UFC News
Ross Pearson comes out of retirement, November return fight planned
Adam Martin - October 4, 2019
Former UFC lightweight fighter Ross Pearson has decided to come out of retirement. He will fight on November 16 for the Probellum MMA promotion at Brentwood Centre in London, England. The promotion has not yet located an opponent for Pearson. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani first reported the news. Here’s what Helwani said.
Michael Bisping says Tyron Woodley needs to accept loss to Kamaru Usman
Fernando Quiles - October 4, 2019
Michael Bisping advises Tyron Woodley to just accept his loss to Kamaru Usman and get back on the horse. Back in March, Woodley was shutout by Usman in their UFC welterweight title bout. Usman turned in a brilliant performance and nabbed every round to take the title away from “The Chosen One.” Since that bout, Woodley has called for a rematch but the next title opportunity will go to Colby Covington at UFC 245 on Dec. 14.
Robert Whittaker lauds Khabib Nurmagomedov: 'No one can stop him'
Cole Shelton - October 4, 2019
Count Robert Whittaker among those who are very impressed with the undefeated Dagestani lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Whittaker says what he has seen of Nurmagomedov has been “phenomenal.” He doesn’t expect anyone will stop the lightweight champ any time soon.
Robert Whittaker plotting 'five-round war' with Israel Adesanya
Tom Taylor - October 4, 2019
UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is not worried about finishing Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 on Saturday night. Instead, the champ is planning on dragging his Kiwi challenger into a hellacious, five-round war. If the finish materialized somewhere in the midst of that war, so be it.
Megan Anderson opens up on mental health struggles
Tom Taylor - October 4, 2019
As Megan Anderson gears up for a UFC 243 showdown Zarah Fairn Dos Santos, she’s opening up on the mental health struggles she’s dealt with over the course of her career. “I’m very hard on myself,” Anderson told MMA Junkie at UFC 243 media day. “I’ve always been open about that and about mental health issues and that kind of stuff. So I am my own worst critic and have kind of doubted my skills for a long time.”
Conor McGregor facing assault charge for pub incident, court date set
Mike Pendleton - October 4, 2019
Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor Mcgregor has been served with a summons to appear before Dublin District Court on October 11 over an incident that occurred in an Irish pub earlier this year. The Independent.ie was first to report this news.
Israel Adesanya reacts to Jon Jones' Twitter attack
Natasha Hooper - October 4, 2019
During an interview with Brett Okamoto, Israel Adesanya reacted to the barrage of insults he received from Jon Jones on Twitter this week. Recently, Israel Adesanya made several comments about a potential octagon showdown against the light heavyweight champion. Jon Jones’ was not impressed with the call out and attacked the 30-year-old in a heated rant.
Eddie Hearn on Conor McGregor partnership: 'We can do it better'
Natasha Hooper - October 4, 2019
During a media event regarding the upcoming Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua 2 card, Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn spoke highly of Conor McGregor and pitched a future partnership with “The Notorious.” In an interview with Seconds Out, Jamal Niaz, mentioned Conor McGregor. Hearn spoke highly of the former two-division champion.
Conor McGregor: The Irish King Who Lost His Crown
Natasha Hooper - October 3, 2019
Conor McGregor is the king of charisma whose greatness transcends the UFC. His legendary wins bestowed him two-division gold belts and a sporting legacy that is unparalleled. But as the tales of great mythology go, has the man’s obsession with power and fortune derailed his kingdom reign? ‘The Notorious’ entered the Octagon as a working-class Irish man from Dublin who was cashing in welfare cheques before making his official debut. The self-assured and captivating fighter had garnered a cult following during his early days at Cage Warriors. Fans were enamoured with his disruptive presence and irrefutable talent that eventually commercialised the sport throughout Ireland. He became a hero for the blue-collar man and took great pride in fulfilling the role.
Israel Adesanya takes a shot at Yoel Romero in latest warning to Robert Whittaker
Christopher Taylor - October 3, 2019
Current UFC interim middleweight champ Israel Adesanya has taken a shot at Yoel Romero in his latest warning to reigning division kingpin Robert Whittaker. Israel Adesanya (17-0 MMA) will square off with Robert Whittaker (20-4 MMA) in the headliner of this weekend’s highly anticipated UFC 243 pay-per-view event from Australia.
Gunnar Nelson issues statement following loss to Gilbert Burns
Natasha Hooper - October 3, 2019
Fan favorite Gunnar Nelson collided with Gilbert Burns in a welterweight bout at last weekend’s UFC Fight Night Copenhagen event. It marked the second time in a year that the Icelandic warrior had fought in Europe. Gunnar Nelson faced Leon Edwards at UFC London in March and left the Octagon with another loss and a broken orbital bone after receiving a nasty elbow. After healing from his injury and getting back to training, ‘Gunni’ was inked to fight Thiago Alves. However, Alves withdrew due to injury, leaving Gilbert Burns to fill in for the fight.
Frank Lester: Jon Jones only practices stoned
Tom Taylor - October 3, 2019
According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the organization that undertakes drug testing for the UFC, “the WADA Prohibited List establishes marijuana and cannabinoids as substances that are prohibited in-competition. The use of prohibited substances in sport, without an approved Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), may lead to an anti-doping rule violation and sanction.” All the same, many fighters still use the drug recreationally and medicinally. UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones is allegedly one of those fighters. At least, that’s what his former coach Frank Lester says.
Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya get the Marvel Comics treatment ahead of UFC 243
Mike Pendleton - October 3, 2019
As UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya prepare to unify their titles in the main event of UFC 243, the anticipation is high. There have been many who believe this fight will break UFC records for highest attendance, and it is widely considered the biggest fight in Oceanic history given the pair’s ties to Australia and New Zealand. While both Whittaker and Adesanya are confident heading into this matchup, the UFC has set this fight up to be a spectacle for those in Australia as they have Marvel Stadium playing host to UFC 243.
Firas Zahabi: Tyron Woodley has added 'a new dimension to his game'
Tom Taylor - October 3, 2019
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has been putting work at Tristar in Montreal, Quebec. According to the gym’s head coach, Firas Zahabi, Woodley has been making strides. Speaking to MMA Junkie., Zahabi discussed his recent work with Woodley. Apparently, the former champ has been kicking convention and added some new weapons to his arsenal.
UFC 243 | Pro fighters make their picks for Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya title fight
Cole Shelton - October 3, 2019
In the main event of UFC 243, Robert Whittaker is looking to defend his middleweight title against the interim champion, Israel Adesanya. Heading into this fight, the champion is a -110 underdog while “The Last Stylebender” is a -120 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. As the odds suggest, the pros truly believe it is a pick’em fight, but the majority believe Robert Whittaker gets it done.
Sergio Pettis to test free agency, UFC 245 fight put on hold
Mike Pendleton - October 3, 2019
Sergio Pettis was supposed to be fighting at UFC 245 in December, but those plans have reportedly been put on hold. According to Ariel Helwani of ESPN, Pettis, who was scheduled to fight Kai Kara-France on December 14 in Las Vegas, will reportedly test free agency as his current deal with the UFC has expired.
Dana White interested in booking Israel Adesanya vs. Jon Jones
Adam Martin - October 3, 2019
UFC president Dana White says he is open to booking a superfight between UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. White was interviewed by Sky Sport News ahead of UFC 243 and was asked about a potential bout between “The Last Stylebender” and “Bones,” who have been jawing back and forth at each other on social media the last couple of days.
VIDEO | Michael Bisping pops out prosthetic eye during podcast
Tom Taylor - October 3, 2019
Michael Bisping had an incredible MMA career, culminating with a UFC middleweight title win, but he paid a hefty price for his success. At the height of his career, he sustained a nasty eye injury, and now wears a prosthetic eye as a result. Bisping flaunted his false eye during a recent episode of his Believe You Me podcast, and it’s not for the faint of heart.