UFC News
UFC president Dana White shares his thoughts on open scoring in MMA
Harry Kettle - January 6, 2021
UFC president Dana White has given his thoughts on the constant debate surrounding the potential introduction of open scoring in mixed martial arts. The idea behind open scoring is that everyone would be well aware of how the judges are scoring the fight as the contest goes on, whether it be a three round affair or a five round main event.
Dan Hooker on Michael Chandler: 'They want him to come in and look like the man'
Drake Riggs - January 5, 2021
Dan Hooker fully understands the position he’s in as he gets ready to welcome Michael Chandler to the Octagon at UFC 257 on Jan. 23. In September, it was announced that the former three-time Bellator lightweight king in Chandler had signed with the UFC. Initially acting as the backup to the title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, “Iron Mike” now has a date with a “Hangman” to start his new promotional tenure.
Diego Sanchez calls out James Krause for 'talking bad' on mentor Josh Fabia
Drake Riggs - January 5, 2021
James Krause isn’t the first person in the MMA world to have an opinion on Diego Sanchez’s coach, Josh Fabia — now they’ve agreed to fight. After catching wind of Krause’s comments regarding the “clown” Fabia, Sanchez was none too pleased. As a result, “The Nightmare” took to Instagram where he sent Krause a direct message challenging him to a bout. Never one to back down, Krause accepted and noted that Fabia could “get this work” as well.
Dana White reveals former UFC champion Shogun Rua has retired
Cole Shelton - January 5, 2021
Shogun Rua is officially retired, according to Dana White. After Rua lost to Paul Craig at UFC 255, many thought that would be it for the Brazilian MMA legend but there was no formal retirement. Now, however, on an ESPN+ livestream, Dana White has revealed Rua has retired.
Deiveson Figueiredo gets UFC pay-per-view points going forward, says manager
Adam Martin - January 5, 2021
UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo will receive pay-per-view points in his contract going forward, says his manager Wallid Ismail. Figueiredo has been open about his desire for a better contract in the wake of his incredible 2020 that has seen him crowned as “Fighter of the Year” by many MMA analysts. The Brazilian went 3-0-1 last year, with two wins over Joseph Benavidez by stoppage, a quick finish over Alex Perez, and an absolute war with Brandon Moreno that was a “Fight of the Year” candidate in itself. However, Figueiredo wasn’t getting pay-per-view points for those bouts.
Video | Ronda Rousey goes beast mode in the gym in new Mizuno clothing commercial
Adam Martin - January 5, 2021
UFC women’s legend Ronda Rousey went beast mode in the gym in a new commercial where she shows off her featured clothing line with Mizuno. Rousey, one of the greatest women’s MMA fighters of all time, was last seen with the WWE. But she was back in the gym doing some mixed martial arts training once again in a commercial for the new “Mizuno X Ronda Rousey Training Collection.” Along with showing off her MMA skills, Rousey went all out and showed off her incredible athleticism by doing gymnastics and strength and conditioning. Watch the commercial below (via @RondaRousey).
Leon Edwards claims he tried fight on January 20, and Chimaev "straight after," but UFC refused
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
Leon Edwards claims he wanted to fight Michael Chiesa or Neil Magny on January 20, and then Khamzat Chimaev immediately after, but the UFC wasn’t on board. Edwards was originally scheduled to fight Chimaev in the main event of the January 20 card, which will go down on Fight Island. Regrettably, Chimaev was forced out of the matchup due to lingering health issues stemming from a COVID-19 infection.
Gilbert Burns predicts Jon Jones heavyweight run will end badly: "I don't like that"
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns believes Jon Jones’s move up to the heavyweight division will probably end in disaster. Jones, the long-time UFC light heavyweight champion, recently vacated his title with plans to climb up to heavyweight. While his debut in the division is not yet set, he’s expected to fight the winner of an unscheduled title fight between champion Stipe Miocic and challenger Francis Ngannou.
Dillon Danis says Khabib Nurmagomedov grappling match would be "easy work"
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
Dillon Danis says a grappling match with undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov would be “easy work.” Nurmagomedov, who recently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, is widely considered one of the best grapplers in the history of the sport. Yet Danis, a decorated Brazilian jiu jitsu blackbelt, believes he could make quick work of the unbeaten Russian in a straight grappling match.
Conor McGregor is "very good" at grappling, says Gilbert Burns
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns believes Conor McGregor has “very good” Brazilian jiu jitsu, despite perceptions to the contrary. McGregor has long stood out as one of the most lethal strikers in MMA, with a long list of knockout wins to his credit. Yet many of the Irishman’s detractors—both fans and fighters—have suggested he’s lacking in the grappling department.
Michael Chandler believes he can "entice" Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement with right strategy at UFC 257
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
Michael Chandler believes he might be able to “entice” Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement if he employs the right strategy in his UFC debut. Chandler, the former Bellator lightweight champion, is slated to make his first steps into the Octagon at UFC 257, when he’ll take on New Zealand’s Dan Hooker.
Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns gets new date, goes down at UFC 258
Tom Taylor - January 5, 2021
A long-awaited welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns has a new date. It’s now scheduled for UFC 258 on February 12. News of this bout was first reported by Combate and has now been confirmed by MMA Fighting.