Issue 127
April 2015
3 Rounds of action
1. GUSTAFSSON VS. CORMIER ON HOLD
Despite both fighters coming off a loss, UFC president Dana White has confirmed leading contenders Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson will not face one another next.
While playing the part of analyst during Gustafsson’s loss to Anthony Johnson in January, Cormier said he’d like to face the Swede next after losing his highly-anticipated 205lb title fight to Jon Jones at the start of the year.
However, Cormier has subsequently been matched with Ryan Bader, who outpointed Phil Davis on that same Stockholm fight card, to headline UFC Fight Night 68 in New Orleans in June.
“Cormier’s got another fight set up right now and we actually have another fight for Gustafsson (TBC), too,” White explained. “After those two fight these fights, it makes sense.”
FO SCORE: Although a fight between Gustafsson and Cormier would certainly be fun, it makes sense for the UFC to put them against different opponents first. Both have previously lost to Jon Jones and pitting them against each other would kill either man’s immediate chances of getting another title shot soon.
2. WEIDMAN AND JONES TO RETURN AT UFC 187
After being forced to pull out of the main event at UFC 184 due to a rib injury, UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman will now fight Vitor Belfort on May 23rd at UFC 187 in Las Vegas.
That’s not all. Light heavyweight king Jon Jones will look to put his cocaine troubles behind him on the very same evening. ‘Bones’ will take on Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in an attempt to make a record ninth defense of his strap.
Completing a trio of tantalizing tussles, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone and Khabib Nurmagomedov will throw down in the lightweight division. The winner should expect a 155lb title shot later this year.
FO SCORE: This could be the most exciting event the UFC has ever promoted. Just ask Dana White: “I am so f**king stoked for that card.” But, please, dear MMA gods, don’t let it fall victim to the dreaded injury curse.
3. MCGREGOR’S CHANCE HEADS TO VEGAS
Featherweight champion José Aldo will defend his belt against Conor McGregor during International Fight Week in Las Vegas on July 11th at UFC 189.
After various venue rumors and dates were proposed, ultimately the UFC’s spiritual home, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, was selected for the hugely anticipated pay-per-view that’s destined to hit big numbers.
And with welterweight champ Robbie Lawler’s first defence against Rory MacDonald as co-main event – plus Reebok’s Octagon debut to boot – this is another UFC card to savor.
FO SCORE: OK, we were fantasizing about 80,000 fans in an Irish football stadium too, but let’s face it, that can wait. After all, where better than Las Vegas for the most anticipated featherweight fight in UFC history?
QUOTES
“You know, I think that me and (Felice Herrig) will always get perceived that way (attractive). You know, I was saying that’s what other people think about us. And, you know, we were born this way, it’s nothing that we can change. That just means that we both have to prove that we’re the toughest people out there. I’m going to go out there and prove I’m not just a pretty face.”
UFC strawweight Paige VanZant details the struggles of being beautiful and punching people in the face for a living
“I’m going to sprint straight for him. I won’t give him a second. I’ll be talking to him while I’m whooping on him at the same time. The same way I do with them all.”
Conor McGregor has made a habit of predicting his future recently. Has he done it again?
“I’ll deal with ‘Cyborg’ when it’s time to deal with her, and when she comes around and when she’s tired of really dragging this whole thing out. As you see with Pacquiao and Mayweather, it’s sometimes a good thing to really drag it out and build up that anticipation. I’m gonna beat Cat now and worry about her later.”
UFC women’s 135lb queen Ronda Rousey talks up a super-fight between her and arch-nemesis Cris Justino.
“I’m still here, but I’m losing all these fights. I’m doing well though, as far as this being a job, versus the other guys that are out there. So yeah, I’m happy, I guess, to put on a show for these fans.”
Nick Diaz may have lost three on the trot but fans still love him regardless
“You miss out on a lot of training when you’re cutting that much weight. It’s night and day from now and competing at 170lb.”
Kelvin Gastelum might want to heed the advice of former welterweight turned UFC 205lb number one contender Anthony Johnson
ON THE RADAR
Three red-hot prospects worth keeping an eye on...
Brett Johns, 10-0
The bantamweight from Wales, UK, hasn’t competed in close to a year after winning a decision against James Brum at Cage Warriors 67, however, this has given him some time to improve on his already impressive skill-set. A stellar grappler with a good instinct for submissions, Johns has spent some time working on his striking as of late and will now look to further prove himself with Titan Fighting Championship.
TJ Hepburn, 4-0
The former NCAA Division II wrestling champion has been slowly making a name for himself on the regional MMA circuit and has shown a good mixture of striking and submission grappling along with his wrestling skills. He still has plenty of room for growth in those areas, but his sheer athleticism could see him though until his skill set catches up to his potential.
Jonavin Webb, 7-0 (1 NC)
This New Jersey Native has a very well-rounded game. He’s able to mix up all the important aspects of MMA seamlessly for someone so young in his career. But the best thing about Jonavin is the environment he’s placed himself in. He’s has access to some of the best training in the world at the esteemed Renzo Gracie Academy, training with the likes of Liam McGeary and Chris Weidman. He also fights for Cage Fury Fighting Championships, a reputable promotion based out of Atlantic City that has given him a series of decent opponents since he began his career in 2012.
INSTAGRA MMA
@mikechandlermma “@briechandler and I are having a great time in Vegas. We may or may not have been tearing it up at the craps table! @FOAwards”
@mattmitrione “On that #brolce diet. Lemme get after this deliciousness. @danawhite, you need to get me a fight before I get too fat. #WillWorkForFood.”
@domcruz619 “Surgery is now complete... next step is putting my head down and busting out the rehabilitation process... I will be back.”
REWIND / FAST FORWARD
Legend reborn: linking two combatants – one past, one present
UNDEFEATED UNDERDOGS WHO WON UFC TITLES
TIM SYLVIA
Record before he won UFC belt: 14-0
Underdog odds: 11/5
Defeated for belt: Ricco Rodriguez
CHRIS WEIDMAN
Record before he won UFC belt: 9-0
Underdog odds: 39/20
Defeated for belt: Anderson Silva
Anthony Kiedis - STAR SIGHTING
Who? Lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Where? UFC 183
Whenever there’s a big UFC event going on, you can bet your bottom dollar that Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis will be sitting in the front row lapping up the event. The diehard MMA fanatic took a break from recording the band’s 11th studio album to attend UFC 183 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
...
