Author: David St. Martin

If you’re not a fan of Holly Holm being next for Ronda Rousey, you’re not alone.

The UFC women’s bantamweight champ announced her next booking Friday on Good Morning America, selling Holm as the toughest test of her career.

“I’ll be fighting Holly Holm, who is actually the most decorated striker we have in all of mixed martial arts,” Rousey said. “Not the women’s division. Not the bantamweight division. Like, 19X boxing world champion Holly Holm. The Ring Magazine pound-for-pound fighter of the year. Definitely my biggest challenge to date.”

Well, UFC commentator Joe Rogan isn’t buying it.

“I don’t agree with that fight,” Rogan said Sunday on his podcast. “That Holly Holm fight. I don’t think that’s smart. I would have gone with Amanda Nunes before Holly Holm. Amanda Nunes looked like a badass when she knocked out Sara McMann. That’s a more dangerous fighter. A more marketable fighter. [Holm] is only the best boxer in the world if Ann Wolf decides not to box.”

Rogan didn’t rule out Holm’s chances against Rousey completely, but it’s clear he isn’t betting on the field to beat the champ.

“Yea, I don’t know,” said Rogan. “The Holly Holm fight is not as intriguing to me as Amanda Nunes would be. [Holm’s] big issue is the grappling. Who knows, though? You never know. Maybe Holly, because her standup is so much more refined, she’s been doing it for so much longer, maybe she can keep Ronda away from her. I’m serious. I just think, honestly, the real problem is that there’s a lack of talent.”

“Ronda’s going to have to do things now. She’ll have to do a judo match during the day and then have an MMA fight. Remember when Roy Jones Jr. would play basketball? He played basketball the day of a world title defense. The day of.”

Rogan went back to the classic Mike Tyson comparison for Rousey, but wasn’t quite as complimentary of her division.

“Bruce Seldon was a legit, world-class heavyweight,” said Rogan. “[Tyson’s competition] were really good fighters. The real problem with those guys is that they were fighting Tyson. The real problem with Ronda is that Ronda is like a Mike Tyson. She’s the elite of the elite. Those girls? No. They’re good. She’s great. They’re amongst the best.

“I think Amanda Nunes has real potential. If you look at Claudia Gadelha, she’s world-class. Joanna Jedrzejczyk, world-class. There’s a few. Cris Cyborg, steroids or no steroids, take away the controversy, go by her performances, ferocious. That’s four. There’s four of them.”

Rousey defends her bantamweight title to Holm Jan. 2 in the main event at UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Knock on wood. Chuck Mindenhall explains how UFC 194 is too good to be true.

Serious business. UFC drug czar Jeff Novitzky says fighters could face a two-year suspension for violating the IV ban.

Toss up. Frank Mir calls the Fabricio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez rematch “a 50/50 fight.”

Sorry, Miesha. Dana White says he went with Holly Holm because “everyone’s already seen” Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate.

‘I was shocked to hear the announcement.’ Miesha Tate says she’s “extremely disappointed” about the news of Holly Holm replacing her against Ronda Rousey.

MEDIA STEW

Max Holloway wants Frankie Edgar in Hawaii.

Highlights from Neil Magny vs. Erick Silva.

Frankie Perez retires after scoring his first UFC win and Michael Bisping had a hell of a take.

Ronda Rousey talks fight with Holly Holm with cringeworthy news people.

Donald Trump’s unrequited love for Ronda Rousey.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night Saskatoon: Post-fight Press Conference

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KNUCKLE UP #352 UFC Fight Night, the sads of SILVA, JON JONES “resurgence”, I TOLD YOU SOs and much, much more

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira.

Beef.

You’ve won your fights and UFC still has no interest on you. You called me rookie! So come to fight with the “Rookie”@MieshaTate @seanshelby

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 21, 2015

I bet I’ll fight for the title again before you @MieshaTate sorry! UFC has no interest on you @seanshelby @ufc @ufc_brasil

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 22, 2015

. @bethecorreia I’ll fight you “rookie”

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 22, 2015

@mmasarah I’m here, come!

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 22, 2015

#Repost farhad_kireev . ・・・ You should not have talked so much @alistairovereem @junior_cigano… https://t.co/C1ztIVO1bY

— Junior Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) August 23, 2015

@junior_cigano don’t be a DNB.. Sign the contract

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 23, 2015

Wow I can’t even imagine my ufc division being so weak that after only 2 wins you get a title fight. I’m 4-0 in the ufc and ranked like 38.

— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) August 21, 2015

I know right? But of course you can’t imagine it. You’re as marketable as a can of baked beans. #ItsThePPVBusiness https://t.co/2eQ3ovpcwj

— Angela Magana UFC (@AngelaMagana1) August 21, 2015

Bisping reactions.

@joeywerk no I wasn’t trashing him. He had a gr8 performance and all credit. It’s a he’d sport and maybe he doesn’t want to do it.

— michael (@bisping) August 24, 2015

Who steps in the octagon, and I wish him all the best. He had a great win.

— michael (@bisping) August 24, 2015

Ok I meant maybe he did, maybe he doesn’t. Either way, great win.

— michael (@bisping) August 24, 2015

Really struggling with this Fox broadcast… #CantLookAway

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) August 24, 2015

Beautiful way to make MMA accessible and mainstream–insult the people who respect their families enough to put them first. Bravo, Bisping

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 24, 2015

@bisping it takes a bigger man and more balls to walk away on top, than to sit and disrespect @TeamFrankieP . #youdontknowwhathegotgoingon

— Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) August 24, 2015

Lololololol what did Bisping say?

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 24, 2015

“The smell test”

Dang Silva lookin soft in this one.

— Charlie Brenneman (@SpaniardMMA) August 24, 2015

Silva definitely looks very different physically. Looking sloppy with his technique tonight as well. #UFCSaskatoon

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 24, 2015

Someone is off the sauce #justsaying

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) August 24, 2015

It’s weird seeing how different some guys bodies have been looking since their last fights

— David Michaud (@bulldawgUFC) August 24, 2015

Why do you think that is ????? https://t.co/SLL6tJUX9z

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 24, 2015

Erick Silva went from Mr. Baywatch to Dad bod #UFCSaskatoon

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 24, 2015

Welp.

Holloway vs Oliveira can’t suck, it’s impossible! #UFCSaskatoon

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 24, 2015

Nice.

Who’s in the mood for some #Korean bbq? #UFC

— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) August 24, 2015

Agree?

@NeilMagny probably the most underrated in the division… just saying

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) August 24, 2015

You win.

@Randy_Couture So there’s a monster truck in Canada that’s made into the shape of Randy and I’m inside him right now! pic.twitter.com/frq7bgymrf

— Mindy Robinson (@iheartmindy) August 23, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 21-23 2015)

Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm at UFC 195

Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale

Claudia Gadelha vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 195

Kevin Lee vs. Leonardo Santos at UFC 194

C.B. Dollaway vs. Nate Marquardt at UFC on FOX 17

Tamdan McCrory vs. Josh Samman at UFC on FOX 17

Thiago Alves vs. Benson Henderson at UFC Fight Night: Alves vs. Henderson

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Jorge Masvidal at UFC Fight Night: Alves vs. Henderson

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Anthony Hamilton at UFC Fight Night: Alves vs. Henderson

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Winner By TKO.

Why Rousey vs. Holm Is Far More Than Just a Miesha Tate Snub – It’s Symptomatic of a Bigger Problem

December 29th, 2013. ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey awakes. She basks in the glory of beating her bitter rival for the second time and has a chuckle to herself about how many chicken wings she ingested while celebrating with her team last night. Miesha ‘Cupcake’ Tate awakes. Bitterly disappointed and dejected; but she at least had a couple of small moral victories in taking the champion further than anyone ever has, and in getting some vociferous support from large sections of the Las Vegas UFC 168 crowd. And hey, at least she won’t have to deal with her arch-nemesis and her team for a while: filming a reality show for 6 weeks followed by promoting a huge title fight alongside her must have been taxing.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Cung Le might be retired from combat sports but he’s not done fighting.

The UFC and Strikeforce vet is a plaintiff in the class-action antitrust lawsuit against Zuffa, along with fellow fighters Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry.

Following his final professional bout against Michael Bisping Aug. 23 in Macau, China, Le tested positive for elevated levels of human growth hormone in a drug test overseen by the UFC.

Le was initially issued a nine-month suspension, which was then extended to a year. Le and his long-time manager Gary Ibarra protested the result and the suspension was lifted in late October.

Speaking with Quarry on his ‘Round X Round’ podcast, Le detailed the final tumultuous years competing under the UFC banner.

“After fighting Patrick Cote [at UFC 148], I thought I broke my foot,” said Le. “Dana White says, ‘I need you for Macau.’ I said, ‘I don’t think I can fight. My foot, I think it’s broken.’ I went to the doctor and they said, ‘It’s not broken but it’s a deep bone bruise.’ It can be as bad as a broken foot. Two weeks later I was in a walking boot in San Jose when Chris Weidman fought Mark Munoz. They were like, ‘Why are you wearing that? We need you in Macau.’ They were like, ‘It’s just a bone bruise. You’ll be OK.’ I told them I wasn’t cleared. Doctor hasn’t cleared me.

“Two weeks after that Dan Henderson fought Lyoto Machida. I was in Los Angeles and they told me to meet them after the fight. I told them the doctor still hadn’t cleared me. ‘Hasn’t cleared you? You’ve got to step up for the company.’ I told them I couldn’t get the doctor to give me a notice. I don’t think they can do that. I told them hopefully I would be cleared in a week. Dana says, ‘OK. You’ve got to let me know right away.’ That night I’m driving and my phone blows up. Dana had announced my fight with Rich Franklin in Macau.”

Le says his foot never fully recovered in time for the fight with Franklin, a bout he won via knockout in the first round. Additionally, he says he was forced to undergo surgery just five weeks before the fight after injuring his elbow during a ‘crazy’ media tour in Asia.

Following the Franklin fight Le was in the mix to fight Michael Bisping in Manchester, England. According to Le he was pulled to serve as the quasi host of ‘The Ultimate Fighter: China.’ Le says he was paid less than ‘a tenth’ of what he would have earned in the form of a fight purse.

Inactive since November of 2012, Le returned to Macau to face Bisping in August of 2014. The controversy that followed caused irreparable damage to Le’s reputation, so says the fighter.

While Le was still under suspension, Dr. Don Catlin, one of the foremost authorities on the study of performance enhancing drugs, criticized the result by stating Le’s HGH levels were even lower than the expected post­-exercise reference range for an athlete giving a sample after strenuous activity.

Basically, the good doctor said Le’s test results should be ignored.

Le presented this data to the UFC, but says he was still pressured to admit he was guilty of using PEDs.

“Gary [Ibarra] presented that to them,” said Le. “At the time I didn’t even want to talk to them. I was disgusted with what happened. They agreed to lift my suspension and let it go. Of course, the day Gary calls me and says [UFC] are going to release a thing saying that the suspension has been lifted and they’re retracting what happened, Dana called me and tells me if I just admit it, it’ll be easier.

“The public would forgive me more. ‘Look at the pitcher from the New York Giants[sic], he got busted for something.’ Dana was saying it’s easier just to admit it. I just didn’t want to talk to him anymore. Had to hang up. He might as well have just sent some thugs to my house to strong-arm me or something. It’s just ridiculous. Sometimes you get the s**t end of the stick and they just happen to be the s**t.”

Le believes he has two fights remaining on his contract with the UFC, but don’t hold your breath hoping to see him in the Octagon again.

“Screw that,” said Le. “Why? So they can ‘screw up’ again? I don’t trust [White]. The funny thing is, in the beginning I thought Dana and Lorenzo Fertitta were really cool. Some people told you’re only good to them as long as they can use you. I didn’t believe it until it happened to me. Now I believe everything that everyone says about them. Bad stuff. Very bad.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

MMA Beat. The panel discusses the big plans for UFC 193, the stacked UFC 194 card, Dana White vs. Vince McMahon and much more.

Oh, Cowboy. Donald Cerrone claims he was trolling UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos with steroid use accusations.

‘They didn’t know how to use me.’ Tamdan McCrory happy to land in UFC after being “dicked around for so long” by Bellator. “They came at us and said, we’ll give you the title shot, but we’re only going to pay you just horrible money.”

More kits. RFA set to debut U.S.A. vs. Brazil Adidas fight kits Friday night, but the fighters will still be allowed to showcase their sponsors.

Welcome back. Sidelined for almost two years due to several injuries, Court McGee is scheduled to make his return to fighting at UFC 194.

MEDIA STEW

Donald Cerrone and John Dodson do Ninja Warrior training.

Robin Black takes a look at Max Holloway.

Al Iaquinta talks being booed and rule changes.

Etihad Stadium CEO explains how the 70,000 seat stadium show in Melbourne is going to work.

Don’t forget about Shooto 56 tonight.

Don’t hate Makwan Amirkhani.

Long watches.

UFC Octagonside visits with Reza Madadi

…

Sugar Shane Mosley joins The Fighter and The Kid

TWEETS

Tested.

Just got out of the cage after my morning training and guess who is waiting on me? USADA giving blood and urine sample now!

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 20, 2015

Let’s catch these cheaters!!

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 20, 2015

FYI.

Tomorrow LIVE on @GMA, @UFC Champion @RondaRousey joins the program for a special announcement! pic.twitter.com/AaOl76Gzbz

— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 21, 2015

In the movies.

Don’t trip just shooting movies with @brucewillisbw @ufc #ufc #ufc192 pic.twitter.com/urRVb3Bvkd

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 20, 2015

Nowe doświadczenia na planie serialu “SZPITAL” Oglądajcie nowe odcinki! / A New experien… http://t.co/g2G7fXMmxc pic.twitter.com/mBlWSyk70x

— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) August 20, 2015

Putting together choreography for a fight scene in “Fist of the Dragon” movie. I’m working on a movie… https://t.co/I3LXAKoLPY

— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) August 20, 2015

Skydiving?

Here is where we are headed!! #coacheschallenge #TUF @FOXSports1 @AriannyCeleste @TheNotoriousMMA @UrijahFaber pic.twitter.com/5biZ5IQ209

— Dana White (@danawhite) August 20, 2015

Please be careful.

Getin serious about fitness!!!!! @StephanBonnar @unitednissan pic.twitter.com/xwe5kNZFoI

— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) August 20, 2015

Congrats.

Just got my brown Blet today thank you professor Ginsberg @ Dave Ginsberg – Inner Strength Bjj https://t.co/ps8X6FH1EF

— JohnDoomsdayHoward (@JohnDoomsday) August 21, 2015

My book is out on Amazon, check it out.. I’m working 6 days a week. Life is great pic.twitter.com/0aZSoQz1e5

— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) August 20, 2015

This Week in Struggle.

Weight cut breakfast! #UFCSaskatoon @UFC_CA @ufc @LOCKloaded pic.twitter.com/GabDjLLnz5

— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) August 19, 2015

I fear we’ll see more brain trauma because of the IV ban @arielhelwani

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) August 17, 2015

Roadwork….. #gottalovetrainingcamp https://t.co/XSMFx9W12o

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 17, 2015

I have multiple fighters blood on me from tonight’s hard work and dedication. Wouldn’t change my job for the world. pic.twitter.com/ASSXrfElQM

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) August 16, 2015

Any hospitals hiring occupational therapists or music stores hiring piano teachers in the Colorado area?

— Rose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) August 18, 2015

Bummed I wasn’t able to get the fight with Pennington at #ufc191. Would’ve loved to have fought on that card

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 19, 2015

Don’t grapple with your nipple rings in #imstupid https://t.co/9uR2cGAvlz

— Phoenix Jones (@ThePhoenixJones) August 19, 2015

A lot of hearts broken with this. https://t.co/4Us1pbL1f1

— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) August 21, 2015

Workin at the con. pic.twitter.com/kHmpHp4TlJ

— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) August 16, 2015

I’m in fucking China

— phil baroni (@philbaroni) August 17, 2015

Porra @RenzoGracieBJJ. Can you believe someone with the BALLS to bootleg my F&V stuffs? http://t.co/9jlmvrNiVg #Australia #Brisbane

— Renato Laranja (@Renato_Laranja) August 17, 2015

Im seeing all these damn fight announcements & Im over waiting for work #LetsDoThis #GettingGrayHairBro @danawhite pic.twitter.com/c4gHmUI1g7

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) August 19, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 20 2015)

Marcio Alexandre Jr. vs. Court McGee at UFC 194

Pat Curran vs. Justin Lawrence at Bellator 145

Anthony Hamilton out, Derrick Lewis vs. Viktor Pesta at UFC 192

Warlley Alves vs. Colby Covington at UFC 194

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

The saga of the UFC’s termination of beloved cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran took another turn Wednesday as Lawrence Epstein, the UFC’s chief operating officer, defended the move in a piece with the International Business Times.

On July 20, Duran was interviewed by Bloodyelbow.com’s John Nash regarding the UFC’s uniform deal with outfitter Reebok. Duran complained that the deal resulted in a dramatic loss of personal income due to the removal of his individual sponsorships. He was terminated by the UFC on July 21.

“Unequivocally, his comments had nothing to do with him getting let go,” said Epstein. “I can’t be more firm on that. There are a variety of reasons that he was let go but nothing to do with his comments on Reebok. He’s trying to paint this thing as, he said some stuff about Reebok and as a result, he was let go. It’s just not true. That’s not the reason why he was let go. I can’t be more clear on that.”

In a UFC statement released to Bloodyelbow.com to further clarify Epstein’s comments, no further explanation of why Duran was fired is given.

“Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran has not been banned from UFC and he is free to corner any athlete if they choose to pay for his services,” the statement reads. “We want to provide other cutmen the opportunity to work UFC events. UFC certainly respects Duran’s experience and accomplishments as a cutman, and wishes him the best. We will not comment about the other reasons that lead to the ending of his independent contractor agreement with UFC, other than to say it had nothing to do with his comments about Reebok.”

Well, Duran isn’t buying it.

@TBarrabi Great story!Can’t believe UFC attorney Lawrence Epstein said I was not let go because of my interview of the Reebok deal. Bullshit

— Jacob Stitch Duran (@StitchDuran) August 19, 2015

The UFC, and perhaps more notably Reebok, received a firestorm of vitriol from fans following Duran’s firing. According to the IBT, Epstein says the majority of feedback they’ve gotten from fighters has been positive, in terms of the quality of Reebok gear and “a sense of legitimacy it brings to UFC events.”

“We, as an organization, are very proud of the amount of money that we’re sharing with athletes,” said Epstein. “We’re giving them essentially all of the money that we’re getting from Reebok, and we’re proud to do that. Whenever you make changes — and this is clearly a change, and it’s a major cultural shift within the world of mixed martial arts — there’s always going to be some resistance. Like everything we’ve done at this company from day one, we’re trying to build a sport.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘I take my hat off to her.’ Brock Lesnar says UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is a “man amongst women in the women’s division.”

‘I feel like he’s in for a rude awakening.’ Luke Rockhold says “Chris Weidman doesn’t fight with the highest IQ.”

‘I was absolutely wrong.’ UFC light heavyweight Anthony Johnson issues a statement apologizing for his ‘ugly’ Facebook rant against a woman from his gym. See the UFC’s official statement here.

Go big. UFC 193 has been confirmed for Melbourne’s 70,000 seat Etihad Stadium, which could be the biggest UFC event ever in terms of attendance.

Wow. After being arrested for attempted murder in June, UFC ring card girl Brittney Palmer’s husband might not be charged with any kind of crime.

MEDIA STEW

Have yourself a panic attack watching Donald Cerrone do backflips. Bonus footage of Jon Jones rolling at Jackson’s.

Fight Network previews Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira.

Tyron Woodley answering questions while deadlifting.

Brock Lesnar talks Ronda Rousey.

Quinton Jackson commenting on the UFC’s Reebok deal.

Firas Zahabi teaching a d’arce from a front headlock suplex.

Long watches.

‘You’re Welcome’ with Chael Sonnen – Rampage Jackson

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UFC Holloway vs Oliveira Care/Don’t Care Preview

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TWEETS

Down under.

Very cool! Thanks for all the support Etihad Stadium. I will be there in a couple weeks. pic.twitter.com/8sRPtAp8Qu

— Dana White (@danawhite) August 19, 2015

It’s ON! It’s official, I’ll be fighting Robbie Lawler for the title at #UFC193 https://t.co/CsvQ6R4EG5 pic.twitter.com/zqIDOMQpDO

— Carlos Condit (@CarlosCondit) August 19, 2015

Congrats @UFC on your first event in Melbourne, Australia. Great welterweight card set for #UFC193. Can’t wait for Condit vs Lawler!

— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) August 19, 2015

Beef.

Wow This guy just made it real personal comparing me to Bisping. Reality is coming for you.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 19, 2015

@ChrisWeidmanUFC @MMAFighting all cocky now. Fake champion, beating has beens. Let’s see if they can bring back shamrock for your next fight

— michael (@bisping) August 19, 2015

Hahahaha yeah everybody please be my fan. Can’t main event shit! No one wants to be on the train. @ChrisWeidmanUFC https://t.co/8P1zrm87c0

— michael (@bisping) August 19, 2015

Haha @bisping I’m fighting for the title for the 5th time. How many times have u fought for the title in your decorated career ?

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 19, 2015

@bisping I’m your biggest fan. I only want the best for you. Chill out buddy.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 19, 2015

@ChrisWeidmanUFC and well done to you. Really! But don’t think you can talk shit about me and not get a response. Belt or no belt!

— michael (@bisping) August 19, 2015

Please be careful.

Always looking out for him RT @AKA_HQ: Mr. @LukeRockhold trying to lend a helping hand to Champ @dc_mma . #TeamAKA pic.twitter.com/FFVmD3jPgu

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) August 20, 2015

Hmmm.

Who’s #head is going on the mantle next? #fightsigned #ufc #gamebred pic.twitter.com/phhZI03zTD

— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) August 19, 2015

Rebound.

@AlexisDavisMMA http://t.co/as3fnOgrFi @ufc_brasil @ufc @seanshelby @danawhite

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 19, 2015

Any ladies looking to punch me in the face for money? Be warned, I might punch you back. 😉

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 19, 2015

Nice.

It looks like I owe @BigfootSilva an apology. You took a legit tough fight with a legit opponent. I got bad info. Im sorry.

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 19, 2015

That damn media at it again.

Some of you media writers are just not good at your jobs and are just as bad for the sport as PEDs in my opinion https://t.co/pzKcBkoMhq

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 19, 2015

He shouldn’t have said what he said but to take everything he says and say ‘oh well he has a history’ is ridiculous https://t.co/igOiOZPI8o

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 19, 2015

Same here.

Wednesday is New Suit Day at the Mac Mansion. https://t.co/tWANcBZLWb pic.twitter.com/B7aqShJ9DH

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 20, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 19 2015)

Evan Dunham vs. Joe Lauzon at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale

Ryan LaFlare vs. Mike Pierce at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale

Michael Bisping vs. Robert Whittaker at UFC 193

Akbarh Arreola vs. Jake Matthews at UFC 193

Ricardo Abreu vs. Daniel Kelly at UFC 193

Kyle Noke vs. Peter Sobotta at UFC 193

Steve Kennedy vs. Richard Walsh at UFC 193

Anthony Perosh vs. Gian Villante at UFC 193

Jessica Andrade vs. Raquel Pennington at UFC 191

Roan Carneiro out, Uriah Hall vs. Gegard Mousasi at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via ynassar.

Previewing Lions FC VI

The 6th edition of Lions FC has been announced for September 12th in Neuchatel (Switzerland). Headlined by a middleweight bout between Cheick Kone and Lahat Faye, the card features another 11 bouts in what promises to be a stellar event showcasing some of Europe’s most promising fighters.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Serving a year-long suspension for testing positive for anabolic steroids following a decision win over Josh Burkman at UFC 182, Hector Lombard is making up for lost time.

Lombard was due to face welterweight contender Rory MacDonald in April at UFC 186, but the bout was scrapped with news of the failed test. MacDonald went on to challenge welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 189 in July while Lombard sat in timeout.

Now, Lombard is hoping to be rebooked against MacDonald in January when his suspension is up.

“I know he’s been calling me out,” Lombard told FOX Sports. “We need to finish business. He’s been calling me out, talking a lot of s**t. I have to finish business with this guy. He keeps mentioning my name everywhere.

“The other day he had an interview with Ariel Helwani. He’s expecting me to be out of shape on my way back. That’s not going to happen. He’s expecting to have an easy road. He’s expecting a guy that’s getting a bit older, a year off. Get an easy win. Guess what, Rory? I’m going to mess you up.”

MacDonald didn’t exactly call Lombard out, at least not on The MMA Hour. He just rattled off a few names of ranked opponents he hasn’t faced.

“There’s so many good guys,” MacDonald told Helwani. “Hector Lombard, Thiago Alves. Who else is in the top 10 that I haven’t fought.”

“Rory, I’m going to mess you up so bad man,” Lombard continued. “You’ve got no clue what’s coming. I’m going to mess you up your momma [won’t recognize you.] Tag Rory on the tweet after this. Expecting to have an easy road back? I’m going to give him hell. This is a message to him: Rory, I’m going to mess you up.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘That might rub Dana the wrong way.’ Brock Lesnar says WWE boss Vince McMahon is a better promoter than Dana White at the same business model.

‘It’s going to be fun beating him up.’ Chris Weidman says ‘Insecure’ Luke Rockhold doesn’t really believe he can beat him.

‘As fast as possible, so no one suffers.’ Jose Aldo hopes for a quick win over Conor McGregor at UFC 194.

Doing it again. A rematch between Antonio Silva vs. Mark Hunt has been targeted for UFC 193.

New home. Tamdan McCrory leaves Bellator and re-signs with the UFC. ‘I wanted to be back in the sport of MMA, not the MMA entertainment business.’

MEDIA STEW

The guys at Collider debate Ronda Rousey’s chances of playing Captain Marvel.

Brock responding to Dana on ESPN.

Georges St-Pierre staying busy.

Tim Kennedy talks Reebok.

UFC fighters talk favorite junk food.

Discussing weight cutting while eating cheeseburgers in front of fighters cutting weight.

Long watches.

Joe Rogan Experience #685 – Jeff Novitzky, the VP of athlete health and performance for the UFC

…

…

TWEETS

In case you forgot.

Fiiiiiiight weeeek!! Holloway vs Oliveira is a great fight! This SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY (not Saturday) on @FOXSports1! pic.twitter.com/5LbofqqJhr

— Dana White (@danawhite) August 18, 2015

Anthony Johnson had himself a day at the gym.

This feels like a powder keg waiting to explode. Does #UFC want to be there when it does? pic.twitter.com/TOP3qaJ3d2

— Jonathan Snowden (@JESnowden) August 19, 2015

@IanBainMMA I do my best but when ppl do dumb shit it annoys me. I only told the short version. I skip the part when she was talking shit

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) August 19, 2015

Threatening women when you have a domestic violence past is generally frowned upon https://t.co/Uc9sXwGhjt

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 19, 2015

Congrats.

Glad to see the @AmericanTopTeam brother back in the game https://t.co/KjFZsYdMYZ

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 18, 2015

ITS OOOOOOON, happy to be here. Look forward to handling some biz… https://t.co/ffF5fA1c18

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 18, 2015

Beef.

I love Weidman’s mindset, saying that I know, these guys know…The only thing I know is he’s in for a rude awakening come Dec 12th.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) August 18, 2015

Interested?

@LiLHeathenMMA @danawhite @ufc lets go i’m in

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) August 18, 2015

Bones sighting?

Got it done! All kinds of good vibes in the @JacksonWinkMMA @Cowboycerrone & the ranchers #gohard even the champ was in tonight

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) August 19, 2015

Nope.

Not happy with @RealSportsHBO @HBO using footage of me on their segment of mma and domestic violence.

— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) August 19, 2015

Baby guns.

they think cause my dad #Swole he on #PEDs lol dont they know #Woodleys come #Diesel #BabyGirl #Genetics #Princess pic.twitter.com/xx2qH2pXmN

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 18, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 18 2015)

Yan Cabral vs. Johnny Case at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Matheus Nicolau Pereira vs. Bruno Rodrigues at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Erik Perez vs. Damian Stasiak at UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Gastelum

Patrick Cummins vs. Glover Teixeira at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Tom Lawlor vs. Fabio Maldonado at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Viscardi Andrade vs. Gasan Umalatov at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Frankie Edgar isn’t waiting around.

The former UFC lightweight champion missed out on stepping in to face Conor McGregor at UFC 189, but he’s not letting another opportunity slip by.

Featherweight champion Jose Aldo will face interim champ Conor McGregor Dec. 12 at UFC 194 and Edgar intends to be in fighting shape.

“I’m hoping to fight around that time, anyway,” Edgar told Severe MMA’s Andrew McGahon in Bahrain. “Then I don’t have to worry about it. I’ll be in camp anyway if something comes up. I really do think [Aldo and McGregor] are going to fight this time around, but you never know. I was ready to jump in on 15 days notice. No matter what I’ll be ready to go again.”

McGregor scored a second round TKO finish over fellow contender Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in July after Aldo was forced to withdraw due to an injured rib. With Edgar and Mendes sitting at No. 2 and No. 3 in the division’s rankings, the pair seem like a natural booking.

“I think I should be the guy, no matter what,” said Edgar. “I do want to fight again. I don’t want to wait until [Aldo and McGregor] fight and then how many months after that. I’ve got to take care of business but I believe I am the No. 1 contender.”

Edgar hasn’t lost a fight since his 2013 featherweight debut. The former champ challenged Aldo at UFC 156 in the ‘Fight of the Night,’ but came up short on the scorecards.

Since then Edgar has scored wins over Charles Oliveira, B.J. Penn, Cub Swanson and Urijah Faber.

“I feel like I’m competitive [at 145 pounds] and I feel like I’m right there,” said Edgar. “I’m one fight away. I think I could probably not fight and still get the title shot. I think I’ve earned that. Why would I knock on the door and not wait for someone to answer and leave? I don’t think I’ll ever rule out 135 in the future. Who knows? Right now, 145 is my goal.”

As for picking a winner between Aldo and McGregor, Edgar is sticking to his guns.

“When I was asked this before the first fight was supposed to happen I said there were some unknowns about McGregor,” said Edgar. “I went with Aldo. I thought Aldo would win and I’m still going to give him the nod but I think it’s going to be more competitive than I expected.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘I want to fight the best possible people.’ Chris Weidman says he ‘knows for a fact’ he’s not retiring from MMA without fighting Jon Jones. ‘I want to have the biggest challenges in front of me and conquer them.’

Speculate away. Fedor Emlianenko, Kazushi Sakuraba and Frank Shamrock are all headed to Bellator’s upcoming Fan Fest.

‘I’ll have my revenge.’ Bethe Correia fires back at Gene LeBell’s comments and wants a rematch with Ronda Rousey in 2016.

‘Make it happen.’ Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos relents and finally agrees to fight Alistair Overeem.

Stacked. ‘Jacare’ Souza vs. Yoel Romero has been booked again, this time for UFC 194 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Watch The MMA Hour with Chris Weidman, Donald Cerrone, Will Brooks, Roger Huerta, Cathal Pendred and Jeff Novitzky.

MEDIA STEW

Free Fight: Andrei Arlovski vs Travis Browne.

Inside MMA’s highlights from around the world.

New promo for TUF.

Anthony Pettis giving back.

Max Holloway wants that McGregor rematch.

What are you doing, Mir?

Long watches.

Matt Brown fan Q&A (asked about Gastelum, Reebok, IV ban, Fighter’s Union)

…

TWEETS

Beef.

Still waiting on the JDS confirmation! Come on @junior_cigano time to get rolling! I can’t believe you are afraid.. So what R u waiting for

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 17, 2015

@Alistairovereem Afraid??? Are you kidding me? @lorenzofertitta @danawhite #JoeSilva #USADA Make it happen #NoMoreTalking

— Junior Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) August 17, 2015

lets do this https://t.co/wLdstGWUen

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) August 17, 2015

@FrankieEdgar what’s up G U down for Dec. 12 @danawhite @ufc ? Let’s do this!!

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) August 18, 2015

Pennington looks like she needs a dance partner. Good thing I’m a great dancer! Set it up #ufc191

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 17, 2015

Oh no silly goose, @BigfootSilva dick tucked and took a fight vs someone else. I’ll see him in Korea I bet https://t.co/FMmjKS16Tg

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 17, 2015

@mmamania @ryanbader damn Bader talking like he about to do work.. my tweeples how should I respond? “I’m old and out of shape”.. lol

— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) August 18, 2015

Congrats.

Just 3 days left to get your #DontBeADNB shirt at http://t.co/YCZuFVhRD7 ! Over 36000 of representing already!! pic.twitter.com/xPnTgyaWFz

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 17, 2015

Booked.

Wow! We are doing a great job punishing these cheaters! They already gave him a year suspension and… https://t.co/AYUZ7avHzr

— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) August 18, 2015

Oh no.

. @FrankieEdgar – Change your number?

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 18, 2015

Also works for math tests.

@rondarousey, did you see this #Repost @ufcfighteredits with @repostapp. ・・・ The only 4 … http://t.co/k7MXaAFTlg pic.twitter.com/MABHTIpcQx

— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) August 17, 2015

Breakup track.

taylorswift https://t.co/5HArMvOj8o

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) August 17, 2015

Looks dangerous.

This is how we say “happy birthday” at @tristargym ! Bonne fête @AdrianaVukovich ! pic.twitter.com/7azbJMMLzC

— Olivier Aubin (@MMAOAM) August 17, 2015

Never change.

So, you all like smiles? https://t.co/NEd5ufC2yF pic.twitter.com/VNn8Zwx2Hk

— Gunnar Nelson (@GunniNelson) August 18, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 17 2015)

Ronaldo Souza vs. Yoel Romero at UFC 194

Ali Bagautinov vs. Joseph Benavidez at UFC 192

Angela Hill vs. Rose Namajunas at UFC 192

Henry Cejudo vs. Jussier Formiga at UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Gastelum

Mike Bronzoulis vs. Josh Thomson at Bellator 142: Dynamite

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Emmery Myers.

Fedor UFC announcement imminent? Coker withdraws from sweepstakes, Bigfoot hinting at “exciting news”

Two significant new developments have arisen regarding the Fedor Emelianenko sweepstakes ;

First, buried behind the story that Fedor would be joining Kazushi Sakuraba and Frank Shamrock at a Bellator fan event, was the revelation that Bellator is not currently in negotiations with Emelianenko and that his “price tag doesn’t make sense as a pure television product”. For more coverage of why Bellator and Fedor do not make sense financially, click here.

The second tidbit comes from the only currently unsigned opponent which makes sense for Fedor.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Regardless of the circumstances of his “release,” Josh Thomson sounds happy to be a part of Bellator MMA.

The 36 year-old veteran signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion last week following an 0-3 slide in the UFC’s lightweight division, having only won his 2013 debut in a ‘Knockout of the Night’ performance over Nate Diaz.

UFC president Dana White claimed the UFC effectively released Thompson by opting not to re-sign him, but the lightweight says the promotion tried a few times during his skid.

“I was offered a contract extension [two fights ago],” Thomson told ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto. “They wanted to re-up me then, and I declined. I wasn’t very happy with the numbers. After my next fight [a split decision loss to Bobby Green in July 2014], they came back and offered another contract and even upped the pay a little.

“I still declined. I was willing to go ahead and fight out my contract. I don’t have a problem with the UFC. They run their business. I treated this like a business negotiation.”

According to Thomson, the UFC’s exclusive uniform deal with outfitter Reebok also played a role in his decision to join Bellator.

Thomson most recently dropped a unanimous decision to Tony Ferguson in July, earning $5,000 sitting in the second tier of Reebok’s sponsorship program. Thomson says he was earning between $60,000 and $80,000 in sponsorship prior to the program’s rollout last month.

“My understanding is that we have to wear Reebok with the UFC,” Thomson said. “There’s no other option. Well, you get paid to wear Reebok but you only get paid in their program, whatever their pay scale is. I took my negotiations over to Bellator, where there is no sponsorship tax, so my sponsors can sponsor me directly.

“So, if I have a company that is sponsoring me for $20,000 per fight, my sponsors aren’t getting taxed by Bellator, which is more money in my pocket. You can’t say that the UFC can match that. They just can’t.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

MMA Beat. The panel discusses Anderson Silva’s punishment, the heavyweight title picture, McGregor vs. Aldo and much more.

Grudge match. Tyron Woodley promises to beat Johny Hendricks ‘like he’s never been beat before.’

‘Inconsistent value judgment.’ Dave Meltzer talks Werdum vs. Velasquez 2 and getting UFC title shots coming off losses.

Cupcake. Miesha Tate wants a title shot, but if there’s another contender then she’ll ‘take her out too.’

‘I think she could beat Ronda now.’ American Top Team coach Mike Brown says Amanda Nunes‘ striking is ‘light years ahead’ of Ronda Rousey’s.

MEDIA STEW

Free Fight: Daniel Cormier vs. Antonio Silva.

Donald Cerrone briefly given access to a Jaw of Life.

Anthony Pettis aiming for 2015 return and would step in if Rafael dos Anjos or Cerrone gets injured.

Great interview with Renzo Gracie on BJJ, MMA and life.

Ben Askren crushing watermelons.

Don Alejandro is back.

Long watches.

Submission Radio #62 Demetrious Johnson, Johny Hendricks, Ryan Bader

TWEETS

Good rant.

#nickdiaz Best pic anyone’s ever shot of me never got photo shoots or the UFC trying to make me look… https://t.co/fpBGaFIbfn

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) August 17, 2015

Not happy.

I was extremely criticized and judged by lack of respect due to a bad interpretation of the current… https://t.co/DU8WhaCe8D

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 17, 2015

Beef.

This is the last time I will talk about @RondaRousey vs @CrisCyborg Cris will make the weight so @DanaWhite make the fight happen! #4TheFans

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) August 14, 2015

Be Careful with your words Josh, I can give you the worst time of your life in side the cage. https://t.co/IOm4gr0CUC

— rafael natal (@rafaelsaponatal) August 15, 2015

Sounds great but I can’t confirm now, it’s not about me but I let you know asap. https://t.co/MphdNZ6iqQ

— rafael natal (@rafaelsaponatal) August 15, 2015

You guys should talk less and fight more, out side the cage is easy to talk that’s what you guys are doing @UriahHallMMA @JoshSamman

— rafael natal (@rafaelsaponatal) August 17, 2015

So ill start twitter beefs & start calling out people for no damn reason.That’s the new era. Be nothing, do nothing…jus say somethin

— Bubba Jenkins (@2sinsurrJenkins) August 17, 2015

Get well soon.

With my rehab doctors in Bahrain https://t.co/X3MfJP0D4U pic.twitter.com/kKGwD5WKS8

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 16, 2015

EBI 4.

I’d love to compete at EBI @eddiebravo @joerogan https://t.co/yTsee5oAfs

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 16, 2015

Eddie Cummings looked fantastic tonight. Only criticism of EBI is not so friendly time for their EST fans #EBI4 #SubOnly @eddiebravo

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) August 16, 2015

Super pumped and proud of you bud @JoeSoto135 #EBI4

— Cody Gibson (@TheRenegade559) August 16, 2015

#packed #house at #ebi4 #bjj #jiujitsu #nogi #subonly #submission #subs #kills ebiofficial https://t.co/Gs16bQFTEk

— Walel Watson (@WaleltheGazelle) August 16, 2015

#EBI4 watching these bad ass women put in work on the mat! Hoping one day to add this tournament to my resume!

— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) August 16, 2015

Please be careful.

Just got a Harley for my birthday!! Thanks so much @TheNotoriousMMA @danawhite @ufc and @harleydavidson pic.twitter.com/VaDajZDnHE

— Gunnar Nelson (@GunniNelson) August 15, 2015

pic.twitter.com/nW4FWiMxR4

— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) August 16, 2015

Let them know.

Cruising #phuket with @markhunt1974… https://t.co/BGecH9FmXu

— AKA Thailand (@AKAThailand) August 16, 2015

@markhunt1974 real men ride @Vespa_Official pic.twitter.com/bgXWEhm5OE

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) August 16, 2015

Never too late.

Training with my dude @shaq https://t.co/M7ozYX33Ak

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 15, 2015

Training with my dude @shaq at @6levels gym @dethrone

A video posted by natediaz209 (@natediaz209) on Aug 14, 2015 at 10:16pm PDT

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Aug. 14-16 2015)

NA

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Emmery Myers.

Fedor will sign with the UFC, nothing else has ever been an option.

In mid July the mixed martial arts world, still smoldering from the now legendary UFC 189, was set ablaze once again with the news that “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko, the stone-faced killer of yore, was negotiating with multiple promotions in anticipation of his return. Almost immediately fan speculation shifted to Bellator.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.