Tag: MMA News Today

MMA News Today: Ryan Garcia Announces That He Will Be In Attendance At RIZIN Following Exhibition Rumours, Sean O’Malley Labels Conor McGregor A ‘Drug Addict’ In Recent Social Media Spat, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 23, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Ryan Garcia Announces His Attendance For SuperRIZIN 3 This Weekend Amidst Exhibition Rumours Ryan Garcia has sent out a message via the RIZIN social media channels to announce […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Ryan Garcia Announces That He Will Be In Attendance At RIZIN Following Exhibition Rumours, Sean O’Malley Labels Conor McGregor A ‘Drug Addict’ In Recent Social Media Spat, & 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 23, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Garcia sends a message to the Japanese fans
  • O’Malley fires back at McGregor and pulls no punches
  • Patchy Mix headlines Paris again on November 16

Ryan Garcia Announces His Attendance For SuperRIZIN 3 This Weekend Amidst Exhibition Rumours

Ryan Garcia has sent out a message via the RIZIN social media channels to announce that he will be in attendance at SuperRIZIN 3 this weekend.

The Japanese promotion returns to Saitama Super Arena on July 28 where boxing star Manny Pacquiao will be in action against Rukiya Anpo.

Garcia, who has been extremely controversial both before and after his recent fight with Devin Haney, has been recently rumoured to have been given permission from Golden Boy to compete in an exhibition on RIZIN later this year.

The video sees Garcia sending a message to the Japanese fans, when you can hear him over what appears to be construction work taking place in the background.

“Hello, Ryan Garcia here. My announcement is this. I’m heading to Japan. Heading to Japan because I’m going to be at the RIZIN event and I know they’re making noise but guess what? I go louder, I go harder and I cannot wait to meet all my fans in Japan. Arigato from my heart to your heart, I love you. I’mma learn how to say I love you in Japanese. I’mma tell every Japan I love them, konnichiwa.”

Sean O’Malley Unloads On Conor McGregor In Recent Social Media Exchange

After they seemingly settled the beef not long ago, Conor McGregor couldn’t resist taking another slight dig at UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley.

He quoted a post on X with a laughing face emoji that spoke about O’Malley pointing to a recent finding regarding how Ostarine can be transferred through sweat to explain his previous positive drug test results.

“Sugar” didn’t take long to reply and when he did, he appeared to sever any chance of rebuilding this bridge with “The Notorious”.

A pair of back-to-back posts made reference to McGregor’s current form inside the Octagon, UFC 303 withdrawal and referred to him a “drug addict” who “needs rehab”.

Suffice to say that the former UFC champ champ is not going to take these comments lightly.

Bellator Champions Series Announces Patchy Mix & ‘Baki’ For Paris Event On November 16

The Bellator Champions Series is heading back to Paris on November 16 and so is the bantamweight champion Patchy Mix.

He was last in action this past May where he closed the show at the French capital by defending his title via a controversial split decision win over Magomed Magomedov.

Mix is now set to return for the second time this year when he faces Brazil’s Leandro Higo who is coming off of back-to-back wins.

The co-main has also been announced with former Cédric Doumbé opponent Baissangour “Baki” Chamsoudinov finally making his return as he looks to stay undefeated against Sweden’s Oliver Enkamp.

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Ryan Garcia Announces That He Will Be In Attendance At RIZIN Following Exhibition Rumours, Sean O’Malley Labels Conor McGregor A ‘Drug Addict’ In Recent Social Media Spat, & More at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Reportedly ‘Did TNA Numbers’ On PPV, Jake Paul & Mike Perry Verbally Spar In Pre-Fight Face To Face, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 17, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Report States That Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal’s Boxing Match Massively Underperformed On PPV On a relatively quiet week for combat sports, former UFC stars Nate Diaz and […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Reportedly ‘Did TNA Numbers’ On PPV, Jake Paul & Mike Perry Verbally Spar In Pre-Fight Face To Face, & 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 17, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Meltzer claims that Diaz vs. Masvidal did ‘horrible on PPV’
  • Paul & Perry trade words before July 20
  • City Kickboxing’s Jousset gets a big home fight in Paris

Report States That Nate Diaz & Jorge Masvidal’s Boxing Match Massively Underperformed On PPV

On a relatively quiet week for combat sports, former UFC stars Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal met inside a boxing ring.

Many felt that their rematch earlier this month ended up being a better fight than expected, and the live attendance at the Honda Center appeared to be a good turnout.

But a recent report suggests that despite the event being heavily spoken about, fans were not willing to pay the pay-per-view price to watch it live.

Dave Meltzer stated on a recent episode of Observer Radio that the event did not perform well, comparing it to wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action (TNA), which has always had a tough time competing against the WWE before the two companies started working together as of late.

“It did horrible on PPV, it did TNA numbers. I’m not exaggerating. I knew it would not do well, but I was absolutely stunned how poorly it did. Nobody bought the fight. People are sick of seeing MMA fighters do boxing.”

Jake Paul & Mike Perry Come Face To Face Ahead Of July 20

Jake Paul returns to the ring this Saturday as he faces one of his toughest tests to date in BKFC star Mike Perry.

Before they can meet on July 20 in a change of opponent for Paul, who was scheduled to be taking on Mike Tyson on this date, the two men came face to face.

As you can expect from two bold characters, there were some certainly unique moments during their conversation. That included, at one point, both men seemingly doing “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan impressions.

The highlight of the entire video was certainly the following quote from Perry, who has always had an unparalleled way with words…

“Your little baby green punches can’t even f****** reach my brain stem bro. I’m gonna dig through your eyeball and find your memories.”

Paul responded in the same way that pretty much everybody else would when being told that by the “King of Violence.”

“Please don’t do that. Please don’t do that Mikey.”

Kevin Jousset Books Home Fight In Paris Against Former TUF Winner

Rising UFC welterweight and City Kickboxing fighter Kevin Jousset has got his next assignment, and it’s sure to be a bucket list one for him.

The French fighter will finally be getting the opportunity to compete in front of his home fans when he makes the walk on September 28 in Paris.

MMA Junkie’s Nolan King reported that Jousset is set to make his third Octagon appearance against The Ultimate Fighter season 29 winner Bryan Battle.

Having competed in Australia and Las Vegas since signing to the promotion, it’s time for “Air” to get the home fighter treatment following his impressive winning streak.

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal Reportedly ‘Did TNA Numbers’ On PPV, Jake Paul & Mike Perry Verbally Spar In Pre-Fight Face To Face, & More at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Dan Hooker Reveals Israel Adesanya Has Bulked Up To 230 Pounds Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis Fight, Jon Anik On Staying Impartial While Calling Friend Belal Muhammad’s Title Fight At UFC 304, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 15, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Dan Hooker Says Israel Adesanya Is Hitting Too Hard For Them To Spar One Another When Israel Adesanya returns at UFC 305 to try and recapture the middleweight […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Dan Hooker Reveals Israel Adesanya Has Bulked Up To 230 Pounds Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis Fight, Jon Anik On Staying Impartial While Calling Friend Belal Muhammad’s Title Fight At UFC 304, & 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 15, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Hooker says Adesanya sparring isn’t on his wish list right now
  • Anik never lets his relationships affect his commentary
  • Blaydes says he’s keeping things simple ahead of Aspinall rematch

Dan Hooker Says Israel Adesanya Is Hitting Too Hard For Them To Spar One Another

When Israel Adesanya returns at UFC 305 to try and recapture the middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis, he will do so off the back of his longest break between fights since signing with the promotion.

“The Last Stylebender” decided to take some much-needed and well-earned time to regroup before jumping back inside the Octagon, following his loss to Sean Strickland.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, his City Kickboxing teammate Dan Hooker spoke about how Adesanya has been bulking up outside of training camp.

The lightweight contender, who has sparred with the former middleweight champion for a long time, said that his fellow New Zealander is starting to pack too much of a punch for him to trade shots with.

“I can’t even be bothered sparring him at the moment like the way he’s hitting. I think he’s like 105 kilos [around 230 pounds], I’m just like f******, kicked me in the leg and I was like ‘get f*****!’. He’s had some time off, he was carrying some injuries, he spent a lot of time just packing on some size and like a lot of strength bro and he’s hitting like a truck man. I can’t even be bothered sparring him… like he’s hitting too hard.”

Jon Anik Says Relationship With Belal Muhammad Won’t Affect His UFC 304 Commentary

It’s only natural for UFC commentators to have relationships and friendships with some of the fighters that are signed to the roster.

This is especially difficult in a sport like MMA where the highs are so high and the lows are so low but Jon Anik always looks to separate his work from his personal feelings.

At UFC 304, Anik’s friend Belal Muhammad will finally get his first shot at welterweight gold when he challenges Leon Edwards on July 27.

Anik spoke in a recent interview with InsideFighting about how he always looks to serve the moment and both fighters as best as he can, regardless of whether he has personal connections to them.

“No, I feel like once the athlete hits the tunnel, any of those types of feeling or emotions go away. As I’ve said repeatedly, Dominick Cruz is probably the guy I’m closest to, I mean Belal’s obviously right there on his heels as are other athletes.

“you establish a lot of interpersonal relationship and you can’t help that but it certainly doesn’t affect the call. I can assure you and everybody else if Leon Edwards head kicks Belal Muhammad into oblivion, my call is going to reflect that and there was nothing hard about me screaming with veins popping out of my mouth, ‘Stipe gets his revenge’, even though he did it against Daniel Cormier.”

Curtis Blaydes Isn’t Adjusting His Approach For Fighting Tom Aspinall At UFC 304

In the co-main event in Manchester, Tom Aspinall’s interim heavyweight title will be on the line when he faces Curtis Blaydes in a rematch.

Blaydes, who is now a 22-fight veteran, has faced the majority of the top names at heavyweight at this stage.

He spoke in an interview with the media during this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night in Denver, about how his approach to this fight is the same as always.

Rather than working specifically on his opponent’s approach, Blaydes simply looks to bring the best version of himself to England in order to come away with the win.

“Conditioning (has been the focus in camp). That’s the same old,” Blaydes said. “I don’t adjust for anyone. I have prepared for this fight the same way I prepare for everyone. I don’t like to add extra adjustments, extra things to think about. There’s already a whole lot, we don’t need to add anything else.

“Just a normal, standard fight camp,” Blaydes continued. “Eight weeks of sparring, drilling, running, icing; normal stuff.”

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Dan Hooker Reveals Israel Adesanya Has Bulked Up To 230 Pounds Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis Fight, Jon Anik On Staying Impartial While Calling Friend Belal Muhammad’s Title Fight At UFC 304, & More at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Fans Left Bewildered After Sean O’Malley Voted ‘Best UFC Fighter’ In 2024, David Goggins Reveals DM Exchange With Strickland, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 12, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Fans Give Confused Reaction To Sean O’Malley Winning ‘Best UFC Fighter’ At The ESPYs ESPN’s annual awards, The ESPYs, took place last night where Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Fans Left Bewildered After Sean O’Malley Voted ‘Best UFC Fighter’ In 2024, David Goggins Reveals DM Exchange With Strickland, & 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 12, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Fans believe Pereira was snubbed over O’Malley
  • Goggins says Strickland has not replied to his challenge
  • Gane and Volkov set to meet again at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Fans Give Confused Reaction To Sean O’Malley Winning ‘Best UFC Fighter’ At The ESPYs

ESPN’s annual awards, The ESPYs, took place last night where Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley was named the best UFC fighter.

He came out on top in a category that featured three other world champions in Alex Pereira, Islam Makhachev and Weili Zhang.

The instant reaction from fans online was to question how “Suga” could have possibly won the category, considering what “Poatan” has done in recent times.

Whilst some fans questioned whether the period of time that is judged meant that the award was voted this way, many were simply baffled at the idea of Pereira not winning this award regardless of which time frame you want to look at.

“Bro sean has fought 3 ( 4 if you county the Pedro fight) times since 2022. Alex has fought 8 smh they did bad on this”

“Alright the UFC pushing Sean as the next superstar allegations are undeniable now”

“what exactly is the criteria lmao”

David Goggins Challenges Sean Strickland To Three Days Of Training For Three Rounds Of Boxing

David Goggins vs. Sean Strickland has turned into a surprising social media beef as of late, with both men speaking about one another in videos.

Following the former UFC middleweight champion’s comments about Navy SEALs and Goggins’ military career, the athlete and public speaker issued a challenge to him to test what Strickland is truly made of.

“Sean Strickland, I know you’re doing all this for clickbait. We had a DM the other day, me and you, back and forth. I was pretty much DMing you because you called me a b**** and talked about my military career and going out here once again and trying to, like you said in your DM, trying to be a clown. You’re an MMA fighter and you’re also a comedian so, you know, I’m not much of a comedian at all.”

As seen below, Goggins recently shared a look at the message that he sent to Strickland which has not received a reply as of yet, calling to train and spar with him.

He continued to say that he is done with exchanging videos and that this is his final offer- and whether the former champion takes it or not is up to him.

“You say you can f*** me up in training, I responded to that video to you and this is what I said. You have yet to respond to this and so anytime you want to train with me, I am ready to train with you. I am done with the videos.”

Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov 2 Reportedly Set For UFC 308 In Abu Dhabi

The UFC is heading back to Abu Dhabi in October for UFC 308, as has become a tradition for the MMA leader’s calendar.

A first match-up has been reported for this card with Ag. Fight claiming that former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane will be facing Alexander Volkov in a rematch on October 26.

Many were expecting to see Gane return on the Paris card in September, after he reportedly turned down the option to fight Tom Aspinall at UFC 304 later this month.

Volkov will be looking to avenge his loss to “Bon Gamin” in 2021 off the back of a big victory over Sergei Pavlovich in Saudi Arabia last month.

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Fans Left Bewildered After Sean O’Malley Voted ‘Best UFC Fighter’ In 2024, David Goggins Reveals DM Exchange With Strickland, & More at MMA News.

MMA News Today: Former UFC Middleweight On How He Defeated Opponent Using Technique Learned From Hollywood Star Michael Jai White, Tom Aspinall’s Training Partner Outlines Potential Issue For Alex Pereira If He Moves To Heavyweight, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 11, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Uriah Hall Says Michael Jai White Deserves Credit For His Finish Over Gegard Mousasi Back in 2015, UFC middleweight Uriah Hall secured one of his greatest ever wins […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Former UFC Middleweight On How He Defeated Opponent Using Technique Learned From Hollywood Star Michael Jai White, Tom Aspinall’s Training Partner Outlines Potential Issue For Alex Pereira If He Moves To Heavyweight, & 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 11, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Hall tells interesting story behind highlight reel finish
  • Parkin says Pereira may struggle with bigger grapplers
  • Anik suggests Poirier vs Diaz

Uriah Hall Says Michael Jai White Deserves Credit For His Finish Over Gegard Mousasi

Back in 2015, UFC middleweight Uriah Hall secured one of his greatest ever wins when he stopped Gegard Mousasi in Japan.

Hall spoke about the way he was able to secure this second-round finish during a recent episode of the Jaxxon Podcast, where he revealed an interesting story behind this win.

He stated that when watching Mousasi’s previous fight with Lyoto Machida, he noticed a tell where the Dutchman dipped his head whenever Machida feinted with his hips.

Hall then combined this with a technique that he learned during his final preparations that came courtesy of Hollywood star Michael Jai White.

“Two weeks before that fight, I was hanging out with Michael Jai White, that m*********** is legit by the way, and he was showing me how to throw techniques without no fat, no tell, no telegraph. It was the hardest s*** ever, I’m still working on some of it. He was showing me the spinning back kick and I think I was this close to him and he was like, ‘You can do it from here’ and I was like what?! He showed me how to move my body that way so when I did that jump spinning back kick, I took away the fat a little bit because I expected him to move a certain way and it just lined up perfectly.”

UFC Heavyweight Mick Parkin Says Alex Pereira May Struggle At Heavyweights With Keeping Opponents Off Him

Following another defense of his UFC light heavyweight title, fans want to see whether Alex Pereira can move up another weight class to try and win a third title.

“Poatan” went from middleweight up to 205-pounds seamlessly and with his ferocious power, he clearly has the ability to put anyone out cold.

Heavyweight contender Mick Parkin believes that Pereira may encounter one issue if he does decide to compete with the big boys on the roster.

Parkin, who regularly trains alongside the interim champion Tom Aspinall, is looking to match the longest active win streak in the division when he returns at UFC 304.

He spoke in a recent interview with Violent Money TV about how despite Pereira’s improving grappling defense, this could become an issue for him against larger opponents.

“It’s a lot different, the size. I think he’s amazing, he just keeps taking these fights and knocking everybody out. He hits so hard that he could definitely hit as hard at heavyweight and knock any heavyweight out in the world. His defensive wrestling is actually looking good but with a bigger guy it’s a lot harder so it might be a bit harder for him to get a bigger guy off on top of him. He might come up and get huge, he’s still got a big frame for it.

“But yeah, the bigger guys, I don’t know if he’s that confident as well that he would just walk the big guys down and think I’m knocking you out or if he’d be a bit more, ‘oh I don’t want to get taken down by these guys’. I don’t know how his mindset is but I definitely feel he could do good.”    

Jon Anik Believes That Nate Diaz Makes A Lot Of Sense For Dustin Poirier’s Farewell Fight

There aren’t too many options out there right now that make sense for Dustin Poirier following his lightweight title fight loss at UFC 302.

“The Diamond” recently said that he was leaning towards this being his last outing because at this stage, what is he fighting for if he isn’t trying to become the champion.

One match-up that UFC commentator Jon Anik believes would be a great way to close out his career is one of the few big names in and around his weight class that Poirier is yet to face.

He was booked to fight Nate Diaz in what would have been a massive fight at Madison Square Garden back in 2018 but it never took place due to Poirier withdrawing due to an injury.

Anik spoke in an interview with MMA Junkie about how following Diaz’s win over Jorge Masvidal in boxing, now could be the perfect time to put them back together.

“Nate Diaz is a massive superstar and that is among a myriad of reasons why Dustin Poirier is of an appetitive nature for that particular fight and match-up and part of the reason we talked about this in context was not just Nate Diaz suggesting that he wants to come back to the UFC and pursue a championship but also because I was with Dustin Poirier recently and there aren’t that many fights that make sense for him and even some of the match-ups that have been suggested have some relative downside.”

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Former UFC Middleweight On How He Defeated Opponent Using Technique Learned From Hollywood Star Michael Jai White, Tom Aspinall’s Training Partner Outlines Potential Issue For Alex Pereira If He Moves To Heavyweight, & More at MMA News.

MMA News Today: UFC 304 Star Paddy Pimblett Becomes Latest To Request Custom Shorts, Two Former UFC Champs Could Box In ONE Championship, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 10, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Paddy Pimblett Requests Signature Orange Shorts For His UFC 304 Return In recent times, certain high profile UFC fighters have been granted custom shorts from Venum that they […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: UFC 304 Star Paddy Pimblett Becomes Latest To Request Custom Shorts, Two Former UFC Champs Could Box In ONE Championship, & 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 10, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Pimblett has a special request ahead of June 27
  • ‘Rampage’ vs Rashad Evans could potentially box in ONE Championship
  • Ankalaev resumes pursuit of Pereira

Paddy Pimblett Requests Signature Orange Shorts For His UFC 304 Return

In recent times, certain high profile UFC fighters have been granted custom shorts from Venum that they helped design.

The likes of Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Zhang Weili, Dustin Poirier and Alex Pereira have all stepped inside the Octagon with their own distinct looks.

Paddy Pimblett is hoping that he will be able to add his name to this list when he returns at UFC 304 later this month.

“The Baddy” put a post up on Instagram of him reaching out to the UFC’s apparel partner to make a special request before facing King (formerly Bobby) Green in Manchester.

During his days in Cage Warriors, before he signed to the UFC, Pimblett was known for competing in bright orange shorts – which he wants to bring back in front of the UK fans.

‘Rampage’ Jackson Says Boxing Clash With Rashad Evans Is Being Spoken About For Later This Year

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has had to wait a long time to make his debut in boxing due to the saga with Shannon Briggs that never led anywhere.

Now, he has changed his focus and could be set to square off with one of his greatest rivals once again.

Jackson and Rashad Evans fought back at UFC 114 where Evans won via a unanimous decision following one of the most memorable seasons of The Ultimate Fighter.

“Rampage” recently stated during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that he could be set to box Evans, with ONE Championship potentially hosting the contest at their event (ONE 169) in Atlanta on November 8.

“He’s still trying, but I lost my faith in Shannon [Briggs],” Jackson said. “I don’t know if he’s going to get it done. He talks a good game. I hope he get it done. If he ever gets it done, I’ll be game to fight him, but right now, I guess my first boxing match is going to be against Rashad. I need to get that win back.”

Magomed Ankalaev Continues To Call Out Alex Pereira Following UFC 303

Magomed Ankalaev has been as vocal as ever following the UFC light heavyweight title fight that took place at UFC 303 on June 29.

After missing out on the title shot with the champion Alex Pereira instead facing Ji?í Procházka in a rematch, Ankalaev believes that he is the next in line.

He believes that “Poatan” does not want to fight him and is therefore continuing to call him out whilst making bold predictions for the fight.

His latest post spoke about why this fight needs to happen next, reaffirming that he will stop Pereira once they meet inside the Octagon.

“@AlexPereiraUFC kept away from me for a reason, and I do understand this is business @ufc best fight the best and he is the best for now I will keep my (word),” Ankalaev wrote on X. “I will knock him out. @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite nothing better than you’ve seen an event somebody going to sleep”

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: UFC 304 Star Paddy Pimblett Becomes Latest To Request Custom Shorts, Two Former UFC Champs Could Box In ONE Championship, & More at MMA News.