Weidman feels for ‘Bones’

UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman believes the pressure of holding a UFC title has led to Jon Jones’ recent problems with the law. Jones was stripped of his belt following his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident, which left a pregnant woman with a broken arm.

‘Bones’ has come under heavy criticism for his part in the crash, but Weidman has shown support for his fellow New Yorker. “I don’t judge Jon at all for struggling with life’s temptations,” Weidman said. “I have tasted it myself. I’ve been a world champion for two years and we’ve got things at our fingertips that celebrities don’t even have.

“He needs to overcome his problems and become a more powerful person. This break will allow him to do that. The UFC made the right decision to suspend him but it’s the best thing for Jon, too. He can come back stronger because people will see a guy who has messed up but rebounded, and they will relate to that.”

Summer return set for Bellator's women

After a five-year absence, Bellator MMA will officially reintroduce its female world title belts when Marloes Coenen and Julia Budd fight for the new 145lb championship in August. The promotion previously held one women’s tournament – at strawweight – in 2010. Zoila Gurgel defeated Megumi Fujii in the final to claim championship gold, but she never defended it and the women’s division was scrapped soon after.

However, Bellator president, Scott Coker, championed women’s MMA during his time with Strikeforce and clearly sees its former champs Coenen and Budd as the ideal combatants to reintroduce the ladies to the circular cage.

Schilling reveals ATT move

Glory kickboxer Joe Schilling has turned to American Top Team to prepare for his next fight. After losing a split decision to Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 136, the 31-year-old striking sensation planned three weeks in Coconut Creek, Florida prior to his return at Bellator 139 on June 26th.

During his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Schilling told the UFC commentator he was going to ATT to help Thiago Alves for his bout with Carlos Condit at UFC Fight Night 67 and to work on his wrestling with Bellator 205lb’er ‘King Mo’ Lawal.

“I’m not the person who loses a fight and says, ‘I’m not going to do this s**t anymore.’ I just figure out what I need to do different… I’m going to work this out.”

Rothenhausler retires due to brain injuries

Invicta FC prospect Veronica Rothenhausler has retired from MMA due to repeated concussions. The Team Alpha Male product was knocked out by Charmaine Tweet in her last fight at Invicta FC 8 last September, but continues to feel pain and discomfort even now.

Doctors diagnosed her with post-concussion syndrome, which could continue to affect her for up to 18 months. She made her decision to hang up her gloves when she found out she risked fatal injury if she competed again.

She told MMA Fighting: “When I sit down and think about it, is it worth me not living? The doctor said your next blow to the head could be the one and that’s f**ked up to hear.”

Rothenhausler’s teammate and TUF 18 winner Chris Holdsworth is also still on the sidelines due to his own battle with the condition.

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