UFC News
Matt Riddle admits to cheating on wife, but denies sexual assault of Candy Cartwright
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
Former UFC welterweight Matt Riddle issued a video statement vehemently denying sexual assaulting fellow pro wrestler Candy Cartwright. Cartwright recently accused Riddle of sexually assaulting her. The former Ultimate Fighter competitor Riddle has now released a video statement where he admitted to cheating on his wife and having an affair with Cartwright, but assuring that it was consensual. Riddle is now accusing Cartwright of harassing him. Check out Matt Riddle’s video statement below (via Wrestling Inc.).
Angela Hill contacted by USADA lawyers over D.A.R.E. inspired t-shirt
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
UFC strawweight contender Angela Hill says she was contacted by lawyers from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) about a t-shirt she created. Hill recently created a clever USADA t-shirt that took inspiration from the organization D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), “an education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior.”
Dana White challenges fighter pay critics to "ask Jon Jones how much he’s getting paid"
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White is challenging his naysayers to ask UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones how much he’s getting paid. Over the last few week, Jones has made no secret of the fact that he doesn’t believe he’s paid enough by the UFC. He’s spoken out multiple times on social media, and also aired his displeasure with his pay on Steve-O’s “Wild Ride” podcast.
Gilbert Burns thinks Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal will be 'super boring'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2020
Gilbert Burns isn’t expecting Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal to be a barn burner. Burns was supposed to challenge Usman for the UFC welterweight championship this Saturday night (July 11). That is no longer the case as “Durinho” tested positive for COVID-19. Masvidal and the UFC were able to reach a deal, so now “Gamebred” will be receiving the title shot that many expected him to get all along.
Jimmie Rivera claims Frankie Edgar turned him down for Fight Island matchup: "Frankie said no"
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera says that Frankie Edgar turned down a short-notice matchup against him for a Fight Island card next week. Edgar was set to fight Pedro Munhoz at UFC on ESPN 12: Kattar vs. Ige, but the fight was scrapped when Munhoz tested positive for COVID-19. Immediately, fighters such as Rivera, Chito Vera, and Ricky Simon all raised their hands up on social media by saying they would take the fight but so far no replacement opponent for Edgar has been announced. It’s unknown at this point whether or not Edgar will remain on the card going forward.
Gym reveals Alexander Romanov withdrew from UFC 251 due to positive COVID-19 test
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Undefeated Moldovan heavyweight Alexander Romanov was expected to take on Marcin Tybura at UFC 251, but withdrew from the card earlier this month. Initially, the cause for his exit was not clear, however, his gym has now revealed he tested positive for COVID-19.
Mackenzie Dern targeted for Octagon return against Randa Markos
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Mackenzie Dern is set to take on Randa Markos in a compelling strawweight fight targeted for September 12 in Las Vegas, according to a report from MMA Fighting. Dern last fought in late May, when she picked up a first-round submission victory over Hannah Cifers with a knee-bar. The win separated her from the first loss of her professional career, a decision defeat at the hands of Amanda Ribas. With her win over Cifers, Dern improved to a solid 8-1 overall in mixed martial arts.
UFC fighters including Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier donating thousands to ill UFC makeup artist Suzy Friton
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
UFC fighters including Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier have made generous donations to UFC makeup artist Suzy Friton, who is battling stage 4 breast cancer. On Wednesday, a GoFundMe was started for Friton by Brittany Churchill, the wife of UFC light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov, who battled breast cancer herself last year. Since the GoFundMe was made public, nearly $100,000 has been donated to Friton, including thousands of dollars of donations from MMA fighters.
Jorge Masvidal’s manager suggests Kamaru Usman is upset that ‘Gamebred’ is getting all the media attention
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2020
MMA manager Abe Kawa has suggested that Kamaru Usman isn’t happy with Jorge Masvidal receiving all of the media attention ahead of their UFC 251 main event this Saturday. Ever since “Gamebred” stepped in to replace Gilbert Burns and challenge Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship, the media has been dying to get a glimpse into the mindset of the former Strikeforce star as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life.
VIDEO | Get your first look inside the UFC Fight Island arena
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Footage has emerged from inside the arena on UFC Fight Island, where Saturday’s UFC 251 card and three subsequent events will occur. See this footage, which comes from Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, below:
Ben Askren not surprised by Mike Perry’s recent actions: “Dude is a loose cannon”
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2020
Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren has said he isn’t surprised by the recent actions of controversial UFC fighter Mike Perry. Footage emerged last night of Perry, who recently beat Mickey Gall in a decisive unanimous decision, getting into a fight with a man before going on a verbal tirade to both those in attendance and his girlfriend.
Report | Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals, could face theft charges
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2020
Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals at a restaurant and could also reportedly face theft charges. Yesterday, a video was released of the welterweight punching an older man.