MMA News
Alexandre Pantoja understands the KO threat posed by Kai Kara-France
Harry Kettle - June 17, 2025
Alexandre Pantoja understands the threat he’ll be facing when he battles Kai Kara-France ahead of their upcoming title fight. In the co-main event of UFC 317 next weekend, Alexandre Pantoja will defend his UFC flyweight championship against Kai Kara-France. It’s the moment that KKF has been waiting a long time for and now, he’ll finally get the opportunity to battle it out for the belt.
Jamahal Hill doesn't think Khalil Rountree Jr is on his level ahead of UFC Baku
Harry Kettle - June 17, 2025
UFC star Jamahal Hill doesn’t believe that Khalil Rountree Jr is on his level ahead of their UFC Baku main event clash. This weekend, Jamahal Hill will attempt to get back in the win column. He’ll do so in a fascinating fight against Khalil Rountree Jr, pitting two elite light heavyweight contenders against each other. If one of them scores a convincing knockout, they may even be in the running for a championship opportunity again sooner rather than later.
Taiki Naito seeks to avenge coach in flyweight Muay Thai clash with Nong-O Hama
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 16, 2025
After a tough run of results, Japanese striking star Taiki Naito finally had his arm raised at ONE Fight Night 32. The moment marked a make-or-break performance against Colombian star Johan Estupinan. The #3-ranked flyweight kickboxing contender served Estupinan the first loss of his career. This happened on Friday, June 6, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium by majority decision.
Superlek responds to Yuki Yoza's callout: "I have versatility"
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 16, 2025
ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 never has a shortage of opponents. The most recent man to speak his name is promotional newcomer Yuki Yoza. And “The Kicking Machine” has expressed interest in a showdown with his fellow finisher. Yoza made his debut at ONE Friday Fights 109 in May. He outstruck Elbrus Osmanov in bantamweight kickboxing to earn a clinical unanimous decision. In turn, he handed the Russian the first defeat of his professional career.
Sean O'Malley has opponent in mind for next UFC fight, 'still confident' he can beat Merab Dvalisvhili
BJ Penn Staff - June 16, 2025
Sean O’Malley is still less than two weeks removed from a dejecting submission loss to Merab Dvalishvili, but the UFC star already thinking about his next fight. O’Malley met Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 316, in hopes of reclaiming the bantamweight title. However, he suffered a decisive submission loss to the champion. It was his second loss in a row to the Georgian, after surrendering the belt with a decision loss last September.
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.
UFC Atlanta salaries revealed: Rose Namajunas leads the way at $500k, as 12 fighters earn over 6 figures
Cole Shelton - June 16, 2025
The UFC was in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday for UFC Atlanta, where a welterweight fight headlined the card. Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley in the main event to pull off the upset. The co-main event saw former strawweight champ Rose Namajunas defeating Miranda Maverick at flyweight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.