MMA News
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 149 with Jim Miller, Mario Bautista, and Marcus McGhee
Cole Shelton - January 9, 2024
The 149th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC Vegas 84, which is the first event of 2024. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Jim Miller (1:33). Next, UFC bantamweight Mario Bautista (17:24) comes on. Closing out the program is UFC bantamweight Marcus McGhee (25:21).
Ariel Helwani confirms Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz 2 is in the works for 2024
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
Ariel Helwani has confirmed that Jorge Masvidal vs Nate Diaz 2 is in the works for a possible boxing match later this year. Many years ago, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz fought one another over the inaugural BMF championship. It was seen as something of a gimmick, but their main event showdown at UFC 244 in New York City pulled in a lot of fans. Due to the bout ending via doctor stoppage, many have always wanted to see a rematch. However, now that they’ve both left the UFC, it didn’t seem likely.
Demetrious Johnson reacts to rumors that Joe Rogan facilitated his trade from UFC to ONE Championship
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
Demetrious Johnson has given his thoughts on the rumors suggesting Joe Rogan helped facilitate his trade to ONE Championship. Many years ago, Demetrious Johnson was traded to ONE Championship with Ben Askren joining the UFC in return. It was a fairly unprecedented move in the world of mixed martial arts, as “trades” don’t tend to happen often in the sport. Alas, it happened the way it happened, and it seemed to work out well for everyone involved.
Henry Cejudo critical of Sean Strickland and Alex Volkanovski opening up about mental health: “Keep some of that sh*t to yourself”
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
Henry Cejudo has questioned Sean Strickland and Alexander Volkanovski for opening up on their mental health issues. It’s been, to put it lightly, a chaotic few months for Sean Strickland. From winning the UFC middleweight championship to getting in brawls at events, he’s as much of a wildcard as he’s ever been. Now, fans have seen another side of him after he got visibly emotional talking about his childhood trauma during an interview with Theo Von.
Ian Machado Garry advises Sean Strickland to “seek therapy” following his “inexcusable” comments and actions
Harry Kettle - January 9, 2024
UFC star Ian Machado Garry has given his thoughts on Sean Strickland’s recent personal admission as their feud continues. In recent months, it’s safe to say Ian Machado Garry has been catching a lot of heat. From gym controversies to rumors about his wife to pulling out of a fight, there are more questions than answers for the Irishman.
Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu planning to crash top-five rankings at ONE Fight Night 18
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2024
Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu is gearing up for a pivotal bout that he sees as the stepping stone to ONE Championship’s competitive bantamweight MMA rankings. In his next outing, he squares off with #4-ranked Artem Belakh at ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video, This event emanates live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, this Friday, January 12.
Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo to defend belt against Tommy Langaker at ONE 165
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2024
The stage is set for a riveting rematch as Kade Ruotolo defends his ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title against Tommy Langaker. This grappling duel headlines ONE 165: Superlek vs. Takeru and airs live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on January 28.
Louis Smolka entering tech world as fighting future in doubt after UFC release: "I went back to school"
Cole Shelton - January 8, 2024
Louis Smolka has done a complete 180 with his career. After Smolka suffered a KO loss to Davey Grant at UFC Vegas 54 in May of 2022, which was his second straight loss, he was released from the UFC. With Smolka having been cut from the promotion for the second time, the Hawaiian wasn’t sure what his future held, so he decided to go back to school with an eye toward a tech job.
REPORT | Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz boxing match targeted for February 28th
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
According to Josh Thomson, Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz will meet again under boxing rules later this year. ‘Gamebred’ recently made headlines, announcing his intentions to exit retirement. Now, the announcement didn’t exactly shock too many. Since Jorge Masvidal’s retirement last April, he’s routinely teased a return. For his first bout back, he’s been heavily linked to a rematch with Nate Diaz.
Israel Adesanya opens up on decision to take UFC hiatus: "I missed the beast"
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya felt that he badly needed time off after his last fight. ‘The Last Stylebender’ has been out of the octagon since a clash with Sean Strickland last September. Fighting in Australia in the main event of UFC 293, Israel Adesanya approached the title defense as any other. The normally-active middleweight had famously re-captured the title from Alex Pereira just months prior, by knockout.
Bo Nickal opens up on 2024 plans, reveals plans to fight four times
Josh Evanoff - January 8, 2024
UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal is hoping to have a busy, busy year in MMA. The former NCAA champion has been out of action since a knockout win over Val Woodburn in July at UFC 290. That stoppage victory was Bo Nickal’s fifth, all of which came in the first round. The middleweight is largely viewed as MMA’s greatest prospect at the moment, and for good reason.
Michael Chandler shares interesting theory as to why Conor McGregor called for their fight to be at 185lbs
Cole Shelton - January 8, 2024
Michael Chandler has a theory as to why Conor McGregor called for their fight to be at middleweight. Chandler and McGregor have been linked to fighting one another for over a year now, but on New Year’s Eve, the Irishman announced on his social media he would be returning on June 29 against Chandler. However, the biggest surprise was McGregor saying the fight would take place at 185lbs, which is of course the middleweight division.
Francis Ngannou plans to “find out” if Anthony Joshua actually has a chin: “I've heard that he doesn't”
Susan Cox - January 8, 2024
Francis Ngannou is planning to ‘find out’ if Anthony Joshua actually has a chin. It will be Francis Ngannou going up against Anthony Joshua on Saturday, March 9th in Saudi Arabia.
Israel Adesanya reveals his corner advised him against going for broke in fifth round of UFC title fight with Sean Strickland
Susan Cox - January 8, 2024
Israel Adesanya has revealed that his corner advised him against going for broke in the fifth round of his UFC title fight with Sean Strickland. UFC 293, which took place in September of last year, saw the then current champion Israel Adesanya (24-3 MMA) take on Sean Strickland (28-5 MMA) in a middleweight title bout.
Francis Ngannou on a potential rematch with Tyson Fury: “It’s going to happen”
Susan Cox - January 8, 2024
Francis Ngannou is speaking out on a potential rematch with Tyson Fury. It was on Saturday, October 28th of last year, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that Francis Ngannou made his first professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury.
Renato Moicano says Paddy Pimblett’s weight gains between fights will be “very detrimental” to his career: “Look how fat he is!”
Susan Cox - January 8, 2024
Renato Moicano says Paddy Pimblett’s weight gains between fights will be ‘very detrimental’ to his UFC career. Pimblett (21-3 MMA) most recently fought and defeated Tony Ferguson (25-10 MMA) in a lightweight battle this past December at UFC 296. The 29-year-old has won all 5 of his fights since joining the UFC in 2021.
Anatoly Malykhin determined to make history as first three-division MMA world champ
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 8, 2024
Anatoly Malykhin has already etched his name in the record books as the ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion. However, his quest for greatness doesn’t end there.
Alexander Gustafsson is back to training and not ruling out a UFC return: “I’m still in the business”
Harry Kettle - January 8, 2024
UFC veteran Alexander Gustafsson has refused to rule out a return to active competition in the future. Throughout the course of his career, Alexander Gustafsson was known as one of the best light heavyweights on the planet. His abilities took him to great heights and to the verge of a world championship in the UFC. While he may never have gotten over that final hurdle, he’s still a well-respected member of the MMA community.