UFC News
Alex Volkanovski on emergency standby for UFC 240 main event
Adam Martin - July 26, 2019
The UFC is protecting itself in case of a weigh-in mishap or last-second injury to the main event of Saturday’s UFC 240. Top featherweight contender Alexander Volkanovski is in Edmonton and on emergency standby in case something happens to headliners Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar at the official weigh-ins. Volkanovski is expected to weigh in and would jump in to fight in an emergency situation. TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter broke the news.
Alexandre Pantoja: Joseph Benavidez 'needs to fight me first' before Cejudo
Natasha Hooper - July 26, 2019
Alexandre Pantoja is already predicting an interim title fight for himself against Joseph Benavidez. This Saturday, Alexandre Pantoja will be going up against rival Deiveson Figueiredo in a flyweight bout at UFC 240. Figueiredo has vocalized his expectation of a future interim title fight against Joseph Benavidez. However, Pantoja believes he should get Benavidez next.
Cris Cyborg: 'Everything Dana says is a lie'
Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019
UFC President Dana White has recently had plenty to say about former UFC featherweight Cris Cyborg — most notably suggesting that the Brazilian is not interested in a rematch with two-division champion Amanda Nunes. Cyborg has vehemently denied White’s claims in the past, but at this point, almost seems to find them comical.
UFC 240 loses undercard fight due to failed drug test
Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019
If you tuned in for the UFC 240 weigh-ins, you may have noticed that Alberta’s own Tanner Boser was absent. That’s because his opponent Giacomo Lemos reportedly failed a last-minute drug test and was pulled from the card. Boser claims Lemos’ withdrawal was so down-to-the-wire that the UFC could not find him a replacement opponent for UFC 240. Considering he was set to make his long-awaited UFC debut in his hometown, it’s understandable that he’s not happy. To add insult to injury, Boser will apparently only get his show money and his Reebok sponsorship money — not his win bonus.
Jon Jones willing to give Thiago Santos an immediate rematch upon recovery
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
At UFC 239, Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight title as he edged out a split-decision win over Thiago Santos. It was a very close fight that some even thought the Brazilian had won. What made it more impressive was the fact that Santos had torn every ligament in his knee and was practically fighting on one leg, but still pressed forward throughout the fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is starting to 'hate' combat sports after boxers death
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
Earlier this week, tragic news came out that boxer Maxim Dadashev passed away due to the injuries he sustained in his fight with Subriel Matias. Maxim’s trainer, Buddy McGirt called off the fight after the 11th round and said he wanted to stop it earlier.
Dan Hardy thinks Ben Askren vs. Demian Maia is 'fascinating fight'
Fernando Quiles - July 25, 2019
Dan Hardy believes a potential matchup between Ben Askren and Demian Maia is quite intriguing. Askren is coming off the first loss of his professional mixed martial arts career. He was knocked out in five seconds courtesy of Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee. This set a record for the fastest knockout in UFC history. Meanwhile, Maia is coming off a majority decision victory over Anthony Rocco Martin.
Felicia Spencer criticizes team Cyborg for 'disrespectful' social media posts
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Earlier this month, rumors briefly swirled suggesting that Felicia Spencer was out of her UFC 240 fight with Cris Cyborg. Though these rumors were quickly proven to be inaccurate, several posts on Cris Cyborg’s social media channels seemed to fan the flames, so to speak. Spencer was not happy about this.
Dana White to launch Zuffa Boxing in October
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
UFC President Dana White has been teasing a move into the boxing industry for years. From the sounds of it, the time is finally upon us. According to a report from Mike Coppinger of The Athletic Boxing, White recently made an important executive hire for Zuffa Boxing — though it’s not clear who he hired.
Teammate believes Conor McGregor may return by end of 2019
Fernando Quiles - July 25, 2019
Don’t close the book on a 2019 return for Conor McGregor just yet. McGregor has teased retirements and returns several times. The former UFC “champ-champ” competed back in Oct. 2018 against Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The Eagle” successfully retained his UFC lightweight title by submitting McGregor in the fourth round at UFC 229. Chaos ensued in a post-fight brawl and both men were suspended and fined for their roles in the fracas. They are both free to return to the Octagon now and Nurmagomedov will be in action on Sept. 7 against Dustin Poirier.
Colby Covington questions Robbie Lawler's longevity: 'It doesn't make sense'
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is seemingly as dangerous today, at 37 years old, as he’s ever been. Lawler’s next opponent, Colby Covington, is cognizant of that fact — and from the sounds of it, he’s a tad suspicious about it. Colby Covington commented on Lawler’s incredible longevity on a recent episode of Submission Radio.
Frankie Edgar discusses possible featherweight title win, potential move to 135
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
In the main event of UFC 240, Frankie Edgar has the chance to become a two-division UFC champion. “The Answer” already held the lightweight title from 2010-2012. Since then, the 37-year-old has dropped down to featherweight, and has been chasing gold in the division ever since. At 145 pounds, Edgar has previously fought for the undisputed title and the interim title, both times against the former champ Jose Aldo, and both times losing by decision. Now, he has a chance to capture the belt once again, this time against reigning champ Max Holloway.
Georges St-Pierre names key to victory against Khabib Nurmagomedov
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Over the last year, there’s been lots of talk about a potential super fight between former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre, and current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Although St-Pierre is currently retired, he still seems to be interested in the fight. Speaking to TSN recently, the Canadian delved into the matchup itself, explaining how he would try to beat the undefeated Russian if given the chance.
UFC 240 | Pro fighters make their picks for Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar title fight
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
In the main event of UFC 240, Max Holloway is looking to defend his featherweight title when he takes on the former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar. Heading into this fight, the featherweight champion is a -400 favorite, while “The Answer” is a +300 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. As the odds suggest, most are leaning towards Holloway.
Dana White 'numb' to latest in Jon Jones saga
Mike Heck - July 25, 2019
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has found himself in hot water once again and Dana White seems to be densensitized to the situation at this point. Jones was recently charged with battery after an alleged incident involving a waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Bones”, along with his team, are maintaining that the light heavyweight champion was not involved in any wrongdoing during the innocent that reportedly took place before Jones’ latest title defense against Thiago Santos at UFC 239.
Two new fights announced for UFC Vancouver
Natasha Hooper - July 25, 2019
Two new bouts have been added to the upcoming UFC Vancouver fight card. Louis Smolka will face off against Ryan MacDonald at bantamweight, and Kyle Prepolec is scheduled to fight Austin Hubbard at lightweight.
James Vick announces move to welterweight division
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
James Vick is currently on a three-fight losing streak, having recently sandwiched a decision loss to Paul Felder between knockout losses to Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. On the heels of these tough setbacks, the 6 ft. 3 lightweight has decided to seek a new start in the 170-pound welterweight division, where his weight cut will hopefully be less taxing. James Vick announced his change on his official Facebook page.
Cris Cyborg 'not surprised' Dana White is saying she is scared to fight Amanda Nunes
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2019
Ever since Amanda Nunes knocked out Cris Cyborg in under a minute at UFC 232, many thought an immediate rematch would have to be next. Yet, that is not the case as at UFC 240, the Brazilian legend will take on Felicia Spencer. According to UFC president, Dana White, he says Cyborg was scared to take the rematch and is afraid of losing. Speaking to TMZ Sports, he had this to say about a potential rematch.