Hey SEScoops readers, it’s Fernando again. In case you missed the first roundup, I’m an editor over at MMANews.com, the affiliate website of SEScoops. Every Friday, I’ll be doing a “roundup” piece recapping the top mixed martial arts news stories of the week.
Georges St-Pierre Vacates UFC Middleweight Championship
Last month, Georges St-Pierre captured the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title. He submitted Michael Bisping inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. The title bout headlined UFC 217.
Just one month later, St-Pierre has vacated the gold. “Rush” sighted health issues stemming from his colitis diagnosis. Robert Whittaker is now recognized as the undisputed middleweight champion. He’ll defend the title against Luke Rockhold at UFC 221.
Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou Set For UFC 220
The most anticipated heavyweight match-up in years is set. UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will defend his title against Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 inside the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The heavyweight title showdown takes place on Jan. 20.
Miocic will be looking to set a record for most successful UFC heavyweight title defenses. Ngannou hopes to capture UFC gold for the first time. He’s coming off a thunderous first-round knockout victory over Alistair Overeem.
Tony Ferguson Undergoes Elbow Surgery
UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will be sidelined for a while. Back in October, Ferguson captured interim gold against Kevin Lee. “El Cucuy” submitted Lee in the third round of their action-packed bout inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ferguson decided to undergo elbow surgery. Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed he was offered a bout against Ferguson at UFC 219 for the interim title. It’s now clear why that bout won’t happen on Dec. 30.
That’s it for this week’s roundup. Stick with MMANews.com tomorrow night (Dec. 9) as we’ll be providing live coverage of UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Ortega.
