This week’s MMA News Roundup is a doozy.
While fight fans have been gearing up for UFC 224 and Bellator 199 tomorrow night (May 12), fans got hit with some bombshells near the end of the week. We have a targeted bout, a confirmed lightweight tilt, and a shocking UFC release. All of that is covered in this week’s MMA News Roundup.
Let’s get to business:
3. Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier II Set For UFC Calgary
After much delay, a rematch between Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier is finally set to go down. A big holdup was Alvarez’s contract situation. The former UFC lightweight title holder said he wouldn’t compete unless he was offered a new contract. UFC president Dana White spoke with Alvarez recently and talks went smooth enough for “The Underground King” to get back inside the Octagon.
Alvarez and Poirier first did battle back in May 2017. It was a back-and-forth contest with both men getting in clean shots. The bout ended in a No Contest when Alvarez landed illegal knee strikes to the head of a downed opponent. Many believe Alvarez should’ve been disqualified.
2. Yair Rodriguez Released From UFC
In a move that made most of the MMA community say “what the f*ck,” Yair Rodriguez was released by the UFC. Rodriguez was linked to talks of a bout at UFC 227 on Aug. 4 against fellow 145-pound prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov. Dana White claimed Rodriguez turned down bouts with Magomedsharipov and Ricardo Lamas. As a result, “El Pantera” was cut from his contract.
What makes the move shocking is the fact that White has claimed that fighters in the past have turned down numerous fights. Nate and Nick Diaz are prime examples of this. Yet they get to remain on the roster due to their drawing abilities. Meanwhile, with the UFC making a less aggressive play for Mexico, Rodriguez is left in the dust. MMA News’ Adam Martin doesn’t agree with the move.
1. GSP vs. Nate Diaz Targeted For UFC 227
It’s clear that officials and Dana White want to stack UFC 227. The event will take place inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The main event is already decided as bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw defends his gold against Cody Garbrandt in a rematch. Now, the UFC wants its co-headliner.
White recently revealed that he’s looking to book Georges St-Pierre vs. Nate Diaz for the card. St-Pierre has never competed at lightweight, while Diaz’s last bout at 155 pounds was back in Dec. 2015. There’s a bit of history between the two, as St-Pierre defeated Nate’s brother Nick at UFC 158. Nate recently accused GSP of using steroids ahead of that fight.
That’ll be all for this week’s MMA News Roundup. Be sure to check in with MMANews.com tomorrow night as we’ll be providing live coverage of UFC 224 and Bellator 199.
