MMA News
With the title out of mind, Chan Sung Jung just wants two wins in 2021
Drake Riggs - January 14, 2021
“The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung was on the cusp of a title shot heading into his highly anticipated clash with Brian Ortega. Now he’s back to square one. Jung’s first and only crack at UFC gold came in 2014 when he took on Jose Aldo at UFC 163. Unfortunately for one of Korea’s finest, a dislocated shoulder spelled his demise in round four. After that, Jung did his service in the Korean army before returning to MMA in 2017.
Georges St-Pierre says Khabib Nurmagomedov fight "freaking excites me"
Adam Martin - January 14, 2021
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre admitted in a new interview that a matchup against Khabib Nurmagomedov “freaking excites me.” Nurmagomedov will meet with UFC president Dana White this week in Abu Dhabi to talk about his fighting future. It’s expected that White will try and convince him to return to the Octagon fight Conor McGregor in a rematch should he beats Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. However, Nurmagomedov has said in the past that his one dream fight in MMA is a superfight with the legend GSP. White has also admitted that he likes that fight, though it ultimately comes down to both men signing the contract.
Jon Jones sends a warning to other fighters ahead of UFC heavyweight debut
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2021
Jon Jones has sent a warning to fighters ahead of his heavyweight debut. Jones vacated the light heavyweight title in the summer as “Bones” made it clear he wanted to move up to heavyweight. He has since been posting photos of him bulking up and waiting for the fight but now he has sent a message to future opponents.
Michael Chandler reveals "every single one of them in the top-five, besides Conor" turned him down
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2021
Michael Chandler had a hard time getting someone to fight him in his UFC debut. In the co-main event of UFC 257, Chandler will finally make the walk to the Octagon for the first time against Dan Hooker. It is a top-10 opponent for the former Bellator lightweight champion, but not a top-five guy he wanted.
Conor McGregor claims Khabib Nurmagomedov "didn't want the fight"
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2021
Conor McGregor wanted to rematch Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020, however, the Irishman claims the lightweight champ didn’t want the fight. Entering 2020, McGregor had a plan of a three-fight season that started with Donald Cerrone and ended with the rematch with Nurmagomedov. However, due to a variety of reasons, it did not come to fruition. Now, it appears the rematch may never happen and McGregor says that is on Nurmagomedov.
BREAKING: Ryan Hall to make return to the Octagon against Dan Ige on March 13
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2021
Ryan Hall is back. Multiple sources have confirmed to BJPENN.com that Ryan Hall and Dan Ige is agreed to for March 13 with contracts having already been sent out. The event currently does not have a location.
Conor McGregor explains how he's changed since MMA career began
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
Former two-division UFC Conor McGregor says he’s matured since he began his mixed martial arts journey back in 2007. McGregor is currently gearing up for a lightweight showdown with No. 2-ranked contender Dustin Poirier, which will headline the UFC 257 card on January 23.
Khamzat Chimaev re-opens as betting favorite for Leon Edwards fight
Adam Martin - January 14, 2021
The betting odds for the new booking between welterweights Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev features Chimaev opening as the favorite this time. Edwards and Chimaev were previously set to fight at UFC Vegas 17 in Las Vegas and then on January 20 in Fight Island. The first time the betting odds opened up, Edwards opened as the favorite with Chimaev as the underdog, but bettors quickly scooped up the plus-money on Chimaev and the line flipped the other way. With Edwards and Chimaev now re-booked to fight again on March 13, the oddsmakers were quick to re-open the line. Only this time, Chimaev opened up as the favorite.
UFC, USADA will no longer punish athletes for marijuana use
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
The UFC and its official anti-doping partner, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), have made a long overdue to change to their positions on marijuana use among professional fighters. On Thursday, the promotion and the agency announced that, going forward, fighters will not be penalized if carboxy-THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, appears on their drug tests.
Conor McGregor: Manny Pacquiao talks "intensifying," fight could happen "this year"
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor believes he’ll meet Manny Pacquiao in the boxing ring before the year is over. McGregor is currently gearing up for a fight with the UFC’s No. 2-ranked lightweight contender, Dustin Poirier, which will headline the UFC 257 card on January 23.
Michael Bisping wants more accountability for MMA judges: "One judge’s decision can change your life"
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping wants MMA judges to be held accountable for their errors. The former champ weighed in on the topic on a recent episode of his Believe You Me podcast, first criticizing the oft-used MMA adage “never leave it in the hands of judges.”
Pro fighters make their picks for Max Holloway vs. Calvin Kattar
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2021
In the main event of UFC Fight Island 7, Max Holloway looks to return to the win column when he battles Calvin Kattar. Heading into the fight, the Hawaiian is a -160 favorite while Kattar is a +130 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. To some surprise, all the fighters are unanimous in thinking Max Holloway gets his hand raised.
Conor McGregor plotting "a good stint" at lightweight, Nate Diaz trilogy
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor says he intends to continue competing in the lightweight division for the foreseeable future. McGregor has competed in three weight-classes in the UFC. He began his run with the promotion as a featherweight, where he defeated the likes of Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, Chad Mendes and Jose Aldo en route to becoming the undisputed champion. He then made a brief visit to lightweight, where he collected a second title with a knockout win over Eddie Alvarez. Since then, he’s drifted between lightweight, welterweight and the boxing ring, where he famously took on Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Conor McGregor on Khabib Nurmagomedov's retirement: "I was not surprised to see him scurry away"
Tom Taylor - January 14, 2021
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has reacted to the recent retirement of his arch rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor and Nurmagomedov fought in 2018, in the main event of UFC 229, which went down as the highest-selling pay-per-view in the company’s history. Nurmagomedov won that fight by fourth-round submission, dashing McGregor’s dreams of reclaiming the UFC lightweight title.
Dan Hardy breaks down upcoming Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier rematch
Harry Kettle - January 14, 2021
UFC analyst and former fighter Dan Hardy has given his thoughts on the upcoming rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor at UFC 257. Through his work with UFC, BT Sport and his Full Reptile YouTube channel, Hardy has been able to emerge as one of the most engaging and interesting pundits in all of mixed martial arts over the course of the last few years.
UFC looking into psychedelics for brain health therapy: 'We want to do it the right way'
Drake Riggs - January 13, 2021
After continuous studies reveal more information, the UFC keeps on looking at ways to improve fighter health. In most sports that involve contact with the head, it’s unfortunately common to see brain health deteriorate or be impacted over time. Recently it was revealed via MMA Fighting of the severity of former UFC lightweight, Spencer Fisher, and his recent struggles. Therefore prompting UFC President Dana White to reveal to MMA Junkie that his promotion has begun working with top psychedelic research center, Johns Hopkins University, regarding the possible benefits of psychedelics.
Robin Van Roosmalen in critical condition after devastating car crash kills sister
Adam Martin - January 13, 2021
GLORY kickboxer Robin Van Roosmalen is in critical condition after a devastating car crash killed his sister Melissa Van Roosmalen. According to a report from VechtSport, Van Roosmalen and his sister were stopped on the shoulder of a highway in Nieuwegein, Netherlands. The two were then struck by a truck, which killed Melissa and left Robin with serious injuries. Photos of the crash site have floated online, showing the vicious destruction that the car accident caused. According to local officials, Melissa was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, while Robin is currently in a local hospital with serious injures. The driver of the truck who struck the Van Roosmalen siblings was arrested a short time later.
Max Holloway "would love" to rematch Conor McGregor down the road
Cole Shelton - January 13, 2021
Max Holloway is hoping he can fight Conor McGregor again sometime in the future. Back in August of 2013, Holloway and McGregor fought in Boston with the Irishman winning a decision. After the loss, the Hawaiian went on a 13-fight winning streak including winning and defending the featherweight title twice. McGregor, meanwhile, went on to win the featherweight and lightweight title.