MMA News
Gilbert Burns says he and Kamaru Usman have gone at it in 'over 200 rounds sparring'
Drake Riggs - January 26, 2021
The next UFC welterweight title tilt will feature two men who are very familiar with each other. And according to the challenger in that bout, Gilbert Burns, it’s as if he and Kamaru Usman have already fought 40 times at the minimum. Originally set to square off at UFC 251 in July 2020, Gilbert Burns would be forced out of the matchup after testing positive for COVID-19. Thus leading to Jorge Masvidal jumping into his place.
Patricio Pitbull: Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez success showing the "power of Bellator"
Adam Martin - January 26, 2021
Patricio Pitbull says that the success of Michael Chandler and Eddie Alvarez in the UFC is showing the “power of Bellator.” Chandler had an amazing UFC debut last weekend at UFC 257 when he brutally knocked out the typically-durable Dan Hooker with punches in the first round. Heading into the UFC, there were many question marks about the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, but Chandler’s win over Hooker showed that he is an elite fighter. And if you think Chandler is good, just remember Pitbull knocked him out in June 2019. Both men are proof Bellator is home to some of the sport’s elite.
Fedor Emelianenko released from hospital after battle with COVID-19
Drake Riggs - January 26, 2021
MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko’s lone fight since 2019 has happened to come against the global threat that is COVID-19. As of Monday, the Russian icon is reportedly in much better condition. Last Thursday, news broke that Emelianenko was hospitalized in Moscow as he attended a location specialing in COVID-19 treatment.
Michael Bisping says Jake Paul, Ben Askren and Dillon Danis are "an insult to the sweet science"
Andrew Whitelaw - January 26, 2021
Michael Bisping has never been one to hold back on his opinions. The outspoken Brit delivered plenty of classic lines during his time as a fighter and it’s no surprise that he’s now making a handsome living as a podcaster, commentator and analyst.
Georges St-Pierre "very surprised" Conor McGregor lost, offers some advice on how he can bounce back
Cole Shelton - January 26, 2021
Georges St-Pierre thought Conor McGregor would beat Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. Entering the fight, McGregor was the betting favorite and many thought he would KO Poirier again. However, that is far from what happened as “The Diamond” used leg kicks to hurt the Irishman and then went up top to knock him out which shocked St-Pierre.
Firas Zahabi believes Conor McGregor "gave up" against Dustin Poirier
Cole Shelton - January 26, 2021
Firas Zahabi thinks when the going gets tough for Conor McGregor he gives up and believes that was the case against Dustin Poirier. In the main event of UFC 257, McGregor made his return to the Octagon to rematch Poirier. Early on in the fight, the Irishman had success and landed a solid shut that stunned Poirier. However, “The Diamond” started to leg kick McGregor and after the Irishman’s leg went “dead” Poirier went up top and knocked him out.
Jake Paul set to train with Jorge Masvidal ahead of Ben Askren fight
Adam Martin - January 26, 2021
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to train with UFC superstar Jorge Masvidal ahead of his upcoming boxing match with Ben Askren. Askren was absolutely brutalized by Masvidal at UFC 239 in July 2019, when “Gamebred” rushed across the Octagon and KOed Askren with a fly knee just as he ducked down for a takedown attempt. It was the quickest KO in UFC history at five seconds and ever since then, Askren has been the butt-end of memes due to the quick loss. With Askren now set to take on Paul on April 17 in a boxing match, what better fighter to train with than the man who has his number, and that’s Masvidal.
Ben Saunders hopes to sign with a promotion soon and be active to earn way back into the UFC
Cole Shelton - January 26, 2021
Despite not fighting in 2020, Ben Saunders knows his year wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. After Saunders was knocked out by Matt Brown at UFC 245, his contract with the UFC was over and they chose not to re-sign him. The hope for the veteran was to quickly sign with another promotion and get back to the UFC. However, like most people’s 2020, Saunders’ year did not go as planned as no opportunities came up. With his dad battling a rare form of blood cancer, it also put Saunders in a difficult spot.
Conor McGregor could hear Thiago Alves encouraging Dustin Poirier to kicks his legs
Adam Martin - January 26, 2021
UFC superstar Conor McGregor says he could hear Thiago Alves in the corner of Dustin Poirier encouraging him to kick his legs. McGregor was knocked out by Poirier in the second round of their fight with punches, but all those nasty low kicks Poirier landed before the finishing blows contributed to the knockout. The Irishman’s mobility became severely limited from the low kicks and they directly contributed to the win. Poirier, of course, comes from American Top Team, where many fighters utilize leg kicks to great success. One of ATT’s most notorious low kickers was Alves, the former UFC welterweight who is now a coach.
Ben Askren promises to show off boxing skills against Jake Paul: "I'm going to beat him up"
Adam Martin - January 26, 2021
MMA fighter-turned boxer Ben Askren promised to show off his boxing skills against Jake Paul, boldly predicting he will beat up the YouTuber. Askren vs. Paul was officially announced on Tuesday. The two will meet in the boxing ring on April 17 in a blockbuster PPV being promoted by Triller. It’s Paul’s third professional boxing match, while for Askren it’s his first boxing bout. Of course, Askren is an experienced MMA fighter, but he was always known for his grappling skills, not his striking. That’s why so many fans seem to think this might be a very bad idea for Askren, going in there against a younger fighter with a lot of power.
UFC belt Colby Covington gave Donald Trump appraised at $650
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
The UFC championship belt that Colby Covington gave former United States President Donald Trump is reportedly worth just $650. Covington is one of several dedicated Trump supporters on the UFC roster, but certainly the most vocal. In fact, the welterweight star’s unwavering support of the former President actually earned him a trip to the White House in 2018, not long after he defeated Rafael dos Anjos by decision to capture the UFC’s interim welterweight title.
Chael Sonnen explains what went wrong for Conor McGregor at UFC 257
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
Former UFC and Bellator MMA star Chael Sonnen has shared his thoughts on what went wrong for Conor McGregor against Dustin Poirier. McGregor and Poirier met in the main event of UFC 257 this past weekend. The bout was a rematch of a 2014 fight that McGregor won by first-round knockout. The second time around, Poirier crippled McGregor with leg kicks and ultimately stopped him with a storm of punches in the second round.
Pros react to Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren boxing match announcement
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
The pros had some interesting reactions to the newly announced boxing match between YouTuber Jake Paul and former MMA champ Ben Askren. Paul and Askren are slated to collide on pay-per-view on April 17. The pair will fight for eight rounds in ten-ounce gloves. The bout will not be an exhibition, but a professional bout.
Michael Bisping shares his thoughts on why Conor McGregor lost at UFC 257
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his thoughts on why Conor McGregor lost to Dustin Poirier. McGregor and Poirier met in the main event of UFC 257 this past weekend. The bout was a rematch of a 2014 fight that McGregor won by first-round knockout.
WWE star Sheamus says Conor McGregor will move to pro wrestling: "It's a matter of when"
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
WWE star Sheamus believes his fellow Irishman Conor McGregor will ultimately migrate to pro wrestling, it’s only a question of when. McGregor returned from a year-long layoff at UFC 257 last Saturday, succumbing to strikes for the first time in his mixed martial arts career opposite Dustin Poirier.
World champions headline biggest PFL season yet
bjpenndotcom - January 26, 2021
There’s a lot to look forward to as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) gets ready for its 2021 season, which kicks off in April. In just three short years, the PFL has evolved from an up-and-coming promotion into one of the industry’s biggest power players, just behind the UFC.
Darren Till targeted to take on fellow middleweight contender Marvin Vettori on April 10
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
Darren Till and Marvin Vettori, the two top middleweights out of Europe at present, are targeted to collide on April 10. The bout will serve as the card’s headliner, and be contested over five rounds. News of this matchup was first reported by ESPN, the official broadcast partner of the UFC.
Georges St-Pierre opens up on missed Khabib Nurmagomedov superfight
Tom Taylor - January 26, 2021
Former two-division UFC champion Georges St-Pierre has opened up on a long-discussed superfight with UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, which now seems impossible. Nurmagomedov, 29-0, announced his retirement from MMA in October, after defeating Justin Gaethje via submission. However, Nurmagomedov had long expressed interest in fighting St-Pierre—who is also retired—in his 30th and final MMA fight.