UFC News
Justin Gaethje on defeating Tony Ferguson: “It won’t mean I’m a world champion in the UFC”
Natasha Hooper - April 23, 2020
If Justin Gaethje beats Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, he will earn the interim lightweight title. However, in the eyes of “The Highlight,” that won’t make him a true champion. President Dana White scrapped the plans for UFC 249 on April 18, and pushed it back to May 9. The main event was supposed to feature Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson, but the lightweight champion ultimately withdrew over the constant changes associated with the pandemic.
John Makdessi blasts “incompetent” Michael Bisping for biased commentary
Harry Kettle - April 23, 2020
UFC lightweight John Makdessi has taken a shot at Michael Bisping for what he believes to be biased commentary from the former champion. Makdessi saw his three-fight unbeaten run in the division come to an end back at UFC Brasilia when he was beaten by unanimous decision by veteran Francisco Trinaldo. Prior to that, his last defeat in the Octagon came back at UFC 206 in December 2016.
Paulo Costa says USADA and the New York State Athletic Commission are on his "blacklist"
Cole Shelton - April 22, 2020
Paulo Costa is not a fan of the New York State Athletic Commission and USADA and says he won’t be fighting in New York anytime soon. Back at UFC 212 and 217, Costa got in trouble by the commission and USADA as his doctor gave him an IV to help him after his weight cut. The doctor was suspended and fined, which Costa believes was the wrong decision.
Who has the best chance to end Stipe Miocic's reign?
Cole Shelton - April 22, 2020
Stipe Miocic reclaimed his heavyweight belt back in August with a fourth-round TKO victory over Daniel Cormier in their highly anticipated rematch. The Cleveland native holds the record for most UFC heavyweight title defenses. For many, they believe Miocic is the heavyweight GOAT. But, his first fight with Cormier proved he is beatable, as he was quickly knocked out by ‘DC’ in the opening round. Yet, the champ is very well-rounded with his wrestling and striking. So, who has the best chance of ending his reign once again?
Al Iaquinta reveals ideal next opponent and timeframe for return
Natasha Hooper - April 22, 2020
Top-ranked lightweight, Al Iaquinta has given a timeframe and ideal opponent for his next UFC appearance. Despite being in lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic, the New-York native is keeping busy. He is ready to get back to business and is even willing to fight on Dana White’s proposed Fight Island.
Luke Rockhold admits he "might be getting an itch" to fight, sees "a lot of interesting choices"
Tom Taylor - April 22, 2020
After a series of tough losses in the Octagon, former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold took a step back from fighting — be he didn’t officially retire. As it turns out, that distinction was deliberate.
Lyman Good already in talks about UFC return after beating coronavirus
Adam Martin - April 22, 2020
UFC welterweight Lyman Good says he’s already in talks with the promotion’s matchmakers about a return to the Octagon after recently beating coronavirus. Good became the first UFC fighter to publicly confirm he caught the coronavirus, joining other MMA fighters like Erick Silva and Roger Gracie among those who have confirmed they have had the virus. Like Silva and Gracie, Good had a rough go of the virus, but like Silva and Gracie, he has beaten the coronavirus and has now tested negative for it.
Ray Borg regrets promising to retire if he missed weight again
Tom Taylor - April 22, 2020
Last April, after missing weight for a bantamweight fight with Casey Kenny, Ray Borg vowed to retire if he ever missed his mark on the scale again. He admits he regrets making that promise.
Tyron Woodley and Israel Adesanya continue to trade barbs, Dan Hooker chimes in
Tom Taylor - April 22, 2020
The ongoing feud between UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya and former welterweight champ Tyron Woodley isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The pair first got heated when Woodley suggested he was interested in moving up to middleweight to fight Adesanya. Adesanya then responded, and they’ve been going back-and-forth ever since.
Daniel Cormier praises Tony Ferguson for weighing in for canceled fight: Khabib "wouldn't do that"
Tom Taylor - April 22, 2020
Tony Ferguson’s scheduled April 18 interim lightweight title fight with Justin Gaethje didn’t end up happening, but the top lightweight contender weighed in at 155 pounds the Friday before anyway. Former two-division UFC champ Daniel Cormier found Ferguson’s display of toughness and professionalism very impressive.
Frank Trigg: "There's no way" to make fights safe during pandemic
Tom Taylor - April 22, 2020
Former UFC star and current MMA referee Frank Trigg doesn’t think there’s any way for fights to be promoted safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Trigg weighed in on the topic in a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio.
Chael Sonnen believes Jon Jones is embracing being a "scumbag"
Harry Kettle - April 22, 2020
Former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has gone in hard on his former opponent Jon Jones following his recent arrest, labeling him a “scumbag”. Sonnen has never exactly been one to bite his tongue, and in the midst of the current pandemic, many bored fight fans will be relieved to see “The Bad Guy” doing what he does best: going after controversial UFC stars.
Tyron Woodley throws shade at the UFC for protecting their “boogieman”
Harry Kettle - April 22, 2020
UFC welterweight contender Tyron Woodley has thrown shade at the promotion for protecting their “boogieman” Robbie Lawler. Way back at UFC 201, Woodley finally made his way to the top of the division when he knocked Lawler out to win the UFC Welterweight Championship. He held the title for almost three years before dropping it to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in a one-sided fight.
UFC targeting Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka matchup
Adam Martin - April 21, 2020
The UFC is targeting a light heavyweight matchup between Volkan Oezdemir and Jiri Prochazka though the coronavirus pandemic means there is no date just yet. Speaking to MMAjunkie.com, Oezdemir said the UFC offered him a fight against Prochazka for the Dublin card in August. However, the coronavirus pandemic means the fight is up in the air at the moment, though Oezdemir still expects the fight to get booked eventually.
Who has the best chance to end Jon Jones' reign?
Cole Shelton - April 21, 2020
For many, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all-time. He became the youngest UFC champion when he defeated Shogun Rua and has never lost his belt inside the Octagon. But, he has been stripped of his title in the past due to legal issues and USADA violations. Since returning at UFC 232 to reclaim his light heavyweight title, Jones has been active. He has defended his belt against Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Dominick Reyes. Yet, in his last two fights, he narrowly won both fights, as he edged out split decisions. Many have said it is only a matter of time until “Bones” loses at light heavyweight. So, who has the best chance of being the one to finally beat Jon Jones?
Daniel Cormier says he's fine with having retirement fight with no fans in attendance
Cole Shelton - April 21, 2020
Daniel Cormier wouldn’t be upset if his retirement fight has no fans in attendance. Cormier is expected to have the trilogy with Stipe Miocic later this year for the heavyweight belt. Yet, many wondered if it would happen given the fact “DC” said if the pandemic lasted until the fall he’d retire.
Tyron Woodley fires back at Israel Adesanya, Leon Edwards intervenes
Tom Taylor - April 21, 2020
Former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley recently expressed interest in a fight with UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya. Adesanya did not take particularly kindly to this suggestion.
Petr Yan feels UFC is damaging its reputation with Cejudo vs. Cruz fight
Tom Taylor - April 21, 2020
Top UFC bantamweight contender Petr Yan believes the UFC is hurting its own reputation by pushing ahead with a bantamweight title fight between champ Henry Cejudo and challenger Dominick Cruz. The controversy surrounding this Cejudo vs. Cruz fight stems from the fact that Cruz, despite being a decorated former champ, has not fought since a decisive 2016 loss to Cody Garbrandt.