Tag: WTF

Conor McGregor Has Retired From MMA, Apparently, And WAIT, WHAT?!!!


(via Getty)

Well, ain’t this some shit.

According to multiple sources, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has suddenly, inexplicably, opted to retire from mixed martial arts. Except that he probably hasn’t. Except that he *has* been pulled from his UFC 200 rematch with Nate Diaz. Honestly, no one really knows what the Hell is going on right now, but head after the jump for all the details.

The post Conor McGregor Has Retired From MMA, Apparently, And WAIT, WHAT?!!! appeared first on Cagepotato.


(via Getty)

Well, ain’t this some shit.

According to multiple sources, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has suddenly, inexplicably, opted to retire from mixed martial arts. Except that he probably hasn’t. Except that he *has* been pulled from his UFC 200 rematch with Nate Diaz. Honestly, no one really knows what the Hell is going on right now, but head after the jump for all the details.

Yesterday afternoon, UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor sent out the following tweet:

It was almost immediately dismissed by those of us “in the know” as the little more than the latest publicity stunt from the McGregor camp — possibly a tactic to get in the head of Nate Diaz ahead of their welterweight rematch scheduled for UFC 200 (I guess?). We all had a good chuckle about it, in either case, until late last night when rumors began to circulate that this thing was at least semi legitimate.

McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, echoed the sentiment of McGregor’s retirement with a tweet of his own, writing, “Well was fun while it lasted.” Then, Ariel Helwani tweeted out that “Multiple sources are adamant at this time that McGregor’s tweet isn’t a joke, troll job or hoax of any kind. Reason(s) behind it is unclear.” But media speculation is just that: speculation.

Of course, when Dana White then went on Sportscenter to announce that McGregor had been pulled from his UFC 200 headliner for failing to make the necessary media appearances earlier in the week, it began to feel like McGregor’s retirement was at least semi-legitimate. The question then became: Why? Had McGregor suddenly been afflicted with a personal tragedy? Was this the latest result of his repeated “clashes” with the UFC brass? WHAT THE F*CK IS HAPPENING?!!!

The reasoning behind McGregor’s shocking announcement seems to boil down to one of three things:

1) The death of Joao Carvalho.

If you haven’t heard, Brazilian fighter Joao Carvalho tragically passed away last week following a TKO loss to McGregor’s SBG teammate, Charlie Ward. The heartbreaking death has stirred up some intense feelings from Irish media about MMA’s place in the country in the time since, and McGregor — who witnessed the fight first hand — seemed to take the news of his passing harder than most.

“To see a young man doing what he loves, competing for a chance at a better life, and then to have it taken away is truly heartbreaking,” wrote McGregor in a Facebook post last week.

“We are just men and women doing something we love in the hope of a better life for ourselves and our families. Nobody involved in combat sports of any kind wants to see this. It is such a rare occurrence that I don’t know how to take this.

I was ringside supporting my teammate, and the fight was so back and forth, that I just can’t understand it.
My condolences go out to Joao’s family and his team. Their man was a hell of a fighter and will be sorely missed by all.

Combat sport is a crazy game and with the recent incident in boxing and now this in MMA, it is a sad time to be a fighter and a fight fan.

It is easy for those on the outside to criticise our way of living, but for the millions of people around the world who have had their lives, their health, their fitness and their mental strength all changed for the better through combat, this is truly a bitter pill to swallow. We have lost one of us.
I hope we remember Joao as a champion, who pursued his dream doing what he loved, and show him the eternal respect and admiration he deserves.”

It could be entirely possible that McGregor decision to hang up his gloves was not only influenced by the shaking realization of how dangerous this sport can be, but by the fact that he was supposed to appear in Vegas just days after it to promote an event as if nothing had happened. Then again, if that was the case, why would McGregor be posting photos like this just days ago?

Of course, there’s also another possibility behind McGregor’s retirement…

2. A Bluff Gone Wrong

It’s been rumored for sometime now that McGregor has been clashing with the UFC brass over the most obvious of issues: Money. McGregor is a smart guy, realizes that he’s by far the UFC’s biggest draw, and has been demanding increasingly exorbitant paychecks as a result.

“Conor had a deal with the UFC. And Conor’s now going back and trying to renegotiate and it just doesn’t work that way. It can’t. You can’t write everything down, you can’t get your contracts done all the time in this business. There’s 500 guys under contract. There’s not even that many employees in the UFC. I think there’s like 340 employees with 500 fighters. There’s 53 shows scheduled for a year that only has 52 weeks in the year. You have to be able to make a phone call, count on whatever the guy says, hang up the phone and that’s the end of it. You have to be able to do that.

According to a tweet sent out by TV sports personality Charly Arnolt late last night, McGregor was demanding $10 million dollars to rematch Nate Diaz at UFC 200, a number significantly higher than *any* UFC fighter has ever been paid before.

Now, McGregor has always been a big picture guy, to the point that he’s openly discussed eventually leaving the UFC to promote his own fights. Just as Floyd Mayweather became the kajillionaire that he is today after he decided to leave Bob Arum behind to found Mayweather Promotions, McGregor may very well be using his popularity as a tool to hold the UFC hostage in a negotiation. Lord knows he has earned enough money to sit back for a while until the UFC decides to pony up, but would he really risk everything on a bluff?

According to Chael Sonnen, yes, he would. During a Facebook live chat last night, Sonnen speculated that McGregor had bit off more than he could chew in attempting to bluff the UFC brass.

“Conor has a contract, he made a deal, somewhere he didn’t sign it. Let the promotion go out, let the money get spent and then realized ‘I’ve got the upper hand. Now I can come back and renegotiate. Who’s going to tell me no when the advertising is already done?’ That’s what he did. Guaranteed. With no inside knowledge, guaranteed that’s what happened,” said Sonnen.

“He might really be done…I don’t know if he wants to be done. This was a negotiation tool. But he called the bluff of the wrong guys. These are gamblers man, there’s rules in Vegas. If you say bet you have a bet. I mean that. You go to a casino, you don’t put your money down, you tell the pit boss ‘I want that bet’ if he yells the word bet you have a bet. And it goes both ways. If you win it he’ll pay you…Anytime you go into a negotiation and you call someone’s bluff, man you better mean it because this is what can happen.”

According to Dana White, however, McGregor’s bluff could have been a lot simpler than that. “He was in Iceland training and didn’t want to ruin his preparation for the fight,” said White while appearing on Sportscenter, suggesting that McGregor may have simply pulled the biggest power move of them all when forced to deal with the obligations the UFC so often forces upon its fighters. Though if we’ve learned one thing from Dana White over the years, it’s that he cannot be trusted.

3. It’s all a set-up

The one thing facet of this story that seems to be agreed upon by both MMA media members and fans is that McGregor, obviously, is not actually retiring. Helwani has since tweeted that “Wouldn’t hang my hat anything. One thing multiple sources seem to agree on: he’ll fight again. When? Where? How? TBD. But they believe that,” and with rumors of George St. Pierre’s return to MMA gaining more steam than ever, the idea has begun to spread that McGregor’s retirement has been a bluff by both the man himself *and* the UFC in order to set-up a match between the two somewhere down the line.

It seems ridiculous, we know, but consider what GSP told The MMA Hour on Monday:

“I would rather be known as the best ever than holding the belt. If you’re the best and even if you don’t have the belt and you’re the best, it’s more gratifying. The belt is a material thing. It’s good. I won it a few times. But I want to fight the best, the biggest name.”

Would the UFC actually pull such a positively WWE-esque move just to put an even bigger fight into place down the line? Not a chance in Hell, if you ask us, especially with what is already primed to be the biggest card in promotional history ever-approaching.

Absolute insanity. We’ll keep you updated as this story develops.

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Meanwhile, in Boxing: A Mexican Politician With Pec Implants Fought the Most Bogus Fight Ever


(Word has it that upon seeing this image, Brock Lesnar’s sword tattoo grew 3 inches.)

While admittedly not being experts in the field of boxing, we here at CagePotato still think we’ve seen enough action inside the squared circle to spot a sham — Big Knockout Boxing or Mickey Rourke, for instance — and my God, if this isn’t the be-all end-all of boxing shams.

Meet Jorge Kahwagi, the amorphous creature pictured above who is an actual human being and not, as we originally thought, a prop from the face melting scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. According to Fightland, Kahwagi is some kind of Mexican politician/showbiz personality/boxer who, 10 years after compiling an auspicious 11-0 record, decided to step back in the ring last weekend at 47 years of age and prove he still had it. “It” in this case being a set of fake tits, shoulders, biceps, and a face surgically-constructed purely out of bologna.

The resulting contest was nothing short of tragic.

The post Meanwhile, in Boxing: A Mexican Politician With Pec Implants Fought the Most Bogus Fight Ever appeared first on Cagepotato.


(Word has it that upon seeing this image, Brock Lesnar’s sword tattoo grew 3 inches.)

While admittedly not being experts in the field of boxing, we here at CagePotato still think we’ve seen enough action inside the squared circle to spot a sham — Big Knockout Boxing or Mickey Rourke, for instance — and my God, if this isn’t the be-all end-all of boxing shams.

Meet Jorge Kahwagi, the amorphous creature pictured above who is an actual human being and not, as we originally thought, a prop from the face melting scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. According to Fightland, Kahwagi is some kind of Mexican politician/showbiz personality/boxer who, 10 years after compiling an auspicious 11-0 record, decided to step back in the ring last weekend at 47 years of age and prove he still had it. “It” in this case being a set of fake tits, shoulders, biceps, and a face surgically-constructed purely out of bologna.

The resulting contest was nothing short of tragic.

Paired up against Ramon Olivas — a man who we’re certain is currently tucked away in some hole in the wall cantina, shame-drinking himself into an early grave — Kahwagi came out like a man on fire, blistering his much younger opponent with a ferocious series of right hooks until Olivas laid slung over the ropes like Rampage Jackson circa 2004.

(*checks earpiece*)

I’m sorry, I’m being told that Kahwagi did no such thing, and in fact threw punches at a slower rate than a Libyan internet connection until Olivas just kind of took a knee. Even the announcers couldn’t help but pile in on the disgrace they were witnessing, noting “Nacho Beristain said Kahwagi is a fraud… he throws punches in slow motion” and “Let it be clear, this fight means nothing.” An admirable stance to take, but super unprofessional, you guys. Goldie and Rogan would have lauded Kahwagi for his ring control while informing us that we’re simply not fight-smart enough to understand the masterful display happening before us.

But alright, boxing, you win. MMA may be a three-ring circus of a sport, but it will never hold a candle to the absolute freakshow sh*t that I just witnessed. Not YAMMA, not Kimbo vs. Shammy, not Super Hluk. Not nothing. And for that, we thank you.

The post Meanwhile, in Boxing: A Mexican Politician With Pec Implants Fought the Most Bogus Fight Ever appeared first on Cagepotato.

Yep, Mirko Cro Cop Is Coming Back to the UFC. Seriously.


(Mirko, good to see you again, old buddy!! Uh….Mirko?)

Well, it’s official: We have entered the era of the UFC signing UFC washouts.

As first reported by BloodyElbow last night and confirmed by the UFC shortly thereafter, Mirko Cro Cop has once again signed with the UFC. As in 40-year old Mirko Cro Cop. As in 0-3 in his past 3 UFC fights and 3-4 in his past 7 overall Mirko Cro Cop. There aren’t enough TheRockeyeroll gifs on the Internet to do this news justice.

Why, OH WHY did the UFC re-sign Cro Cop, you ask? Out of spite, obviously:

The source says that Bellator MMA had been “very close” to signing Filipovic but that the UFC got wind of the deal and stepped in with a big offer. The source says this was “almost certainly” for no other reason than to keep Filipovic away from Bellator and Spike TV and to deprive Bellator frontman Scott Coker – formerly the head of Strikeforce – ammunition with which to work.

(*exhale*) Where do I begin?


(Mirko, good to see you again, old buddy!! Uh….Mirko?)

Well, it’s official: We have entered the era of the UFC signing UFC washouts.

As first reported by BloodyElbow last night and confirmed by the UFC shortly thereafter, Mirko Cro Cop has once again signed with the UFC. As in 40-year old Mirko Cro Cop. As in 0-3 in his past 3 UFC fights and 3-4 in his past 7 overall Mirko Cro Cop. There aren’t enough TheRockeyeroll gifs on the Internet to do this news justice.

Why, OH WHY did the UFC re-sign Cro Cop, you ask? Out of spite, obviously:

The source says that Bellator MMA had been “very close” to signing Filipovic but that the UFC got wind of the deal and stepped in with a big offer. The source says this was “almost certainly” for no other reason than to keep Filipovic away from Bellator and Spike TV and to deprive Bellator frontman Scott Coker – formerly the head of Strikeforce – ammunition with which to work.

(*exhale*) Where do I begin?

Like most of you, I was a huge fan of Cro Cop in his heyday. Just like I was a big Chuck Liddell fan, a big Randy Couture fan, and so on and so forth. This is not to tell you that I am some bandwagon-hopping MMA noob, but rather, that I have always been a fan of watching the best athletes in the world compete in their physical primes. And as a fan of these guys, I find myself genuinely concerned for their health even when they seem to be the furthest thing from it. Legends fade, legacies end, and the cyclical nature of life goes on.

But this, this is the equivalent of a PGA Seniors Tour, except that the seniors are still competing against up-and-comers, and instead of maybe slicing a ball or two into the woods, they get knocked the f*ck out like Mirko was in his last three UFC fights. Mirko Cro Cop is no longer in his physical prime, and this is not meant as a knock against him in any way, shape, or form. Mirko Cro Cop is 40 years old, has suffered 4 TKO losses in the UFC, and is coming off back-to-back wins over Satoshi Ishii. Nothing about this says UFC-caliber, and to declare that the UFC’s signing of him is anything other than batshit insane is, well…batshit insane.

It’s 2015. Mirko Cro Cop has been re-signed by the UFC. CM Punk has been signed by the UFC. Rampage Jackson has been re-signed by the UFC. Kimbo Slice has been signed by Bellator. If you are still under the belief that MMA *isn’t* facing an identity crisis, look no further than these facts. The UFC is failing has failed to create any new stars not named Conor McGregor, so like an 80′s rock band in desperate need of a quick buck, the promotion is embarking on a reunion tour, playing just the hits.

How long do you think it will be before the UFC forces The Iceman *out of* retirement?

–J. Jones

Royce Gracie Joins Bellator as Brand Ambassador — Wait, WHAT??


Well this is freakin’ bizarre. Bellator announced today that it has named UFC pioneer Royce Gracie as its official brand ambassador. As part of his role, Gracie “will host seminars, be involved in autograph and promotional appearances, as well as aiding in the International expansion of Bellator around the world.”

Gracie becomes the fourth UFC Hall of Famer to be hired by Bellator/Viacom in some capacity, following fighters Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar*, and Fight Master/Gym Rescue personality** Randy Couture. Here’s the full press release via Bellator.com:

“The Godfather of MMA” Joins Bellator As Royce Gracie Becomes Promotional Brand Ambassador

Newport Beach, Calif. (October 8, 2014) – Known simply as the pioneer of mixed martial arts, Royce Gracie is widely considered the most influential and important figure the sport has seen. Engaging in some of the most memorable fights in MMA history during his time with the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships, Gracie has now joined Bellator as an official brand ambassador for the Viacom-owned promotion.

“I have known Scott for a long time and have always respected him as not only a promoter but as a martial artist who has always treated fighters with respect and truly understands their value,” Gracie said. “Bellator and Viacom want to give fans exciting fights and enable fighters to continue to grow and most importantly provide for their family, and it’s something I want to be a part of. UFC has done a great job over the past twenty years in building this sport and taking it globally and I’m glad to have been part of that, but Bellator is a growing organization I am honored to be a part of, and with the dedicated and talented people already associated with the company, we can further the growth of mixed marital arts as a sport worldwide.”


Well this is freakin’ bizarre. Bellator announced today that it has named UFC pioneer Royce Gracie as its official brand ambassador. As part of his role, Gracie “will host seminars, be involved in autograph and promotional appearances, as well as aiding in the International expansion of Bellator around the world.”

Gracie becomes the fourth UFC Hall of Famer to be hired by Bellator/Viacom in some capacity, following fighters Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar*, and Fight Master/Gym Rescue personality** Randy Couture. Here’s the full press release via Bellator.com:

“The Godfather of MMA” Joins Bellator As Royce Gracie Becomes Promotional Brand Ambassador

Newport Beach, Calif. (October 8, 2014) – Known simply as the pioneer of mixed martial arts, Royce Gracie is widely considered the most influential and important figure the sport has seen. Engaging in some of the most memorable fights in MMA history during his time with the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships, Gracie has now joined Bellator as an official brand ambassador for the Viacom-owned promotion.

“I have known Scott for a long time and have always respected him as not only a promoter but as a martial artist who has always treated fighters with respect and truly understands their value,” Gracie said. “Bellator and Viacom want to give fans exciting fights and enable fighters to continue to grow and most importantly provide for their family, and it’s something I want to be a part of. UFC has done a great job over the past twenty years in building this sport and taking it globally and I’m glad to have been part of that, but Bellator is a growing organization I am honored to be a part of, and with the dedicated and talented people already associated with the company, we can further the growth of mixed marital arts as a sport worldwide.”

Gracie will immediately be involved with Bellator including promotion for Bellator 131, which is headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between Tito Ortiz and Stephan Bonnar, along with a Lightweight Title fight between Michael Chandler and Will Brooks on November 15. Moving forward Gracie will host seminars, be involved in autograph and promotional appearances, as well as aiding in the International expansion of Bellator around the world. Bellator and Gracie will also be involved in a co-branded merchandise line that will debut in 2015.

“To call Royce a legend would be an absolute understatement,” Bellator President Scott Coker said. “Royce and the Gracie family are directly responsible for making this sport what it is today*** and we are incredibly fortunate to have him be a part of the Bellator family. Royce will serve in many different capacities for Bellator and I look forward to our fighters, staff and most importantly, our fans, in having the chance to interact with one of the most iconic figures in sports.”

* Yes, Stephan Bonnar is a UFC hall of Famer.

** Yes, Randy Couture has a personality.

*** Shots fired!

Poaching the UFC’s first superstar might be the greatest troll-move that Bellator has ever pulled off. On the other hand, signing Gracie as any sort of MMA ambassador is weird, considering that he still insists jiu-jitsu is all you need, and he’s a bit of a loose cannon. Anyway, we look forward to the inevitable public burial from Dana White: “Who did Royce beat? Can you name one guy that Royce beat? He is literally the most overrated fighter of all time. He beat some karate teachers and he’s the greatest ever? He wouldn’t last one round with Ronda or Conner, etc., etc.”

‘WTF?’ of the Year Candidate: Cody McKenzie Gives Up a Pint of Blood to Make Weight for Battlegrounds MMA Tournament


(Cody’s the guy in the middle who looks like Fat Mac from ‘It’s Always Sunny.’ / Photo via facebook.com/gobgmma)

Good Lord, where do we start with this one. Cody McKenzie needs little introduction: He’s the grubby-looking guy from Alaska with the good guillotine who went 3-4 in the UFC at lightweight and featherweight, and wore a pair of basketball shorts with the tag still attached during his last UFC fight against Sam Stout, because he left his real shorts at his hotel and was hoping to return the shorts to Foot Locker after the fight, I guess?

Following his UFC dismissal, Cody McKenzie — because he’s insane — took a 180-pound catchweight fight against a dude named Mark Dobie up in British Columbia, and won by first-round submission. Tomorrow, he’ll be competing in that Battlegrounds MMA eight-man welterweight tournament called by Chael Sonnen and JR. Today, McKenzie came in at 172.4 pounds on his first weigh-in attempt, so he went backstage, HAD A PINT OF GODDAMNED BLOOD SUCKED OUT OF HIM EW EW EW and made the 171-pound limit on his second attempt. McKenzie will be facing Brock Larson in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

I have no idea how this was allowed to happen. “Battlegrounds MMA One” is going down in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a state that has an actual athletic commission, which was supposed to be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of the fighters in this potentially grueling single-elimination tournament. Were any commission members around while Cody was doing this? And for God’s sake, what did they do with the blood? Please tell me they didn’t just pour it down the toilet, where it could potentially affect the Tulsa water supply.

Cody McKenzie has never been the picture of health, but I have a feeling he might look especially bad tomorrow night. Stay tuned…


(Cody’s the guy in the middle who looks like Fat Mac from ‘It’s Always Sunny.’ / Photo via facebook.com/gobgmma)

Good Lord, where do we start with this one. Cody McKenzie needs little introduction: He’s the grubby-looking guy from Alaska with the good guillotine who went 3-4 in the UFC at lightweight and featherweight, and wore a pair of basketball shorts with the tag still attached during his last UFC fight against Sam Stout, because he left his real shorts at his hotel and was hoping to return the shorts to Foot Locker after the fight, I guess?

Following his UFC dismissal, Cody McKenzie — because he’s insane — took a 180-pound catchweight fight against a dude named Mark Dobie up in British Columbia, and won by first-round submission. Tomorrow, he’ll be competing in that Battlegrounds MMA eight-man welterweight tournament called by Chael Sonnen and JR. Today, McKenzie came in at 172.4 pounds on his first weigh-in attempt, so he went backstage, HAD A PINT OF GODDAMNED BLOOD SUCKED OUT OF HIM EW EW EW and made the 171-pound limit on his second attempt. McKenzie will be facing Brock Larson in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

I have no idea how this was allowed to happen. “Battlegrounds MMA One” is going down in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a state that has an actual athletic commission, which was supposed to be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of the fighters in this potentially grueling single-elimination tournament. Were any commission members around while Cody was doing this? And for God’s sake, what did they do with the blood? Please tell me they didn’t just pour it down the toilet, where it could potentially affect the Tulsa water supply.

Cody McKenzie has never been the picture of health, but I have a feeling he might look especially bad tomorrow night. Stay tuned…

Tim Kennedy Argues With Yoel Romero Backstage At UFC 178 About #Stoolgate, Shirtless Debate Ensues


(Photo via Getty)

At UFC 178, Tim Kennedy was on the cusp of knocking out Yoel Romero in the dying seconds of round two, after he had endured a difficult 10 minutes against the Cuban powerhouse in their main card battle. Kennedy, who also grabbed Romero’s gloves to land several uppercuts, had “Soldier of God” in a world of hurt, as he continued to pounce on his adversary. The horn saved Romero, and as referee “Big” John McCarthy separated both fighters and ordered them to their respective corners, Romero looked as if he had spent three days in an afterhours club hopped up on Molly.

He had no clue where he was, sat on his stool, and looked quite petrified as he mumbled words to his coaches.

As both fighters were summoned for the third and final round, Romero just sat there while his coaches moved like tortoises exiting the cage. Despite his corner men stalling, Romero was still on his stool, with too much Vaseline on him. His corner proceeded to wipe it off, while the American walked around frustrated. As Joe Rogan went ballistic, the fight wasn’t called off, a point wasn’t even deducted, and more so, “Big” John McCarthy didn’t do a damn thing about it.

Seconds into the third round, Romero dropped Kennedy, pummeled him to hell and back, and stood over his bloody foe in victory after being awarded with the stoppage victory.

Pretty strange, huh?

Now, this reeks of controversy from both sides. Kennedy’s blatant glove-grabbing maybe wasn’t worthy of disqualification, yet Romero on his stool was pretty atrocious. Even if the fighter has too much Vaseline on him, which according to Dana White at the post-fight presser, was the promotion’s fault because it was one of their employees, he shouldn’t be chilling on the stool. But here’s the thing … were the corner men told to exit before taking the stool? Probably. However, isn’t it their job to actually take the stool?

Take a look at the confrontation between both fighters backstage, courtesy of a Vine post (props to MMA Fighting for the link) after the jump.


(Photo via Getty)

At UFC 178, Tim Kennedy was on the cusp of knocking out Yoel Romero in the dying seconds of round two, after he had endured a difficult 10 minutes against the Cuban powerhouse in their main card battle. Kennedy, who also grabbed Romero’s gloves to land several uppercuts, had “Soldier of God” in a world of hurt, as he continued to pounce on his adversary. The horn saved Romero, and as referee “Big” John McCarthy separated both fighters and ordered them to their respective corners, Romero looked as if he had spent three days in an afterhours club hopped up on Molly.

He had no clue where he was, sat on his stool, and looked quite petrified as he mumbled words to his coaches.

As both fighters were summoned for the third and final round, Romero just sat there while his coaches moved like tortoises exiting the cage. Despite his corner men stalling, Romero was still on his stool, with too much Vaseline on him. His corner proceeded to wipe it off, while the American walked around frustrated. As Joe Rogan went ballistic, the fight wasn’t called off, a point wasn’t even deducted, and more so, “Big” John McCarthy didn’t do a damn thing about it.

Seconds into the third round, Romero dropped Kennedy, pummeled him to hell and back, and stood over his bloody foe in victory after being awarded with the stoppage victory.

Pretty strange, huh?

Now, this reeks of controversy from both sides. Kennedy’s blatant glove-grabbing maybe wasn’t worthy of disqualification, yet Romero on his stool was pretty atrocious. Even if the fighter has too much Vaseline on him, which according to Dana White at the post-fight presser, was the promotion’s fault because it was one of their employees, he shouldn’t be chilling on the stool. But here’s the thing … were the corner men told to exit before taking the stool? Probably. However, isn’t it their job to actually take the stool?

Let’s take a look at the confrontation between both fighters backstage, courtesy of a Vine post (props to MMA Fighting for the link):

We’re probably set for more footage shortly, via video blogs or UFC Embedded. Also, Kennedy found the exact ruling from the Nevada Athletic Commission regarding recovery in between rounds, and shared it via Twitter:

The American plans to file a complain with the commission in the upcoming days, according to MMA Junkie. It remains to be seen if the commission will act on this matter, or if it’s just an unfortunate circumstance that won’t be fixed altogether.

So immediate rematch of last night’s “Fight of The Night?” Nah, I think we’re good. Potential change to a no-contest? Maybe … just maybe (doubt it, though).