MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & 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 4, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Jones says he will return at MSG in November
  • Ige calls to face Garcia
  • 303 winner makes quick turnaround to face Drew Dober

Jon Jones Says His Return Will Be On November 9 At Madison Square Garden

In a post on social media, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones teased a potential date and location for the first defense of his title.

“Bones” was set to face off with former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November of last year until an injury forced him to withdraw and postpone the fight.

Jones appears to now be targeting the rescheduled fight for the same month in the originally planned venue, Madison Square Garden in New York.

He replied to a comment on Instagram where he named November 9 at the iconic venue as the target that he is working towards right now.

Dan Ige Wants To Fight Ryan Garcia At UFC 306 With No Takedowns Or Weigh-In

After he stepped up on the day of the fight to save the co-main event of UFC 303, Dana White said that he will try to make it up to Dan Ige.

Ige didn’t get his hand raised against Diego Lopes this past weekend but his efforts to be a company man didn’t go unnoticed or without reward.

The featherweight contender posted on social media where he made his request for his next outing with a very bold idea.

Ige posted that he wants to face the controversial boxing star Ryan Garcia at UFC 306 inside the Sphere with a few extra rules being put in place.

Garcia responded on social media, so clearly the call out at least caught his attention, that he’s down to compete.

Jean Silva Set To Make Two-Week Turnaround To Fight Drew Dober In Denver

Jean Silva delivered one of the stand-out performances at UFC 303 as he stopped Charles Jourdain in the second round.

Despite missing weight for the fight, the Brazilian is now set to make a remarkable two-week turn-around in order to take on Drew Dober up at lightweight.

Dober was originally set to face Mike Davis in a significant bout for the 155-pound fan favorite due to him training out of Denver, Colorado where the card will be hosted.

Brazilian outlet Ag. Fight reported the news that Silva will be looking to pick up his third consecutive win in the UFC after debuting on the first card of 2024.

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Jon Jones Teases Date For Potential Stipe Miocic Fight, Dan Ige Calls In His Favor With Dana White After Saving UFC 303, & More at MMA News.

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in shocking 4 hour notice fight – UFC 303 Highlights

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 HighlightsRemaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title…

Diego Lopes lands decision win over Dan Ige in stunning 4 hour notice fight UFC 303 Highlights

Remaining on tonight’s UFC 303 card in a co-headlining setting following the cancellation of his fight with former title challenger, Brian Ortega — Brazilian favorite, Diego Lopes keeps his winning run in tact with a decision win over Dan Ige — who has been heralded for accepting a stunning fight on just 4 hours notice tonight.

Lopes, who made a catchweight walk at 165lbs tonight at the shortest of short-notice replacements tonight in the form of his fight with Ige, remained on the card after initially scheduled foe, Ortega was forced from the pairing after he was struck down with an illness.

ige lopes

Replacing the former title challenger on just four hours notice, Ige — who was preparing for his own return in just weeks time, elected to accept an offer to take on Diego Lopes on the shortest of notice, weighing in backstage below a 165lbs catchweight — with the Nevada State Athletic Commission sanctioning the short-notice pairing.

lopes ige 3

And sharing the Octagon tonight at UFC 303, Lopes managed to turn in two impressive rounds against the slick striker, Ige — before appearing to slow down his usual aggressive pace in the third and final frame, before riding out for a decision win.

diego Lopes 3

Below, catch the highlights from Diego Lopes’ stunning short-notice fight with Dan Ige at UFC 303

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: ‘Happy to take the challenge’

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: 'Happy to take the challenge'After coming up short in three of his last four outings, including back-to-back knockout losses, Alexander Volkanovski may be…

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkavnoski at UFC 305: 'Happy to take the challenge'

After coming up short in three of his last four outings, including back-to-back knockout losses, Alexander Volkanovski may be best served by taking a tune-up fight before attempting to reclaim his featherweight title.

And it just so happens that we have a volunteer.

“Hey @alexvolkanovski if you need a tune-up fight for Perth, I’d be happy to take the challenge,” Dan Ige wrote on X.

Dan Ige volunteers for tune-up fight with Alexander Volkanovski

Since coming up short against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in October and newly crowned featherweight king Ilia Topuria in February, pundits have encouraged Volkanovski to take some time away from the Octagon to get right, both mentally and physically.

Whether or not ‘The Great’ takes the advice remains to be seen, but with the recent announcement that the UFC will be returning to Perth, Australia on August 17, fans are expecting to see Volkanovski back in action before the end of summer.

Will Alexander Volkanovski fight at UFC 305 in Perth?

Dan Ige would deliver a performance against Alexander Volkanovski worthy of his ’50k’ nickname

Dan Ige is currently holding strong as the No. 12 ranked contender in the featherweight division after winning three of his last four, including a highlight-reel-worthy knockout against Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86 in February.

Dan Ige flattens Andre Fili

Typically, ’50k’ would still be a few fights away from an opportunity to share the Octagon with Volkanovski, but given his high-octane style of fighting, which has netted him four $50,000 bonuses, Ige would undoubtedly deliver an action-packed showcase against one of the pound-for-pound greatest of all time.

Alexander Volkanovski

Dan Ige smashes Andre Fili with brutal right hand in opening round – UFC Vegas 86 Highlights

Dan IgeWith his wife due to give birth at any moment, Dan Ige knew he had to make quick work…

Dan Ige

With his wife due to give birth at any moment, Dan Ige knew he had to make quick work of his opponent at UFC Vegas 86 on Saturday night.

After coming up short in his last outing against Bryce Mitchell in February, the top-15 ranked featherweight delivered another finish for the highlight-reel, blasting his opponent and teammate Andre Fili in the opening round of their co-main event clash. Just before hitting the halfway point, Fili threw an uninspired jab that gave ’50k’ the perfect opportunity to unleash his signature right hand.

Connecting clean, Fili crashed to the canvas and was unable to protect himself from one final blow before the referee could rush in and call for the stoppage.

Official Result: Dan Ige def. Andre Fili via KO (right hand) at 2:43 of Round 1.

Check Out Highlights from Dan Ige vs. Andre Fili at UFC Vegas 86:

Michael Bisping under fire for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s prayer short at UFC Vegas 79: ‘That stage belonged to him’

Michael Bisping Bryce Mitchell Dan IgeThe beloved UK legend Michael Bisping has been faced with a lot of criticism after UFC Vegas 79 for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s octagon interview short after ‘Thug Nasty’ launched into prayer. The fight between Mitchell and Dan Ige had been a grimy one. In classic fashion, Mitchell looked to grind his opponent out and found […]

Michael Bisping Bryce Mitchell Dan Ige

The beloved UK legend Michael Bisping has been faced with a lot of criticism after UFC Vegas 79 for cutting Bryce Mitchell’s octagon interview short after ‘Thug Nasty’ launched into prayer.

The fight between Mitchell and Dan Ige had been a grimy one. In classic fashion, Mitchell looked to grind his opponent out and found a moderate bit of success with that strategy. Ige impressed by exercising some excellent takedown and grappling defense, but at the end of the day, it wouldn’t quite be enough. Mitchell scored five takedowns out of the 15 he attempted, and also racked up over seven minutes of control time on his way to a decision victory over ’50k’ Ige.

After the fight, things quickly got a little weird. It wasn’t just because Mitchell was holding a bible and trying to preach the word of god, but more so: it was the way he went about it. ‘Thug Nasty’ claimed Satan was taking over the world, and also that the fires in Hawaii were not natural. He also went as far as to say that “they” were trying to take the island away from the natives. Although, Mitchell didn’t really name who “they” were.

Michael Bisping cuts the insane ranting of Bryce Mitchell short and gets blasted for it on social media

Michael Bisping seemed rather uncomfortable when the topic turned to “they” trying to take Hawaii away from the natives, and even though Bryce Mitchell requested Dan Ige lead the world into a quick prayer, Bisping ended the interview as tactfully as he could and made for a quick exit.

Some fans thought this was extremely rude, and that Bisping should have stayed and let Ige lead the world in a quick prayer. However, many fans also forget that the decision was not entirely Michael Bisping’s alone. It is well known that commentators wear earpieces and receive feedback live from the producer. If Bisping was ordered by the producer of the show to end the interview, he could’ve landed in some hot water for refusing to follow that order.

Still, a good bit of religious fans still seem pretty upset about the situation. “UFC: After Bryce Mitchell won his match tonight, he asked ringside announcer and broadcaster Michael Bisping to allow his opponent to lead in prayer. Bisping refused and walked away,” said one fan.

“Bisping is an absolute #b*tch for that!” Another fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “That stage belonged to the victor @ThugnastyMMA to share his voice on WHATEVER HE WANTED. Bisping DENIED Bryce an opportunity for prayer. Guarantee he wouldn’t have dared had it been ANY other religion. #f*ckyoubisping”

Do you think the hate Michael Bisping is receiving is fair?

Bryce Mitchell outlasts Dan Ige, earns unanimous decision victory – UFC Vegas 79 Highlights

Bryce MitchellBryce Mitchell got back into the win column with a dominant three-round performance against Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79. Dan Ige quickly appeared to have an advantage in striking, landing some solid strikes that eventually encouraged Mitchell to move in for his first takedown attempt. Ige defended successfully and landed a left that cut […]

Bryce Mitchell

Bryce Mitchell got back into the win column with a dominant three-round performance against Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79.

Dan Ige quickly appeared to have an advantage in striking, landing some solid strikes that eventually encouraged Mitchell to move in for his first takedown attempt. Ige defended successfully and landed a left that cut Mitchell open under his right eye. Determined to get things to the ground, Mitchell landed a double leg in the final minute and immediately landed in the mount. ‘Thug Nasty’ scored some solid ground and pound strikes just as the opening round came to a close.

Ige came out swinging in the second, landing a nasty right hand right out the gate. Bryce Mitchell’s right eye looks significantly worse at this point, prompting the referee to pause the action and call in the ringside physician. The bout was allowed to resume, but the damage is notably significant.

Upon the restart, Mitchell attempted another quick takedown, but Ige reversed and landed on top before making his way back up. With two minutes to go, Mitchell caught Ige coming in and immediately landed a takedown. Mitchell moved directly into mount prompting Ige to give up his back in an attempt to get back up. With Mitchell threatening a rear-naked choke, Ige transitioned to his back once again and found himself in an arm triangle. ’50k’ was able to defend against the submission attempt and make it out of the round.

The final round saw Mitchell aggressively attempt to take Ige to the ground. As a result, Ige was unable to mount any offense guaranteeing ‘Thug Nasty’ would take the third round on the scorecards. But did he take the fight?

Official Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Check Out Highlights From Bryce Mitchell vs. Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79 Below: