MMA News

Cole Shelton - April 22, 2025

The 194th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to recap UFC 314 and preview OKTAGON 70. We’re first joined by 14th-ranked UFC featherweight Dan Ige (0:51). We close things out talking to OKATGON and former UFC middleweight Krzysztof Jotko (12:47).

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2025

UFC star Paddy Pimblett has spoken about his weight gain since his triumph over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. At UFC 314 earlier this month, Paddy Pimblett picked up the biggest win of his career. He defeated and dominated Michael Chandler in the co-main event of the evening, establishing himself as an elite contender in the lightweight division. In addition to that, ‘The Baddy’ also looked to be in incredible shape, and he towered above Chandler by the time fight night arrived.

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2025

Magomed Ankalaev has questioned Khalil Rountree Jr for his analysis of Alex Pereira’s main event performance at UFC 313. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev is the reigning, defending UFC light heavyweight champion. He was able to earn that title by defeating none other than Alex Pereira, one of the biggest stars in all of mixed martial arts. Ever since then, many have been wondering what’s next for both men – and the popular opinion is that they’re going to run it back at some point later this year.

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2025

UFC legend Conor McGregor has voiced his admiration for Merab Dvalishvili ahead of his return to action at UFC 316. Over the course of the last few years, Merab Dvalishvili has been impressing the masses in more ways than one. From his cardio to his grit and determination, he has earned the right to call himself the UFC bantamweight champion. Following on from wins over the likes of Petr Yan and Henry Cejudo, Merab finally claimed the gold by dethroning Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC last year.

Cole Shelton - April 21, 2025

UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith understands that he has to fight a young up-and-comer in his retirement fight. Smith will retire at UFC Kansas City when he takes on Mingyang Zhang. Zhang is 2-0 in the UFC but has looked impressive in his two fights. For Smith’s retirement fight, it’s no layup fight or a big-name opponent, which ‘Lionheart’ understands. Smith knows the UFC is about getting the young guys over, which is what he thinks the UFC wants to happen here.

BJ Penn Staff - April 21, 2025

Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena is set to challenge Belal Muhammad for welterweight gold at UFC 315. If he successfully claims the title, he’s got his eyes on an even bigger challenge: Islam Makhachev. UFC 315 goes down on May 10 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Australia’s Della Maddalena is an underdog against the welterweight champion Muhammad, but is one of the better strikers in his division, and has the power to stop any welterweight he faces off with.

BJ Penn Staff - April 21, 2025

UFC veteran Anthony Smith is nearing the end of his lengthy MMA career. From the sounds of it, he already has some big plans for his life after fighting. For one, he aims to create a feeder league for Dana White’s controversial Power Slap promotion. Smith has been fighting professional since 2008. He made his UFC debut in 2013, but after a loss to Antonio Braga Neto, was released after just one fight. Three years later, after a seven-fight streak in smaller promotions, he was re-signed by the UFC. He’s been a member of the promotion’s roster ever since, and even competed against Jon Jones for the light heavyweight title in 2019, though he lost by decision.

Cole Shelton - April 21, 2025

Dricus Du Plessis has fired back at Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis and Chimaev were linked to fighting one another at International Fight Week at the end of June. However, it was then rumored that Du Plessis was dealing with an injury that caused Chimaev to take aim at the champ.

BJ Penn Staff - April 21, 2025

Khamzat Chimaev has reacted to rumors of a UFC middleweight title eliminator with fellow contender Caio Borralho. Chimaev is undefeated at 14-0, and has long been considered one of the most imposing fighters in the UFC. He made his loudest statement yet in his most recent fight, choking out former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker inside a round.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 21, 2025

Islam Makhachev’s team hasn’t been too keen on a potential Ilia Topuria fight, and one highly ranked UFC lightweight thinks he knows why. Makhachev is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion. Many have argued that he should already be on the move to the welterweight division, but Makhachev feels there’s still work to be done at lightweight. It appears he’d rather his next title defense be a rescheduling of the Arman Tsarukyan bout or Justin Gaethje rather than Topuria.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 21, 2025

Movsar Evloev has explained why he thinks Alexander Volkanovski’s style won’t work against him. Volkanovski recently added to his legacy by becoming a two-time UFC Featherweight Champion. He defeated Diego Lopes via unanimous decision to close out UFC 314 on April 12. Many believe that Evloev is the most deserving contender for the 145-pound gold.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 21, 2025

A one-time UFC title challenger has cleared the air on rumors surrounding his situation with Michael Bisping. Bisping is a respected UFC Hall of Famer and color commentator. The former UFC Middleweight Champion also has his own successful YouTube channel and podcast. Anthony Smith became a regular co-host on the “Believe You Me” podcast, but he eventually left the show to align with Home of Fight for his own podcast.

Harry Kettle - April 21, 2025

UFC star Paddy Pimblett poked fun at Conor McGregor’s performance in Roadhouse when discussing a potential Hollywood future for himself. In the last few weeks, Paddy Pimblett has reached a new level of superstardom. After he was able to defeat Michael Chandler, ‘The Baddy’ has been the big name on everyone’s lips. Many are wondering what’s next for him in the wonderful world of mixed martial arts, with the popular opinion being that he is just one more big win away from a lightweight title shot.

Harry Kettle - April 21, 2025

PFL star Fabian Edwards has spoken about how much of a boost it is to have Leon Edwards, his brother, in his corner. As we know, Leon Edwards is a former UFC world champion and one of the best welterweights of his generation. While he may no longer hold the gold, what he’s been able to accomplish in his career has still been nothing short of remarkable. Of course, it isn’t just him that’s carrying his family’s MMA legacy forward. His brother, Fabian, also has a successful career in his own right, and was able to pick up a big win over Impa Kasanganay in his most recent outing over the weekend.

Harry Kettle - April 21, 2025

UFC star Kayla Harrison has given her thoughts on Julianna Pena’s trash talk ahead of their big title fight at UFC 316. As we know, Kayla Harrison is set to challenge Julianna Pena for the UFC women’s bantamweight championship at UFC 316. It will serve as the culmination of a journey that has been years in the making for Kayla, who has always sought out a shot at a UFC title. Now, she’ll get it, and she’ll be going against a seasoned veteran in the form of two-time UFC champion Julianna Pena.

BJ Penn Staff - April 20, 2025

Could Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones finally fight for the UFC heavyweight title soon? Well, according to some recent comments from Aspinall, it’s possible. Jones is the former UFC light heavyweight champ, and is considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. In 2023, after years of plotting, he finally moved up to heavyweight, and claimed the vacant belt with a quick win over Ciryl Gane. Unfortunately, Jones has been extremely inactive as heavyweight champ. He has fought just once since winning the belt, battering a shopworn Stipe Miocic to a TKO win last November.

BJ Penn Staff - April 20, 2025

Joe Rogan believes that Conor McGregor is running out of time to return to the UFC. McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, has not fought since a pair of stoppage losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021. While he was booked to fight Michael Chandler last year, he was ruled out of that fight with a toe injury, and has not accepted another fight since.

BJ Penn Staff - April 18, 2025

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is still eyeing the presidency in Ireland. McGregor, from Dublin, is the biggest star in MMA history, by a long shot. However, in the midst of the longest layoff of his professional fighting career, he announced plans to run for president in his home country of Ireland.