UFC News
MMA community pays tribute to Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov
Tom Taylor - July 3, 2020
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has died at 57. The renowned trainer, who also coached a number of other combat sports notables, passed away in a Moscow hospital due to COVID-19 complications. This tragic news was reported by Russian publication RT on Friday morning.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of UFC champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, dies of COVID-19 complications
Tom Taylor - July 3, 2020
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, the father of undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, has died COVID-19 complications. He was 57 years old. News of Nurmagomedov’s death was first reported by Russian news outlet RT, which cites an announcement from Chechen Republic leader and friend of the Nurmagomedov family Ramzan Kadyrov.
Coach Kavanagh says fighters have pulled him aside to say: "I might not like your boy, but we should all be sending him 5%"
Chris Taylor - July 2, 2020
Coach Kavanagh claims that a few UFC fighters have pulled him aside at events to send their appreciation to his ‘boy’ Conor McGregor for “changing the game”. John Kavanagh’s claim came shortly after Dustin Poirier suggested that he credited his defeat to McGregor as the reason for his career resurgence.
Dustin Poirier remains confident in quest for undisputed title: "I know that I can beat Khabib Nurmagomedov"
Chris Taylor - July 2, 2020
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is still confident that he has what it takes to dethrone undefeated 155lbs champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Diamond’ and ‘The Eagle’ originally squared off for the promotions undisputed lightweight world title at UFC 242, with Nurmagomedov emerging victorious by way of third round submission.
Report | UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich arrested for DWI
Adam Martin - July 2, 2020
UFC Hall of Famer Pat Miletich was reportedly arrested on Monday in Moline, Illinois, on suspicion of driving while under the influence. According to the Quad-City Times, the 54-year-old legend of mixed martial arts was pulled over on River Drive in Moline at 12:30 a.m. on Monday, as per Moline Police arrest reports. The report says that Miletich was booked into Rock Island County Jail at 2 a.m. on charges of driving while under the influence. There is no confirmation yet if Miletich was above or below the legal blood alcohol content limit of .08 as Illinois state laws say that any amount of alcohol in one’s system that impairs their ability to drive can lead to DWI charges.
Max Holloway claims Alex Volkanovski could be an Olympian for "point karate" ahead of UFC 251 rematch
Cole Shelton - July 2, 2020
Max Holloway believes UFC featherweight champion, Alex Volkanovski is a very good point fighter. In the co-main event of UFC 251, Volkanovski will look to defend his featherweight title against the former champ in Holloway. The two met back at UFC 245 where it was the Aussie in Volkanovski edging out a unanimous decision win to win the belt.
Brendan Schaub announces he has coronavirus, says he's "almost back to 100 percent"
Cole Shelton - July 2, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight, Brendan Schaub has revealed he has contracted COVID-19. Schaub, who retired from MMA in 2015 has taken up comedy and become a successful podcaster took to Twitter to announce he has the coronavirus. But, the good news, is the fact he is almost back to 100 percent healthy and has overcome the virus.
In third UFC stint, Julian Erosa's plan is "to be like Gaethje, where win or lose I put on exciting fights"
Cole Shelton - July 2, 2020
Julian Erosa wants to be known as a fan-favorite, where win or lose, he takes home a $50,000 Performance on the Night bonus. At UFC on ESPN 12, Erosa returned to the UFC for the third time to take on the undefeated Sean Woodson. For “Juicy J” after he was cut for the second time by the Las Vegas-based promotion, he didn’t think he’d fight inside the Octagon again.
Full betting odds released for UFC 251: Usman vs. Burns
Adam Martin - July 2, 2020
The full betting odds have been released for UFC 251: Usman vs. Burns, the first event from the promotion scheduled to take place on UFC Fight Island. UFC 251 takes place on Saturday, July 11 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main event sees UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman put his belt on the line against No. 1 contender Gilbert Burns, while the co-main event is a rematch between UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and former champ Max Holloway.
Conor McGregor responds to Dustin Poirier's comments about their fight
Tom Taylor - July 2, 2020
Conor McGregor has responded to a comment from top lightweight contender Dustin Poirier, who he defeated by knockout in a 2014 featherweight fight. Speaking to ESPN this week, Poirier explained that his loss to McGregor helped him grow and mature as a fighter.
Colby Covington suggests winner take all fight with Jorge Masvidal
Tom Taylor - July 2, 2020
Colby Covington is interested in a winner take all fight with his former friend and training partner Jorge Masvidal. Covington and Masvidal spent many years as stablemates at American Top Team in Florida, but as the pair reached the top of the UFC welterweight division, they relationship began to fray. Today, they’re two of the fiercest rivals in MMA.
Alexandre Pantoja to serve as backup for Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez rematch
Adam Martin - July 2, 2020
Alexandre Pantoja will be the backup fighter for when Deiveson Figueiredo meets Joseph Benavidez in a rematch for the vacant flyweight belt on Fight Island. Just in case something happens to either Figueiredo or to Benavidez, the UFC has now tabbed a backup fighter just in case a disaster scenario happens. That person will be Pantoja, the No. 4 ranked flyweight on the UFC roster. According to AG Fight, Pantoja will serve as the backup for the main event between Figueiredo and Benavidez. Pantoja is already scheduled to compete on the same Fight Island card against Askar Askarov, but he will fill in for the vacant title fight in case either fighter has to withdraw from the bout.