MMA News

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

https://youtu.be/wJmV95gVWew UFC president Dana White spoke with ESPN earlier tonight about why the UFC decided to book a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz rematch as the event headliner for July’s blockbuster UFC 200 event in Las Vegas.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

Earlier today it was announced on UFC Tonight that Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor would clash in the main event of UFC 200 in a welterweight rematch. In addition, it was announced that Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar would compete in a fight for the interim UFC featherweight championship. Immediately the internet went wild as fight fans began giving their predictions for the fight.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

Wednesday it was announced on UFC Tonight that Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II had been set for the main event of UFC 200. In addition it was announced that Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar would compete for the interim featherweight title. In addition, 3 more high-profile bouts were officially confirmed.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

News broke Wednesday afternoon on UFC Tonight that Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II had been officially booked for UFC 200. In addition, it was announced that Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar would be competing for the interim featherweight championship. While leaked footage earlier this month showed Nate Diaz revealing that he wanted the rematch with McGregor to take place at lightweight so that McGregor wouldn’t have ‘an excuse’ this time around, the bout has been officially set as a welterweight rematch.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

News broke Wednesday afternoon that the UFC had released veteran heavyweight Jared Rosholt following his ‘UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson’ loss to Roy Nelson back in February. Rosholt had been with the UFC since 2013 where he defeated Walt Harris via unanimous decision in the finale of the ‘TUF: Rousey vs. Tate’ finale. Rosholt compiled a record of 6-2 during his time with the UFC, with his loss to Nelson snapping a three fight win streak.

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

During today’s UFC 198 press conference, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva was asked to comment on his recent request to fight current UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor at a catchweight. “The Spider” was quick to point out that he did not challenge McGregor because of the huge “payday” that would come along with the fight, but that he is simply interested in challenging his skills against the brash Irishman:

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

https://youtu.be/9XXtDUsJT8U Despite Jon Jones turning himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department earlier this week, his team remained confident that his UFC 197 light heavyweight title fight with Daniel Cormier will go off without a hitch.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

Co-main and Main event faceoffs! Werdum vs Miocic | Jacare vs Belfort. What a night of fights! #UFC198 https://t.co/aJvGN3LQpF — UFC (@ufc) March 30, 2016

Russell Ess - March 30, 2016

https://youtu.be/2FhU5CxaaDI?t=20m50s Nate Diaz holds no punches whether it’s inside or outside the Octagon. The UFC veteran is coming off the biggest win of his career and cashed in on his biggest payday after submitting Conor McGregor at UFC 196.

Russell Ess - March 30, 2016

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was arrested on Tuesday after turning himself into police in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jones was recently issued five traffic citations by an Albuquerque police officer, which included one for drag racing. A judge ruled the drag racing ticket was a violation of his probation terms.

Russell Ess - March 30, 2016

UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor and veteran Nate Diaz are reported to be in the works for a rematch at UFC 200.

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

When it was announced that Wanderlei Silva had signed with Rizin FF, there were immediately talks of Silva potentially fighting MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko. While Emelianenko has stated that his next fight will be soon, and likely in Russia, fans can’t help but wonder if Emelianenko and Silva will fight this year. Rizin FF President Sakakibara spoke to BloodyElbow through a translator:

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

Michael Bisping (28-7 MMA) scored the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career just over a month ago in London, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. “The Count” recently joined ‘The Three Amigos Podcast‘ where he gave his take on Jon Jones’ most recent run-in with the law.

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

The inaugural UFC women’s strawweight champion, Carla Esparza (11-3 MMA), will return to the octagon next month when she fills in for the injured Jessica Aguilar against Julianna Lima (8-2 MMA). The bout will mark Esparza’s first fight since losing her title to Joanna Jedrzejczyk via TKO at UFC 185 in March of 2015.

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

We reported yesterday morning that former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones had turned himself in to the Albuquerque PD, this after he received five traffic citations that had violated his parole sentence. According to new reports from both Ariel Helwani and Marc Raimondi, “Bones” is still in jail and has a hearing in front of a judge scheduled for 8am tomorrow morning (March 31).

bjpenndotcom - March 30, 2016

It was announced earlier this week that Cris Cyborg would be making her UFC debut at UFC 198 in Curitiba Brazil against Leslie Smith. While that fight isn’t until May 14th, Cyborg already has her eyes set on the fight that has so far eluded her, a superfight with Ronda Rousey. She spoke to TMZ Sports:

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

Undefeated UFC women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (11-0 MMA) will return to the octagon this July when she rematches bitter rival Claudia Gadelha (13-1 MMA) in the main event of The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale. The pair initially met in December of 2014, with Joanna earning a razor close split-decision victory over the Brazilian standout.

Chris Taylor - March 30, 2016

Former UFC champion and current middleweight contender Vitor Belfort talks with MMAFighting about how the UFC Reebok deal has cost him a lot of money.