MMA News
Rich Franklin admits that moving on from fighting is a “difficult adjustment”
Harry Kettle - April 14, 2020
Former UFC star Rich Franklin has admitted that the process of moving on from being a professional fighter is a “difficult adjustment”. Franklin was once considered to be one of the best middleweights in the world, and heading into his fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 77, many believed he was the favorite to once again win the Middleweight Championship.
The Rock heaps praise on "beast of a man" Francis Ngannou after training offer
Tom Taylor - April 14, 2020
During a recent Q&A on Instagram, pro wrestling legend and Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had an interesting interaction with UFC heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou. Ngannou joined the Q&A and named Johnson as one of of his inspirations. He also asked the star to join him in the gym. Johnson responded affirmatively and heaped praise on Ngannou for his skill.
Kelvin Gastelum reflects on loss to Israel Adesanya: “It burns in my heart to know I was that close”
Harry Kettle - April 14, 2020
UFC middleweight contender Kelvin Gastelum has spoken about his historic defeat at the hands of Israel Adesanya back at UFC 236. It’s not an exaggeration to claim that Gastelum’s war with Adesanya for the Interim UFC Middleweight Championship was easily the Fight of the Year for 2019, which is saying something given the volume of world class fights we saw throughout those twelve months.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach has a message for critics following UFC 249 backlash
Natasha Hooper - April 14, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez has come to the defence of his fighter amidst criticism regarding his UFC 249 withdrawal. The undefeated lightweight champion was expected to face Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249 on April 18. The UFC stars were scheduled to fight four times in the past, but the matchup was foiled for medical reasons each time. Their fifth matchup was no different as “The Eagle” pulled out a few weeks before their scheduled fight.
Florida’s new essential services guidelines allow for the UFC to hold events
Natasha Hooper - April 14, 2020
Florida has outlined new guidelines that could allow the UFC to hold events during the coronavirus pandemic. In an April 9 memo published by the office of Governor Ron DeSantis, the definition of “essential services” has been expanded to include professional sports. The definition now includes “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience — including any athletes, entertainers, production team, executive team, media team and any others necessary to facilitate including services supporting such production — only if the location is closed to the general public.”
Conor McGregor breaks down UFC 246 knockout win: "I’ve been striking them where they believe they can’t be struck"
Cole Shelton - April 13, 2020
Conor McGregor has reflected on his remarkable UFC 246 win over Donald Cerrone. McGregor was making his highly-anticipated return to the Octagon in the main event against Cerrone. He was also moving up a weight class to welterweight, where he was looking to get back into the win column following his fourth-round submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Henry Cejudo wants Frankie Edgar next because "brittle" Dominick Cruz won't make it to the fight
Cole Shelton - April 13, 2020
Henry Cejudo is looking for his first bantamweight title defense to be against a legend. Cejudo hasn’t fought since he beat Marlon Moraes by TKO to win the vacant bantamweight title. He was scheduled to face Jose Aldo at UFC 250, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the fight was scrapped. He was then slated to fight Dominick Cruz on the fight card, but the status of UFC 250 is unknown at this time.
WWE deemed essential business in Florida during coronavirus pandemic
Adam Martin - April 13, 2020
Vince McMahon received good news on Monday as the WWE has been confirmed an essential business in the state of Florida during the coronavirus pandemic. McMahon, the WWE chairman and CEO, has continued to run pro wrestling events despite the coronavirus pandemic wiping out the majority of the sports world. Many fans and media have wondered how WWE has still been able to operate and run shows while other sports leagues including the UFC haven’t been able to. On Monday, we found out the reason.
Coach: Carlos Condit will fight in 2020, wants "money fights"
Cole Shelton - April 13, 2020
Carlos Condit has not fought since UFC 232 in December of 2018, but expect that to change this year. Condit, who is currently on a five-fight losing skid, where he has lost to the likes of Robbie Lawler, Demian Maia, and Neil Magny, was expected to return against Mickey Gall in December. Yet, a detached retina forced him to pull out of the contest, which has yet to be re-booked.
Al Iaquinta praises Jorge Masvidal as "One of the toughest fights I've had"
Natasha Hooper - April 13, 2020
Top-ranked lightweight contender, Al Iaquinta has praised the “BMF” winner Jorge Masvidal as “one of the toughest fights” he’s ever had. Before “Raging Al” made a name for himself against the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Kevin Lee, the New York native was delivering show-stopper performances against the likes of Diego Sanchez and Jorge Masvidal.
Roger Gracie recovers from coronavirus: "It's not a joke"
Adam Martin - April 13, 2020
Former UFC middleweight Roger Gracie says he has recovered from the coronavirus and warned others to be aware of its devastating impacts. The 38-year-old Gracie, who is the cousin of BJJ legend Renzo Gracie, told Combate that he contracted he coronavirus in March. He was put into self-isolation for 10 days and has since recovered, but he wanted to speak openly about being infected by the coronavirus despite being a young, healthy adult. He hopes that talking about his experience can bring more awareness to the devastating illness that is claiming so many lives around the world.
Daniel Cormier jokes that Ben Askren nearly became UFC champ "without learning how to fight"
Tom Taylor - April 13, 2020
Daniel Cormier recently had a bit of fun at Ben Askren’s expense, praising the former ONE and Bellator welterweight champ for nearly making it to the UFC welterweight throne “without learning how to fight.” While Askren is easily one of the best wrestlers that we’ve seen in MMA, his striking never caught up with his skills on the mat.
John McCarthy shares thoughts on UFC 249 cancelation: "It wasn’t Dana that shut it down"
Tom Taylor - April 13, 2020
Veteran MMA referee John McCarthy believes the top dogs at Disney and ESPN asked UFC President Dana White to cancel UFC 249 because they were concerned about the optics of going ahead with the event during a public health crisis. McCarthy weighed in on the cancelation of the card, which was most recently expected to go down at the Tachi Palace Casino on tribal land in California on April 18, on his Weighing In podcast.
Al Iaquinta predicts Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson outcome
Natasha Hooper - April 13, 2020
Al Iaquinta believes Khabib Nurmagomedov will probably beat Tony Ferguson — if they ever end up fighting. In the main event of UFC 249, the undisputed lightweight champ Nurmagomedov was set to defend his title for the third time against Ferguson. Unfortunately, the event was ultimately canceled, marking the fifth time a bout between the pair had fallen through.
Daniel Cormier describes "crazy" precautions UFC had in place for UFC 249 commentators
Tom Taylor - April 13, 2020
Daniel Cormier was willing to put on the commentary head-set and call the recently canceled UFC 249 card — provided the UFC could guarantee a safe work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the sounds of it, Cormier was satisfied with the measures the UFC had in place to keep staff — specifically commentators — out of harm’s way during this health crisis.
Jon Jones reacts to being inducted into UFC Hall of Fame for Gustafsson fight
Tom Taylor - April 13, 2020
Earlier this year, the UFC announced that a 2013 war between UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and challenger Alexander Gustafsson will be inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame. “Going into the first Jones vs. Gustafsson fight, fans and media didn’t care about the fight, because they didn’t believe Gustafsson deserved a title shot, and this thing ended up being the greatest light heavyweight title fight in UFC history,” UFC President Dana White said in the promotion’s official announcement. “To be there and watch it live was amazing. It was an incredible fight and both athletes gave everything they had for all five rounds. This fight was such a classic it was named the 2013 Fight of the Year and will always be considered one of the greatest fights in combat sports history. This fight showed what a true champion Jon Jones was, as this was the first time he was taken into deep waters and truly tested. This fight also put Gustafsson on the map and showed his true potential. Congratulations to Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson on being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame ‘Fight Wing’ for such an epic fight.”
Colby Covington planning move to WWE in 2021
Adam Martin - April 13, 2020
UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington says he plans on making the move to professional wrestling with the WWE in 2021. Covington has taken the pro wrestling approach to his mixed martial arts career in recent years, dropping promos on the mic whenever he can. He is one of the top three welterweights in the world right now but many fans and media have always felt his calling could be the world of professional wrestling just due to his ability to talk on the mic.
MMA photographer Anthony Causi dies at 48 from coronavirus
Adam Martin - April 13, 2020
Sports photographer Anthony Causi, who was responsible for some of the most iconic photos in MMA history, has passed away at age 48 from coronavirus. Causi was a photographer for the New York Post and the publication who he worked for broke the sad news that he passed away Sunday night in NYC after succumbing to the coronavirus. He is survived by his wife, Romina, and his two children, John and Mia.