UFC News

bjpenndotcom - December 9, 2020

The lightweight division is widely considered the best weight class in all of MMA, and it looks like it could be better than ever in 2021. Despite the retirement of UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov—the division’s best fighter—a number of other world-class lightweights are poised to accomplish huge things in the New Year.

Christopher Taylor - December 8, 2020

Yoel Romero appears to be in good spirits following news that he has parted ways with his longtime employer the UFC. On Friday evening ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported on Twitter that the former UFC middleweight title challenger, Romero (13-5 MMA), was now a free agent.

Adam Martin - December 8, 2020

UFC women’s strawweight prospect Amanda Ribas has received a new opponent for UFC 257 as Marina Rodriguez has stepped in. Ribas was originally set to take on Michelle Waterson in a high-profile women’s strawweight bout at UFC 257, but Waterson was forced to withdraw for the contest, leaving Ribas temporarily without an opponent. Fortunately, the UFC matchmakers were able to work quickly and secure a new opponent for Ribas as Rodriguez, the No. 8 ranked fighter in the division. On paper, Rodriguez is a perfect opponent for Ribas, who is ranked just one spot below her at No. 9 in the UFC 115lbs rankings.

Cole Shelton - December 8, 2020

Ciryl Gane expects to fight former teammate, Francis Ngannou in the very near future. Gane is considered the top heavyweight prospect and will get his toughest test against Junior dos Santos at UFC 256. It is a very intriguing matchup and if Gane wins, he believes it sets him up to fight Ngannou.

Adam Martin - December 8, 2020

The UFC has made its latest round of roster cuts, releasing several fighters from the roster including veteran lightweight Matt Wiman. UFC president Dana White has promised the world’s leading MMA promotion will be making 60 cuts to its active fighter roster. The promotion last month released former middleweight champion Anderson Silva, before recently releasing top-five ranked middleweight Yoel Romero in a shocking move. The cuts will continue to keep on coming as the UFC is looking to make room on its roster for Contender Series alum, new fighters from The Ultimate Fighter, and free-agent signings.

Adam Martin - December 8, 2020

UFC women’s strawweight contender Michelle Waterson has been forced out of her upcoming UFC 257 bout against Amanda Ribas. MMAFighting.com was the first to report that Waterson has had to withdraw from her bout against Ribas at UFC 257, which was set to take place on January 23 at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. With Waterson off of the card, the UFC will likely look to find a replacement opponent for Ribas. With the card still well over a month away, it shouldn’t be difficult for the UFC to find someone to fight Ribas next month, though it’s doubtful the replacement opponent will be as highly-ranked as Waterson is.

Cole Shelton - December 8, 2020

Tony Ferguson has issued a warning to Charles Oliveira. In the co-main event of UFC 256, Ferguson is set to return to the Octagon against Oliveira. It is a very intriguing match and one Tony Ferguson no doubt needs to win if he is going to remain a top contender. However, the fight may not even happen according to “El Cucuy” if the Brazilian misses weight.

Cole Shelton - December 8, 2020

Jon Jones knows he has to win the heavyweight title for his legacy. Earlier this year, Jones vacated the light heavyweight title to focus on his move up to heavyweight. However, he still hasn’t gotten a fight booked but that is because he is taking his time in bulking up the right way. Once he is ready, he could very well get an immediate title shot which he knows if he wins, would cement his case as the best ever.

Cole Shelton - December 8, 2020

Artem Lobov was supposed to make his return to MMA. Lobov was expected to headline ARENA Fight 2 against Ylies Djiroun for the lightweight title, however, it was announced on Tuesday the event is canceled. Although this is a promotion many didn’t expect him to sign with, for Lobov, he just wanted to fight once in 2020.

Tom Taylor - December 8, 2020

The medical suspensions for last weekend’s UFC Vegas 16 card are in, and a handful of fighters are facing long absences after their fights. Most notably, middleweight contender Jack Hermansson is facing a potential six-month sit due a fractured orbital he sustained in his decision loss to Marvin Vettori in the UFC Vegas 16 main event.

Tom Taylor - December 8, 2020

UFC middleweight contender Darren Till has opened up on his infamous sparring session with outspoken welterweight star “Platinum” Mike Perry. Till and Perry got a few sparring rounds in in 2018, after they crossed paths outside a hotel. While Till famously thought Perry was inviting him to the spa, he agreed once Perry had clarified his request.

Tom Taylor - December 8, 2020

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has shared his initial thoughts on Claressa Shields after their first training sessions together. Shields, a three-division boxing champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to make her MMA debut in the PFL cage in 2021. Ahead of this anticipated debut, Shields has set up camp at JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque—the training home of many top fighters, including Jones.

Adam Martin - December 8, 2020

UFC lightweight contender Charles Oliveira says that he was told Khabib Nurmagomedov swore on his father’s grave that he’s retired from MMA. Oliveira takes on Tony Ferguson this Saturday night at UFC 256 in what is the most important fight of his career to date. The Brazilian is currently riding a seven-fight wins streak and he is looking to earn a shot at the UFC lightweight title. While his focus is completely on Ferguson ahead of this weekend’s matchup, he can’t help but look at the rest of the landscape at 155lbs, including what Nurmagomedov is doing.

Cole Shelton - December 8, 2020

The 22nd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC 256. We’re first joined by one-half of the main event, Brandon Moreno (2:46). Next, the GOAT, Artem Lobov (22:16) joins the show. Then, UFC lightweight, Renato Moicano (38:29) comes on. UFC featherweight, Daniel Pineda (56:10) joins the program. Closing out the show is UFC featherweight, Peter Barrett (1:08:30).

Tom Taylor - December 8, 2020

UFC flyweight Rachael Ostovich has been released from her contract with the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts promotion. News of her release from the UFC roster was first reported by MMA Junkie.

Tom Taylor - December 8, 2020

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz is now a member of the Huntington Beach City Council, and he’s already receiving some hate in the role. This week, Ortiz attended his first City Council Meeting, where he was sworn in for the role—and also roasted by a citizen who called in to voice his disappointment with some of the former fighter’s recent remarks.

Harry Kettle - December 8, 2020

UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal has given fans a preview of his upcoming appearance on MTV Cribs. Masvidal, who last fought on Fight Island in a losing effort against Kamaru Usman, continues to see his popularity rise as his star power outside of the Octagon goes from strength to strength.

Adam Martin - December 7, 2020

UFC welterweight Anthony Pettis is promising a new “Showtime signature move” a decade after his infamous kick on Benson Henderson at WEC 53. On December 16, 2010, Pettis challenged then-WEC lightweight champion Henderson for his belt in the main event of WEC 53, the last show the promotion ever held. The fight between Pettis and Henderson was tight and competitive and it came down to the fifth round. With about one minute left in the fight, Pettis pulled off the infamous “Showtime Kick,” knocking down Henderson with a kick off the cage in the final minute of the fight. Pettis would go on to win a unanimous decision.