It’s time for the MMA News Roundup.
This week, the MMA world was hit with some interesting reports that caused quite a stir. From Nate Diaz, to Conor McGregor and even the inaugural UFC women’s flyweight champion. Without wasting any more time, let’s get to it:
3. Nicco Montano-UFC Calgary Drama
A report from MMA journalist Ariel Helwani caused some controversy. Helwani reported that sources told him the UFC was losing patience with Nicco Montano. The report notes that officials were hoping to book Montano’s title defense against Valentina Shevchenko for UFC Calgary, but the champion is not committing to the bout.
This caused Montano to unleash a rant on Helwani where she talked about being unable to compete due to her condition. She’s recovering from surgery due to a bacterial infection. Helwani stuck to his report on yesterday’s “MMA Beat” and says UFC officials have reached out to him to confirm his initial report.
2. Conor McGregor’s Punishment From UFC
If you were expecting the UFC to punish Conor McGregor before he deals with the law, then think again. UFC president Dana White recently said that McGregor’s punishment from the law has to come first before the UFC decides on a punishment for the “Notorious” one. Many are still holding out hope that McGregor will face Khabib Nurmagomedov later this year.
McGregor found himself in hot water after his UFC 223 media day incident. McGregor threw a dolly at a fighter bus, smashing one of the windows. Main card fighter Michael Chiesa was cut and had to be pulled from the event. Ray Borg had glass shards in his eyes and had to be removed as well. McGregor was arrested and later released on $50,000 bond. He is due back in court in June.
1. Nate Diaz’s UFC Return Status
The true status of Nate Diaz’s UFC return is anyone’s guess. Brett Okamoto, a respected journalist who has been getting a number of exclusive tidbits from Dana White recently, reported that Diaz and the UFC have been in talks for a potential return. The reported date discussed was Aug. 4 for UFC 227 in Los Angeles.
Another respected and longtime combat sports journalist Kevin Iole reached out to White for confirmation. White said “nothing is going on” because Diaz has been offered fights numerous times and has always turned them down. Time will tell if Diaz steps back inside the Octagon.
That’ll do it for this week’s MMA News Roundup. There are no UFC or Bellator events this weekend, but stick with MMANews.com for the latest updates in the world of MMA. On May 12, UFC 224 and Bellator 199 will take place. Be sure to check in with MMA News for live results, highlights, and other post-fight tidbits for both events.
