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As you probably know by now, after submitting Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov jumped into the crowd and incited a brawl. McGregor also got involved and the two of them have been temporarily suspended since, waiting for the Nevada Athletic Commission to come to a determination as to punishment for the infractions. Next week, McGregor is finally set to plead his case to the NAC, and assuming he gets no further suspension, will be ready to return to fighting. And he’s got his next opponent ready to go.
Donald Cerrone has been open about chasing a fight with McGregor for the last few years, and following his big win over Alexander Hernandez at UFC Brooklyn this past weekend, McGregor said he’d be down to make it happen. Of course, both McGregor and Nurmagomedov’s teams have made public overtures towards an immediate rematch between the two, but with that fight seemingly not in the offing, McGregor has doubled down on fighting ‘Cowboy,’ responding to Cerrone’s gentlemanly call out on social media and saying he was ready to “party.”
Sounds like a party! https://t.co/2b46dX0xBj
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 25, 2019
Lately, McGregor’s social media presence has been more about his personal brand of whiskey but a fight with Cerrone offers ‘Notorious’ an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: have a “good knock” while promoting his whiskey. A win also might put him right back in line for a title shot. Plus, Dana White seems to like the idea, so pending the NAC meeting next week, McGregor vs. Cerrone could soon be a reality.
MUST-READ STORIES
TUE. Alexander Gustafsson’s team says Jon Jones has ‘essentially received a use exemption’ after UFC 232 positive drug test.
Honor. Khabib Nurmagomedov says he attacked Dillon Danis at UFC 229 because Conor McGregor’s other coaches were ‘too old’.
Disappointed. Bellator’s Scott Coker ‘very disappointed’ by CSAC decisions on Jon Jones drug tests.
Regrets. Fedor Emelianenko has ‘absolutely’ no regrets about never fighting in the UFC.
Bracket. ONE reveals bracket for Lightweight World Grand Prix, featuring Eddie Alvarez.
VIDEO STEW
The MMA Beat.
Pico trying to box too.
KSW’s best submissions of 2018.
Bas has a thing called Combat Karate, which is basically Karate in the Yamma Pit.
Nikki Bella has accepted the offer it seems.
Free fight.
TTTHS.
LISTEN UP
UFC Unfiltered. Interviews with Cory Sandhagen and Stephen Thompson.
Obviously Fight Talk. Discussing McGregor-Cerrone, the new belt, and the 125 lb. division.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Just fight already.
Huge weekend for @BellatorMMA - pumped to watch the fights! Looks like I’ve got my next opponent booked too. @patriciopitbull ...unless he backs out again. #dogowner #bellator214
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 24, 2019
I haven’t received any word on it from @BellatorMMA. Looks like they decided to give you a head start so you can renew your PED shipment @MikeChandlerMMA. Just send me the correct contract. https://t.co/gy0quA01t1
— Patricio Freire (@PatricioPitbull) January 24, 2019
You haven’t received word on it yet because you are the B side. Just like last time, I once again have agreed to the fight. Make sure your management gets the bout agreement in the correct font for you this time. Solid Excuse. #dogowner
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 24, 2019
Fight.
Damn @CubSwanson I never even saw this response of yours. I’ve been waiting for you to agree to this fight. Since that amuses you ♂️
— Michael Johnson (@FollowTheMenace) January 23, 2019
I didn’t know you were serious about thinking that you are a top striker in the division. I have been trying to book a fight as well. I was just hoping for a name with a number next to it ♂️ but you are on my list now
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 24, 2019
Imagine being one of the most highly paid professional athletes in the world and opening up as a betting dog to a 50 year old Professional TV Shouter. Derek keeps taking those Ls.
Raiders’ QB @derekcarrqb has asked for a UFC fight with @stephenasmith. Bovada released odds on a potential Stephen A. Smith vs. Derek Carr fight.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2019
Stephen A. Smith -130
Derek Carr -110
So there’s that.....
Adorable.
#CyborgNation welcome the newest addition to my family Manny Porkiao pic.twitter.com/BQH1vM9Jaa
— Follow @CrisCyborg on IG #CWB (@criscyborg) January 24, 2019
Call out.
I’m still trying to find Diego Brandao if someone could let him know I need a dance partner for April 21st @ #rizin15
— Damien Brown (@beatdown155) January 25, 2019
Tell him he needs fight apparel, mouth guard, cup and a pillow #nightnight #packlightlyson pic.twitter.com/5jFjVLbCXt
Classic.
— James Moontasri (@jmoontasri) January 25, 2019
No idea why the UFC hasn’t given this man a fight.
Give the man a shot!! #cal4ufc @danawhite @seanshelby @rockstarcalpot pic.twitter.com/KiIGTKPWUD
— Daniel Kelly (@DanKellyJudo) January 24, 2019
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Honorio Banario (14-7) vs. Lowen Tynanes (9-0); ONE Championship, Jan 25.
Amir Khan (11-4) vs. Ariel Sexton (12-4); ONE Championship, Feb 22.
Ev Ting (16-5) vs. Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev (6-1); ONE Championship, Feb 22.
Eddie Alvarez (29-6) vs. Timofey Nastyukhin (12-4); ONE Championship, March 31.
Lando Vannata (9-3-2) vs. Marcos Mariano (6-4); UFC 234, Feb. 9.
Damir Hadzovic (12-4) vs. Marco Polo Reyes (8-4); UFC Prague, Feb. 23.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This weekend could be the final ride for The Last Emperor. I shamelessly hope he turns the clock back for one more night and can then ride off into the sunset. Instead we’re probably in store for a terribly depressing slaughter. Ah well, such is the life of an MMA fan.
Thanks for reading, enjoy the fights, and see y’all on Monday.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Who wins tomorrow?
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