MMA News

Vince Morales expecting a "fun scrap" against former training partner Elijah Smith at UFC Vegas 102
Cole Shelton - February 14, 2025
Vince Morales was eager to get a full camp and prove to everyone just how good he is. Morales returned to the UFC in Paris last September against Taylor Lapilus on short notice and he lost a decision. After the fight, Morales and his team realized they needed to start taking fights with a full camp which they will get here against Elijah Smith at UFC Vegas 102.

Former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal interested in running for Florida Senate: "I could make a real difference"
Josh Evanoff - February 14, 2025
Former UFC title challenger Jorge Masvidal seemingly wants to enter the political arena. ‘Gamebred’ hasn’t been seen in action since his boxing match with Nate Diaz in July. That bout was a rematch of their prior meeting at UFC 244 in 2019, which saw Jorge Masvidal win by fourth-round stoppage. However, Diaz flipped the script in the boxing ring, scoring a majority decision win over the Miami native.

Francis Ngannou confirms return to the boxing ring, targets Deontay Wilder: "I know I hit harder"
Josh Evanoff - February 14, 2025
PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou wants a boxing match with Deontay Wilder. ‘The Predator’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Renan Ferreira in October. Back for the first time since being flattened by Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou met ‘Problema’. While some felt the hard-hitting Brazilian could pose the former champion some issues in his PFL debut, he instead scored a first-round knockout win.

Anthony Smith gives his side of 'misunderstanding' with Rampage Jackson: "I didn't think he would be upset"
Josh Evanoff - February 14, 2025
UFC light-heavyweight contender Anthony Smith has given his side of the beef with Rampage Jackson. ‘Lionheart’ made headlines earlier this week by voicing frustrations with the former UFC champion’s podcast. Speaking on his own podcast, Anthony Smith took issue with Rampage Jackson’s habit of making fun of fighters behind their back, while being nice to their face. That led to a lengthy rant from the 46-year-old, who threatened to slap Smith next time he sees him.

Henry Cejudo eyeing one last UFC title run despite two-fight skid: 'I've always wanted to challenge myself'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 14, 2025
Henry Cejudo is hoping to capture UFC gold one more time. Cejudo is no stranger to climbing the mountain top in MMA. He ended the legendary UFC flyweight title run of Demetrious Johnson before moving up in weight to challenge for the 135-pound hardware. Cejudo ended up stopping TJ Dillashaw to become a double UFC champion.

Merab Dvalishvili names two potential contenders for next UFC bantamweight title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 14, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili has two possible challengers in mind for his UFC Bantamweight Championship. Dvalishvili is riding high following his impressive performance against Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311. The Georgian titleholder was able to thwart his opponent’s grappling efforts and managed to outwork him for a unanimous decision victory. It was the first successful title defense for Dvalishvili and now he is looking ahead.

Tye Ruotolo to defend welterweight crown against Dante Leon at ONE Fight Night 31
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 14, 2025
Two of the world’s best submission grapplers will be pitted against one another in a prolific World Title showdown at ONE Fight Night 31. On Friday, May 2, live in U.S. primetime, reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo defends his crown against Canadian star Dante Leon inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Edson Barboza forced out of UFC Seattle fight
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC legend Edson Barboza has been forced out of his upcoming return to action at UFC Seattle due to an injury. Throughout the course of his entire mixed martial arts career, Edson Barboza has been recognized as one of the most entertaining fighters out there. He never shies away from a challenge, he’s an incredibly talented striker, and he’s constantly been viewed as a contender. Even at the age of 39, facing him is a fairly terrifying prospect.

Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin explains why he thinks Conor McGregor continues to troll his family
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin has explained why he believes Conor McGregor continues to hound his family. Conor McGregor has been on something of a downward spiral in the last few years. In the last few months, especially, the public opinion of him has gone down dramatically. At this point, many aren’t sure that he’ll ever compete again inside the Octagon.

Islam Makhachev responds to Dana White teasing something big for his next fight
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Dana White teasing something big for his next fight in the promotion. As we know, Islam Makhachev is the pound for pound best fighter in the UFC right now – and potentially in all of mixed martial arts. He continues to dominate at the elite level, serving as one of the best lightweights of all time. Of course, fans are always ready to look ahead to the future, and many want to know what’s next for him.

Joshua Pacio takes inspiration from Demetrious Johnson ahead of ONE 171
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 14, 2025
ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio wants to stay at the top of the mountain for as long as possible. To do so, “The Passion” has taken inspiration from former flyweight MMA king Demetrious Johnson. Pacio defends his crown against interim titleholder Jarred Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar, on Thursday, February 20, inside Lusail Sports Arena.

Andre Petroski says he's "confident no matter where" his UFC Vegas 102 fight goes againt Rodolfo Vieira
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2025
Andre Petroski has been saying he wants to prove he’s the best grappler in the UFC and his latest fight is a chance to further prove that. Petroski is set to take on Rodolfo Vieira at UFC Vegas 102 in an intriguing matchup. It’s a fight that Petroski has wanted and asked about, and he’s thrilled the bout is taking place.

Rampage Jackson slams Anthony Smith over recent comments about his podcast: "You're a motherf*cking b*tch!"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
Former UFC champion Rampage Jackson has sent a warning at Anthony Smith. The 46-year-old fighter is quickly rising up in the podcast world. As the host of the ‘JAXXON’ Podcast, Rampage Jackson interviews current and retired athletes, including the likes of Forrest Griffin, Alex Pereira, Jorge Masvidal, and more. While the podcast is growing fast, it seems that UFC light-heavyweight Anthony Smith isn’t a fan.

UFC legend Rich Franklin shows interest in potential comeback: "Under the right circumstance..."
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Rich Franklin could fight again for the right price. ‘Ace’ was one of the UFC’s earliest stars. Debuting in the company in 2003, Rich Franklin quickly became one of the greatest 185-pound fighters on the planet. After scoring a knockout win over Ken Shamrock, he faced Evan Tanner in a rematch for middleweight gold in 2005. That night at UFC 53 saw Franklin win by fourth-round stoppage.

GFL announces first slew of bouts including Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold II
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
The Global Fight League has announced its first matchups, including Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold II. Late last year, the upstart GFL was unveiled. Founded by Darren Owen, the team-based combat league is currently set to kick off in April. Last month, a pool of fighters was drafted by six teams, with several ex-UFC stars including Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, Paige VanZant, and Junior dos Santos all being selected.

UFC champion Ilia Topuria teases fight news amid rumors of bout against Islam Makhachev: "Maybe the next week"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria hopes to announce his return next week. ‘El Matador’ hasn’t been seen in the octagon since his title defense against Max Holloway in October. Just a few months after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win UFC gold, Ilia Topuria met the red-hot ‘Blessed’. Holloway entered the bout after his knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April, hoping to win the featherweight title for the second time.

Surging UFC middleweight questions how much longer Dricus du Plessis' title run will last
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 13, 2025
How long will Dricus du Plessis remain the UFC middleweight champion? It’s a question many fans and experts are asking after “Stillknocks” earned his second successful title defense at UFC 312. Du Plessis had a one-sided showing against Sean Strickland in their rematch at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The reigning 185-pound king retained his gold via unanimous decision.

Paul Hughes responds to Conor McGregor's brutal rant with harsh truth about the UFC superstar
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 13, 2025
Paul Hughes isn’t interested in a war of words with Conor McGregor, but he feels his fellow Irishman has lost his way. Ahead of Hughes’ big Bellator lightweight title fight against Usman Nurmagomedov, McGregor showed his support for “Big News.” Hughes even offered McGregor to serve as a cornerman for the fight, but it didn’t materialize. Hughes ended up putting forth an elite effort that just barely fell short of a world title. He lost the highly competitive championship bout via majority decision.