Nate Diaz teases that he’s ready for UFC return
(https:)Is Nate Diaz ready for a comeback?
The wildly popular UFC fighter posted a fairly cryptic Instagram message Tuesday night, which followed a string of videos and photos from his fights. The final one was a picture of Diaz flipping his trademark double bird with a major hint about a return fight.
Diaz wrote that he’s “sick of sitting around waiting” and that there’s “no excitement in this fight [sh*t].”
“Step your games up,” he wrote. “I’ll see u around may,June.”
Diaz signed off with: “Sincerely The Real Champ.”
Sources told MMA Fighting that the social media barrage is legitimate and he’s ready to fight again in the timeframe mentioned.
Angela Hill vs. Maryna Moroz booked for UFC on FOX 28
(https:)Maryna Moroz didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity to step in the cage.
The 26-year-old strawweight was supposed to fight Jamie Moyle this past weekend at UFC 220, but Moyle was forced out of the bout with an undisclosed injury days before the event. Rather than rush to find a replacement for Moyle, the matchmakers instead waited to re-book Moroz for a meeting with Angela Hill at UFC on FOX 28 in Orlando, Fla.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Frank Mir set for Bellator 196
(https:)Two of the heavyweight division’s all-time greats will finally meet.
On Monday, officials announced that the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix opening round matchup between Fedor Emelianenko and Frank Mir will take place at Bellator 196 on April 28 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill. The event will air live on the Paramount Network.
USADA hands Francisco Rivera four-year suspension
(mmajunkie.com)Former UFC bantamweight Francisco Rivera is the second fighter since the UFC formed its relationship with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to get a four-year suspension.
USADA today announced the news after Rivera’s (11-7 MMA, 4-6 UFC) case and subsequent suspension were reviewed by an independent arbitrator. Rivera tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol during an out-of-competition urine sample collected on July 23, 2016.
Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk 2 official for UFC 223
(https:)Rose Namajunas’ first defense of her strawweight title will be against a familiar foe.
Namajunas has been slated to rematch the woman she captured the belt from, former UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, on April 7 in the co-main event of UFC 223. The UFC made the previously reported booking official at Friday’s UFC 223 press conference.
Matt Brown not retiring, will meet Carlos Condit at UFC event in April
(mmajunkie.com)UFC welterweight Matt Brown’s retirement lasted all of three months.
After Brown hinted at a return earlier today, a report from MMAWeekly.com said a fight between the hard-nosed vet and former interim champ Carlos Condit is in the works.
The bout is set to take place April 14 at a UFC “Fight Night” event that’s yet to be announced. No city or venue has been announced.
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Ilir Latifi rescheduled, Sara McMann gets new opponent
(https:)Three new bouts were added to UFC’s upcoming trip to Orlando on Feb. 24.
A light heavyweight showdown between Ovince Saint Preux and Ilir Latifi was moved to card, and Sara McMann will now take on Marion Reneau after Yana Kunitskaya pulled out with an injury. The third contest announced is a bantamweight clash between Rani Yahya and Russel Doane. Orlando Sentinel first reported the news.
Humberto Bandenay returns at UFC Austin, meets Steven Peterson
(https:)Humberto Bandenay will be returning to the Octagon next month.
The Peruvian fighter has been booked to fight former Legacy Fighting Championship titleholder Steven Peterson in a featherweight contest at UFC Austin (UFC Fight Night 126), which takes place on Feb. 18 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.
UFC's Cynthia Calvillo informed of potential USADA violation for marijuana
(mmajunkie.com)On the heels of her first loss, UFC strawweight Cynthia Calvillo has been dealt another blow.
Calvillo (6-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) has been informed of a potential violation by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency stemming from a positive drug test for marijuana, the UFC announced late Wednesday night.
The positive test stems from an in-competition sample collected in conjunction with UFC 219, which took place Dec. 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Calvillo that night lost via unanimous decision to former champion Carla Esparza.
Jamie Moyle out of UFC 220 bout vs. Maryna Moroz due to injury
(https:)UFC 220 has lost its lone female fight.
On Wednesday, officials announced that an injury has forced Jamie Moyle to withdraw from a strawweight bout vs. Maryna Moroz that was set to take place on Saturday at TD Garden in Boston.
The news was first reported by MMA journalist James Lynch.
According to the UFC’s release, a replacement will not be considered and the bout has been canceled outright. The nature of Moyle’s injury was not disclosed.
