MMA News
Kamaru Usman explains why Jorge Masvidal's power doesn't worry him
Tom Taylor - February 11, 2020
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is expected to defend his title against streaking contender Jorge Masvidal during International Fight Week this July. Heading into this matchup, which is still not official, Usman is perceived to have a clear wrestling advantage, while Masvidal is believed to be the more dangerous striker.
John McCarthy trashes UFC 247 judging: 'It was bad'
Adam Martin - February 11, 2020
Bellator commentator and veteran MMA official Big John McCarthy trashed the judging at UFC 247, saying the judges did a poor job scoring the fights. The judges were involved in a number of controversial decisions at UFC 247 which has re-ignited the debate about how to score fights in MMA and whether or not the sport needs open scoring. Among the controversial decisions were the main event between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Dominick Reyes, the women’s flyweight bout between Lauren Murphy and Andrea Lee, and a bantamweight bout on the preliminary card between Andre Ewell and Jonathan Martinez.
James Krause believes he beat Trevin Giles at UFC 247, says he's willing to step up on short notice again
Cole Shelton - February 11, 2020
James Krause had a crazy weekend in Houston, to say the least. The UFC welterweight arrived in Houston on Wednesday to corner Youssef Zalal but on Friday that all changed. He found out Antonio Arroyo was out of his middleweight bout just after weigh-ins and told his manager he would take the fight.
Report | 13 fighters cut from UFC including Ben Saunders
Adam Martin - February 11, 2020
The UFC has reportedly released 13 fighters from its roster including fan-favorite Ben Saunders and former Ultimate Fighter winner Brad Katona. Zane Simon of Bloody Elbow reported that the following 13 fighters have been released from the promotion. Note that not all the releases have been confirmed by the fighters or the the promotion yet, but some have already been confirmed by reporters or the fighters themselves.
John McCarthy says Dominick Reyes should have won 48-47
Adam Martin - February 11, 2020
Bellator commentator and veteran MMA official Big John McCarthy says he believes Dominick Reyes should have defeated Jon Jones 48-47 at UFC 247. McCarthy is one of the most respected minds in the fight game and was someone who was instrumental in the creation of the Unified Rules of MMA and the judging scoring system. He holds judging and refereeing seminars and knows a thing or two about how to score a fight.
Renowned boxing trainer fawns over Jorge Masvidal: 'He's something else'
Tom Taylor - February 11, 2020
There’s recently been a lot of talk about mixed martial artists transitioning to boxing, and vice versa. One of the names that comes up most often in these conversations is UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal. While most fans agree that even the best MMA fighters would be in over their heads in boxing matches with the world’s best boxers, boxing trainer Joe Goossen—the man behind champs like Gabe and Rafael Ruelas—is very impressed by Masvidal’s boxing ability.
Michael Bisping theorizes new method of testing judges following UFC 247 controversy
Natasha Hooper - February 11, 2020
Michael Bisping is calling for major changes to the MMA judge scoring system, and he has his own ideas on how to do it. The former middleweight champion sat down for an episode of his Believe You Me podcast, with co-host Luis J Gomez. A hot topic on today’s discussion was unsurprisingly the judging controversies at UFC 247.
Kamaru Usman accuses 'clown' Jorge Masvidal of being a sellout
Natasha Hooper - February 11, 2020
Aside from his incredible fighting ability, Jorge Masvidal’s popularity can be partly credited to his authentic personality. However, reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman isn’t convinced and believes Masvidal is a sellout. The 170-pound athletes are expected to face off in a welterweight title fight during International Fight Week this summer. In the run-up, both fighters have remained critical of each other. Their verbal conflict almost got physical during a Super Bowl media day in Miami this month. Usman goaded Masvidal to “do something,” but the pair were eventually separated by bystanders. Now “The Nigerian Nightmare” is adding fuel to the fire by accusing Masvidal of being a “clown,” and a sellout.
Derrick Lewis reveals he’s dealing with 'life or death' medical issue, was told not to fight at UFC 247
Natasha Hooper - February 11, 2020
Derrick Lewis had more on the line than simply a win or loss at UFC 247. “The Black Beast” revealed he is battling a “life and death” medical issue and was told not to fight. During Saturday night’s action at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Lewis defeated Ilir Latifi by unanimous decision. He joined Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show to discuss his victory and shed light on his shocking medical condition.
Jessica Eye asks UFC for 'another chance' against Valentina Shevchenko
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2020
Jessica Eye has called for a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko. After Shevchenko beat Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247, Eye took to Twitter to ask the UFC for another crack at the champ. Eye, of course, got the title shot against Shevchenko at UFC 238, but ultimately suffered a second-round knockout loss by a head kick. Still, Eye believes she could do better and wants a rematch.
Invicta FC to use open scoring after Kansas Athletic Commission enables option for MMA promotions
Adam Martin - February 10, 2020
The Kanas Athletic Commission announced on Monday it will give MMA promotions the option for open scoring, and Invicta FC has taken them up on the offer. In the wake of UFC 247, which featured several controversial judges’ scoring decisions including the heavily-debated main event scorecard between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and challenger Dominick Reyes, there has been chatter all over MMA circle about the sport adopting open scoring. Instead of the judges’ scorecards being a surprise to everyone at the end of the fight, with open scoring the fighters would see what the scores are in the fight during it. That will soon come to Invicta FC.
Darren Till says he's accepted fight against Jared Cannonier at UFC 248
Adam Martin - February 10, 2020
UFC middleweight contender Darren Till says he has accepted the fight against Jared Cannonier for the upcoming UFC 248 card in March. Till was set to fight Cannonier after Robert Whittaker withdrew the fight but UFC president Dana White said Till injured his ankle and had to be removed from the card. That left Cannonier without an opponent, and White confirmed on the weekend that he would still have Cannonier making weight for the card just in case anything happens to the headliners, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and Yoel Romero.
Israel Adesanya says Jon Jones is 'washed up' after UFC 247 performance
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2020
Israel Adesanya was not impressed by Jon Jones’ performance at UFC 247. In the main event of UFC 247, Jones edged out a decision win over Dominick Reyes, in a bout many fighters and fans thought the challenger had won. It was a close fight and for the second fight in a row, many thought “Bones” should have lost his title.
Dominick Reyes explains conservative approach in final rounds of Jon Jones fight
Natasha Hooper - February 10, 2020
Light heavyweight title challenger, Dominick Reyes explains why he didn’t attempt an explosive finish in the final rounds of his recent fight, as he was convinced he already had the victory over Jon Jones in the bag. In the main event of UFC 247 on Saturday 8th February, Jon Jones took on the rising contender Dominick Reyes. The light heavyweight champion previously mocked Reyes’ lack of experience, but that didn’t translate in the Octagon. Instead, the top-ranked contender used his striking arsenal to constantly pressure the champion. Jon Jones’ stronger performance in the championship rounds combined with his takedowns was enough to seal the unanimous decision victory.
Texas commission responds to Joe Rogan and judging uproar at UFC 247
Natasha Hooper - February 10, 2020
The Texas athletic commission has released a statement following major backlash spawning from last weekend’s UFC 247 event in Houston. The commission and those judging the fights were put on blast by longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan following the conclusion of Saturday night’s event. In addition, many fans and analysts voiced their displeasure with the judges scoring on social media.
Dana White praises 'absolute gangster' Valentina Shevchenko
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 10, 2020
Dana White has heaped praise on Valentina Shevchenko following UFC 247. This past Saturday night, Shevchenko put her UFC women’s flyweight title on the line against Katlyn Chookagian. While Shevchenko’s previous title defense against Liz Carmouche was widely considered to be lackluster, her bout with Chookagian was a different story. Shevchenko ended up scoring a third-round TKO victory.
Dustin Poirier claims Nate Diaz has been offered fight
Tom Taylor - February 10, 2020
Dustin Poirier has been clamoring for another opportunity to fight Nate Diaz, and from the sounds of it, his wish might just be granted. Speaking to MMA Junkie recently, Poirier divulged that the UFC has offered Diaz a contact for a 170-pound fight in May or July — though it’s not yet clear if the Stockton, California-based fighter will accept.
Leon Edwards vs. Tyron Woodley betting odds released
Adam Martin - February 10, 2020
The online sportsbooks have released the opening betting odds for the upcoming main event at UFC London between Leon Edwards and Tyron Woodley. Edwards has been calling Woodley out for months and the former UFC welterweight champ Woodley finally accepted the fight. The two will headline UFC on ESPN+ 29 on March 21 at The O2 Arena in London, England.