Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
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Tyron Woodley vs. Colby Covington is perhaps the longest running will-they-won’t-they story since The Office ended in 2013. Repeatedly, the two trade insults online, yet scheduling conflicts or injuries or money always keep the two from finally confronting each other head-on in the cage.
This time around, Covington accused Woodley of avoiding a bout with “Chaos” on August 22. It’s no surprise that Covington insulted Woodley in the process, and it’s taken less than a day for Woodley to answer back.
“My answer to whether I would fight Colby is eternally yes,” Woodley told ESPN. “At 96 years old in a nursing home it’s yes! He said no six times and now creates a date that works for him? F— out of here.”
“I literally treated it like every other bluff and told them quit contacting me until this b—- signed a bout agreement,” Woodley said via text. “Never thought he would sign. September/October, I’ll get around to exterminating that roach. Let me call the UFC and see what’s crackin.”
At the moment, the aforementioned UFC event on Aug. 22 is without a headlining fight. As such, there’s a chance UFC will keep Covington on that card and book him against another top Welterweight challenger, rather than build an entirely new main event. It’s also possible UFC convinces Woodley to abbreviate his camp, or Woodley could receive his wish and face Covington a bit later in the year.
Either way, the Welterweight division is hot right now, so these two contenders should be extra motivated to return to the winner’s circle.
Insomnia
Rose Namajunas vs. Weili Zhang seems inevitable, and it’s going to be fantastic.
“She’s a master, I’m a master; it’s gonna be really cool.”@rosenamajunas started game planning for Zhang Weili in the hospital, an hour after Namajunas’ #UFC251 win. (via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/hYuMGRN6Py
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 16, 2020
On a mildly related note, “Thug Rose” showing off her garden while sporting serious facial damage is a badass move.
Khamzat Chimaev was hugely impressive in his debut victory last night, and Chechen prospect is already gunning for Donald Cerrone.
“It was my plan. Smash the guy, and take the money, go home.”
Khamzat Chimaev put together a dominant performance in his win and hopes to climb the ladder to a title as fast as possible.#UFCFightIsland1 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/Nh2g6Q8rYT
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 16, 2020
Another star-in-the-making from last night, Lerone Murphy, has a pretty insane backstory that’s must-listen stuff.
Let’s not forget Lerone Murphy literally spat out bullets after getting shot in the face #UFCFightIsland1 pic.twitter.com/g0A6OTSojO
— José Youngs (@JoseYoungs) July 16, 2020
Semi-retired Henry Cejudo is still angling for a fight with Alexander Volkanovski, and I’ll be honest, I’d watch it!
Actually the @Ufc fans are begging me to Save the 145lb Division from Alex the Great Decision Makernovski #C4 #bendtheknee https://t.co/ZNvAgMKgHT
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 16, 2020
In another fun piece of news, Clay Collard continued his rise through the ranks in boxing, winning his fourth fight of 2020 earlier this week.
Clay Collard with a great 1st round pic.twitter.com/zJ3C1RrvZq
— ShayMyName (@ImShannonTho) July 15, 2020
Y’all think the Jose Aldo fight has been stopped yet?
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Apparently, “Khabib 2.0” can do a bit more than wrestle!
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev #UFCFightIsland1 pic.twitter.com/cILUtafR3P
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 15, 2020
Paul Daley’s left hand is indeed explosive, which he set up well here with a momentary pause after the right to throw off his opponent’s defensive timing.
A Semtex throwback uppercut pic.twitter.com/lcZtCva6Qg
— Connoisseur of Combat (@ConOfCombat) July 15, 2020
Breaking down a new leg submission, the Z lock. My hips already suck, so I really hope this move gains zero steam.
Random Land
Hey, anyone wondering what Derrick Lewis has been posting lately?
Midnight Music: John Fahey didn’t enjoy much fame or fortune in life, but he’s now looked at as a guitar great with enormous reach. I don’t know enough about guitar playing to support or dispute that, but I can pick up on a great tune.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.