Exclusive MMA Interviews News
After knockout win over Matt Mitrione, Tim Johnson eyes rematch with Cheick Kongo
Cole Shelton - August 21, 2020
Tim Johnson believes he has his confidence back. After going 4-3 in the UFC, Johnson signed with Bellator and in his debut fought Cheick Kongo. It was a big fight for him, and unfortunately, did not go his way as he suffered a knockout loss in just 68 seconds.
Pro fighters make their picks for Pedro Munhoz vs. Frankie Edgar
Cole Shelton - August 21, 2020
In the main event of UFC Vegas 7, a key bantamweight bout headlines the card as Pedro Munhoz welcomes Frankie Edgar to the division. Heading into the fight, Munhoz is a -265 favorite while the former UFC lightweight champion is a +205 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority believe bantamweight is where Frankie Edgar should’ve been his entire career as he will pull off the upset and beat Pedro Munhoz.
After KO win over King Mo, Andrew Kapel looking to do the same against John Salter
Cole Shelton - August 20, 2020
Andrew Kapel is looking to go 2-0 in Bellator. On the main card of Bellator 244, Kapel is returning following his November knockout win over King Mo. It was King Mo’s retirement fight, and now Kapel is excited to get back in the cage and try and beat another big name in John Salter.
Marlon Vera believes he made Sean O'Malley "quit" at UFC 252, wants Jimmie Rivera next
Cole Shelton - August 19, 2020
Marlon Vera had no doubt in his mind he would be the first person to beat Sean O’Malley. In the co-main event of UFC 252, O’Malley was looking to remain undefeated against Vera. It was an intriguing matchup with many pundits thinking it would be “Sugar” getting his hand raised.
John Salter "expecting a three-round battle" against Andrew Kapel, believes a win earns him a title shot
Cole Shelton - August 19, 2020
John Salter thought he had done enough to earn a title shot following his last fight. With the Bellator middleweight title vacant and Gegard Mousasi not being able to get into the United States, he thought the timing was perfect for him to take on Douglas Lima. The 35-year-old is on a two-fight winning streak. He is also 7-1 in Bellator with his lone loss coming to Rafael Lovato Jr.
Alonzo Menifield planning for "three-round war" in co-main event against Ovince Saint Preux
Cole Shelton - August 18, 2020
Alonzo Menifield was ecstatic when he got the call to step up on short notice to take on Ovince Saint Preux. Ever since Menifield lost his first professional fight to Devin Clark at UFC 250, the Fortis MMA product wanted to make a quick turnaround to get the bad taste out of his mouth. So, when he was offered a co-main event spot against a perennial contender, Ovince Saint Preux, he knew he couldn’t turn it down.
Frankie Edgar plans to "push the pace" against Pedro Munhoz, believes win puts him in title contention
Cole Shelton - August 18, 2020
Frankie Edgar is excited to finally make his bantamweight debut against Pedro Munhoz. The former UFC lightweight champion was expected to make his bantamweight debut against Cory Sandhagen in January. Yet, Edgar took a short notice fight against Korean Zombie which did not go his way in December. He then was set to face Pedro Munhoz at UFC 251, UFC Fight Island 1, UFC 252 and now finally, UFC Vegas 7. For Edgar, he admits this camp has been a long one and he is excited to finally be able to fight.
Sean O'Malley still wants to fight Cody Garbrandt, but says he might let it build up some more
Cole Shelton - August 14, 2020
Sean O’Malley still wants to fight Cody Garbrandt even though the former bantamweight champion is dropping down to flyweight. O’Malley is set to fight Marlon Vera in the co-main event of UFC 252. It is a very interesting fight and many thought “Sugar” would call out Garbrandt if he got his hand raised.
Junior dos Santos reveals the hardest puncher he has fought
Cole Shelton - August 13, 2020
Junior dos Santos doesn’t seem to agree with most fans about who the hardest puncher is in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Everyone knows a heavyweight fight can end in one punch with all the power they have. For many fans, they view Francis Ngannou as the hardest puncher given all the highlight-reel and one-punch knockouts he has.
Vinc Pichel plans to get a "highlight-reel knockout" against Jim Miller at UFC 252
Cole Shelton - August 13, 2020
Vinc Pichel has wanted to fight Jim Miller for many years now and on the UFC 252 prelims, he finally gets his wish. Pichel had been talking to the UFC for quite some time to get a fight booked. Then out of the blue, he got a call saying Jim Miller on just a week and a half notice.
BJJ Legend Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida inspired by Daniel Cormier as he begins MMA career in ONE
Tom Taylor - August 13, 2020
Brazilian jiu jitsu legend Marcus Almeida, known more widely by the nickname “Buchecha” recently signed with ONE Championship to begin a career in MMA. It’s a transition the Brazilian heavyweight has been plotting since 2015, but one that finally come together when his manager, Ali Abdelaziz entered into a new partnership with the Singapore-based martial arts organization.
Pro fighters make their picks for Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier 3 title fight
Cole Shelton - August 13, 2020
In the main event of UFC 252, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier are set for their trilogy fight. They are currently 1-1 with Cormier winning the first by knockout and Miocic winning the rematch by TKO. Heading into the fight, Miocic is a -110 underdog while “DC” is a -120 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority believe Bruce Buffer will say “And New” with Cormier using his wrestling to get his hand raised.
Matt Dixon fired up for Contender Series opportunity: "I feel like that contract is mine"
Tom Taylor - August 12, 2020
Matt Dixon might not be a household name among fight fans yet, but that could soon change. Dixon, a 24-year-old welterweight with a flawless, 9-0 record, will battle Orion Cosce (6-0) on next Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series. If he leaves the cage-side UFC President suitably dazzled, he’ll be offered a contract.
Sean O'Malley slams "scared" Henry Cejudo for running from him and Petr Yan
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
Sean O’Malley believes Henry Cejudo only retired from MMA because “Triple C” knew he would lose to “Sugar” and Petr Yan. Following Cejudo’s UFC 249 win over Dominick Cruz to defend his belt he shockingly announced his retirement from the sport. Since then, he has kept trash-talking the flyweight and bantamweight divisions but O’Malley doesn’t care about any of that.
Marlon Vera plans to "baptize" Sean O'Malley and "make him quit" in UFC 252 co-main event
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
Marlon Vera is excited to finally share the Octagon with Sean O’Malley as he is confident he can hand “Sugar” his first loss. In the co-main event of UFC 252, Vera and O’Malley are set to fight in a scrap many fans are looking forward to. The common perception entering the bout is whether or not O’Malley’s hype is real or if Vera will prove to be too much too soon.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik gunning for KO win over Junior dos Santos, eyes rematch with Francis Ngannou
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
Jairzinho Rozenstruik is looking to get back into the win column just three months after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Back at UFC 249 in May, Rozenstruik was knocked out in 20 seconds. Following the loss, many expected the former kickboxer to take some time off to heal his brain.
Junior dos Santos expects to finish Jairzinho Rozenstruik, become heavyweight champ again
Cole Shelton - August 11, 2020
Junior dos Santos is looking to get back into the win column on the main card of UFC 252. The former UFC heavyweight champion has suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes. Entering this fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, it is a little different given they both train at American Top Team. But, for the former heavyweight champion, he doesn’t believe it will impact the fight.
Marvin Vettori hopes he gets Chris Weidman next, discusses future plans
Alfredo Zullino - August 10, 2020
It seems like it’s nearly impossible to find an available opponent for Marvin Vettori, according to the Italian fighter’s own words. ‘The Italian Dream’ is currently riding a three-fight win streak, having triumphed over Cezar Ferreira, Andrew Sanchez and, most recently, on Karl Roberson with his most impressive UFC victory so far.