Exclusive MMA Interviews News
Loopy Godinez expecting a "dirty, bloody" fight against Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295: "I'm excited about this matchup"
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
Loopy Godinez didn’t think she would fight again this year but was thrilled when she was offered to return at UFC 295. After Godinez submitted Elise Reed in the second round at Noche UFC, a week later she got the call to face Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295. It was an exciting opportunity and for Godinez, she’s honored to be able to fight at Madison Square Garden.
UFC 295 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira title fight
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2023
In the main event of UFC 295, the vacant light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Jiri Prochazka takes on Alex Pereira. Heading into the fight, Prochazka is a +100 underdog while the Brazilian is a -128 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the title fight. The pros slightly lean towards Prochazka becoming the light heavyweight champion again at UFC 295, but all expect this to be a very exciting scrap.
Matt Frevola hopes Benoit Saint-Denis tries to grapple him at UFC 295, believes it's a "perfect fight" for him
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2023
Matt Frevola always knew his next fight would be at Madison Square Garden. Frevola started the year off with an upset first-round TKO win over Drew Dober in May. After the victory, Frevola knew he would be fighting at home at Madison Square Garden but wasn’t sure if he’d be able to sneak in another fight before then.
Jason Knight expects to make Randy Costa "quit" at Gambred Bareknuckle MMA, hopes UFC call comes next
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2023
Jason Knight will be fighting for the first time since he competed on The Ultimate Fighter. Knight lost in the semi-finals of TUF 21 to the eventual winner Kurt Holobaugh in a back-and-forth war. Although Knight lost by second-round TKO, Dana White called it the fight of the season, so ‘Hick Diaz’ was hopeful to get a UFC deal which unfortunately never came.
OKTAGON MMA's Aaron Aby uses past as inspiration: "Fighting gave me hope"
Zain Bando - November 2, 2023
Aaron Aby enters Saturday night’s inaugural OKTAGON MMA flyweight title fight against Elias Garcia with more than earning a win on his mind, he said. “Fighting again gave me hope,” Aaron Aby said in an interview with BJPenn.
Modestas Bukauskas expecting a "barn burner" against Vitor Petrino at UFC Sao Paulo: "It's my job to take away that 0"
Cole Shelton - November 1, 2023
Modestas Bukauskas will be going into enemy territory for the third straight fight. Bukauskas is set to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil to face undefeated Vitor Petrino. It’s Bukauskas’ third straight fight in enemy territory, which is something he is now used to and enjoys.
Vinc Pichel hoping for "legend fights" after he finishes Ismael Bonfim at UFC Sao Paulo: "He will turn into a wrestler once I crack him"
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2023
Vinc Pichel is excited to finally return to the Octagon after a year-and-a-half away. Pichel last fought back at UFC 273 in April of 2022 when he lost a decision to Mark O. Madsen. It was a disappointing loss, and Pichel was eager to make a quick turnaround following the result. Although he was booked to fight Jesse Ronson six months later, an injury forced him into hip surgery which put him on the sidelines.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
On the main card of UFC 294, a pivotal light heavyweight bout goes down as Magomed Ankalaev takes on Johnny Walker. Heading into the fight, Ankalaev is a sizeable -390 favorite while the Brazilian is a +280 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros agree with the odds as they expect Ankalaev to cruise to a decision win here and likely cement himself as the next title contender.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 294, Kamaru Usman stepped up on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Heading into the fight, Usman is a +220 underdog while the undefeated fighter is a -295 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are leaning towards Chimaev getting the job done, however, some do think Usman can pull off the upset even though he’s fighting on very short notice and up a weight class.
Terrance McKinney says he drilled the flying knee just moments before walking out at UFC Vegas 81, eyes Chris Duncan at UFC 296
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
Terrance McKinney didn’t know if he would be able to fight at UFC Vegas 81. McKinney was supposed to face Chris Duncan, but the Scottish fighter couldn’t get his visa in time to fight. After that, Terrance was hoping to remain on the card, but weeks went by with nothing. However, on fight week, an opponent was found which was great news for McKinney.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev is looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he rematches Alexander Volkanovski. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a -265 favorite while the featherweight champ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are actually leaning toward Volkanovski pulling off the upset, despite taking it on short notice.
After a "rough two years" Ashley Yoder is "excited" to finally fight again as she faces Emily Ducote at UFC Vegas 81
Cole Shelton - October 12, 2023
Ashley Yoder is finally ready to fight. Yoder hasn’t fought since July of 2021 when she lost to Jinh Yu Frey by decision to drop her to 8-8 as a pro and 3-7 in the UFC. Since then, Yoder had an injury that resulted in surgeries, as well as filming a yet-to-be-released reality TV show.
Adrian Yanez plans to prove he still "belongs with the top guys" with win over Jonathan Martinez at UFC Vegas 81
Cole Shelton - October 11, 2023
Adrian Yanez knows he’s still a top-15 bantamweight despite losing to Rob Font back in April. Yanez suffered a first-round knockout loss and after the defeat, he knew what went wrong. The plan was to stay patient with Font, but after he rocked him, Yanez said he got too reckless, which was a good learning lesson.
Sodiq Yusuff plans to have "a striking fest" with Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 81: "I don't think me or Edson are planning on going five rounds"
Cole Shelton - October 11, 2023
Sodiq Yusuff is thrilled to be headlining his first UFC main event. Yusuff hasn’t fought since October of last year when he beat Don Shainis by submission in 30 seconds. After the win, Sodiq wanted a quick turnaround. But unfortunately, just a week or two after the fight he suffered a serious back injury.
Jason Knight claims Conor McGregor didn't show up for a "good solid week" of TUF 31 practices
Cole Shelton - October 9, 2023
Jason Knight says Conor McGregor rarely showed up to TUF 31 practices and filming. McGregor returned to coach TUF 31 opposite Michael Chandler, and during the show, the Irishman was noticeably not around for weigh-ins. Kurt Holobaugh then told BJPENN.com that Conor McGregor was the cause of multiple practices being canceled because he didn’t show up.
OKTAGON's Pavol Langer not set on UFC ambitions: "I am just focused on my next fight"
Zain Bando - October 7, 2023
Although Pavol Langer is the betting underdog entering his highly-anticipated OKTAGON light heavyweight title fight against Karlos Vemola Saturday in Bratislava, he is taking it one fight at a time. A veteran of 21 fights, winning three straight, Langer has the momentum on his side against a formidable opponent in Vemola. Langer spoke to BJPenn.com ahead of Saturday night to get a feel for his opponent, a potential game plan, and his future in MMA.
Alex Morono tells fans to "expect violence" in his UFC Vegas 80 fight against Joaquin Buckley: "We are both going to throw down"
Cole Shelton - October 5, 2023
Alex Morono is pumped to fight Joaquin Buckley at UFC Vegas 80. After Morono beat Tim Means back in May, he figured it would take a bit for him to get another scrap, especially after he studied the welterweight division.
Grant Dawson says game plan against Bobby Green is straightforward, eyes Dan Hooker in December with a win
Cole Shelton - October 3, 2023
Grant Dawson didn’t expect to get his first UFC main event already but he is excited for it. Dawson is set to headline UFC Vegas 80 on Saturday against Bobby Green. It is a fight that came together on relatively short notice, as Dawson only got about five weeks’ to prepare. However, he says he was told he would be fighting around this time for a while but thought it would be against Jalin Turner.