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The Roundup: biggest MMA & UFC stories, Jun 26

This week in MMA: UFC Baku weigh-ins, Gaethje vs. McGregor hype, and Islam Makhachev's pay comments.

The MMA world has been buzzing with a mix of fight news, weigh-in results, and some interesting takes on fighter pay and potential matchups. From a successful UFC event in Baku to a highly anticipated potential clash between two of the sport’s biggest names, there’s plenty to unpack.

UFC Baku Weigh-In Success

UFC Fight Night 280, also known as UFC Baku, saw all fighters successfully make weight [7, 9]. This is always a relief for fight fans and promoters alike, ensuring that the scheduled bouts can proceed without a hitch. Rafael Fiziev and Manuel Torres, who headlined the event, both made weight for their main event clash [8]. Manuel Torres, in particular, expressed a desire to be “feared” like Mike Tyson, aiming to become the best [14]. Swedish fighter Theodor Berggren also successfully weighed in for his UFC debut at the event [16]. The card promised some exciting action, and the clean weigh-ins set the stage for a great night of fights.

Gaethje vs. McGregor: The Biggest Fight in MMA?

The debate over the biggest fight in MMA is always a hot topic, and Michael Chiesa, a UFC analyst, has thrown his hat in the ring, stating that Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor is the matchup to make [5, 15]. Chiesa believes that if Gaethje defeats Max Holloway, a fight with McGregor would be the ultimate draw from a viewing standpoint, even acknowledging Arman Tsarukyan as a deserving contender [5]. This potential super-fight would undoubtedly generate massive interest and significant pay-per-view numbers, making it a compelling prospect for fans and the UFC.

Islam Makhachev on UFC Pay and PFL

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about fighter pay, specifically comparing UFC’s compensation to that of the PFL [4]. Makhachev’s comments highlight a recurring theme in the sport, with many fighters advocating for better pay. He also expressed openness to Kamaru Usman potentially joining the UFC [4]. These statements from a reigning champion add significant weight to the conversation about fighter compensation and the competitive landscape between major MMA promotions.

Shara Magomedov’s Return

“The Pirate” is back! Shara Magomedov, a fighter known for his exciting style, made his return at UFC Baku [6]. His comeback was highly anticipated by fans, and his presence on the card added another layer of intrigue to the event. Magomedov’s return is a testament to the depth of talent in the UFC and the constant influx of exciting fighters looking to make their mark.

Merab Dvalishvili’s Patience for Petr Yan

Merab Dvalishvili is prepared to wait for a fight with Petr Yan, “no matter how long it takes” [13]. This declaration from Dvalishvili shows his determination to face a specific opponent and his belief that this matchup is a crucial step in his career. Such focused pursuit of a particular opponent often leads to compelling storylines and highly anticipated clashes down the line, as fighters vie for position and legacy in their respective divisions.

Sources

Open Scoring MMA is a daily AI-produced MMA and UFC news podcast. Listen on Spotify, read the Feed, or get every episode by email.