MMA News
James Gallagher gives the middle finger to panic
Christine Allen - June 25, 2019
“I pulled out of the fight. I didn’t even wanna be here, I didn’t wanna train. I was in a bad way…panic attacks getting sick…and now I’m back, now I’m winning.” As I watched a very relieved James Gallagher retell his experience of severe panic attacks in the weeks leading up to his victory over Jeremiah Labiano at Bellator London 223, I was reminded once again of the fine line between success and failure, and the vital role that mental health plays in not only the outcome of a fight, but life.
Amanda Nunes explains why she's the GOAT of women's MMA
Tom Taylor - June 25, 2019
Amanda Nunes believes she is the best female mixed martial artist of all time. The Brazilian, who became a two-division UFC champion when she knocked out the great Cris Cyborg in December, proclaimed herself the GOAT at Monday’s UFC 239 media day. “Yeah, it’s for sure,” Nunes said (via MMA Junkie). “I am the greatest of all time. I beat the most dominating woman on the planet. I feel like I deserve it now.”
Dana White believes Conor McGregor could crash Nurmagomedov-Poirier fight
Tom Taylor - June 25, 2019
On September 7, in the main event of UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will attempt to defend his title against interim champion Dustin Poirier. According to UFC President Dana White, it’s possible there will be another top lightweight in the building in Abu Dhabi: former champion Conor McGregor. “Yeah, he could,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto when asked if McGregor might show up at the event (via Express). “He could, possibly.
Dana White admits he may have pushed Darren Till 'too soon'
Mike Heck - June 25, 2019
When it comes to hindsight, even UFC president Dana White can take a look back on decision making with a different lens. With the sport of mixed martial arts evolving at such a frenetic pace, finding MMA’a next big star has become a daunting task. One of the fighters who garnered a lot of attention after a huge win in a headline position was welterweight Darren Till. It seemed like “The Gorilla” would be off to the races following his first round finish of Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 118 in October 2017, which was followed by a unanimous decision win over, then, top contender Stephen Thompson seven months later.
Bellator partners with cannabis company cbdMD
Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019
CBD is making waves in professional sport. The legalization of Marijuana in different states is opening doors for business, especially for companies who are eager to capitalize off new sponsorship opportunities. Many of these business prospects are popping up in the MMA world, and Bellator is leading the way. This week they announced a multi-year, exclusive partnership with cbdMD, Inc. The MMA promotion is joining forces with the American registered cannabinoid (CBD). As a result, cbdMD will receive an array of integrated partnership assets such as category-exclusive branding inside the Bellator cage. CbdMD joins corporate powerhouses such as Monster Energy and Burger King who sponsor Bellator.
Report | Dana White attempting to get Jon Jones' only loss overturned
Tom Taylor - June 25, 2019
Look over the impressive resume of Jon Jones, and you’ll spot only a single loss: a 2009 disqualification to Matt Hamill. This DQ occurred after Jones hammered Hamill with a series of illegal, 12-6 downward elbows, and has been a subject of controversy among many fans ever since. The primary argument is that Jones absolutely decimated Hamill with a maneuver that should probably be legal anyway.
Amanda Nunes claims Cris Justino turned down rematch, Cyborg responds
Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019
Cris Cyborg has made her feelings to Dana White very clear, and they’re not all good. During an interview this month on the Ariel Helwani show, Cyborg responded to comments that she does not want to fight Amanda Nunes. ‘Why is Dana White saying you don’t want this fight?’ asked Ariel Helwani.
Diego Sanchez leaves longtime gym Jackson-Wink after getting “no love”
Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019
Diego Sanchez has cut ties with his former training home, Jackson-Wink MMA after not receiving the training he requires. Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico is considered one of the top MMA training centres in the world and has been the training home of many exceptional fighters. Diego Sanchez is no exception and has been a flag bearer of the company throughout his career. However, the time has come for Sanchez to step away and explore other avenues to develop his training.
Colby Covington explains decision to accept fight with "living legend" Robbie Lawler
Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019
Earlier tonight news broke that former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington would be returning to the octagon at August’s UFC Newark event against former division kingpin Robbie Lawler. The booking came as a shock to many, as it was anticipated that Covington would serve as the first challenger to newly crowned division title holder Kamaru Usman.
Kamaru Usman issues statement following Covington vs Lawler booking
Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019
It was expected that current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman would fight former interim champ Colby Covington in his first attempted title defense. However, that is no longer the case as it was reported earlier this evening that Covington would be returning to the cage this August in Newark against former division title holder Robbie Lawler.
Breaking! Colby Covington set to return at UFC Newark against former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler
Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019
Colby Covington is set to return to the octagon at at UFC Newark against former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the big news on Twitter just moments ago.
Dana White interested in Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier 3 at heavyweight
Adam Martin - June 24, 2019
Count UFC president Dana White among the parties interested in a third fight between rivals Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN, White said he’s interested in a trilogy bout between Jones and Cormier, and he wants to see the trilogy fight take place at heavyweight.
Jon Jones says Henry Cejudo is top pound-for-pound fighter
Cole Shelton - June 24, 2019
Before Henry Cejudo fought Marlon Moraes at UFC 238, he said a win over the top bantamweight fighter would make him the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. After all, he was already the flyweight champion and was looking to become the bantamweight title holder as well, this in addition to being a former Olympic gold medalist. “First and foremost guys. You guys are acting a little shy. I would like to start off by, I’ve been called some nasty things in my life and I’m sick of it,” Henry Cejudo said at his media luncheon before UFC 238. “I’ve been called a gold digger, I’ve been called a son of a gold, I’ve been called an Olympic champion, UFC champion, Hall of Famer, author, dreamcatcher, dream snatcher, G.O.A.T. killer, the king of cringe, greatest combat athlete of all-time. But, never have I been called the ‘P’ word and I’m sick of it.
Jose Aldo signs new long-term contract with UFC
Adam Martin - June 24, 2019
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has signed a new, long-term contract with the UFC, ending any rumors of his impending retirement. According to a report from ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto, Aldo recently signed a new deal with the UFC and will not retire in 2019, as was previously rumored. UFC president Dana White told ESPN about the new deal for Jose Aldo, and the Brazilian’s head coach Andre Pederneiras confirmed that the long-time featherweight champion indeed inked a new deal prior to his UFC 237 bout against Alexander Volkanovski.
Artem Lobov reveals what Conor McGregor told him after beating Paulie Malignaggi
Cole Shelton - June 24, 2019
Artem Lobov and Paulie Malignaggi finally settled their differences in the main event of BKFC 6. After months of trash talk, the two finally fought. It was a close fight, but when the scorecards were announced it was “The Russian Hammer” who got his hand raised as he beat Malignaggi by unanimous decision (48-47 x3). It was a massive win for the former UFC fighter, and a big win for his gym, SBG-Ireland. His coach, John Kavanagh said it was the best day of his life, as for his friend in Conor McGregor, well he had a different message for Lobov.
Alexander Volkanovski calls for money fight against Conor McGregor
Adam Martin - June 24, 2019
Despite being next in line for a featherweight title shot later this year against the winner of UFC 240’s Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar, top-ranked contender Alexander Volkanovski has his sights set on a money fight against Conor McGregor. “Oh mate, I would love that,” Volkanovski said (via TheBodyLockMMA.com). “Again, money, money, money. I know he’s game. I’ll be completely different problems that he’s never dealt with, as well. I’m a pretty bad matchup for him.”
Artem Lobov squashes beef with Paulie Malignaggi following BKFC 6
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 24, 2019
Artem Lobov is done trading barbs with Paulie Malignaggi after their BKFC 6 scrap. This past Saturday night (June 22), Lobov and Malignaggi went the distance inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa. There was plenty of bad blood going into the bout. Malignaggi slapped Lobov and even spat on him in the lead-up to their BKFC 6 main event. Lobov ended up scoring the unanimous decision victory and the two embraced.
Mike Winkeljohn believes Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier trilogy fight will happen
Cole Shelton - June 24, 2019
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have arguably the biggest rivalry in MMA. The two have fought two times before. They first fought at UFC 182, when Jones beat Cormier by decision to defend the light heavyweight title. They fought for a second time at UFC 214. This time, it was “DC” who was the champion, but Jones once again came out on top. However, the fight was eventually ruled a no-contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol.