MMA News
Joe Rogan Experience podcast producer tests positive for COVID-19
Tom Taylor - October 21, 2020
Jamie Vernon, the producer for the extremely popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, has tested positive for COVID-19. So far, Rogan himself has tested negative for the virus, despite the fact that he works in close proximity with Vernon.
Dana White says Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier rematch "has to happen at 155"
Andrew Whitelaw - October 21, 2020
Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier 2 looks like it’s really happening. If it does go down in January, it will be absolutely massive. There’s an important detail to be settled, though.
Khabib Nurmagomedov makes prediction for Justin Gaethje matchup at UFC 254
Tom Taylor - October 21, 2020
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has made a final prediction for his fight with interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje. Nurmagomedov, who has never been beaten in 28 fights, will attempt to defend his title against Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
Video | Khabib Nurmagomedov rejects Stephen A. Smith’s question about Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - October 21, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov rejected a question about Conor McGregor from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith ahead of UFC 254. Nurmagomedov is gearing up for one of the biggest fights of his career so far on Saturday night as he prepares to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship against Justin Gaethje. However, many fans and pundits can’t seem to stop talking about the Russian’s UFC 229 opponent Conor McGregor.
UFC heavyweight Chase Sherman suspended nine months by USADA
Adam Martin - October 20, 2020
UFC heavyweight Chase Sherman has accepted a suspension for nine months by USADA due to violating the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. According to a statement from the USADA website, Sherman “tested positive for anastrozole as the result of a sample collected in-competition at UFC Fight Night on May 13, 2020. Anastrozole is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.”
Dana White interested in Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Georges St-Pierre, but unsure if GSP can make 155lbs
Adam Martin - October 20, 2020
UFC president Dana White is interested in Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Georges St-Pierre, but he’s unsure if GSP can actually make 155lbs. Nurmagomedov vs. GSP is a superfight that has been talked about for a few years now by both fighters, the fans, the media, and even White himself. It would be a massive superfight between two of the best MMA fighters of all time, especially if Nurmagomedov goes for a perfect 30-0 record in the fight. If “The Eagle” defeats Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, the calls for a fight with “Rush” will grow even louder.
Francis Ngannou frustrated with Stipe Micoic and the lack of heavyweight title fights
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2020
Francis Ngannou isn’t happy with the state of the heavyweight division. After Ngannou knocked out Jairzinho Rozenstruik in just 20 seconds to extend his winning streak to four, many figured he would be next in line for the title shot. However, after Stipe Miocic defeated Daniel Cormier at UFC 252, he said he would need some time off and it now appears he won’t be returning until 2021.
Dana White says Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje is "trending to be the biggest fight" in UFC history
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2020
Dana White is expecting the UFC 254 pay-per-view headlined by a lightweight title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje to do big business. In the lead up to the PPV, it has felt like a big fight as Nurmagomedov is a massive star and many think Gaethje is the toughest challenge for the champ. According to White, the trends for the fight is better than any other event they have done.
PFL announces date, broadcast details for start of 2021 season
Tom Taylor - October 20, 2020
The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the first organization to present MMA through a Regular Season, Playoffs and Championship format, today announced that the 2021 PFL Season will begin April 23 on ESPN2 in primetime. The remaining Regular Season events will take place on April 29, May 6, June 10, June 17, and June 25. PFL will begin its 2021 season a month early as the league makes its anticipated return to action. “We’re thrilled to announce an early start date for the 2021 PFL Season and we look forward to building on the positive momentum experienced in a historic first season on ESPN,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray. “In 2021, the PFL will deliver an elevated, immersive, and interactive fan viewing experience incorporating expanded, real-time fighter data and analytics from our proprietary SmartCage technology, behind-the-scenes access, the return of ref cam, and more. Our champions return looking to earn another title, while a fresh crop of exciting new fighters will challenge for the top spot in MMA. Additional contenders will be unveiled in the lead-up to what we believe will be the biggest season in PFL history.”
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Islam Makhachev matchup rescheduled for UFC Vegas 15
Tom Taylor - October 20, 2020
A lightweight fight between Islam Makhachev and Rafael dos Anjos has been rescheduled for UFC Vegas 15 on November 14. This news was first reported by MMADNA.nl.
Justin Gaethje expects losing his father to be "driving factor" for Khabib Nurmagomedov, but vows to make him quit
Adam Martin - October 20, 2020
UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes losing his father to COVID-19 will be a “driving factor” for Khabib Nurmagomedov. Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov passed away at the age of 57 in July after a fatal battle with COVID-19. It’s a big loss for the sport, but most of all it’s a big loss for “The Eagle”. His father was his coach and mentor and he will be missing him in his corner. Despite the loss, Nurmagomedov continues to press on with his career, and he puts his title on the line against interim champion Gaethje this weekend at UFC 254.
Michael Chandler explains disinterest in short-notice Islam Makhachev fight
Tom Taylor - October 20, 2020
Former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler has explained why he wasn’t interested in fighting Islam Makhachev on short-notice. Chandler, who has yet to make his UFC debut, is on standby on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi in the event that Khabib Nurmagomedov or Justin Gaethje is unable to compete in the UFC 254 headliner this weekend. Makhachev, meanwhile, was scheduled to fight Rafael dos Anjos on the card, but was forced off the bill when the UFC couldn’t find him a replacement opponent after a dos Anjos injury.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 15 with Javier Mendez, Sam Alvey & Casey Kenney
Cole Shelton - October 20, 2020
Full betting odds released for UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje
Adam Martin - October 20, 2020
The full betting odds have been released for the 12 fights scheduled to take place at Saturday’s UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje event. In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to unify his belt against interim champion Justin Gaethje. Nurmagomedov is 28-0 and is unbeaten in the UFC with a 12-0 record, including a submission win over Dustin Poirier in his last fight. As for Gaethje, he is currently riding a four-fight win streak.
Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier get heated over respective interim title wins
Tom Taylor - October 20, 2020
Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier had a heated exchange on Tuesday, getting into it over their respective interim title wins. Poirier and Gaethje fought in 2018, with the former winning by fourth-round TKO. Poirier later went on to capture the UFC’s interim lightweight title with a win over Max Holloway, but lost it when he came up short in a title-unifying showdown with undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Angela Hill vs. Tecia Torres 2 added to UFC 256
Adam Martin - October 20, 2020
The rematch between women’s strawweight contenders Angela Hill and Tecia Torres has been booked to take place at UFC 256 later this year. MMAjunkie.com was the first to report the rematch between Hill and Torres that is set to take place at UFC 256 on December 12 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hill and Torres previously met back at UFC 188 in 2015, with Torres winning a unanimous decision. That was the second fight for both women in their UFC careers. Five years later and both women meet once again in the Octagon in what should be a key fight at women’s 115lbs.
Michael Chandler still believes Tony Ferguson is "the logical, best choice" for UFC debut
Andrew Whitelaw - October 20, 2020
Michael Chandler is still eyeing a dance with Tony Ferguson for his first fight in the UFC. The pair were briefly intended to be the co-main event at UFC 254, but an agreement could not be reached. Speaking at the UFC 254 virtual media day, Chandler admitted that provided he doesn’t fight this weekend, “El Cucuy” is his preferred next opponent.
Breaking: Marlon Vera slated for return opposite featherweight legend Jose Aldo at UFC 255
Tom Taylor - October 20, 2020
Marlon Vera will reportedly return to the Octagon at UFC 255, where he’ll take on former UFC featherweight champion and MMA legend Jose Aldo. News of this matchup was first reported by Brazilian publication Combate.
Khabib Nurmagomedov says Dustin Poirier has shown “his weakness” by accepting rematch with Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - October 20, 2020
UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier has shown his weakness by considering a 170-pound fight with Conor McGregor. Poirier and McGregor seem to be on the verge of agreeing to a January 23 showdown, more than six years on from their featherweight encounter at UFC 178. Alas, while both men are aiming to get another shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship owned by Nurmagomedov, McGregor continues to flirt with the idea of another bout at welterweight.