UFC News
Paddy Pimblett wants the old Tony Ferguson to show up at UFC 296, but doubts it happens: "He isn't the same fighter"
Cole Shelton - December 12, 2023
Paddy Pimblett wants Tony Ferguson to turn back the clock at UFC 296. Pimblett is set for his first fight in a year as he takes on Ferguson who’s on a six-fight losing streak. During the losing skid, Ferguson has been finished in four of those defeats, and his last win came back in June of 2019.
Vicente Luque eager for "striking match" against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 296: "It will be the Fight Night"
Cole Shelton - December 12, 2023
Vicente Luque is confident he will derail the hype of Ian Machado Garry at UFC 296. Luque returned to the win column back in August with a decision win over Rafael dos Anjos in a Fight Night main event. It was his first fight in a year, and after the win, Luque made it clear that he wanted to fight one more time in 2023.
Kamaru Usman shares prediction for Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington title fight at UFC 296
Cole Shelton - December 12, 2023
Kamaru Usman has shared his prediction for the welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UFC 296. Usman has fought Edwards three times, winning once and suffering two defeats which saw him surrender his welterweight title. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ has also fought Colby Covington on two occasions in the past, where he successfully defended the welterweight title in both fights. Given that he has spent plenty of time in the Octagon with both men, Usman is familiar with both of their styles.
Jailton Almeida vs. Curtis Blaydes and several other matchups added to UFC 299 in March
Josh Evanoff - December 12, 2023
UFC 299 has gotten a big boost in the form of Jailton Almeida vs. Curtis Blaydes, as well as several other fight announcements. The card is currently slated for next March and will be held in Miami. In the main event, Sean O’Malley will return to the octagon to defend his bantamweight gold against Marlon Vera. The bout is a rematch of their prior encounter in 2020, which saw ‘Chito’ win by first-round stoppage.
Georges St-Pierre names his 'favorite' fighters he hopes to see in the UFC's 2024 superfight
Josh Evanoff - December 12, 2023
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre won’t be fighting in 2024, but he has an idea of who might be. Last month, Dana White revealed plans for a massive UFC superfight, going down next year. Many, quickly began to speculate who that matchup could involve. The executive stated only that the superfight itself doesn’t involve Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. Famously, the two lightweights coached the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter against each other earlier this year.
Colby Covington explains why he's the top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC
Cole Shelton - December 12, 2023
Colby Covington believes he should be atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Covington is currently not in the top 15 of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings but that could all change on Saturday when ‘Chaos’ headlines UFC 296 against Leon Edwards for the welterweight title. It’s a massive fight and it’s likely Covington’s last chance at becoming the undisputed champion.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 148 with Ian Machado Garry, Vicente Luque, Dustin Jacoby, and Brian Kelleher
Cole Shelton - December 12, 2023
The 148th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 296. We’re first joined by 10th-ranked UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry (1:45). Next, ninth-ranked UFC welterweight Vicente Luque (16:11). 15th-ranked UFC light heavyweight Dustin Jacoby (30:51) then comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Brian Kelleher (44:39).
Official lineup released for UFC 296: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington, including two title fights
Harry Kettle - December 12, 2023
The official lineup has been released for UFC 296: Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington ahead of fight night on Saturday. For the final time this year, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will be putting on a pay-per-view event this weekend – and what a way to go out. UFC 296 will emanate from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, in what can only be described as a blockbuster card. From two title fights to several really fun matchups, this has the potential to be the show of the year.
Paddy Pimblett admits he wants to see Tony Ferguson get another win before retiring: “I just can’t let him do it at my expense”
Harry Kettle - December 12, 2023
UFC star Paddy Pimblett has admitted that he wants to see Tony Ferguson pick up another win before retiring from mixed martial arts. This Saturday night at UFC 296, Paddy Pimblett and Tony Ferguson will battle it out in a fascinating encounter. There are plenty of reasons to get excited about this fight, but if you’re an ‘El Cucuy’ fan, there are also plenty of reasons to be nervous.
Sergei Pavlovich sends warning to the UFC heavyweight division: “Don’t relax, I’ll be back soon!”
Harry Kettle - December 12, 2023
UFC heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich has issued a warning to the rest of the division ahead of his comeback. For the last few years, Sergei Pavlovich has been seen as a top star in the UFC’s heavyweight division. However, last month, his trajectory took a bit of a hit. On short notice, he took on Tom Aspinall for the interim championship. Despite landing a few nice shots, the Russian was ultimately overmatched, with Aspinall securing a knockout victory.
What's next for Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez after UFC Vegas 83?
Cole Shelton - December 11, 2023
In the main event of UFC Vegas 83, ranked bantamweight collided as Song Yadong took on Chris Gutierrez. Yadong entered the fight coming off a TKO win over Ricky Simon to return to the win column after a TKO loss to Cory Sandhagen. Gutierrez, meanwhile, returned to the win column last time out with a decision win over Alatengheili after losing to Pedro Munhoz.
Leon Edwards explains why Colby Covington won't be able to get under his skin
Cole Shelton - December 11, 2023
Leon Edwards doesn’t think Colby Covington’s trash talk will impact him at all. Edwards is set to defend his welterweight title for the second time in the main event of UFC 296 as he takes on Covington in a highly-anticipated matchup. It’s a close fight on paper, as Edwards is a slight betting favorite, but the Brit has full confidence he will get his hand raised.
Leon Edwards believes the UFC wants Colby Covington to defeat him: "He's got Dana White privilege"
Josh Evanoff - December 11, 2023
Welterweight champion Leon Edwards is aware that the UFC likely wants him to lose to Colby Covington on Saturday. ‘Rocky’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a title defense against Kamaru Usman in March. There, Leon Edwards scored his second-straight win over ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’, this time by unanimous decision. Cageside that night was the recently returned Colby Covington.
Colby Covington claims no one's going to beat him while “Donald Trump is in attendance" ahead of UFC 296 title fight
Cole Shelton - December 11, 2023
Colby Covington has full confidence he will become the UFC’s welterweight champion on Saturday at UFC 296. Covington is set to headline the pay-per-view card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada against Leon Edwards. It’s an intriguing matchup and heading into the fight, Edwards is a small betting favorite to get the win.
Georges St-Pierre shuts down rumors that he will be part of a 2024 UFC super fight: “I am absolutely not”
Harry Kettle - December 11, 2023
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre has shut down rumors that he will be part of an MMA superfight in 2024. Hardcore mixed martial art fans recognize Georges St-Pierre as one of the greatest fighters of all time. His record in the sport speaks for itself, with the other contenders often being Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. Regardless of who you favor, though, there’s no denying that St-Pierre has an incredible legacy following a truly sensational career.
Beneil Dariush is contemplating his UFC future following KO loss to Arman Tsarukyan: “Do I go forward or am I done”
Harry Kettle - December 11, 2023
UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has admitted that he’s contemplating his future in MMA after his recent knockout loss. Earlier this month, Beneil Dariush suffered a pretty bad knockout loss at the hands of Arman Tsarukyan. The defeat came in the first round, and it served as the second loss of the year for Dariush following his defeat to Charles Oliveira in June. Now, at the age of 34, it appears as if Dariush is questioning his future in the sport of mixed martial arts.
Anthony Smith issues statement on UFC Vegas 83 loss to Khalil Rountree
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 10, 2023
Anthony Smith didn’t waste time addressing his UFC Vegas 83 defeat. Smith went one-on-one with Khalil Rountree inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 9. Smith entered the bout on short-notice, hoping to make a big enough statement that reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira would call him out to settle their grudge.
Alexandre Pantoja feels Brandon Royval deserves UFC 296 title opportunity: "He's fought with everybody in the top 10"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 10, 2023
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja isn’t going to downplay Brandon Royval as a challenger. Pantoja and Royval are no strangers to one another. Back in August 2021, Pantoja submitted Royval via rear-naked choke in the second round. Since that fight, Royval has gone on a three-fight winning streak. In that span, he’s beaten Rogério Bontorin, Matt Schnell, and Matheus Nicolau. The streak has earned Royval the number two spot on the official UFC flyweight rankings, and a championship opportunity.