Pena, and she did so in pretty convincing circumstances. She was able to submit the former two-time champion and in doing so, further improved her legacy as one of the best female combat sports athletes of all time.

Belal Muhammad, Kamaru Usman, UFC, MMA
Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad teases Kamaru Usman fight after his UFC Atlanta victory

Harry Kettle - June 15, 2025

UFC star Belal Muhammad has teased a showdown with Kamaru Usman in the wake of the latter’s win at UFC Atlanta. Last night, Kamaru Usman got back in the win column. He was able to largely dominate Joaquin Buckley in their entertaining UFC Atlanta main event, and although Buckley was able to have a big round in the fifth, it wasn’t enough. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ went back to basics and proved that while he may be a veteran in this division, that doesn’t mean he’s done – not by a long shot.

Kamaru Usman, Joaquin Buckley, UFC Atlanta, Bonus, UFC
Kamaru Usman

UFC Atlanta Bonus Report: Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley earn FOTN honors

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2025

The Octagon returned to Georgia for tonight’s UFC Atlanta event, and four fighters wound up taking home performance bonuses. This evening’s fight card was headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight bout featuring Kamaru Usman taking on Joaquin Buckley. The contest proved to be a dominant showing from the former champion in Usman. Although Buckley was able to stuff some takedowns and land some heavy shots in the final round, it was far too little far too late for ‘New Mansa’. Kamaru Usman did a lot of damage while working from top position on the floor in the opening four rounds and after 25-minutes it was clear that he had done more than enough to earn his first victory since 2021.

Kamaru Usman, UFC, Dricus Du Plessis
Kamaru Usman

Pros react after Kamaru Usman defeats Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta

Chris Taylor - June 14, 2025

Tonight’s UFC Atlanta fight card was headlined by a highly anticipated welterweight matchup between Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley. Usman (21-4 MMA) had entered tonight’s contest with hopes of snapping a three-fight losing skid. The former welterweight kingpin had most previously competed in October of 2023, where he suffered a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ had tasted his most previous victory in November of 2021, when he successfully defended the promotion‘s welterweight title with a unanimous decision win over Colby Covington.