UFC News
UFC Jacksonville salaries: Andrei Arlovski and Ben Rothwell lead the way
Cole Shelton - May 14, 2020
The salaries have been released for UFC Jacksonville, which took place on Wednesday night, and heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Ben Rothwell took home the top earnings. According to the salaries obtained by reporter Jed I. Goodman from the Florida State Boxing Commission, Andrei Arlovski made the most banking $325,000. The next closest was heavyweight contender Ben Rothwell pocketing $260,000.
Pro fighters make their picks for Walt Harris vs. Alistair Overeem
Cole Shelton - May 14, 2020
In the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Jacksonville, Florida, Walt Harris battles longtime heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem. Heading into the fight Harris is a -165 favorite, while the Dutchman is a +135 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros have a slight lean towards Harris to get it done by stoppage, as he’ll be motivated following the tragic murder of his stepdaughter.
What's next for Glover Teixeira and Anthony Smith after UFC Jacksonville?
Cole Shelton - May 14, 2020
In the main event of UFC Jacksonville, Glover Teixeira was taking on Anthony Smith in a critical fight for the title picture of the light heavyweight division. The winner could very well be one win away from a title shot, so the stakes were high. In the end, the Brazilain in Teixeira pulled off the betting upset as he TKO’d Smith in the fifth round to extend his winning streak to four.
Dana White says he doesn't "give a f*ck" about coronavirus protocol criticism
Adam Martin - May 14, 2020
UFC president Dana White said he doesn’t “give a f*ck” about the criticism of the UFC’s coronavirus protocol from the New York Times. The NYT obtained the coronavirus protocol that was supposed to be upheld by everyone connected to the UFC Jacksonville events, but not everything was. For example, White was supposed to wear a mask at all times and he didn’t. As well, post-fight interviews in the Octagon at UFC 249 were supposed to be conducted at a distance, but UFC commentator Joe Rogan was close to the fighters when he conducted them.
Justin Gaethje sends warm message to Khabib Nurmagomedov and his father
Tom Taylor - May 14, 2020
Justin Gaethje is expected to fight UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov in the coming months, but that hasn’t stopped him from wishing the champ well during a period of personal turmoil. Earlier this week, several Russian media outlets that Nurmagomedov’s father Abdulmanap was in a medically-induced coma in a Moscow hospital. While Abdulmanap has reportedly woken from this coma, he is still said to be in serious condition.
Jon Jones is certain he'd beat Francis Ngannou and is ready to prove it: "send the deal"
Tom Taylor - May 14, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is certain he’d win a potential fight with heavyweight knockout artist Francis Ngannou, and he’s ready to prove it. Speaking on Twitter on Thursday morning, Jones shared his belief that his recent opponent Thiago Santos, who he beat by decision in 2019, is a more dangerous striker than Ngannou—so he’d likely beat Ngannou too.
Jacare Souza issues first statement after COVID-19 diagnosis, UFC 249 withdrawal
Tom Taylor - May 14, 2020
UFC middleweight contender Jacare Souza has issued a statement after he was pulled from a UFC 249 fight with Uriah Hall due to testing positive for COVID-19. Jacare made his statement—his first since the fight fell through—on Instagram.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's father reportedly wakes from coma
Tom Taylor - May 14, 2020
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of undisputed UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has reportedly awoken from a medically-induced coma. On Wednesday, several Russian media outlets reported that the elder Nurmagomedov had been flown from his native Dagestan to Moscow, where he was put into a medically-induced coma and was in “critical condition.”
PHOTO | Check out how the judges were scoring Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith
Natasha Hooper - May 14, 2020
The scorecards for the main event fight of Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith at UFC Jacksonville have been revealed. Judges’ scorecards have become an especially hot topic of conversation in recent months, especially after close title fights like Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes, Yoel Romero vs. Israel Adesanya, and Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk.
Dana White reacts to Glover Teixeira vs. Anthony Smith beatdown
Tom Taylor - May 14, 2020
UFC President Dana White has shared his thoughts on the violent beatdown Glover Teixeira unleashed on Anthony Smith in Wednesday’s UFC Jacksonville main event. Teixeira brutalized Smith for the majority fight, causing a litany of injuries in the process — including a fractured orbital and multiple broken teeth. In the eyes of many fans, this lopsided fight went on for much longer than it should have, with referee Jason Herzog and Smith’s corner catching flack for their reluctance to stop the fight and spare the former light heavyweight title challenger from additional punishment.
Jon Jones says he is not afraid of Francis Ngannou: “I have no reason to doubt my chin”
Harry Kettle - May 14, 2020
UFC light heavyweight king Jon Jones has claimed that he isn’t afraid of Francis Ngannou, stressing that he has faith in his chin. “The Predator” is still enjoying the high from his decisive knockout win over Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 last weekend, in a win that all but guaranteed he will be one of the next two challengers in the race to capture the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Conor McGregor reacts following Wednesday’s UFC Jacksonville event
Natasha Hooper - May 14, 2020
Conor McGregor weighed-in on the action-packed UFC Jacksonville event on Wednesday, May 13 by tooting his own horn. The UFC is back in business, as seen at yesterday’s UFC Fight Night event in Jacksonville, Florida. The card featured a number of compelling fights including a light heavyweight contender bout between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixeira in the main event.