UFC News
Diego Sanchez accuses the UFC of writing him off
Natasha Hooper - July 5, 2019
Diego Sanchez believes the UFC has written him off. Sanchez made this claim in a fantastic interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani — the type of interview that could be a catalyst to a renewed Sanchez cult following, or result in a myriad of merchandise hoodies with Sanchez memes and catchphrases.
Thiago Santos promises upset of Jon Jones: 'I’m going to go out there and beat him'
Tom Taylor - July 5, 2019
If Thiago Santos beats Jon Jones in the main event of UFC 239 on Saturday night, don’t say he didn’t warn you. Despite being pegged as a massive bettering underdog against the seemingly unbeatable champion, the Brazilian challenger claims he has successfully humanized Jones in his mind, and is prepared to cudgel the champion just as he has all of his other recent opponents.
PETA begs Conor McGregor to stop wearing animal fur
Tom Taylor - July 5, 2019
Conor McGregor love his fur coats. For proof of that fact, check out this recent Instagram post, in which he gushes over a pair of mink fur coats he wore ahead of two of his biggest fights.
VIDEO | Ben Askren shares clip of backstage run-in with Jorge Masvidal
Tom Taylor - July 5, 2019
Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren, who are set to meet on the UFC 239 main card this Saturday, are not particularly big fans of one another. The pair have exchanged plenty of pre-fight trash talk in interviews and on social media, and that intensity has continued now that they’ve both landed in Las Vegas. In fact, the pair had a tense backstage encounter this week.
Jon Jones says he is 'a bad guy that's trying to be good'
Natasha Hooper - July 5, 2019
During the Thursday media day for UFC 239, things got deep for Jon Jones. Jones (24-1) has experienced many trials and tribulations in his personal life and career. Media day surprisingly provided the perfect opportunity for him to shed light on the ramifications his behaviour has had.
UFC 239 Betting Odds: Jon Jones a massive favorite
Natasha Hooper - July 5, 2019
The anticipation is building for this weekend’s UFC 239 main event, which will pit dominant champion Jon Jones (24-1) against ferocious challenger Thiago “Marreta” Santos (21-6). As is seemingly always the case, ‘Bones’ is on top as the bookie favorite to win. The oddsmakers have identified him as -600 favorite, meaning a successful $600 bet on Jon Jones would win you $100. Marreta, meanwhile, is a significant +450 underdog (bet $100 to win $450).
VIDEO | Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren exchange words during first face-off for UFC 239
Natasha Hooper - July 5, 2019
Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren exchanged some choice words when they came face to face at the UFC 239 media day on Thursday. Askren chose to taunt his upcoming opponent to try and get a reaction. The UFC posted a clip of the exchange on their Twitter.
Michael Bisping believes Francis Ngannou would sleep Jon Jones
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2019
For a long time, many people have been clamoring to see light heavyweight king Jon Jones move up to heavyweight. He has almost cleaned out the entire 205lbs division, and there are plenty of challenges awaiting “Bones” at heavyweight. Most recently, a fight against surging heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou has sparked the interest of fights fans. ‘The Predator’ has been adding to his knockout reel lately, his latest victim being former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.
Anthony Smith is confident that no one will beat Jon Jones their first time around
Cole Shelton - July 4, 2019
Jon Jones is considered one of, if not the greatest fighter of all-time. He is 24-1 with one no contest and his only loss came by disqualification. Time and time again “Bones” has broken down his opponents by using his length and reach, accompanied by his strong striking and wrestling skills.
Donald Cerrone targeting rematch with Tony Ferguson, says UFC "open to it"
Mike Pendleton - July 4, 2019
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone wants a rematch with Tony Ferguson after their entertaining fight at UFC 238 ended with a doctor’s stoppage TKO victory for ‘El Cucuy’. Both Ferguson and Donald Cerrone had their moments in the first fight, but after the second round following a late hit from Ferguson after the bell, Cerrone blew his nose and his eye closed shut. Although the fight would come to an end, Cerrone did not suffer an injury to his eye. The decision to blow his nose is one that Cerrone said he knows as a veteran he shouldn’t have made, but has said on numerous occasions that the late hit from Ferguson is not what caused the ending of the fight. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Donald Cerrone says he is eager for a rematch with Ferguson and is looking no later than September for a return.
Luke Rockhold says 'fake' Jon Jones comes across as acting
Fernando Quiles - July 4, 2019
Luke Rockhold doesn’t believe Jon Jones is genuine when it comes to addressing the media and fans. Rockhold and Jones will be featured on the UFC 239 card this Saturday night (July 6). Rockhold will collide with Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut. Jones headlines the event, putting his 205-pound gold on the line against Thiago Santos. It’ll be the second defense in his current reign.
Ben Askren breaks down Covington vs. Lawler fight
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
At UFC Newark, on August 3, top welterweight Colby Covington will look to reestablish himself as the next man in line for the champion Kamaru Usman with a big win over Robbie Lawler. Ben Askren, one of Covington’s most vocal haters, believes this is a fight that could go either way. Check out what he had to say about the matchup below (via Heidi Fang)
Jorge Masvidal offers Ben Askren 'the family pack with a two-liter soda'
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
Shortly after Jorge Masvidal knocked out his UFC London opponent Darren Till, he unleashed a bit of backstage violence on welterweight rival Leon Edwards. He referred to his attack on Edwards as “a three-piece and a soda.” From the sounds of it, Masvidal’s UFC 239 opponent Ben Askren could be in for a far crueler dish.
Michael Bisping understands why Dana White wants Jon Jones' DQ loss overturned
Fernando Quiles - July 4, 2019
From a promoter’s perspective, Michael Bisping can appreciate Dana White’s desire to have Jon Jones’ lone defeat overturned. Back in Dec. 2009, a young Jones took on Matt Hamill in the co-main event of TUF 10 Finale. This was Jones’ fourth fight under the UFC banner. “Bones” was teeing off on Hamill with some vicious ground-and-pound. When referee Steve Mazzagatti called a halt to the bout, most assumed that Jones scored a TKO victory. Instead, he was disqualified for illegal 12-6 elbow strikes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov: Tony Ferguson needs to 'step forward'
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson. It’s a dream fight for most fight fans, and one the UFC has tried multiple times to book. Yet thus far, fate has had other plans. Today, when the lightweight champion Nurmagomedov is gearing up for a UFC 242 title defense opposite Dustin Poirier, and Ferguson is riding a ridiculous 12-fight win-streak, it’s easy to imagine the fight happening quite soon.
Jon Jones explains why most opponents try to attack his personal life
Tom Taylor - July 4, 2019
In the lead-up to any Jon Jones fight, it’s common to hear his opponent mention his troubles outside the cage, be it his issues with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or his run-ins with the law. Jones believes that’s because his opponents can’t find anything else to criticize him for. His mixed martial arts game is so flawless that they’re forced to look elsewhere as they search for ammunition for their trash talk.
UFC 239 | Jorge Masvidal clarifies comments he made about the Ben Askren bloodline
Natasha Hooper - July 4, 2019
The drama continues to unfold between Jorge Masvidal and Ben Askren. Masvidal recently sat down with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto to clarify some recent comments he made. Last week, Askren called out Masvidal for saying he wanted to end his bloodline. During a State of Combat podcast, Askren’ called the alleged comments “sick” and “disturbing.”
PHOTO | Thiago Santos appears to have bulked up for UFC 239 fight with Jon Jones
Natasha Hooper - July 4, 2019
Thiago Santos has seemingly bulked up in preparation for his UFC 239 bout against Jon Jones. The Brazilian light heavyweight fighter nicknamed “Marreta” looks like he’s packed on some pounds, if a recent Instagram post is any indication. Currently, he is in Las Vegas, the location of his upcoming fight. Santos is taking in some local attractions and sharing his experiences on his Instagram.