UFC News
Khamzat Chimaev confirms plans for UFC 308 return in Abu Dhabi: "I would like to fight for the title"
Josh Evanoff - July 16, 2024
UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight for gold in his return later this year. ‘Borz’ has been out of action since a short-notice bout against Kamaru Usman in October. Khamzat Chimaev was originally set to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 294, but he was forced out. As a result, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ stepped up, and was handed a majority-decision defeat. The bout was labeled as a title eliminator, but post-fight, Dana White had a change of plans.
Kamaru Usman reveals plans for welterweight return, opens up on who could be next: "It's an interesting spot"
Josh Evanoff - July 16, 2024
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is planning to fight at 170 pounds later this year. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is an interesting spot. Kamaru Usman hasn’t competed since a short-notice clash at middleweight with Khamzat Chimaev last October at UFC 294. Despite being outgrappled by ‘Borz’ early, the former champion made a late rally. Ultimately, Chimaev emerged with a majority-decision victory to remain undefeated.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vents frustration following split decision loss at UFC Denver: “Whenever we go to the judges, this is how it goes for me”
Harry Kettle - July 16, 2024
UFC veteran Santiago Ponzinibbio isn’t happy following his tight loss to Muslim Salikhov at UFC Denver. As we know, Santiago Ponzinibbio is a true warrior. Throughout the course of his mixed martial arts career, he’s never been afraid to put it all on the line. Unfortunately, the 37-year-old has now tasted defeat in four of his last five outings. Most recently, he went up against Muslim Salikhov this past weekend.
Dana White explains why Noche UFC at the Sphere in Las Vegas will only showcase 10 fights
Harry Kettle - July 16, 2024
UFC president Dana White has explained why Noche UFC at the Sphere in Las Vegas will only feature 10 fights. On September 14, the Ultimate Fighting Championship heads to the Sphere in Las Vegas for the first time. It’s set to be the first major sporting event to take place at the venue, and Dana White wants to make it a big one. He knows how many eyes are going to be on this card, and he also knows that the expectations are already pretty high.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 172 with Brian Kelleher, Cody Durden, Kurt Holobaugh, and Steve Garcia
Cole Shelton - July 16, 2024
The 172nd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Vegas 94. We’re first joined by UFC bantamweight Brian Kelleher (1:47). UFC flyweight Cody Durden (12:22) comes on. UFC lightweight Kurt Holobaugh (23:28) then joins the show. Closing out the program is UFC featherweight Steve Garcia (31:29).
What's next for Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez after UFC Denver?
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
The UFC was in Denver, Colorado for UFC Denver with a women’s flyweight bout headlining the card as Rose Namajunas took on Tracy Cortez. Heading into the bout, Namajunas was coming off a decision win over Amanda Ribas in her second fight at flyweight as she lost to Manon Fiorot in her debut. Cortez, meanwhile, took the fight on short notice and was a perfect 5-0 in the UFC.
Diego Lopes explains why fighting Aljamain Sterling next "doesn't make sense"
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
UFC featherweight contender Diego Lopes doesn’t think he should fight Aljamain Sterling next time out. Lopes is coming off a decision win over Dan Ige at UFC 303, on a fight that Ige took on just hours notice. Lopes was originally supposed to fight Brian Ortega, but the former title contender was forced out of the bout on the day of the event.
Kayla Harrison blasts Julianna Peña over doping allegations: "You will find every excuse..."
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison was accused this week of using performance-enhancing drugs by former UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña. During Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Peña accused Harrison of having a checkered past when it comes to using banned substances to gain an advantage in the cage.
Fanmio issues response after Nate Diaz's lawsuit, claims ex-UFC fighter was paid "seven figures"
Cole Shelton - July 15, 2024
Fanmio CEO Solomon Engel responded to Nate Diaz’s lawsuit on Monday. TMZ Sports first reported that Diaz and his team sued Fanmio after they didn’t get paid for his recent boxing match against Jorge Masvidal. Diaz claims fraud against Engel after guaranteeing a $10 million payday which Diaz has not been paid.
Sean O'Malley hits back at critics of his ESPY 'Best MMA Fighter' win: "I was a crazy underdog"
Curtis Calhoun - July 15, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley earned an ESPY Award last weekend despite many questioning his designation as the show’s ‘Best MMA Fighter’. O’Malley, who is expected to face Merab Dvalishvili later this year, earned the 2024 ESPY Award for ‘Best MMA Fighter’ last weekend. He beat out other top UFC names such as Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira for the award.
Dana White shoots down Conor McGregor's claim about Michael Chandler fight being official: "I don't have a date for it"
Josh Evanoff - July 15, 2024
According to UFC President Dana White, Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is far from official. ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Iron’ were set to meet in the main event of UFC 303 last month in Las Vegas. The bout was going to be Conor McGregor’s first, since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Nearly three years later, the Irishman was set to meet Michael Chandler at 170 pounds in a blockbuster of a fight.
Julianna Pena slams critics who believe she shouldn't get a UFC title shot: "I've done it all!"
Josh Evanoff - July 15, 2024
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena doesn’t care what the critics say. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ hasn’t competed since her rematch against Amanda Nunes in July 2022. The bout took place just seven months after Julianna Pena shocked the world, and handed ‘The Lioness’ a submission loss. However, the second bout between the two wasn’t even close, as the Brazilian won a lopsided decision.