UFC News
Conor McGregor takes aim at Islam Makhachev over his comments about UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones: “This is what happens when cousins have sex”
Susan Cox - October 18, 2023
Conor McGregor is taking aim at Islam Makhachev over his comments about UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) is set to battle Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA) in the main event lightweight title bout at UFC 294 this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Darren Till eyes future showdown with Tommy Fury after he’s done “brutalizing” Mike Perry
Susan Cox - October 18, 2023
Darren Till is eyeing a future showdown with Tommy Fury after he’s done ‘brutalizing’ Mike Perry. Till (18-5 MMA) had a string of losses in his recent appearances in the Octagon. ‘The Gorilla’ had lost 5 of his last 6 fights, the most recent submission loss coming against Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA) in December of 2022 at UFC 282. Till was released from his UFC contract in March of this year.
Video | Kamaru Usman appears to cut short his open workout after “something popped” in his knee, Justin Gaethje responds
Susan Cox - October 18, 2023
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman appeared to cut short his UFC 294 open workout after ‘something popped’ in his knee. UFC 294 takes place this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 294, Kamaru Usman stepped up on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Heading into the fight, Usman is a +220 underdog while the undefeated fighter is a -295 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are leaning towards Chimaev getting the job done, however, some do think Usman can pull off the upset even though he’s fighting on very short notice and up a weight class.
Report | Conor McGregor no longer facing charges for alleged sexual assault at NBA Finals game
Harry Kettle - October 18, 2023
UFC star Conor McGregor is reportedly no longer facing charges for an alleged sexual assault at an NBA Finals game. While he may be the biggest name in mixed martial arts, Conor McGregor’s career hasn’t been without controversy. He has been involved in a number of legal issues outside of the cage, with a recent one stemming from an appearance at an NBA Finals game this past summer. Following the evening in question, a woman came forward and accused the Irishman of sexual assault.
Islam Makhachev claims Khabib Nurmagomedov could “easily” come back and defeat current UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland: “Without a doubt”
Harry Kettle - October 18, 2023
Islam Makhachev has stated that he believes Khabib Nurmagomedov would be able to defeat Sean Strickland if he returned to the UFC. It’s been over three years since Khabib Nurmagomedov walked away from mixed martial arts. The star from Dagestan walked away with an unbeaten record in his professional career, and while many wanted to see him return at some point, it doesn’t appear as if it’s going to happen.
Terrance McKinney says he drilled the flying knee just moments before walking out at UFC Vegas 81, eyes Chris Duncan at UFC 296
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
Terrance McKinney didn’t know if he would be able to fight at UFC Vegas 81. McKinney was supposed to face Chris Duncan, but the Scottish fighter couldn’t get his visa in time to fight. After that, Terrance was hoping to remain on the card, but weeks went by with nothing. However, on fight week, an opponent was found which was great news for McKinney.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev is looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he rematches Alexander Volkanovski. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a -265 favorite while the featherweight champ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are actually leaning toward Volkanovski pulling off the upset, despite taking it on short notice.
Paul Felder replaces Joe Rogan on commentary for UFC 294
Susan Cox - October 17, 2023
Paul Felder is replacing Joe Rogan on commentary for UFC 294. UFC 294 takes place this coming Saturday, October 21st at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Former title challenger Chael Sonnen weighs in on the UFC’s split with USADA
Susan Cox - October 17, 2023
Former title challenger Chael Sonnen is weighing in on the UFC’s split with USADA. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) had partnered with the UFC for the past nine years, ensuring that the integrity of the sport is upheld.
The UFC parts ways with eight more fighters
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2023
The UFC has parted ways with eight fighters according to recent reports from @UFCRosterWatch on X. It should be noted that it’s unconfirmed if all of these moves are indeed releases. Fighters are removed from the UFC’s roster for a variety of reasons including retirement, fighting out their contract, poor performance, and more. For these athletes, it’s unconfirmed why they’ve parted ways with the company.
Kelvin Gastelum praises Pat Miletich after suffering stoppage loss to Mike Jackson: "Still got that dawg in him"
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2023
UFC welterweight Kelvin Gastelum has praised Pat Miletich after his comeback fight against Mike Jackson. ‘The Croatian Sensation’ and ‘The Truth’ met in a fight that many likely didn’t know was happening. On Saturday night, Pat Miletich faced UFC veteran Mike Jackson in his first fight since a 2008 win over Thomas Denny. Sadly for the former welterweight champion, the bout didn’t go his way.
Conor McGregor and Canelo Alvarez trade barbs over potential fight: "I'll kick you raw pink"
Josh Evanoff - October 17, 2023
Former UFC dual-weight champion Conor McGregor has begun a war of words with Canelo Alvarez. ‘The Notorious’ has been out of action for over two years, suffering a broken leg in his July 2021 trilogy with Dustin Poirier. As a result, Conor McGregor has been on the sidelines recovering since then, even leaving the USADA pool. During his time away, the Irishman has called out everyone from Nate Diaz to Canelo Alvarez.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 143 with Terrance McKinney and Trevor Peek
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
The 143rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live ahead of UFC 294 and recapping UFC Vegas 81. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney (1:05). Closing out the program is UFC lightweight Trevor Peek (10:30).
Darren Till issues bold prediction for Saturday’s UFC 294 co-main event between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2023
Darren Till has given his thoughts on what will go down when Kamaru Usman takes on Khamzat Chimaev this weekend. On Saturday night, aKhamzat Chimaev will battle Kamaru Usman in the co-main event of UFC 294. ‘Borz’ was initially supposed to battle Paulo Costa, only for the Brazilian to pull out due to injury. Now, he’ll take on Usman, in a match-up that many have been waiting to see for quite some time.
Dan Hardy claims Alexander Volkanovski rematch is a “far less threatening” fight when compared to Charles Oliveira
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2023
Dan Hardy believes Islam Makhachev has a clearer path to victory against Alexander Volkanovski than against Charles Oliveira. On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight championship against Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. He should’ve been going up against Charles Oliveira, but ‘Do Bronx’ was forced to pull out as a result of a cut sustained in training.
Vinc Pichel explains why he will never be friends with “scumbag” Tony Ferguson: “That showed me what a piece of sh*t he really is”
Harry Kettle - October 17, 2023
UFC veteran Vinc Pichel has hit out at Tony Ferguson over a previous sparring session that went wrong. Over the course of the last few years, Tony Ferguson’s career has been on a downward trajectory. With loss after loss piling up, some wonder whether or not it’s time for him to hang up his gloves once and for all. Regardless of whether or not you subscribe to that theory, though, there’s no way of denying the impact he’s been able to have in mixed martial arts.
What's next for Edson Barboza and Sodiq Yusuff after UFC Vegas 81?
Cole Shelton - October 16, 2023
In the main event of UFC Vegas 81, ranked featherweights threw down as Edson Barboza faced Sodiq Yusuff coming off a year-long layoff. Barboza entered the fight coming off a first-round knockout over Billy Quarantillo in April to return to the win column after losing two fights in a row. Yusuff, meanwhile, hadn’t fought since October of 2022 when he beat Don Shainis by submission in 30-seconds, and before that, beat Alex Caceres by decision.