By all accounts, Alistair Overeem has been nothing but a welcome addition to Greg Jackson’s camp in Albuquerque, but being the guy even partially responsible for derailing UFC 178 isn’t a good look for anybody. After it was revealed UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones had suffered a torn left meniscus and a sprained ankle earlier this week, Jackson explains the injury took place when Jones was working to defend a takedown from Overeem in training.
“It’s part of the game, it wasn’t like … somebody went for a flying kick and dislocated [something],” Jackson told Sherdog.com. “Somebody went for a takedown, [Jones] stepped the wrong way, twisted the wrong way and down he went. He was fighting it, and he just twisted it. And then it just popped.”
Overeem tipped the scales at 257lbs back in January before facing Frank Mir at UFC 169, but Jackson says a weight disparity wasn’t the issue.
“Alistair’s maybe 240, Jon’s 220,” said Jackson. “It’s not like he was working with a giant moose. It was just one of those things.”
Jones will now face top contender Daniel Cormier Jan. 3 at UFC 182 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
‘I tried to game the system.’ Chael Sonnen opens up on the failed drug tests that led him to retire from MMA. ‘I knew what I was doing I thought I could have my cake and eat it too.’
Surgery for Bones. Jon Jones sends a message to fans, apologizing for the postponement of his title fight.
Gus will sit. Alexander Gustafsson’s manager says the fighter will not accept another bout ahead of a title shot rematch against Jones.
Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas talks the Jones-Cormier postponement, Bellator wooing Gina Carano, the War Machine situation, recaps Metamoris 4 and more in this week’s live chat.
‘But hey, Chris Cariaso.’ Chuck Mindenhall tries to explain how a stacked UFC 178 card took a nosedive just by losing its main event.
MEDIA STEW
Ronda Rousey gives an injury update and talks fighting Cris Cyborg and Gina Carano.
Ray Sefo, Renzo Gracie, Dan Severn and Bas Rutten have a chat.
I apologize in advance. Here’s how HLN (Nancy Grace) is covering the War Machine situation.
Bas Rutten started uploading his old fights, commentating the action himself.
That’s one way to stop the takedown.
Hope Faber is getting that Amp money…
Bobby Razak’s SHIFT with TapOut founder Dan Caldwell.
Long watches.
Joe Rogan Experience #534 – Robin Black
TWEETS
Get well soon.
I WILL be back stronger than ever RT @MuscleTech: We’ve got your back, champ. Come back stronger than ever.#believeit pic.twitter.com/AhfAuR5gHp
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 13, 2014
I’d like to apologize to all the fans who were excited for UFC 178. Full statement: https://t.co/31bPoDrikr
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 13, 2014
Middleweight problems.
P.E.D = Pendred Enjoying Dollars
— Cathal Pendred (@PendredMMA) August 13, 2014
I have zero tolerance for PEDs in sport. However, I know @MikeTheManKing well from the 6 weeks on TUF & he is a good guy. I wish him well.
— Cathal Pendred (@PendredMMA) August 13, 2014
Apparently middleweight is the division for you to be at if you want to use steroids.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 13, 2014
Another middleweight popped for PEDs. I love all the added testing and I hope get even better.
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) August 14, 2014
Some juice heads get fired after being busted and some get to retain top ten status. Go figure.
— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) August 14, 2014
Oh well.
“@guibear: @dc_mma consider challenging @JoshLBarnett for hw title at metamoris?” He would smash me. Not even close match bro
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 14, 2014
Part II.
Had surgery on my toe today.it went well. Gotta trust in my path. #roadtorecovery
— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) August 13, 2014
I NEVER FOUND THIS PIECE OF THUMB LAST NIGHT http://t.co/3g4cyP80dN
— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) August 13, 2014
Congrats.
I’m on the schedule at Rampage gym. Thrash Thursdays, 7:33pm rampagefit rampage4real http://t.co/gOCyezFfGf
— mayhem (@mayhemmiller) August 14, 2014
Big things coming up!!! Stayed tuned in the next couple days! pic.twitter.com/CGeSb0EvMQ
— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) August 13, 2014
Yikes.
Car accident yesterday:( people stop hitting my car!!!!
— Paige Vanzant (@PAIGEVANZANT) August 13, 2014
Not a great look, Shaq.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Aug. 13 2014)
Alexander Shlemenko vs. Brandon Halsey at Bellator 126
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Tyler212.
Nick Diaz comes to the UFC’s rescue
The announcement of the Nick Diaz/Anderson Silva had many fight fans watering at the mouth. To me, this shows just how big of a draw Nick Diaz is. Even though Nick Diaz is on a two fight losing streak, people are still clamoring to see him back in the cage. The fact that he will step into the cage to face arguably the greatest fighter of all time only sweetens the deal. The UFC is a business driven by polarizing figures, and right now there is no one more polarizing than Nick Diaz.
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Check out the rest of the post here.
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