MMA News
Bob Arum says Dana White should be “ashamed” for continuing to put on events
Natasha Hooper - April 1, 2020
Boxing promoter Bob Arum has blasted UFC president Dana White for continuing to put on shows despite the coronavirus pandemic. The combat sports industry has been put on hold to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Boxing events have been postponed, and the UFC has already held off on three fight cards. However, Dana White is doing everything he can to resume business. He is currently in negotiations to finalize a venue for the upcoming UFC 249 card on April 18. White also expects UFC 250 on May 9 will still happen. The fight cards will likely take place using a small production team from a closed arena and with strict safety precautions. However, with so little still known about the coronavirus and no vaccine available, holding any event will still pose a risk.
Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje opening betting odds revealed
Adam Martin - March 31, 2020
The opening betting odds have been released for a potential lightweight main event at UFC 249 between top contenders Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. With UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov likely unable to compete at UFC 249 due to travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the UFC is now considering a new main event between Ferguson and Gaethje, two of the best lightweights in the world. It’s unknown at this point if this replacement fight would be for an interim title or if it would just a five-round main event.
Dustin Poirier believes he'd 'beat up' Tony Ferguson if they fought at UFC 249
Cole Shelton - March 31, 2020
Dustin Poirier was interested in fighting Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 but says it is unlikely it will happen. Ferguson was expected to finally fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title on April 18 at UFC 249. But, on Monday, the champion announced he is stuck in Russia and the event would go on without him. Once that happened, reports came out that Justin Gaethje was offered the scrap, but Poirier said he’s also interested in it as he’s confident he would beat Ferguson.
Jon Jones releases statement following recent arrest
Christopher Taylor - March 31, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has issued a statement following his recent arrest in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Early on Thursday morning, Jones was arrested for allegedly firing a gunshot in downtown Albuquerque. According to police reports, ‘Bones’ was also found to have marijuana residue on his clothing in addition to failing a sobriety test.
Dillian Whyte open to UFC move, tells Dana White: "hit me up"
Natasha Hooper - March 31, 2020
Boxing star Dillian Whyte is ready to make a transition into the UFC and has already called out his first opponent. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has spelt disaster for all combat sports, including boxing. The British heavyweight Whyte was scheduled to fight Alexander Povetkin on May 2 in London. His upcoming fight against the Russian has been rescheduled for July 4.
Artem Lobov says he's been approached about boxing rematch with Paulie Malignaggi
Cole Shelton - March 31, 2020
Artem Lobov is interested in fighting Paulie Malignaggi again but this time doing it in boxing. Lobov and Malignaggi fought last summer at BKFC 6 where it was a highly-anticipated bout. But, it was “The Russian Hammer” who edged out a decision win. Following the fight, many thought a rematch would make sense but Dave Feldman told BJPENN.com, Malignaggi was unlikely to fight in BKFC again.
Bibiano Fernandes doubtful he can help Demetrious Johnson prep for ONE title fight
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2020
Demetrious Johnson is gearing up for a May 29 fight with ONE flyweight champ Adriano Moraes: a deadly Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist with power to boot. Needless to say, this would be an opportune time for Johnson call on his long-time friend and training partner, ONE bantamweight champ Bibiano Fernandes, who bears many stylistic similarities to Moraes. Unfortunately, Johnson and Fernandes will probably be unable to reach one another anytime soon. Living in Bellevue, Washington and Vancouver, B.C respectively, they’re only about 120 miles apart as the crow flies. Yet they’re also separated by the US-Canada border, which has become an almost insurmountable hurdle in the time of the coronavirus.
Chael Sonnen on criticism toward Dana White: He "can never win"
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2020
Chael Sonnen recognizes that the coronavirus pandemic is a serious issue, but he’s also having a hard time wrapping his head around the criticism directed at UFC President Dana White. While most other sports leagues — and many MMA promotions — have closed up shop to minimize the spread of of the virus, White has been defiantly attempting to promote events as normal in the early weeks of this crisis.
Felicia Spencer calls for UFC 250 to be moved to Florida
Adam Martin - March 31, 2020
Felicia Spencer is calling for her UFC women’s featherweight title fight scheduled against Amanda Nunes for UFC 250 to be moved from Brazil to Florida. Spencer is set to take on Nunes for the belt at UFC 250, which is scheduled to take place May 9 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The main event sees UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo take on Jose Aldo. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the fighters on the card are calling for the event to be postponed due to a lack of training resources and the risk of catching the coronavirus.
Joanne Calderwood: Valentina Shevchenko fight 'pushed back'
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2020
Joanne Calderwood says her UFC 251 flyweight title fight with champion Valentina Shevchenko, scheduled for June 6 in Perth, Australia, has been postponed — but shockingly not because of the coronavirus pandemic. Calderwood divulged this new info on MMA Fighting’s Eurobash podcast.
Coach hints that Conor McGregor could be Tony Ferguson's next opponent
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2020
With UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov stuck in Russia due to new COVID-19 travel restrictions, his would-be opponent Tony Ferguson must make a decision: wait to fight Nurmagomedov when the pandemic subsides, or fight somebody else in the meantime. John Kavanagh, the coach behind Conor McGregor, seems to be hoping Ferguson goes the latter route. On Tuesday, ESPN reporter Ariel Helwani posted a poll on Twitter, asking fans if they’d prefer to see Ferguson wait to fight Nurmagomedov or fight replacement opponent Justin Gaethje on April 18.
Report | Florida still possible for UFC 249 location
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2020
The location of the upcoming UFC 249 card, scheduled for April 18, is still a mystery. UFC 249 was originally expected to go down in Brooklyn, New York, but this ultimately became impossible due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ever since then, the UFC has been frantically searching for a new location for the card.
PFL postpones 2020 season due to Coronavirus pandemic
Natasha Hooper - March 31, 2020
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has postponed its 2020 season due to COVID-19. The PFL uses a unique, seasonal format, much like the NBA or NHL. While their setup sets them apart from the competition, it can create logistical challenges — especially during a pandemic.
Jorge Masvidal claims he has said “yes” to a fight with “crotch-sniffing” champ
Harry Kettle - March 31, 2020
Jorge Masvidal has claimed that he agreed to fight Kamaru Usman — potentially at UFC 249 — but based on what he’s said, it doesn’t appear as if it’ll happen. The ongoing feud between Masvidal and Usman has taken on many different forms, with the initial plan seemingly being for the two to square off for the UFC Welterweight Championship on International Fight Week.
Henry Cejudo has a plan if he can’t fight Jose Aldo at UFC 250
Natasha Hooper - March 31, 2020
Henry Cejudo already has a backup plan if his Jose Aldo fight at UFC 250 falls through. His backup plan is a matchup against former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz. UFC 250 is scheduled to take place on May 9 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It could also suffer the same unfortunate fate as UFC 249, which has been the picture of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tyron Woodley says he’s resumed “champ camp” ahead of UFC 249
Harry Kettle - March 31, 2020
Tyron Woodley has claimed that he has resumed “champ camp” — presumably for a short-notice fight at UFC 249. The highly anticipated UFC 249 event now hangs in the balance with Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson, for the fifth time, being called off.
Bellator postpones three events including card headlined by Ryan Bader
Adam Martin - March 30, 2020
Bellator announced on Monday that it is postponing three of its upcoming events including a card that was set to be headlined by double champ Ryan Bader. Most sports leagues around the world have postponed their upcoming cards due to the coronavirus outbreak, and Bellator will not buck the trend. While UFC president Dana White is doing everything in his power to go through with UFC 249 in three weeks’ time despite the risk, Bellator president Scott Coker instead is playing it safe and postponing three cards. The promotion released a press release Monday with the news.
Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones shouldn't be cut after recent arrest: 'UFC needs to save him'
Cole Shelton - March 30, 2020
Daniel Cormier doesn’t believe the UFC should cut Jon Jones after his recent arrest. On Thursday, news came out that Jones was arrested for a DWI, negligent use of a firearm and possession of an open container. It is another bad look for the light heavyweight champion who has had problems with the law and with USADA in the past.