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The Roundup: biggest MMA & UFC stories, Jul 31

Dana White draws criticism, Chimaev returns to wrestling, and a major merger shakes up the fight game.

Dana White Draws Criticism Over UFC Belgrade Comments

UFC CEO Dana White is facing criticism from fans after his response during the UFC Belgrade press conference [11]. When asked to name a fight he was excited for on the upcoming UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez card in Serbia, White apparently couldn’t name any of the fighters [1]. This card marks the first time the UFC has held an event in Serbia [9]. All 28 fighters for UFC Fight Night 283 successfully made weight [7]. Daniel Rodriguez, who is headlining the event, has a compelling backstory, having gone from a Mexican prison to a UFC main event [8].

Chimaev Returns to Wrestling Against Woodley

Khamzat Chimaev is set to return to action in September, but not in the Octagon [4]. He will face former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in a wrestling match at RAF Moscow [4]. This event will see two former UFC champions stepping onto the wrestling mat [4]. Chimaev recently lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 328 in May [13].

MVP and PFL Merge

A significant development in the combat sports world is the merger of boxing promoter MVP and MMA organization PFL [6]. The companies announced they are merging under MVP’s name [6]. This new entity aims to create a “modern platform where fighters can become global superstars” [6]. The merger will form a global sports and entertainment company that combines boxing, MMA, and media operations [6].

Khabib and Gaethje Cross Paths

UFC lightweight legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje recently crossed paths in “The Big Apple” [3]. There appears to be mutual respect between the two former rivals [3]. This encounter comes ahead of a coaching clash between them [3].

Nordic Super-Fight in the Works

A potential “Nordic super-fight” could be on the horizon between Sakhi “Machete” Qambari and Finnish MMA legend Makwan “Mr. Finland” Amirkhani [5]. An Instagram story suggests that both fighters have agreed to meet in the cage [5].

Light Heavyweight Title Picture

The UFC light heavyweight division is in a state of flux with champion Carlos Ulberg recovering from ACL surgery [14]. Early betting odds have been released for Magomed Ankalaev’s next fight, positioning him as a favorite over fellow former titleholder Jiri Prochazka or reigning champion Carlos Ulberg [10]. UFC legend Kenny Florian has suggested that Paulo Costa should receive the next light heavyweight title shot [14].

Sean Strickland’s Heroics and Next Opponent

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland recently saved a man from drowning [15]. Strickland initially thought the man was joking but then sprang into action when he saw him becoming submerged [15]. In other news, Strickland, who is healing from a shoulder injury, has hinted at his next opponent for his first UFC title defense [13]. He reclaimed the middleweight title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 [13].

Sources

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