Author: David St. Martin

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Georges St-Pierre.

The former UFC welterweight champion stepped away from fighting in 2013 and doesn’t sound to be in hurry to return.

The UFC climate is quite a bit different from when he left it. While he’s encouraged by a reinvigorated approach by the promotion to combat PED use, the UFC’s outfitting deal with Reebok doesn’t sound appealing to St-Pierre. Even inactive, St-Pierre still claims endorsements from marquee brands like Under Armour, none of which he’d be allowed to bring inside the Octagon.

Speaking with media Thursday in Las Vegas, St-Pierre spoke about the unique place he holds in the sport as an athlete, comfortable and bound to no one.

“I’m wealthy now,” said St-Pierre. “A few years ago, I didn’t make as much money. It was easy for people to say, ‘Oh yeah? You’re talking bad about us? Out. You’re out. We don’t hire you.’ There are a lot of guys in the same situation. They think the same things as me, but they don’t have the power I have. I don’t need to fight anymore. If I don’t want to fight, I am wealthy, I am happy. I don’t need this anymore. I don’t have to. Maybe I would like to, but I don’t need to.”

St-Pierre also spoke on the pressure for fighters not to voice complaints towards the UFC, alluding to the promotion’s controversial dismissal of beloved cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran in July.

“Some of the guys, when you’re a professional athlete, it’s not a jet set life,” said St-Pierre. “It’s a very hard life. These guys, they don’t make a lot of money. They need to keep their mouths shut. If you open [your mouth] and say what you think, you saw what happened in the Reebok thing. If you talk bad about certain things you’re kicked out.

“Some of these guys, they need the income. I understand that and I’m no different. But now I’m in a position where I can say what I think. I’m just not disrespectful. I don’t say names or anything, but this is a problem. I’m talking for a lot of people. Trust me.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Sorry, Johny. Robbie Lawler defends his welterweight title against Carlos Condit at UFC 193 in Australia.

‘The champ goes up.’ Cris Cyborg tells UFC, ‘Don’t make Ronda Rousey fight for me, make it for the fans.’

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas talks Ronda Rousey mania, UFC 190 results, previews UFC Fight Night 73 and more in this week’s live chat.

‘He was more slippery than okra.’ Rousimar Palhares rips ‘greased a–hole’ Jake Shields and denies eye gouging accusations.

Judgement day. Anderson Silva believes testing irregularities will clear him at his NAC hearing.

MEDIA STEW

Around the Octagon with Ariel Helwani.

Cris Cyborg on Sports Center.

Jose Aldo says he wasn’t impressed with Conor McGregor at UFC 189.

UFC fighters hang out with the Tennessee Titans ahead of this weekend’s Nashville card.

CM Punk with an update on his training.

We’ve reached peak Ronda.

Long watches.

UFC Fight Night Nashville Care/Don’t Care Preview

…

5 Rounds Today – UFC 190 & WSOF 22 Recap

…

‘You’re Welcome’ with Chael Sonnen – Jake Shields

TWEETS

Finally got it.

#LockedAndLoaded By @ufc via @RepostWhiz app: BREAKING: Hendricks vs @TWooodley added to #UFC192 in Houston TX! pic.twitter.com/oMQ4Paymli

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 6, 2015

Whoa.

Badass Super Saiyan Goku vs Frieza DBZ edit of #UFC190 weigh-in https://t.co/6yo0ai4Ku3

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 6, 2015

Cool.

Random drug test time

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) August 5, 2015

Beef.

Hey @Thebeast_ufc… How about u and I get into a fight and put on a show for the @ufc fans

— Anthony Hamilton (@AHamilton_MMA) August 5, 2015

Yo @HenryCejudo do you actually wanna fight or you just gonna talk about it. I’m ready, Sep. 5 or Oct. 3 let’s make this official! @UFC

— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) August 5, 2015

Hey @BigfootSilva you have plans for ufc193? It’s in Australia and I could use another stamp on my passport… @danawhite @ufc

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 6, 2015

I don’t choose fighter to fight, not like blackzilian and it would be great, I would like to fight a top 10. Not you https://t.co/KERmxOQuuh

— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) August 6, 2015

Yeah you’re right, it’d hurt your career to get starched again but by a top 15 guy. Rankings mean nothing. https://t.co/A3kyKiwGjm

— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) August 6, 2015

More if you want to fight me,come on ATT or marks the day that I’m on Blackzilians and fought with the doors closed. https://t.co/dslDJcVRzX

— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) August 6, 2015

Eat something, Mark.

Questions.

Don’t refs pat down fighters&feel4grease b4 entering the cage? RT RousimarPalhares rips ‘greased a–hole’Jake Shields http://t.co/dB3sunYnYg

— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) August 6, 2015

I don’t think it’s true because Jake was checked by The officials plus Palhraes didn’t once complained to the ref https://t.co/Ja14ZdYHTK

— Ray Sefo (@SugarRaySefo) August 6, 2015

Nah.

So I think I’m gunna quit fighting to become a country and western singer with my little girl. http://t.co/0orVt574HA

— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) August 6, 2015

“Line dancing” Sam alvey?

A video posted by Sam Alvey (@smilensam) on Aug 5, 2015 at 7:48pm PDT

Sixth man.

Ball is life bro. Thanks for having us out this week @DetroitPistons pic.twitter.com/WVQKc5zXFU

— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) August 6, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 5 2015)

Johny Hendricks vs. Tyron Woodley at UFC 192

Robbie Lawler vs. Carlos Condit at UFC 193

Ricardo Lamas vs. Diego Sanchez at UFC Fight Night: Brown vs. Gastelum

Chris Cariaso vs. Sergio Pettis at UFC 192

Alan Jouban vs. Albert Tumenov at UFC 192

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via lt_rkm.

Cyborg closing the distance on Rousey

It’s ironic that Ronda Rousey’s background is in Judo; a sport that emphasizes sportsmanship and humility as a fundamental teaching.

Unfortunately, Ronda has turned a blind eye to those ancient traditions to instead embrace the behavior of one of America’s ugliest Americans, Dana White.

Not long ago, Rousey was flipping birds at her opponent, Meisha Tate and she had been quoted in various media around the world for referring to Cris Cyborg as an “it.”

…

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.

Conor McGregor’s had a busy summer.

On July 11 he become the interim UFC featherweight champion and went straight into filming the next season of The Ultimate Fighter just days later.

McGregor will coach opposite Urijah Faber and the head games got started early. Faber got into a brief ‘altercation’ with McGregor prior to the weigh-ins for UFC 189, then again during the first days of shooting the reality show.

“It’s all friendly stuff, to be honest,” McGregor told Yahoo. “Urijah is harmless. He’s a harmless little man. He amuses me. He’s like an annoying little brother only he’s close to 50 years of age. I’ve been having fun on the show.”

McGregor was hesitant to take the coaching gig following a promotional world tour and three-month training camp, but now says the show has been a pleasure.

“Once I got there and I met the people I realized it’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” said McGregor. “I want to embrace it and put my coaches on. Show my approach to the game, show how my coaches handle training camp and fight preparation. It’s an amazing experience and I’m really enjoying it.”

McGregor defeated Faber’s Team Alpha Male teammate Chad Mendes at UFC 189 following the withdrawal of featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

Critics of the victory cite Mendes’ lack of a full training camp, something McGregor says taught him another lesson.

“I learned that I never get it wrong,” said McGregor. “I always predict correct. I predicted that I would KO [Mendes] inside two rounds. I bet a large sum of money and I won my bet. When I say I will put someone away in whatever time in whatever manner I say, it will happen. That’s what happened. I went in there, lit his body up and I put him away.

“Yet, you have supposed veterans and professionals of the game, or experts, speaking about a full camp. It just made me realize how many bums and rookies there really are in this game. They can’t understand that they have never seen clean body-shooting before like they saw in that fight. Myself and Chad understand where he was at in that position. He was shut down and he was broke.”

McGregor is set to unify the title with Aldo in December. The fight will likely take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, but UFC president Dana White is once again claiming interest in a stadium event at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

“There are a couple dates and venues in the line,” said McGregor. “I believe [UFC brass] are heading out to Brazil to speak with Jose. For me, he is having a breakdown. I said this before. He’s looking for his exit from the game. The injury was an opportunity to delay the inevitable so he took it. Make no mistake, when UFC 189 was playing he was under his duvet praying that Chad Mendes would get the win.

“Him and his whole team were praying for that victory so they would not have to face me. I ran out and butchered Chad’s body in the knowledge that Jose would be looking with his sore ribs. I just see a fighter who has broke. I hope we can get him to show up, but we will see. All I know is what I knew July 11. I will be there and I will be victorious.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Boom. WSOF president Ray Sefo strips Rousimar Palhares of his welterweight title and suspends him indefinitely.

‘We made Duane.’ Chad Mendes says he’s ‘tired of hearing about’ former Team Alpha Male coach Duane Ludwig. ‘It’s just something that I’m sick of and I want out of my life.’

‘My gift.’ UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will leave her belt at Flavio Canto’s judo school in Rio de Janeiro after she donated $30k to the school in March.

Fortunes changed for Five. Dave Meltzer explains how Ronda Rousey, Bethe Correia, Mauricio Rua, Claudia Gadelha and Demian Maia move forward following UFC 190.

Plea deal. UFC veteran Chris Leben has reportedly plead guilty in his felony assault weapon case.

Watch The MMA Hour with Miesha Tate, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Chad Mendes, Ray Sefo, Dustin Poirer, Gene LeBell, Michael Lunardelli, Alex Davis and Marc Raimondi.

MEDIA STEW

Free Fight: Charles Oliveira vs Nik Lentz.

Gina Carano doing her thing in Deadpool.

The folks at Collider [movie news] aren’t huge fans of Ronda Rousey’s acting.

Ronda getting mobbed at Maracana.

Karlos Vemola got his arm snapped this weekend. Also great behind the scenes footage of the event.

(via r/MMA)

Part cribs tour, part Luke Rockhold slap fighting some poor gentleman.

Long watches.

GLORY 23 Countdown

…

…

TWEETS

Palhares reactions.

I just wanna say thank you everyone for all the love and support, we will continue to do the best we can to bring you great fights!!! #WSOF

— Ray Sefo (@SugarRaySefo) August 4, 2015

Want to thank everyone for their support, it’s much appreciated

— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) August 4, 2015

So, was the punishment of palhares handed out by the promotion or the commission?

— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) August 4, 2015

he’s not a professional. It’s the right move. https://t.co/htn4TRTc80

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 4, 2015

What you guys think abt #WSOF strip #Palhares belt? I agree it is not the first time, it is serious, so easy to get a tough injury

— Gilbert DurinhoBurns (@GilbertDurinho) August 4, 2015

Gotta say I’m all for violence in our sport (soccer kicks, stomps knees to the head on ground) but @MMAWorldSeries made the right call today

— Jake Heun (@JakeHeun) August 4, 2015

“@MMAAlley: Rousimar Palhares stripped of WSOF welterweight title http://t.co/bH5xmGfBdE via @BloodyElbow” that’s what he deserves

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 4, 2015

If palhares is suspended then the referee must be suspended also.

— Angela Magana UFC (@AngelaMagana1) August 4, 2015

Bc he is a scumbag and doesn’t deserve a title fight. Deserves to be suspended long term for blatant bs actions https://t.co/HKvR8I05SD

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 4, 2015

I want to thank the @mmaworldseries for keeping the integrity of the sport in tact. Cheating in this… https://t.co/QgEyi7WFqn

— Phoenix Jones (@ThePhoenixJones) August 4, 2015

My thoughts r that Rousimar does not care about the rules everybody else r following he is going to make up his own. https://t.co/8GMp1Hfb9L

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) August 4, 2015

This whole Palhares fiasco is a little crazy. Seems like he cant control his emotions. But damn impressive submitting Shields and Fitch

— Mike Brown (@mikebrownmma) August 4, 2015

@TimKennedyMMA @GMeekerMMA @ToquinhoMMA 3000% agree @jakeshieldsajj

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) August 5, 2015

Beef.

@QoSBaszler @criscyborg: “Redemption? I need an opponent at 140 if you want a chance to lose faster than last time”

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 4, 2015

Hey midget fuck @PatricioPitbull after you get better let’s fight at a catch weight. #DontTalkShitUnlessUCanBackItUp @BellatorMMA

— Saad Awad (@SAADMMA) August 4, 2015

@PatrickyPitbull lol that was funny. I got no beef with you. We’ll fight and it’s all business but your brother is a different story.

— Saad Awad (@SAADMMA) August 4, 2015

Get well soon.

As soon as I heal I’m going to get what belongs to me. || Assim q eu me recuperar, vou buscar o que é meu. pic.twitter.com/9hx87ce2bB

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) August 4, 2015

Excited?

#VIXENvsEVIL #UFC192 #OCT3 #UFCHouston @ufc @jessicaevileye https://t.co/Vu1sGMRcmn

— Julianna Peña (@VenezuelanVixen) August 5, 2015

Very cool.

Greatest memory from the fight… @corneliscutman giving me a motivational speech while shoving q tips up my nose https://t.co/2pRi8n8ttK

— Patrick Cummins (@OfficialDurkin) August 4, 2015

Dang.

“@usertalia: All these fights are being announced, but still no @Cowboycerrone title fight announcement. ☕️ ”

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) August 5, 2015

Buds.

@LiLHeathenMMA Had to be sure! I did not not want you hitting me anymore! Hope things are well with you too bro!

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) August 4, 2015

Finally.

Finally @ufc & @CarlsJr the help I need Thanks @RondaRousey @MMAjunkie pic.twitter.com/FOJeIelm7F

— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) August 4, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 4 2015)

Jessica Eye vs. Julianna Pena at UFC 192

Daniel Hooker vs. Yair Rodriguez at UFC 192

Matt Brown vs. Kelvin Gastelum at The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 Finale

Efrain Escudero vs. Leandro Silva at The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America 2 Finale

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.

As you may have heard, Khabib Nurmagomedov and his entourage of fellow Dagastani fighters got into a bit of a tiff with The Skrap Pack this weekend.

After cornering his brother at WSOF 22 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nurmagomedov apparently had words with Nate and Nick Diaz, on hand to support teammate Jake Shields.

Words turned to thrown drinks, chairs and punches and by Sunday we had minutes of Worldstar footage featuring world-class fighters.

Well, we know the Brothers Diaz aren’t shy about scrapping wherever, but Nurmagomedov sounds almost embarrassed by the whole episode.

“There are simply unrealistic numbers of reports about yesterday’s incident,” Nurmagomedov posted to his Instagram Monday. “I can tell you the truth: fights between males occur, there is nothing unusual about this, but since we are both UFC fighters, this clash was big news.

“Yesterday we came face-to-face with Diaz and had a verbal argument, and then he began the first fight. I was a professional fighter aware that it was all happening out there. Since it was a live broadcast of the WSOF event, it can be confirmed by the large number of witnesses, so I do not want to describe all the details.”

Ali Abdel-Aziz, Nurmagomedov’s manager and WSOF vice president, subsequently banned Nick and Nate Diaz from attending all future WSOF events.

Nurmagomedov and Diaz have a bit of a history, seemingly caught in the middle of a beef between Nate and UFC president Dana White.

A fight between Diaz and Nurmagomedov seemed to be coming together early last year, but White created a controversy when he claimed Diaz turned it down.

@danawhite @ufc are full of shit I didn’t turn down anything …

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) January 12, 2014

Now, No. 3 ranked Nurmagomedov finally wants his shot at Diaz, having now dropped to No. 14 in the division.

“They [Diaz Brothers] ran from me three times,” said Nurmagomedov. “We’ll see what will happen next. I’ve already asked for a fight with him [Nate] from the UFC bosses, but judging by the speed that Diaz ran, it is hard to believe that the fight will take place.”

[Translation courtesy of Bloody Elbow]

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Jerry World. Chuck Mindenhall debates who would headline in a Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor mega card and whether or not they should even be booked at the same event.

‘I just protected myself.’ Rousimar Palhares makes his case for not being ‘a dirty fighter.’

Monday Morning Analyst. Luke Thomas breaks down the techniques from UFC 190, WSOF 22 and more.

‘Why is she running?’ Tito Ortiz says Invicta FC featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is ‘doing everything possible’ to make 135 pounds to fight Ronda Rousey.

Down and out. Myles Jury changes camps, drops to featherweight division.

MEDIA STEW

Joe Lauzon compares his own submission release times to those of Rousimar Palhares.

Highlights from Lion Fight 23.

Ronda Rousey gets the First Take treatment.

Tito Ortiz kinda sorta sounds like he believes one of his fights with Forrest Griffin was fixed.

ICYMI, Ronda talking Cris Cyborg fight.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

Knuckle Up #354: UFC 190, a Ronda Caution + the impending murder of Rousimar

…

Submission Radio #60 TJ Dillashaw, Jake Shields, Alex Chambers, Coach Wink + UFC 190 & WSOF 22

…

TWEETS

Yikes.

I want to thank everyone for all the support for @MMAWorldSeries tune in to @arielhelwani show tomorrow. @SugarRaySefo will drop the hammer

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 4, 2015

Brutal.

#DontCry #UFC190 #andSTILL https://t.co/nac6eSjiX2

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 3, 2015

Mystical.

MYSTIC MAC. http://t.co/wfHzzZEvQo

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 4, 2015

Beef.

She’s smart so is @DanaWhite and @UFC. Protect the cash cow and an investment. https://t.co/N4JXbcA8we

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) August 4, 2015

@ToquinhoMMA just poke the tree in the eye then.

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 4, 2015

Lol….no he dont. He gon retire when I do. RT @Zillaman: Tito say he hope u win the tournament lol @KingMoFH

— King Mo (@KingMoFH) August 3, 2015

Champs is here. Tj & Lance McGregor ready for a night out on the town. These guys sure know how to do… https://t.co/G28m9Z0scO

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) August 4, 2015

Knocked UP.

Dear friends, I have good news! I am pregnant! Now I have a little rest after the birth baby, I’ll get back to training.

— Milana Dudieva (@DudievaMilana) August 4, 2015

in the UFC I will come back stronger and with a great desire to win ✌️

— Milana Dudieva (@DudievaMilana) August 4, 2015

No love for DC.

We are allowed to wear whatever we want in day to day life. I don’t have exclusive deal with reebok. Want one tho! https://t.co/U1RECERCIN

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 3, 2015

Get well soon.

My Teammate @OfficialDurkin just had this pic rejected by Tinder.. http://t.co/V5lDiB497C pic.twitter.com/GHK3cww1mH

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 3, 2015

Oh no.

Let’s try this again #perfecttan @PerfectTanTemec pic.twitter.com/WymQCM6ScG

— Sam Alvey (@smilensam) August 3, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (Aug. 3 2015)

Scott Askham vs. Krzysztof Jotko at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

Cathal Pendred vs. Tom Breese at UFC Fight Night: Duffy vs. Poirier

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via lt_rkm.

Open Letter to Dana White

First of all I’d like to commend all the writers and radio show hosts that had the courage to stand up and speak the truth about you after the classless treatment of Stitch Duran and Burt Watson. Those media workers deserve respect because to a certain degree, like most of the UFC employees, they know that there’s a likelihood of retaliation for standing up to a bully like you.

…

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.

Jake Shields didn’t have a great weekend.

After dominating welterweight champion Rousimar Palhares for the opening rounds of their title bout at WSOF 22, Shields was caught in a nasty kimura midway through round three. Shields tapped, but Palhares created controversy once again by appearing to hold the submission a tad longer than called for.

Shields isn’t happy about the shoulder, but he’s especially upset about Palhares ‘gouging’ his eyes throughout the bout.

While mounted on Palhares during the second round Shields loudly and repeatedly complained to referee Steve Mazzagatti that the Brazilian was gouging his eyes. Mazzagatti broke the action but only to warn Palhares that he’d take a point if it continued.

According to Shields, WSOF executives Ray Sefo or Ali Abdel-Aziz agreed with him that the fouls were intentional.

“Yeah they say they blatantly saw the eye pokes as well,” Shields told Submission Radio following the bout. “I mean they didn’t say what they were going to do, but they definitely were not happy. They were aware that he was cheating and they seemed very not happy. I mean I don’t blame them, they’re in a tricky situation.

“It’s their champ, you know, like what do you do? Do you strip him or not? I mean I don’t know. Personally, I probably would, but that’s…..you know, I respect both of them. That’s a decision they’re going to have to make.”

Given both the eyepokes and the cranked submission, Shields wouldn’t mind seeing Palhares suspended for his actions on Saturday night.

“Yeah, you know, I think it was blatant,” said Shields. “I think he should probably be suspended. Especially with his track record. I mean it’s not my place to say, that’s between the athletic commission and them. I don’t know, but I know if I was in charge I’d definitely suspend him.”

As for a rematch with Palhares, Shields isn’t looking to stick to the Unified Rules of mixed martial arts.

“Yeah man, I want to fight the guy in the streets to be honest, because I want to gouge his eyes back, I want to bite him, I want to kick him in the balls,” said Shields. “I actually want to fight the guy. If I see him tonight I’m coming after him. I don’t like the guy. They’ve got rules and he’s not following the rules. I don’t know. I mean I’ll fight him again in a cage, but maybe I’ll stoop to his level if I have a s***ty ref.”

If only Shields knew some gentlemen interested in parking lot brawls…

[transcription via Submission Radio]

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Post-fight Show. Ariel Helwani and Guilherme Cruz break down the top storylines from Saturday night’s UFC 190.

Big business. UFC president Dana White says he believes a Ronda Rousey vs. Cyborg Justino fight would do 2.5 million PPV buys.

Entourage brawl. World Series of Fighting vice president Ali Abdel-Aziz says Nick and Nate Diaz are banned from future WSOF events due to their cage-side brawl with Khabib Nurmagomedov at WSOF 22. ‘They exchanged words and Nate threw a punch. I saw Nate throw a punch.’

Yikes. Rousimar Palhares may be stripped of his WSOF title for his actions at WSOF 22.

End of an era. Dana White says he’s done offering Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira fights and wants to make him a UFC executive.

MEDIA STEW

Highlights from Ronda Rousey vs. Bethe Correia.

Octagon interviews with Rousey and Shogun.

Rousey talking about having Bethe’s brother throw a Brazilian flag in her face.

Dana White recaps UFC 190, talks Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg.

Insane footage from the Diaz-Kahbib brawl.

Luke Thomas is pissed.

Long watches.

UFC 190 post-fight press conference

…

UFC 190: Q&A with Fabricio Werdum, Rafael dos Anjos and Thomas Almeida

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC 190.

Victory lap.

Walking out with my family is the greatest feeling ever…. #UFC190 #andSTILL pic.twitter.com/eDfjbstlwl

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) August 2, 2015

Obrigado mestre,por me preparar,pela dedicação ao longo desses 3 messes,pela seriedade,essa vitória é… https://t.co/2JCuwgcDtZ

— Shogun Rua (@ShogunRua) August 2, 2015

Thank @semmyschilt the front kick was working pretty well for me last night!

— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) August 2, 2015

I love my job, mma is a beautiful sport. We’re opponents and never enemies..With @soathehulk oponentes não inimigos. pic.twitter.com/tg4hnexLrM

— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) August 2, 2015

Jessica Aguilar is one of the best fighters of MMA in the world and it is an honor to share the Octagon

Jessica Aguilar é uma das melhores lutadoras de mma do mundo e é uma honra poder dividir o octógono… https://t.co/3sInAukx17

— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) August 2, 2015

Thanks @NeilMagny ! You came from 7 strait wins and that’s very hard to accomplish. Keep your head up. https://t.co/YSUgRmEhLL

— Demian Maia (@demianmaia) August 2, 2015

HELL YEAH!! That was a wild one. Thank you Rio…Obrigado! Much respect to @RAFAEL__FEIJAO for the epic battle #UFC190

— Patrick Cummins (@OfficialDurkin) August 2, 2015

Mais uma! #AlcerjPinheiro #slingshot #UFC190 #leduca https://t.co/wyplQqGXuD

— Warlley Alves (@warlleyalvesmma) August 2, 2015

É CAMPEÃOOOOOOOOOO! Nocaute técnico no chão! #VitorMiranda #JoinvillenoUFC #UFC190 http://t.co/pvSsdXB0u9

— Vitor Miranda (@Vithai) August 2, 2015

Gracias a toda la gente de argentina que me da su aliento y me siento muy feliz. Thanks… https://t.co/nFrYfUCgcH

— ninjacannetti (@ninjacannetti) August 2, 2015

Better luck next time.

It was not this time! Like any Brazilian race, my dream of being champion continues and will fight for it in every possible way! WAIT FOR ME! Thanks to everyone who supported me, my family and my team!

Não foi dessa vez! Como qualquer brasileira de raça! Meu sonho de ser campeã continua e vou lutar por… https://t.co/V3C6ykuYkM

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) August 2, 2015

Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of knowing u did your best to become the best that u are capable of being.

— Soa The Hulk Palelei (@soathehulk) August 3, 2015

A big THANK U for all the support & 2 every1 that tuned in. I WILL be bck soon..strngr, better & heavier! LOL #UFC190 #LaVidaEsUnaLucha #ATT

— Jessica Jag Aguilar (@jagatt) August 2, 2015

Congrats to @demianmaia @ufc, there’s a reason he’s been in the game this long. Great guy and great competitor

— Neil Magny (@NeilMagny) August 2, 2015

When u get knocked down u can either lay down and bitch or get back up swinging!! Take a wild guess… https://t.co/zT3yD9iLuK

— IG – ClintHester_mma (@clinthester) August 2, 2015

Flex Zone.

Last night I was confronted by 2 thugs. I’m a professional mixed martial artist. I’m not a street fighter @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) August 3, 2015

@nickdiaz209 riokid @ifightordie #riders https://t.co/hLw9R31OZA

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 2, 2015

Out

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 2, 2015

Cyborg.

@rondarousey you can not slander me with lies in the media. My lawyer will call @Primetime360ESM

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 2, 2015

I pass the same exams @rondarousey takes to prove she’s clean for the same company #zuffa. #drugfree @ufc pic.twitter.com/raewuqYdbH

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 2, 2015

@joerogan Me too! I’m mikeTyson of WMMA. Would love to come up to LA for a podcast filming, practice my english $ share my story @invictafc

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 1, 2015

Palhares reactions.

Watched the fight with Shields & Palhares. Palhares did gouge Jakes eyes & held the sub longer than needed. Ray will make announcement Tues

— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 3, 2015

The 6th time Palhares held a submission past the tap. He should be banned, or at least given a lengthy suspension. pic.twitter.com/vLbo43DdTC

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) August 2, 2015

If you’d like to make a comment to WSOF about the fight and what you thought go to… http://t.co/KN1aI4SAAb

— Jake Shields (@jakeshieldsajj) August 2, 2015

Man, I just keep thinking about what might of happened at the Sheilds fight if the Diaz bros hadn’t been kicked out of the arena already.

— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) August 2, 2015

At this point of his career @ToquinhoMMA should be banned from MMA for life. Cheater at every opportunity. Major officiating error. #WSOF

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 2, 2015

However looked like 3-4 seconds after shields started tapping. https://t.co/ndSEB8OJWS

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) August 2, 2015

Bro, guy taps, let go….

— Hector Lombard (@HectorLombard) August 2, 2015

Just watched shields vs Paul Harris finish last night. Paul Harris again, tries to maim his opponent unnecessarily Lifetime ban IMO

— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) August 2, 2015

This is uncalled for.. Not the first time he’s held onto a submission while his opponent has tapped http://t.co/655afXkGZN

— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) August 2, 2015

Beef.

Its nice to see Jose come back out from hiding under his duvet the past month.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 2, 2015

Money doesn’t buy class Dana.

— MVP (@The305MVP) August 1, 2015

Great matchmaking, UFC. Four main event fights, two minutes total. Can’t wait to buy the next one.

— Stephen Espinoza (@StephenEspinoza) August 2, 2015

Excited?

@danhendo Damn. I wanted either one of you two.

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 2, 2015

Get well soon.

Day 4 in the hospital and I can finally see my ankle bone! Yay! #MRSA #Staph #SoFlo https://t.co/WB6caRdVeG

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) August 2, 2015

Bout that MRSA life. #Staph #MRSA https://t.co/FKiHgR5dde

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) August 2, 2015

The consequences of two pieces of shit : mazzagatte and pahalares should both be banned from professional sports- @jakeshields victim of eye gouging ! Now you all understand why i charged the cage ! @brendanschaub @karynbryant @wsof @gilbertmelendez @ramseynijem

A photo posted by Tareq Azim (@tareq.azim) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:01am PDT

Futbol.

Olha quem esta aqui e já virou @Flamengo? @RondaRousey!!! Welcome to @Maracana! pic.twitter.com/Psm9iRqO7L

— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) August 2, 2015

@RondaRousey knows Flamengo all the way pic.twitter.com/gBqYqgfXQX

— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) August 3, 2015

Not enough.

So how much money do you make on the show naked and afraid for 21 day challenge ? @Discovery

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) August 3, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (Jul 31 – Aug 2 2015)

Vitor Belfort vs. Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Thegrimreefer.

Rousey Vs Cyborg: Why it should be at 145

Rousey has looked unstoppable her whole career. Everyone will tell you they want to see her face a real challenge and Cyborg seems like the only challenge out there. Others will point out that Cyborg has been caught cheating in the past. That Rousey is the 135 champ and fighting outside of that weight class doesn’t really make any sense for her or for the division… or even for the business as a whole.

…

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.

Well, Ronda Rousey did it again, but probably not like you predicted. The UFC women’s bantamweight champion defended her title to Bethe Correia Saturday night at UFC 190 in Brazil, scoring a vicious KO just 34 seconds into the first round.

In the night’s co-main event, PRIDE legends Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Mauricio Rua went to war again ten years removed from their first fight in Japan.

See how the pros reacted to all the action from UFC 190.

#ANDSTILL

More excited to watch @RondaRousey dominate this girl then any other before! This will be another first round finish for Ronda! #UFC190

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 2, 2015

Ronda looks very pretty with makeup, photoshoots, etc but my favorite @RondaRousey is KILLER WALKOUT RONDA DEATH STARE @ufc

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 2, 2015

There is a difference between believing in yourself and being delusional. Bethe seems to be on the wrong side of that. #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Let’s go Ronda !!! #ufc190 @ufc

— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) August 2, 2015

Let’s go it’s @RondaRousey time I want to see absolute domination can’t talk about family tragedy unleash that ass whooping #UFC190 @ufc

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) August 2, 2015

I don’t know… Beth Correra seems extremely confident. Then again, so was Mussolini. #UFC190 http://t.co/XZO9cBse6O

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 2, 2015

Correia reminds me of the type of crazy broad that would burn your car in a bad relationship break up. #UFC190

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) August 2, 2015

Ronda looks possessed. I’m scared right now #UFC190

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 2, 2015

Let’s go @RondaRousey ! #USA # OLYMPIAN #CHAMPION

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 2, 2015

Crazy how these two ladies has the world going wild right now!

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) August 2, 2015

Damn son. Ronda strikes again! #UFC190

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 2, 2015

Dam, told my buddy I would eat his shoe if it went over 3 min, I was generous

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) August 2, 2015

WOW @RondaRousey your the BEST IN THE WORLD!!

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) August 2, 2015

Holly balls. @RondaRousey @ufc

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) August 2, 2015

Wow ! Crazy. Huge congrats to the best @RondaRousey

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) August 2, 2015

F*** yeah @RondaRousey !!! @ufc 190

— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) August 2, 2015

Wow no way !!! It’s over #ufc190 Best female combat athlete EVER !!! No doubt about it.

— Raphael Assuncao (@RaphaAssuncao) August 2, 2015

Holy shit @RondaRousey … What a bad ass

— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) August 2, 2015

Holy fuck!! Rowdy does it for rowdy!! Fucking KO

— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) August 2, 2015

Yes you fucking bitch. Fuck you. Now come back and let @jessamynduke & myself get our redemption. Don’t fuck w/family. #4Horsewomen #UFC190

— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) August 2, 2015

Cyborg should’ve got Ronda a year ago. Absolutely too late now! I don’t even care to see that fight anymore! #UFC190

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) August 2, 2015

Nooooooo uh noooooooooooo she wasn’t readddddyyyyyyyy

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) August 2, 2015

@RondaRousey was dominate as always

— robbie lawler (@Ruthless_RL) August 2, 2015

I prayed for a few rounds and barely got half a minute. Ronda Rousey is devastating!! She is too much for these women. #UFC190

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 2, 2015

Good fight for Honda.My next fight is140lbs,then I hope we get a chance to give fans the WMMA fight the most violent fight in the history!

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) August 2, 2015

Guaranteed she won’t do that to me #RouseyTatelll #ImComingForGold https://t.co/0uf9HotTp0

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) August 2, 2015

#PRIDE2015

#goshogum!!!!

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) August 2, 2015

This one should be mandatory pride rules and a ring. #justsaying

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) August 2, 2015

If you don’t love @ShogunRua you don’t love MMA! #UFC190

— Seth Baczynski (@Sethbmma) August 2, 2015

They say Lil Nog has entertaining fights. I disagree, I don’t think Nog has ever even entertained a thought. #UFC190 http://t.co/XZO9cBse6O

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 2, 2015

#Shogun!

— Saad Awad (@SAADMMA) August 2, 2015

FUCK YA ITS A FIGHT!

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) August 2, 2015

Holy crap! #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Que luta Shogum!!!!

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) August 2, 2015

Holy shit best rd of the night yes! #UFC190

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) August 2, 2015

I’M BACK AWAKE!! THANK YOU, PRIDE!

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 2, 2015

Tied up going into the third. Somehow, it seems about right. #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Shogun gets the early takedown and limits the wild punches being thrown and landed. 1 rd left to win for each #ufc190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Some men are just meant to fight each other. #Shogun & #LilNog are such men. #UFC190

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 2, 2015

Shogun gets the decision win #ufc190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Shogun I’m ready..

— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) August 2, 2015

THAT WAS TUF

I don’t know anything about these two. Predictions? #UFC190

— Kaitlin Young (@kaitlin_young) August 2, 2015

Duelling guillotines! #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Battle of the guillotine

— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) August 2, 2015

Vieira grabs a choke, lopes grabs a choke. Both swing crazy. Lopes grabs another choke. Both swing… Only 3 min in! #ufc190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Longest main card…ever trying to stay up to watch Rowdy do work tho!

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) August 2, 2015

I think we were all hoping he’d tap. #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

I knew this fight looked familiar! #UFC190 pic.twitter.com/EluufgnifQ

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

There were 2 gamers just finger mashing the buttons for vieira and lopes hammer fists at the end of that fight. So great #ufc190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Ronda I’d love to see you fight for a minute or so but I’m tired, so home I go…

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 2, 2015

It’s past midnight here n the east coast

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) August 2, 2015

@DiegoSanchezUFC u better not sleep homie it’s almost a go time for the main event

— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) August 2, 2015

Ummmm I like fighting as much as the next guy/gal but forcing us to watch TUF fights during a PPV is tough

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) August 2, 2015

Well is everyone feeling like they’re getting their money’s worth??? #qualityoverquantity

— Aaron Riley (@aaronrileymma) August 2, 2015

Somebody wake me up when Joan Jett starts playing #UFC190 #4Horsewomen

— Shayna Baszler (@QoSBaszler) August 2, 2015

Damn these two made it to the finals of Tuf Brazil? Ridiculous lol

— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) August 2, 2015

Can’t believe how shit these new 155 Brazilians are. I’d fight any of the 4 at #ufc190 and finish and if I lost I’d quit mma forever. @ufc

— Jesse Ronson (@Ronsoff) August 2, 2015

WANT. RONDA FIGHT. NOW. (And I’ve been looking forward to #pride2015 )

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) August 2, 2015

STRUVE OUTLASTS NOG

Let’s go @StefanStruve skyscraper time to go to work!

— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) August 2, 2015

Win, lose, or draw @Minotauromma is my hero always has been. Get em legend! #UFC190

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) August 2, 2015

Let’s go NOG

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) August 2, 2015

I want to see big & lil nog’s birth certificates . I feel like there is some little league World Series shenanigans going on ! #ufc

— Brian Rogers (@BRogthePredator) August 2, 2015

Nobody gives up a reach advantage like Stephan Struve…

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 2, 2015

I believe in you Nog you got this! #UFC190

— John Maguire (@MaguireTheOne) August 2, 2015

Nog spent the rd pushing Struve against the cage but on the breaks Struve rocked him multiple times 1-0 Struve #ufc190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Im not sure how much I want to see big nog continue to fight …win or lose #ufc

— Brian Rogers (@BRogthePredator) August 2, 2015

I’ve seen audits more thrilling. #UFC190 http://t.co/XZO9cBse6O

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 2, 2015

#BigNog is a legend who has proven himself more times that I can count but I no longer wish to see him fight win or lose. #UFC190

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 2, 2015

Não interessa o resultado o Minotauro está de parabéns !!!!!

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) August 2, 2015

If Big Nog doesn’t win, this crowd will riot. #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Geez nog is tough, Struve is tall. SO TALL #UFC190

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Struve gots it

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) August 2, 2015

Wow big nog is tough he is a zombie I think struve won who you got? #UFC190 @ufc

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) August 2, 2015

Congrats @StefanStruve good job striking looked crisp and on point #Blackzilians

— TyroneSpong (@Tyrone_spong) August 2, 2015

What was that Struve? Joe don’t let him talk anymore

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 2, 2015

Cut his mic

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) August 2, 2015

Congrats @StefanStruve for great win bruv

— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) August 2, 2015

BIGFOOT KO’S.

Let’s gooooo @soathehulk #AussieAussieAussie #UFC190

— ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) August 2, 2015

2 MONSTERS in the cage right now!! #UFC190 I got Bigfoot!!

— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) August 2, 2015

This reminds me of Pacific Rim, for some reason. #UFC190

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) August 2, 2015

Tha FOOT! #Bigfoot #UFC190

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 2, 2015

Gadelha e pezão show!!!!!

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) August 2, 2015

Congrats @BigfootSilva great win bad luck @soathehulk

— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) August 2, 2015

ROUGH DEBUT FOR JAG

Excited for Jag to be in the UFC. I’m taking Claudia for this one though #UFC190 Excited for this fight!!

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) August 2, 2015

Let’s go @ClaudiaGadelha_ #novauniao @jairlourenco ✈️✈️✈️

— Gilbert DurinhoBurns (@GilbertDurinho) August 2, 2015

Let’s go @jagatt @AmericanTopTeam nation. #futurechampion

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) August 2, 2015

Gaudella looks soft, must’ve had to use a different method of weight cutting this time #UFC190

— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) August 2, 2015

This chick is carbon copy of barao aldo. #UFC190

— Justin Buchholz (@JustinBuchholz) August 2, 2015

Striking & wrestling on point for #Gadelha She’s hungry for that rematch & @ufc straw-weight belt. #UFC190

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) August 2, 2015

Wow @jagatt is tough as nails much respect! @ClaudiaGadelha_ is a beast! Rematch vs @joannamma #UFC190 @ufc

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) August 2, 2015

Title shot, well deserved #UFC190

— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) August 2, 2015

Can’t wait for @joannamma to put a whopping on @ClaudiaGadelha_ #AndStill #nosteroids

— ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) August 2, 2015

This one will be fun again. @ClaudiaGadelha_ vs @UFC Champ @joannamma pic.twitter.com/n81l940CG9

— Dana White (@danawhite) August 2, 2015

Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski is in talks to face Frank Mir at UFC 191 in September, but he’s hungry for revenge.

With chatter that former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko is making a return to fighting, Arlovski says he wants the first crack.

“I would love to fight him,” Arlovski said Thursday on his live chat. “I would love to have a rematch but I don’t know. It’s up to the UFC. If Dana White is going to sign him, great.”

Arlovski isn’t so sure Emelianenko plans to sign with one of the major American MMA promotions, but he has an idea about how a second fight between them would go down.

Arlovski fought Emelianenko in 2009 at Affliction: Day of Reckoning and was arguably dominating the first round. Arlovski was out-landing Emelianenko in strikes 15-5, but threw an uncharacteristic flying knee at the cornered Russia. Emelianenko countered with an overhand right sent Arlovski crashing to the mat unconscious.

“I’m going to f**k him up,” said Arlovski. “I’m not going to jump with that f***ing stupid flying knee. It’s going to be a different match.

“Why did I jump that stupid flying knee? I still can’t figure out why. I still don’t have a clear answer for that. When I see Dana White next time I’m going to ask him, ‘Please, please if you’re going to sign Emelianenko just give me a rematch. Please, please.'”

As for Mir, Arlovski says he’s excited about the fight if it ends up getting booked. Arlovski was set to be Mir’s first challenge to his heavyweight crown 10 years ago, but a motorcycle accident forced the champ to withdraw.

Arlovski scored a first-round submission over Tim Sylvia at UFC 51 in February 2005 to become the interim heavyweight champion. Mir was slated to return to finally face Arlovski later that October, but was stripped of the title due to his severely broken leg and injured knee. Arlovski went on to knock out Paul Buentello in 15 seconds at UFC 55.

“He’s on a winning streak, I’m on a winning streak and we were supposed to fight in 2007[sic],” said Arlovski. “Definitely he’s tough and I’m very excited if it’s going to happen.”

With Mir scoring back-to-back KO’s over Antonio Silva and Todd Duffee in 2015, Arlovski knows he’s not facing the same fighter he was booked against a decade ago.

“Absolutely not,” said Arlovski. “He’s much tougher, I think, right now. A more dangerous fighter. He’s not scared to brawl and it’s going to be a great match.

“He’s tough. He has power in his hands and he’s a black belt in Jiu Jitsu. He’s no joke. If I’m going to fight him I have to be prepared. On the ground, he’s a king. He’s much, much better than me. It’s no doubt.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Rowdy. UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey discusses the upcoming bout with Bethe Correia, why she’s planning on leaving the belt in Brazil after UFC 190, retirement, movies, Holly Holm and Miesha Tate recent victories, and much more.

Dang. John Dodson says his teammate former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones ‘wasn’t the perfect angel that everyone thought he was to be.’ ‘You guys keep on thinking that he’s supposed to be like Hannah Montana, but really he was Miley Cyrus.’

‘Break her jaw.’ Bethe Correia says she’s gotten her own motherly advice on how to win Saturday night at UFC 190. ‘Please, finish this fight in 10 seconds. Knock her out.’

Co-Main. UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum says he wants to serve as the co-main event to featherweight champion Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor. ‘Heavyweights are important, of course, but a fight like this will draw more attention than a rematch with Cain Velasquez.’

Jacare. Ronaldo Souza becomes the first Brazilian UFC fighter to sign an exclusive deal with Reebok.

MEDIA STEW

UFC 190 media day staredowns.

Media day highlights from UFC 190.

Brazilians seem to be pretty big Ronda Rousey fans.

BJJ Scout’s quick breakdown of Ronda clinch work.

Jon Jones speaks to the kids at the Boys & Girls’Club.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

World Series of Fighting 22 #WSOF22 Press Conference

…

Josh Gross on The Shift

…

TSN’s Ronda Rousey Special

TWEETS

Could be.

I am going to retire undefeated. This Bethe is just one step on the way. #UFC190 #Aug1st #andSTILL pic.twitter.com/o4VS3nDWWz

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) July 30, 2015

OK.

7 is cute these days.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 30, 2015

8 figures a knock, thanks.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 30, 2015

Beef.

@POSTERBOYJM I need a new rug for my house. You’ll look really nice on the floor when ppl visit. I’ll tell them it was a easy kill…

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) July 30, 2015

@Anthony_Rumble your resume is good, but know that u are facing a different beast as u have before and this ain’t no cartoon. Shit is real

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) July 30, 2015

@ZackMwekassa The only thing you wil KNOCK..is on doors begging for some change after i end your career, you know..the one you dont have

— Gokhan Saki (@gokhantherebel) July 30, 2015

@PatrickyPitbull I just said @BellatorMMA should make it a fight for a title shot. I’m trying to help you get to this ass whooping

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 30, 2015

Really Meek? Really that’s what you came with… You brought that butter knife to a damn gun fight.

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 31, 2015

Meek had some good points but it mostly reminded me of his battling vids where he was off topic a lot, then on, but mostly off…

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) July 31, 2015

Any guesses?

My fight contract is in I can’t say who or when yet, super excited for my resurgence into a new division #BIGNAMEFIGHT #Instantclassic #Viva

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 31, 2015

Cool.

@ScottCoker Thanks a ton for giving me the OPPORTUNITY so that @Water4 & I can keep creating opportunities like THIS https://t.co/gXUmPsL3LT

— Justin Wren MMA (@TheBigPygmy) July 30, 2015

Cuttin’.

275 comming to brazil, 268 right now, will wake up 266 https://t.co/olvBJS9lsz

— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) July 31, 2015

Eat up.

The last dinner pic.twitter.com/zLhwqqJTgO

— George Roop (@GeorgeRoop) July 31, 2015

This Week in Struggle.

Selfie ALERT! Me and @StefanStruve media day in Rio. pic.twitter.com/dN6qh82qqy

— Sean Shelby (@seanshelby) July 30, 2015

It’s been an emotional day. Deciding lunch… @five_guys to @ChipotleTweets to Kinfolk BBQ (closed) and back to Chipotle. #FatKidProblems

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 27, 2015

“don’t leave it in the hands of the judges” is a poor excuse. Ur fighting the best & toughest. Shouldn’t have incompetent judges #crooks

— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) July 27, 2015

To say I had 0 sub att. Shows they don’t know a twister or anything about @dennyprokopos attacks from single leg ride (truck) #crookedjudges

— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) July 30, 2015

WTF – People I have never met asking if I can get them free tickets to #UFC190 – um, no.

— DrAnnMaria (@DrAnnMaria) July 29, 2015

Broke the LCD in my MacBook Pro and cracked the screen on my iPad mini in the same day.

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) July 29, 2015

The wrestling room was on fire Tuesday night. Soooo hot, I was sweating even before we actually started training. pic.twitter.com/lahW1K2hIR

— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) July 29, 2015

Fuck knee injuries only thing I want to go do and I can’t go train, spar or fucking run. #smh

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 31, 2015

Well this is what happens when you let a guy play with his nunchucks in the gym when it’s empty! @ImpactMMAaz pic.twitter.com/2X6G0wIH6x

— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) July 29, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 30 2015)

Jan Blachowicz out, Anthony Johnson vs. Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191

Shawn Jordan vs. Ruslan Magomedov at UFC 192

Josh Burns vs. Justin Wren at Bellator 141

Takeya Mizugaki vs. George Roop at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

Jon Fitch vs. Yushin Okami at WSOF 24

Blagoy Ivanov vs. Derek Mehmen at WSOF 24

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via theTruthProphet.

The Story of a “Murderer” – Watch Your Back Dana White

Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva: How Does A Man Whose Only Tool Is An Axe, See The World?

People’s choice of words tells us a great deal about who they are, and what is important to them.

What does Wanderlei Silva Want? Respect!

Wanderlei at every opportunity adamantly demands respect! Without further speculating as to why respect is so important to him, we can safely assume that he is a proud man and wants to be needed and appreciated. (Note: there are many fighters who want to be respected just like the rest of us, however few who obsess about the word to the extent Wanderlei Silva does). Again through his choice of words, “The Axe Murderer” gives us yet another glimpse into his life at this encounter with Chael Sonnen, where the word respect comes up again and again, however it is the conclusion of the video that caught my attention the most. Wanderlei Silva chooses to quote an expression in Portuguese which translates into “people who show respect don’t lose their teeth” – Indeed, ladies and gentlemen respect under the direct threat of violence!

…

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.