MMA News
Leon Edwards believes Jorge Masvidal will "never" become UFC champion
Cole Shelton - February 16, 2021
Leon Edwards doesn’t like Jorge Masvidal’s chances to become UFC champion. Masvidal got his first UFC title shot on short notice at UFC 251 against Kamaru Usman and lost a decision. Since then, both men have hinted at a potential rematch. However, according to Leon Edwards, he believes Usman wins with ease every time.
Khamzat Chimaev flying to Las Vegas to receive medical care, hopes to fight by June
Cole Shelton - February 16, 2021
Khamzat Chimaev is en route to Las Vegas to receive medical care for his lingering effects from COVID-19. After Chimaev got COVID-19, his fight against Leon Edwards on January 20 was postponed until March 13. However, recently, it was revealed the fight was canceled again due to Chimaev still dealing with lingering effects from the virus.
Mike Perry set to return in April against Daniel Rodriguez
Cole Shelton - February 16, 2021
Mike Perry is set to return to the Octagon on April 10 against Daniel Rodriguez. FighterPath was the first to report the news of the booking and sources have confirmed to BJPENN.com that Perry vs. Rodriguez is set for April 10.
Leon Edwards wants Colby Covington to step up and fight him: "Stop being a b*tch"
Adam Martin - February 16, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards wants Colby Covington to step up and fight him in March, telling his rival to “stop being a b*tch.” Edwards was set to fight Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card on March 13. Unfortunately, Chimaev was forced to withdraw from the fight due to complications from COVID-19. That means that Edwards is currently without an opponent, with UFC president Dana White suggesting most recently that he fight Covington. When White said that it was a bit of a surprise because many assumed Covington and Jorge Masvidal would be coaching TUF 29. However, it appears that the promotion has other plans, and that means Edwards vs. Covington is the desired booking.
Jake Paul plans to lure Conor McGregor into fight by "embarrassing" Nate Diaz
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Jake Paul plans to lure Conor McGregor into a boxing match by first “embarrassing” McGregor’s long-time rival Nate Diaz. Paul, who became a celebrity on YouTube, is gearing up for an eight-round professional boxing match with former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion Ben Askren. While that challenge is currently occupying most of his focus, he’s made it very clear that he wants to fight McGregor down the road.
Maycee Barber says UFC 258 loss "was a bitter pill to swallow," eyes May return
Cole Shelton - February 16, 2021
Maycee Barber’s return to the Octagon did not go her way. In the co-main event of UFC 258, Barber fought Alexa Grasso in her first fight since she lost to Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 246 in a fight she also tore her ACL. Entering the scrap, Barber didn’t think ring rust would be a factor but admits she had a hard time finding her timing in the first two rounds.
Marcin Tybura returns to the Octagon at UFC 260 against Blagoy Ivanov
Adam Martin - February 16, 2021
A heavyweight bout between top-15 ranked contenders Marcin Tybura and Blagoy Ivanov is the latest addition to the UFC 260 pay-per-view card. Tybura and Ivanov will clash on the UFC 260 undercard and is a welcome addition to the event given it’s a battle between two ranked fighters. The event takes place on March 27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is headlined by UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic’s rematch against Francis Ngannou. WP Sportowe Fakty broke the news.
Gilbert Burns issues positive statement after loss to Kamaru Usman: "I'll be back!"
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Gilbert Burns has issued a statement after his loss to UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Burns, the UFC’s No. 1-ranked welterweight, challenged Usman for the welterweight strap in the main event of UFC 258 last weekend. Despite a strong start, he was ultimately stopped by the champion in round three.
Gina Carano says she found out about Lucasfilm firing on social media
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Colby Covington accuses Jorge Masvidal of turning down TUF gig, multiple fight dates
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Colby Covington claims Jorge Masvidal turned down a coaching gig on The Ultimate Fighter and subsequent June fight. Covington and Masvidal were once close friends and training partners, but have since become two of the fiercest rivals in all of mixed martial arts.
Dana White hoping for sold-out UFC events by the summer in Florida or Las Vegas
Adam Martin - February 16, 2021
UFC president Dana White said that the world’s leading MMA promotion is hoping to host sold-out arenas of MMA fans by the summer of 2021. The UFC has not been able to host a house full of fans since UFC 248 in March 2020. The coronavirus pandemic led to the promotion literally shutting its doors for two months only to return in May 2020 in Florida for a series of events. The promotion has been able to hold events back in Las Vegas and in Abu Dhabi for the last nine months, but for the most part, fans have not been allowed except for a select few who were allowed into Fight Island. The UFC has not held a sold-out show with fans in a year.
Alexa Grasso responds to Ronda Rousey comparison from UFC boss Dana White
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
UFC flyweight contender Alexa Grasso has responded after UFC President Dana White compared her to Ronda Rousey. Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is one of the biggest stars in MMA history, having parlayed her success in the Octagon into mainstream endorsement deals, Hollywood film roles and more.
Colby Covington responds to rumored Leon Edwards fight
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Colby Covington has responded to the rumors about a potential welterweight contender fight with Leon Edwards. Edwards was slated to return to the cage against unranked prospect Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of a card on March 13. Regrettably, Chimaev was forced out of the fight due to health issues stemming from a previous COVID-19 infection, leaving Edwards without an opponent.
Darren Till vs. Marvin Vettori betting odds released
Adam Martin - February 16, 2021
The opening betting odds have been released for the upcoming middleweight bout between top-ranked contenders Darren Till and Marvin Vettori. Till and Vettori will meet on April 10 at a UFC Fight Night card at a location that’s TBD. Till is ranked No. 4 and Vettori is ranked No. 5 in the UFC at 185lbs, so the winner of this bout will surely be in the conversation for a future title shot in the UFC middleweight division. With Till vs. Vettori now officially booked, the oddsmakers were quick to release the betting odds for this upcoming matchup. Check them out below (via BestFightOdds).
Alexa Grasso could be the best boxer in women's MMA, says Daniel Cormier
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
UFC flyweight contender Alexa Grasso received some high praise from UFC commentator Daniel Cormier after her latest win. Grasso, 27, returned to action in the co-main event of UFC 258 last Saturday, picking up a clear-cut decision victory over highly regarded prospect Maycee Barber.
Colby Covington reacts to Kamaru Usman's win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 258
Tom Taylor - February 16, 2021
Outspoken UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has shared his initial reaction to the recent Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns fight. Usman, the UFC welterweight champion, fought Burns, the No. 1-ranked welterweight contender in the main event of UFC 258 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Usman was dropped early in the fight, but ultimately rallied for a third-round TKO win to defend his title.
ESPN issues statement after Dana White makes controversial comments about Ariel Helwani
Christopher Taylor - February 15, 2021
ESPN has issued a statement after UFC President Dana White made some controversial comments about journalist Ariel Helwani. The story starts with women’s mixed martial arts icon Gina Carano.
Dana White on Alexa Grasso: "We thought she was going to be the Ronda Rousey of Mexico"
Adam Martin - February 15, 2021
UFC president Dana White spoke highly about flyweight Alexa Grasso, saying that “we thought she was going to be the Ronda Rousey of Mexico.” Grasso had a phenomenal performance at UFC 258 this past Saturday as she was able to win a unanimous decision over Maycee Barber in the co-main event. With the win, Grasso improves to 5-3 overall in the UFC, including a perfect 2-0 mark since moving up to flyweight. After struggling to go on a winning streak while fighting at 115lbs, it appears the young Mexican fighter has figured out that her proper weight class is at 125lbs. If she looks as good as she did against Barber, the 27-year-old Grasso could make a run for the flyweight belt.
GSP explains what makes Kamaru Usman so dominant: "He's the best at what he does"
Adam Martin - February 15, 2021
MMA legend Georges St-Pierre explained what makes UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman so good, saying “he’s the best at what he does.” GSP was a guest on Sportsnet’s “Good Show” and praised Usman for his incredible performance against Gilbert Burns at UFC 258, where he knocked out the No. 1 contender in the third round of their main event fight for his 13th straight win in the UFC. Although GSP admitted that he’s not interested in fighting Usman for a variety of reasons, he couldn’t help but be in awe of what Usman did to Burns. During the interview, “Rush” analyzed Usman’s performance against Burns and compared his own fighting style to the champ’s.