MMA News

Dustin Poirier, Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev

Dustin Poirier reacts to viral video of Islam Makhachev hitting a punching machine ahead of UFC 302 headliner

Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier didn’t think much of Islam Makhachev’s punching power he showcased in a recent social media clip. Poirier and Makhachev will clash in the UFC 302 main event on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. This is Poirier’s third career lineal UFC lightweight title shot after losses to Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and former titleholder Charles Oliveira.

Colby Covington
UFC

Colby Covington reveals how much longer he has left in his fighting career

Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024

Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington believes he still has a few years left in his fighting career. Covington is 36 and has been a pro fighter since 2012. Although he is getting close to the age of 40, Covington believes he still can fight at a high level for a couple more years, and wouldn’t be surprised to be fighting past the age of 40 like Daniel Cormier did.

Steve Erceg
Steve Erceg

Steve Erceg gets a fresh callout from top flyweight after gritty performance at UFC 301

Curtis Calhoun - May 8, 2024

UFC 301 flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg already has a potential next fight lined up just days after falling short in Brazil. Erceg lost to UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro last Saturday. Despite going toe-to-toe with the titleholder, Ereceg fell short on the judges’ scorecards to snap an 11-fight winning streak.

Alexandre Pantoja and Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson

Alexandre Pantoja reiterates desire for superfight against Demetrious Johnson

Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024

UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has made it clear that he’s interested in a future showdown with Demetrious Johnson. At UFC 301, Alexandre Pantoja just about managed to successfully defend his UFC flyweight championship. He saw off the challenge of Steve Erceg in what proved to be a really competitive encounter.

Conor McGregor's leg
Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy predicts Conor McGregor will use broken leg as "bait" at UFC 303

Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024

MMA analyst Dan Hardy believes Conor McGregor will use his broken leg from three years ago as bait at UFC 303. Next month, fans will finally see the long-awaited return of Conor McGregor to the Octagon. He’s gearing up for a comeback that has been three years in the making as he prepares to battle Michael Chandler.

Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier
Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev promises "something special" against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302

Harry Kettle - May 8, 2024

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has promised something special against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. In just a few weeks, Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Dustin Poirier. In the eyes of many, this serves as Poirier’s last chance to finally claim undisputed gold in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As you can imagine, the intensity is high – but Makhachev doesn’t appear to be feeling the pressure.

Wei Rui
ONE Championship

Wei Rui takes aim at Jonathan Haggerty’s kickboxing gold: "The next challenger"

BJPENN.COM Staff - May 8, 2024

Following his successful ONE Championship debut, Wei Rui feels that he has rightfully earned the opportunity to challenge Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship. His maiden appearance in the world’s largest martial arts organization left a lasting impression. At ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3, he faced none other than former divisional ruler and current #1-ranked contender Hiroki Akimoto.

Reece McLaren
ONE Championship

Reece McLaren demands crack at Demetrious Johnson, rematch with Danny Kingad

BJPENN.COM Staff - May 8, 2024

Reece McLaren made a bold statement after getting his hand raised at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3. Following his hard-fought unanimous decision win over Hu Yong, “Lightning” feels that he has earned his right to challenge Demetrious Johnson for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.

Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal
Jorge Masvidal

Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal boxing match moved to new fight date, avoids UFC 302 conflict

Curtis Calhoun - May 7, 2024

The upcoming boxing headliner between former UFC superstars Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will take place on a new date to avoid viewership conflict with UFC 302. Diaz vs. Masvidal will now take place on July 6 in Anaheim, CA, a departure from the original June 1 scheduling. News of the new Diaz vs. Masvidal date was first reported by BoxingScene.

Colby Covington, Ian Machado Garry
Ian Garry

Colby Covington denies he's been offered Ian Machado Garry fight, responds to social media taunts

Curtis Calhoun - May 7, 2024

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington called Ian Machado Garry’s bluff amidst rumors of an offered fight. Garry called out Covington following his most recent win at UFC 298 against Geoff Neal. He defeated Neal by unanimous decision to remain unbeaten in his young promotional tenure.

Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland's coach shares prediction for Paulo Costa fight at UFC 302

Cole Shelton - May 7, 2024

Eric Nicksick, the head coach of Sean Strickland, expects his fighter to finish Paulo Costa at UFC 302. Strickland is set to fight Costa in the co-main event of the pay-per-view card on June 1 in Newark, New Jersey. It’s a highly-anticipated bout, and heading into the fight, Strickland is a sizeable -200 favorite and Nicksick agrees as he expects his fighter to return to the win column with a stoppage win.

Dan Hardy, Dana White
Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy gives raw, honest response to Dana White's latest PFL/Bellator jabs: 'We're not perfect!'

Curtis Calhoun - May 7, 2024

PFL analyst and former UFC title challenger Dan Hardy admits that PFL has a long way to go before being universally recognized as a sustainable MMA product. UFC president and CEO Dana White has used some of his recent media availability to mock PFL’s popularity and standing in MMA. After a successful night at UFC 300, White aimed at PFL/Bellator for a low attendance the night before the UFC’s historic pay-per-view event.

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Diego Ferreira
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Diego Ferreira explains why Mateusz Rebecki is a "perfect match" for him at UFC St. Louis, wants Bobby Green with a win

Cole Shelton - May 7, 2024

Diego Ferreira will end his nearly year-long layoff at UFC St. Louis when he takes on Mateusz Rebecki. Ferreira hasn’t fought since May 20th of last year when he knocked out Michael Johnson. After the fight, Ferreira welcomed a baby girl into the world and also had to focus on his gym which kept him out of action.

Tristan Hamm
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Tristan Hamm details transition from influencer to boxer ahead of Le'Veon Bell boxing match, eyes future fight with Dillon Danis

Cole Shelton - May 2, 2024

Tristan Hamm made quick work in his boxing debut and now he wants to see how far he can take it. Hamm, also known as Mr. Adventure on social media with over two million Instagram followers, had his boxing debut in January on the Misfits card. He scored a quick knockout win, and although he’s only been boxing for six months, Hamm says being part of the influencer boxing was something he had been interested in.

Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg UFC 301
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UFC 301 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg title fight

Cole Shelton - May 1, 2024

In the main event of UFC 301, the flyweight title is up for grabs as Alexandre Pantoja looks to defend his belt against Steve Erceg. Heading into the fight, Pantoja is a -200 favorite while the challenger is a +154 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the flyweight title fight. The pros are unanimous in thinking Pantoja will remain the flyweight champ as they believe this is too big of a step up in competition for Erceg.

Drakkar Klose
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Drakkar Klose claims Joaquim Silva is the "easiest fight," vows to KO him at UFC 301

Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024

Drakkar Klose called for the easiest fight in the lightweight division after his last win and he says he got his wish. After Klose scored a slam KO over Joe Solecki in December, he said he didn’t care who was next, as he just wanted the easiest guy for the most amount of money. Klose ended up getting the call to face Joaquim Silva at UFC 301 in Brazil, which is exciting for the American to go into enemy territory.

Cody Brundage
Cody Brundage

Cody Brundage believes he's too much of a "step-up in competiton" for Bo Nickal, confident he will finish him at UFC 300

Cole Shelton - April 12, 2024

Cody Brundage wanted to fight Bo Nickal and he was hoping he’d get the fight at UFC 300. Brundage is on a two-fight winning streak and after his last win, he thought it made sense for him to be Nickal’s next opponent. To no surprise, when his coach called with a fight offer, it was Nickal at UFC 300 which he jumped at.

Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan
Charles Oliveira

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsraukyan

Cole Shelton - April 11, 2024

On the main card of UFC 300, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Arman Tsarukyan in a potential No. 1 contender fight. Heading into the fight, Oliveira is a +176 underdog while the Armenian is a -230 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the lightweight fight. The pros are actually going with the underdog in Oliveira as they feel like he is getting overlooked.

Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway
Justin Gaethje

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway BMF title fight

Cole Shelton - April 11, 2024

On the main card of UFC 300, Justin Gaethje looks to defend his BMF title for the first time as he takes on Max Holloway. Heading into the fight, Gaethje is a -178 favorite while the Hawaiian is a +138 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the BMF title fight. The pros are expecting Gaethje to get his hand raised in a highly-anticipated fight, as they think the size will play a factor.

Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill
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UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill title fight

Cole Shelton - April 10, 2024

In the main event of UFC 300, the light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Alex Pereira looks to defend the belt for the first time against former champ Jamahal Hill. Heading into the fight, Pereira is a -140 favorite while the American is a +110 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the light heavyweight title fight. The pros believe Pereira will get it done, as his striking will be too much for Hill.

Jim Miller
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Jim Miller plans to "frustrate" Bobby Green at UFC 300, lays out retirement plan

Cole Shelton - April 9, 2024

Jim Miller got his wish of fighting on UFC 300. Miller competed at UFC 100 and 200 and for the past couple of years, he has been campaigning to be on UFC 300. Originally the plan was for Miller to retire at UFC 300, but that is no longer the goal, so he says that has taken a bit away from the spectacle of the event.

Raul Rosas Jr and Ricky Turcios
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Coach reveals UFC "compensated" Ricky Turcios, claims Raul Rosas Jr. was cleared to fight at UFC Mexico City

Cole Shelton - April 9, 2024

Alex Morono, the head coach of Ricky Turcios says the UFC took care of the bantamweight after his canceled fight against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Mexico City. Just minutes before Turcios was set to make the walk, it was revealed Rosas Jr. was sick and the fight was off. It was disappointing news for Morono and Turcios, who liked the style matchup against the 19-year-old.

Kyle Nelson
Kyle Nelson

Kyle Nelson eyes Cub Swanson or Nate Landwehr after first-round TKO over Bill Algeo at UFC Atlantic City

Cole Shelton - April 6, 2024

Kyle Nelson has won his third straight fight as the betting underdog. Nelson scored a first-round TKO win over Bill Algeo on the main card of UFC Atlantic City. The Canadian started strong as he landed a massive shot that wobbled Algeo and he kept landing punches that forced the ref to jump in and stop the fight.

Christos Giagos
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Christos Giagos expects to "catch" Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Vegas 90: "It's going to be fun"

Cole Shelton - April 4, 2024

Christos Giagos is excited to face Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Vegas 90 on Saturday. Giagos is coming off a submission loss to Daniel Zellhuber in September and after the defeat, he was hoping to return to fight in Anaheim at UFC 298. Although fighting at February’s pay-per-view never came to fruition, Giagos did get offered a fight against Bahamondes on Saturday at UFC Vegas 90 and jumped at the chance.