Fighters Only

Issue 139

March 2016

A wide-ranging round-up of MMA news and views.

One Championship bans weight cuts

In the wake of the tragic death of Chinese flyweight Yang Jiang Bing due to weight cutting complications on December 11th, One Championship has imposed major weight-class reforms. The Singapore-based organization is pioneering ‘walking-weight’ competition though multiple weigh-ins and tests before and during fight week.

The changes were brought into effect in January and will impact each of the promotion’s athletes. CEO Victor Cui said: “We believe that through the implementation of this new weigh-in program, our fighters will enjoy a safer and healthier life inside and outside of the cage. I invite the other two major global MMA organizations, Bellator and UFC, to follow in our footsteps to protect athletes and eliminate weight cutting by dehydration.”

As part of the change all current One champions automatically became title holders in the weight class above.

UFC fines trio for Reebok violations

For the first time since the promotion’s partnership with Reebok began, UFC fighters were fined for violating its athlete outfitting policy. The promotion did not confirm the identities of those who were punished, but Donald Cerrone and Nate Diaz admitted their guilt on Twitter following UFC on Fox 17 in Orlando. ‘Cowboy’ was asked by fans whether he was reprimanded because of his traditional piece of Muay Thai shorts that were stitched to his official Octagon attire, and he responded: “I sure did.”

Diaz (pictured) was sanctioned after he appeared at the weigh-ins sporting a pair of jeans. He offered confirmation of his penalty in typical Stockton style: “Those were #reebokjeans u should’ve just kept the whole check I don’t need that baby ass s**t anyway.”

Meanwhile, lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos stripped off at the weigh-ins to reveal an Evolve MMA T-shirt and was reported to have been fined $10,000.

What's hot, what's not

Happy New Year!

Lawler and Condit may have ended the ‘Fight of the Year’ debate two days into 2016, and we were treated to a fantastic free 135lb FS1 title fight two weeks later.

Counterpunch

It’s about time the UFC had a show like HBO’s Face Off. It launched with a spicy exchange between Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw before their title showdown.

The champs are back

Forget long layoffs, let’s go in March! A McGregor vs. Dos Anjos 155lb super-fight and Holm vs. Tate for a 135lb showdown

at UFC 197 are what we all wanted.

My eyes!

Please don’t make us look at Matt Mitrione’s eye injury any more. The horror! We’re sure he wasn’t too happy about it either.

Flogging a dead horse

Rizin FF’s first events were surprisingly good, but there was no need for sights like legend Kazushi Sakuraba (46!) being bludgeoned half to death by Shinya Aoki.

Matt Serra’s skating skills

We all enjoy Dana White, Nick ‘The Tooth’ and Matt Serra’s Looking for a Fight show, but the first episode proved the former UFC champ ain’t so light on his feet.

On the radar

Unsigned talent with big potential

Jose Torres (USA)

The world’s most successful amateur fighter. Two-time IMMAF champion Torres was due to make his pro debut in December, but Titan FC 36 was cancelled. Backed by the deep pockets of KHK Bahrain, expect him to hit the ground running when he steps up.

Frans Mlambo (Ireland)

Another potential superstar from SBG Ireland and another former IMMAF champ. Mlambo exploded into his pro career in UK show BAMMA, but ‘Black Mamba’ is aiming to start a worldwide tear to build experience for an assault on the biggest shows.

Jeremy Kennedy (Canada)

The Team Quest Thailand featherweight turned pro in 2013 and has gone 7-0 since. Heading back after a year on the sidelines, the 23-year-old Battlefield Fight League 145lb champ should step up a level this year and shoot towards the big-boy promotions.

POLL POSITION

Solid as a rock

With the dust now settled after Luke Rockhold’s stunning UFC title success, FO asks who you’d like the AKA standout to face in his first championship defense

Chris Weidman: 50%

Jacare Souza: 26%

Vitor Belfort: 21%

Other: 3%

@hamlervision: I wish I could say Jacare. But since Romero beat him...

@AMGarvey: has to be Jacare. No rationale for immediate rematch w/ Weidman and Belfort simply doesn’t deserve a shot.

Izzy Muerto: Belfort because that’s the fight Luke Rockhold apparently hasn’t let go of yet...Weidman should get a rematch but only after a fight or two

@whograntjones: I hate immediate rematches but Weidman looks like the only good option right now. Would love to see Silva/Rockhold this year

Sean Jason Thackeray: Michael Bisping (if he beats Anderson Silva).

Adam Brook: Bisping if he beats Silva will be on a 3 fight winning streak all against top 10 opponents.

STAR SIGHTING

Octagon funk

Who? Bruno Mars

Where? UFC 195

Just a few short hours after helping to ring in the New Year on stage at The Chelsea in Las Vegas, the Uptown Funk singer made the short trip to the MGM Grand Garden Arena to witness Robbie Lawler take on Carlos Condit. In a wise fashion move that was more fitting of his surroundings, he ditched his famous pink blazer for a hoodie and Raiders cap.