It’s been an interesting couple of days within this bubble we call MMA. From more positive drug tests to fighters rocking the UFC boat, it’s just another day in the land of fun-filled stories, what-ifs and potential future repercussions.
Brock Lesnar tests positive … again
USADA has informed the UFC and Brock Lesnar, yet again, that a second positive result has marred the return of one of the sport’s biggest draws.
This time around, it was an in-competition test, making the situation a difficult one to digest for those who often opine for a clean sport and the safest possible situation for each and every fighter.
We’ve all read at nauseum about the our sport and the dangers of juiced up monsters trained to destroy another human being. Even though that other human being is just as trained as the PED offender, it just makes me thing this recipe is concocting an end result that could be a game changing, sport ending affair.
If this keeps up, and something truly bad happens in the cage, we will be catapulted back in time, to the dark ages of our history, where we lived on the internet, trying to convince the masses, that this was a legitimate sport and not a bunch of barbarians in a chain-linked fence.
Maia vs. Condit to headline UFC Fight Night in Vancouver
UFC fans on Canada’s west coast have been waiting to hear about who will be on the organization's next card in Vancouver. Thus far, we have some solid match-ups on the docket.
A pivotal welterweight contender bout will headline the show on August 27th, as number three ranked Demian Maia will square off against number five welterweight, Carlos Condit.
The rest of the card is shaping quite nicely as well:
Charles Oliveira vs. Anthony Pettis
Bec Rawlings vs. Paige VanZant
Joe Lauzon vs. Jim Miller
Sam Alvey vs. Kevin Casey
Thibault Gouti vs. Chad Laprise
Enrique Barzola vs. Kyle Bochniak
Adam Hunter vs. Ryan Janes
Alessio Di Chirico vs. Garreth McLellan
Shane Campbell vs. Felipe Silva
Holly Holm vs. Cyborg Santos?
While Holly Holm has her eyes set on Saturday’s opponent Valentina Shevchenko, you also figure that her end-game on this current journey is a title shot to get back the UFC’s Bantamweight title. And it definitely is … and so is fighting a friend.
That friend just so happens to be Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino.
And all things considered, if the fight makes sense, even at a catch-weight, Holm is down to rumble. And here’s hoping it can actually take place.
MMA Community showing support for Cyborg Santos
After suffering a devastating skull fracture vs. Michael Page at Bellator 158, a GoFundMe page has been set-up for Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos.
The page was created by his ex-wife, the aforementioned Cristiane Justino, with Evangelista doing his part to calm everyone down. He is in great spirits, stating he is fine and believe it or not, says he will be back in six months. I’m a tad speechless when I read that remark, but either way, God Speed to the Brazilian, who I hope heals 100%.
TUF 24 Cast filled with MMA Flyweight Champions
The cast for season 24 of The Ultimate Fighter is jam packed with flyweight champions from multiple MMA organizations. As the play-by-play man for Titan FC, I’m super-excited for the organization's 125 lbs title holder Tim Elliott, who is one of the most exciting fighters I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live. And I’ve seen hundreds in my time in this sport.
The season will also be coached by Flyweight contenders Joseph Benavidez and Henry Cejudo but neither will get another crack at Demetrious Johnson’s strap. Instead, the shoe’s two finalists, will fight for the right to fight “Mighty Mouse” at the finale in December.
TJ Dillashaw rocks the UFC Boat
It appears former TUF finalist TJ Dillashaw isn’t exactly happy with his employer. Or shall I chose my words more carefully? The company he is an independant contractor with?
During a recent Team Alpha Male Stud Show Podcast , the former bantamweight champ voiced his displeasure with how the UFC treats it’s athletes.
He isn’t happy with the fine line between how he and his fellow fighters are viewed as employees yet are independant contractors.
His whereabouts must always be known, must wear specific sponsored clothing at events yet does not receive any medical benefits.
It’s just another fighter who furthers the continuing saga for change in the sport. One I cannot see happening (i.e. a Union) anytime soon.
Then again, it’s MMA - and crazier things have happened.
By Showdown Joe Ferraro
