MMA News
Ariane da Silva released by UFC after medical issue and UFC 316 defeat
Harry Kettle - June 12, 2025
UFC veteran Ariane da Silva has reportedly been released by the promotion in the wake of her loss to Wang Cong. Back in early 2019, Ariane da Silva made her debut for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The Polish sensation came into the company with a great deal of hype but unfortunately, she was never quite able to live up to that. While she made a real name for herself with KSW, she was far too inconsistent inside the Octagon. Still, she had a lot of heart, and that led to her continually getting booked in interesting matchups.
Mike Perry issues warning to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr regarding Jake Paul’s boxing power
Harry Kettle - June 12, 2025
BKFC star Mike Perry has issued a warning to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr regarding the surprising power of his former foe Jake Paul. As we know, Jake Paul is a pretty interesting character within the world of professional boxing. While many expected him to falter in a big way when transitoning over to the sport, he’s managed to carve out a niche career for himself in the influencer boxing space. Now, we’re at the point where ‘The Problem Child’ is perhaps one of the biggest names in the entire sport.
Chatri Sityodtong names Marcelo Garcia "one of the greatest of all time"
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 12, 2025
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia has long been regarded as one of the greatest submission artists the sport has ever seen. Even after being forced to retire in 2011, the grappling world had not forgotten him. One of those who has admired the Brazilian submission star is ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. The promotion’s frontman also holds a black belt in BJJ, having earned it from renowned combat sports icon Renzo Gracie.
Taiki Naito calls on Takeru for all-Japanese showdown
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 11, 2025
Taiki Naito looked back to his best at ONE Fight Night 32 this past Friday, June 6. Now he believes he’s once again ready to take on the biggest names in the world. “Silent Sniper” unleashed a counter-striking clinic versus Johan Estupinan inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, winning by majority decision. In doing so, he served the Colombian star the first loss of his career. He also gave himself a much needed confidence boost.
Jon Jones reveals his UFC Mount Rushmore — with a few controversial snubs
BJ Penn Staff - June 11, 2025
Who would appear on the MMA version of Mount Rushmore? Every fight fan has their answers, and now UFC legend Jon Jones has shared his. Jones was asked for his MMA Mount Rushmore by a YouTube channel called Vic Blends. The question, which is very common in MMA, essentially boils down to this: Who are the four best—or perhaps most influential—fighters in MMA history?
Merab Dvalishvili reveals generous wedding gift for Aljamain Sterling following UFC 316 win
BJ Penn Staff - June 11, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling are two of the best bantamweights in UFC history. Interestingly, they’re also close friends and training partners. Sterling held the UFC bantamweight belt first. He won it with a disqualification against Petr Yan in 2021, and then defended it three times, against Yan, TJ Dillashaw and Henry Cejudo. He ultimately lost the belt to Sean O’Malley, who went on to lose the belt to Dvalishvili.
Rose Namajunas responds to critics of flyweight move ahead of UFC Atlanta: 'I am better'
BJ Penn Staff - June 11, 2025
Rose Namajunas is well aware that a lot of UFC fans are skeptical of her run in the flyweight division. Namajunas is a legend of women’s MMA. Almost all of her pro career has occurred in the UFC. In the Octagon, she is a two-time strawweight champion, with wins over Zhang Weili (twice), Joanna Jedrzejczyk (twice) and Jessica Andrade. She may just be the best fighter in the strawweight division’s history.
Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs Joaquin Buckley
Cole Shelton - June 11, 2025
In the main event of UFC Atlanta, a welterweight bout goes down as former champion Kamaru Usman returns to the Octagon to take on Joaquin Buckley. Heading into the fight, Usman is a +210 underdog while ‘New Mansa’ is a -280 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap at UFC Atlanta, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the intriguing welterweight bout. The pros believe Buckley will get his hand raised as they think Usman’s layoff and age will hurt him too much while Buckley is rolling.
Cody Garbrandt still chasing 'huge fight' against Sean O'Malley
Cole Shelton - June 11, 2025
Cody Garbrandt is still interested in fighting Sean O’Malley as he believes it would be a massive fight. Garbrandt and O’Malley are both former bantamweight champions who have feuded in the past. As Garbrandt was dropping down to flyweight, he and O’Malley got into with ‘Suga’ at the UFC 269 press conference, as the two even had a faceoff.
Joaquin Buckley would 'quit' against Sean Brady, says UFC middleweight contender
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 11, 2025
One streaking UFC middleweight contender believes Joaquin Buckley is no match for Sean Brady. Buckley is preparing for the biggest fight of his pro MMA career. He will collide with former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman. The pivotal 170-pound clash will headline UFC Atlanta on Saturday.
Kamaru Usman reveals major plans following UFC Atlanta fight with Joaquin Buckley
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 11, 2025
Kamaru Usman is shooting for the stars if he can secure a win at UFC Atlanta. Usman is set to return to the Octagon after being out of action since Oct. 2023. “The Nigerian Nightmare” had been healing from some nagging injuries. He’ll jump right back into the fire against the No. 7-ranked Joaquin Buckley. The former UFC Welterweight Champion is an underdog going into the bout on Saturday, but he isn’t interested in hearing about it.
Patchy Mix learned harsh lesson in his UFC debut, says popular retired fighter
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 11, 2025
Patchy Mix had a rough go in his UFC debut, and a former standup warrior thinks a harsh lesson was learned. Mix shared the Octagon with Mario Bautista on the main card of UFC 316 in Newark. The former Bellator Bantamweight Champion entered the bout with some buzz. Bautista was the No. 10-ranked 135-pounder going into the bout. Mix was outgunned throughout the fight and ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Merab Dvalishvili's coach gives thoughts on when Sean O'Malley began to break at UFC 316
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili’s coach believes he has pinpointed the moment when Sean O’Malley began to break at UFC 316. Last weekend, Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his UFC bantamweight championship. He did so with yet another phenomenal performance which ended with him submitting Sean O’Malley in the third round. While many felt as if him winning was likely, a lot of people thought it would come via decision. Instead, he stepped things up and managed to get the finish.
Joaquin Buckley doesn't believe Islam Makhachev will want to fight him
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2025
UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley doesn’t believe Islam Makhachev would be interested in fighting him. As we know, Joaquin Buckley has been surging up through the welterweight division. He’s been picking up a parade of big wins as of late and now, he’s gearing up for his biggest challenge to date. On Saturday night, he will lock horns with Kamaru Usman – one of the best welterweight champions of all time.
Sean O'Malley gives in-depth thoughts on his UFC 316 loss to Merab Dvalishvili
Harry Kettle - June 11, 2025
UFC star Sean O’Malley has given his in-depth thoughts on his recent UFC 316 defeat at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili. Last weekend, Sean O’Malley attempted to regain the UFC bantamweight championship in his rematch with Merab Dvalishvili. Unfortunately for him, he came up short, losing via submission in the third round. As a result of the defeat, many have been left to wonder what exactly is going to be next for him in the promotion.
Ben Tynan faces biggest test yet in Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 34
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 11, 2025
Unbeaten Canadian star Ben Tynan has defeated every fighter ONE Championship has put in front of him. But his next opponent is no pushover. “Vanilla Thunder” takes on former ONE World Title challenger Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis. The heavyweight MMA collision goes down on Friday, August 1, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Michael Chiesa not hiding game plan against Court McGee at UFC Atlanta: "I'll stick to my strengths, it's no secret what that is"
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2025
Michael Chiesa is glad to fight a veteran like Court McGee at UFC Atlanta. Chiesa was rumored to be fighting in Seattle earlier this year, but it didn’t come to fruition. Although he was disappointed not to fight at home, he says this timeline is better for him.
Kamaru Usman hopeful to face Islam Makhachev before he retires: "Another blockbuster before I sail off"
Cole Shelton - June 10, 2025
Kamaru Usman would like the chance to fight Islam Makhachev before his career is up. Makhachev is set to move up to the welterweight division after vacating his lightweight belt. The former lightweight champ wants to win a second belt, and although he’s no longer the champ, Usman has his eyes set on him.