Issue 141

May 2016

Things we hear, things we see, things we know.

Abu Dhabi delay

It looks like the Octagon won’t return to the Middle East until 2017 at the earliest. After two previous trips to BJJ-mad Abu Dhabi, the UAE market has been surprisingly slow for the UFC, despite the emirate’s government holding a 10% stake in the Zuffa-controlled business.

All change at the top

The media room at UFC 196 was buzzing with rumors a poster was ready to be unveiled at the post-fight pressconference: advertising a 170lb title fight between Conor McGregor and Robbie Lawler at UFC 200. It was just a shame for the design team Nate Diaz was around to foil those plans by halting ‘The Notorious’s welterweight campaign.

Fear in the pack

Valentina Shevchenko may have lost her March showdown with Amanda Nunes, but expect to see a lot more from the Kyrgyz warrior in the future. Sources close to matchmaker Sean Shelby say she was given that tough test because no one else would accept a fight with the Brazilian.

Koscheck-Daley 2 heads to London

The 170lb rematch between Josh Koscheck and Paul Daley is set to finally go down in London, England this summer. The grudge match was pegged for the co-headline slot at Bellator’s maiden British event. The Californian outpointed ‘Semtex’ at UFC 113 in May 2010.