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Check out the second episode of Embedded for UFC 241.

UFC 241 is almost here, and as usual, Embedded is here as well. The show that gives you an inside look at the marquee contestants on PPVs has issued the second episode for this weekend’s big show in Anaheim, and it serves as a brief introduction to the fighters at the top of the card.

We start off at Daniel Cormier’s house. He’s not thinking ahead of Stipe Miocic, because it might be his last fight. He feels like he’s done everything he could have in the sport. He plays some UFC video game stuff with his buddy.

Out in Cleveland, Stipe Miocic is at some sort of market. He’s not a a great bargainer. Someone tells him the price is 15 dollars for something and he offers 16. He buys some podcast equipment and some other stuff. They take his daughter to see some animals. A fan drives but and say to make sure he knocks Cormier out.

Off in Milwaukee, Anthony Pettis, brother Sergio, and some others are going fishing. He catches a fish pretty much immediately. Sergio catches the smallest bass ever. They like the relaxing aspect of the hobby, since they grew up in the city.

Finally we head over to Cali. Nate Diaz is training shoulder locks. Yancy Medeiros is over to help out. They talk about staying prepared no matter what and never changing too much in a camp. Nick is there but doesn’t say anything.

And that’s it! UFC 241 goes down this Saturday night in Anaheim.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, knows that some mixed martial arts (MMA) fans have been questioning his desire to compete after a couple of ill-timed injury setbacks bounced him from both UFC 221 and UFC 234.

In fact, current UFC interim middleweight titleholder, Israel Adesanya, wants betting lines released for Whittaker’s odds of withdrawing from their UFC 243 championship pay-per-view (PPV) main event this October in Melbourne.

Safe to say “The Reaper” has something to prove.

“After what happened last fight, it left a bitter taste in my mouth. It lit a fire in me. I am hungrier than ever to step into that Octagon and get to work,” Whittaker told Sydney Morning Herald. “But October, I am going to get there, I am going to fight. Everyone can shut up and I am going to enjoy myself. It’s killing me more than anyone else. I want to get to work, I want to get in there, I want to defend my belt and I want to earn some money.”

Those medical bills aren’t cheap (just ask this guy).

Whittaker (20-4) captured the vacant middleweight crown following a five-round battle against Yoel Romero at UFC 213 over two years ago, then ran it back with “Soldier of God” at UFC 225, winning another close decision over the Cuban slugger.

As for Adesanya (17-0), he stymied top contender Kelvin Gastelum in their interim championship headliner at UFC 236 back in April, his sixth straight win since joining the promotion back in early 2018.

Time to put up or shut up.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping has a matchup in mind to headline the UFC’s NYC card this November.

The UFC’s annual New York City card is still three months away, and matchmakers have yet to determine the event’s headliner fight. Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, however, has an idea in mind.

Speaking in a recent episode of his “Believe You Me” podcast, “The Count” suggested a rematch between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor as the fight to banner the card.

“That’s the fight to make if I’m honest,” Bisping said (transcript by BJPenn.com). Conor’s gotta get back in the winning circle. If he fights Khabib, more than likely that’s not gonna happen. Could he catch him with a good shot and rock him and follow it up? Yeah, of course he could.

“But more than likely Khabib’s gonna take his best shot, he’s gonna take him down and we’re gonna have a replay of what happened last time.”

“The Notorious” will be coming off a loss upon his return, and for Bisping, a “winnable” rematch with Aldo should get him back on track.

“Aldo and McGregor, the buildup to that fight was huge,” he said. “It ended amazingly in 13 seconds and well done to McGregor. I think people would love to see that because a lot of people feel that Aldo could do better in the rematch.

“And that’s definitely a very winnable fight for Conor. Of course we saw what happened the first time, the second time who knows what’s gonna happen? But it’s a very winnable fight.”

Aldo himself is a fresh off a loss, courtesy of undefeated featherweight contender Alexander Volkanovski last May.

UFC 244 is scheduled for November 2nd at Madison Square Garden.