Author: David St. Martin

Cathal Pendred had a busy week.

The UFC welterweight took a break from his Twitter beef with CM Punk, WWE fanboys and other trolls Thursday to write a sports column about it.

According to Pendred, the Irishman wasn’t trying to call Punk out with the tweet that started it all, just make fun of himself.

“I was half slagging myself off when I Tweeted a pic of him hitting the pads and commented that he makes me look like Ali,” Pendred wrote for the Irish Mirror. “Fact is, people haven’t been too impressed with that part of my game either, so it was a little dig at me as well.”

Calling Punk ‘the laughing stock of the UFC,’ Pedred has to give the convert some credit for landing with a strong camp, Milwaukee’s Roufusport.

“In fairness he’s trained at a really good gym for the last year but no one makes their MMA debut in the UFC,” said Pendred. “You slowly build yourself up, work your way through the ranks. It’s a weird situation but I can understand from a business perspective why the UFC are going with it.

“He’s a very famous WWE figure in the States and has already brought a lot of attention to the business. I’ve no major objection to him, even if a stuntman entering this highly-skilled sport is the equivalent of me wanting to become a pro footballer and joining Man United.”

Pendred says he received an outpouring of support from fans hoping to see him tangle with Punk in the pro wrestler’s Octagon debut.

“While WWE fans said they wanted the same thing, it’s a bit delusional on their part,” said Pendred. “They somehow think it would be a competitive fight! A hell of a lot of UFC fighters have been calling him out, trying to organize a fight with him because there’s a lot of bucks in it given he’s such high a profile draw. He’s ignored them all, so the fact he got onto me makes me think he might fancy himself against me, which is quite funny in truth.

“I’d love it. It would be a bit of fun. He’ll probably be humiliated on his debut but the UFC will continue to use him to attract more supporters. I have my own fight in October to prepare for but if something comes of this fight down the line, I’ll jump at it.”

As of now, Pendred is set to face Tom Breese Oct. 24 at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Closure. Former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has been suspended one year for his failed UFC 183 drug tests.

Comedy of errors. Five things we learned from Anderson Silva’s bizarre Nevada Athletic Commission hearing.

‘They lose too much money.’ Joe Rogan talks Reebok sponsor pay. ‘I’m on the fighters’ side when it comes to that.’

McGregor show. Chris Weidman defends his middleweight title against Luke Rockhold in the UFC 194 co-main event.

‘My disenchantment has come from the business side of it.’ Tim Kennedy isn’t happy with the current state of MMA.‘The reffing, the sponsorship. Where the sport is now is horrible and tragic and pathetic.’

MEDIA STEW

Donald Cerrone messing with John Dodson.

Silva blaming Thai sex supplements for positive PED test.

Lorenzo Fertitta says fighting is easy compared to (American) football, as roughness goes.

Behind the scenes at GLORY 23.

Rogan on Reebok.

Nice quick interview with Ray Longo.

(HT MMAMania)

Long watches.

Dariush-Johnson and The Counter Fighters (Styles Make Fights)

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Talking Brawls – Rich Franklin talks Asian MMA, creating local heroes, Conor McGregor, CM Punk, Global rules & more

…

Phuket Dreaming Season 2 – Episode 1 – “Thai Style” (Fair warning about a lengthy cock fighting scene, but no gore)

…

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to Anderson Silva’s NAC suspension.

Booked.

This is gonna be a lot of fun! Can’t wait !! #UFC194 https://t.co/oJ71h8FCeX

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 14, 2015

@chrisweidmanufc time has come. Las Vegas, MGM Grand, December 12. https://t.co/6nxEc6Ox1v

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) August 14, 2015

#ANDSTILL

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) August 14, 2015

More Anderson reactions.

People forgive people who are honest about their mistakes. Everyone is a screw up at the end of the day. It’s relatable. Truth sets u free.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 13, 2015

Who has the Soundtrack from todays Anderson hearing? How weird was that? Where was is coming from?

— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) August 13, 2015

I don’t know but it just seems like 12 months ain’t enough

— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) August 13, 2015

The #NSAC only prosecutes fighters but no one holds them accountable for their crooked judges. But they profit off fighters #beurocacy

— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) August 13, 2015

I don’t know which genius came up with the viagra thing for Anderson Silva to talk about. Got punished, and revealed his Sex Enhancing Drug!

— Siyar Bahadurzada (@Siyarized) August 13, 2015

Is Anderson sponsored by Viagra? That’s the only reason I could see using that as a defense??

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) August 14, 2015

I’m done after this. pic.twitter.com/cQZccogjZr

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 13, 2015

Oh no.

#oneMoreTime

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 13, 2015

Get well soon.

Had successful ankle surgery this Am So did my brother’s knee @Freddy_Assuncao simultaneously Here’s my new ankle ! pic.twitter.com/p5ssNMagQ4

— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) August 13, 2015

My knee is starting to turn the corner. I’m hoping to fight December or Jan https://t.co/QmTwao9IDA

— heatherjoclark (@heatherjoclark) August 13, 2015

Congrats.

Not bad for my first 142.6 race #vinemanironman #ironman @colemilleratt don’t kill yourself trying to… https://t.co/4sSeKUXvHJ

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) August 14, 2015

Beef.

Hey #12 @wilsonreis7 this is #13, I want your spot. @seanshelby @danawhite @ufc let’s make it happen!!

— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) August 14, 2015

Some interesting credentials.

Flying out ✈️ at 6am I’d normally have my “I hate the world” face on at that time☕️ but I’m WAY… https://t.co/glv0NUQ3YY

— Ashlee Evans-Smith (@AshleeMMA1) August 13, 2015

Flying out ✈️ at 6am I’d normally have my “I hate the world” face on at that time☕️ but I’m WAY too excited & happy to visit “The Lone Star State” & everyone attending the seminar this weekend! #RingLifeClothing #MMA #WMMA #RickGuerra

A photo posted by Ashlee Evans-Smith (@ashleemma) on Aug 13, 2015 at 2:38pm PDT

This Week in Struggle.

When that one song (trap queen) comes on the radio and makes you think of that one girl (a stripper)

— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) August 10, 2015

I gotta whoop this dudes ass on OCT 17th at WSOF 24 so I can afford to stain my hardwood floors

— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) August 11, 2015

Hey @ufc 3 straight 1st round wins about to make it 4 next month I’m ready to come back home @seanshelby @danawhite https://t.co/tCqB0e1s0R

— Steven Siler (@Stevesiler) August 14, 2015

To this whole dnb craze I don’t care if you do something or do nothing just don’t be a bitch let’s be… https://t.co/7hyC760zHw

— Rose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) August 12, 2015

Im starving for some fajitas y rice , but im trying to stay lean n shit… The struggle

— HECTOR URBINA (@WHATDAHECT) August 13, 2015

There goes my drivers license… #FML pic.twitter.com/JOmoBcJeKp

— Siyar Bahadurzada (@Siyarized) August 12, 2015

HOW ARE YOU “UNABLE TO LOCATE A PRINTER”?? IT IS SITTING RIGHT NEXT TO YOU AND PLUGGED INTO YOU!!! IT IS THE EXACT SAME PRINTER AS ALWAYS!!!

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 11, 2015

Right 8 weeks till fight, time to get my run on. This is going to suck as I can’t remember the last I went running! pic.twitter.com/nBoYkKMTam

— John Maguire (@MaguireTheOne) August 10, 2015

If a woman says, “Just tell me the truth I won’t be mad.” Don’t say sh^t cuzz she’s already mad.

— Danny Castillo (@lastcall155) August 13, 2015

Just sitting here waiting for @Cowboycerrone to invite me out golfing pic.twitter.com/97LBH9YofJ

— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) August 13, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 13 2015)

Rafael dos Anjos vs. Donald Cerrone at UFC on FOX 17

Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold at UFC 194

Henry Corrales vs. Emmanuel Sanchez at Bellator 143

Nicolas Dalby vs. Darren Till at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

Andre Fili out, Clay Collard vs. Tiago Trator at UFC 191

Patricio Freire vs. Daniel Straus at Bellator 145

Will Brooks vs. Marcin Held at Bellator 145

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.

Miesha Tate and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey don’t get along, but they can agree on one thing.

During a fan Q&A with The Seattle Times Wednesday, top contender Tate was asked about Rousey’s most recent comments about Floyd Mayweather where she reaffirmed her belief she could beat boxing’s biggest star in ‘a no-rules fight.’

“I agree with her,” said Tate. “Floyd is a great great boxer, but boxers meet in the center and agree to box, when you take that away and someone rushes in and the ref doesn’t break up the clinch for you and you don’t know how to wrestle or stop a throw, I’m sorry he’s going down and from there she would armbar the hell out of him.”

Tate knows all about that. Tate suffered a badly dislocated elbow during their first bout for the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight title in 2012. Tate was submitted by the champ again a year later at UFC 168, but now believes she’s gained a real insight into Rousey’s game.

Tate has also been training at Tri-City Judo back home in Washington state.

Got some good work in today with borisch34! Love that I can improve upon my passion everyday!!… https://t.co/5knUo2hp3A

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) August 9, 2015

Got some good work in today with @borisch34! Love that I can improve upon my passion everyday!! #NeverStopWorkingHard #Train #practice #getbetter #learn #moveforward #goals #dreams #accomplishments #fitness #motivation #hardwork

A photo posted by Miesha Tate (@mieshatate) on Aug 9, 2015 at 3:22pm PDT

“Now I know more of her tendencies and go to moves,” said Tate. “Before that second fight with her I was much less aware of what to expect because her fights were so short largely due to her unique fighting style.”

Tate is due to face Rousey a third time later this year, but says her management is still waiting to hear from the UFC about a date.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Confirmed. Fabricio Werdum will defend his UFC heavyweight title against Cain Velasquez in an immediate rematch, but date and venue are yet to be determined.

Get paid. Ronda Rousey has been named the eighth-highest paid female athlete in the world by Forbes Magazine.

The Maz. Nevada Athletic Commission plans to ‘move forward’ with controversial MMA referee Steve Mazagatti.

‘The guy is my size, if not bigger.’ Diego Sanchez says Conor McGregor helped influence his decision to drop down to 145 pounds.

September. After multiple delays, Nick Diaz finally has a targeted date for his disciplinary hearing with the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC).

MEDIA STEW

Fighter vs. Writer vs. Fighter.

ESPN doesn’t know that MMA is regulated.

‘Big’ John McCarthy weighs in on Johnson/Dariush controversy and gives a lesson on scoring.

Tyron Woodley getting swole with CT Fletcher.

Tito Ortiz still talking about Ronda.

AXS Fight of the Week: Matt Bessette vs. Khama Worthy.

Long watches.

You’re Welcome with Chael Sonnen – Forrest Griffin and Eddie Bravo

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If I Did It: Can Cris Cyborg get that Ronda Rousey match? Hulk Hogan’s deep hole – [Kid Nate and Eugene S. Robinson of http://BloodyElbow.com welcome a special guest Alexei Auld to launch a whole new show that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before….unless you’ve seen our other shows.]

…

TWEETS

Have some news?

It’s almost that time!!! AND NEW. https://t.co/2wF2ulPnVR

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) August 13, 2015

Clean.

Pega esse diretão na boca!!Don’t be scarred homie, you lies to the media will only save you so long” @RondaRousey http://t.co/Va1mMM6xlN

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 12, 2015

Beef.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” Via @Pendred ….well, sort of #swing&amiss https://t.co/3Ra92OCNYi pic.twitter.com/8SzDHmT9Py

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 12, 2015

.@TWooodley @CMPunk Shut up Tyron! How is he your “friend”? Who’s the groupie now!!? pic.twitter.com/XkZE2qlHAs

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 12, 2015

@Pendred @CMPunk ask to fight someone who gets you a title shot. Cowardly to try and compete against him making a debut. Pretty qweefish !

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 12, 2015

@TWooodley @CMPunk Einstein! I didn’t ask to fight him. Pay attention or stay out of it!

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 12, 2015

@Pendred @CMPunk shhhh

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 12, 2015

Nice comeback! You’re obviously being taught by your “friend” Chick Magnet. https://t.co/y4qewEXC4w

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 12, 2015

@AngieOverkill @TWooodley @Pendred @CMPunk what’s a qweefish? (God I’m old)

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 13, 2015

@julesk_fighter @AngieOverkill @Pendred @CMPunk qweef like lol

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 13, 2015

Not happy.

Good thing about having my fight and paycheck moved for a 4th time I got more time to eat brownies for breakfast.

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 12, 2015

Who am I fighting you ask? Oh I’m fighting @MarcinHeld 7 months from my last fight.

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 12, 2015

Yeah my bank account does too https://t.co/8mOrkoVC0p

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 12, 2015

Idk if my fight and paycheck will get moved for 5th time so I’m just going to roll the dice and keep eating good. pic.twitter.com/KDeNHLIG9I

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 12, 2015

Good to hear.

(Warning – pics are awful)

Lots of bad staph news. I had staph about 5 weeks before my last fight and spent a week in bed.I’ll post some pics! pic.twitter.com/VXPLCic6WI

— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) August 13, 2015

Soft.

With all these injuries plaguing the 35 division. The people must turn to one man for hope–the FUNK MASTER! @UFC B^)

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) August 12, 2015

Assuncao-surgery tmw, Cruz-couple months to heal & get in fight shape, McDonald-hands hurts, Faber-w/Spielburg, BC super-soft @UFC #Top5?

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) August 12, 2015

Balling.

Me and @FrankieEdgar heading to Bahrain for some Jiujitsu 😉 pic.twitter.com/FMadhi0gvo

— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) August 12, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 12 2015)

Liz Carmouche vs. Raquel Pennington at UFC 191

Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

Sean O’Connell out, Misha Cirkunov vs. Daniel Jolly at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira

Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 144

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 day grows near, fight fans.

The day professional wrestler turned cage fighter CM Punk makes his long-awaited UFC debut. We know Punk will be there, but the real question has always been about the dance partner.

Well, the MMA gods have a sense of humor because it looks like Punk has zeroed in on a target. Punk’s already been called out by fighters in every weight class, but one man emerged from the pack early on.

Every UFC middleweight will be calling out CM Punk now. Damn! I’ll call him out!! #MassiveOpportunity

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) December 7, 2014

Pendred has since moved down to 170 pounds, Punk’s projected future home. Taking a page out of SBG teammate Conor McGregor’s book, Pendred went to work again Tuesday. Away we go.

CM Punk on the pads making me look like Muhammad Ali pic.twitter.com/o6HQ1PNkJA

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

Ali wasn’t a boring twat. Sweet emojis. Focus more on you, maybe you’ll win a fight without a gift from the judges. https://t.co/kP7QgPHK0n

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

@CMPunk I’ve actually won 17 professional fights, how many have you won?

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

Zero, but I know You’re supposed to put the guy you’re fighting to sleep. Not the audience. Fuck off. https://t.co/J7siN1rjGh

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

I’ve been called out by everybody.I’m an easy target.YOU, are a coward and a pussy.Shouldn’t you call out somebody in the top ten? @Pendred

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

Just watch @Pendred fight. Better than melatonin. Zzzzzzzzz https://t.co/f2TYaF4aBn

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

@CMPunk @RyanLoco Or listen to CM Punk interviews, where he talks about his upcoming UFC debut. (About a years worth)

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

I didn’t call you out there you moron. I was just pointing out how shit you looked. https://t.co/8wC7m24fr3

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

They got mirrors in Ireland? What sort of glass is your house made out of? https://t.co/vpo7qcuLuj

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

I’ll tell you what I don’t see in the mirror.. A 40 year old, washed up wrestler who’s used his fame to get into UFC https://t.co/zISezKTVyr

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

Fuck you’re boring. https://t.co/5VOII36LMO

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

.@CMPunk Apologies to all the wrestlers out there. I meant to say “washed up actor”.

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

Everybody watch out for the “Ali like” movement. http://t.co/c8tNPq9lY3

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

.@CMPunk Stalling with your comeback. Call the guy who writes your lines.

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

.@Pendred Make fun of my age, my skill, where I come from, but realize I’ve made more money on my per diems alone than you have in the @ufc

— Coach (@CMPunk) August 11, 2015

.@CMPunk All the money in the world won’t change the fact that you’re a sad little prick that’s PRETENDING to be a fighter.

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 11, 2015

Punk apparently likes to remind people how much money he’s made as an entertainer, so maybe he can help Pendred elevate his profile by fighting him.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Red King. Rory MacDonald calls epic Robbie Lawler fight ‘the greatest moment of my life.’ ‘It shows me what it’s going to take to be a champion.’

A little help. Part of Anderson Silva’s defense in a steroid case with the Nevada Athletic Commission will be that his use of ‘sexual performance’ medication tainted his drug test result.

Odds. Conor McGregor opens as an almost 2-to-1 betting favorite over UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

‘I unfortunately don’t get into ‘matches.’ I fight for a living.’ Ronda Rousey says she believes she can beat anyone in a ‘ruleless fight,’ including Money Mayweather.

So long. UFC declines to re-sign Josh Thomson, who is expected to sign with Bellator MMA.

MEDIA STEW

Mike Swick had a motorcycle accident before his fight at UFC 189.

Max Holloway talks Charles Oliveira, Conor McGregor and more.

Ronda as Captain Marvel?

Eddie Bravo Invitational countdown show.

Jessica Aguilar’s BHTS vlog from UFC 190.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

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…

TWEETS

It happens.

I had to slap this guy

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) August 12, 2015

Reaction to the Beef.

Don’t forget to add… Who has made 50x what you will ever make. @CMPunk https://t.co/xmnDq2Aap7

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 11, 2015

Everyone in @CMPunk gym understands he is very wealthy from being an entertainer. We can learn something from him https://t.co/fppbA8gMAB

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 11, 2015

@Pendred you got a point. (No disrespect to @CMPunk ) You’re tweets are really funny too.

— Rick (@Rick_Story) August 12, 2015

@Pendred @CMPunk you are a McGregor Groupie and Goon. Shhhh!

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 12, 2015

.@CMPunk I haven’t called you out. But If you call me out to fight you on Dec 12th at @ufc 194, I won’t dare to say no. 🙂

— Siyar Bahadurzada (@Siyarized) August 11, 2015

@PendredMMA is whooping cm punk in the trash talking stakes. Punk best call the guy who writes his lines

— chris fields (@chrisfieldsmma) August 11, 2015

My money is on @CMPunk if he gets the fight with Cathal Pendred

— Anthony Gutierrez (@Sharkbait816) August 11, 2015

.@CMPunk says Mr Athleticism himself. I’ve seen better bodies turning on a spit, with an apple in its mouth. pic.twitter.com/1uD81RZYyO

— Peter Queally (@peterqueally) August 11, 2015

Reebok’d

So @Reebok pulled @TimKennedyMMA jersey and yet @UFC won’t cut Tim for what he said… Why is that? He just gets… “The call.”

— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) August 11, 2015

Get well soon.

went for a follow up x ray on my nose today…. the black lines arent supposed to be there https://t.co/GVzt3mhme1

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) August 11, 2015

Gutted I had to pull out of the fight but this injury now requires surgery. My apologies to my family, my fans, @ufc and @ErickSilvaMMA

— Rick (@Rick_Story) August 11, 2015

@Rick_Story @ufc good luck in recuperation Broo, we know how to train hard … come back soon … oss

— Erick Silva (@ErickSilvaMMA) August 11, 2015

High praise.

If you think “MMA GUYS” don’t possess the skill to submit Grapplers at the highest level you are dead… https://t.co/tIyLceQq1a

— Garry Tonon (@Garry_Tonon) August 11, 2015

It was great having the opportunity to roll with these guys today @renzograciebjj academy. Make sure… https://t.co/4HPcMZTLU3

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 12, 2015

Fire has been lit

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 11, 2015

Congrats.

“@ScottCoker: Welcome back @THEREALPUNK #Reunited https://t.co/lqa9E3KP5A” You’ve always done what you say you’ll do. Trust is key. Thank u

— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) August 12, 2015

0 × 0 = 0 which equals the amount of fucks I give about what Bellator is doing or who they are signing. #nofucksgivin

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 11, 2015

Just signed a new 4 fight deal with the UFC. 3rd contract, here’s to many more 🙂

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 12, 2015

Gross.

Hey @lyotomachidafw I’m working on my technique. How would you say I’m doing? Piss poor or shooting near excellence. pic.twitter.com/XMpLS8WzPu

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 12, 2015

Vador? You’re dead to me.

I always feel like Darth Vador coming out of the chamber haha healing up. @uscryotherapy pic.twitter.com/7ARdG4c6cI

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) August 11, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 11 2015)

Rick Story out, Neil Magny vs. Erick Silva

L.C. Davis vs. Joe Warren at Bellator 143

Joey Beltran vs. Kendall Grove at Bellator 143

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Alex C.

Fantasy Matchmaking: Who should Fedor fight if the UFC signs him?

There are a lot of things happening in the world of mixed martial arts. Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor have a date for their featherweight title unification bout (Dec. 12), Ronda Rousey and Cris “Cyborg” Justino are bickering in the media about weight once again and the talks of a mega-show in Dallas have fallen through.

But one of the largest stories that is simmering just below the first layer of news is the seemingly imminent return of one Fedor Emelianenko. The Russian heavyweight who ruled the world with an iron fist during his run with Pride Fighting Championships recently let it be known that he has resumed training in hopes of making a comeback.

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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.

Business is good for Conor McGregor, but it could be better.

The UFC interim featherweight champion might be making $3.5 million bets with Dana White but he’s leaving money on the table.

The real cash, according to McGregor, would be fighting Floyd Mayweather, boxing’s biggest draw, in a sport that doesn’t exist.

McGregor correctly assumes Floyd won’t be stepping into the Octagon any time soon, but he’s willing to compromise.

“Why would he take me on?” McGregor asked The Guardian. “But if you’re talking about a fight that could generate half a billion – it’s this one. There’s never going to be another boxing fight like this. Only a cross-style match between Mayweather and me could generate that kind of interest and revenue. So maybe it could happen. I would certainly be up for it. I am capitalising on every single opportunity. It’s a strong word, one of my favourite words: capitalise. I’m ready to capitalise on everything.”

McGregor says he’d ‘100%’ be up for boxing Mayweather, but would rather face him ‘in a real fight.’

“In a real fight I would dismantle him in seconds,” said McGregor. Ronda Rousey would dismantle him in seconds – 100%. When you don’t know how to grapple you don’t stand a chance. For us, it’s like playing with a baby. People who don’t understand the sport cannot understand how vulnerable they are. There are always clinches and Ronda is a judo Olympian. She would throw Floyd on his head in a second. Me? I would knock him out. Cold.”

McGregor faces featherweight champion Jose Aldo Dec. 12 at UFC 194 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘The delay is all about money, not her weight.’ Ronda Rousey says Cris Cyborg is ‘waiting to be offered enough money to get her ass kicked.’

‘I don’t see it being a problem at all.’ Cris Cyborg’s nutritionist George Lockhart is confident he can get the Invicta featherweight champ down to 135 pounds by December.

Monday Morning Analyst. Luke Thomas breaks down the techniques from UFC Fight Night: Nashville.

‘Both requests were granted.’ The Brazilian commission sample collector reportedly asked Jose Aldo for an autograph and a picture when he was sent to the gym.

‘Easy money.’ UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos wants fight with ‘chicken’ Conor McGregor at 155 pounds.

Watch The MMA Hour with Rory MacDonald, Tyron Woodley, Diego Sanchez, Tim Kennedy, Mike Brown, Amir Khan, Luke Barnatt, George Lockhart and Dave Meltzer.

MEDIA STEW

Free Fight: John Dodson vs Darrell Montague.

Wanderlei Silva tells Rousey to be quiet until you beat Cyborg.

The best and worst of being an MMA fighter.

Highlights from around the regional scene.

Shift with Bas Rutten.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

Knuckle Up #353: UFC FN, OSP v. Teixeira, Jon Jones on The Long Slide

…

John McCarthy talks Palhares/Shields: ‘You’ve got to put responsibility on the referee’

…

TWEETS

Cyborg.

I’ve been clean for years! Check my drug testing. Change your stance and try a different angle on why you won’t fight me. @RondaRousey

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 11, 2015

Quick question? According to Dana White no negotiations were ever in place! How could I have asked for more money???!!http://t.co/DIqog0co4K

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 11, 2015

Stop being a do nothing bitch! Let’s do this for the FANS now (December 12) not later/ don’t worry it will be your last fight!!@RondaRousey

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 11, 2015

Alright.

I don’t lie.

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) August 11, 2015

AMA.

Im live on reddit!Ask me anything: https://t.co/1j5EOxkgg7 Thanks everyone for getting behind http://t.co/YCZuFVhRD7 pic.twitter.com/f2Bk0Qh1xP

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 10, 2015

Beef.

“@The5thGreatApe: Why the fuck is Frankenstein calling out Conor when he wont sign the contract to fight you?” ???

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) August 10, 2015

Hey @FuryJury I know you been Duckin’ me for a while. I didn’t mean for u to drop a whole weight class. #Elcucuy pic.twitter.com/9iMWV2K0ob

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) August 10, 2015

@TonyFergusonXT Lol I seen you at reign a while back and you wouldnt even look at me. I got my eyes on bigger prizes then you! #NUFFSAID

— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) August 10, 2015

@FuryJury Was too busy sparring while you were hiding behind the rest of ur old crew.145 is better for U. We Don’t need Fish in a Shark Tank

— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) August 11, 2015

Smh @beneildariush taking credit for that win. Careful or the #bogeyman will come back for you!

— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) August 10, 2015

Get well soon.

Back at the doc finally getting this Damn thing cut off for good! https://t.co/vcqDlk2f82

— chad mendes (@chadmendes) August 10, 2015

Anti-beef.

@glovertexeira great job saturday! All respect in the world brother.Don’t listen to the nonsense. We will tangle soon bro. DC #washavingfun

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 10, 2015

Hmmm.

“@DStandridge92: Looks like u probably won’t fight until February. !” I will not wait that long. Need something soon or I’m going to 170

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) August 11, 2015

You win.

Doesn’t get more American than drinking one with a Legend like Don Frye https://t.co/HHNkZFGPeM

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) August 11, 2015

Doesn’t get more American than drinking one with a Legend like Don Frye

A video posted by Cody Garbrandt (@cody_nolove) on Aug 10, 2015 at 8:48pm PDT

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 10 2015)

Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 194

Bubba Bush vs. Garreth McLellan at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via ByronD003.

UFC Fight Night Johnson vs Dariush Controversy solved with Min/Min Scoring System

Ok after last nights controversy and people asking me to score it, I’m bringing back the Minute/Minute scoring system some are familiar with on here to accurately score this fight and see where the controversy lies. For those that are not familiar with my Minute/Minute Scoring system here is a link to my article from MMAFIGHTING.COM explaining how it works.

Now watching the fight live last night, just like 95%, maybe 99% of you, I thought Michael Johnson won the fight and that it was pretty clear he won wining Rounds 1 and 2. But watching the fight 3 more times and scoring the fight with my system, to my surprise, the outcome was very different than my initial one. Here is my score.

…

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.

Fight fans may be calling for Ronda Rousey to face Invicta featherweight champ Cris Cyborg, but UFC commentator Joe Rogan has some reservations.

While the UFC women’s bantamweight champion has competed at 145 pounds in the past, Rogan believes Cyborg’s unfortunate PED history needs to be taken heavily into consideration.

According to Rogan, there are problems booking Rousey against Cyborg at any weight.

“Let’s look at this rationally,” Rogan said on his podcast. “Let’s say we know for sure, because we don’t know anything for sure, but let’s say for sure Ronda is not juicing. Let’s say we also know for sure that Cyborg might be on something. That she might be on something to make 145 [pounds]. Then, are you OK with it? Are you OK with it if they both fight at 145 and one person is naturally bigger and might be on something?”

Rogan admits there may be a double standard to how we perceive the risk of Rousey competing in a questionable booking, one we wouldn’t assume for men.

“This is my question: Do you have a different opinion about this with women than you do with men?” said Rogan. “Here’s a perfect example. Chris Weidman, a dominant champ just like Ronda, if he was going to fight Vitor Belfort and we knew that Vitor might be on TRT, I still wouldn’t have a problem with it. I don’t think Weidman would have a problem with it, either. I think Weidman would be like, ‘I’m still going to f**k this guy up.’ That’s the point, it’s a different fight. Vitor off the s**t or on the s**t.

“That’s the question. If [Cyborg’s] capable of doing something that’s not natural to stay at 145 or get up higher than 145 into the 170’s, then how do you feel about the fight? Then it becomes a different fight. What if Ronda loses and then Cyborg tests positive?”

Rogan buys into the notion Rousey is held to different standards, not that’s he’s comfortable with it, himself.

“This is the sexist in me,” said Rogan. “I have more of an issue with it, for some reason, with women. I’m not comfortable with it. What I’m saying is I’m not even comfortable with my opinions on it. Why do I have a different opinion if it’s women and the woman was on something? I don’t know why.”

As for where the fight happens at all, Rogan doesn’t understand the pressure for Rousey to punch above her weight.

“This idea that Ronda has to move up? She doesn’t,” said Rogan. “Why does she have to do anything? She’s the champ. This is not a matter of [Cyborg] not being able to [make 135 pounds], it’s a matter of her not taking any of the steps to attempt to do it. If you really want to do it you hire Mike Dolce and you put up a video of you making that weight. ‘Hey I’m weighing in. 135. See, I can do it. Ronda, let’s do this bitch. I want my title.’

“Bam. Biggest fight ever.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘Completely untrue.’ Dana White calls Tito Ortiz’s claims on Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg ‘a total lie.’ ‘In no way, shape or form did we offer her a fight against Ronda at Cowboys Stadium.’

GOAT. UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum says he’s not sure Fedor Emelianenko deserves an immediate title shot, but is open to a rematch if he signs with UFC.

‘This kid is just starting.’ Jose Aldo tells UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw to pump the brakes on calling for a superfight.

‘It hurt to watch.’ Chad Mendes says that with a full camp, he beats Conor McGregor ‘every single time.’

Not happy. Andre Pederneiras fires back at Brendan Schaub over his comments on Brazilians, wants Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor drug tested at least 36 times before fight.

MEDIA STEW

Highlights from Glover Teixeira vs. Ovince Saint Preux.

Amanda Nunes finishes Sara McMann.

Highlights from RFA 28.

Nieky Holzken vs Raymond Daniels at GLORY 23.

Floyd Mayweather has fond memories of Dana White.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night Nashville: Post-fight Press Conference

…

Submission Radio #61 Josh Koscheck, Ronda Rousey’s Coach & Mom, Jimmy Smith + UFC Nashville

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC Fight Night: Nashville.

Victory lap.

#AllGloryToGod https://t.co/wdNv4VA4wn

— Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush) August 9, 2015

10 career 1st round finishes in 14 wins and 3 in the UFC

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 9, 2015

That’s what getting hit by a 280lb guy will do to you. Have a lot to work on. Not my best performance but better pic.twitter.com/bNcdeuaVBI

— Jared Rosholt (@JaredRosholt) August 9, 2015

Thank god everything went the way we planned. I want to say thank you to my coaches, @ninaansaroff… https://t.co/P60KgzxrE4

— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) August 9, 2015

Well it wasn’t quite the win I wanted but the most important thing is we dominated a very game… https://t.co/eMWNJCMdud

— Ray Borg (@tazmexufc) August 9, 2015

I love it https://t.co/6tSqtJ4liU

— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) August 9, 2015

Well that was a scrap. Thanks for everyone’s concern, my balls will be ok. #nashville has been fun!

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) August 9, 2015

That’s how you Handle Business! #UFCNashville #StayChoppin @ufc https://t.co/W4MZ2DjjTK

— Dustin Ortiz (@DustinOrtizMMA) August 8, 2015

thanks for all the support everyone. That was a fun fight. Thank you @ufc @seanshelby. Now to eat some BBQ. Thanks @TrentCotney @Nutrasumma

— Frankie Saenz (@FrankieSaenz) August 9, 2015

I’m on cloud 9 , trained so hard for this and was able to get the knockout in 50 seconds of the… https://t.co/fhutkFSMDE

— Jonathan Wilson (@Jonnybravo2k11) August 9, 2015

Me and coach Ben treating ourselves after the win #UFCNashville pic.twitter.com/oMn5kTvhaB

— Scott Holtzman (@HotSauceHoltzy) August 9, 2015

Better luck next time.

When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, & set sail once more toward your coveted goal.

— Ovince Saint Preux (@003_OSP) August 9, 2015

Great fight with @beneildariush Ill make sure that never happens again 2 me Thx for all the support Wheres the point system for TD defense?

— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) August 9, 2015

Both of us love Australia. Tavares?

— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) August 9, 2015

@roynelsonmma not very often. But if that’s a invite I think I could find my way out there.

— Tim Johnson (@tbeartim) August 9, 2015

After the fight selfie.. Im physically fine but the1st loss in my career has been the worst pain….. https://t.co/VyWvrbFlJS

— Geane Herrera (@Pulga_Bites) August 9, 2015

@saramcann welp didn’t go our way but had a great time in Nashville thank you @ufc can’t wait to get… https://t.co/aTiKRHCJjT

— Willie Gates (@WhOopassWilliE) August 9, 2015

OK.

I’m not lying nor is Tito- UFC called my manager last Sunday to see if I would fight Ronda at 135 on December 5 at… http://t.co/pF2VJdRuEU

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 8, 2015

Beef.

#SheDontNeed12Rounds @RondaRousey pic.twitter.com/UKBmEAQXBJ

— UFC (@ufc) August 7, 2015

… @SugaRashadEvans whatever you are doing isn’t working either, starting to look like @dc_mma pic.twitter.com/bTfvfYBxoa

— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) August 9, 2015

@ryanbader @dc_mma I can show up looking like that and still beat the breaks off you. Bader=easy work!

— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) August 9, 2015

.@ryanbader @SugaRashadEvans really bader! U may wanna lay off me. U have bigger issues to worry bout. I guess we will never fight now!

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 9, 2015

All natural son. No supplements. How’s the testing in wherever you fight? https://t.co/bW4tqo6eA5

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) August 9, 2015

Just got under someone’s skin. pic.twitter.com/YHLNV89dTx

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) August 9, 2015

@RondaRousey now your not scared of @CrisCyborg are you? pic.twitter.com/zf7BetbDCM

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) August 9, 2015

Get well soon.

Ossos do ofício. || A lot work right there. #teamgadelha #ufc #ufc190 pic.twitter.com/hT3U0YBo2I

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) August 7, 2015

Throwback.

Long time ago. 2002 #teamnovauniao pic.twitter.com/WgjGSDC1Qw

— THALES LEITES (@thalesleites) August 7, 2015

Yep.

@carloscondit vs @ruthless_rl cant wait to watch these to guys fight! two guys i have the most… https://t.co/nzoDdtH393

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) August 9, 2015

Thank you.

Straight out of DUBLIN!!! https://t.co/uadLNk5gQV pic.twitter.com/a9ao2ih6bw

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 9, 2015

For all you #StraightOutta just No… pic.twitter.com/lhIhKn08nb

— John Maguire (@MaguireTheOne) August 9, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Aug. 7-9 2015)

Anthony Hamilton vs. Derrick Lewis at UFC 192

Paul Felder vs. Ross Pearson at UFC 191

Reza Madadi vs. Norman Parkeat UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

Clay Collard vs. Andre Fili at UFC 191

Joe Riggs vs. Ron Stallings at UFC 191

Chico Camus vs. Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

Diego Brandao vs. Katsunori Kikuno at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

Shinsho Anzai vs. Roger Zapata at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

FANPOST OF THE DAY

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

Why is WSOF getting a pass on Rousimar Palhares?

Seemingly lost in all the finger wagging at Steve Mazzagatti and Rousimar Palhares is World Series of Fighting’s role in facilitating this circus.

It has been rather easy for Ray Sefo and Ali Abdel Aziz to revel in the MMA media storm surrounding the fallout of WSOF 22. After all, they are getting an awful lot of coverage for an event placed opposite one of the biggest UFC events of the year. You have Aziz tweeting about “Sefo dropping the hammer” and Sefo coming on the MMA Hour for a personal mic drop moment instead of going to the fighter’s agent or lawyer first, apparently in violation of Palhares’ contract.

…

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.

After watching Ronda Rousey dismantle Bethe Correia at UFC 190, not many analysts are offering up ideas on how to solve the UFC women’s bantamweight champion.

Well, UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has some thoughts.

Despite having beaten her twice, Rousey will fight Miesha Tate a third time later this year.

“If I’m coaching against Ronda Rousey, I don’t know what to say to Tate or anyone going into that fight,” Cormier told Steve Austin on his podcast.

“Piss her off. Piss her off like Bethe did and hope that she abandons the grappling. Then she’ll just stand with you which means you’ll have a better chance, even though it might not be the greatest chance, you have a better chance in the standup than you would grappling with her. That’s my approach as a coach.”

Just don’t go overboard, says Cormier.

“Don’t go family. Piss her off in another way. Don’t make it personal to the level that Bethe did. That was bad. But [Correia] did a good job, though. She sold the fight. Bethe Correia made people care. 18-1, it was one of the biggest mismatches in UFC history, but we tuned in because we wanted to see what Ronda was going to do and how she’d make this woman pay.”

Rousey stated she intended to punish Correia for what she interpreted as a low blow in the lead-up. Having previously said she’s ‘at her most merciful’ when she ends fights quickly, Rousey claimed she intended to go a bit longer with Correia.

“She wanted to prolong the beating on Bethe Correia, but they can’t stay with her,” Cormier said of Rousey’s division. “Even when she’s trying to drag it on. She wanted to make Bethe pay and she face-planted her with a right hand. ‘How is Ronda going to make this girl pay?’ Unfortunately her idea of making her pay was to stand with her and look what happens.

“You could see immediately that Bethe understood that she was in over her head. She was like, ‘Wow, she’s beating me where I’m supposed to hold the advantage.”

Interpreted as either high praise for Rousey or a critique of her crop of contenders, Cormier says the champ is decades ahead of her division.

“20 years,” said Cormier. “She came 20 years too early. In 20 years you will have girls that have competed a lifetime in Judo in the Olympics and they will be fighting at the level she’s probably at today. She’s 20 years ahead of her time.”

6 MUST-READ STORIES

The MMA Beat. The panel discusses Rousey-mania, what’s next for her, the Cyborg fight, the latest Rousimar Palhares controversy and much more.

Reminder. Floyd Mayweather responds to Ronda Rousey’s ESPY’s dig. ‘Call me when you can make over $300 million in 36 minutes.’

Abandon ship. Myles Jury and Michael Chandler are among five fighters departing Alliance in San Diego for Power MMA in Gilbert, Ariz.

Not done yet? Despite Dana White’s front office job offer, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira says he hasn’t made a final decision on retirement.

Taking his time. Khabib Nurmagomedov is pushing his return from his knee injury back to December.

Bread and Roses. Two national unions, UNITE and Teamsters, announced Thursday they are going to try and organize the UFC’s roster of fighters.

MEDIA STEW

Behind the scenes at UFC 190.

Open workouts from UFC Fight Night: Nashville and GLORY 23.

Floyd Mayweather faces off with Andre Berto.

Conor McGregor’s coach talks fight with Chad Mendes and Cowboys Stadium.

Georges St-Pierre doesn’t think UFC fighters would fare well in GLORY.

Mayweather being asked about fighting Rousey.

TWEETS

Buying one?

Ronda has teamed up with Didi Hirsch Foundation to support Women’s Body Image Issues. #DNB http://t.co/049fCs8mph pic.twitter.com/5TSAzFGLsy

— Dana White (@danawhite) August 6, 2015

New home.

Another grimey #wrestling session w/ @aaronsimpson, looking forward to wrecking a Featherweight soon! @Onnit #OnNit pic.twitter.com/dfWCEOAJKI

— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) August 7, 2015

ICYMI.

Spending my evening watching Donald Trump fire away

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 7, 2015

Trump https://t.co/MfrLPiukRG

— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) August 7, 2015

Trump with the flawless victory tonight. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/mzy2bdHd1m

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 7, 2015

Congrats.

Allow me introduce my boy!!! #KyungAbelHenderson #켱핸더슨 32 hour labor, no drugs, @MariaMouse118 kicked butt!!! pic.twitter.com/e1qPjkLbkg

— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) August 6, 2015

Get well soon.

Was gonna take a shower after getting from the plane and noticed my left foot was slightly bigger… https://t.co/JEy49PHCtq

— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) August 6, 2015

TMI.

Random drug test for the fight #UFC191 he had to wait for my urine cuz I had already took a morning poop before he rang my door bell

— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) August 6, 2015

Big business.

“That he wins on the night, and that the cheque is big.” I am a simple man. https://t.co/zdyuKp781D

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 6, 2015

This Week in Struggle.

Airline Rep 1: Glasses off please sir Me: (remove glasses) Airline Rep 2: Are you sure you can fly w/ yr face looking like that? Me:

— Patrick Cummins (@OfficialDurkin) August 6, 2015

Who knew that at 36 I’d still be wrestling. Sucks to get taken down and slammed over and over but… https://t.co/FM5fhQHgBT

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 6, 2015

Apparently Im too ambitious cuz I’ve publicly tried to fight: @BigfootSilva @travisbrowneMMA @AndreiArlovski but to no avail @danawhite @ufc

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 7, 2015

Respect to all of the Irish fans sending me classy messages! I’m putting in the work and coming to Dublin to show you something special.

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 2, 2015

At the store, just came from jits. I smell terrible and everyone else knows it. Lol I’m sorry!

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) August 5, 2015

Man privates with @renato_laranja are freakn expensive!!!!!! And he was late! https://t.co/Wg9dTjCb01 pic.twitter.com/RbV2LnuagJ

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) August 6, 2015

Hey what’s the full set of Ufc season one trading cards worth and the full set of Ufc season one ok cards worth

— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) August 2, 2015

Not getting good deal on car insurance cause of my job?? fuckers, pure discrimination!!! I’m a

— Joanne Calderwood (@DRkneevil) August 5, 2015

Trained with Gabi Garcia today! pic.twitter.com/PUwm61h3jE

— Raquel Pa’aluhi (@RaquelPaaluhi) August 6, 2015

When drunk fans get to touchy pic.twitter.com/7nJZihRisV

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) August 2, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 6 2015)

Phoenix Jones vs. Roberto Yong at WSOF 23

Gilbert Burns vs. Rashid Magomedov at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via cyborg73.

Carlos Condit’s Time is Now.

As you may have heard by now, Carlos “Natural Born Killer’ Condit has been granted the next Welterweight title shot against Champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 193, November 14th in Australia. As you can imagine, this news cannot make either Johny Hendriks nor Tyron Woodley happy. After all, both welterweights have a win in the record books over Condit. They both believe that they deserve the shot before the Natural Born Killer. Their opinions may or may not reflect what the casual MMA/UFC fan believes regarding that decision. Some may not be interested in seeing a THIRD meeting between Lawler and Hendriks. Some may feel that Woodley needs to work his way back up the ladder after losing so badly to Rory McDonald, the most recent title challenger, who had a potential Fight of the Year with Lawler just last month.

…

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.