The UFC has already lost an All-American showdown for its doomed New York debut, but now middleweight champion Chris Weidman sounds doubtful for the matchup.
Weidman was penciled in to face No. 1 contender Luke Rockhold Dec. 5 at Madison Square Garden, but plans may be shifting with MMA remaining illegal in New York state.
According to Weidman, Rockhold may need to further prove himself to get a shot at the belt.
“I don’t know when I’m fighting next,” Weidman tells MMAmania.com. “There are rumors that [Rockhold] might be fighting for a No. 1 contendership against Jacare [Ronaldo Souza] next.”
In 2011, Rockhold took the Strikeforce middleweight title from Souza via unanimous decision in a massive upset. Just 7-1 at the time, Rockhold hadn’t fought beyond the first round in his career. The 25 minutes he spent in the cage with Souza actually totaled more cage time than his previous eight fights, combined.
Rockhold was named the top contender by UFC president Dana White in June following an impressive submission win over Lyoto Machida at UFC on FOX 15 in April.
Unfortunately for Rockhold, that win could be marginalized after seeing how Machida fared against Yoel Romero last weekend in Hollywood, Florida.
Prior to making his now-infamous post-fight comments, Romero stopped Machida early in the third round with a few vicious elbows.
“I think Yoel Romero is great,” Weidman said. “It was a great finish for him. I just think it’s crazy that Machida took that fight on such short notice after losing his last fight by knockout[sic]. It was 10 weeks after his fight, in a small cage, against a wrestler. There was a lot against him. I feel bad.”
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Officially yanked. UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has withdrawn from UFC 189, so Conor McGregor will face Chad Mendes for the interim title.
Prez. UFC president Dana White talks about Tuesday’s Reebok fight kit unveiling, the drama surrounding UFC 189, Yoel Romero’s controversial post-fight comments and much more.
‘They say I’m just talk, but here I am walking.’ Conor McGregor talks about the uncertainty surrounding his UFC 189 title fight against Jose Aldo from all angles, the possibility of fighting Chad Mendes instead and much more.
‘So long Condom Depot and Dude Wipes.’ Chuck Mindenhall explains how the Reebok era is all about a cleaner, sportier look (and associations).
‘Thrown a curve ball.’ Lorenzo Fertitta says choosing between Chad Mendes and Frankie Edgar to replace Jose Aldo at UFC 189 ‘was a toss up.’
MEDIA STEW
Ronda Rousey spoke at the UFC fight kit unveiling about her UFC 190 opponent Bethe Correia, her love of the Reebok gear and much more.
Dana doesn’t sound too happy with Aldo.
Chris Weidman talks Jacare breakfast run-in, New York’s dirty politics and injured ribs.
TTTHS.
Interesting promo for Road to UFC: Japan.
Ben Askren wrasslin’ with Tim Kennedy.
Long watches.
…
TWEETS
See how the pros reacted the unveiling of the UFC’s Reebok uniforms.
Conor seems popular.
They can run. But they can’t hide.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 1, 2015
When @chadmendes wins will Dana even put the belt on him or will he be too pissed to do it?
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 1, 2015
Ho-zay has a serious injury, he made the right decision by pulling out of this fight. It really sucks to move around with a rib injury.
— Vinny Magalhaes (@VinnyMMA) July 1, 2015
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh @chadmendes VS @TheNotoriousMMA holy balls!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) July 1, 2015
The McGregor hype train is getting derailed, let’s go @chadmendes #TheRealMoneyTeam
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 1, 2015
Oh snap!!!! Shit just got crazy!!! congrats @chadmendes can’t get ready for that level of wrestling in a week in a half @TheNotoriousMMA
— Seth Baczynski (@Sethbmma) July 1, 2015
It’s a party here in Sacramento!! @TeamAlphaMale whoohooo!!! pic.twitter.com/VtnRnvYqFu
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 1, 2015
Get em money!
— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 1, 2015
There’s no way mendes loses right??? Right?
— Cody Bollinger (@CodyBollinger) July 1, 2015
Mende$ is a way different fight for the Irishman. Much tougher to game plan for. Just as Killashaw did, Mendes takes home Gold. #UFC189
— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) July 1, 2015
@chadmendes vs #McGregor! Happy for you #ChadMendes! #IGotYourBackBro #RightfulChamp #TAM!!
— Julianna Peña (@VenezuelanVixen) July 1, 2015
Lets go @chadmendes get that strap! @ufc
— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) July 1, 2015
Pissed about Aldo dropping out but that boy @chadmendes bout to give Conor that work! #UFC190 #FighterAndAFan
— walt harris (@thebigticket205) July 1, 2015
For anyone silly enough to entertain the thought of @josealdojunior being #scared…better #GetSerious…#145GOAT pic.twitter.com/CSZY7H1MQH
— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 1, 2015
Agree?
When I had a interim title it just was some cool trophy to have. The interim title does not make you the champion
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 1, 2015
Get well soon.
Not all rib injuries are the same. Cannot compare Aldo’s to anyone else’s. We saw how tough he was vs Mendes, can’t call that into question
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 1, 2015
Tell them how you really feel.
this shit sucks!!!!! Not impressed @reebok!!! And you better check that agreement b/c @UFC… https://t.co/l2GPI17OB8
— Josh Koscheck (@JoshKoscheck) June 30, 2015
They’re working on it.
@RowdyBec On it, Bec! We’ll let your mother keep Rebecca for when you’re REALLY in trouble…
— Reebok (@Reebok) June 30, 2015
USA.
I’d change a lot about designs of forced uniforms, that’d be 1 of’em…would want a blend of RED, WHITE & BLUE flags https://t.co/Z8sgOFgtqe
— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 1, 2015
Buds.
That awkward moment when @JacareMMA come & sits next to you at breakfast & has @FabricioWerdum w/ him for backup pic.twitter.com/IjVustnjzU
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) June 30, 2015
Don’t worry.
“@MMA_DON: @Cowboycerrone So can you wear your own Cowboy hat or do you have to wear a #Reebok #UFCfightkit hat.” I’ll be wearing that too
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) June 30, 2015
Order now.
Be like Shia LeBouf and get yourself a BullDawg shirt today! http://t.co/wCJjOcpcSL pic.twitter.com/b8PX7H0apZ
— David Michaud (@bulldawgUFC) July 1, 2015
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (June 30 2015)
Jose Aldo out, Conor McGregor vs. Chad Mendes at UFC 189
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.