Well, that didn't last long.
Just a little over two weeks after suspending Matt Mitrione for breaking the UFC Code of Conduct by making transphobic comments against transgender fighter Fallon Fox on this site's 'The MMA Hour', Mitrione's suspension is over. As someone else already said on Twitter, I'm sure Mitrione really learned his lesson on that two-week suspension. The cause for the suspended sentence? A bout at UFC on FOX 8 opposite 'The Ultimate Fighter 10' cast member Brendan Schaub. Alright, then.
UFC President Dana White also said Mitrione was fined for the infraction, but failed to identity a dollar figure. So, after blowback that reached the mainstream press colored the UFC's ongoing efforts to develop positive relationships with the LGBT community, the UFC's response is to lift a two-week non-suspension and say 'trust us, it's a lot' on a fine that may or may not exist.
I doubt White or any other UFC brass bowed to pressure from fans who felt the suspension was inappropriate to begin with, but either way they win here. Mitrione's turnaround between UFC on FUEL TV 8 and UFC on FOX 8 is actually the shortest of his career. Mitrione's punishment was so short and so inexpensive, in fact, that it literally cannot measured.
The UFC's sending a message, alright. I think they're saying breaking the Code of Conduct doesn't bother them if you've got a roster spot on a fight card they need to fill.
6 MUST-READ STORIES
Jon Jones apologizes for Sonnen allegations, then doubles down on them. You read that right. Watch the video here to get a full appreciation of it.
Condit could rematch Diaz. Nothing is set in stone, but if Condit's manager Malki Kawa has any say, Condit and Diaz will get a second chance to make something happen.
Leonard Garcia's last stand. The UFC slugger knows it's 'do or die' if he wants to remain in the organization ahead of his bout with Cody McKenzie at UFC 159.
Gustafsson still wants Jones. He may not get it since he hasn't had that one fight to truly push him into number-one contender status, but that doesn't mean he's given up on the effort.
The wrestling resumes of Jones and Sonnen. What are actually are the true amateur wrestling backgrounds of Chael Sonnen and Jon Jones? Mike Riordan explains.
Mousasi to return in 6 months. If everything goes his way with surgery, recovery and availability, Gegard Mousasi wants to be back in a UFC cage in 6 months.
MEDIA STEW
Chael Sonnen has issued a 'final warning' to Jon Jones, if you're into that sort of thing:
Remember that 'All Angles' video Esther Lin and E. Casey Leydon did with Rose Namajunas after Invicta 5? They did another one with Michelle Waterson:
Pouya Rebek presents, 'Nick Diaz goes on a blind date':
For the three of you left who haven't seen Arianny Celeste naked or mostly nude, here you go:
I'm struggling to think of a UFC fighter who hasn't choked Jim Norton on the Opie & Anthony Show:
Tommy Toe Hold's new episode is entitled, "Team Alpha Male Goes to School?":
UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta speaks to the Wall Street Journal about MMA regulation in New York and much more:
Ken Shamrock still hates the UFC in case anyone forgot:
Here's the Jon Jones video aforementioned where he discusses what he believes is Chael Sonnen's long-standing steroid use:
VIOLENT DREAMS
I'm trying to make the opposing corner throw in the towel next fight ! Not talking trash . I just need to dominate !!!
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) April 24, 2013
THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES
3 - New Jersey, the 3rd state in the United States and the home of my coronation. #UFC159 #4/27/13
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) April 24, 2013
THE GREAT WANTS TO MEET THE GREATEST
I absolutely have to meet Muhammad Ali after this fight, I just need to shake his hand
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) April 24, 2013
BACK IN THE SADDLE
6 weeks after having surgery on my jaw I had my 1st full contact mma training tonight, it went GREAT! Aiming to be back in a couple months!
— Stefan Struve (@StefanStruve) April 23, 2013
GIFT OF GAB
I think Chael Sonnen has to be the best smack talker in MMA history!
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) April 24, 2013
BET THE LATTE WAS $6, TOO
9$ for parking at Starbucks for 30 mins ... F U Hollywood
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) April 24, 2013
FORREST IS STILL NOT FUNNY
They have day care at strip clubs in Vegas. Ok they don't but they should
— Forrest Griffin (@ForrestGriffin) April 24, 2013
IT IS WRITTEN
So its official! @iamgirlrilla and get to fight each other for #UFConFox8 in my home state Seattle WA! So cool! *Happy Dance*
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) April 25, 2013
KEITH KIZER IS SO GOOD AT HIS JOB, YOU GUYS
.@johnmccarthymma @adomz10 WEAK SAUCE, NEVADA!The OG of MMA referees and you silly bitches don't have him on the roster?
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) April 24, 2013
Anything can be fixed, but it's not up to me"@mikethecow: @johnmccarthymma Anything that could be resolved with Kizer or is it too far gone?
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) April 24, 2013
@johnmccarthymma are you kidding me? That is ridiculous, best in the business
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) April 24, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga, UFC on FOX 8
- Miesha Tate vs. Liz Carmouche, UFC on FOX 8
- Michael Chiesa vs. Reza Madadi, UFC on FOX 8
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today's FanPost of the Day is brought to you by dpk875 who tries to play matchmaker after UFC on FOX 7:
Ben Henderson - Gray Maynard / TJ Grant winner. If the Maynard/Grant winner get's hurt and can't fight by Sept/early Oct then UFC will likely wait for the Aldo/Pettis winner.
Gilbert Melendez - Jim Miller / Pat Healy winner - I expect this to be Miller.
Daniel Cormier - Dan Henderson / Rashad Evans winner - I'd like to see DC make the cut to 205, but he would need a fight before fighting for the title
Frank Mir - Alistair Overeem - I don't know if Mir has the takedowns to get Overeem down, but these are two of the bigger names in the division
Josh Thomson - Diego Sanchez - Winner would be right in contention for a number 1 contender fight *edit* - If Eddie Alvarez can get free of Bellator and sign with UFC in the near future then Thomson/Alvarez is the best fight.
Nate Diaz - Yves Edwards - Nate needs to rebound after a couple of tough losses
Matt Brown - Thiago Alves - Brown wants to play with the Big Boys... let's start with Alves
Jordan Mein - Amir Sadollah - There is no need to rush Mein, and I think there are some lessons he can learn from the Brown fight. Sadollah would be a good bounce back fight.
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