UFC News
Khabib Nurmagomedov provides update on Father’s health: “The coronavirus is gone, but the infection has left consequences”
Natasha Hooper - June 23, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov still isn’t out of the woods when it comes to his ongoing health battle. The father and trainer of the UFC lightweight champion was hospitalized in April following complications relating to coronavirus. He was put into a medically induced coma after suffering a bout of pneumonia. In May, he underwent heart surgery at a military hospital in Moscow. Some reports suggested Nurmagomedov Sr. was on life support for a period.
Dominick Reyes says Jon Jones is “an actual idiot” for criticizing Hollister jeans label
Natasha Hooper - June 23, 2020
Dominick Reyes has criticized Jon Jones for his outrage over a label at a Hollister Co. store. Since announcing the decision to vacate his light heavyweight title, Jon Jones has been spending a lot of time on social causes. He has donated to food banks in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and has been vocal in his support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Most recently, he criticized the clothing company Hollister Co. for what he perceived as a racist label in a store.
Joe Rogan reflects on 18 years as UFC commentator: "I've had some pretty f*cking cool jobs in my life"
Christopher Taylor - June 22, 2020
Today marked the eighteen year anniversary of Joe Rogan’s first ever commentary gig with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rogan made his debut with the promotion at UFC 37.5 on June 22, 2002. That night Chuck Liddell defeated fellow mixed martial arts legend Vitor Belfort by unanimous decision in the event headliner.
Anthony Smith slams Max Rohskopf’s corner: “Get him the f**k out of there”
Cole Shelton - June 22, 2020
Anthony Smith is not a fan of the way Robert Drysdale reacted after Max Rohskopf asked him to stop the bout following the second round of his fight against Austin Hubbard. Rohskopf was making his UFC debut on short notice and after the second round told his coach to end the fight nine times. Nine times. Yet, his corner didn’t do that. The referee and someone from the Nevada State Athletic Commission overheard him asking for it to be stopped and they ended up stepping in.
Daniel Cormier slams potential Jon Jones vs Mike Tyson fight: It can go "right into the garbage can"
Cole Shelton - June 22, 2020
Daniel Cormier is not a fan of Jon Jones and Mike Tyson fighting one another. Over the weekend, Jones and Tyson took to social media to call each other out where “Bones” said he would box Tyson if the former heavyweight champion would do a mixed martial arts fight afterward.
What's next for Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov after UFC on ESPN 11?
Cole Shelton - June 22, 2020
In the main event of UFC on ESPN 11, Curtis Blaydes was looking to extend his winning streak against a perennial top-10 contender, Alexander Volkov. It was a very intriguing matchup and “Razor” had even said his plan was to ragdoll the Russian with wrestling to get his hand raised. That is pretty much what happened on Saturday night, as Blaydes set a new record for most takedowns at heavyweight and dominated the scrap to earn a clear-cut unanimous decision win.
Jim Miller open to fights at 170lbs and 185lbs
Adam Martin - June 22, 2020
Veteran UFC lightweight Jim Miller says he would consider moving up to welterweight and even to middleweight for future fights in the Octagon. The long-time veteran of the sport defeated prospect Roosevelt Roberts via first-round armbar at this past weekend’s UFC on ESPN 11 in what was a 160lbs catchweight fight. Despite being a hefty betting underdog heading into the bout against a larger, younger opponent, Miller pulled off the stunning upset, winning $50,000 extra for “Performance of the Night” in what was his 35th fight in the Octagon, tying Donald Cerrone for the most UFC fights in the process.
Report | Dana White's Contender Series slated to return in August
Mike Pendleton - June 22, 2020
After being put on hold due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, Dana White’s Contender Series is officially preparing for the 2020 season. As first reported by Nolan King of MMA Junkie, the Contender Series show is slated to have their first event on August 4 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This will be the fourth season of Contender Series, and it will have events take place on Tuesday, although the promotion has not made an official announcement just yet. Although a schedule is not yet known, MMA Fighting had their own report on Contender Series, stating it would likely run through early October if they follow the same schedule as they have in their previous seasons.
Gilbert Burns wants Conor McGregor booted from UFC rankings
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
Top UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns wants former two-division champ Conor McGregor bounced from the official UFC rankings. McGregor, who previously held the UFC featherweight and lightweight titles, is riding a first-round TKO win over the ever dangerous Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and is currently ranked No. 4 in the lightweight division. He was also very recently ranked on the fringes of the welterweight division.
Dana White says Anthony Johnson 'sort of disappeared' following initial return plans
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 22, 2020
If you’re looking forward to the return of Anthony Johnson, Dana White’s update isn’t so encouraging. Back in the summer of 2019, it was revealed that “Rumble” planned to make a comeback in the UFC heavyweight division. “Rumble” was shooting for a date in March but we’re now in mid-2020 and Johnson still hasn’t stepped back inside the Octagon.
UFC on ESPN 12: Poirier vs. Hooker official fight card
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
This Saturday, the UFC will return to our screens for the fourth consecutive week in a row with the under-the-radar UFC on ESPN 12 card at the UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas. UFC on ESPN 12 will be headlined by a lightweight showdown between top-10 contenders Dan Hooker and Dustin Poirier. For Hooker, this bout will mark an opportunity to build on the momentum of three straight victories: a knockout of James Vick, and a pair of decision triumphs over Al Iaquinta and Paul Felder.
Dustin Poirier responds to fans downplaying Dan Hooker
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier is less than a week out from a high profile scrap with Dan Hooker, and many fans are very confident he’ll win. Poirier himself, however, sees Hooker as a dangerous test, and doesn’t like the fact that some fans are downplaying the challenge at hand.
Bobby Green threatens to slap James Vick after Twitter callout
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
UFC lightweight veteran Bobby Green has found himself in the crosshairs of James Vick, and seems to be more than willing to accept the matchup. Green returned to the Octagon at UFC on ESPN 11 last weekend, picking up a decision win over Clay Guida. Shortly after the fight concluded, Vick took to Twitter to call for a fight with Green.
Alexander Volkov issues statement after loss to Curtis Blaydes
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
Top-10 UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov has released a statement after his lopsided loss to Curtis Blaydes in the UFC on ESPN 11 main event on Saturday night. Volkov, who is the former Bellator heavyweight champion, had no answer for Blaydes’ takedowns and top control in the fight, losing a unanimous decision after five grueling rounds.
Video | Dana White releases epic preview for UFC 251 on Fight Island
Natasha Hooper - June 22, 2020
UFC President Dana White has revealed an epic trailer for the eagerly anticipated UFC 251 card on Fight Island. So PUMPED for fight island!!!! #yasisland #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/u7psP0DlV7
Dana White responds to Henry Cejudo's calls for featherweight title shot
Tom Taylor - June 22, 2020
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo has recently been calling for a featherweight title shot. UFC President Dana White isn’t interested. Cejudo, who previously held the UFC bantamweight and featherweight straps, retired last month after a TKO victory over Dominick Cruz.
Dana White defends Max Rohskopf’s decision to stop fighting: “Who the f**k is anybody to judge him on that?”
Natasha Hooper - June 22, 2020
UFC President Dana White has defended Max Rohskopf’s decision to give up during his debut at UFC on ESPN 11. The lightweight newcomer made his first Octagon appearance on 20 June against Austin Hubbard. The fight didn’t go according to plan for Rohskopf as he came out fast but failed to secure any submission attempts. His opponent used a barrage of strikes to push forward which resulted in Rohskopf heading back to his corner with blood streaming down his face. The 25-year old told his team he could not continue, but his chief cornerman Robert Drysdale tried to convince him otherwise. Rohskopf stuck to his guns and the referee Mark Smith ultimately waved the fight off. Austin Hubbard walked away with the second-round TKO win by retirement.
Paulo Costa reacts after Jon Jones leaks private messages on social media
Christopher Taylor - June 21, 2020
Jon Jones took aim at top middleweight contender Paulo Costa shortly following the conclusion of last night’s UFC on ESPN 11 event. ‘Bones’, who recently vacated his UFC light heavyweight title due to contract issues and a bitter feud with Dana White, went on Twitter where he shared a snapshot of some direct message between he and ‘The Eraser’.