MMA News Today: Jon Jones Provides Update On Next Fight After Misdemeanor Charges, Charles Oliveira Raises $80,000 For Children, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 19, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Jon Jones Lays Out Specific Timeline For His Return Following Misdemeanour Charges After being charged with two misdemeanours following the encounter that he had with a drug-testing agent […]

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Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 19, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Jones targets November return
  • Oliveira gives back via charity auction once again
  • Cejudo says Cortez is better than she showed

Jon Jones Lays Out Specific Timeline For His Return Following Misdemeanour Charges

After being charged with two misdemeanours following the encounter that he had with a drug-testing agent at his home, Jon Jones appears to be preparing for his return.

The UFC heavyweight champion was set to make his first title defense at UFC 295 last year in New York when facing off with Stipe Miocic.

When he withdrew due to injury, it was suspected that we could see “Bones” back one year later and that is his clear focus as of right now.

He posted the following message on X which with the specific timeframe of 16 weeks being mentioned, would schedule his return roughly for November 8th which is just three days out from being a full year since he was set to compete at UFC 295.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be 37 years old !! I’m 260 pounds 16 weeks away from fighting the most decorated heavyweight in UFC history. I feel like I’m in a great spot right before training camp ramps up. My form is far from perfect in these videos, but I’m happy with it considering the surgeries I recently had. 16 more weeks to become the beast , that’s exactly what I will do. #Champion2024.”

Charles Oliveira Raises Huge Sum For Children In Need Via Signed Glove Charity Auction

Charles Oliveira is continuing to help raise money for charity by using his own star status in Brazil to benefit others.

“Do Bronx” took part in a charity auction several months ago that was hosted by soccer star Neymar Jr. where a fan won the opportunity to get special access to his fight preparations.

The latest auction saw Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. take up the hosting role where a signed glove from Oliveira was up for grabs.

Through this one small act, the former UFC champion was able to raise a staggering $80,000 to go towards supporting children in need.

Henry Cejudo Critiques Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namajunas

Tracy Cortez’s teammate Henry Cejudo believes that she had much more to show in the main event this past weekend in Denver.

Cortez stepped into the headliner on short notice to replace Maycee Barber and face Rose Namajunas, with the fight going the full five rounds.

Cejudo, who admitted that he was somewhat surprised by the way that Namajunas approached the fight, believes that Cortez didn’t have her best performance on the night.

He said on the Pound 4 Pound podcast that the replacement fighter didn’t play to her strengths enough in the fight which ended up costing her, stating that she will be back stronger after learning this lesson.

“Tracy didn’t show up, man. I just don’t know how to say it; man, that’s not the Tracy that we know. I watched the fight again, and she never once attempted the takedowns; after she attempted one takedown, that’s it, there’s no level changes involved. I talked to her on Saturday afterward and just said, ‘Hey, just keep your head up, dude. It was an experience, but I just know you’re better than that, Tracy’.”

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Henry Cejudo Gives His Verdict On Teammate Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namanujas: ‘I Talked To Her On Saturday…’

Henry Cejudo recently weighed in on his teammate Tracy Cortez’s defeat against Rose Namajunas, suggesting that she had the potential to perform much better. Last Saturday night, Cortez gave it her all but fell short on the judges’ scorecards, enduring her first UFC defeat in a grueling five-round battle against “Thug Rose,” who won by […]

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Gives His Verdict On Teammate Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namanujas: ‘I Talked To Her On Saturday…’ at MMA News.

Henry Cejudo recently weighed in on his teammate Tracy Cortez’s defeat against Rose Namajunas, suggesting that she had the potential to perform much better.

Last Saturday night, Cortez gave it her all but fell short on the judges’ scorecards, enduring her first UFC defeat in a grueling five-round battle against “Thug Rose,” who won by unanimous decision.

Cortez was originally gearing up for a bout against Miranda Maverick at UFC Vegas 94 on July 20. However, when Maycee Barber had to withdraw from the UFC Fight Night Denver main event due to undisclosed reasons, Cortez stepped up, accepting the short-notice challenge with just two weeks to prepare.

Despite the limited preparation time, the 30-year-old Arizona native went toe-to-toe for the full 25 minutes against the former two-time strawweight champion. However, her teammate at Fight Ready gym, Cejudo, believes that Cortez could have delivered a much stronger performance with a different game plan…

Cejudo Believes Cortez Misinterpreted Namajunas’ Strategy

During a recent Pound 4 Pound podcast episode with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, “Triple C” dissected Cortez’s performance against Namajunas. He noted that “Thug Rose” effectively utilized her lateral movements and found better striking angles with well-timed takedowns, ultimately securing her victory over his teammate.

“Rose was able to use her lateral movements, pick her shots, and then eventually bring in takedowns, which kind of surprised me,” Cejudo said. “But I’m not surprised with her because she did the same thing to Weili [Zhang] towards the end of the round to secure the rounds.”

Cejudo further critiqued that Cortez lacked mindfulness throughout the fight and failed to capitalize on key takedown opportunities, a misstep that decisively cost her the bout.

“Tracy didn’t show up, man. I just don’t know how to say it; man, that’s not the Tracy that we know. I watched the fight again, and she never once attempted the takedowns; after she attempted one takedown, that’s it, there’s no level changes involved. I talked to her on Saturday afterward and just said, ‘Hey, just keep your head up, dude. It was an experience, but I just know you’re better than that, Tracy’.”

Cortez began the bout stronger, aiming to counter Namajunas’ speed and striking skills. Although she secured an early takedown, Cortez frequently found herself on the receiving end, being taken down multiple times by her opponent throughout the fight.

Continue Reading Henry Cejudo Gives His Verdict On Teammate Tracy Cortez’s Performance Against Rose Namanujas: ‘I Talked To Her On Saturday…’ at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley reveals he’s been ‘Guaranteed’ a bantamweight title fight following close UFC 280 win

Sean O'MalleyNumber-one ranked UFC bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley has claimed he has been “guaranteed” a shot at undisputed gold in his next Octagon walk, off the back of a close, split decision win over former titleholder, Petr Yan at UFC 280 back in October. O’Malley, undefeated in his last five consecutive Octagon outings, featured on the […]

Sean O'Malley

Number-one ranked UFC bantamweight contender, Sean O’Malley has claimed he has been “guaranteed” a shot at undisputed gold in his next Octagon walk, off the back of a close, split decision win over former titleholder, Petr Yan at UFC 280 back in October.

O’Malley, undefeated in his last five consecutive Octagon outings, featured on the main card of UFC 280 back in October of this year, defeating Dudinka striker and former undisputed champion, Yan in a close, split judging victory in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 

Off the back of the victory, O’Malley, who earned the #1 rank in the official bantamweight rankings with his judging win against Yan, was immediately linked with a title fight against undisputed titleholder, Aljamain Sterling next.

However, in the time since, Sterling has welcomed a potential title fight with former undisputed bantamweight and flyweight champion, Henry Cejudo – with the Olympic gold medalist linked with a March return against the Uniondale native. 

Sean O’Malley insists he’s been guaranteed a UFC title shot next

Despite the fact O’Malley may miss out on the next bantamweight title fight, the Dana White’s Contender Series alum has claimed, however, that he’s been “guaranteed” a title shot next.

“I’m just training, I’m getting better,” Sean O’Malley said during an appearance on Believe You Me. “I know I need to improve in aspects of my grappling whether I fight ‘Aljo’ or Henry. They’re both very heavy grapplers, so I’m fine with sitting out. I’m literally just grappling. That’s all I’m really doing nowadays. I’m fine waiting a couple months, just keep getting better.”

“I’m in a tricky position,” Sean O’Malley explained. “I always knew I’d be in this position where you’re at the top of the division. It doesn’t really make sense to fight. I’m guaranteed a title shot. Obviously, ‘Aljo’ and Henry still have to be announced. I’m kind of in that position where do I be smart – like I’ve done my entire career – and just wait for those two dorks to fight or do I risk it and go fight someone else? Which wouldn’t be the intelligent thing to do, but it’s like you only get so many years to fight. I don’t really feel like sitting around too much. I’m leaning towards waiting around for ‘Aljo’ and Henry to fight and just wait for that.” (Transcribed by Bloody Elbow)

Sean O’Malley Gives His Prediction For Expected Aljamain Sterling/Henry Cejudo Bout

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has predicted how the likely fight between reigning champion Aljamain Sterling and the returning Henry Cejudo will play out. Sterling has occupied the throne since a disqualification victory over Petr Yan …

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has predicted how the likely fight between reigning champion Aljamain Sterling and the returning Henry Cejudo will play out. Sterling has occupied the throne since a disqualification victory over Petr Yan in March 2021. While the manner of the result left many questioning his title credentials and delegitimizing his reign,…

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Gives His Prediction For Expected Aljamain Sterling/Henry Cejudo Bout at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Gives His Prediction For Expected Aljamain Sterling/Henry Cejudo Bout

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has predicted how the likely fight between reigning champion Aljamain Sterling and the returning Henry Cejudo will play out. Sterling has occupied the throne since a disqualification victory over Petr Yan …

UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has predicted how the likely fight between reigning champion Aljamain Sterling and the returning Henry Cejudo will play out. Sterling has occupied the throne since a disqualification victory over Petr Yan in March 2021. While the manner of the result left many questioning his title credentials and delegitimizing his reign,…

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Gives His Prediction For Expected Aljamain Sterling/Henry Cejudo Bout at MMA News.

Sean O’Malley Declined Invite To Ramzan Kadyrov’s Son’s Birthday Party

There were multiple UFC fighters seen attending a birthday for the son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, but Sean O’Malley was not one of them. Several UFC fighters have been the target of criticism in recent months due to their relationship with…

There were multiple UFC fighters seen attending a birthday for the son of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, but Sean O’Malley was not one of them. Several UFC fighters have been the target of criticism in recent months due to their relationship with Kadyrov, with photos surfacing of Kamaru Usman, Justin Gaethje, and Henry Cejudo attending…

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley Declined Invite To Ramzan Kadyrov’s Son’s Birthday Party at MMA News.