It’s time for another edition of the MMA News Roundup. As we do every Friday, we’re highlighting the top three stories from the week that have created quite a buzz.
Visit our affiliate site MMANews.com for all the latest news, results and interviews from the world of mixed martial arts.
Here we go with this week’s top stories in MMA:
3. Mario Yamasaki Under Fire Following UFC Belem
Referee Mario Yamasaki was in the spotlight this week for all the wrong reasons. Yamasaki was the official for the co-main event of UFC Belem. Valentina Shevchenko earned a submission win over Priscila Cachoeira. Not only was Yamasaki late to recognize the tap, but he also allowed Cachoeira to take multiple unanswered shots in the crucifix position.
UFC president Dana White blasted Yamasaki, saying the official was “disgusting.” White’s harsh criticism was in response to Yamasaki’s statement claiming he allowed Cachoeira to be a warrior. White said Yamasaki will never officiate a fight in the UFC again.
2. UFC 222 Saved Thanks To Cris Cyborg & Yana Kunitskaya
For a moment, UFC 222 looked like it would be canceled in favor of a Fight Night event. UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway went down with an injury and was pulled from his title defense against Frankie Edgar. The UFC scrambled for a main event, being turned down by T.J. Dillashaw in the process.
It was reported that there was a chance that UFC 222 would be put on the back burner. Women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg stepped up and will defend her title against Yana Kunitskaya. In the co-main event, Edgar will meet Brian Ortega.
1. Gina Carano Eyeing An MMA Comeback?
Before there was Ronda Rousey, there was Gina Carano. For years, Carano held the label as the baddest woman on the planet. A mega fight against Cris Cyborg back in Aug. 2009 changed that. Cyborg won the bout via TKO with just one second left in the opening round.
Carano hasn’t competed since, but she never officially retired. She recently revealed that she’s leaving the door open for a return. Time will tell if Carano wants to give it another go inside the cage.
That’ll do it for this week’s edition of the MMA News Roundup. Tomorrow night (Feb. 10), UFC 221 takes place from Perth, Australia. Be sure to stick with MMANews.com for live coverage of the event.
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