MMA News
Diego Sanchez details difficulties finding ‘the kill zone’ in fight with Michel Pereira
Natasha Hooper - February 28, 2020
Diego Sanchez came up short against Michel Pereira this month at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in Rio Rancho. Pereira appeared to have the upper hand until he struck his opponent with an illegal knee that changed the course of action. Sanchez decided not to continue the bout and was awarded a disqualification victory.
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira says Shogun Rua trilogy will be his 'farewell fight'
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira expects to end his legendary career at UFC 250 when he has his trilogy fight against Shogun Rua. Nogueira hasn’t fought since he was knocked out by Ryan Spann back at UFC 237. The 43-year-old Brazilian legend is just 4-6 in his last 10, so he says this fight against Rua will be his farewell fight.
Dustin Poirier hints at main event fight against Dan Hooker
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020
Dustin Poirier has hinted at his next fight on social media. Poirier has been campaigning for a scrap for weeks and now has taken to Twitter to hint at a possible main event fight against Dan Hooker. The Kiwi, of course, had stated that he would like to fight Poirier, if Justin Gaethje was not available.
Umar Nurmagomedov, Khabib's cousin, makes Octagon debut at UFC 249
Alfredo Zullino - February 27, 2020
Another member of the Nurmagomedov family is joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship ranks, and it’s Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of current and undisputed promotion’s lightweight belt-holder, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Just like his cousin, Umar is still undefeated in his professional mixed martial arts career, holding a record of 12 victories and no losses.
Troy Worthen recounts his journey from Central Florida to the bright lights of ONE Championship
Tom Taylor - February 27, 2020
Troy Worthen was in line to ride Doctor Doom’s Fearfall at Universal Studios in Orlando when he got an email that changed his life. Several weeks prior, he applied to try out for Evolve MMA, a famed fight team based in Singapore — a world away from his Central Florida home. As he waited to get on the ride, he finally heard back.
Khaos Williams eyes return at UFC Columbus following 'dream come true' debut
Mike Heck - February 27, 2020
After getting a short notice call to make his Octagon debut at UFC 247, Khaos Williams made a big statement in a short amount of time in Houston. Williams stepped in on less than two weeks notice to replace the injured Dhiego Lima and finished Alex Morono with a vicious KO in just 27 seconds. In a night of controversial judging and scorecards, the 25-year-old Michigan native left no question unanswered.
Chael Sonnen defends Deontay Wilder corner stoppage
Mike Pendleton - February 27, 2020
After his fight against Tyson Fury was stopped in the seventh round by his corner and trainer Mark Breland, Deontay Wilder was visibly upset. He’s even considering removing Breland from his team. While some have understood Wilder’s desire to “go out on his shield” many have criticized him for his reaction towards Breland and now another name is being added to that list.
Tito Ortiz reacts to Alberto Del Rio win being overturned
Tom Taylor - February 27, 2020
Tito Ortiz is not happy that his recent win over Alberto Del Rio has been overturned. Ortiz and Del Rio fought in the Combate Americas cage in late 2019. Ortiz wagered his UFC title on the matchup, while Del Rio promised to give his WWE belt to Ortiz in defeat. In the end, it was Ortiz that walked away with a new belt, as he defeated Del Rio via first-round submission.
Weili Zhang details arduous three-week journey from China to US
Tom Taylor - February 27, 2020
UFC strawweight champ Weili Zhang has made it to the United States for her UFC 248 title defense against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, but the journey was not easy. Zhang’s homeland is still reeling from the headline-dominating novel coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed many lives and caused complicated travel restrictions worldwide. These restrictions made it extremely difficult for Zhang to make it to the US, and left her feeling like a “refugee.”
Duke Roufus says he asked Dana White for Paul Felder vs. Dan Hooker rematch in Dublin
Mike Pendleton - February 27, 2020
Following a split decision loss to Dan Hooker, Paul Felder had a brief moment where he considered retirement. Yet Felder’s head coach Duke Roufus believes we’ll see “The Irish Dragon” back in the Octagon. Furthermore, Roufus believes Felder and Hooker could run it back and had an interesting suggestion for that potential rematch. Speaking on The Luke Thomas Show on Sirius XM, Roufus discussed the fight and emotion behind the loss for Felder.
UFC Norfolk | Pro fighters make their picks for Joseph Benavidez vs. Deiveson Figueiredo title fight
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020
In the main event of UFC Norfolk, the vacant flyweight title is on the line as Joseph Benavidez battles Deiveson Figueiredo. Heading into the fight, Benavidez is a slight -145 favorite while the Brazilian is a +115 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning towards Joseph Benavidez finally becoming a UFC champion but they realize how dangerous Deiveson Figueiredo is.
Cat Zingano strips down, opens up on struggles with Breast Implant Illness
Tom Taylor - February 27, 2020
Former UFC bantamweight title challenger Cat Zingano has opened up on her struggles with Breast Implant Illness, a condition that can affect people who have undergone breast augmentation surgeries. According to Surgery.org, BII is “a term used by women who have breast implants and who self-identify and describe a variety of symptoms including (but not limited to) fatigue, chest pain, hair loss, headaches, chills, photosensitivity, chronic pain, rash, body odor, anxiety, brain fog, sleep disturbance, depression, neurologic issues and hormonal issues that they feel are directly connected to their saline or silicone, textured or smooth breast implants.”
Deiveson Figueiredo plans to finish Joseph Benavidez inside two rounds and send him into retirement
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2020
Deiveson Figueiredo is confident he will become the UFC’s flyweight champion on Saturday. In the main event of UFC Norfolk, Figueiredo will battle Joseph Benavidez for the vacant flyweight title. When the Brazilian got the news that he would be fighting for the belt he knew it meant he could finally achieve his goal of being a UFC champion.
VIDEO | Watch UFC 248 headliner Yoel Romero destroy Chris Weidman with a flying knee
Natasha Hooper - February 27, 2020
https://youtu.be/oyZ6k6BJHok Yoel Romero will look to usurp the UFC middleweight throne when he takes on the division’s current champion, Israel Adesanya, in the main event of UFC 248 on March 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Report | Physician with ties to UFC legends charged in money laundering scheme worth over $120 million
Harry Kettle - February 27, 2020
A physician with notable links to UFC legends and veterans has been charged in a money laundering scheme worth over $120 million. As confirmed by the United States Department of Justice in a statement yesterday and initially reported by MMA Fighting, 65-year-old Francisco Patino has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, in addition to one count of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
VIDEO | A 2018 interview with Joe Rogan appears to debunk Deontay Wilder’s costume excuse
Harry Kettle - February 27, 2020
A 2018 interview between Deontay Wilder and Joe Rogan appears to debunk Wilder’s theory that his heavy costume played a role in his loss last weekend. The combat sports world was stunned on Saturday night when Deontay Wilder was comprehensively beaten by his rival Tyson Fury, with “The Gypsy King” securing the finish in the seventh round after knocking the previously unbeaten “Bronze Bomber” down twice in the third and fifth rounds of the fight.
Zabit Magomedsharipov on cardio concerns: 'I wouldn't say that I've got the best endurance'
Cole Shelton - February 26, 2020
Zabit Magomedsharipov knows he doesn’t have the best cardio out there. Magomedsharipov was hounded on his cardio after he appeared to fade in the middle of the second round against Jeremy Stephens and Calvin Kattar, which are his past two fights. Yet, the Russian knows he doesn’t have the best endurance but says he still can go five rounds.
Chael Sonnen shares 5 potential phrases explaining why Ortiz vs Del Rio was changed to a no-decision
Cole Shelton - February 26, 2020
Chael Sonnen has five possible phrases why Tito Ortiz and Alberto Del Rio’s fight was ruled a no-decision. Before the fight took place, he said it would be fixed. So, of course, topping his list is the fact that the fight was fake and the Texas commission found out.