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…

Michael Chandler claims he’s been offered October title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Michael Chandler confirms offer to fight Islam Makhachev in UFC 308 title fight in Abu DhabiAmid uncertainty over his failed fight with former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler has…

Michael Chandler confirms offer to fight Islam Makhachev in UFC 308 title fight in Abu Dhabi

Amid uncertainty over his failed fight with former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler has claimed an undisputed title fight with pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev has been offered to him for UFC 308 in October in Abu Dhabi,

Chandler, the current number six ranked divisional challenger, has been sidelined since 2022, most recently suffering a third round rear-naked choke submission loss to arch-rival, Dustin Poirier in the pair’s grudge fight at Madison Square Garden.

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And slated to headline UFC 303 just last weekend during International FIght Week, Chandler saw a welterweight clash with former champion, McGregor fall to the wayside just weeks’ out, with the Dubliner fracturing a toe on his left foot.

Michael Chandler reveals offer to fight Islam Makhachev in October

Hoping to still share the Octagon with McGregor in his immediate return to action, Missouri veteran, Chandler has stunningly claimed he received an offer to fight for gold against Russian standout, Makhachev at UFC 308 in the final quarter of this year in the United Arab Emirates.

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“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do Sphere,” Michael Chandler posted on his official X account. “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!!

“I’ve been targeting your ass for 8 years… good, old-fashioned, passionate @MizzouWrestling beats Dagestani sambo every day of the week @MAKHACHEVMMA,” Michael Chandler replied to Islam Makhachev on social media.

“I don’t get taken down in the open, I don’t get taken down on the cage… I don’t get taken down, period,” Michael Chandler posted. “#AndNew”

In his most recent win, Makhachev took home a fifth round D’Arce choke submission win over the above-mentioned common-opponent, Poirier back in May in the main event of UFC 302.

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Would you like to see Islam Makhachev fight Michael Chandler in a return at UFC 308?

Arman Tsarukyan hit with nine month suspension by NSAC after altercation with fan at UFC 300

Arman Tsarukyan hit with nine month suspension by NSAC for altercation with fan at UFC 300Surging lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan’s hopes of competing at UFC 308 in a rumored title fight with Islam Makhachev…

Arman Tsarukyan hit with nine month suspension by NSAC for altercation with fan at UFC 300

Surging lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan’s hopes of competing at UFC 308 in a rumored title fight with Islam Makhachev may have just been dashed today – with the Nevada State Athletic Commission issuing him a nine-month retroactive suspension for his part in an altercation with a fan during UFC 300.

Tsarukyan, the current number one ranked lightweight contender, made his return at UFC 300 earlier this month in an officially-billed title eliminator with former titleholder, Charles Oliveira.

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And extending his winning spree to three straight fights, Armenian contender, Tsarukyan landed a controversial, split decision win over Oliveira – setting him up for a title fight rematch with pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev.

However, prior to his fight with the Brazilian, footage emerged of Tsarukyan engaging in a physical altercation with a fan during his Octagon walk – appearing to strike said event-goer in the face.

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Arman Tsarukyan slapped with a lengthy suspension

And during a hearing today, Tsarukyan’s chances of fighting Makhachev this year were put into severe jeopardy by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who issued him a nine-month retroactive suspension – which can be reduced to six month if Tsarukyan stars in an anti-bullying PSA, as well as a $25,000 fine.

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“Arman Tsarukyan has been issued a 9-month suspension, terminating on January 12, 2025, for his pre-fight incident involving a fan at UFC 300,” John Morgan posted on his X account. “Suspension can be reduced to 6 months if he produces an anti-bullying PSA. Also received a $25k fine and prosecution fees of $471.12, which will be taken from the $31,600 the commission already withheld.”

“Commission notes the incident “could have been catastrophic for everyone involved” and that “this is a one-time offer. Repeat actions will be dealt with much more severely.” 

Expected to challenge the above-mentioned, Makhachev in a title fight rematch in his return to the Octagon, the earliest Tsarukyan could return to action would be on October 12., 2024. 

Do you think Arman Tsarukyan will take on Islam Makhachev later this year?

Islam Makhachev rips ‘Chicken’ Conor McGregor for exiting UFC 303: ‘You don’t need a pinkie toe for a fight’

Islam Makhachev hits out at chicken Conor McGregor for UFC 303 injury you don't need a toe to fightUndisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has branded arch-rival, Conor McGregor a “chicken” for his decision to withdraw from UFC…

Islam Makhachev hits out at chicken Conor McGregor for UFC 303 injury you don't need a toe to fight

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has branded arch-rival, Conor McGregor a “chicken” for his decision to withdraw from UFC 303 next weekend through injury – after the Dubliner revealed he suffered a fractured toe, forcing him from his comeback fight.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight kingpin and pound-for-pound number one fighter on the promotion’s book, headlined UFC 302 just last month, successfully defending his title with a fifth round D’Arce choke submission win against common-foe, Dustin Poirier. 

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And forced from a return at UFC 303 next weekend during International Fight Week, McGregor confirmed he suffered a fractured toe on his left foot, revealing he would not enter his return fight “hindered” – but vowed to return soon. 

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“Man we were so f*cking super ready for this fight it is absolutely gut-wrenching to take,” Conor McGregor posted on his official Instagram account. “I want that new Bugatti how I gone (sic) justify to myself getting that now without banking these fights. We had a lapse in concentration and engaged in a training session without wearing the full protective gear and I hit the toe off the elbow and broke the toe clean. It needs a few weeks that’s it. I couldn’t justify to my team, or fans, that I make the walk hindered again.”

“That walk has to be seen,” Conor McGregor wrote. “This next walk has got to be, and it will be, 100% Conor McGregor. The fans deserve it and we are getting close. A slight lapse in concentration and a nuisance of an injury was picked up. That’s it. Take the lesson and move forward. I will get this back, I’ve got too. I’ve got two fights left on my contract. I’ve got Bugattis and more yachts on my mind. I’m coming to shine. I gotta just take my time.”

“Cos I still got yachts and Bentleys and mansions and all the rest,” Conor McGregor continued. “Ya know yaself (sic). But ya get me, I’ll be back. See ya’s soon. See ya at the top. Chandler or not. #McGtheRealBMF #McGregorForever #GoingNowhere”

Islam Makhachev hits out at Conor McGregor again

And largely receiving flak for his decision to withdraw from UFC 303 through a toe injury, McGregor was mocked by current lightweight best, Makhachev – who labelled him a “chicken” for exiting the card.

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“You don’t need a pinkie toe for a fight lol,” Islam Makhachev posted on his official X account. “Chicken.” 

What are your thoughts on Conor McGregor’s exit from UFC 303?

UFC’s Islam Makhachev Calls Conor McGregor a ‘Chicken’ After Photo of Toe Injury

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev called Conor McGregor a chicken for pulling out of his UFC 303 fight with Michael Chandler after suffering a broken…

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev called Conor McGregor a chicken for pulling out of his UFC 303 fight with Michael Chandler after suffering a broken…