MMA News
Colby Covington moves on from Woodley, wants rematch with Kamaru Usman following 'fake fight' at UFC 245
Harry Kettle - March 19, 2020
Colby Covington has moved on from his plan to fight Tyron Woodley on short notice in favor of a rematch with Kamaru Usman. Covington, who was beaten by Usman back at UFC 245, was hoping to replace Leon Edwards on short notice in order to go head to head with long-time rival Woodley this weekend. Alas, the UFC couldn’t quite get it done, and now, “Chaos” has decided that he wants to try and avenge his loss to “The Nigerian Nightmare” with immediate effect.
Diego Sanchez responds to callout from Demian Maia
Tom Taylor - March 19, 2020
Diego Sanchez has responded to a recent callout from Demian Maia. Maia competed on last Saturday’s UFC Brasilia card, suffering a first-round knockout at the hands of Gilbert Burns in the co-main event.
Dana White has a message for fans doubting he can pull off UFC 249 event
Harry Kettle - March 19, 2020
UFC president Dana White has a defiant message for fans who believe that the promotion won’t be able to host UFC 249 next month. Following the announcement of three upcoming events being canceled, many fans have been wondering whether or not White and the UFC will be able to stage UFC 249 on April 18 — which, of course, is set to play host to the highly anticipated Lightweight Championship bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson.
Tyron Woodley explains why he’s no longer interested in fighting Leon Edwards next
Natasha Hooper - March 19, 2020
Tyron Woodley has revealed why he is no longer interested in fighting Leon Edwards next. The former welterweight champion was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards this week in the main event of UFC London. Due to the looming threat of Coronavirus, this London card fell apart. Colby Covington offered to fill in against Woodley at the last minute on a relocated card on US soil, but Dana White was forced to cancel the event altogether.
Khabib Nurmagomedov training alone in gym ahead of UFC 249
Mike Pendleton - March 18, 2020
Although the status and location are up in the air for his main event lightweight title fight for UFC 249 against Tony Ferguson, champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is still focused on his training, under difficult circumstances. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic gyms have been forced to close down and the UFC has had to cancel their next three upcoming events, and now Nurmagomedov has to go through unique preparation. Training out of American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California with head coach Javier Mendez, only the champion Nurmagomedov has been in the building. During an interview with ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Mendez revealed that Khabib has been training by himself for two hours, and the gym has remained closed for the other 22 hours of the day.
UFC releases official statement on 'UFC 249: Khabib vs Ferguson'
Cole Shelton - March 18, 2020
UFC 249 is still up in the air, but the promotion has now released a statement on the event. With the state of New York banning large gatherings, and in accordance with the New York State Athletic Commission, the UFC announced the event will not take place in Brooklyn.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's coach explains why Tony Ferguson is his toughest opponent
Natasha Hooper - March 18, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez explains why Tony Ferguson is the UFC lightweight champion’s toughest challenge yet. The head coach and mastermind behind American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) has been training the UFC’s lightweight champion, Nurmagomedov for many years. Despite the looming threat of Coronavirus, today is no exception as they continue to prepare for his anticipated showdown against Tony Ferguson on Saturday 18th April.
Jimi Manuwa says light heavyweight 'has come alive' and expects Jan Blachowicz to get next title shot
Cole Shelton - March 18, 2020
Jimi Manuwa is happy that the UFC’s light heavyweight division has “come alive” in recent months. Manuwa has been in the UFC since 2012, where he saw Jon Jones become the promotions light heavyweight champion and defend his belt several times. Jimi believes the division was stagnant when “Bones” first dealt with his USADA and personal issues.
Chris Weidman explains decision to drop back down to middleweight, not closing door on light heavyweight
Mike Pendleton - March 18, 2020
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman most recently fought in the light heavyweight division, and things didn’t go according to plan. Weidman suffered a first-round knockout loss to recent light heavyweight title challenger Dominick Reyes, and now “The All-American” is headed back to 185 pounds. During a recent interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani on Instagram Live, Weidman explained his decision to drop back down to middleweight, citing that although he believes he can beat those in the light heavyweight division, he wants to make sure he goes and gets a win in his next fight.
VIDEO | Sean O'Malley recreates hilarious Tony Ferguson workout video
Natasha Hooper - March 18, 2020
“Sugar” Sean O’Malley has taken inspiration from Tony Ferguson in a hilarious new workout video. This week, Ferguson posted an unusual workout online. The lightweight showcased his insane flexibility whilst flipping and grappling with a workout box, all accomplished in just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt:
Opening odds released for potential Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje fight
Tom Taylor - March 18, 2020
It’s not yet clear when Conor McGregor will return to the UFC’s Octagon, or who he’ll fight in his return. That being said, the most likely option at present seems to be a fight between the Irish star and former World Series of Fighting champ Justin Gaethje. The opening odds for this potential McGregor vs. Gaethje fight were recently released by the sportsbook BetOnline. The oddsmakers have pegged McGregor as a slight betting favorite at -180, meaning a successful $180 bet on the Irishman would win $100. Gaethje, meanwhile, has been labelled as a +155 underdog, meaning a $100 bet on him would win $155.
Tyron Woodley dismisses Leon Edwards fight, demands Colby Covington as next opponent
Natasha Hooper - March 18, 2020
Tyron Woodley has diverted his attention from Leon Edwards to Colby Covington. The former welterweight champion was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC London this weekend. It would have been his first Octagon appearance since losing his 170-pound title in 2019 to Kamaru Usman. However, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the UFC recently announced its decision to postpone its upcoming shows in London, Columbus and Portland.
Former MMA fighter Cedric Marks charged for murder of Minnesota woman
Natasha Hooper - March 18, 2020
Former MMA fighter Cedric Marks has been convicted for the 2009 murder of a Minnesota mother. Authorities confirmed on Monday that the former fighter is accused of multiple Texas murders and is one of two people charged in the death of an abducted woman from a Minnesota domestic violence shelter 11 years ago.
Colby Covington buries Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jorge Masvidal
Tom Taylor - March 18, 2020
Colby Covington is trying to keep the peace with Dustin Poirier, but the same doesn’t apply to his American Top Team stablemates Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jorge Masvidal. Speaking to Submission Radio recently, Covington absolutely buried Masvidal and Jedrzejczyk.
UFC 249 will officially not be happening in New York
Tom Taylor - March 18, 2020
UFC 249 needs a new home. The card, which is scheduled for April 18, will not be going down in Brooklyn, New York as originally planned. Amid the growing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, the New York State Athletic Commission has officially announced it will not be hosting the card.
Jon Tuck charged with sexual assault, allegedly told victim 'no one can know due to my work'
Adam Martin - March 18, 2020
Former UFC and Bellator lightweight fighter Jon Tuck was charged this week with an alleged sexual assault in his native Guam. According to a report from the Pacific Daily News out of Guam, Tuck allegedly raped a 21-year-old woman outside of a restaurant in Tumon on March 4 in the wee hours of the morning. The woman told police she left the restaurant when Tuck grabbed her by the wrist and allegedly told her “don’t worry about it” when she asked where they were going.
Conor McGregor: 'I did not train properly' for Khabib Nurmagomedov fight
Tom Taylor - March 18, 2020
Conor McGregor claims he didn’t train properly for his infamous 2018 fight with UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, which he lost by fourth-round submission. In a recent interview with Jonathan Snowden of Bleacher Report, McGregor reflected on the errors he made during his preparations for Nurmagomedov.
Jon Jones reacts to Johnny Walker's UFC Brasilia loss
Tom Taylor - March 18, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones has taken a shot at Johnny Walker following the Brazilian’s second consecutive loss. At last weekend’s UFC Brasilia card, Walker lost a decision to Ukrainian talent Nikita Krylov. With this loss, Walker fell onto a two-fight skid, having also been stopped by Corey Anderson late last year.