This is The A-Side Live Chat on MMA Fighting.
Today on the show, we’ll talk fallout from the Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor fight at UFC 229 and post-fight brawl. Is Nurmagomedov really going to walk if the UFC releases his teammates? What should be next for Nurmagomedov? Should McGregor really get a rematch or is there a better option for him?
We’ll also discuss the upcoming UFC 230, which has a lineup that has been shuffled up and down in recent weeks. Daniel Cormier vs. Derrick Lewis for the UFC heavyweight title is the main event now. Is Cormier taking a risk by facing Lewis on short notice with a bad hand? Isn’t Lewis medically suspended until after the date of the fight? Is Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman a good enough co-main event?
In addition, Jon Jones’ return after more than a year away due to USADA suspension was booked last week. He will fight Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of UFC 232 for the UFC light heavyweight title. Should Cormier have been stripped of that belt? Does Jones deserve a title shot off the bat after his troubles? Can Gustafsson be the first man to knock him off?
We will also speak about Bellator 207 and Bellator 208 last weekend, with Fedor Emelianenko knocking out Chael Sonnen and Ryan Bader dominating Matt Mitrione in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix semifinals. Any surprises from New York and Connecticut? Is Fedor vs. Bader the ideal scenario for Bellator? How about the performances from Benson Henderson, Sergei Kharitinov and prospects like Mike Kimbel and Mandel Nallo?
Also on tap, Eddie Alvarez made a somewhat surprising move by signing with ONE Championship this week. That can be a topic. If there’s time, we can chat about all the goings on with PFL, which caps its playoffs this coming weekend. PFL 9 was not without its controversy last week.
There is plenty to talk about, so join us to discuss all of the above and much more. All is up for discussion. The chat will start at our time of 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
As always, we’ll post the video window as the event draws near and answer any questions you might have if you post them in the comments below. For the comments you deem the most deserving, please click the “rec” button. Comments in green will get first priority.
Please link this page and use the hashtags #theaside or #chatwrappers on Twitter when you’re watching to tell everyone you’re taking part with us.
Audio-only versions of the podcast can be found on MMA Fighting’s official Soundcloud and Stitcher.
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