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Dana White Not Interested In Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko Trilogy: ‘Why Do It Again?’

UFC president, Dana White appears to have changed his mind on the possibility of a trilogy pairing between two-weight champion, Amanda Nunes, and current flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko — questioning why the promotion should field a third bout between the two. Bahia native, Nunes, co-headlines UFC 269 this weekend in her bantamweight division return for […]

Bahia native, Nunes, co-headlines UFC 269 this weekend in her bantamweight division return for the first time in two years — attempting to secure her sixth title defense as she tackles the #3 ranked contender and The Ultimate Fighter 18 victor, Julianna Pena.

For Kyrgyzstan native, Shevchenko the striking maestro is in the midst of a stunning eight-fight winning run since her move to the flyweight ranks, lodging her sixth title defense against former Invicta FC bantamweight best, Lauren Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 266 in September.

Ever since Shevchenko’s victory over Murphy, as well as her prior finish over former strawweight titleholder, Jessica Andrade back in April, the flyweight champion has been linked with — and has welcomed a future third fight with two-time rival, Nunes, in a bid to avenge her only promotional defeats.

Both Shevchenko and Nunes represent arguably the most dominant forces in their respective divisions at the time of publication, and despite dropping a pair of decision losses to the latter, albeit razor-thin close in the second of those bouts, Shevchenko has been donned as the most legitimate challenge to Nunes’ bantamweight title still.

White himself previously claimed that if fans continued to clamour for a third bout, or if Nunes toppled Pena this weekend, he would be open to making the pairing.

“The more hungry people get (for Nunes vs. Shevchenko III), the more they want to see it, the more it makes me want to make it,” White said. “If (Valentina) wins and Amanda (Nunes) beats (Julianna) Pena and they’re both into it, I’m interested in talking about it.“

Dana White now uninterested in Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko 3

However, ahead of Nunes’ bantamweight return on Saturday, White appears to have wholly changed his mind on the pairing, questioning why a third matchup would make sense.

“I don’t know if that fight needs to happen,” White told TSN reporter, Aaron Bronsteter. “I don’t know. I’ve thought a lot about it. You know, they’re both incredible in their own weight classes. They already fought twice. Why do it again?“

“I would imagine if they wanted to do it bad enough and fans wanted it bad enough, I would do it but I don’t see much point in it,” White explained.

White also noted that Nunes’ size advantage over Shevchenko gives the latter a true disadvantage.

“Here’s the thing that unfair for Valentina (Shevchenko) — Amanda Nunes is a lot bigger than her,” White said. “(135) and (145) pounds women she can fight. Valentina’s without a doubt the baddest woman in the world in her weight division and below. But to move up that much weight. Yeah, can she hang? Will it go to a split decision? It’s tough to call.” (Transcribed by MMA Fighting)

Jon Jones Heaps Praise On ‘Amazing’ Henry Cejudo

Jon Jones has been absent from an octagon for quite some time now and things haven’t been easy for the former light-heavyweight champion during his time away from fighting. Following his arrest back in November, Jones was no longer allowed to be training at his former gym Jackson Wink MMA. However, it seems Jones has […]

Jon Jones has been absent from an octagon for quite some time now and things haven’t been easy for the former light-heavyweight champion during his time away from fighting.

Following his arrest back in November, Jones was no longer allowed to be training at his former gym Jackson Wink MMA.

However, it seems Jones has settled now into a new gym, whilst still working alongside coaches Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson outside of Jackson Wink, Jones has now joined forces with Fight Ready MMA. The gym is led by Santino Defranco, Eddie Cha, and Eric Albarracin and is the home to former double champion Henry Cejudo.

“As far as fighting, I feel like I’m in tremendous shape, I’m excited to still be representing Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just recently joined with a team called Fight Ready out of Arizona. So, I’ll be representing both teams moving forward.”

Jones couldn’t contain his delight when speaking about working alongside Olympic Gold medallist and heavily praised Cejudo for the impact he has already had on him.

“It’s amazing. Henry Cejudo is amazing,” Jones said.

“He’s very family-oriented. He loves martial arts with all of his heart, and he’s a man of God, as well. We have that in common. It’s just a really good thing. I really enjoy the way he’s taken me under his wing and just shown me a different way of looking at the game.”

“Not just the martial arts game, but the game of life. We talk about happiness and being real with emotions. His coaching is more than just combat tactics. He really tries to make you the best man you can be.”

“It really feels like he’s a guy that I need to be around. I’m excited to grow. I’m excited to be more honest with myself than ever before and just elevate to a new place – a new place not only as an athlete, but spiritually and mentally. I’m excited.”

Jon Jones Eyes Up Potential Return Date

Jon Jones has been out of action for nearly two years, however, after speaking to TV station KRQE, it does appear that the former light-heavyweight champion has a potential return date in mind.

“I’m looking to fight somewhere in April, possibly Madison Square Garden, or a total opposite date, possibly July at International Fight Week,”

“Those are the two dates that I’m kind of eying. I think it’ll depend on who wins in January between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane, and we’ll just take it from there.” (transcribed by MMAJunkie.com)

Who would you prefer to see Jon Jones take on when he makes his return?

Amanda Nunes Rips ‘Delusional Clown’ Julianna Pena Ahead of UFC 269

Amanda Nunes isn’t typically one to exchange verbal back-and-forths with her opponent, she usually prefers to let her skills inside the octagon do the talking, and well, that makes sense when you have taken out the names Nunes has. However, it appears Julianna Pena’s comments have just started to chip away at the champion, who […]

However, it appears Julianna Pena’s comments have just started to chip away at the champion, who spoke about her opponent at the UFC 269 media day on Wednesday.

“She’s a clown, (She) wants attention. That’s it.”

Nunes also spoke on Pena’s grappling ability and was quick to highlight some flaws in what Pena considered to be her greatest asset heading into the fight.

“She’s delusional, What about her best friend Miesha Tate? What about Sara McMann? Sara McMann almost beat her. Sara McMann gave up in the fight. If she didn’t give up, she would have beat Julianna. But I beat Sara McMann years ago.”

“I feel like she can talk whatever she wants. I feel like she has to do that to be able to bring all the attention, but I’m going to tell her, she can have all the attention she wants. All of it. Because Saturday is my night, December is my month. Nobody’s going to take this belt from me.”

Pena was beaten on the ground in her matchups with Germaine de Randamie and Valentina Shevchenko, two fighters more typically known for their striking, and this has given the ‘Lioness’ even more confidence that she is going to be able to get the job done.

“Julianna has all the holes where I can finish her on the floor as well, Germaine (de Randamie) finished her. Germaine de Randamie is a striker and she finished Julianna Pena (on the ground). I feel like my game is way above all those girls she fought.

“We’re going to see what’s going to happen. I just need a mistake from her. In striking, in the floor, whatever she brings up, I’m going to have the answers and I’m going to finish the fight.”

Amanda Nunes is not looking past Juliana Pena

Given her reign at the top, it would become understandable if at some point Amanda Nunes started to take her eye of the ball, however, the double champion insists this isn’t the case, and although she knows Pena is trying to boost her own confidence Nunes is also aware of the danger she may bring.

“I think she’s trying to get that confidence,”

“Because she knows the truth. She says so many lies, things to try to make her believe in that. I’m telling her right now, that’s not going to happen.”

“When they lock that door in the cage, everybody becomes dangerous,”

“Especially for her, she has nothing to lose. I have to really be ready for everything she’s bringing up. She’s definitely dangerous.

“She’s definitely a very good fighter. I’ll be ready to go. She never fought a lioness before.” (Transcribed by mmafighting.com)

Who do you see walking out of UFC 269 with their hand raised?

Dustin Poirier: Conor McGregor Chapter Will Never Be Closed

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has admitted that the chapter of his career with former two-division champion Conor McGregor will never “be closed.”

Poirier and McGregor have shared the Octagon three times. Their first clash came way back …

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has admitted that the chapter of his career with former two-division champion Conor McGregor will never “be closed.”

Poirier and McGregor have shared the Octagon three times. Their first clash came way back in September 2014 when the two highly-regarded prospects met at UFC 178. In one of the best examples of the Irishman’s trash talk working to great effect, Poirier was finished in the opening round.

Fast forward over six years and the pair reignited their rivalry at UFC 257 in January this year. After a largely respectful pre-fight build, “The Diamond” became the first man to knock McGregor out in the Abu-Dhabi-held main event. Despite seemingly securing a title shot with the victory, Poirier chose to pursue a trilogy money fight with MMA’s biggest superstar.

In a second 2021 bout fueled by trash talk and personal attacks from McGregor’s side, Poirier put his top contender status on the line. When the former double champ broke his leg towards the end of the first round, during which he’d been dominated, Poirier’s gamble had paid off.

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Poirier: If Anybody Can Get Back To The Top, It’s McGregor

Since their third fight at UFC 264 in July, both men have been on drastically different paths. While Poirier has been preparing for his championship fight with reigning titleholder Charles Oliveira, which is set to go down this weekend at UFC 269, McGregor has been recovering on the sidelines, while simultaneously causing controversy in just about every way possible.

From attacking his UFC peers on social media, to throwing a punch at multi-platinum recording artists Machine Gun Kelly, to allegedly assaulting and breaking the nose of an Italian DJ in a Rome nightclub, McGregor has found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Nevertheless, Poirier believes the Irishman is capable of getting back to his best inside the Octagon. During an interview with Morning Kombat’s Brian Campbell, “The Diamond” said McGregor has what it takes to make his way back to the top.

“I’m not really looking at him. I’m looking at the next challenge, the lightweight title. But, you know, if anybody can pull it back together and get back on top, he’s definitely one of those guys that could. It’s up to him. He’s in control of his destiny, of whatever he’s gonna do.”

When asked whether he believes his own journey with McGregor has come to an end, Poirier suggested that chapter of his career will likely never be over.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think the chapter will ever be closed.”

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Before potentially turning his attention back to McGregor, who’s made his desire to face Poirier again and challenge for the lightweight title upon his return clear, Poirier’s focus will entirely be on Oliveira for the time being.

Having previously failed to reach the 155-pound mountaintop against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, “The Diamond” will hope to finally secure his place on the throne by de-seating “Do Bronx” in this weekend’s main event. If he does so, perhaps a fourth fight for gold with McGregor will be waiting in the wings for 2022.

Would you like to see Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor fight for a fourth time next year?

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier: Conor McGregor Chapter Will Never Be Closed at MMA News.

Kevin Holland Calls Out Nick Diaz On The Heels Of Chael Sonnen’s Report

Kevin Holland is ready to answer Chael Sonnen’s call and fight Nick Diaz.

Sonnen recently spoke in a video on his YouTube channel, saying that he had heard rumors that the UFC was interested in booking a fight between Holland, who was forced out of…

Kevin Holland is ready to answer Chael Sonnen’s call and fight Nick Diaz.

Sonnen recently spoke in a video on his YouTube channel, saying that he had heard rumors that the UFC was interested in booking a fight between Holland, who was forced out of his November rematch with Kyle Daukaus, and Diaz, who lost his return fight against Robbie Lawler. He also suggested that it could take place at welterweight, which is where Holland has decided to move.

“‘Tommy from the Bronx’ just reached out to me, told me something. I said, ‘Is this public?’ And he said, ‘You can share it.’ It had something to do with Nick Diaz vs Kevin Holland. (I was) a little bit surprised by it, only because Nick Diaz is such a megastar, but what do you do with him?” Sonnen said.

Now, it is unclear who Sonnen’s source was, but it seems that they might have been on to something. Holland posted to his Instagram shortly after Sonnen’s video. Holland shared a side-by-side photo of him and Diaz, as well as a clip of him slapping an opponent in a similar way to the slap that made the Diaz brothers famous, saying that he was down for the fight.

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“Smack man smack man yeah that’s me!!!! Let’s Go BUCKO
#illdoit” Holland wrote.

He spoke to MMAJunkie as well, saying that this was something that he has been wanting since before he was actually in the UFC. Moreover, he said that he and Nick Diaz had some sort of altercation, so he would like the opportunity to settle the score.

“I been waiting to slap the slap man since I was on (Dana White’s) Contender Series,” Holland said, in a text. “We had a little run-in. I think it’s a fight the fans will want the commentators to just shut up and listen to the punches landing and our mouths flapping.”

It is safe to say that Kevin Holland vs Nick Diaz would be an entertaining fight. It will be curious to see if this is a direction that the UFC chooses to go in or if they choose to make different matchups.

Continue Reading Kevin Holland Calls Out Nick Diaz On The Heels Of Chael Sonnen’s Report at MMA News.

Cormier & Cruz Hash It Out Over Cruz’s Criticisms Of DC’s Commentary

Former UFC champions and current broadcast colleagues Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz sat down to have an open dialogue about Cruz’s brutally honest and very public feedback about Cormier’s commentating.

This Saturday at UFC 269, Dominick Cruz wil…

This Saturday at UFC 269, Dominick Cruz will be competing against Pedro Munhoz in a high-level bout between two veterans ranked in the bantamweight division’s top 10. But that’s not the story Cruz made headlines for yesterday. Instead, that would be his harsh take on Daniel Cormier’s job performance as a UFC commentator/analyst.

During a media scrum ahead of UFC 269, here is what Cruz had to say about his broadcast partner:

“I watch (Jon) Anik do so much homework leading up to a fight. Like, people have no idea how much homework he has to do to be prepared for that, and the most kudos, for me, goes to him. He leads us in the broadcast with how he talks. When it comes to DC, I usually mute it,” Cruz said with a chuckle.

“I love DC, he’s my friend, but to me, from my experience, he doesn’t do the homework. He wants to get in and out, get the job done, make his money. I think he cares about us, but it’s just different. He doesn’t do the preparation from my experience. He might now. I’m hoping that he watches some film this time, on me, so he knows what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. But I’m not going to hold my breath on that, for sure.”

Cormier & Cruz Have Face-To-Face Conversation About Cruz’s Criticisms

Cruz Mutes Cormier On Commentary: 'He Doesn't Do The Homework' — Dominick Cruz, Daniel Cormier

Soon after Cruz’s comments spread like wildfire throughout the MMA media, Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz had a sit-down conversation that was published on Cormier’s YouTube channel. What follows is a full recap of their conversation.

The conversation began with Cormier attempting to nonchalantly have an interview about Cruz’s upcoming fight. Cruz, having already established his frank nature, preferred to skip the formalities and relative small talk and address the elephant in the room. Cormier politely implied that such conversations are better left private, to which Cruz proposed they speak ‘privately in public.’

Cormier disagreed, stating things that are discussed privately should remain behind closed doors. Cruz asked who made that rule and stated that he was merely holding Cormier accountable out of love. Cruz used the analogy of Cormier holding his children accountable if they do something wrong and that it’s all out of love. Cormier replied that it’s only love in Cruz’s mind.

Cormier: What do you hold me accountable for?

Cruz: Not watching film.

Cormier: Dominick, there’s different ways to prepare for a fight than watching film. It’s not singular.

Cruz: It’s not part of it?

Cormier: It’s not singular. I do watch film. I watch film every single time. Do I watch fights to the extent that you watch fights? No…I will openly sit here and say that I don’t watch fights to the extent that Dominick Cruz (watches it).

Cormier concluded that because he doesn’t combat Cruz’s opinions, Cruz thinks they must be true. He would then tell Cruz to his face that he violated their trust as colleagues and friends.

Cormier: It’s like, Dominick Cruz, I’ve watched you for years. I’ve watched you. I’ve studied you. But that’s the thing, though, because I don’t combat your opinions, you continue to build on those opinions. And honestly, can I say something? Can I tell you something right now as a friend?

Cruz: Please.

Cormier: It was wrong of you to say what you said this morning.

Cruz: Oh, so I’m wrong?

Cormier: Because it was not fair of you as a colleague to do that publicly. You should tell me. That is a blatant mistrust of friendship and as a colleague.

Daniel Cormier Offers Criticism To Dominick Cruz In Return

At this point and to keep things fair, Cruz urged Cormier to give him an honest performance review as well.

Cormier: I think you’re a fantastic analyst.

Cruz: Why?

Cormier: Because you’re prepared, I think you enjoy the fights, and you love your job.

Cruz pushed Cormier to provide negative feedback as well so that this aspect of their reviews would not be one-sided. Cormier would oblige.

“I think you can be a bit dry,” Cormier offered.

When Cruz disagreed with that assessment, this visibly flabbergasted the former double champion.

At this point, a third man joined the conversation to “mediate,” a fellow colleague and former UFC champion, Michael “The Count” Bisping.

UFC on ESPN 31 commentary team set: Cormier, Bisping lead the booth — Jeff Bottari | Credit: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Not long after joining the convo, Bisping told Cruz that he was in the wrong for sharing those thoughts publicly. He also revealed that Cormier used to pay someone to assist him with research, but he stopped this arrangement so that he could process the information himself and also save money.

Cormier was asked to explain more about the researcher, and his testimony did not seem to bolster his case all that much.

Cormier: So I had a researcher that I would pay to give me all my notes, and I would go and call the fights.

Cruz: So how is that watching film?!

Cormier: But then I would watch the fights still, but the guy would give me all the background stuff and all that.

Cruz: Why? That’s your job.

Before Cormier could respond, Bisping interjected and explained on his behalf that he didn’t pay the researcher to do all the research and film study, only some of it.

Towards the end of the conversation, Cruz blamed the media for not providing the full context for his criticism. He also clarified that he never stated Cormier was a bad commentator.

In any event, although Cruz still did not understand why Cormier and Bisping believe his comments would have been better kept private, he did make sure to throw in some positive feedback to his partner as well.

“But this stuff that we’re talking about is much more fun ’cause now, the media can’t create some dark picture that I don’t appreciate you as an analyst. Because this is the truth: I do appreciate you as an analyst. I do. I think that you’re an Olympic gold medalist and you bring a different repertoire in that vision that I don’t have.”

Cruz did not backtrack on his criticisms of Cormier’s research skills, however, and Cormier would ultimately bring the conversation to a close, expressing that things went off the rails.

You can view the full conversation for yourself below. You can also watch Dominick Cruz’s full media day press scrum to judge for yourself if his comments were taken out of context.

Continue Reading Cormier & Cruz Hash It Out Over Cruz’s Criticisms Of DC’s Commentary at MMA News.