MMA News
Coach: Kayla Harrison brings excitement back to UFC women's bantamweight division
Fernando Quiles - October 24, 2024
Kayla Harrison’s coach, Matt Brown, believes his fighter is bringing buzz back to the women’s bantamweight division. Since Amanda Nunes walked away from pro MMA competition, some feel the women’s 135-pound division has been missing a spark. More recently, Julianna Pena defeated Raquel Pennington to recapture the bantamweight gold. Fans have scoffed at the current state of the division, however.
Joaquin Buckley reveals his frustration at UFC welterweight division
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2024
UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley has explained why he’s frustrated with the current state of the welterweight division. Over the course of the last few years, Joaquin Buckley has really put everything together. He has become a genuine contender at welterweight and, in the process, has developed quite the persona outside of the cage.
Shara Magomedov explains why Michael Bisping is his MMA inspiration
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2024
UFC star Shara Magomedov has explained why he views former champion Michael Bisping as an inspiration. As many of you know, Shara Magomedov is viewed by many as the next big thing. The 30-year-old is 14-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career and he’s 3-0 since arriving in the UFC. This weekend, he’ll attempt to extend that record when he goes head to head with Armen Petrosyan in what promises to be an electric bout.
Dustin Poirier thinks Ilia Topuria's KO prediction of Max Holloway is "almost impossible"
Harry Kettle - October 24, 2024
Dustin Poirier has questioned whether or not Ilia Topuria is capable of one-punch KO’ing Max Holloway at UFC 308. On Saturday night, Ilia Topuria will defend his UFC featherweight championship against Max Holloway. In the eyes of many, this is the most fascinating fight on the calendar in mixed martial arts. No matter which way you slice it, this one has the potential to be a Fight of the Year contender.
Dan Ige expecting a "fun fight" against Lerone Murphy at UFC 308, hopes for a big fight next: "It lines me up for something big"
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2024
Dan Ige is expecting a fun fight against Lerone Murphy at UFC 308. Ige is coming off a decision loss to Diego Lopes back at UFC 303 in a fight he took on only a couple of hours’ notice. It was a hectic day for the Hawaiian and he says he was glad he did it as he proved to everyone just how good he is.
UFC 308 | Pro fighters make their picks for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway title fight
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2024
In the main event of UFC 308, the featherweight title is up for grabs as Ilia Topuria looks to defend his belt for the first time against Max Holloway. Heading into the bout, Topuria is a -260 favorite while the challenger is a +196 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the title fight. The pros believe it should be an exciting striking match but they are shockingly unanimous in thinking Holloway pulls off the upset to get the win.
Israel Adesanya predicts Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308
Curtis Calhoun - October 23, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya isn’t expecting Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev to go the full distance at UFC 308. Whittaker and Chimaev battle in a potential No. 1 contender fight at UFC 308 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The co-main event is one of the most anticipated co-headliners in recent memory based on the decorated runs of both stars.
Glory superstar Rico Verhoeven sends a message to Francis Ngannou about possible crossover fight: "This must happen!"
Curtis Calhoun - October 23, 2024
Glory heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven has a crossover fight with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou at the top of his fighting priority list. Ngannou defeated 2023 PFL heavyweight title winner Renan Ferreira in the Battle of the Giants main event last Saturday in Riyadh. He made his long-awaited return to MMA to make his PFL debut, finishing Ferreira in the first round by ground and pound.
Robert Whittaker says he's "coming for war" against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308: "Hardest fight of my life"
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2024
Robert Whittaker is expecting a war against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. Whittaker and Chimaev are rebooked to fight in a pivotal fight at middleweight with the winner likely getting a title shot. It’s an intriguing matchup and one that Whittaker knows will be a tough out for him.
Conor McGregor continues feud with Johnny Eblen over lackluster Bellator title fight: "Bum b*tch nobody"
Josh Evanoff - October 23, 2024
It appears that the feud between UFC star Conor McGregor and Bellator champion Johnny Eblen isn’t over. The middleweight returned to the cage on the PFL pay-per-view offering over the weekend in Saudi Arabia. There, Johnny Eblen met Fabian Edwards for a rematch of their firefight in Ireland last September. That first encounter ended a third-round knockout for the champion, and a near-brawl with Leon Edwards afterward.
VIDEO | Mike Tyson brutalizes sparring partner in preparation for Jake Paul fight
Josh Evanoff - October 23, 2024
Boxing legend Mike Tyson isn’t holding back in training for his upcoming fight against Jake Paul. ‘Iron Mike’ hasn’t competed in a professional boxing match in nearly two decades. Mike Tyson last stepped into the ring in June 2005, suffering a stoppage loss to journeyman Kevin McBride. 19 years later, the 58-year-old legend will lace up the gloves one final time against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Max Holloway opens up on CTE concerns ahead of UFC 308 return: "I don't want to be a vegetable when I'm older"
Josh Evanoff - October 23, 2024
Max Holloway is opening up on his concerns about brain trauma ahead of his UFC 308 return. ‘Blessed’ is set to return to the cage in Abu Dhabi this Saturday night. Back for the first time since scoring a fifth-round knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April, Max Holloway will face Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ famously won featherweight gold with a stoppage victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 in February.
Chael Sonnen questions Colby Covington's UFC return after recent movie, business offers
Curtis Calhoun - October 23, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen spent some time with Colby Covington in Florida and wonders if the three-time title challenger will compete in the Octagon again. Covington hasn’t fought since a unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 296 last year. He was briefly linked to a return at UFC 303 against Ian Machado Garry.
Arnold Allen calls out Yair Rodríguez for 2025 UFC return, weighs in on Mexico City booking
Curtis Calhoun - October 23, 2024
UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen has Yair Rodríguez in his sights for a pivotal matchup between top 145lbers. Allen snapped a two-fight skid to defeat Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July. He stifled Chikadze’s always-dangerous kickboxing and put on one of his best performances in recent years.
Ilia Topuria shoots down the idea of rematching Alexander Volkanovski in Australia: "I'm the champion"
Cole Shelton - October 23, 2024
Ilia Topuria says if he rematches Alexander Volkanovski it will not be in Australia as ‘The Great’ wants. The UFC is returning to Sydney in February and Volkanovski says he wants to return on that card and fight for the title. However, should Topuria beat Max Holloway at UFC 308 and defend his belt, he says he won’t be going to Australia to defend his belt.
Diego Lopes willing to fight Alexander Volkanovski in Sydney: "I'm ready"
Fernando Quiles - October 23, 2024
Diego Lopes isn’t opposed to colliding with Alexander Volkanovski in Sydney. Lopes has been emerging as a top contender in the featherweight division. He recently battered Brian Ortega at UFC 306 inside the Sphere in Las Vegas. He’s been so impressive that the UFC has given him a backup role if he’s needed for the 145-pound title bout this Saturday.
Max Holloway slams Ilia Topuria for being Conor McGregor "copycat"
Fernando Quiles - October 23, 2024
Max Holloway believes Ilia Topuria is trying to be Conor McGregor lite. Holloway is ready to challenge Topuria for the UFC Featherweight Championship this Saturday. The title fight will headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. This is Holloway’s bid to become a two-time champion in the 145-pound division.
Yair Rodriguez reveals potential opponents for UFC return in 2025
Harry Kettle - October 23, 2024
UFC featherweight Yair Rodriguez has revealed who he could end up facing in his return bout next year. For the longest time, Yair Rodriguez has been seen as a top featherweight contender in the UFC. However, while he’s had some incredible moments over the years, he hasn’t always enjoyed the most consistent success in the Octagon. As of late, he’s been on a poor run with consecutive losses via finish to Alexander Volkanovski and Brian Ortega.