UFC News
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
On the main card of UFC 294, a pivotal light heavyweight bout goes down as Magomed Ankalaev takes on Johnny Walker. Heading into the fight, Ankalaev is a sizeable -390 favorite while the Brazilian is a +280 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros agree with the odds as they expect Ankalaev to cruise to a decision win here and likely cement himself as the next title contender.
Robert Whittaker shares uncompetitive prediction for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
Susan Cox - October 19, 2023
Robert Whittaker is sharing an uncompetitive prediction for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. UFC 294 takes place this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Conor McGregor takes aim at Canelo Alvarez and his drawing power: “Grow some balls and fight for real”
Susan Cox - October 19, 2023
Conor McGregor is taking aim at Canelo Alvarez and his drawing power. Alvarez, at 33, has a phenomenal record of 60 wins and 2 losses in the boxing ring. The 2 career losses came against Floyd Mayweather back in 2013 and more recently against Dmitry Bivol in May of 2022.
Belal Muhammad reacts to Charles Oliveira withdrawing from UFC 294: “He chose not to fight”
Harry Kettle - October 19, 2023
UFC fighter Belal Muhammad has given his thoughts on Charles Oliveira withdrawing from UFC 294. This weekend was supposed to see Charles Oliveira take on Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship. Unfortunately, due to a cut sustained by ‘Do Bronx’ in training, he will no longer take part in the event. Instead, Alexander Volkanovski has stepped in on short notice to battle Makhachev for the second time.
Beneil Dariush books Octagon return at UFC Austin
Harry Kettle - October 19, 2023
Beneil Dariush will return to the Octagon later this year when he battles Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Austin. Following an eight-fight win streak, lightweight contender Beneil Dariush came up against Charles Oliveira this past summer. Unfortunately, he came up short, losing via TKO to the Brazilian in the first round.
Dana White discusses body transformation: "So addicting that it just makes everything in your life better"
Zain Bando - October 18, 2023
UFC CEO Dana White has become a completely different person over the last year or so. While his fiery personality with fighters and media members has remained status quo, it’s the drastic change in his health that has the Boston and Las Vegas native singing the praises of Gary Brecka, a human biologist who implemented a 10-week program in the summer of 2022 to increase his life occupancy and make him feel better physically overall.
Trevor Peek believes he's being brought into lose at UFC 294, expects to put Mohammad Yahya to sleep after "running his mouth"
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
Trevor Peek is excited to go into enemy territory at UFC 294. Peek is set to face Mohammad Yahya, who will be making his promotional debut on Saturday at UFC 294. Although being part of this card is special for Peek, he knows the travel and the cost of fighting in Abu Dhabi is tough.
Nate Diaz claims he's rematching Jake Paul in December
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
Nate Diaz says he will be rematching Jake Paul in December. Diaz and Paul first met in August as it was the YouTuber who cruised to a clear-cut decision. It was a lackluster fight, and after it, Paul claimed he wanted to rematch Diaz in MMA in the PFL. However, Diaz was adamant he wanted it to be in boxing, despite the first fight being lopsided.
Former champion Cody Garbrandt books December return against Brian Kelleher
Josh Evanoff - October 18, 2023
Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt will face Brian Kelleher on December 16th. ‘No Love’ has been out of the cage since a unanimous decision win over Trevin Jones in December. That was a massive victory for Cody Garbrandt, as it snapped a two-fight losing streak. Previously, the former champion had suffered back-to-back lopsided defeats at the hands of Kai Kara-France and Rob Font.
Jon Jones takes the high road while responding to criticism from Islam Makhachev: “Now thats gangsta”
Josh Evanoff - October 18, 2023
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has responded to Islam Makhachev. The lightweight titleholder is set to return to the cage this Saturday night at UFC 294. Back for the first time since February, Islam Makhachev will again face Alexander Volkanovski. At media day earlier this week, the lightweight champion took a bit of a shot at Jon Jones.
Alexander Volkanovski believes if roles were reversed Islam Makhachev wouldn't step up on short notice
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t think Islam Makhachev would have stepped up on short notice like he did. Makhachev was supposed to headline UFC 294 in a rematch against Charles Oliveira this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. However, less than two weeks out from the fight, Oliveira was forced out of the bout due to an injury. Volkanovski ended up stepping up to rematch Makhachev on 12 days’ notice.
Conor McGregor takes aim at Islam Makhachev over his comments about UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones: “This is what happens when cousins have sex”
Susan Cox - October 18, 2023
Conor McGregor is taking aim at Islam Makhachev over his comments about UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) is set to battle Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA) in the main event lightweight title bout at UFC 294 this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Video | Kamaru Usman appears to cut short his open workout after “something popped” in his knee, Justin Gaethje responds
Susan Cox - October 18, 2023
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman appeared to cut short his UFC 294 open workout after ‘something popped’ in his knee. UFC 294 takes place this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 294, Kamaru Usman stepped up on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Heading into the fight, Usman is a +220 underdog while the undefeated fighter is a -295 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are leaning towards Chimaev getting the job done, however, some do think Usman can pull off the upset even though he’s fighting on very short notice and up a weight class.
UFC fighters Walt Harris and Daniel Rodriguez handed lengthy suspensions from the NAC
Harry Kettle - October 18, 2023
UFC fighters Walt Harris and Daniel Rodriguez have both reportedly been handed suspensions from the NAC. As many fans will now know, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s working relationship with USADA will end at the start of 2024. However, while that may be the case, there are still fighters who can receive suspensions for failing a test.
Report | Conor McGregor no longer facing charges for alleged sexual assault at NBA Finals game
Harry Kettle - October 18, 2023
UFC star Conor McGregor is reportedly no longer facing charges for an alleged sexual assault at an NBA Finals game. While he may be the biggest name in mixed martial arts, Conor McGregor’s career hasn’t been without controversy. He has been involved in a number of legal issues outside of the cage, with a recent one stemming from an appearance at an NBA Finals game this past summer. Following the evening in question, a woman came forward and accused the Irishman of sexual assault.
Terrance McKinney says he drilled the flying knee just moments before walking out at UFC Vegas 81, eyes Chris Duncan at UFC 296
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
Terrance McKinney didn’t know if he would be able to fight at UFC Vegas 81. McKinney was supposed to face Chris Duncan, but the Scottish fighter couldn’t get his visa in time to fight. After that, Terrance was hoping to remain on the card, but weeks went by with nothing. However, on fight week, an opponent was found which was great news for McKinney.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev is looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he rematches Alexander Volkanovski. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a -265 favorite while the featherweight champ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are actually leaning toward Volkanovski pulling off the upset, despite taking it on short notice.