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Anthony Johnson Releases Statement On LHW Grand Prix Removal

Anthony Johnson will not be competing in the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix semifinal against champion Vadim Nemkov due to illness. MMA Junkie was the first to reveal Johnson’s removal from the grand prix tournament on Saturday. The illness is not COVID-related, and there is no timetable for Johnson’s return to action at this time. […]

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Anthony Johnson will not be competing in the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix semifinal against champion Vadim Nemkov due to illness.

MMA Junkie was the first to reveal Johnson’s removal from the grand prix tournament on Saturday. The illness is not COVID-related, and there is no timetable for Johnson’s return to action at this time. Nemkov will remain on the October 16 card against an opponent to be determined.

Following the news of Johnson’s removal, he issued the following statement on Instagram:

“Really wish I could go into detail about how ill I truly am. Just know I need as many prayers as I can get and I’ll see you in 2022 God willing…

“Never been this afraid of anything in my life, but I’ve remained strong with the support of friends and family.

“Not asking for anything but prayers. See you in 2022 hopefully. This is gonna be a battle and I’m gonna have to dig deeper than I ever have before. Love you all
#RumbleSquad NOT COVID”

Anthony Johnson earned his spot in the LHW grand prix semifinal by defeating José Augusto via second-round KO in the quarterfinal round at Bellator 258. Nemkov advanced to this round with a unanimous-decision victory over Phil Davis at Bellator 257.

With Anthony Johnson no longer on the card, the updated lineup for Bellator 268 is as follows:

MAIN CARD

Vadim Nemkov vs. TBA

LHW Grand Prix Semifinal: Ryan Bader vs. Corey Anderson – light heavyweight grand prix semifinal

Benson Henderson vs. Brent Primus

Henry Corrales vs. Vladyslav Parubchenko

PRELIMINARY CARD

Karl Albrektsson vs. Julius Anglickas

Brett Johns vs. Erik Perez

Deon Clash vs. Sullivan Cauley

Bobby Lee vs. Nick Browne

Gregory Milliard vs. Javier Torres

Randi Field vs. Sumiko Inaba

Lance Gibson Jr. vs. Raymond Pina

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Transgender Fighter’s Recent Win Draws Anger From Former UFC Fighter

One week from yesterday, former U.S. Special forces member Alana McLaughlin sent shockwaves through the MMA community after picking up her first professional win at Combate Global. Unfortunately, the shockwaves were not a result of her performance. Rather, the reaction that fellow MMA fighters had following the realization that she was openly out as a […]

Continue Reading Transgender Fighter’s Recent Win Draws Anger From Former UFC Fighter at MMA News.

One week from yesterday, former U.S. Special forces member Alana McLaughlin sent shockwaves through the MMA community after picking up her first professional win at Combate Global.

Unfortunately, the shockwaves were not a result of her performance. Rather, the reaction that fellow MMA fighters had following the realization that she was openly out as a trans athlete.

Transgenderism has become a hot topic in sports as entities grapple with how to either regulate or deregulate the participants. Recently, The International Olympic Committee ruled that transgender athletes can compete in the Olympics with no surgeries required. However, the sacred sporting event did implement rules depending on the circumstances of the transition. The ruling insists that female-to-male athletes can compete without restriction, but male-to-female athletes must undergo hormone therapy.

Following McLaughlin’s big win, former Strikeforce champ Jake Shields was taken back that any commission would allow this person to fight a woman.

“This is just insane that any fight show or commission would allow a trans person to fight a women” Jake Shields posted.

Despite the palpable criticisms, Alana McLaughlin won her debut in dramatic fashion. Initially, it seemed like she might be in trouble against newcomer Celine Provost, but momentum swung back in her favor. McLaughlin became the second openly trans person to win at an MMA event.

It appears Jake Shields isn’t the only fighter to take issue with McLaughlin’s recent activities either. UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley is the latest fighter to emerge and air his grievances by implying that her physical stature alone is enough to raise red flags.

In accordance with the United States Anti Doping Agency, the UFC currently allows transgender athletes to perform under their company’s set of rules. Many of the stipulations in the 9-page release refer to therapeutic-use exemptions when readying transgender athletes for official competition.

Do you think transgender athletes have an unfair physical advantage in sports?

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Luke Rockhold Wants To End His Fight Career ‘On My Own Terms’

Luke Rockhold is coming back to the UFC after some time away because he wants to be in charge of his own destiny. Luke Rockhold has been out of the MMA game for a little bit. He took some time away but now he is back and ready to get back in the Octagon. Rockhold […]

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Luke Rockhold is coming back to the UFC after some time away because he wants to be in charge of his own destiny.

Luke Rockhold has been out of the MMA game for a little bit. He took some time away but now he is back and ready to get back in the Octagon. Rockhold will be taking on Sean Strickland on the upcoming UFC 268 card in New York City. Rockhold, who has been publically critical of the UFC and their treatment of fighters, took the time to explain why he is choosing to come back now. Rockhold spoke to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour about this.

“I think a lot of reasons. Ending it on my own terms, I think, is a big deal for me,” Rockhold said. “I feel like I haven’t done myself justice the last couple fights. I don’t think I fought to my potential. I think I fought with a lot of weight on my shoulders and didn’t really perform to my liking. I’m getting older. And if there’s ever a time, it’s gonna be now. And I still feel like I’m the best in the game when I’m on. And I just gotta put the work in, get healthy, and get right.”

Rockhold had a successful UFC run from 2013 to 2015 and even won the middleweight title during that time. After losing the title to Michael Bisping, things took a turn for the worse. Rockhold went 1-3 to end his run in the UFC and despite a try at light heavyweight, decided it was best to take some time away. Rockhold is now back on track at middleweight and wants another run at the belt.

“Fighting is fighting,” Rockhold explained. “I’m under contract, and I just wanna fight, and I want a chance to get back my gold, and finish this bitch on my own terms. And so that’s why I’m here, and that’s why I’m doing what I’m doing.”

Rockhold recently made comments about how the UFC fighters should be standing up for themselves and how boxing pays more. Having made these comments, some may have been wondering why he chose to return. Having cleared up that he was still under contract seems to be why. Perhaps he will want to finish his contract and fight elsewhere, perhaps boxing.

Are you excited to see Luke Rockhold returning to the UFC after two years away?

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Tito Ortiz Promises To Make Logan Paul Fight Happen

Tito Ortiz believes that he will get his wish and fight Logan Paul. Ortiz recently tried his hand in the world of boxing and things didn’t go his way. He shared the ring with former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. “The Spider” knocked Ortiz out cold in the opening frame. Despite the brutal KO defeat, […]

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Tito Ortiz believes that he will get his wish and fight Logan Paul.

Ortiz recently tried his hand in the world of boxing and things didn’t go his way. He shared the ring with former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. “The Spider” knocked Ortiz out cold in the opening frame.

Despite the brutal KO defeat, “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” isn’t done with boxing. In fact, he wants a showdown with popular YouTuber Logan Paul. He appeared on the Champ Chump podcast and guaranteed the matchup will happen (h/t Middle Easy).

“I’m going to make it happen. Hopefully Triller is listening, I said after the fight this is what I wanted to do.

“Anderson was the better man that night, but I did everything (Triller) asked me to do. I tried to get down as much as I possibly could, did all the PR they wanted me to do. I’m a company guy for them, and I tried to help. Return the favor.”

Logan is fresh off an eight-round exhibition bout against boxing Hall of Fame elect Floyd Mayweather. No winner was declared after the bout went the distance.

Silva has expressed his own desire to take on Logan Paul. He even went as far as to imply that Logan’s team is to blame for their fight failing to come to fruition. Given how Ortiz looked against Silva, it may give Logan incentive to try his hand against the UFC Hall of Famer.

Do you think Tito Ortiz vs. Logan Paul is on the horizon?

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Lawler Explains Why He Prefers Fighting Nick Diaz Over Jorge Masvidal

Robbie Lawler has no interest in fighting Jorge Masvidal, but he’s amped for his upcoming showdown with Nick Diaz. Lawler is set to meet Diaz on Sept. 25. The bout will be a part of the main card of UFC 266. This is a rematch from their 2004 bout, which was won by Diaz. Speaking […]

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Robbie Lawler has no interest in fighting Jorge Masvidal, but he’s amped for his upcoming showdown with Nick Diaz.

Lawler is set to meet Diaz on Sept. 25. The bout will be a part of the main card of UFC 266. This is a rematch from their 2004 bout, which was won by Diaz.

Speaking to MMAMania, Lawler explained why he didn’t have any interest in fighting Masvidal.

“No, not really. I trained with Jorge. Spent a lot of time with him at American Top Team. It doesn’t excite me to get training.”

With Diaz, however, Lawler knows he has to be on his toes because of the “Stockton Native’s” aggressive style.

“Obviously, we come to fight. Nick Diaz is a no-nonsense — he has antics in the fight — but really, he’s coming to fight, get you out of your game and look to push the pace. Obviously, I like to get into people’s faces and try to land big shots so it’s going to be exciting!”

Lawler hasn’t been seen in action since Aug. 2020. He was beaten by Neil Magny via unanimous decision. “Ruthless” is on a four-fight skid and hasn’t won a bout since July 2017.

Diaz hasn’t competed since January 2015. He initially suffered a unanimous decision loss to Anderson Silva but that result was changed to a No Contest after Silva tested positive for banned substances.

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Canelo? Tyson Fury? Vitor Belfort Wants To Fight Both Of Them

If Vitor Belfort gets his way, then he’ll be sharing the ring with Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury. Belfort recently made his return to the boxing ring against 58-year-old legend Evander Holyfield. It wasn’t a pretty sight for fans of the “Real Deal.” Belfort knocked Holyfield down early and while the former heavyweight and cruiserweight […]

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If Vitor Belfort gets his way, then he’ll be sharing the ring with Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury.

Belfort recently made his return to the boxing ring against 58-year-old legend Evander Holyfield. It wasn’t a pretty sight for fans of the “Real Deal.” Belfort knocked Holyfield down early and while the former heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion wasn’t defenseless, the referee knew things were going downhill fast and he called a halt to the bout.

After the bout, “The Phenom” turned his attention to Jake Paul with a $30 million dollar offer. Belfort isn’t solely focused on the YouTube star, however. He told SiriusXM that Canelo and Fury are also on his radar (h/t Middle Easy).

“I fought everybody, every division. In Pride I fought everyone. Heath Herring, no one wanted to fight Heath Herring, he was the most feared guy in Pride… I fought him. I said double my money and I’ll fight him. I fought him, I beat him up, and I was like 190 and he fought 260.

“We gotta stop with this weight division… Before, only two divisions: under 200 pounds, and above 200 pounds. So I’m ready. Bring Tyson Fury, I’ll fight him over 200. Bring Canelo, I’ll fight him under 200. Let’s meet over there, and bring the legendary fights where fans would dream about it.”

Belfort is 2-0 as a boxer with the Holyfield bout being an exhibition. He’d be far outmatched in terms of experience against the likes of Canelo and Fury. Canelo is widely considered to be the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, while Fury is also somewhere in that list as an undefeated heavyweight champion.

Is there any chance Vitor Belfort gets a fight with Canelo Alvarez or Tyson Fury?

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