Exclusive MMA Interviews News
BJJ Legend Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida inspired by Daniel Cormier as he begins MMA career in ONE
Tom Taylor - August 13, 2020
Brazilian jiu jitsu legend Marcus Almeida, known more widely by the nickname “Buchecha” recently signed with ONE Championship to begin a career in MMA. It’s a transition the Brazilian heavyweight has been plotting since 2015, but one that finally come together when his manager, Ali Abdelaziz entered into a new partnership with the Singapore-based martial arts organization.
Pro fighters make their picks for Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier 3 title fight
Cole Shelton - August 13, 2020
In the main event of UFC 252, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier are set for their trilogy fight. They are currently 1-1 with Cormier winning the first by knockout and Miocic winning the rematch by TKO. Heading into the fight, Miocic is a -110 underdog while “DC” is a -120 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority believe Bruce Buffer will say “And New” with Cormier using his wrestling to get his hand raised.
Promoter details Paige VanZant's four-fight deal with BKFC, hints at another "massive" signing
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
David Feldman is relieved Paige VanZant decided to sign with his promotion, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Entering UFC 251, VanZant was fighting Amanda Ribas and it was known it was the final fight of her contract. Many pundits believed she would end up in Bellator but on Wednesday that did not happen. Instead, it was announced she has signed with BKFC.
Matt Dixon fired up for Contender Series opportunity: "I feel like that contract is mine"
Tom Taylor - August 12, 2020
Matt Dixon might not be a household name among fight fans yet, but that could soon change. Dixon, a 24-year-old welterweight with a flawless, 9-0 record, will battle Orion Cosce (6-0) on next Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series. If he leaves the cage-side UFC President suitably dazzled, he’ll be offered a contract.
Marlon Vera plans to "baptize" Sean O'Malley and "make him quit" in UFC 252 co-main event
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
Marlon Vera is excited to finally share the Octagon with Sean O’Malley as he is confident he can hand “Sugar” his first loss. In the co-main event of UFC 252, Vera and O’Malley are set to fight in a scrap many fans are looking forward to. The common perception entering the bout is whether or not O’Malley’s hype is real or if Vera will prove to be too much too soon.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik gunning for KO win over Junior dos Santos, eyes rematch with Francis Ngannou
Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020
Jairzinho Rozenstruik is looking to get back into the win column just three months after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Back at UFC 249 in May, Rozenstruik was knocked out in 20 seconds. Following the loss, many expected the former kickboxer to take some time off to heal his brain.
Sean O'Malley says UFC forced Marlon Vera to sign the contract, eyes another first-round KO
Cole Shelton - August 11, 2020
Sean O’Malley believes Marlon Vera didn’t want to fight him. In the co-main event of UFC 252, O’Malley is set for his toughest test to date when he battles the 14-fight UFC veteran in Vera. So, for “Suga” he says this fight just made sense. He actually told BJPENN.com following his win over Eddie Wineland he wanted it.
Junior dos Santos expects to finish Jairzinho Rozenstruik, become heavyweight champ again
Cole Shelton - August 11, 2020
Junior dos Santos is looking to get back into the win column on the main card of UFC 252. The former UFC heavyweight champion has suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes. Entering this fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, it is a little different given they both train at American Top Team. But, for the former heavyweight champion, he doesn’t believe it will impact the fight.
Vinc Pichel shares wild street fight stories of getting stabbed, shot at and being in rumbles
Cole Shelton - August 10, 2020
Vinc Pichel believes he is a good MMA fighter because of his childhood street fights. Pichel was born in California and knows he is lucky MMA and the UFC turned out to be a massive sport. “From Hell” grew up fighting and believes if it wasn’t for fighting he would most likely be in jail or on the streets selling drugs.
Pro fighters make their picks for Derrick Lewis vs. Alexey Oleynik
Cole Shelton - August 6, 2020
In the main event of UFC Vegas 6 top-10 heavyweights collide as Derrick Lewis is set to battle Alexey Oleynik. Heading into the fight, Lewis is a -200 favorite while the Russian is a +160 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority of pros believe it will be Lewis getting his hand raised by knockout to extend his winning streak to three.
Yana Kunitskaya thankful for boyfriend Thiago Santos training her for UFC Vegas 6 fight
Cole Shelton - August 6, 2020
Yana Kunitskaya didn’t have many options to train with when the COVID-19 pandemic locked people in their homes. Kunitskaya was in Brazil with her boyfriend, Thiago Santos, so all her training was with him. Not only was he her main training partner, but she says the Brazilian will be in her corner and will help out drastically with her weight cut.
Curtis Millender expects to finish Sabah Homasi, sign with UFC or Bellator long-term in free agency
Cole Shelton - August 5, 2020
Curtis Millender knows he has to beat Sabah Homasi if he is going to get a long-term contract in free agency. At Bellator 243 this Friday, Millender is set for his second fight in Bellator since re-signing with the promotion after being cut by the UFC. In his debut, he scored a decision win over Moses Murrietta.
Pro fighters make their picks for Michael Chandler vs. Benson Henderson 2
Cole Shelton - August 5, 2020
In the main event of Bellator 243, Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson are having a rematch nearly four years in the making. The first fight took place in 2016 where Chandler won a split decision. Heading into the rematch, Chandler is a -235 favorite while the former UFC champion is a +185 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros believe the three-time Bellator lightweight champion in Chandler will get his hand raised again.
Alexey Oleynik asked for Derrick Lewis fight, expects to keep on competing for another 7-10 years
Cole Shelton - August 4, 2020
Alexey Oleynik always wanted to share the Octagon with Derrick Lewis and he now gets the chance to do so. In the main event of UFC Vegas 6, the Russian will be taking on Lewis. It is a very intriguing fight that the UFC wanted to headline the June 13 show according to Oleynik. But, he needed more time after his win over Fabricio Werdum.
Beneil Dariush says he's "extremely disappointed" to be fighting unranked Scott Holtzman
Cole Shelton - August 4, 2020
Beneil Dariush was looking to be fighting a ranked opponent but unfortunately did not get his wish. Dariush, who is currently ranked 14th at lightweight, is riding a four-fight winning streak and coming off a spectacular KO win over Drakkar Klose at UFC 248. It was a phenomenal finish. Looking back at it, the timing of that fight couldn’t have been any more perfect.
Tim Johnson plans to utilize his wrestling against Matt Mitrione: "I don’t see it lasting very long"
Cole Shelton - August 3, 2020
Tim Johnson believes he has a clear path to victory against Matt Mitrione. Johnson will be making his fourth appearance in Bellator to battle the always dangerous Mitrione in the co-main event of Bellator 243 on Friday. Although this is a big fight for Johnson, he didn’t get much notice for it.
Randy Brown plans to test Vicente Luque's chin: "We will see if he can go three rounds"
Cole Shelton - July 30, 2020
Randy Brown is happy he still gets the chance to fight Vicente Luque. The two were supposed to fight in April but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, Luque ended up earning a TKO win over Niko Price. So, for Brown, he thought his chances of fighting the ranked welterweight were out the window.
Pro fighters make their picks for Derek Brunson vs. Edmen Shahbazyan
Cole Shelton - July 30, 2020
In the main event of UFC Vegas 5, Derek Brunson is looking to extend his winning streak when he takes Edmen Shahbazyan. Heading into the fight, Brunson is a +255 underdog while the undefeated prospect is a -335 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are split on this one with some thinking Brunson is a step up too soon while others believe the hype is real behind Shahbazyan.