UFC News
Jon Jones chides MMA media, fellow fighters for focusing on him during pandemic
Tom Taylor - April 24, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champ Jon Jones has been in the headlines a lot over the last few weeks, both because he was recently arrested for DWI and aggravated use of a firearm, and because he’s been the target of trash talk from other fighters. Given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that is currently causing death and chaos the world over, Jones feels the MMA media and his fellow fighters have their priorities mixed up.
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane suing former basketball coach for sexual abuse
Adam Martin - April 24, 2020
Bellator women’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane and two other women are suing a former basketball coach for sexual abuse. Macfarlane and the two other student-athletes filed a lawsuit on Thursday in Honolulu Circuit Court that names Punahou School and their former basketball coach Dwayne Yuen among the defendants. Hawaii News Now was the first to report the story.
Francis Ngannou displeased UFC shut down request for interim title fight with Rozenstruik
Tom Taylor - April 24, 2020
Francis Ngannou wanted the UFC to promote his May 9 heavyweight scrap with Jairzinho Rozenstruik to an interim title fight. From the sounds of it, the promotion isn’t interested. Ngannou’s request actually had some merit, as reigning heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has not fought since August, and has not yet given a clear timeframe for his next Octagon appearance.
Modestas Bukauskas recalls early pro days, eyes UFC debut on Fight Island
Alfredo Zullino - April 24, 2020
Being signed by the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the dream of many fighters around the world. Modestas Bukauskas recently achieve that dream. Back in January, Bukauskas’ management announced his signing with the UFC. Since then, though, the Brit hasn’t been able to step foot into the Octagon.
Robert Whittaker breaks silence on hiatus, shuts down rumors of sick kids
Tom Taylor - April 24, 2020
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was expected to return to the cage against Jared Cannonier at UFC 248 last month, but ended up withdrawing from the card. It wasn’t immediately clear why Whittaker withdrew from this matchup, but when Dana White seemed to get emotional discussing the former UFC middleweight champ’s situation, the rumors started to fly. One website even reported that Whittaker had taken a step back to donate bone marrow to one of his children.
Alex Volkanovski calls out four fighters in hopes of securing title bout at UFC Fight Island
Harry Kettle - April 24, 2020
Alex Volkanovski has called out four fighters for a potential title showdown if the proposed UFC Fight Island plan goes ahead. “The Great” has held the UFC Featherweight Championship since December 2019, impressively beating former champion Max Holloway to capture the title at UFC 245. Ever since then it’s seemed as if the UFC has been interested in booking an immediate rematch, but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, it hasn’t quite materialized.
Manager explains how UFC is responding to fighters who don't want to compete during pandemic
Tom Taylor - April 24, 2020
The UFC is feverishly attempting to get back to regularly scheduled programming despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. That means many fighters will be getting the call to compete during the pandemic. Not all fighters, of course, are going to be willing to put themselves and their loved ones at risk of infection. Speaking to MMA Fighting, MMA manager Brian Butler-Au explained that, to his knowledge, fighters aren’t being penalized or punished if they decline to fight during the pandemic.
Aljamain Sterling feels “left behind" by the UFC following Cruz vs. Cejudo booking
Natasha Hooper - April 24, 2020
Aljamain Sterling feels “left behind by the UFC” due to Dominick Cruz’s title shot against Henry Cejudo. The bantamweight champion, Cejudo, was scheduled to defend his title against Jose Aldo at UFC 250. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Aldo was forced to stop his training camp in Brazil and ultimately withdrew from their bout. The UFC rushed to find a replacement, and the division’s former champion, Dominick Cruz, stepped up to the plate.
Alessio Di Chirico discusses next UFC opponent, unveils potential location
Alfredo Zullino - April 23, 2020
A lot of MMA bouts have been canceled or postponed during the past few weeks, including one involving Italy’s Alessio Di Chirico. The Italian fighter was originally slated to compete on April 11 in Portland against Abu Azaitar. He was later rescheduled to fight Markus Perez on the same date, but the entire card was ultimately called off due to the COVID–19 concerns.
Jimi Manuwa calls out Luke Rockhold for his comeback fight
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2020
Jimi Manuwa is interested in making his return to the Octagon against Luke Rockhold. Manuwa has not fought since UFC Stockholm last June where he suffered a vicious head kick knockout loss to Aleksandar Rakic. It was his fourth straight loss including three by knockout. But, he has since hinted at a return and even told BJPENN.com he is looking to return and compete again inside the Octagon.
Justin Gaethje says he was "upset" UFC announced May 9 fight before offering him the bout
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2020
Justin Gaethje says he wasn’t happy the UFC announced he would be fighting on May 9 before he was ever offered the bout. Gaethje originally agreed to fight Ferguson at UFC 249 on April 18 for the interim lightweight title. Yet, the event was canceled and the promotion moved the event to May 9.
Felicia Spencer believes beating Amanda Nunes "legitimatizes" her career
Cole Shelton - April 23, 2020
Felicia Spencer is confident she has what it takes to beat Amanda Nunes. Spencer was expected to battle Nunes for the featherweight belt at UFC 249 on May 9. Yet, the fight was postponed after Nunes said she wouldn’t be fighting during the pandemic. The Canadian, Spencer, is now in a wait and see approach as to when the fight will happen. But, the delay has not derailed her confidence.