Issue 110

January 2014

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

Jose Aldo hid broken foot so UFC 163 title fight wouldn't be stopped

UFC featherweight champion José Aldo has revealed he intentionally hid the broken foot suffered during his title defense at UFC 163, fearing his bout with Chan Sung Jung would be ruled a TKO in favor of the Korean if his ailment was discovered. Aldo exclusively told Fighters Only affiliate magazine Gong Kakutogi that he 

even made sure to whisper: “I have a bad foot,” to head coach Andre Pederneiras to avoid the information being picked up by the cornerman microphones between rounds.

Bellator bound for international card?

The world’s second-biggest promotion, Bellator MMA, is looking at holding its first event outside North America in 2014, Fighters Only understands. The home of fighters such as ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Eddie Alvarez, Michael Chandler and Tito Ortiz, Bellator has never left the US and Canada but is considering a location across the Atlantic for its first trip outside its home continent. 

Phil Baroni says some Pride fighters loaded their wraps

UFC and Strikeforce veteran Phil Baroni has claimed fighters competing for defunct Japanese promotion Pride had more than just the legal gauze and tape in their hand wraps. Baroni, who fought in Pride between 2005 and 2006, told Steph Daniels of Bloody Elbow: “I can’t say any names, but I’ve even seen guys (backstage) loading their wraps. It was a different era, and it was way different than the MMA we know today.” 

UFC launches HIV awareness campaign

The UFC has partnered with the Gay and Lesbian Community Center

of Southern Nevada to raise awareness of HIV among the promotion’s under-35 demographic. Called Protect Yourself At All Times, the campaign will try to help reverse what is said to be growing ignorance among young people about HIV and AIDS, which causes often fatal deficiency of the immune system.