MMA News
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.
Jon Jones makes prediction for potential Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor rematch
Tom Taylor - February 10, 2020
If Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor end up fighting for a second time, UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones believes Nurmagomedov will once again come out on top. Jones explained why he’s siding with Nurmagomedov in a potential McGregor rematch during a recent interview with TMZ.
Fedor Emelianenko praises Khabib Nurmagomedov but says he needs to refine his striking technique
Adam Martin - February 10, 2020
Heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko praised UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov but says “The Eagle” needs to work on his striking technique. Emelianenko is regarded as the greatest Russian MMA fighter of all-time but in many ways, Nurmagomedov has taken the torch from “The Last Emperor” as the greatest Russian fighter on the planet right now. The two have the utmost respect for each other and both men have led to Russia becoming a hotbed for mixed martial arts around the globe.
Roxanne Modafferi willing to fight UFC 247 winner Lauren Murphy on two conditions
Harry Kettle - February 10, 2020
Roxanne Modafferi has said that she’s willing to fight Lauren Murphy, who won her fight at UFC 247 this past weekend, on two conditions. Modafferi is coming off the back of what many consider to be the biggest win of her career at UFC 246 when she overcame Maycee Barber to pick up a huge unanimous decision. Ever since then there’s certainly been more of a buzz around her, and that has led to many believing that she could go on quite the run in the flyweight division.
Bellator middleweight champ Rafael Lovato relinquishes belt amid health concerns
Tom Taylor - February 10, 2020
Rafael Lovato Jr. has relinquished the Bellator middleweight title after revealing he’s suffering from a cavernoma, an issue pertaining to the blood vessels in the brain. Lovato opened up on these health concerns on a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, explaining that the issue has put his career on hold.
Juan Adams releases emotional statement following third straight UFC loss
Natasha Hooper - February 10, 2020
Juan Adams is doing a lot of reflecting since losing for the third-straight time against Justin Tafa at UFC 247. The heavyweights collided on the main card of Saturday night’s action. Justin Tafa only joined the UFC last year and lost in his UFC debut. However, he lived up to expectation in his second appearance after finishing Juan Adams. The Auckland native threw a huge right hook which sent Adams reeling. He followed up with a right uppercut then ground strikes to achieve the TKO win in under 2 minutes of the first round. The Samoan was happy with his performance.
Leon Edwards confident he would dethrone Kamaru Usman if he gets rematch
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2020
Leon Edwards is looking to rematch Kamaru Usman and is confident he would dethrone the champion. Edwards and Usman fought back at UFC on Fox 17 in December of 2015 where it was Usman who won by unanimous decision. It was a close fight where two judges had it 29-28, with the Englishman winning the first round. Yet it was Usman’s wrestling which was the difference-maker.
Katlyn Chookagian reacts following loss to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 247
Natasha Hooper - February 10, 2020
Katlyn Chookagian has reacted to her loss after getting stopped by Valentina Shevchenko last weekend at UFC 247. The No. 1 ranked contender challenged the reigning champion for the flyweight title in the co-main event on Saturday. In dominant fashion, Shevchenko dismantled Chookagian with her grappling and striking skillset. She finished the fight by TKO in the third round. An onslaught of ground and pound was enough to seal Chookagian’s fate as Referee Jacob Montalvo put a stop to the action.
What's next for the stars of UFC 247?
Cole Shelton - February 10, 2020
In the main event of UFC 247, Jon Jones was taking on the undefeated challenger in Dominick Reyes. The co-main attraction saw flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko looking to continue her reign as she battled Katlyn Chookagian. In the end, neither titles changed hands as Jones edged out a very close decision while Shevchenko earned a TKO win.