MMA News Today: UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler, McGregor Involved In Social Media Throwdown, UFC Commentator Feels Michael ‘Venom’ Page Displayed ‘Lack Of Depth’ In Loss To Ian Garry, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler, McGregor Involved In Social Media Throwdown, UFC Commentator Feels Michael ‘Venom’ Page Displayed ‘Lack Of Depth’ In Loss To Ian Garry, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor all trade shots
  • Sanko says “MVP” needs the right dance partner
  • Cejudo still has Pereira grappling concerns

Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire

Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on social media with Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler all letting their feelings about one another be known.

The conversation was sparked by a post from Poirier where he said if Arman Tsarukyan is unable to fight for the lightweight title, he would be happy to jump back in with Makhachev following their fight at UFC 302.

“The Diamond” had also been firing back at Conor McGregor in response to the recent social media posts that were made by “The Notorious” in reference to their previous encounters.

Makhachev replied to Poirier’s message, as did fellow top lightweight Chandler who then also went back-and-forth with the lightweight champion due to their history inside the Octagon.

The full series of crossfire posts shows that there is no love lost between any of the four lightweights.

Laura Sanko Says Michael ‘Venom’ Page Needs The Right Match-Up After UFC 303 Defeat

Michael “Venom” Page was defeated by Ian Garry at UFC 303 after the Irishman used his grappling to secure the victory.

Whilst Page had some strong moments on the feet, he was taken down and out-grappled by one of the welterweight contenders who isn’t known for this particular skill set.

UFC commentator Laura Sanko spoke in an interview with Submission Radio about how this fight showed some of the flaws in Page’s game.

She said that whilst there are still plenty of options for “MVP” in the UFC, it needs to be against the right opponent after what we saw this past weekend.

“Yeah, he definitely showed a little bit of lack of depth in terms of the details of the ground game and I think anybody that really appreciates the fine art of jiu-jitsu is going to spot those.

There are still plenty of really interesting, fun fights for MVP on the UFC roster. The truth of the matter is he needs the right stylistic match-up.”

Henry Cejudo Says The Jury Is Still Out On Alex Pereira And His Grappling

Former UFC champ-champ Henry Cejudo isn’t ready to start calling Alex Pereira the best in the world right now due to one concern.

“Triple C” spoke on his Pound 4 Pound podcast about how “Poatan” is still yet to face an elite grappler that will be able to take him out of his comfort zone.

Despite being able to deal with other strikers in emphatic fashion, as he did in the main event of UFC 303, a huge test awaits him in Magomed Ankalaev.

Cejudo also referred to the fact that Pereira is yet to mention a potential super fight with the heavyweight champion Jon Jones because of the wrestling pedigree that “Bones” brings to the table.

“Either way, Alex Pereira, he’s not mentioning Jon Jones because I think he knows that Jon Jones has that special sauce, and it’s called wrestling. But that being said, I want to see the fight with Ankalaev.”

Read more on the story here.

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UFC’s Islam Makhachev Rips Michael Chandler: I Need ‘Real Opponent’ for Title Fight

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev took a shot at Michael Chandler on Tuesday, one day after Chandler said he had been offered the opportunity to fight…

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev took a shot at Michael Chandler on Tuesday, one day after Chandler said he had been offered the opportunity to fight…

Report – Khabib Nurmagomedov’s accounts seized by Russian Federal Tax Service over $3 million debt

Report - Khabib Nurmagomedov's accounts seized by Russian Federal Tax Service over $3 million debtThings have gone from bad to worse for former UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. In May, reports surfaced…

Report - Khabib Nurmagomedov's accounts seized by Russian Federal Tax Service over $3 million debt

Things have gone from bad to worse for former UFC lightweight world champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In May, reports surfaced claiming that the UFC Hall of Famer owed 297 million rubles, or $3.3 million, to the Russian Federal Tax Service. As a result, multiple accounts associated with Nurmagomedov’s businesses and charities were frozen by the government.

According to Russian online news outlet Mash and REN TV, ‘The Eagle’ has now seen his personal accounts seized, financially crippling the once celebrated star. The FTS seemingly confirmed the decision on its website, stating, “There are valid decisions on suspension for the specified taxpayer.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov

The seizure comes in the wake of a horrific terrorist attack in Dagestan that saw Russian armed forces raid Nurmagomedov’s MMA gym in Makhachkala as part of the ongoing investigation.

One of the militants responsible for the deaths of more than 20 people was identified as Gadzhimurad Kagirov, a 2-0 fighter and former pupil of the school who is said to have trained with Nurmagomedov’s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

‘The Eagle’ vehemently denied reports that Kagirov was ever a member of the Eagles MMA fight team.

“The terrorist is not our student, that is absolute nonsense, it’s not true,” Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA. “Yes, he had a camp at the gym at some point, maybe for a couple of months. But he was never part of the team.”

Conor McGregor Reacts to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s latest setback

Once news of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s latest run-in with Russian authorities hit social media, it didn’t take long for his greatest rival, Conor McGregor to chime in.

“Broke and on the run if you see him tell him push ups for cash,” McGregor wrote in a since-deleted post on X accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Khabib Nurmagomedov

McGregor has also had plenty to say about the recent raid on Nurmagomedov’s gym in the Dagestan capital, all of which you can read right here.

With Nurmagomedov’s financial situation looking dire, could we see ‘The Eagle’ come out of retirement and make his triumphant return to the Octagon?

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Video – Conor McGregor makes journey to Glacier 3000 in Switzerland: ‘Who gets high like the Mac daddy?’

Conor McGregor makes journey to Glacier 3000 in Switzerland who get higher than the Mac DaddyLike the rest of humanity, Conor McGregor has always been on a journey. However, some people’s journeys in life…

Conor McGregor makes journey to Glacier 3000 in Switzerland who get higher than the Mac Daddy

Like the rest of humanity, Conor McGregor has always been on a journey. However, some people’s journeys in life are arguably much more interesting than others. For example, earlier today, the UFC mega-star posted a funny video while walking the steps of Glacier 3000, the literal highest vantage point over the French Alps.

The video begins with McGregor waving his camera around in the doorway of these stairs, presumably at the threshold of the stairs being inside a building instead of out and exposed to the elements. A light dusting of snow and frost covers the steps, and condensation hangs in the air (presumably from McGregor’s body heat and breath reacting with the chilly air).

Conor McGregor Glacier 3000

Come on, look,” Conor McGregor proclaims to all in his company. What follows is some unintelligible words by the former double champ as he proceeds out into the elements and into the frosty air. The ambiance of these icy stairs into the sky is very enrapturing, and the air surrounding the stairs is shrouded in a thick fog, obscuring much of the view.

As Conor McGregor turns the camera onto himself, he can be seen wearing a black and yellow Stout Forged hat adorned with a grey ‘McGregor Fast’ Under Armour hoodie. “Who gets higher than the Mac Daddy?” He asks seriously, now lightly jogging up the steps.

conor jose penuela

Conor McGregor hits Glacier 3000 and shares the ambiance with the world

As the camera turns back towards the outside world, McGregor can be heard telling some child (presumably one or more of his four children): “Come on, we’ve got this.”

The incline and altitude seem to have taken the wind from the former double champ, and he wheezes his way further up the steps. Much to the chagrin of fans in the comment section, who claim this is an indicator that McGregor is indulging in his lavish lifestyle and vices far too much.

Conor UFC 2

“Let’s see how high we go,” Conor McGregor says as he plods up the steps. “…To the bridge, and then we walk back.” A child’s voice can be heard in the background, but it is hard to determine what they are saying.

“Oh, f*ck me,” McGregor says as he slowly pants his way up the icy concrete steps. Eventually, the former double champion turns the camera behind himself and shows his family. He walks with two of his children, as well as his wife and what can be assumed to be a family friend. “How do you feel?” The UFC mega-star asks.

The camera exposes some more of the view, and while thick fog still obscures the greater scenery, some icy rocks can be seen near the stairs. More words are said, but between the panting and the wind, they are lost.

Eventually, McGregor and his wife reach the bridge and are in awe of how wobbly it is. As McGregor walks across, he can be heard again saying: “Who gets higher than the Mac Daddy?”

How do you feel about Conor McGregor frolicking in the French Alps when he couldn’t even show up for his fight with Michael Chandler?

Michael Chandler confirms offer to fight Max Holloway at UFC 303: ‘I would love to share the Octagon with him’

Michael Chandler reveals offer to fight Max Holloway at UFC 303 on short noticeFailing to make good on his return to the Octagon overnight at UFC 303, former lightweight title challenger, Michael…

Michael Chandler reveals offer to fight Max Holloway at UFC 303 on short notice

Failing to make good on his return to the Octagon overnight at UFC 303, former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler confirmed a clash with symbolic BMF champion, Max Holloway was on the table for him, following the withdrawal of would-be common-foe, Conor McGregor.

Chandler, the current number six ranked lightweight contender, was slated to headline UFC 303 overnight in Las Vegas in a welterweight fight with McGregor, until the Dubliner withdrew from the clash citing a fractured toe on his left foot.

Michael Chandler plans violent fight with Conor McGregor at UFC 303 you're going to see a car crash
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And still attending the T-Mobile Arena card, Chandler watched on as short-notice headliner, Alex Pereira scored a thunderous second round high-kick knockout win over Jiri Prochazka, successfully defending his light heavyweight crown in the process.

Michael Chandler vows to KO rival Conor McGregor ahead of UFC fight I'll break his jaw
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Michael Chandler reveals offer to take on Max Holloway at UFC 303

Appearing backstage to speak with assembled media, Chandler insisted he was still confident of fighting McGregor in the latter’s immediate return to action, however, confirmed speculation that he had been offered a fight with Hawaiian star, Holloway at UFC 303.

holloway ufc 300

“I think it’s public knowledge at this point that Max’s (Holloway) name was floated out there in these last couple of weeks [for a fight at UFC 303],” Michael Chandler told assembled media. “I have a ton of respect for Max Holloway – not just because he’s a bad mofo, but because he dubbed it [the BMF title] the ‘Blessed Man Forever’, you know?” 

“… I got a ton of respect for him – I would love to compete against him,” Michael Chandler explained. “I guess it’s up to the court of public opninon on whether or not I am a BMF caliber guy. I have my opinions – I think I am, and I would love to share the Octagon with Max at some point in my career.”

At the time of publication, Holloway has been linked to a featherweight title charge against the unbeaten champion, Ilia Topuria – with a showdown between the duo targeted to feature at UFC 307 in October in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Would you like to see Michael Chandler take on Max Holloway in the future?

Michael Chandler dishes details on his meeting with the UFC to reschedule Conor McGregor fight

Michael Chandler dishes details on his meeting with the UFC to reschedule Conor McGregor fightMichael Chandler has met with the UFC regarding his on-again-off-again clash with Conor McGregor. ‘Iron’ was supposed to headline…

Michael Chandler dishes details on his meeting with the UFC to reschedule Conor McGregor fight

Michael Chandler has met with the UFC regarding his on-again-off-again clash with Conor McGregor.

‘Iron’ was supposed to headline UFC 303 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. Instead, the former Bellator MMA champion watched the card from the crowd after the Irish megastar bowed out of their highly anticipated headliner due to a broken pinky toe.

Conor McGregor backs out of Michael Chandler fight

Addressing members of the press, Chandler revealed that he has already spoken with the promotion and believes that the promotion should be able to “make some things happen” with McGregor reportedly on track for a return in August or September.

“It’s always related to Conor,” Chandler said. “Obviously, I want to fight Conor and sources close to Conor know that he’s gonna be ready in September, August. So we can make some things happen.”

Conor McGregor Feeling ‘Deep Mental Pain’ Following Michael Chandler fight Postponement

While Michael Chandler stayed true to his word, showing up at UFC 303 as scheduled, McGregor chose to sit out the event entirely. Still, that didn’t stop the Irishman from venting his frustration over the missed opportunity as International Fight Week played on without him.

“I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t in deep pain right now watching (UFC 303) fight week take place,” McGregor wrote in a since-deleted post on X. “Deep mental pain. Thank you for the messages of support and encouragement, my peers and fans.”

Conor McGregor

By the time ‘Mystic Mac’ steps back inside the Octagon, it will have been more than three years since his disastrous trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. McGregor only has one win in the last eight years, defeating Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in the opening minute of their January 2020 clash.