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The Roundup: biggest MMA & UFC stories, Jul 17

This week, fighter pay is a hot topic, Usman returns to middleweight, and Jon Jones corners a successful UFC debut.

Cannonier Demands Million-Dollar Contracts

Jared Cannonier is making waves by publicly calling for a seven-figure UFC contract, arguing he deserves to be paid like other elite athletes [3]. Cannonier believes his years near the top of the sport warrant this kind of compensation [3]. He feels he should be earning the same as high-level athletes in other sports [4].

Usman Returns to Middleweight Against Du Plessis

Kamaru Usman is facing a significant test in his late-career run, headlining UFC Oklahoma City against Dricus du Plessis [2]. This fight marks Usman’s return to the middleweight division, having previously won a decision over Joaquin Buckley at welterweight [5]. Du Plessis believes the winner of this main event deserves a shot at the UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland [11]. Du Plessis also admitted he had forgotten what losing felt like before his first UFC defeat to Khamzat Chimaev [9]. UFC Oklahoma City is the first time the promotion has been in the city in nearly a decade [15].

Jon Jones Corners Gable Steveson’s UFC Debut

Jon Jones was back in the headlines at UFC 329, not as a competitor, but as a corner for his protege, Gable Steveson [8]. Steveson had a successful UFC debut [8]. Jones admitted that being part of the atmosphere of a major event made him miss fighting [8]. Jones also praised Conor McGregor for maintaining a positive mindset after a loss at UFC 329 [13]. UFC 329, which featured McGregor vs. Holloway 2, took place on July 11 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas [14].

RIZIN LANDMARK15 Weigh-ins Complete

The ceremonial weigh-ins for RIZIN LANDMARK15 were completed on Friday the 17th in Hiroshima City [7]. The event is scheduled for Saturday the 18th at the Hiroshima Green Arena [7]. One notable moment was “The Firebird” making a “scramble entry,” paying homage to Sabatello’s weigh-in style [7].

Yuuki Yodza Wins Comeback Fight at ONE FF162

In a kickboxing bantamweight bout at ONE FF162, Japan’s Yuuki Yodza defeated Ben Woolis of the UK by a 3-0 decision [1]. Yodza, fighting in a southpaw stance, secured a knockdown with a left hook in the final round to seal the comeback victory [1]. Woolis utilized right low kicks, middle kicks, and right front kicks, while Yodza responded with left low kicks and inside low kicks [1].

Sources

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