UFC News
Ben Askren explains why he's so confident UFC will introduce 165-pound division
Cole Shelton - February 28, 2019
Ben Askren is set to finally make his long-awaited UFC debut on Saturday night when he takes on the former champion, Robbie Lawler at UFC 235. Askren will be fighting at 170 pounds, but he believes he could be fight at 165-pounds sooner rather than later. While UFC President Dana White has denied plans for a 165-pound division on numerous occasions, Askren isn’t buying it. He believes the UFC has already decided to launch the division. Why? Because White denied it.
Traces of M3 metabolite detected in two Jon Jones drug tests ahead of UFC 235
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
A pair of Jon Jones drug tests, administered by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) ahead of his UFC 235 fight with Anthony Smith, have once again detected traces of the M3 metabolite, a component of oral turinabol. John Morgan of MMAjunkie reported this development on Twitter on Thursday afternoon.
Ben Askren knocks 'terrible' Reebok pay ahead of UFC 235
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
At long last, Ben Askren is finally a UFC fighter. That means that, as he gears up for his UFC 235 showdown with Robbie Lawler, he has to wear Reebok. That’s thanks to the UFC’s exclusive outfitting deal with the sports apparel giant. Unfortunately for Ben Askren, this UFC-Reebok deal pays out on a scale based on Octagon experience. Because he is making his UFC debut, that means he’s set to earn the lowest amount possible under the arrangement.
EXCLUSIVE | Pro fighters make their picks for Jon Jones vs Anthony Smith title fight
Cole Shelton - February 28, 2019
Jon Jones is returning to the Octagon not even three months after his last fight. In the main event of UFC 235 this Saturday, the light heavyweight champ will be taking on Anthony Smith, who has gone 3-0 in the division since moving up from middleweight. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. The majority, as expected, are leaning towards the massive betting favorite in Jones. Yet some also believe Smith will do as he’s promised and shock the world.
UFC 235 | Jon Jones says he spotted potential weakness during Anthony Smith staredown
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
Earlier this week, UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and top contender Anthony Smith once again came face to face ahead of their compelling UFC 235 main event showdown. Speaking to MMA Fighting shortly thereafter, Jon Jones divulged that he might have spotted a weakness during this latest staredown with Anthony Smith.
Jon Jones explains why he'd prefer Brock Lesnar fight to 'DC' rematch
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
If Jon Jones is able to defeat Anthony Smith in the main event of UFC 235 this weekend — the oddsmakers certainly believe he will — it will open the door to more marquee matchups in the light heavyweight division, and perhaps even the heavyweight division. Arguably the two biggest matchups available for a victorious Jones going forward would be a rematch with his arch rival, heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier, and a showdown with former heavyweight champ and WWE star Brock Lesnar.
VIDEO | Jeremy Stephens and Zabit Magomedsharipov have backstage encounter
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
One of the most compelling features of this Saturday’s UFC 235 card is a featherweight scrap between veteran knockout artist Jeremy Stephens and rising contender Zabit Magomedsharipov. With the fight just days away, the pair had an interesting backstage encounter in Las Vegas.
UFC 235 | Colby Covington makes final prediction for Tyron Woodley vs. Kamaru Usman fight
Tom Taylor - February 28, 2019
This Saturday night, in the co-main event of UFC 235, UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley will attempt to defend his welterweight title against fearsome challenger Kamaru Usman. Colby Covington, who is expected to be the next man in line for the Woodley-Usman winner, will be watching this fight closely. And he’s expecting a blowout.
EXCLUSIVE | Montana De La Rosa says reports of Paige VanZant fight at UFC 236 are false
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2019
Reports came out today that Paige VanZant’s initial opponent at UFC 236 in Poliana Botelho was injured and off the card. Replacing her would be Montana De La Rosa who is fresh off of yet another submission win at UFC 234. However, De La Rosa has now confirmed that the fight is not happening and those reports are false. “I guess [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard] wanted to make that fight between me and Paige,” De La Rosa told to BJPENN.com. “But now Paige is claiming her arm is hurt so she can’t fight that Poliana girl or me so we aren’t sure what is happening. As of now, she is hurt so that is not true. I’m just waiting to hear. They do want to make that fight with Paige and I but she is claiming she is hurt. I’m not really sure what is going on now.”
Report | UFC looking to make Kevin Lee vs Gregor Gillespie
Drake Riggs - February 27, 2019
The last time we saw ‘The Mo-Town Phenom’ Kevin Lee (17-4) in action he was headlining the very last UFC card on the Fox network, UFC on Fox 31 in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. Unfortunately for Lee, he wouldn’t end up walking away as the last person to win on the Fox network.
UFC 235 | Anthony Smith sees 'a lot of ways' to beat Jon Jones
Tom Taylor - February 27, 2019
Heading into his UFC 235 headlining battle with UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones, Anthony Smith has been counted out by a significant portion of the MMA world. That includes the oddsmakers, who have pegged him as a significant betting underdog. Yet when Anthony Smith looks at Jon Jones, he doesn’t see the unbeatable fighter that so many others see. He seems a person who can be beaten any number of ways.
UFC Prague medical suspensions: Blachowicz could be out six months
Cole Shelton - February 27, 2019
The UFC returned to our screens on Saturday with the exciting UFC Prague card. In the main event, Thiago Santos took on Jan Blachowicz in an important light heavyweight fight that would propel the winner into title contention.