UFC News
UFC parts way with five more fighters as roster trimming continues
Christopher Taylor - November 15, 2021
The UFC continued to trim its roster on Monday as five more fighters have parted ways with the worlds leading mixed martial arts organization. The latest roster moves are not necessarily considered “releases”, but the promotion opted against renewing the contracts of the following fighters (via MMAJunkie).
Dana White waiting to see what Amanda Nunes wants to do before deciding fate of women's featherweight division
Drake Riggs - November 15, 2021
Dana White and the UFC introduced the 145-pound women’s featherweight division in February 2017 and there has been little to no build since. The promotion began the process of bringing in featherweights by signing the weight class’ all-time best, Cris “Cyborg” Justino. However, the future UFC titleholder would compete at 140-pound catchweight contests prior to the division’s official creation in an attempt to get her down to the 135-pound bantamweight class.
Cris Cyborg throws shade at UFC after recent quarterly report
Drake Riggs - November 15, 2021
Cris Cyborg is happy to no longer be with her old home of the UFC. Reports from MMA Fighting were released on Monday regarding a historically profitable year for the UFC and Endeavor. Having had a less than pleasant experience from a behind the scenes perspective, according to her, Cyborg chimed in with a response to the news.
Justin Gaethje blasts Conor McGregor for calling for his 'sloppy seconds'
Cole Shelton - November 15, 2021
Justin Gaethje believes Conor McGregor is chasing his sloppy seconds. Gaethje has fought the who’s who of the lightweight division, but he has noticed McGregor is fighting or calling out people he just beat. It started with Donald Cerrone, and now after he beat Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Chandler and the Irishman have gone back-and-forth about fighting one another. For Gaethje, he isn’t a fan of McGregor going after his sloppy seconds.
Michael Chandler 'quit' against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268, claims former opponent Will Brooks
Cole Shelton - November 15, 2021
Will Brooks, who fought and beat Michael Chandler twice in Bellator, believes “Iron” quit against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268. Although Gaethje and Chandler went toe-to-toe for three rounds and it was “The Highlight” winning a decision. Despite the fact the fight went to the scorecards, Brooks believes Chandler quit in a sense he didn’t try to win in the third round. Instead, he thinks Chandler tried to make it entertaining so people didn’t care that he lost.
Jon Jones shares his thoughts on Ciryl Gane: "I think he’s pretty unique for a heavyweight"
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones shared his thoughts on Ciryl Gane, saying “I think he’s pretty unique for a heavyweight.” Jones took to his social media this weekend to post some videos of him training with Henry Cejudo and the squad at Fight Ready. In response to the video that Jones posted, a fan asked Jones what his thoughts are on Gane, who is the UFC interim heavyweight champion. As far as Jones is concerned, he believes that Gane is a unique fighter to the division. However, he also wanted to make sure the fans know that he, too, is unique.
Khama Worthy issues statement following release from UFC roster
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
Former UFC lightweight fighter Khama Worthy issued a statement on his social media following his official release from the UFC roster. Worthy was knocked out by Jai Herbert last month at UFC Vegas 41: Costa vs. Vettori for what was his third straight loss by knockout. Following that defeat, it appears as though the UFC has cut Worthy from the fighter roster. “The Death Star” took to his social media this past weekend to confirm that he has indeed been released by the world’s leading MMA promotion. Take a look at the message that Worthy shared with his fans on his Instagram.
Jon Jones fires back at his critics: "Your priorities are in the wrong place"
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones fired back at his critics on social media, saying “your priorities are in the wrong place.” Jones was arrested on domestic battery charges back in September following the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony. Since then, Jones has been kicked out of Team Jackson-Wink and has been seen training at Fight Ready in Arizona. Jones is one of the best fighters in MMA history, but he has come under fire following this latest incident and his reaction to it.
Gilbert Burns open to fighting anyone, but Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev top the list
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is open to fighting anyone, but he says that Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev top the list. Burns is the No. 2 ranked welterweight in the UFC, so it’s natural that he is connected to fights with the other top fighters in the division. On Sunday, reports emerged that Burns could be matched up against Chimaev sometime in 2022, though that fight is far from a done deal. Speaking to MMAjunkie.com in a recent interview, Burns was asked what he wants next. As far as Burns goes, he is down to fight anyone that the UFC offers him, but if he had to choose someone, in particular, it would be either Covington or Chimaev next.
Charles Oliveira says he has "way more weapons" than Dustin Poirier ahead of UFC 269
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira says that he has “way more weapons” than rival Dustin Poirier ahead of their UFC 269 title fight. Oliveira steps into the Octagon next month on December 11 when he meets Poirier in the headliner of UFC 269. For Oliveira, this marks his first title defense since winning the vacant belt over Michael Chandler back at UFC 262 in May, while for Poirier he is getting this title shot following back-to-back stoppage wins over Conor McGregor. It’s expected to be an awesome matchup for as long as it lasts, but Oliveira is confident he will prevail.
Renan Barao gets first fight booked since release from the UFC
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao has got his first fight booked since being given his release from the UFC a couple of years ago. Barao was cut by the UFC in 2019 after losing five straight fights. It was a remarkable fall from grace from the former UFC bantamweight kingpin, who at one point in his career was considered one of the top pound-for-pound MMA fighters in the sport. In fact, UFC commentator Joe Rogan even once famously called him a “monster” at the height of his career in the UFC. Of course, all of that came to a dashing halt when he got knocked out by TJ Dillashaw, as he was never the same after that. Although Barao won a few fights in the UFC after the loss to Dillashaw, he was clearly never the same fighter and never experienced the same success, and it ultimately led to him being released by the company.
Jorge Masvidal questions why Nick Diaz is still fighting, brings up the IRS
Adam D Martin - November 15, 2021
UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal questioned why Nick Diaz is still fighting, bringing up the IRS as a potential reason as to why. Diaz returned from a six-year layoff at UFC 266 in September, losing in the third round via TKO to longtime rival Robbie Lawler. For Diaz, it was a losing effort, and Masvidal is questioning why he even came back in the first place. Not only did Diaz not win the fight, but he also showed up fight week too heavy to make welterweight, forcing the fight to be moved up to middleweight. That has led to speculation among fans, fighters, and media as to why Diaz returned to the cage, and Masvidal believes it could be financially related.