MMA News
Daniel Cormier explains why the UFC needs to upgrade Tom Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion
Josh Evanoff - November 29, 2023
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier believes it’s time to make Tom Aspinall the undisputed heavyweight champion. The British fighter notably returned opposite Sergei Pavlovich earlier this month at UFC 295. Famously, the fight itself only happened due to Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic being canceled. As a result, Tom Aspinall stepped up on two weeks’ notice for the interim heavyweight title clash.
Colby Covington reveals his dream fights in the UFC: "Come see America’s champ"
Cole Shelton - November 29, 2023
Colby Covington has named his dream fights he wants before his career is over. Covington is set to fight Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 296 on Dec. 16 for the welterweight title in a highly-anticipated matchup. Although his focus is on that fight and becoming the world champion, he has been vocal in saying he wants Islam Makhachev as his first title defense, and he told UFC.com that the lightweight champ is his dream fight.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier confirms his retirement from MMA with heartfelt message
Susan Cox - November 29, 2023
Olivier Aubin-Mercier has confirmed his retirement from MMA with a heartfelt message. It was following his second consecutive PFL lightweight world championship title win that Aubin-Mercier announced he was retiring from MMA and has now confirmed it on social media.
Jon Jones praises Mikey Musumeci for shining spotlight on mental health: “Officially call myself a fan”
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 29, 2023
Mikey Musumeci has recently added another fan to his impressive list of admirers, and it’s none other than Jon Jones. This unexpected interaction between the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu virtuoso and one of MMA’s greatest athletes has taken the sports world by storm, further solidifying Musumeci’s impact beyond the mats.
Alistair Overeem believes tough times lie ahead for UFC champion Alex Pereira
Susan Cox - November 29, 2023
Alistair Overeem believes that tough times lie ahead for UFC champion Alex Pereira. Pereira (9-2 MMA) is the current UFC light heavyweight champion.
Marlon Vera takes aim at Sean O’Malley over previous failed drug tests: “I would like to punch cheaters in the face”
Harry Kettle - November 29, 2023
UFC bantamweight title contender Marlon Vera has taken a shot at rival Sean O’Malley over his previous issues with failed drug tests. At UFC 299 in Miami, Marlon Vera will challenge Sean O’Malley for the UFC bantamweight championship. He already holds one win over ‘Suga’ and while he wasn’t everyone’s first choice to get a title shot, he’ll be feeling confident about his chances.
Alexander Volkanovski provides positive update following first sparring session under concussion protocols
Harry Kettle - November 29, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski has provided an update following his first sparring session under concussion protocols. Back in October at UFC 294, Alexander Volkanovski took a short notice title showdown with Islam Makhachev. Following on from their first encounter, many felt as if Volkanovski had a real shot at dethroning Islam atop the lightweight division. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t meant to be, with Makhachev securing a violent head kick knockout.
Paulie Malignaggi claims he would have “destroyed” Conor McGregor had they squared off in the ring
Harry Kettle - November 29, 2023
Former boxer Paulie Malignaggi has claimed he would’ve destroyed Conor McGregor if they’d ever squared off in a boxing match. Many years ago, Conor McGregor went head to head with Floyd Mayweather in a mammoth crossover boxing showdown. While McGregor came up short, he earned the respect of many – and he also put on one of the biggest pay-per-view events of all time.
Walter Goncalves still focused on winning Muay Thai gold in ONE Championship
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 29, 2023
Walter Goncalves is on a unique journey in the world of combat sports. While success in mixed martial arts remains a burning ambition, his immediate focus is on the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Luke Lessei pins pressure on Jo Nattawut in ONE Fight Night 17 matchup
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 29, 2023
Luke Lessei heads into his ONE Championship debut with an intriguing perspective. The 27-year-old American striker makes his maiden promotional appearance at ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video. There, he faces “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut in a featherweight Muay Thai clash.
Jimmie Rivera expecting a "brawl" against Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 56: "I'm going in there for a war"
Cole Shelton - November 28, 2023
Jimmie Rivera is excited to throw down with Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 56. Rivera hasn’t fought since May when he beat Bekhzod Usmonov by decision in his second BKFC fight. While Rivera admits he was hopeful to return sooner, he is glad he was patient and now gets to be on a massive BKFC 56 card.
Dana White says Michael Chandler can 'wait' for Conor McGregor
Zain Bando - November 28, 2023
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the elephant in the room: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler. The pair of UFC lightweight superstars have been eager to fight for nearly a year, this following the summer’s conclusion of the TUF 31 season.
Gilbert Burns believes he'd "destroy" Belal Muhammad in a potential rematch if he's healthy
Cole Shelton - November 28, 2023
Gilbert Burns has full confidence he would beat Belal Muhammad in a potential rematch. Burns and Muhammad fought back in May on short notice, and it was Muhammad who won a five-round decision. However, in the fight, Burns suffered a shoulder injury which has still kept him out of the Octagon, and the Brazilian believes that injury played a key role in why he lost the fight.
Dana White slams reported KSI vs. Tommy Fury and Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis PPV buys: "They're lying motherf*ckers"
Josh Evanoff - November 28, 2023
Dana White doesn’t believe that KSI and Logan Paul’s boxing returns did 1.3 million pay-per-view buys. In October, ‘The Nightmare’ and ‘The Maverick’ returned against separate opponents. In the main event, KSI faced the undefeated Tommy Fury in his biggest boxing challenge to date. Meanwhile, Logan Paul faced former Bellator fighter Dillon Danis in the co-main event.
Dana White shuts down Dillon Danis fighting in the UFC: "We can’t have that stuff going on here"
Cole Shelton - November 28, 2023
UFC CEO Dana White doesn’t appear interested in signing Dillon Danis. It was recently revealed that Danis was released from his Bellator contract and he immediately expressed interest in fighting in the UFC. On paper, Danis would be a big draw and his trash-talk would garner attention for his fight.
Joe Rogan explains why there's "some benefit" to Tony Ferguson training with David Goggins
Josh Evanoff - November 28, 2023
UFC commentator Joe Rogan isn’t entirely dismissive of Tony Ferguson’s training with David Goggins. ‘El Cucuy’ is currently slated to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 296 next month. However, the men entering the matchup have had vastly different fortunes as of late. For his part, Tony Ferguson enters the lightweight clash riding a six-fight losing streak, last suffering a loss to Bobby Green in July.
Dana White teases UFC superfight announcement, without Conor McGregor: "Just popped up"
Josh Evanoff - November 28, 2023
Dana White has a major UFC superfight in the works, and it doesn’t involve Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious’ is currently expected to face Michael Chandler at some time next year. While Conor McGregor’s return date hasn’t been announced, he’s teased that it could be at UFC 300 in April. While that might wind up being the case, Dana White does have other major bouts in the works as well.
Leaked war room photo reveals Michael Page's UFC debut booked for January
Cole Shelton - November 28, 2023
Michael Page appears to be a UFC fighter. It has been well-documented that Page is a current free agent and he and the UFC have both expressed interest in working with one another. Although both sides have shown interest in a deal getting done, nothing has been made official.