UFC News
Israel Adesanya not committed to light heavyweight long-term: "Middleweight is my perfect fighting weight"
Adam Martin - November 10, 2020
UFC middleweight champ is Israel Adesanya not committed to light heavyweight long-term, stating “middleweight is my perfect fighting weight.” Adesanya won the UFC middleweight title in October 2019 when he defeated Robert Whittaker to take his belt. He has since defended his title successfully against Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa to improve his MMA record to a perfect 20-0. The UFC is now giving Adesanya the opportunity to move up to 205lbs and challenge new UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in an attempt to win a second belt. If Adesanya can beat Blachowicz, most fans figure that he will pursue a fight with Jon Jones next.
Maycee Barber set to return from her first career loss on February 13 against Alexa Grasso
Cole Shelton - November 10, 2020
Maycee Barber is set to return to the Octagon on February 13. According to Mexican outlet, Milenio.com, Barber is set to face Alexa Grasso at a Fight Night event on February 13. It is currently unknown if the event will take place in Las Vegas or on Fight Island.
Mike Winkeljohn explains how Jon Jones beats Stipe Miocic
Adam Martin - November 10, 2020
Veteran coach Mike Winkeljohn of Jackson-Wink MMA explained how his star pupil Jon Jones can beat UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. Jones, the former longtime UFC light heavyweight champion, announced a move up to the heavyweight over the summer. His goal is to challenge himself and win a second title in the UFC over Miocic, the fighter who many consider the best heavyweight of all time. If Jones gets that opportunity to fight Miocic, then he’ll be in a good position to win the belt, according to Winkeljohn, who is confident Jones will perform well against Miocic.
After being "embarrassed" by his last performance, Eryk Anders looking to start a winning streak at UFC Vegas 14
Cole Shelton - November 10, 2020
Eryk Anders has been sitting on his last loss for quite some time. Back in May, Anders lost a decision to Krzysztof Jotko, which Anders isn’t mad at the result, but more frustrated with his performance. The former Alabama Crimson Tide football star knows he put on a boring performance for the fans and that is not what he is about.
Andrei Arlovski explains how he is on a winning streak at age 41
Adam Martin - November 10, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski explained his recent success with being on a two-fight winning streak at the age of 41. Arlovski defeated the younger Tanner Boser via unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 13. It’s the second straight win for Arlovski, who won a unanimous decision over Phillipe Lines in his prior bout. Along with a decision win over Ben Rothwell last year, Arlovski has now won three of his last four fights. Considering it’s not that long ago that he was on a five-fight losing skid, his recent run has been remarkable.
Robert Whittaker makes prediction for Adesanya vs. Blachowicz fight
Tom Taylor - November 10, 2020
Former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker has made a prediction for the upcoming fight between Israel Adesanya and Jan Blachowicz. Adesanya, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, and Blachowicz, the promotion’s new light heavyweight champ, are expected to fight for the latter’s title sometime in the new year.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 18 with Eryk Anders, Khaos Williams, Alex Morono & Louis Smolka
Cole Shelton - November 10, 2020
The 18th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC Vegas 14. We’re first joined by UFC middleweight, Eryk Anders (2:05). Next, UFC welterweight, Khaos Williams (14:23) joins the program. UFC welterweight, Alex Morono (28:23) comes on. Closing out the show is UFC bantamweight, Louis Smolka (44:07).
Manager teases Khabib Nurmagomedov comeback
Tom Taylor - November 10, 2020
If a recent Tweet from MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz is to be taken at face value, Khabib Nurmagomedov could fight again in the future. Nurmagomedov last fought in the main event of UFC 254 in late October, when he defended the UFC lightweight title with a second-round submission victory over Justin Gaethje, who was widely viewed as his toughest challenger to date. This win pushed his record to a fantastic 29-0.
Jared Gordon explains why he won't be cornering Paul Felder against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14
Adam Martin - November 10, 2020
UFC featherweight Jared Gordon explained why he won’t be in the corner of his good friend Paul Felder in his fight against Rafael dos Anjos. Gordon and Felder are teammates and training partners at Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not to mention really good friends outside of the cage. Back on Fight Island in July, Felder famously got up from the commentary booth where he was announcing the card to corner Gordon to victory against Chris Fishgold. When Felder was announced to be fighting against dos Anjos at UFC Vegas 14 this Saturday on five days’ notice, most assumed Gordon would be in Felder’s corner. However, that won’t be the case.
Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor: "I'm ready to sign when you are"
Tom Taylor - November 10, 2020
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler is setting his sights on a blockbuster fight with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Chandler signed with the UFC earlier this year, but has yet to make his debut with the promotion.
UFC rankings update: Glover Teixeira, Yan Xiaonan make huge climbs
Tom Taylor - November 10, 2020
The official UFC rankings have been updated after last weekend’s UFC Vegas 12 card, and as expected, there have been some significant changes. Most notably, ageless wonder Glover Teixeira has swiped the No. 1 spot in the light heavyweight rankings on the strength of his submission victory over Thiago Santos in the card’s main event.
Paul Felder vs. Rafael dos Anjos opening betting odds revealed
Adam Martin - November 10, 2020
The opening betting odds were released for the UFC Vegas 14 main event this Saturday between contenders Paul Felder and Rafael dos Anjos. Felder stepped up on short notice and saved the show as he is filling in for Islam Makhachev on just five days’ notice and taking on a former champion in dos Anjos this Saturday at UFC Vegas 14. It’s incredible that Felder found the will to step up on such short notice and not only fight dos Anjos, but to do so at 155lbs and do so in a five-round fight. On paper, Felder vs. dos Anjos has the potential to be a fan-friendly fight.
Video | Stephen Thompson batters willing bodybuilder with kicks
Harry Kettle - November 10, 2020
UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson has taken part in an amusing video where he delivers vicious leg kicks to a bodybuilder. While Thompson may widely be known as one of the nicest fighters to ever step foot in the Octagon, his kickboxing skill has ensured that he is still one of the most feared strikers in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Mike Perry reveals he still has a bunch of weight to cut for UFC 255: “I’m not sure how I do it but here we go”
Harry Kettle - November 10, 2020
UFC welterweight Mike Perry has revealed that he still has 25 pounds to cut with just 10 days remaining until his next fight. Perry, who was initially scheduled to fight Robbie Lawler at UFC 255, will now lock horns with veteran Tim Means as he attempts to keep building momentum following his unanimous decision win over Mickey Gall earlier this year.
Aljamain Sterling wants UFC 256 main event slot against Petr Yan after Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson gets scrapped
Adam Martin - November 9, 2020
UFC bantamweight Aljamain Sterling wants to fight Petr Yan in the UFC 256 main event after Amanda Nunes vs. Megan Anderson was scrapped. Nunes vs. Anderson for the UFC women’s featherweight title was set to headline UFC 256, which takes place on December 12 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, that fight has now been scrapped and the card needs a new main event. With Nunes vs. Anderson scratched, Sterling — who was set to take on UFC bantamweight champion Yan in the co-main event — is now stumping to take over the main event slot of the card.
Jack Hermansson claims five ranked fighters turned him down, credits Kevin Holland for stepping up
Adam Martin - November 9, 2020
UFC middleweight Jack Hermansson claimed five ranked fighters turned him down and credited Kevin Holland for stepping up on short notice. Hermansson was set to fight Darren Till in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card on December 5 in Las Vegas, Nevada, but Till was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Fortunately, the UFC was able to secure an opponent on short notice for Hermansson as Holland stepped up and took the fight. It’s not a top-10 ranked opponent like Hermansson was hoping to get, but it’s still a quality fight between two talented middleweights.
Rafael dos Anjos thanks Paul Felder for saving the show on short notice: "We need more fighters like you"
Adam Martin - November 9, 2020
Lightweight Rafael dos Anjos thanked Paul Felder for saving the UFC Vegas 14 card on short notice, noting “We need more fighters like you.” Dos Anjos was set to fight Islam Makhachev in a highly-intriguing five-round main event, but unfortunately, the Russian had to pull out of the fight due to health issues. The UFC has been scrambling all weekend to fight an opponent for Makhachev. Several fighters including Diego Ferreira offered their services, and the UFC finally found a willing opponent in the form of top-10 ranked Felder to step in and take the fight on super short notice.
Report: UFC willing to replace Dustin Poirier and make Gaethje vs McGregor on January 23
Cole Shelton - November 9, 2020
Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor may not be happening on January 23 after all. After Poirier and McGregor agreed to a charity sparring match, the UFC came in and offered them to fight on January 23 which the Irishman accepted. Poirier, meanwhile, told the UFC to stop playing games and send him the contract.