MMA News
Dana White reacts to COVID-19 shakeups on recent UFC cards
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White has reacted after the lineups for several recent UFC cards have been walloped by coronavirus-related shakeups. Last weekend’s UFC Vegas 9 card was particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 induced lineup changes, and ultimately went down with far fewer fights on the bill than originally anticipated. This weekend’s UFC Vegas 10 card has also been banged up by the virus, as the originally scheduled Thiago Santos vs. Glover Teixeira light heavyweight main event was cancelled when the latter tested positive.
Robin Black and Bellator launch new 'Fight Secrets' video series
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Bellator MMA and combat sports analyst Robin Black have teamed up to create an intriguing new video series titled Fight Secrets. The first episode of Fight Secrets, which delves into the subtleties of Phil Davis and Lyoto Machida’s games, debuted on the Bellator MMA YouTube channel on Wednesday. See it below:
Marvin Vettori says he's "lost all respect" for former UFC middleweight champ Chris Weidman
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Surging UFC middleweight contender Marvin Vettori says he’s lost all respect for the division’s former champion, Chris Weidman. Vettori has been angling for a fight with Weidman for months, but so far, his callouts of the former champion have been fruitless. Now, he seems to have given up on that potential fight, conceding that he’s willing to fight pretty much anybody if he’s given five to six weeks to prepare.
Dana White confirms The Ultimate Fighter 29 will start filming soon, coaches TBD
Adam Martin - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White confirmed that The Ultimate Fighter 29 will commence filming soon, but the coaches are still to be determined. White has been teasing the return of TUF for the last several months, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed its start. It now appears that the UFC is ready to get filming again. Speaking to the media following Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series, White confirmed that the UFC plans on starting filming for TUF 29 in Las Vegas in November.
Rachael Ostovich booked for first fight in nearly two years, gets Gina Mazany in November
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Fan favorite UFC flyweight contender Rachael Ostovich has been booked for her first fight in almost two years: a November 28 showdown with Gina Mazany. News of this matchup was first reported by MMA Junkie.
Khamzat Chimaev lays out ambitions for "easiest money" fights with Nick and Nate Diaz
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Red-hot UFC welterweight prospect Khamzat Chimaev is hoping for fights with Nick and Nate Diaz in the future—fights he views as “easy money.” Chimaev is currently scheduled to take on Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 11 on September 19. In a rare situation that is wholly indicative of his massive potential, UFC President Dana White has already laid out plans to match Chimaev up with Demian Maia thereafter—much to Meerschaert’s chagrin.
Dana White reacts to Nick Diaz comeback buzz
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White has reacted to the buzz surrounding a potential comeback for former Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz. Diaz, who is also a former UFC welterweight title challenger, has reportedly undergone a test fight camp and weight cut and is plotting a comeback in 2021.
Gilbert Burns drops hint that Michael Chandler is UFC bound
Andrew Whitelaw - September 9, 2020
Michael Chandler is arguably the most high-profile free agent in the sport right now and his teammate Gilbert Burns just dropped a massive hint that the long-time Bellator star is about to seal his move to the UFC. What’s going on here @MikeChandlerMMA and @usantidoping ????? @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc pic.twitter.com/0R13Nv7cvT
Augusto Sakai details gruesome injuries suffered in UFC loss to Alistair Overeem
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2020
UFC heavyweight Augusto Sakai has revealed the injuries he sustained during his loss to Alistair Overeem last weekend. While the rising contender Sakai did look dangerous at points during his showdown with the veteran, he seemed to be overwhelmed by “The Reem” once the fight made it into the championship rounds. At that point, Overeem completely took over before finishing the bout with vicious ground & pound early in the fifth.
PFL CEO Peter Murray says leaving own company Insignia was the hardest decision he ever made
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
These days, Peter Murray is known as the head honcho for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a fast-rising mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States that features a one-of-a-kind regular season, playoffs, and championship format. Prior to helping the PFL revolutionize the way the sport of mixed martial arts is presented however, Murray was already a creative force behind some of the biggest brands, companies, and agencies.
Dana White reveals special start time setup for UFC 254: Khabib vs Gaethje
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White has seemingly confirmed that UFC 254 on Fight Island will feature a special start time. The plan appears to be for the UFC 254 card, which will be headlined by Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC Lightweight Championship, to be broadcast in the afternoon in the United States – allowing for European fans to watch it in primetime.
Video | Dana White reacts to Tafon Nchukwi's insane head kick KO on Contender Series
Adam Martin - September 8, 2020
UFC president Dana White had a memorable reaction to Tafon Nchukwi and his insane head kick KO in the main event of the Contender Series. A top light heavyweight prospect, Nchukwi landed a ridiculous head kick to knock out Al Matavao in the headlining fight on Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series. Nuchkwi is just 25 years old and the victory over Matavao improved his record to a perfect 4-0. Considering he just turned pro in 2019, it is incredible what he has achieved in such a short period of time in the sport. Take a look at the Nchukwi head kick KO below via ESPN.
Conor McGregor reacts to news that Nick Diaz is making a UFC comeback
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
Conor McGregor is interested in fighting both of the Diaz brothers. McGregor has a history with Nate Diaz as the pair fought at UFC 196 and UFC 202. In the first fight, Nate stepped up on short notice and shocked many when he won by submission. The Irishman then won their highly anticipated rematch by majority decision and ever since many have wanted to see the trilogy.
John Dodson planning a return to flyweight to make one last run at UFC gold
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
John Dodson is looking to make one more run at a UFC title. Dodson fought for the flyweight title twice in 2013 and 2015 but lost by decision to Demetrious Johnson both times. Following the second loss to Johnson, Dodson moved up to bantamweight and has been there ever since.
Patrick Mix expects dominant performance over Juan Archuleta to win vacant title: "I finish him in three rounds, I will break him"
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
Patrick Mix knows he will be Bellator’s bantamweight champion. On Saturday night in the main event of Bellator 246, Mix is set to take on Juan Archuleta for the vacant bantamweight title. Yet, for the undefeated Patrick Mix, he doesn’t believe Archuleta deserves the title shot at 135-pounds.
Michelle Waterson has a simple game plan for Angela Hill: "It's not going to be strategic, I’m going in there to fight"
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
Michelle Waterson is on a two-fight losing streak but her confidence hasn’t wavered one bit. In the main event of UFC Vegas 10 this Saturday, Waterson is set to battle the rising contender in Angela Hill. It is a very intriguing matchup but one that was delayed from August 22. So, for Waterson, she is glad Hill was okay with the delay as she is looking forward to sharing the Octagon with her.
Randy Couture injured in ATV accident, will require surgery
Tom Taylor - September 8, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture and his girlfriend Mindy Robinson were injured in an ATV accident on Monday, and the MMA legend will require surgery as a result. News of Couture’s accident was first reported by TMZ Sports.
Leon Edwards issues searing response to Nate Diaz diss
Tom Taylor - September 8, 2020
UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has issued a searing response to a recent dig from fellow welterweight star Nate Diaz. Earlier this week, Birmingham’s Edwards took a shot at fellow welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal, who he was involved in a backstage brawl with in 2019, but has yet to meet in the Octagon—despite his best efforts.