UFC News

Tom Taylor - May 7, 2020

Like all fighters on Saturday’s UFC 249 card, Francis Ngannou had to endure a COVID-19 nasal swab test. He did not enjoy the experience. Ngannou, who is one of the top contenders in the UFC heavyweight division, underwent his first COVID-19 swab test earlier this week. The experience, which involves ramming a cotton swab so far up the nasal passage that it looks like it probably tickles the brain, did not go over well with him.

Harry Kettle - May 7, 2020

UFC veteran Donald Cerrone has revealed that he has spoken to a sports psychiatrist regarding his occasional inconsistency in the Octagon. It’s safe to say that many fans were disappointed to see “Cowboy” fall to Conor McGregor in the manner that he did back in January, with the general consensus being that he simply didn’t show up on the night. Cerrone even acknowledged that his head wasn’t in the right place himself. 

Natasha Hooper - May 7, 2020

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coach Javier Mendez has explained why Conor McGregor is still his pupil’s toughest opponent. The undefeated lightweight champion was scheduled to defend his title against Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249. However, due to travel restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak and Nurmagomedov’s commitment to Ramadan, their showdown has been postponed. Justin Gaethje will fill in as a short-notice replacement to fight “El Cucuy” on May 9.

Tom Taylor - May 7, 2020

UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya has issued a response to the notion of coaching The Ultimate Fighter opposite Darren Till — and Till’s not going to like it. While the idea of a fight between Adesanya and Till has been appealing since Till debuted in the middleweight division with a big win over Kelvin Gastelum in November, the buzz surrounding this potential matchup spiked yesterday, when Till suggested he could coach the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter against Adesanya. Generally speaking, TUF coaches wind up fighting each other at the conclusion of the season, so Till was effectively implying he could fight Adesanya in the near future.

Cole Shelton - May 6, 2020

Alexey Oleynik says there is a belt on the line when he takes on Fabricio Werdum at UFC 249. Oleynik will welcome Werdum back to the Octagon after a USADA suspension on the stacked UFC 249 card. The Russian is eager to share the cage with a ‘legend’ and says this fight is to see who’s the best grappler of all-time.

Mike Pendleton - May 6, 2020

With his interim lightweight title main event fight coming up against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, Justin Gaethje is looking to continue doing what he’s been known for throughout his career. Of his 21 professional wins, 18 of them have come by way of knockout, including his last three knockouts in his last three fights, all happening in the first round. Known for his willingness to brawl with every opponent he fights against, Gaethje also has a more than respectable wrestling background, yet his upcoming opponent, Ferguson, believe’s “The Highlight” is one-dimensional, but Gaethje might agree.

Adam Martin - May 6, 2020

UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic released a statement on his social media Wednesday, denying he is ducking a trilogy fight against Daniel Cormier. Miocic and DC are set to collide for the third time for the UFC heavyweight title sometime later this year. DC has been vocal as of late saying that he wants to fight in the summer, but Miocic wants the fight to take place in the fall. Miocic is a first responder in his native Ohio and has been busy working the frontlines during the coronavirus pandemic. He recently said his training has been compromised because his gym isn’t open.

Cole Shelton - May 6, 2020

Khabib Nurmagomedov says he’ll be ready to fight in July and smash who is ever in his way. Nurmagomedov was expected to defend his lightweight title against Tony Ferguson on April 18 at UFC 249. Yet, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dagestani champion was stuck in Russia and could not get to the States so the event was canceled.

Adam Martin - May 6, 2020

Two of the best welterweights in the world will clash on the May 23 UFC card when Tyron Woodley meets Gilbert Burns in a five-round main event. Woodley and Burns have been connected a matchup for a few days now, and on Wednesday the fight was confirmed by Combate. According to Raphael Marinho, the plan is for the card to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This jives with comments made by UFC president Dana White, who said the May 23 card would take place in Vegas.

Adam Martin - May 6, 2020

UFC president Dana White confirmed that superstar Conor McGregor wants to fight in June and he wants to compete on Fight Island. White this week admitted that McGregor wants to compete at the UFC’s new Fight Island complex, but cautioned that doing so would lose the UFC a $20 million gate due to having no fans in the arena. At the same time, White is fully aware that fans may not be allowed into arenas for a long time, and McGregor appears eager to step back into the Octagon soon.

Tom Taylor - May 6, 2020

For a time, a fight between Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva—the long-time welterweight and middleweight champs respectively—was arguably the most widely-desired fight among fans. Unfortunately, it never came together. According to UFC President Dana White, that’s because GSP never actually wanted the fight.

Adam Martin - May 6, 2020

UFC middleweight legend Anderson Silva underwent surgery on his right knee and he plans on fighting the last two fights on his contract upon his return. Silva has not fought in a year since losing to Jared Cannonier via injury TKO last May at UFC 237. Now 45 years old, Silva is currently the oldest fighter on the UFC roster. Despite his age and the ugly losing skid he’s endured over the last few years, “The Spider” still has the itch to fight again and won’t let his surgery get in the way.