MMA News
Khalil Rountree vows to put on an "undeniable performance" against Jamahal Hill to earn a title shot
Cole Shelton - June 16, 2025
Khalil Rountree is looking to secure a title shot at UFC Baku. Rountree is set to take on Jamahal Hill in the main event of the Fight Night card on Saturday. It’s an intriguing matchup and one that Rountree enters as the betting favorite. Although Rountree is the favorite, he isn’t paying attention to that, as he’s just focused on his own performance.
Top lightweight contender claims he will serve as backup fighter for UFC 317 main event
BJ Penn Staff - June 16, 2025
If Charles Oliveira or Ilia Topuria is unable to make it to the Octagon for UFC 317, there is a backup plan in place. UFC 317 goes down on June 28 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Oliveira and Topuria will meet in the main event. The pair will battle for the lightweight title, which was recently vacated by long-time champion Islam Makhachev, who is headed up to welterweight. It’s one of the biggest fights of the year. As such, it would be a real disappointment if either man got injured and couldn’t compete. The good news is that, if that happens, Arman Tsarukyan will be ready to step in.
Payton Talbott booked for tough UFC 317 matchup after suffering first pro loss
BJ Penn Staff - June 16, 2025
Payton Talbott is set to return to action at UFC 317. Talbott, 26, started 2025 as one of the hottest prospects in MMA. However, he ended up losing his first pro fight at UFC 311 in January, when Brazilian veteran Raoni Barcelos beat him by decision. Talbott will look to put that experience behind him at UFC 317, which goes down on June 28 in Las Vegas. There, he’ll be taking on Felipe Lima of Brazil.
Coach compares skidding Sean O'Malley to former UFC stars Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal
BJ Penn Staff - June 16, 2025
Coach Tim Welch has made an interesting comparison between his star pupil Sean O’Malley and former UFC stars Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. O’Malley is the former UFC bantamweight champion, but lost his belt with a decision defeat to Georgia’s Merab Dvalishvili last September. He was then given a shot at redemption at UFC 316 earlier this month, but suffered an even worse defeat to Dvalishvili, this time tapping to a late submission.
Dana White calls Dustin Poirier 'one of the all-time greats' ahead of UFC 318 farewell fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 16, 2025
UFC CEO Dana White has major praise for Dustin Poirier before “The Diamond’s” swan song. Poirier is scheduled to have the final pro MMA fight of his career on July 19. He will have the hometown advantage, as the fight will be held in New Orleans. Poirier will meet a familiar foe in Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318.
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.
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 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.
Superlek turned fanboy for Rodtang vs. Takeru mega-fight: "I did secretly hope it would go a little bit longer"
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 16, 2025
ONE 172 in Japan this past March marked a monumental moment in combat sports. The world watched as former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon locked up with Takeru Segawa. The legendary duo’s collision course was almost two years in the making. All the hype, the ballyhoo. All for it to end in just 80 seconds after Rodtang drilled the Japanese icon with a magnetic left hook.
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 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.
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.
Paddy Pimblett reveals huge mistake Ilia Topuria's opponents make
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025
Paddy Pimblett believes he knows the key error that Ilia Topuria’s opponents have made. Topuria is undefeated in his pro MMA career thus far. He has a record of 16-0, and he’s the former UFC Featherweight Champion. “El Matador” secured massive victories over Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
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.
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 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.
Max Holloway has major plans if he ruins Dustin Poirier's retirement fight at UFC 318
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 15, 2025
Max Holloway has a colossal goal if he can defeat Dustin Poirier. Holloway is a beloved fighter in the UFC, but he will enter enemy territory at UFC 318. This will be Poirier’s final pro MMA fight, and it’ll be in New Orleans. That means “The Diamond” will be getting some hometown love from the fans. “Blessed” has been defeated by Poirier twice, but he realizes what a win in his third attempt would do for his ultimate goal.
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.