In the fast paced world of mixed martial arts we at Fighters Only know it’s hard to stay on top of all the latest news so here’s five stories that may have flown under your radar.


BBC snubs champ Bisping

After beating one of the greatests of all time in Anderson Silva, then defeating Luke Rockhold for the UFC middleweight championship in under two weeks notice, and finally headlining the first UFC PPV in the UK in years, Michael Bisping has enjoyed the greatet year of his career.

Yet that hasn’t stopped the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) form snubbing ‘The Count’ when naming the shortlisted athletes for the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. And not only did they snub the first ever British UFC champion, but they added insult to injury by extending an invitation to the champion.

Bisping, unsurprisingly, politely declined the request on twitter: “Thanks for the invite #bbcsportspersonalityawards. But until you recognize the hard work myself and my fellow fighters put in, I won’t be there!”

NSAC hands Bones 12-month ban

Former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been given the green light to return to the Octagon in the summer after the Nevada State Athletic Commission agreed to simply match USADA’s 12-month suspension order.

After initially being banned by USADA for his failed out of competition drug test ahead of UFC 200, Jones reached a settlement with the NSAC with the suspension being retroactive to July 6th, meaning the former pound-for-pound number one will be eligible to fight for the promotion as of July 7th 2017. Jones will not receive any fine.

Conor McGregor: the first of his name

He may be taking some time out for paternity while his partner Dee Devlin gives birth to their first child, but that isn’t stopping UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor from staying in the headlines.

‘Notorious’ has been tapped up to make an appearance in the next season of the HBO smash hit TV drama series, ‘Game of Thrones’. Speaking to FOX Sports, UFC president Dana White confirmed the news saying, “I knew that a few months ago that they were interested in putting him in the show. I’m glad he did it. It’ll be great.”

Farewell Elmose

UFC strawweight Anna Elmose, who fought and lost against Amanda Bobby Cooper at UFC Fight Night Belfast last month, has decided to call time on her career. The 32-year-old took to Instagram last night and made the announcement.

“I’m retiring as a fighter,” Elmose said. “I’ve understood, that I no longer have the necessary desire, will to win or hunger to compete.”

Woodley vs. Diaz at UFC 209?

With Conor McGregor now firmly out of the picture until at least next summer, Tyron Woodley’s hopes of cashing in on a big money fight have the UFC welterweight champion focused on Stockton bad boy Nick Diaz.

Taking to Twitter Woodley posed the question, ‘Is Nick Diaz free to scrap? Perfect time for UFC 209. I have the perfect person in mind.’ After holding onto his title belt after a draw with Stephen Thompson last time out, surely ‘Wonderboy’ and in-form submission master Demain Maia may have other ideas.