Editors’ note: This story contains accounts of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or at https://www.rainn.org
Time may be running out on Conor McGregor.
If McGregor is going to fight this year, then Friday is the last day he can enter the USADA testing pool. As of Thursday, McGregor had not shown any sample counts in 2023. Otherwise, if he is not enrolled in their six-month requirement, he cannot fight in ’23, pushing a potential bout against Michael Chandler to next year.
Yet, suddenly, that is the least of the problems surrounding McGregor.
News broke Thursday that McGregor reportedly sexually assaulted a woman inside a men’s bathroom at Kaseya Center in Miami during Game 4 of the NBA Finals. A statement made by McGregor’s attorney denied the allegations, which included forcing himself upon the woman. She is reportedly seeking settlements from McGregor, as well as the Miami Heat and the NBA, who allegedly had security separate the woman from her friend before forcing her inside a bathroom where McGregor was waiting.
In response to the incident, a statement from the UFC read, “The organization is aware of the recent allegations regarding Conor McGregor and will continue to gather additional details regarding the incident. UFC will allow the legal process to play out before making any additional statements.” There is no official word on whether ESPN will continue airing The Ultimate Fighter, which features McGregor in a prominent role. The next episode is currently slated to air Tuesday night.
For now, McGregor is still the most marketable star in MMA. But his hold on that spot is tenuous and it now no longer has to do with a declining skill set in the Octagon. Depending on how this investigation unfolds, it is possible that McGregor has fought his last fight in the UFC.
Jared Cannonier seeks to put himself atop the middleweight title contenders
Jared Cannonier headlines tomorrow’s UFC on ESPN card in a critical middleweight bout against Marvin Vettori.
Cannonier and Vettori enter in similar situations. Both have strong records, but each has been impeded by the same obstacles. Cannonier (16–6) has won six of his last eight, with his two losses against Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Vettori (19-6-1) has won seven of his last 10, with losses to only Adesanya (twice) and Whittaker. With the winner of Whittaker–Dricus Du Plessis in July scheduled to be the next contender for Adesanya’s title, that leaves the winner of Cannonier-Vettori a step away from a title shot.
“I want Dana [White] and Hunter [Thompson] and Mick [Maynard] to see there is no other choice but to put me next,” says Cannonier. “That’s the type of performance I need on Saturday. It’s time to get it done and move on to the title.”
Cannonier defeated Sean Strickland by split decision in December, a curious choice by the judges after he largely controlled the bout. He will certainly gain momentum with a win against Vettori, especially if he can be the first to knock him out.
Speaking with Yahoo, Cannonier expressed his desire to “break that cherry” by putting Vettori to sleep.
“Some people don’t like when I talk like that, but that’s their problem, not mine,” says Cannonier. “I’m not here to tussle with him; I’m here to knock him out. That’s what I’m looking to do.
“I’m coming off the best camp I’ve had in MMA. I’ve made so many improvements in this camp, which is hard to do at this point. I can confidently say I’m coming in a much better fighter than I was six months ago. I’m in much better shape. That’s going to be apparent and on display Saturday night.”
An epic middleweight showdown 𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆...😤👀
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2023
Don't miss @MarvinVettori vs Jared Cannonier Saturday LIVE on @ESPN!#UFCVegas75 | Main Card 10pmET pic.twitter.com/T2ANgRM2xb
At 39, Cannonier shows no signs of decline. He knows what is at stake tomorrow, and he plans to come away with another significant win.
“I’m not here to look good, I’m here to be as effective a fighter as I can be,” says Cannonier. “I don’t want the judges doing my job for me. There is a tactical approach to it, but I’m still swinging for the fences looking for a finish.”
Dana White announces upcoming fights in Nashville, Singapore and Paris
The slate of fights Dana White announced yesterday was impressive—and each will be highly anticipated.
🚨BREAKING NEWS 🚨
— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2023
The Boss just announced main events for:
🇺🇸 #UFCNashville - August 5
🇸🇬 #UFCSingapore - August 26
🇫🇷 #UFCParis - September 2 pic.twitter.com/MueA05dT71
The first card announced is Nashville on Aug. 5. That will be headlined by Cory Sandhagen against Umar Nurmagomedov, which is an incredible contrast of styles. Nurmagomedov also hasn’t lost a round in his 14 victories, and he represents a massive challenge for Sandhagen. But if Sandhagen wins, there is no denying he should be fighting next for the bantamweight title.
The second card announced is in Singapore on Aug. 26. That is headlined by Max Holloway against “Korean Zombie” Jung Chan-sung. The Zombie looked washed up in his most recent fight against Alexander Volkanovski in April 2022, though Volkanovski does have a knack for doing that to his opponents. This feels like a bout where a victory will put Holloway right back in the thick of contention.
Finally, White announced UFC’s return to Paris, which is set for Sept. 2. The marquee fight on that card will be Ciryl Gane against Serghei Spivak. Gane was last seen in March getting obliterated in an instant by Jon Jones. This is exactly the caliber of victory Spivak needs against Gane to elevate himself into the top three of the heavyweight division.
Vadim Nemkov is looking to add the Bellator heavyweight title to his collection
Vadim Nemkov has his next goal in mind.
After he defends his light heavyweight championship later tonight at Bellator 297 against Yoel Romero, he plans to add to his title collection by pursuing the heavyweight title.
Bellator’s heavyweight champ is Ryan Bader, who Nemkov defeated for the light heavyweight belt in the summer of 2020. Since then, Bader has beat Valentin Moldavsky and Fedor Emelianenko—a mentor who was in Nemkov’s camp and will be in his corner tonight—and Nemkov would relish the chance to avenge those losses.
“Yes, that is what I want,” says Nemkov, speaking through a translator. “Ryan Bader beat Fedor, he beat Valentin. I want to go to heavyweight and fight Ryan Bader.”
Nemkov (16–2, 1 NC) will have plenty of opportunities to explore the heavyweight division. He signed an exclusive multifight contract with Bellator in January, where he has dominated with eight wins and no losses over nine fights.
“I love this organization and how they treat me,” says Nemkov. “I’ve been told there will be some fighters to challenge me, too. I am looking forward to that challenge.”
Glory awaits! 👀
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 15, 2023
Light-heavyweight king Vadim Nemkov defends the gold against fan favorite @YoelRomeroMMA. Who will leave @WintrustArena with the gold?#Bellator297 LIVE FRIDAY:
🇺🇸 @SHOsports at 9pm ET/6PM PT
🌍 Find out how to watch ▶️ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/m5Y1QFbOvS
There is a stiff challenge awaiting Nemkov this evening at 297, where the ageless Romero (15–6) challenges for the light heavyweight title. At 46, Romero is still a threat in the cage. He has won his last two bouts, and this could be his final chance to wrap championship gold around his waist.
“Yoel is very good, and I know that,” says Nemkov. “He’s a huge name and a very interesting opponent for me. I’m going to prove why I’m one of the best in the world.”
Bellator and PFL would make perfect partners
A quick note on the potential of Bellator teaming with the PFL: It would be extremely beneficial for both sides.
Bellator president Scott Coker confirmed to MMA Junkie’s Nolan King that Bellator is seeking a partner and that the PFL is one of the potential companies interested. If the PFL buys or merges with Bellator, it would be phenomenal.
A merger would be fascinating on a number of levels. Would the season format stay or go? Who would run the MMA side day-to-day? Which network could score broadcasting/streaming rights? The list goes on... https://t.co/4DrpkLy2AT
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) June 15, 2023
The PFL has the resources to become a major factor in the sport, but the roster is, even on its best day, remarkably thin. Look no further than the list of heavyweights that Francis Ngannou could fight in his debut: the overwhelming majority are simply not recognizable. But Bellator possesses an outstanding roster, one that would instantly cure PFL’s most glaring problem.
Regarding a sale, Coker said that there would be more clarity within the next 60–90 days. A PFL-Bellator combo could be a very strong pairing, one that would be exceptional for both fighters and fans of the sport.
The Pick ’Em Section:
UFC on ESPN middleweight bout: Jared Cannonier vs. Marvin Vettori
Pick: Jared Cannonier
UFC on ESPN lightweight bout: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Joaquim Silva
Pick: Arman Tsarukyan
UFC on ESPN middleweight bout: Armen Petrosyan vs. Christian Leroy Duncan
Pick: Armen Petrosyan
Bellator 297 light heavyweight title bout: Vadim Nemkov (c) vs. Yoel Romero
Pick: Vadim Nemkov
Bellator 297 bantamweight title bout: Sergio Pettis (c) vs. Patrício “Pitbull” Freire
Pick: Patrício “Pitbull” Freire
Last week: 3–1
2023 record: 58–40
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
