UFC News
Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou would sleep Jon Jones
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2019
For a long time, many people have been clamoring to see light heavyweight king Jon Jones move up to heavyweight. He has almost cleaned out the entire 205lbs division, and there are plenty of challenges awaiting “Bones” at heavyweight. Most recently, a fight against surging heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou has sparked the interest of fights fans. ‘The Predator’ has been adding to his knockout reel lately, his latest victim being former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.
Jorge Masvidal says Ben Askren "fu**ing froze" during a recent encounter
Mike Pendleton - July 4, 2019
Jorge Masvidal has not been shy about his dislike for his upcoming UFC 239 opponent, Ben Askren and now he’s added fuel to that fire. During his media day interviews, Masvidal told reporters on multiple occasions that Askren froze up during a recent encounter between the two. Since entering the UFC, Askren has gotten under the skin of many welterweight fighters with comments he’s made about them and his lack of concern in their response. There have been many circumstances that has led to the rivalry between both Askren and Jorge Masvidal, but “Gamebred” told reporters on Thursday that once he confronted Askren, there was no fight about to break out.
Anthony Smith is confident that no one will beat Jon Jones their first time around
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2019
Jon Jones is considered one of, if not the greatest fighter of all-time. He is 24-1 with one no contest and his only loss came by disqualification. Time and time again “Bones” has broken down his opponents by using his length and reach, accompanied by his strong striking and wrestling skills.
Donald Cerrone targeting rematch with Tony Ferguson, says UFC "open to it"
Mike Pendleton - July 4, 2019
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone wants a rematch with Tony Ferguson after their entertaining fight at UFC 238 ended with a doctor’s stoppage TKO victory for ‘El Cucuy’. Both Ferguson and Donald Cerrone had their moments in the first fight, but after the second round following a late hit from Ferguson after the bell, Cerrone blew his nose and his eye closed shut. Although the fight would come to an end, Cerrone did not suffer an injury to his eye. The decision to blow his nose is one that Cerrone said he knows as a veteran he shouldn’t have made, but has said on numerous occasions that the late hit from Ferguson is not what caused the ending of the fight. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Donald Cerrone says he is eager for a rematch with Ferguson and is looking no later than September for a return.
Ben Askren breaks down Covington vs. Lawler fight
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
At UFC Newark, on August 3, top welterweight Colby Covington will look to reestablish himself as the next man in line for the champion Kamaru Usman with a big win over Robbie Lawler. Ben Askren, one of Covington’s most vocal haters, believes this is a fight that could go either way. Check out what he had to say about the matchup below (via Heidi Fang)
Diego Sanchez claims he took Mickey Gall's virginity
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
This Saturday, on the main card of UFC 239, Diego Sanchez will return to action against Michael Chiesa. He’ll do so with an impressive TKO victory over Mickey Gall in the rear-view mirror. Speaking on a recent episode of MMA Junkie Radio, Sanchez gave a retrospective assessment of his defeat of Gall, and let’s just say it was interesting. Even by Diego Sanchez standards…
Jorge Masvidal offers Ben Askren 'the family pack with a two-liter soda'
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
Shortly after Jorge Masvidal knocked out his UFC London opponent Darren Till, he unleashed a bit of backstage violence on welterweight rival Leon Edwards. He referred to his attack on Edwards as “a three-piece and a soda.” From the sounds of it, Masvidal’s UFC 239 opponent Ben Askren could be in for a far crueler dish.
Michael Bisping understands why Dana White wants Jon Jones' DQ loss overturned
Fernando Quiles - July 4, 2019
From a promoter’s perspective, Michael Bisping can appreciate Dana White’s desire to have Jon Jones’ lone defeat overturned. Back in Dec. 2009, a young Jones took on Matt Hamill in the co-main event of TUF 10 Finale. This was Jones’ fourth fight under the UFC banner. “Bones” was teeing off on Hamill with some vicious ground-and-pound. When referee Steve Mazzagatti called a halt to the bout, most assumed that Jones scored a TKO victory. Instead, he was disqualified for illegal 12-6 elbow strikes.
Jon Jones explains why most opponents try to attack his personal life
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
In the lead-up to any Jon Jones fight, it’s common to hear his opponent mention his troubles outside the cage, be it his issues with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or his run-ins with the law. Jones believes that’s because his opponents can’t find anything else to criticize him for. His mixed martial arts game is so flawless that they’re forced to look elsewhere as they search for ammunition for their trash talk.
UFC 239 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jon Jones vs. Thiago Santos title fight
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2019
In the main event of UFC 239, Jon Jones will be looking to defend his light heavyweight title when he takes on Thiago Santos. Heading into the fight, “Bones” is a -700 favorite, while the challenger is a hefty +450 underdog. Ahead of the title fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. To no surprise most are picking the champ. But, one fighter believes it will be Santos’ day and he will be able to shock the world.
UFC 239 | Jorge Masvidal clarifies comments he made about the Ben Askren bloodline
Natasha Hooper - July 4, 2019
The drama continues to unfold between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren. Masvidal recently sat down with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto to clarify some recent comments he made. Last week, Askren called out Masvidal for saying he wanted to end his bloodline. During a State of Combat podcast, Askren’ called the alleged comments “sick” and “disturbing.”
PHOTO | Thiago Santos appears to have bulked up for UFC 239 fight with Jon Jones
Natasha Hooper - July 4, 2019
Thiago Santos has seemingly bulked up in preparation for his UFC 239 bout against Jon Jones. The Brazilian light heavyweight fighter nicknamed “Marreta” looks like he’s packed on some pounds, if a recent Instagram post is any indication. Currently, he is in Las Vegas, the location of his upcoming fight. Santos is taking in some local attractions and sharing his experiences on his Instagram.
Justin Gaethje believes two men stand alone as biggest threats to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Natasha Hooper - July 4, 2019
Justin Gaethje believes there are only two opponents out there that can rival Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he is one of them. At the MMA awards last night, Justin Gaethje spoke to Aaron Bronsteter of TSN about the possibility of fighting the current lightweight champion Nurmagomedov. He believes only Tony Ferguson and himself stand in the way of “The Eagle’s” undefeated pro record.
Tito Ortiz heaps praise at Dana White following death of Golden Boy MMA
Christopher Taylor - July 4, 2019
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz had some high praise for Dana White at tonight’s World MMA Awards, this after announcing the death of Golden Boy MMA. During an interview with TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter, Tito Ortiz discussed the closure of Golden Boy MMA while comparing the promoting skills of UFC President Dana White against Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya.
Justin Gaethje reveals that he turned down a fight with Tony Ferguson
Christopher Taylor - July 3, 2019
Could you imagine a fight between lightweight standouts Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje? Well it almost happened! According to Justin Gaethje (20-2 MMA), the UFC had offered him a fight with Tony Ferguson on just four weeks notice at June’s UFC 238 event in Chicago.
Jack Hermansson vs. Jared Cannonier Set For UFC Copenhagen Main Event
Adam Martin - July 3, 2019
It looks like UFC Copenhagen has a main event, though perhaps one that’s a bit surprising. It was rumored for a while now that Jack Hermansson would fight Kelvin Gastelum in the main event of the UFC’s debut in Denmark on September 28. But according to MMA super agent Malki Kawa, Jared Cannonier has verbally agreed to fight Hermansson instead. Cannonier verbally agrees to fight hermansson in Copenhagen. Excited for this. Good work @LouDiBono
Joanne Calderwood vs. Andrea Lee on tap for UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi
Mike Heck - July 3, 2019
A pivotal women’s flyweight bout is heading to Abu Dhabi. Sources have confirmed to BJPenn.com that Joanne Calderwood will take on Andrea Lee at UFC 242. The event will take place on Sept. 7 at The Arena in Yas Island. The bout was first reported by MMA Junkie. Joanne Calderwood was knocking on the door of a women’s flyweight title shot against Valentina Shevchenko before she suffered a unanimous decision loss to Katlyn Chookagian last month at UFC 238. Prior to the setback, “JoJo” had picked up a first-round submission win over Kalindra Faria at UFC Fight Night 135 and a unanimous decision victory against Ariane Lipski at UFC on ESPN+ 1. Calderwood has been able to get on track after back-to-back losses to Jessica Andrade in September 2016 and Cynthia Calvillo 10 months later.
Opinion | Jon Jones making up for lost time by focusing on legacy of dominance
Mike Pendleton - July 3, 2019
As UFC 239 approaches, Jon Jones is making his final preparations for another light heavyweight title fight; a scene that he is very familiar with. Since he captured the divisional title in 2011 with a TKO of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Jones has found himself in title fights ever since. The career of Jones inside the Octagon is one that can only be described as remarkable. He grew up before the eyes of UFC fans, taking out the veterans that paved the way for the light heavyweight division like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans and Vitor Belfort, then taking on a wave of new challengers — most notably his chief rivals Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson.