MMA News
Alex Pereira reveals why he won't train with Jon Jones after all
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 2, 2025
Tom Aspinall willing to move on from Jon Jones under one condition
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 2, 2025
Tom Aspinall is prepared to move on from fighting Jon Jones if he has to. Aspinall has been calling for a title unification bout against Jones, who has expressed more interest in fighting Alex Pereira. UFC CEO Dana White has told media members that he’ll do everything he can to make the fight a reality.
Manel Kape says UFC flyweight division needs him to become champion: 'It needs something spicy'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 2, 2025
Manel Kape believes the UFC flyweight division could use him as the champion. Kape was back in action this past Saturday night. He shared the Octagon with Asu Almabayev in the main event of UFC Vegas 103. Kape scored a third-round TKO finish.
UFC Vegas 103 Bonus Report: Mario Pinto one of four fighters to take home $50k
Chris Taylor - March 1, 2025
The Octagon returned to Nevada for tonight’s UFC Vegas 103 event, and four fighters wound up taking home performance bonuses. The fight card was headlined by a key men’s flyweight contest featuring Manel Kape taking on Asu Almabayev. The bout proved to be a coming out party for Manel Kape. ‘Starboy’ was able to use his speed and movement to overwhelm Asu Almabayev early and often in the evening’s headliner. After busting his opponent open with punches, Kape was able to score a TKO finish following a barrage of strikes midway through the third round (see that here). With the win, Kape is now primed for a title fight or number one contender’s bout next.
Pros react after Manel Kape TKO's Asu Almabayev at UFC Vegas 103
Chris Taylor - March 1, 2025
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 103 event was headlined by a key men’s flyweight contest featuring Manel Kape taking on Asu Almabayev. Kape (21-7 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since scoring a third-round TKO victory over Bruno Gustavo da Silva this past December at UFC Tampa Bay. ‘Starboy’ had gone 5-1 over his previous six Octagon appearances, with his lone loss in that stretch coming to Muhammad Mokaev by way of decision.
UFC Vegas 103 Results: Cody Brundage stops Julian Marquez (Video)
Chris Taylor - March 1, 2025
We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC Vegas 103 results, including the co-main event between Julian Marquez and Cody Brundage. Marquez (9-6 MMA) will enter the bout with hopes of snapping a three-fight losing skid. ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis’ has suffered three straight stoppage losses at the hands of Gregory Rodrigues, Marc-Andre Barriault and Zachary Reese.
UFC Vegas 103 Results: 'Kape vs. Almabayev' Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - March 1, 2025
The Octagon returns to Nevada for tonight’s UFC Vegas 103 event, a ten-bout fight card headlined by Manel Kape vs. Asu Almabayev. Kape (20-7 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since scoring a third-round TKO victory over Bruno Gustavo da Silva this past December in Tampa Bay. ‘Starboy’ has gone 5-1 over his past six Octagon appearances, with his lone loss in that time coming to Muhammad Mokaev by way of decision.
Roberto Soldic unimpressed with Dricus du Plessis: “I don’t think he’s upgraded his skills”
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 28, 2025
ONE Championship welterweight star Roberto Soldic goes way back with UFC Middleweight World Champion Dricus du Plessis. The pair fought each other twice in KSW many moons ago. But Soldic sees no huge leaps in the South African’s acumen. Following the Croatian’s epic return at ONE 171: Qatar last Thursday, February 20, where he became the first man to knock out Dagi Arslanaliev at Lusail Sports Arena, his name was uttered along with Du Plessis’ once more.
Stamp Fairtex vs. Denice Zamboanga announced for ONE 173: Denver on August 1
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 28, 2025
ONE Championship has officially revealed its plans to return to the United States this summer. On Friday, August 1, the promotion presents ONE 173: Denver live from Colorado’s Ball Arena. A featured bout includes ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex versus interim titleholder Denice Zamboanga. Both women will battle in a World Title unification fight.
Austen Lane expecting a "bloody war" against Mario Pinto at UFC Vegas 103: "We can both throw leather"
Cole Shelton - February 28, 2025
Austen Lane wasn’t sure if he was going to get another fight in the UFC. Lane picked up his first UFC win as he beat Robelis Despaigne by decision back in October. It was a massive win for him as it was the final fight on his deal, but he admitted he wasn’t sure if the UFC would re-sign him.
Tito Ortiz approves the FBI's plan to have the UFC train field agents: "I think it's a brilliant idea!"
Josh Evanoff - February 28, 2025
Former light-heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz wants to see the FBI and Kash Patel work with the UFC. Earlier this week, a report emerged about the two sides potentially forming a partnership. According to the report, Trump-appointed FBI Director Kash Patel is eyeing a deal with the UFC, to have the organization help train field agents. As of now, there’s still a lot unknown about the potential partnership.
Valentina Shevchenko welcomes superfight with Zhang Weili following UFC 315: "Why not?"
Josh Evanoff - February 28, 2025
UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is down for a superfight against Zhang Weili. ‘Bullet’ recently signed a deal to return to the octagon in May at UFC 315. Returning for the first time since dominating Alexa Grasso in their trilogy bout last year, Valentina Shevchenko will meet the rising Manon Fiorot. ‘The Beast’ will enter her first title fight riding a 12-fight winning streak, last beating Erin Blanchfield in March.
Alex Pereira laughs off talk of a boxing match against Jake Paul: "I'm on a different level"
Josh Evanoff - February 28, 2025
UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has no interest in boxing Jake Paul. ‘Poatan’ is currently preparing for his return to the cage. Set for next month in Las Vegas, Alex Pereira will face rising contender Magomed Ankalaev. The bout will be the Brazilian’s first, since scoring a bloody stoppage win over Khalil Rountree last October. Around the time of that bout, Pereira was publicly discussing a bout against Jake Paul.
Top UFC flyweight Manel Kape found BJJ “very gay” when he first started
BJ Penn Staff - February 28, 2025
It’s safe to say Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) doesn’t come naturally to top UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape. Angola’s Kape, who is now the UFC’s No. 6-ranked flyweight contender, got his start in combat sports as a boxer. As he transitioned into MMA, however, he needed to learn the grappling components of the sport, including BJJ.
UFC Vegas 103 Weigh-in Results: Two fights canceled, main event fighters make weight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 28, 2025
UFC Vegas 103 takes place this Saturday, but two previously scheduled fights are now off following the weigh-ins. The good news is that the planned main event between flyweights Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev remains intact. The rest of the main card fights will also go on as advertised.
UFC 313: Could Justin Gaethje secure another lightweight title shot?
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 28, 2025
Justin Gaethje believes a win at UFC 313 could grant him another title fight. Gaethje was expected to face Dan Hooker on the UFC 313 card on March 8. The UFC was forced to pivot after “The Hangman” suffered a hand injury. Gaethje will now be facing Rafael Fiziev in a rematch. “The Highlight” defeated Fiziev back in March 2023 via majority decision.
Ex-UFC champion says Belal Muhammad faces 'different threat' against Jack Della Maddalena
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 28, 2025
Belal Muhammad may not have such an easy time against Jack Della Maddalena, says one former UFC champion. Muhammad vs. Maddalena has been booked for UFC 315. With Shavkat Rakhmonov on the shelf due to an injury, Maddalena has stepped up to challenge Muhammad for the UFC Welterweight Championship. Muhammad will enter the May 10 title defense as a betting favorite.
Francis Ngannou reveals he wasn’t too confident ahead of boxing match with Tyson Fury: “I’d never been there in my life”
Harry Kettle - February 28, 2025
MMA legend Francis Ngannou has revealed that he didn’t feel that confident heading into his boxing match with Tyson Fury. Francis Ngannou is a true enigma. He has achieved some absolutely remarkable things in the world of combat sports, both mixed martial arts and boxing. With that being said, he’s 0-2 in his pro boxing career – and yet, nobody really seems to look too much into that.
Alex Pereira responds to Daniel Cormier’s criticism over decision to corner Sean Strickland at UFC 312
Harry Kettle - February 28, 2025
Alex Pereira has responded to Daniel Cormier’s criticism of his decision to corner Sean Strickland back at UFC 312. As we know, Alex Pereira will return to action at UFC 313. He is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight championship against Magomed Ankalaev, in what is one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year thus far.