MMA News
Sean Strickland reportedly turned down offer to defend middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294
Susan Cox - October 20, 2023
Sean Strickland reportedly turned down an offer to defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. It was originally to have been Khamzat Chimaev (12-0 MMA) vs. Paulo Costa (14-2 MMA) at UFC 294. Costa had to withdraw due to a serious staph infection.
Israel Adesanya shares some strategic advice for Johnny Walker ahead of his fight with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294
Susan Cox - October 20, 2023
Israel Adesanya is sharing some strategic advice for Johnny Walker ahead of his fight with Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294. It will be Johnny Walker (21-7 MMA) vs Magomed Ankalaev (17-1 MMA) in a light heavyweight bout tomorrow, Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Khamzat Chimaev reveals his new UFC contract is worth millions: “More than $20 million”
Susan Cox - October 20, 2023
Khamzat Chimaev is revealing that his new UFC contract is worth millions. It was ‘ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that broke the news that an agreement for a new long-term contract has been confirmed between the UFC and Khamzat Chimaev.
Tawanchai PK Saenchai vs. Superbon Singha Mawynn to headline ONE Fight Night 17
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 20, 2023
The much-awaited showdown between Tawanchai PK Saenchai and Superbon Singha Mawynn has been rebooked as the main event of ONE Fight Night 17 on Prime Video. The five-round clash for Tawanchai’s ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Title happens at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It airs live in U.S. primetime on December 8.
UFC 294: ‘Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2’ Weigh-in Results - 2 Fighters Miss Weight
Susan Cox - October 20, 2023
UFC 294 takes place tomorrow, Saturday October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Headlining the event is a lightweight title fight between current champion Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) and Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA).
"Supergirl" vs. Cristina Morales rebooked for ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 20, 2023
The long-awaited atomweight kickboxing showdown between Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak and Cristina Morales now takes place at ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video. This three-round bout is set to grace the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. It will broadcast in North America through Prime Video live on November 3.
Johnny Walker foresees stoppage win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
UFC star Johnny Walker has explained his path to victory against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 294 this weekend. Tomorrow night, Johnny Walker will go head to head with Magomed Ankalaev in the biggest fight of his mixed martial arts career so far. If he can pick up a statement win, there’s every chance he’ll be in line for a title shot in his next outing.
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev calls for a rematch between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Islam Makhachev has called on the UFC to book a lightweight title eliminator rematch between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. This weekend, Islam Makhachev was initially scheduled to defend his UFC lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira. Unfortunately, due to a cut in training, Oliveira was forced to pull out. Now, Alexander Volkanovski will be taking his place for a rematch of his own.
Israel Adesanya explains why he’s picking Alexander Volkanovski to finish Islam Makhachev at UFC 294: “His 8 Mile moment”
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2023
Israel Adesanya has explained why he believes Alexander Volkanovski will defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. This weekend, Alexander Volkanovski will attempt to do what many believe is quite unlikely. He’ll lock horns with Islam Makhachev for the second time as he goes after the UFC lightweight championship. If he wins, especially on short notice, many believe he’ll be taking the first step on the road to being involved in the GOAT conversation.
Fabricio Andrade believes Jonathan Haggerty is in for “very difficult fight” at ONE Fight Night 16
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 20, 2023
Fabricio Andrade faces Jonathan Haggerty for the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship. This five-round bout is scheduled to headline ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video. It airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 3.
Max Holloway breaks down Makhachev-Volkanovski 2: "It's gonna be a tough fight"
Zain Bando - October 19, 2023
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was back for another edition of “Blessed Breakdowns,” as he previewed UFC 294, taking place Saturday morning (in the United States), which will be live from Abu Dhabi. The main event features the highly-anticipated rematch between current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski.
John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor is "very hungry" to make "inevitable return"
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor is getting antsy to make his MMA return. McGregor has not fought since July of 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in the trilogy match. Since then, he has been rehabbing his leg and finally re-entered the USADA testing pool as he expects to return to the Octagon sometime in 2024.
WATCH | Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev get heated in a back-and-forth over rehydration: "He needs all the advantages"
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev had a heated back-and-forth over rehydration during the UFC 294 press conference. Volkanovski and Makhachev fought back in February in Australia and after the fight, Dan Hooker accused the lightweight champ of using an IV to rehydrate. Although it has never been proven, ahead of UFC 294, Makhachev claims having 40 hours to rehydrate before this fight will be a difference in his power.
Conor McGregor backing Khamzat Chimaev's move to middleweight: "A perfect fight for the Chechen"
Josh Evanoff - October 19, 2023
Former UFC dual-weight champion Conor McGregor is a fan of Khamzat Chimaev’s move to 185 pounds. ‘Borz’ is set to face Kamaru Usman this Saturday night at UFC 294. For Khamzat Chimaev, the fight will be his first since a submission win over Kevin Holland last September. As many fans likely remember, that bout only came together after the Chechen badly missed weight for a scheduled fight against Nate Diaz.
Cain Velasquez opens up on struggles in jail after arrest: "Appreciate what you have"
Josh Evanoff - October 19, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has opened up a bit about his legal situation. In February 2022, the former MMA fighter was arrested on charges of attempted murder, as well as a litany of other charges. Cain Velasquez reportedly fired several times after a car in traffic, and struck one man inside the car. The news frankly shocked the UFC world, considering the fighter’s strong reputation as a family man, and kind individual.
'Biased' Dana White believes UFC 294 will outsell Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury: "You want to see the best fight the best"
Josh Evanoff - October 19, 2023
Dana White is a bit biased, but he believes that UFC 294 will be the biggest event of the month. Earlier today, the UFC 294 press conference went down from Abu Dhabi. As one would expect, the main event fighters, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski were talkative and went back and forth. As did the co-main event with Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev being tense, in a conversation moderated by Dana White.
Dana White defends "pain in the ass" Paulo Costa after withdrawing from UFC 294: "It's legit"
Cole Shelton - October 19, 2023
UFC CEO Dana White has defended Paulo Costa following his withdrawal from his UFC 294 fight against Khamzat Chimaev. Costa hadn’t fought since August of last year but was supposed to face Robert Whittaker in February in Perth. However, the Brazilian was in a contract dispute with the UFC, and the fight was scrapped. The former middleweight title challenger was then booked against Ikram Aliskerov in July, but that fight also never came to fruition.
Dana White places blame on Jon Jones’ coaches for the UFC 151 debacle
Susan Cox - October 19, 2023
Dana White is placing the blame of Jon Jones’ coaches for the UFC 151 debacle. One may ask why Dana White is speaking about UFC 151 which took place all the way back in September of 2012 – yes 11 years ago.