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.
Big Country banned
Veteran UFC heavyweight Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson has been slapped with a nine-month suspension for assault and unethical behaviour by the Brazilian Superior Justice Court of MMA related to his post-fight antics at UFC Fight Night 95 in Brazil, where he kicked referee John McCarthy. In addition, he has also been fined $24,000.
Although this means he would not be eligible to fight until June 29th, he has the opportunity to reduce the suspension to just six months provided he formally apologize to McCarthy inside the Octagon or during a press conference by the end of this year.
Not the year of The Dragon
Former 205lb UFC champion Lyoto ‘The Dragon’ Machida has accepted an 18-month suspension from USADA which will be retroactive to April 8th of this year. Machida tested positive for 7‐keto-dehydroepiandrosterone (7‐keto‐DHEA) which is a hormonal supplement. The combination of disclosing the product he was using at the time which contained the banned substance, along with the positive test result is what has likely caused USADA to give him an 18-month suspension over just 12 months. He will next be eligible to fight on October 8th 2017.
Dana White and Chill
The UFC’s talent search reality TV show, Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight has been picked up by Netflix. “I came up with the concept for it, put the cast together and then we went out and just funded it ourselves to put up on YouTube,” White said.
“They bought 16 episodes, eight in this country and eight out of the country. We’re going to be doing shows in Russia, Thailand, the [United Kingdom] and a bunch of other countries. We’re literally going to go everywhere.”
Title shot or bust for Khabib
Following his dominant victory of Michael Johnson at UFC 205, coupled with an epic post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the MMA community is now clamouring for Khabib Nurmagomedov to get the next crack at Conor McGregor for the 155lb UFC championship. The Russian is so adamant he get the next shot he’s posted out an ultimatum on twitter.
“I want to fight for UFC title for respect but if I don’t get my title shot next I have different plan I won’t be fighting in UFC Dana White,” Nurmagomedov stated. With Whiterevealing big plans for the Octagon to visit Russia in the New Year this is one challenger’s threat that won’t go ignored.
Third times a charm for MVP
After two failed attempts at fighting Fernando Gonzalez, Michael ‘Venom’ Page will finally get his chance this Saturday at Bellator 165 in San Jose, California. In the lead up to the fight, Page released a few promotional videos which Gonzalez found laughable when asked about them during this week’s media call.
“I watched both of the videos, I thought it was kind of funny, especially the last one,” Gonzalez said. “Bad choice in food products, I guess. He’s basically eating balls and drinking milk and he’s cupping and savoring the taste. I don’t know how to take that as a callout. I think the victory alone is going to be enough for me. I respect him as a fighter, but after this, I’ll allow him to congratulate me for making him a better fighter. He still hasn’t been tested and I’m going to give him his first loss.”
Page’s response to Gonzalez was short, sweet and to the point. “I’m allergic to bulls**t. There’s no point in responding.”
