In the fast paced world of mixed martial arts we at Fighters Only know it’s hard to stay on top of all the latest news so here’s five stories that may have flown under your radar this week.
Bisping Banged Up
Any thoughts Michael Bisping had of trying to squeeze in one more fight by the end of the year – he had talked of a GSP defense – are no longer a possibility. ‘The Count’ has been medically suspended for six months following his five-round war with Dan Henderson at UFC 204 last weekend in Manchester, England. The middleweight champion would require a CT scan of his face and head, or he is suspended for 180 days. In addition he’s indefinitely suspended for 60 days with 45 days with no contact during training due to the damage his suffered under his left eye.
From NFL to UFC?
Former NFL player Greg Hardy is transitioning to MMA and preparing for his debut. The 28-year-old has been training for several months and is in talks with a plethora of promotions who are interested in signing him. “I’m very focused and excited to start my MMA career,” Hardy said in a statement to MMAFighting.com. “I’m going to do this the right way, I can assure you of that.”
Mousasi and Manuwa on the up
Following their destructive and powerhouse performances at UFC 205 last weekend, main card fighters Jimi Manuwa and Gegard Mousasi have both made massive leaps in the UFC official rankings. London light heavyweight Manuwa breaks into the top five for the very first time with only Daniel Cormier, Rumble Johnson, Alex Gustafsson and Glover Teixeira ahead of him. For 185lber Mousasi, he also climbs up to number five with only the crème de la crème in champ Bisping, Luke Rockhold, Chris Weidman, Jacare Souza and Yoel Romero ahead of him. Both fighters are likely just one fight away from potential title contention.
Superboy vs. Swanson
UFC 206 is finally taking shape nicely and Toronto, Canada, just got another quality fight added to the card. After campaigning for months, ‘The Korean Superboy’ Doo Ho Choi finally gets the fight he’s been clamouring for. He will meet veteran ‘Killer’ Cub Swanson. UFC 206 will take place on December 10th on pay-per-view.
So long Sholler
UFC vice president of public relations, athlete marketing and development, Dave Sholler is leaving the organization. Sholler’s last event will be UFC 205 in New York Cty and thereafter will be overseeing all communications both and off the basketball court for NBA team, Philadelphia 76ers.
Dana White spoke about Sholler’s departure on this week’s episode of ‘TUF Talk’. “Dave Sholler just announced that he’s leaving – another guy who I love and respect and loved working with – so yeah, it’s going to be different, but there’s a lot of good things going on.”
