Exclusive MMA Interviews News
Muhammed Lawal believes Greg Hardy beats and possibly finishes Alexander Volkov
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2019
American Top Team coach and MMA legend Muhammed Lawal is impressed with the progress Greg Hardy has made in MMA. The former NFL star is in his first year in the UFC and set for his fifth fight in the co-main event on Saturday when he takes on Alexander Volkov. The fight represents a massive step up in competition for Hardy, who has only fought UFC newcomers and prospects thus far.
UFC Moscow | Pro fighters make their picks for Greg Hardy vs. Alexander Volkov
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2019
In the co-main event of UFC Moscow, Greg Hardy is getting the big step up in competition many fans have been calling for. He is set to take on top-10 heavyweight, Alexander Volkov on short notice. Heading into this fight, Hardy is a +215 underdog while the Russian is a -275 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are happy that Hardy is taking a step up in competition but, they believe Volkov will get his hand raised.
Jake Shields says Dillon Danis calls for rematch, then ghosts promoters: 'Maybe he does a bunch of coke at night'
Cole Shelton - November 6, 2019
Jake Shields doubts Dillon Danis actually wants to grapple him again. The two first met at Submission Underground 4, where Shields won the bout via fastest escape time over the three rounds. Despite this loss, Danis still claims he’s the best grappler in MMA.
Bellator 233 | Muhammed Lawal targets one last win to end career
Cole Shelton - November 5, 2019
Muhammed Lawal is ready to hang up the gloves for good. He just has one thing to take care of first. The 38-year-old already retired once following his loss to Jiri Prochazka at RIZIN 15 earlier this year. Yet retiring on a loss was not easy to stomach, and he decided to fight once more, this time at Bellator 233.
Manny Muro's message following win over Nick Newell: 'If you think it was a fluke, try me'
Mike Heck - October 31, 2019
According to the oddsmakers and many MMA fans around the world, Nick Newell was supposed to kick off his new Bellator contract with a victory on Saturday night at Bellator 232. Although the respect levels for his opponent were at an all-time high, Manny Muro had other ideas. Despite being as high as a +550 underdog heading into this past weekend’s event at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., Muro overcame a tough opening round to pick up a split decision win over Newell, much to the dismay of the pro-Newell crowd.
UFC 244 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz for the BMF title
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2019
In the main event of UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal is taking on Nate Diaz for the BMF title. The fight was almost derailed by a USADA scare last week, yet it is thankfully still on. Heading into the tilt, “Gamebred” is a -155 favorite while Diaz is a +125 underdog.
UFC 244 | After Demian Maia loss, Lyman Good knows stakes are high in MSG
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2019
Lyman Good knows his UFC 244 fight is crucial after his last loss. Good had a chance to become a ranked welterweight in his last fight when he took on Demian Maia who was coming off three straight losses. Yet, the fight did not go as planned as he was submitted in the first round and never looked normal in the fight. Well, it turns out he had a major injury and that is why he will return to the Octagon nine months later.
Emil Meek calls out multiple rivals for Octagon return
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
It’s cold in Norway this time of year, and the sun seems to set earlier every day. As the temperature drops and the days darken, Norwegian welterweight Emil Meek is feeling the urge to leave. Not forever, just for long enough to send a worthy adversary to Valhalla — and maybe get a bit of sun. “I need to travel somewhere,” Meek told BJPENN.com on Tuesday. “I can’t handle all this darkness.”
UFC 244 | Pro fighters make their picks for Darren Till vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
In the co-main event of UFC 244, former welterweight title challenger Darren Till is moving up in weight to take on Kelvin Gastelum. Ahead of the scrap, “The Gorilla” is a +160 underdog while Gastelum is a -200 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning towards Gastelum but some feel it is a much closer fight than the odds suggest.
UFC 244 | Blagoy Ivanov reveals key to beating Derrick Lewis
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
Blagoy Ivanov wanted to fight Derrick Lewis, and he’s getting his wish at UFC 244. Ivanov is on a two-fight winning streak after beating Ben Rothwell and most recently Tai Tuivasa at UFC 238. Now, he is set to fight Lewis who is ranked fifth and the exact opponent he wanted.
Kevin Lee is 'gunning for 0s' and it starts with Gillespie and ends with Nurmagomedov
Cole Shelton - October 29, 2019
Kevin Lee is set to return to the lightweight division at UFC 244 in New York. There, the “Motown Phenom” will be taking on the undefeated Gregor Gillespie in a very risky fight. In fact, Lee says this is the stupidest fight he could have taken, but it’s a scrap he wanted to take nonetheless.
Kevin Lee gives prediction for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson matchup
Cole Shelton - October 25, 2019
One fight many fans want to see is Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. Many believe “El Cucuy” is the toughest fight for the undefeated Dagestani champion in Nurmagomedov. Yet he bout has still yet to happen despite being scheduled four times.
Kevin Lee believes Georges St-Pierre will return and beat Khabib Nurmagomedov
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2019
Kevin Lee believes Georges St-Pierre will return to the Octagon, and that the former welterweight and middleweight champ will do so at lightweight. Lee is now training at the famed Tristar gym in Montreal, Canada. The gym is the long-time home of St-Pierre.
BKFC boss David Feldman shares timeframe for Wanderlei Silva, Hector Lombard debuts
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2019
David Feldman has recently signed several former UFC and Bellator champions or title contenders to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He also recently signed former boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi, who stepped into the BKFC ring for a fight against Artem Lobov. Feldman believes it’s crucial to BKFC’s continued success to sign these kinds of big-name fighters — fighters like Wanderlei Silva and Hector Lombard, who recently signed on the dotted line. Luckily, Feldman says fighters are now coming to him and wanting to sign with BKFC, which makes his job much easier.
Bellator 232 | Pro fighters make their picks for Rory MacDonald vs. Douglas Lima
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2019
In the main event of Bellator 232, the welterweight title is on the line, as well as the welterweight grand prix title. The champion, Rory MacDonald rematches Douglas Lima in a very interesting bout. Heading into the scrap, the champion is a +130 underdog while the challenger is a -160 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning to hearing ‘And New’ but they all agree it is a very close fight.
Ciryl Gane aims to headline first-ever UFC event in France
Alfredo Zullino - October 22, 2019
MMA will finally be legal in France on January 1 of the New Year. It’s going to be a huge step for France and for larger Europe, as a lot of young, talented fighters can finally pursue a professional career as an MMA fighter in their own backyards.
Miesha Tate explains how trash talk can be counterproductive for fighters
Tom Taylor - October 18, 2019
These days, more and more fighters are using trash talk to promote themselves and their fights. Former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate understands why this happens, but believes fighters should think twice before ramping up the verbal warfare. Speaking to BJPENN.com ahead of last weekend’s ONE: Century card, Tate explained how trash talk and bravado can sometimes end up being more damaging to a fighter’s career than helpful. If a fighter talks a big game and fails to back it up, then their brand can take a huge, often irrecoverable hit.
David Feldman confirms Paulie Malignaggi won't fight in BKFC again
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2019
Former boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi made his way into the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) ring earlier this year. There, he took on former UFC fighter, Artem Lobov in the main event of BKFC 6. The fight was set to end the rivalry between the two. The two camps have not gotten along since the Conor McGregor-Floyd Mayweather fight, when Malignaggi briefly worked as one of the Irishman’s training partners.