Author: David St. Martin

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis was due to fight Myles Jury this weekend in Chicago at UFC on FOX 16, but another injury has made a rough 2015 campaign even worse.

In May Pettis suffered ligament damage when he dislocated his right elbow during wrestling training, pushing his return to year’s end.

As for dance partners, Pettis has a few ideas.

“I don’t really care,” Pettis told Talking Brawls. “As long as it gets me that next title shot. If Khabib’s [Nurmagomedov] healthy and he’s next in line, that’s who I want. Or Nate Diaz. I’ve been calling him out, as well. Diaz has been talking a lot of s**t.”

Diaz hasn’t been too complimentary of Pettis lately, mocking him for a string of injuries.

You motherfuckers serious Every fight ? Smh this sports rough but #umadefromglass https://t.co/KT6PiuzTwO pic.twitter.com/s9ItLsndq3

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) March 19, 2015

According to Diaz, the pair also had a brief flareup in Mexico City at UFC 188 in June.

“He’s not relevant at all but it’s personal,” Pettis said of Diaz. “When someone talks crap to me in my face I need to address that. Where I grew up that doesn’t happen. He just talks s**t. When I walk past him he has something to say. In Mexico City he had a few words, but it was by the media event.

“He runs over, gets on the camera and stays relevant. I don’t play into that. If he wants to fight, let’s set it up. I’m not afraid to fight this dude. He’s not even top ten.

With Pettis ranked No. 1 and Diaz at No. 14, the swing may be a bit much for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.

“It doesn’t make sense for me but the fact that it’s personal is why I want that fight,” said Pettis. “I want to whoop his ass. That’s it.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘What is this? Nineteenth-century Prussia?’ Chuck Mindenhall explains why the UFC firing Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran was really not cool… and in fact, just cold.

Blowback. Reebok issues statement in wake of ‘Stitch’ Duran firing.

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas previews UFC on FOX 16, discusses Stitch Duran’s Reebok comments, HBO’s report and more in this week’s live chat.

‘I gave you a sign; you didn’t understand…’ Anderson Silva says his second loss to UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman was God sending him a message.

A little help. The UFC is working to book former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar at UFC 191 in September, currently headlined by Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson.

MEDIA STEW

UFC on FOX 16 embedded episode 1.

Episode 2 of Joe Lauzon’s UFC on FOX 16 vlog.

Jason Miller’s uncomfortable interview on Real Sports.

Don Frye and Forrest Griffin, together at last.

Jose Aldo suing Chael Sonnen and UFC?

Zach Makovsky smashing things in slow motion to dubsteb.

Long watches.

UFC on Fox: Dillashaw vs Barao 2 Care/Don’t Care Preview

…

Chael Sonnen’s ‘You’re Welcome’ with Donald Cerrone

…

TWEETS

Even more Stitch.

https://t.co/vbsZAERVUK

— Jose Aldo Junior (@josealdojunior) July 23, 2015

Wow @StitchDuran just got did like that by the UFC? #Union

— Josh Koscheck (@JoshKoscheck) July 22, 2015

Gonna miss you around my friend! @StitchDuran “If he gets a good surgeon he’s gonna be alright” thnx for keeping me in that Fight, much love

— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) July 22, 2015

I did a quick blog post about the Stitch stuff. http://t.co/PLe41Nx8GR

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 22, 2015

So sad to hear that @StitchDuran will no longer be around during fight week. It’s the end of an era. The golden age of MMA has passed.

— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 22, 2015

First no @BurtWatson4real now no @StitchDuran That’s a tough loss for the fighters back stage. Only those who have fought or cornered can ..

— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) July 22, 2015

Know what a positive impact they can have on a fighters mind frame . Glad I had the opp to be a part of the UFC while they were there.

— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) July 22, 2015

My man @StitchDuran wrapped me for my biggest victory in my career @ufc 42! Much respect the best cut man greater person!

— Pete Spratt (@IamPeteSpratt) July 22, 2015

Just saw @StitchDuran @StitchPremium is no longer with the UFC. Sucks to see the best cut man in the game won’t be able to keep me safe.

— Cole Miller (@colemillerATT) July 22, 2015

Sad to see @StitchDuran go I guess we better work on our head movement #bestinthebusiness #Stitch pic.twitter.com/cBZHH4nHCt

— ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) July 22, 2015

The @ufc won’t be the same without you @StitchDuran. Thanks for all of your help during my career!

— Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) July 22, 2015

Sad 2 hear @StitchDuran thanks for taking care of me physically and emotionally since day 1 for me in the UFC hope the best for u #legend

— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) July 23, 2015

Buds.

I’m not sure why anyone is surprised by ufc cutting Stich ! More of the same from them ! The list gets longer all the time of folks they dis

— Randy Couture (@Randy_Couture) July 23, 2015

Stich is a fantastic person ! So happy to have had him during my career ! I’m happy he spoke out about he felt . It’s Typical ufc BS !!

— Randy Couture (@Randy_Couture) July 23, 2015

@Edinsanantonio @Randy_Couture Randy is one to talk. He’s got a pretty long list himself.

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 23, 2015

Beef.

.Is that so @DUANEBANGCOM ?? https://t.co/mULQ6HAydL

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 22, 2015

Pls prove me wrong @Cody_Nolove @sherdogdotcom @TeamAlphaMale @TJDillashaw

— LudwigMartialArtscom (@DUANEBANGCOM) July 22, 2015

@DUANEBANGCOM Ur opinion doesnt matter. I’ll b givin u no thought or attention after this. Ur like the jealous delusional ex- girl friend

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 22, 2015

I’m ok with What ever it takes to find ur full potential @Cody_Nolove good luck with ur career

— LudwigMartialArtscom (@DUANEBANGCOM) July 22, 2015

I’ve been a champion my entire life. Don’t disrespect me with that nonsense. pic.twitter.com/ebSmvg3kFj

— Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) July 23, 2015

Who don’t got no champions? @TeamAlphaMale pic.twitter.com/arOklhKGpt

— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) July 23, 2015

Paging Rockhold.

@mgarasic_5 @ChrisWeidmanUFC @ufc December

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 23, 2015

Get well soon.

For those of you wondering, I broke my hand during the fight so I’ll be in this cast for 6 weeks. I’m… https://t.co/wzBTLjoPad

— Michelle Waterson (@karatehottiemma) July 22, 2015

Aw.

I done it Ma 🙂 pic.twitter.com/n0AKbuStQW

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 23, 2015

Legitimately worried about how slippery those rocks are.

Life is beautiful! ☀️ pic.twitter.com/pecnNhmaYW

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) July 23, 2015

Family, Friends Mourn Death of Cage Fighter

Alright tweeps, caption this and tag me & @bodyfortress in it & the best wine will get some free product. @Dbacks pic.twitter.com/pTwg6LR73j

— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) July 22, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 22 2015)

Raphael Butler vs. Lorenzo Hood at Bellator 141: Dynamite

cancelled Uriah Hall vs. Joe Riggs at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira

cancelled Jared Cannonier vs. Jonathan Wilson at UFC Fight Night: Saint Preux vs. Teixeira

Nazareno Malegarie vs. Joaquim Silva at UFC 191

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 scoring a split decision win over Thales Leites Saturday in Glasgow UFC middleweight Michael Bisping said he believes he’s just a win away from getting his long-awaited shot at the title.

“It’s about time I got my g*d*mn f*cking title shot,” Bisping said at the event’s post-fight presser.

Well, middleweight champion Chris Weidman doesn’t have the Brit on his radar, to put it nicely.

“I’ve got a couple tough guys, for sure,” Weidman said Tuesday during a fan Q&A. “Luke Rockhold’s a tough guy. Jacare’s [Ronaldo Souza] a tough guy. Yoel Romero’s a scary guy. Scary looking guy. Bisping is a joke.”

Weidman had tweeted earlier in the day that he could beat Bisping in under two minutes whilst sleepwalking and things just picked up from there.

I would beat him while sleep walking under 2 minutes @JakeFletcher151

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 21, 2015

“I would love for him to fight for the title because I’d literally beat him sleepwalking,” Weidman laughed. “I think I could beat him while I’m sleepwalking. He has no punching power so I can literally fall asleep while he’s punching me, just get a hold of him and throw him on the floor. If he doesn’t get knocked out when he falls on the floor I’ll just submit him.

“I could submit him with my eyes closed. 100 percent. That’s not even me talking any junk. That’s just me being honest.”

Weidman is due to face No. 1 contender Luke Rockhold sometime later this year, but mockingly hoped the stars somehow align for Bisping.

“That poor guy,” said Weidman. “It would just be such an easy fight. I don’t think I’d even have to get in shape for it. I hope to God that he somehow gets his way to the top. Right now he’s so far from it but I really hope he can get there. I know he’d talk trash back and it’d be exciting.

“I just don’t have full confidence that he could get to the top. Boring decision. Boring decision. If he fights a guy like Romero he’d really have to get lucky to win that fight.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Canned. Legendary cutman ‘Stitch’ Duran says UFC fired him for comments about Reebok deal. ‘To get a nut shot by Dana in him not calling me and having the balls to call me, it just showed me the kind of characters that I was dealing with.’

‘He will get beat up again.’ UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos responds to Donald Cerrone’s steroid allegations.

‘I figure it makes perfect sense.’ Johny Hendricks says he’s willing to wait out Robbie Lawler’s timetable for trilogy fight. ‘I’ve been in two fights with [Lawler], and it’s turned out well, you know what I mean?’

You’re doing it wrong. Rony Jason denies diuretic use, but second drug test result comes back positive.

Ugh. HBO Real Sports unearths disproportionate rate of domestic violence in MMA.

MEDIA STEW

Dana White talks Aldo vs. McGregor at Cowboy’s Stadium and Georges St-Pierre’s fighting status.

Pros predict Dillashaw vs. Barao 2.

Highlights from Bamma USA, M-1 Global, and RFA.

Randy Couture discusses his relationship with Dana White.

Dillashaw vs. intern didn’t go as quick as I’d like.

Free Fight: Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs Tito Ortiz.

Long watches.

Javier Mendez talks McGregor, Velasquez, Cormier, Nurmagomedov, Rockhold & more

…

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to Stitch Duran getting fired by UFC.

More Stitch reactions.

@stitchduran https://t.co/reml8CgGUO pic.twitter.com/5YR0TRHbGo

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 22, 2015

Dang, @StitchDuran, big ups for your bravery in speaking your mind…sorry to hear about how it all played out…

— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 22, 2015

Hands down the nicest man i ever meet @StitchDuran in the @ufc sad news

— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) July 22, 2015

This is bullshit first @BurtWatson4real and now @StitchDuran is gone to before I get to the UFC I feel like I’m gonna be missing out smh

— Terrion Flash Ware (@flashmma) July 22, 2015

let’s all show some profile pic love to @StitchDuran!

— Charmaine Tweet (@notsosweetmma) July 22, 2015

I’m always behind, but just heard about Stitch. Don’t have a bad thing to say about him. Hope he’s back keeping us fighters healthy, soon!

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 22, 2015

@ColbyCovMMA @timsylviamma @MMAFighting making a deal with Reebok is a business decision, firing a guy for expressing his opinion isn’t

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 22, 2015

Thats messed up, having an opinion now gets you fired. He should of blamed it on the coco so he could keep his… http://t.co/REgdVlmTPR

— Miguel Angel Torres (@MiguelTorresMMA) July 22, 2015

So sad 2 see this happen. @StitchDuran is a great and proud man & I love him to death. He’s the best of the best https://t.co/pQBO2K9L00

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 22, 2015

im gonna miss you so much @StitchDuran a lot of respect and admiration for all you have done for the mma and boxe best of lucky

— Gilbert DurinhoBurns (@GilbertDurinho) July 22, 2015

Sooo disappointed to hear about @StitchDuran !! He’s the man and was my go to guy. Wrapped me for all my championship fights!

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 22, 2015

Damn I can’t believe it @StitchDuran were family vato, aqui estamos para lo que sea….

— Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) July 22, 2015

FREE STITCH

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 22, 2015

Unfortunate someone can get fired for having an opinion.

— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) July 22, 2015

A good cut man in the corner is a valuable part of the team during a fight. I’ve seen the best at work, and there are very few of them.

— Brandon Gibson (@SixGunGibson) July 22, 2015

So it’s freedom of speech in America but not in the @ufc fucking criminals @StitchDuran u will be missed we had some great times

— Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) July 22, 2015

Meanwhile…

Love my @reebok gear … Feels good to be here with my awesome crew necks thanks for taking this… https://t.co/we65KwpBsg

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) July 22, 2015

A lot of haters about the @Reebok now we look like professional before look like hookers I have some sponsors haven’t paid me two years ago

— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) July 22, 2015

Now we look like professional sports league @Reebok @RedotTactical @ufc

— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) July 22, 2015

Thanks to @reebok for the hook up on the gear! https://t.co/UWkQw3Ne7N

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) July 22, 2015

Everybody dream to go @ufc now you’re in the @ufc you complain about @Reebok be thankful what do you have @Reebok is good for the sport

— Rustam Khabilov (@RustamTheTiger) July 22, 2015

Did you guys watch?

Thanks @renergracie for making the sport of MMA look bad. Thanks for trying to set the sport back 10 years. @HBO @realsportshbo

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 22, 2015

Just so everyone knows never been arrested or involved in domestic violence. Some of us just like to compete and this is what we’re ok at.

— ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) July 22, 2015

So much Beef.

“@RdosAnjosMMA: @Cowboycerrone Anthony and Diaz beat your ass did you see what I did to them! look Frankenstein just sign a DATE

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 21, 2015

Hey fake Cowboy you’re making accusations with no proves, I respected you but now you lost my… https://t.co/6MnRKF9Ntu

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

I have a clean record my brother @Cowboycerrone

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

“@RdosAnjosMMA: You’re right @Cowboycerrone enough said pic.twitter.com/cLwSid3r3V” Let’s be very clear, Frankenstein: SIGN. THE. DATE.

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 21, 2015

“@RdosAnjosMMA: pic.twitter.com/cLwSid3r3V” I’ll tweet it for you not trying to hide anything .. Too many BEERS and young. Didn’t make weight

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 21, 2015

@MMAFighting @guicruzzz You 2 were best friends last week #fakes http://t.co/e1IOhGjW9z

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 21, 2015

.@dc_mma hah u love it. Pickup up your phone @LukeRockhold wants to tweet too.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 21, 2015

@JoeMoney13 @RdosAnjosMMA @ProfitsForLife WESTSIDE of dorkville!!

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 21, 2015

@ProfitsForLife @ThreeWladyka @R3LAPZE @DaltonDarkTower what a puss!! U changed ur WESTSIDE pic!!! Lol @ #goofywhiteguy

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 22, 2015

http://t.co/x5G44gvgi6 really?

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) July 21, 2015

Get well soon.

Stage 2 mcl tear no knifes

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 21, 2015

He gone.

Great time last night at @DaveChappelle‘s show! Now rehearsing my script – always want to give a good performance! pic.twitter.com/dy8rt2Z1yj

— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) July 21, 2015

Hmmm.

“@Gokzarah: @ChrisWeidmanUFC would you train with Werdum just to spite AKA?”absolutely @FabricioWerdum but I think @AlexTheMauler first

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 21, 2015

Please be careful.

Just a typical day at the office. & #FortRucker https://t.co/NeB284O4RS

— Josh Koscheck (@JoshKoscheck) July 21, 2015

@DRkneevil well en route to becoming Fat Jo. pic.twitter.com/2WKsV6N812

— WolverDean (@WolverDean_DNFT) July 21, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 21 2015)

NA

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via FatFistKO

Shame on you, WSOF.

At WSOF 17, they paid a fighter $750. For some fighters, that wouldn’t cover air fair. It wouldn’t cover a camp. It wouldn’t even cover a disney trip for a family of four, most likely. As I am yet to see a payout for WSOF 21, I can only speculate that not much has changed. The fighter that received $750 is Jamie Point, who I can only imagine is a local fighter who got on the card. That being said, if he wasn’t, then I feel even more sorry for him. Other than Jake Shields and Brain Foster, nobody broke $8,000 in promotional payout. I also feel sorry for them.

…

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.

Urijah Faber and interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor can’t keep their hands off each other.

The pair had their notorious backstage tickle fight prior to the weigh-ins at UFC 189 on July 10 and wouldn’t you know they’ve been at it again as coaches on the set of The Ultimate Fighter.

“That [first incident] was completely off the cuff,” Faber told The Underground. “I don’t even know what it was. I talked to Conor about it, too. I was like, ‘What was that?’ and he just said, ‘Eh, I don’t know.’ It started out kind of playing and turned out what it was.

“That happened again. It happened again a couple of days ago. They didn’t have any cameras on us, we’re giving each other crap and the next thing you know we’re testing each other a little bit. Then we’re like manhandling each other. It always ends with him getting pissed off.”

We don’t have video of the second altercation but Faber makes it sound a bit more serious than the first.

“He likes them until the end when he’s getting manhandled,” said Faber. “Then he doesn’t like it. The last one was kind of funny. His guy Tom [Egan] had to come in and be like, ‘Alight guys let’s break it up.’ I feel like it was all in good fun for the most part. We both like to fight. That’s what we do.”

McGregor TKO’d Faber’s Team Alpha Male teammate Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, setting the table for a showdown with featherweight champion Jose Aldo later this year.

“He felt OK when we’ve had interactions,” said Faber. “I think he’s definitely best at a distance with his structure. We saw that with Chad. He’s a tough guy.”

Faber obviously isn’t slated to face McGregor at the show’s conclusion, but thinks the fight will come together eventually.

“I think it’ll probably happen at some point,” said Faber. “Honestly, it’s pretty hard to get under my skin and he seems to be OK himself so we’ll see how it goes [during filming]. We’ve already started the banter back and forth. I think people will want to see that fight.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘It all depends on the deal he’s offered.’ Ex-manager says he’d like to see Fedor Emelianenko fight the best in the world in the UFC.

To the slammer. Nick Diaz reaches plea deal for reduced jail time on DUI cases.

Monday Morning Analyst. Luke Thomas breaks down the techniques from UFC Fight Night: Mir vs. Duffee, UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites and more.

‘If he wants another kick, punch, I’m in.’ Vitor Belfort says he’s interested in fighting Michael Bisping again.

Get paid. Frank Mir scores a $200,000 payday for his KO win over Todd Duffee.

Watch The MMA Hour with Vadim Finkelchtein, Demetrious Johnson, Johny Hendricks, Holly Holm, Stevie Ray, Robert Whiteford, Ricky Lundell and Tony McGregor.

MEDIA STEW

T.J. Dillashaw talks his rematch with Renan Barao and Conor McGregor’s antics.

McGregor does a Cribs-style tour of the MacMansion.

(via r/MMA)

Robin Black breaks down Dillashaw vs. Barao 2.

Inside look at Nieky Holzken’s training ahead of GLORY 23.

Ronda Rousey explains her slam of Floyd Mayweather at the ESPY’s.

Don Alejandro joins the Mexican manhunt.

Long watches.

Knuckle Up #356: Sucker Aftermath, Mir, Bisping, Fedor, Couture + hate guides galore!

…

Submission Radio #58 Tito Ortiz, Vadim Finkelchtein, Michelle Waterson + UFC Glasgow

…

TWEETS

Pretty wild.

Very proud to be bringing this event home to San Jose. Bellator MMA #Dynamite2015, @SAPCenter on September 19th! pic.twitter.com/Zp0yF8SDyh

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) July 20, 2015

Beef.

@Cowboycerrone Anthony and Diaz beat your ass did you see what I did to them i’ll make sure to give you the worst beating @lorenzofertitta

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

@Cowboycerrone you’re probably drunk also that I’m a make you eat your words inside the cage @ufc

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

@danawhite cowboy started this but I promise you i’m going to give him worst beating then The beating I give him already

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

Good guy Dana.

@ProfitsForLife @NateDiaz209 @danawhite @lorenzofertitta I get paid very well

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

@RdosAnjosMMA @ProfitsForLife RDA, don’t argue with a goofy white dude throwing up the west side sign and he’s from fucking Toronto!! LMFAO

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 21, 2015

@danawhite @ProfitsForLife he just got blocked

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 21, 2015

@RdosAnjosMMA @ProfitsForLife beware of goofy white people who throw the WESTSIDE!! They are Way to dorky to argue with. #goofywhitepeople

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 21, 2015

I knew it.

@dc_mma @ChrisWeidmanUFC lol DC u write wrestling promos, I tell it like it is and predict the future.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) July 20, 2015

Get well soon.

Today marks 2 weeks on crutches & the day the doc said I can start swimming & riding a stationary bike #rehab pic.twitter.com/pjwh3KgHzT

— ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) July 21, 2015

MRI

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 20, 2015

Matchmaking.

@JohnyHendricks vs me 4 Next & @IamTheImmortal vs @CarlosCondit for the shot after. Makes since right? @ufc @danawhite @arielhelwani #UFC

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

@IamTheImmortal is down& @CarlosCondit is always game! Just waiting on u @JohnyHendricks we have a while so why wait? http://t.co/xvwMW1hJzR

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

@SpiderAnderson vs Fedor would be a dream match I’d pay to see it

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 21, 2015

Nice.

They need to make room for one more. @paulfeig @dan_aykroyd and @melissamccarthy ᕙ(=AᄌA=)ᕗ #AlphaCat #Ghostbusters pic.twitter.com/uHmXgddftq

— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) July 21, 2015

Dang.

@fabriciowerdum em off? Nosso campeão se descuida da dieta e da uma engordadinha, sera muito… https://t.co/GcmSCS8SDH

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) July 20, 2015

@werdum em off? Nosso campeão se descuida da dieta e da uma engordadinha, sera muito churrasco? Como pode, termos a disputa do cinturão peso pesado ,e não passou na televisão ai no Brasil , temos que nós mesmos, fazermos nossa mídia , peço a vc meu irmão, pra seguir e apoiar, esse que conseguiu a maior conquista de um lutador brasileiro , ganhando de dois lutadores invencíveis até então , do Fedor e do Cain , Werdum o maior lutador gaúcho da história , e um cara muito gente boa. Vou levar meu capacete maior ,minha luva menor ,e meu protetor de boca reforçado no treino hoje, depois de postar essa foto vida longa campeão

A photo posted by Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) on Jul 20, 2015 at 8:05am PDT

@wandfc para werdum: adoro quando vc faz a #happyface !! Hahahaha @wandfc para werdum: TE QUIERO… https://t.co/7CBIDTuFfW

— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) July 20, 2015

@wandfc para werdum: adoro quando vc faz a #happyface !! Hahahaha @wandfc para werdum: TE QUIERO CAMPEÃO! Hahahahahaha!

A photo posted by Fabricio Werdum (@werdum) on Jul 20, 2015 at 11:45am PDT

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 20 2015)

Olivier Aubin-Mercier vs. Chris Wade at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via theTruthProphet

Chris Weidman Slips Up, Shows Hand, Tips Odds In Favor Of Luke Rockhold

Please, allow me to begin by an anecdotal story in order to set the stage. Nick Diaz, a 170 pound B-level fighter (if I may borrow a term from “the Notorious”) moves up in weight class to challenge “The Greatest MMA Fighter of All Time” in Anderson Silva, who routinely dominated fighters in light heavyweight division, and early on in his career fought as a heavyweight. Nick Diaz not only manages to make a mockery of the man and toy with him, but in the eyes of many defeat him. Now let’s think about what happened in that bout for a moment. I’m sure we all at least agree it was a close decision.

…

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.

Say your prayers, kids.

UFC welterweight Matt Brown won’t be happy until he’s throwing standing elbows at Carlos Condit.

The pair were booked to fight in 2013 at UFC on FOX 9, but the bout was scrapped a week out after Brown withdrew due to two herniated discs in his back.

Ranked No. 4 and No. 5 in the welterweight rankings and each coming off wins, the scrap between Condit and Brown seems inevitable.

“Condit’s always an ideal fight for me,” Brown told FOX Sports following his submission win over Tim Means at UFC 189. “A lot of people want to see that fight and of course I think Condit would love to have that fight as much as I would.”

Brown believes the only stumbling block could be if Condit gets the next nod to challenge welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Aside from a sidelined Tyron Woodley, Lawler has dispatched top contenders Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald and Brown, himself.

Recovering from a catastrophic knee injury suffered against Woodley at UFC 171, Condit scored a TKO win over Thiago Alves in May following a year-long layoff.

“The only thing is, Condit could end up with a title shot,” said Brown. “I know a lot of people are calling to see Lawler and Condit fight so I think that would be the only x-factor. If Condit’s not going to fight for the title then me and him should fight for sure.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘They are f—ing stupid.’ UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo says he plans to ignore USADA’s IV ban following weigh-ins. ‘They won’t take me out of the f—ing fight.’

PRIDE never die. Chuck Mindenhall explains why Fedor Emelianenko’s timing for a comeback couldn’t be better.

‘The King of New York.’ UFC president Dana White says former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and middleweight champ Chris Weidman wanted to fight each other at Madison Square Garden.

‘They’re using their backsides like a dartboard.’ Michael Bisping is looking for rematches against ‘cheating, scumbag motherf***ers.’

Booked. Daniel Cormier defends his light heavyweight title against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 in Houston.

MEDIA STEW

Extended preview for UFC 190: Rousey vs. Correia.

Octagon interviews with Michael Bisping and Thales Leites.

Highlights from Bisping vs. Leites and Joanne Calderwood vs. Cortney Casey.

Joe Lauzon’s UFC on FOX 16 vlog. (take a shot each time he says ‘yup’)

Highlights from Legacy 43.

Tarec Saffiedine gets his BJJ black belt, gets the crap whipped out of him.

Long watches.

UFC Road to the Octagon: Dillashaw vs Barao 2

…

Fight Night Glasgow: Post-fight Press Conference

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites.

Victory lap.

Thanks to everyone who helped me, or supported me. Never forgotten!

— michael (@bisping) July 20, 2015

It’s not really sunk in more still buzzing on the crowd support I got that is priceless https://t.co/pdkvaZJuCO

— Joanne Calderwood (@DRkneevil) July 19, 2015

Where’s the parties at in Scotland?!

— Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards (@RockyUtc) July 18, 2015

Dominos it’s been a while!! Mouth is watering https://t.co/AuQRnhkwsl

— Steven Ray (@StevenRayMMA) July 19, 2015

We beat each other up and drink tea it’s perfect @lyons_tea pic.twitter.com/JtNg8uYs4R

— Patrick Holohan (@PaddyHolohanMMA) July 19, 2015

Thanks for all the support✨ We did it https://t.co/dseDDJqDxc

— Ilir Latifi (@Latifimma) July 18, 2015

Happiest laddie in Scotland right now pic.twitter.com/vDwaawnLey

— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) July 19, 2015

@raymonddodds whoever UFC says

— Jimmie Rivera (@JimmieRivera135) July 19, 2015

Better luck next time.

Thanks bro was very disappointing he came with 0 fight just lay & pray https://t.co/bHf9NKGpvy

— Ross Pearson (@RossTheRealDeal) July 19, 2015

Great performance by Paddy a true warrior and awesome human being one love and congratulations.. Cheers https://t.co/pMEEkL5nDz

— The Matrix (@vaughanlovelee) July 18, 2015

Thank you for all your support. Next time will go better! The development is going to happen.

Kiitos kaikille tuesta. Ensi kerralla menee paremmin! Kehitystä tulee tapahtumaan. @UnibetFinland @FightSportFI pic.twitter.com/tLaZJMZSNx

— Teemu Packalen (@PackalenTeemu) July 18, 2015

I literally got so much stuff off the @UFC_UK @ufc and @ReebokUK this weekend dunno how im gonna get it home. Cheers guys scotland rocked

— Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) July 19, 2015

Live by the sword, die by the sword…I’m sorry I let my fans down but I’ll be back!!!

— Marcus Brimage (@Brim205) July 18, 2015

Soon.

Last days of sparring… Last adjustments being made #UFC190 #Aug1st #andSTILL Pic by hansgutknecht https://t.co/S28kH34MNB

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) July 19, 2015

My last sparring for #UFC190. Thanks to my team for staying 3 months at my side in camp on good days… https://t.co/MRl0CXPt6A

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) July 19, 2015

Excited.

Excited 4 fight but even happier about being home and training. No more travel soon. I’m not losing this fight! DC

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 19, 2015

Date and place confirmed, October 3rd in Houston, USA, title fight against Daniel Cormier. Make sure… https://t.co/pD7XkYmPpS

— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) July 18, 2015

Beef.

Smoked @adamsandler in rock, paper, scissors last night. @KevinJames was the ref. #Pixelsmovie pic.twitter.com/3HSVmpXzfd

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 19, 2015

While @chrisweidmanufc is nut hugging A list celebrities. I’m here in Strong Island with the people…. https://t.co/3wbNT3TYnH

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) July 19, 2015

.@LukeRockhold that spinning back kick Vitor hit u with must of really messed with your head. Glad you enjoyed Long Island my friend.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 20, 2015

Some MANY fighters figured out that speaking bad things about others they can get their shot. I have… https://t.co/f1wWyiRMLx

— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) July 20, 2015

funny!!!look what happens when you talk too much! olha o que acontece quando você fala demais! Palhaçada!!… http://t.co/KrgHo0TESZ

— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) July 20, 2015

Now THATS comedy! RT @HappyGrandma02: @TheDomin8r seen this and seen what you have said before LOL… https://t.co/FsF3Tj9w93

— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) July 19, 2015

Get well soon.

Fuck this is worse that any bruising #canvasburn #UFCGlagow pic.twitter.com/xlHXbibbz5

— Joanne Calderwood (@DRkneevil) July 19, 2015

Come out for the next one if you’re around LA.

Catchwrestling: http://t.co/UDQ3beWrEX via @YouTube

— Jessamyn Duke (@jessamynduke) July 20, 2015

Jiu Jitsu in the Park!! Crazy moved in the @colleenfights and @qosbaszler exhibition match. #jjitp… https://t.co/Hm3MlF6aAq

— esther lin (@allelbows) July 20, 2015

公園で散歩中のヘビに遭遇 in Holly wood pic.twitter.com/xlLCQcb2HG

— Michinori Tanaka (@michinori_tamj) July 20, 2015

Congrats.

A BIG thank you to all those that came out to my first pro wrestling match last night! I am #GreeceLighting pic.twitter.com/n3p3K8osHD

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 19, 2015

I met @Beyonce last night! pic.twitter.com/i26sBtEPzx

— Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) July 19, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced this weekend (July 17-19 2015)

Daniel Cormier vs. Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via theTruthProphet

Jose Aldo: Self Sabotage or Psychological Warfare?

Is Jose Aldo trying to promote his upcoming fight against Conor McGregor OR his upcoming fight against the UFC and the regulatory bodies (including USADA and NSAC)? If history is any guide, we know the latter to be nothing short of professional suicide, as Wanderlei Silva discovered first hand.

With his recent drug test fiasco in Brazil, to ambiguities and inconsistencies surrounding his most recent injury, to frequently pulling out of title defenses, to antagonizing the UFC, and speaking out publicly against the Reebok deal, to now taunting USADA about their IV ban, and more, what exactly is he trying to achieve?

…

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.

Keep your schedule open, Frankie Edgar.

According to Chael Sonnen, UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo was ‘ducking’ No. 1 contender Conor McGregor when he withdrew from their title clash July 11 at UFC 189.

Asked if he believed Aldo could have fought through his rib injury ‘if he really wanted to,’ Sonnen didn’t have much doubt.

“Yea, I do,” Sonnen told Michael Landsberg on TSN’s Off the Record. “I want to be responsible with my words because a guy’s health comes first but that story is extremely fugazi. Two different x-rays came out. Five different stories came out. His coach says he doesn’t want to coach him anymore.

“Jose says he doesn’t want to be in the weight class anymore and his own teammate, after he injures him, goes on a media tour telling everybody how he did it. That was a weird, weird deal.”

McGregor managed to TKO late replacement Chad Mendes after being taken down four times in just two rounds, paving the way for an even bigger event with Aldo later this year.

UFC president Dana White has insisted that fight would take place in Las Vegas, but rumors swirled July 16 that brass were interested in AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Unfortunately, Sonnen doesn’t see the fight ever coming together.

“Well, our president Dana White is a gambler,” said Sonnen. “I think he will gamble and throw down a bunch of money and try to put it together again. No, I don’t imagine … I don’t know why [Aldo and McGregor] would [fight]. It’s not going to be bigger than it just was [at UFC 189] and Jose just didn’t show up.

“What’s the expression? ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.’ Come on. Jose Aldo’s pulled out of five fights. The guy’s an excellent fighter. I’m not trying to kick a guy when he’s down, but that’s a bunch of crap what he just pulled.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘I was upset with this injury.’ Jose Aldo says he didn’t watch UFC 189 and that he would be open to fighting Conor McGregor in Ireland.

The MMA Beat. The panel discusses the aftermath of UFC 189, Fedor Emelianenko’s apparent interest in fighting again, UFC Fight Night: San Diego post-fight storylines and more.

‘We are the Power Rangers.’ Jose Aldo isn’t a big fan of the UFC’s Reebok kit. ‘It sucks, but what can we do?’

‘I got a fight to sell, so great timing, huh?’ UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey ‘waited a whole year’ to respond to Floyd Mayweather’s ‘snarky remark.’

‘We can afford Fedor.’ World Series of Fighting enters the Fedor Emelianenko sweepstakes.

MEDIA STEW

Ronda Rousey talks Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and fighting Bethe Correia.

Ronda accepts her ESPY for ‘Best Female Athlete.’

UFC Fight Night: Glasgow.

Dana White says McGregor will be ‘World’s most dangerous man’ if he beats Aldo.

UFC meets Trainspotting.

Ronda Rousey gets hit on by college football player, doesn’t get punched.

Long watches.

UFC 190: Ronda Rousey Media Day Scrum

…

Chael Sonnen’s ‘You’re Welcome’ with Thiago Silva and Robbie Lawler

TWEETS

Math.

Love the numbers and the numbers will love you. Ignore the numbers and the numbers will ignore you. pic.twitter.com/FuC61aPpIA

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 17, 2015

Campaigning.

This is who I represent. The red, white, and blue. Enough said. @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta #notakedowndefense pic.twitter.com/c71oUc6FEL

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 16, 2015

MAKE NO MISTAKE…retweet if you agree! http://t.co/s19Ega2hqE #1contender

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 16, 2015

Nice.

@TonyFergusonXT @ufc it was a pleasure to have fought you man. You’re very talented with a bright future. Keep it up bud.

— Josh Thomson (@THEREALPUNK) July 16, 2015

@AlanJouban FOTN we did it brother! It was an honor fighting you. pic.twitter.com/fGHDe3X4p4

— Matt Dwyer (@MattDwyerMMA) July 16, 2015

@MoTownPhenom congrats on a great performance. I wish you nothing but success in the future Kevin

— James Moontasri (@jmoontasri) July 16, 2015

Thanks for everything.

I am officially retired from fighting… Check here to read my thoughts… http://t.co/5uJw2bMFPM #ThankYouAll pic.twitter.com/vnLajhaY7r

— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) July 16, 2015

Always a fan @officialswick!

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 16, 2015

@officialswick always been one of my favs and one of the good guys. Proud of you

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) July 16, 2015

@officialswick this is to never saying goodbye. 😉

— Jon Fitch (@jonfitchdotnet) July 17, 2015

Congrats man. Great memories. @officialswick

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) July 17, 2015

Congrats to @officialswick on his career. Good luck to you on the next chapter of your life brother. @ufc

— Michael McDonald (@MaydayMcDonald) July 16, 2015

@DiegoSanchezUFC Thanks buddy! Your the last one standing dude! Congrats and give them hell! 😉 #TUF1

— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) July 17, 2015

Thanks for all the comments and support! Making me feel old but in a very humble & tearful way. Love you all! #BeenAnHonorToFightForYou 😉

— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) July 16, 2015

Glad to hear.

#Repost @dukeroufus with repostapp. ・・・ Guess who’s back? @showtimepettis is approved to start… https://t.co/wSH3N3yH8Z

— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 16, 2015

Eh.

Everybody forgot that I was ranked 14 when I fought Phil Davis. I’m fighting Jan because he deserves a chance just like I was given one!

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) July 16, 2015

Over 9,000.

pretty badass super saiyan edit by proxyrax – who can spot master roshi? https://t.co/RuVJhmeHHY

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) July 17, 2015

pretty badass super saiyan Vegeta edit by @proxyrax – who can spot master roshi?

A video posted by rondarousey (@rondarousey) on Jul 16, 2015 at 11:53pm PDT

This Week in Struggle.

A couple drops of #JoshThomson‘s blood flew onto my bout sheet during the fight. Thanks #TonyFerguson… https://t.co/XINDAtnB6k

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 16, 2015

I always laugh when fans scream “Anik” at me when they see him standing 10 feet away. Joke never gets old, eh?

— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) July 16, 2015

1. I’m a okay 2. This is a SPORT, you win some, you lose some 3. Fuck ALL the haters and keyboard warriors.

— Marina Shafir (@MarinaShafir) July 10, 2015

@danhardymma awesome….From safety and comfort of my couch. I can appreciate the fact that you are doing what they call living

— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) July 15, 2015

On first name basis w/ TSA agents at ATL airport, they tease me about being at the airport so much & they work there. Not good

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 15, 2015

Sitting in London airport. Waiting for my flight to Glasgow. It’s already been over 24 hours since I left my house I’m tired

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 15, 2015

I hate to admit it but just watch parts of magic mike 2, lol

— Efrain Escudero (@effyescudero) July 15, 2015

It changed when I came back. They don’t want to promote an official by calling them something other then their name https://t.co/AoVd81zSlA

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 15, 2015

Hahahhhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha No I’m sorry I don’t https://t.co/oKRqDfQQQe

— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocicufc) July 15, 2015

Lol ok I am a dumb ass. I have been trying to talk about @thefrankmir all night and have been tweeting some other bozo my bad it’s late

— Tim Sylvia (@timsylviamma) July 16, 2015

Interesting…wonder when ‘other’ sports leagues will catch up to these world class organizations??? https://t.co/SR4SGbZNYw

— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 14, 2015

@InMyMMAOpinion Brother, I lost everything regarding sponsors from pay to a nice vest! Now I have no fees and a generic vest.

— Jacob Stitch Duran (@StitchDuran) July 13, 2015

@ALIAQUINTA pic.twitter.com/bz7RjD1nYc

— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) July 16, 2015

Patriotic weight cutting @UFC_UK #UFCGlasgow pic.twitter.com/szovY6criP

— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) July 16, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 16 2015)

Saad Awad vs. Patricky Freire at Bellator 141: Dynamite

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via jaywolf1.

FRIDAY, TOTAL STRIKERS DELIGHT! Bellator140 LIVE & FREE on SPIKE ft. Best WW Strikers in MMA

Hello MMAFighting Fans & Friends!

Man am I excited to tell you about Friday’s Bellator 140: Lima vs. Koreshkov FREE on Spike because it features some of THE Best WW Strikers on the planet! Plus, it also has a 2x D-1 All American on it! This is really a fantastic event that all real MMA fans absolutely MUST SEE!

…

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.

As you may have heard, former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko has stated an interest in returning to fighting.

Emelianenko retired in 2012 following a knockout of Pedro Rizzo under the Russian M-1 Global banner, but chatter of a return has popped up periodically ever since.

Emelianenko had been linked to a doomed superfight with Brock Lesnar for years, but said in March that he wouldn’t return to face the former UFC heavyweight champion for as much as $10,000,000.

Well, it must have been a cold winter in Mother Russia because MMA’s GOAT is looking for dance partners and taking offers.

While a Lesnar fight would have been fun, the real dream matchup has always been between Emelianenko and Randy Couture.

In 2008, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion tried to break his contract with Zuffa to face Emelianenko in the short-lived Affliction promotion. That matter ended up in court and Couture returned to the promotion over a year later, losing his heavyweight title to Brock Lesnar at UFC 91.

Now retired, Couture admits he’d be intrigued over finally getting his shot at the legend.

“Obviously I think it’s a fight that in our heyday would have been an amazing fight and a crossover fight for that time,” Couture told SI Now. “Whether or not I’d be willing to step out there now at 52 years old and come back out of retirement after four years of working on all the other stuff in my life, I don’t know.

“It would be something I’d really have to think hard about.”

In 2013, Couture spurned the UFC again by leaving his UFC on FOX commentating duties to sign on to co-star in Spike TV’s Fight Master reality series with Viacom-backed Bellator.

“Can you ever say no?” Couture asked. “Absolutely not. I don’t think there’s anything that’s absolute in the world.”

Sitting alongside Couture, Bellator CEO Scott Coker admitted they hadn’t discussed the matchup with Emelianenko, but that they would have ‘a serious conversation’ if the former champ wanted to get back inside the cage.

“I think anytime you sit cageside and watch fights you can’t help but get antsy,” said Couture. “You want to train or do something, but I’m pretty comfortable with the decision I made four years ago. I think I got out at the right time. Right time for me. I’ve been very happy and very busy.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Drop the mic. UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey takes home two ESPY’s and then takes a major dig at Floyd Mayweather. ‘I’d like to see him pretend to not know who I am now.’

Go Horse. Fabricio Werdum talks about life as UFC heavyweight champion, filming ‘Kickboxer 2’ in Thailand, what’s next for him, how many times he’s watched his win over Cain Velasquez, his issue with Luke Rockhold and much more.

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas recaps UFC 189, previews UFC Fight Night 71, Bellator 140 and more in this week’s live chat.

Taxes and dog food. Ronda Rousey says if MMA was about money to her, ‘I could probably retire right now.’

Back. Frank Mir says he strongly considered retirement after his loss to Alistair Overeem. ‘I kept asking myself, why do I keep putting my family through this?’

MEDIA STEW

Frank Mir brutally KO’s Todd Duffee.

Dana White recaps UFC Fight Night: San Diego and hopes Scotland becomes another Ireland.

Michael Bisping says Jose Aldo made the right call to withdraw from UFC 189.

Ronda Rousey accepting her ‘Best Fighter’ ESPY.

Comedian Bill Burr proves not everyone love Conor McGregor.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

Fight Night San Diego: Post-fight Press Conference

…

UFC Care/Don’t Care Preview: Mir vs Duffee, Bisping vs Leites

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC Fight Night: Duffee vs. Mir.

The Answer.

Hey guys I have a couple of minutes. Let’s talk about some @ufc #notakedowndefense @arielhelwani

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

@GaynorBrian @ufc @TheNotoriousMMA I’ll fight him on the moon if they want if they ever stop protecting him

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

@RustamTheTiger @ufc @arielhelwani the question is when is Conor willing to fight me. I’m ready to go tomorrow

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

@DeathSquadBOS @ufc @arielhelwani they have to milk the cow as much as possible before bringing it to me for slaughter

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

@KeelSutherlaand when I beat Conor the ufc will lose a lot of money

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

@inTIMidation1 I can take a left hand from the entire nation of Ireland

— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) July 15, 2015

Big win.

Thank you everyone who voted for me to get Best Female Athlete and Best Fighter of the year for the… https://t.co/ypuMtK1c78

— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) July 16, 2015

WOW!!! Congrats Ronda with 2 ESPY’s!!!! pic.twitter.com/RcZa7OrXNK

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 16, 2015

Simply the Best! Congrats @rondarousey ‼️ @rondarousey with @repostapp. ・・・ Thank you ev… http://t.co/TZEf0HmWPA pic.twitter.com/fhB8lGKpw4

— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) July 16, 2015

Booked.

Looks like I get my title at #ufc191 it’s been a while but now I can prove to the world that I’m the best

— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) July 16, 2015

Nope.

My good friend @SHAQ wants a UFC contract!! Make it happen @danawhite @ufc #SuperHeavyweight #UFC pic.twitter.com/WJThr8p14u

— Yoel Romero (@YoelRomeroMMA) July 15, 2015

Congrats.

Thank you for all the support! If you thought that was a BONUS winning fight, please let @ufc @danawhite know!! pic.twitter.com/fRjPLSluRf

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) July 16, 2015

O just hanging out with my belt, on the cover of @ufc magazine. Grab a copy guys. Thx for the love always DC pic.twitter.com/tLkV2DeH3P

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 15, 2015

Just out shot @PaigeVanzantUFC pic.twitter.com/WOXYcTwq9C

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 16, 2015

Dang.

The bonus would’ve changed a lot of lives @danawhite @ufc. Gotta say I’m a little disappointed but you’ll see me

— Kevin Lee (@MoTownPhenom) July 16, 2015

Cool story.

When @spideranderson had to make his #ufc debut he was in my dressing room. I warmed up feverishly… https://t.co/KAFcEeNxMU

— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) July 15, 2015

Still got it.

Frank Mir s “Dad Bod” is on point. Boom! #ItsABoy #UFCSanDiego pic.twitter.com/N5wqVts7S3

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 16, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 15 2015)

Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson at UFC 191

Jan Blachowicz vs. Anthony Johnson at UFC 191

John Lineker vs. Francisco Rivera at UFC 191

Brandon Girtz vs. Melvin Guillard at Bellator 141: Dynamite

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via theTruthProphet.

WRESTLING Rope-a-Dope : Really, Conor McGregor?!

Increasingly, post UFC 189, we’ve been hearing fans claim that the glaring lack of hip-escapes, scrambles and submission attempts from the bottom by Conor McGregor was a part of his game plan, to conserve energy and to drag his opponent into the later rounds. A wrestling equivalent of the old Rope-a-Dope?

The other side of the argument is that Conor McGregor was helpless on the bottom because he was being dominated by an NCAA Division I wrestler at the prime of his MMA carrier in Chad Mendes.

…

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.