https://www.scmp.com/rss/502679/feed UFC 244 is an Ultimate Fighting Championship MMA pay-per-view event, taking place on November 2, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event features Jorge Masvidal against Nate Diaz for the BMF belt. The co-main event features Darren Till against Kelvin Gastelum. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jorge Masvidal has blamed negotiations falling apart with Kamaru Usman on the UFC welterweight champion’s “absurd” financial demands. “Gamebred” is moving back towards a rematch with Nate Diaz, whom he beat by TKO on a doctor stoppage after the third round of their UFC 244 main event in Madison Square Garden last November. UFC president Dana White had been lining up Masvidal as Usman’s next challenger for July, but the “BMF” champion is happy to run it back with Diaz and then challenge “The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086480/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-nate-diaz-because?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086480/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-nate-diaz-because?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 May 2020 06:50:24 +0000 Jorge Masvidal is already in camp training for his next fight, his manager revealed, after “Gamebred” dropped hints he is ready to run it back with Nate Diaz. The “BMF” champion had seemingly been a lock to challenge UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman in July before the outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic. Now Masvidal and Diaz have been taking shots at each other, fuelling talk of a second fight after a controversial doctor stoppage ended their UFC 244 main event at Madison Square... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086367/ufc-jorge-masvidal-already-camp-next-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3086367/ufc-jorge-masvidal-already-camp-next-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 May 2020 10:27:15 +0000 UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is fully aware of upcoming opponent Yoel Romero’s reputation as a crafty veteran in the Octagon – but “The Last Stylebender” isn’t “one of those people” and plays by the rules. Nigerian-New Zealander Adesanya (professional MMA record 18-0) squares up with Cuban Romero (13-4) at UFC 248 in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on March 8. The 42-year-old Romero, an Olympic freestyle wrestling silver medallist, has been accused in the past of illegally grabbing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3048542/ufc-israel-adesanya-yoel-romeros-cheating?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3048542/ufc-israel-adesanya-yoel-romeros-cheating?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Feb 2020 12:30:13 +0000 Considering it was for the title of “baddest {expletive} in the game”, the build-up to Nate Diaz vs Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 was surprisingly good natured. But things could be a little spicier if Diaz gets a rematch for Masvidal’s “BMF” belt. “Gamebred” ripped into Diaz, saying some of his comments since their Madison Square Garden main event “don’t sit well” with him. “He knows what he’s doing, he’s trying to bait me in for a rematch,” Masvidal told FanSided’s Mark Carman. “There’s no need for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042972/ufc-jorge-masvidal-rips-nate-diaz-comments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3042972/ufc-jorge-masvidal-rips-nate-diaz-comments?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:46:27 +0000 US President Donald Trump was given a close-up view as Jorge Masvidal pummelled Nate Diaz on his way to winning the “BMF” title via doctor stoppage at UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden. “One bad [expletive] came to see another bad [expletive],” Masvidal told Yahoo Sports’ Kevin Iole, before but added “we didn’t get to talk” after the fight. That’s about to change, now Trump has returned the favour and invited Masvidal to the White House. “So we don’t know the dates yet, we don’t know when it is,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039784/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-donald-trump-has?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3039784/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-donald-trump-has?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2019 10:07:14 +0000 If it’s not Jorge Masvidal repeatedly offering to step in the ring with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, it’s Tyson Fury showing his willingness to fight just about everyone. Every day now seems to bring another cross-combat sport call out. It’s tempting to blame Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Conor McGregor – their 2017 super fight started it all with UFC fighters wanting to get in the boxing ring. It was referenced by Masvidal when he said he could take the UFC to 1-1 against boxing by beating Alvarez. Then... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3038028/ufcs-jorge-masvidal-fighting-canelo-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3038028/ufcs-jorge-masvidal-fighting-canelo-not?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Nov 2019 05:14:57 +0000 It’s tough to get behind any of the UFC’s superstars these days. Jon Jones, supposedly reformed party boy, recently pleaded no contest to an incident in a New Mexico strip club where he allegedly put a waitress in a headlock, among other things. Add this to a rap sheet that rolls out like toilet paper, and you have a tough case to make for wagon hopping. Squandering God-given talent like Jones has done over the years so he can indulge in extra curricular activities is not only sacrilegious in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037941/ufc-jorge-masvidal-trash-talking-legend-hes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037941/ufc-jorge-masvidal-trash-talking-legend-hes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2019 09:05:34 +0000 Nate Diaz truly is a man of the people. The Stockton, California fighter has an army of diehard supporters. He will surely have only enhanced his reputation among them after paying rent for a fan who lost big betting on him to beat Jorge Masvidal for the “BMF” title at UFC 244. Diaz lost via medical stoppage after the cageside doctor ruled he could not continue for the fourth round at Madison Square Garden, because of two nasty cuts around his right eye. “Nate I lost my rent money betting on you... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037671/nate-diaz-pays-rent-ufc-fan-who-lost-big?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037671/nate-diaz-pays-rent-ufc-fan-who-lost-big?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Nov 2019 05:48:08 +0000 Jorge Masvidal claims former UFC two-weight champion Conor McGregor has changed his tune after seeing him beat Nate Diaz for the “BMF” belt earlier this month. The 35-year-old Masvidal (professional MMA record 35-13) dominated a bloodied Diaz for three rounds before the doctor’s stoppage at Madison Square Garden on November 2. “To be quite honest, [McGregor] was flirting with the possibility of fighting the winner when the winner was Nate,” Masvidal said on the Dan Le Batard Show on ESPN. “Since... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037572/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor-doesnt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037572/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor-doesnt?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2019 10:09:18 +0000 If you were a little bit confused by Nick Diaz’s interview with Ariel Helwani then you’re in good company, because even Jorge Masvidal doesn’t know if he was getting called out. Masvidal beat Diaz’s younger brother Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title at UFC 244 on November 2, and the elder sibling seemed to challenge “Gamebred” to a fight at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas next year. The 36-year-old Diaz, who hasn’t fought since January 2015, had said on Monday’s episode of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037537/jorge-masvidal-confused-nick-diaz-call-out-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037537/jorge-masvidal-confused-nick-diaz-call-out-he?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2019 08:10:02 +0000 Newly crowned “BMF” champion Jorge Masvidal is confident that he is the man to derail four-weight world boxing champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The 35-year-old Masvidal (professional MMA record 35-13) who beat Nate Diaz to earn the UFC’s inaugural “bad a** [expletive]” belt in November, insisted that his mixed-martial arts background would cause Alvarez problems in the boxing ring, despite the Mexican’s superior technique. “I consider myself 10 times the athlete [Alvarez] is just because of MMA... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037527/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-he-could-sleep-canelo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037527/ufc-jorge-masvidal-says-he-could-sleep-canelo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2019 07:32:03 +0000 Not many people would have the guts to call out hulking Hollywood icon Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And it seems the WWE legend saw the funny side in Nate Diaz taking aim at him after UFC 244, Johnson of course was on hand to wrap the “BMF” belt around the waist of the main event winner at Madison Square Garden, where Jorge Masvidal was victorious by medical stoppage. “F*** The Rock too, man,” Diaz jokingly said at the post-event press conference after his defeat. “That [expletive] over here... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037343/ufc-rock-responds-nate-diaz-saying-he-picked?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3037343/ufc-rock-responds-nate-diaz-saying-he-picked?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:34:45 +0000 Corey “Overtime” Anderson has said light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones is scared to fight him after the UFC’s pound-for-pound No 1 snubbed his calls for a title shot. Anderson (13-4) broke into the division’s top five after a first-round knockout of rising star Johnny Walker at UFC 244 last weekend. The 30-year-old joined Dominick Reyes (12-0) as a front-runner for Jones’ (25-1, one no contest) next title defence – but Jones soon turned him down. “Just finished a coaches meeting... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036871/ufc-corey-anderson-jon-jones-title-snub-i?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036871/ufc-corey-anderson-jon-jones-title-snub-i?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2019 05:24:09 +0000 Nate Diaz has hinted at retirement – or at least another lengthy lay-off from the Octagon – as the fallout from the UFC 244 medical stoppage continues. The cageside doctor ruled Diaz was unable to continue before the start of the fourth round against Jorge Masvidal at Madison Square Garden last weekend. The Stockton fighter had a nasty cut above his right eye, and one below it. Diaz demanded an immediate rematch, and Masvidal – who was crowned the “BMF” champion in New York – said he would... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036842/nate-diaz-hints-he-could-retire-after-ufc-244?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036842/nate-diaz-hints-he-could-retire-after-ufc-244?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Nov 2019 03:18:51 +0000 The doctor who stopped Saturday’s main event at UFC 244 said he is contemplating police protection after being inundated with threats. New York-based neurologist Dr Nitin K. Sethi decided Nate Diaz could no longer continue after the third round against Jorge Masvidal because of a nasty cut above his eye, which was opened up in the first round. “I’m a very good neurologist and a very good doctor, and calling me f****** scum online and calling my office staff and yelling at them, threatening me, I... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036432/ufc-244-doctor-who-stopped-nate-diaz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036432/ufc-244-doctor-who-stopped-nate-diaz?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:39:26 +0000 Kevin Lee has said his “ideal” next opponent would be Conor McGregor, after telling Islam Makhachev to “get in line”. The former lightweight contender announced his return to the division in spectacular fashion with a stunning head kick knockout of Gregor Gillespie at UFC 244. It was a statement victory from the 27-year-old in New York on Saturday night, snapping a two-fight losing skid including an unsuccessful foray up to welterweight against Rafael dos Anjos. “If you’re asking me, my ideal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036396/kevin-lee-wants-conor-mcgregor-after-vicious?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036396/kevin-lee-wants-conor-mcgregor-after-vicious?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2019 09:11:41 +0000 Saturday’s UFC 244 card in New York City was one for the books. From the Jorge Masvidal versus Nate Diaz main event to the earliest bouts of the undercard, the event produced some unforgettable action and had a significant effect on a number of the UFC’s most exciting divisions. With the card now in the rear-view mirror, let’s take a look at a few of the match-ups that should be made going forward. Jorge Masvidal vs Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington Having defeated Diaz in the UFC 244 main event,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036369/ufc-244-five-fights-we-need-see-next?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036369/ufc-244-five-fights-we-need-see-next?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Nov 2019 06:47:42 +0000 Darren Till has backed Tyson Fury to star in MMA if he carries through on his word to make the crossover. The lineal heavyweight champion claimed last week he is considering the move, and revealed he has received an offer to train with Conor McGregor. “You know Tyson’s my boy, he’s proper my boy, we’re under the same management,” Till, who beat Kelvin Gastelum on his return to the Octagon at UFC 244, said at the post-event press conference. “Any guy who gets in there and tries to strike with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036271/ufc-darren-till-says-my-moneys-tyson-fury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036271/ufc-darren-till-says-my-moneys-tyson-fury?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:40:31 +0000 Jorge Masvidal is willing to “be the hero” and step in if Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington pull out of their UFC 245 headliner – but only for an unprecedented payday. “I’d be the hero they need but don’t deserve,” said Masvidal (professional MMA record 35 wins, 13 losses), who beat Nate Diaz (20-12) for the “BMF” title via doctor’s stoppage at UFC 244 on Saturday. “They’d need to whip out the chequebook like they haven’t done before. My hands are f*****, man.” “Usually I don’t say too much about... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036255/jorge-masvidal-willing-step-ufc-245-dana?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036255/jorge-masvidal-willing-step-ufc-245-dana?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:49:55 +0000 Conor McGregor said he wanted the winner of UFC 244’s “BMF” title fight as part of his “season” in 2020. But Jorge Masvidal has sent the Irishman a warning. “That dude’s been talking wild for a while,” Masvidal said of McGregor, after beating Nate Diaz at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. “If he fights and gets a victory and he wants this, you know what I’ll do to that dude. I’ll f*** that guy up, he’s a f****** midget. The president of the UFC Dana White said I’m too much man for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036150/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036150/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 17:15:27 +0000 The record for boxing versus MMA stands at 1-0 in boxing’s favour, after Floyd Mayweather dealt with Conor McGregor in 2017. But Jorge Masvidal wants to change that. “I’m the most competitive person this whole company’s ever seen,” Masvidal said at the UFC 244 post-event press conference, after beating Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title in Saturday night’s main event. “Gamebred” underlined his status as one of the UFC’s top-tier stars at Madison Square Garden, after a whirlwind 2019 which has seen... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036148/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-calls-out-canelo-i?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036148/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-calls-out-canelo-i?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:54:13 +0000 Nate Diaz and the UFC have never had a straightforward relationship. And he’s fearing some more foul play from the organisation’s matchmakers. The Stockton, California native lost Saturday night’s “BMF” title fight against Jorge Masvidal after a medical stoppage before the fourth round started. The cage-side doctor ruled he should not continue because of a nasty cut above his right eye. “It doesn’t make it official, right? If someone else decided the fight was over, I don’t feel too bad a**... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036146/nate-diaz-tells-ufc-dont-play-me-he-warns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036146/nate-diaz-tells-ufc-dont-play-me-he-warns?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:12:55 +0000 While the UFC’s New York medical professionals were disappointing fight fans with the decision to end the hotly anticipated “BMF” fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal on Saturday night, boxing fans were made to wait. DAZN USA, the broadcaster of the light heavyweight title fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev, decided to wait until the UFC 244 main event at Madison Square Garden was finished before the WBO title was put on the line. As you might expect, this was a move... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036141/jorge-masvidal-nate-diaz-prove-ufc-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036141/jorge-masvidal-nate-diaz-prove-ufc-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 14:12:50 +0000 It was evident from Dwayne Johnson’s Madison Square Garden walkout at UFC 244, complete with WWE entrance music, that everybody loves “The Rock”. Well, everybody but Nate Diaz. Johnson was on hand to wrap the “BMF” title belt round the waist of the winner of Saturday night’s main event between Diaz and Masvidal. That honour of course went to Masvidal, after the doctor stopped the fight before the start of the fourth round because of a nasty cut above Diaz’s eye. “F*** The Rock,” Diaz said with a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036129/ufc-244-nate-diaz-says-rock-picked-wrong-side?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036129/ufc-244-nate-diaz-says-rock-picked-wrong-side?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:30:06 +0000 Dana White has hit back at Corey Anderson issued the UFC an ultimatum to give him a title shot or release him from his contract. Anderson took out No 11-ranked light heavyweight prospect Johnny Walker at UFC 244 on Saturday night. He then got in Walker’s face and shouted at the Brazilian’s team, but later apologised. “So he came in here very angry this week, with all these conspiracy theories that we hate him, this and that,” UFC president White said. “All this crybaby b*******, that we’re... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036127/ufc-244-dana-white-shuts-corey-anderson-down?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036127/ufc-244-dana-white-shuts-corey-anderson-down?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 12:45:12 +0000 Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal have both said they’re willing to run it back. But Dana White isn’t interested. The highly-anticipated UFC 244 main event for the “BMF” title belt was living up to all the hype before the cageside doctor deemed Diaz should not continue before the fourth round. Diaz had a nasty cut above his right eye, courtesy of a huge kick from “Gamebred” in the first round, and told the doctor he wanted to continue. The capacity Madison Square Garden crowd voiced its displeasure... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036122/ufc-244-dana-white-shoots-down-nate-diaz-v?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036122/ufc-244-dana-white-shoots-down-nate-diaz-v?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:14:03 +0000 Dana White blasted “scumbag” Oscar De La Hoya in a verbal outburst after UFC 244 wrapped up in New York on Saturday night. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO ran a huge Canelo Alvarez versus Sergey Kovalev fight on the same night in Las Vegas. UFC president White ended up having the last laugh, however, with broadcaster DAZN opting to delay the fight until the Nate Diaz versus Jorge Masvidal main event at Madison Square Garden had finished. The bout for the “BMF” title was also broadcast live to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036121/ufc-244-dana-white-sounds-scumbag-oscar-de-la?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036121/ufc-244-dana-white-sounds-scumbag-oscar-de-la?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:54:44 +0000 Nate Diaz turned his ire on UFC president Dana White and the cageside doctor at Madison Square Garden after his fight with Jorge Masvidal was called off before the start of the fourth round. The doctor inspected a nasty cut above Diaz’s right eye, suffered in the first round after a kick from Masvidal. He deemed that Diaz should not be allowed to continue, with the capacity crowd voicing their displeasure and chanting “b*******”. “I feel like I had a nonstop fight camp. I could’ve used a little... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036115/nate-diaz-blasts-doctor-dana-white-ufc-244?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036115/nate-diaz-blasts-doctor-dana-white-ufc-244?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:01:25 +0000 Stephen Thompson got back in the win column at UFC 244 on Saturday – then immediately set his sights on running it back with Jorge Masvidal. “Wonderboy” (15-4-1) got a unanimous decision win against rising welterweight star Vicente Luque (17-7-1) at Madison Square Garden, where Masvidal beat Nate Diaz in the main event. The doctor stopped the fight before the fourth round, with Diaz sporting a badly cut eyebrow. But Thompson thought Masvidal was clearly winning. “He looked better than ever for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036110/ufc-244-stephen-thompson-says-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036110/ufc-244-stephen-thompson-says-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 09:18:43 +0000 The “BMF” title fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz was living up to all the hype. Then the doctor stepped in. There was an anticlimactic feeling in the air at Madison Square Garden, as loud chants of “b******” rang out among the capacity crowd. After three thrilling rounds of violence, they were expecting some championship rounds, but it wasn’t to be. Before the fourth round could start, the cageside doctor examined a huge cut above Diaz’s eye, which Masvidal had opened up early in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036094/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-beats-nate-diaz-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036094/ufc-244-jorge-masvidal-beats-nate-diaz-bmf?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 05:31:41 +0000 Darren Till was counted out by many before he even stepped into the Octagon for his middleweight debut. But he used a smart strategy to beat Kelvin Gastelum by split decision at UFC 244. One judge had it 30-27 for Gastelum, but the two others had it 29-28 and 30-27 for “The Gorilla” at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. The win saw Till snap a two-fight losing streak, having been submitted by former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley last year before a devastating knockout by Jorge... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036093/ufc-244-darren-till-beats-kelvin-gastelum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036093/ufc-244-darren-till-beats-kelvin-gastelum?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 04:36:19 +0000 Corey Anderson has apologised for his angry outburst in the Octagon after getting a first-round TKO win against Johnny Walker at UFC 244. “Overtime” pulled out an upset victory at Madison Square Garden, putting his name in the mix for a light heavyweight title shot. “I want to say I apologise to @Johnnywalkermma, fans, friends, family, and my past athletes for the way I behaved,” Anderson tweeted. “ That was no way shape or form who I am as a person or a professional. I was taught to be a good... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036090/ufc-244-corey-anderson-apologises-angry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036090/ufc-244-corey-anderson-apologises-angry?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 03:48:21 +0000 Kevin Lee made a statement on his return to the lightweight division. The “Motown Phenom” starched Gregor Gillespie with a first-round head kick that brought Madison Square Garden to its feet and kicked off the UFC 244 main card in style. The 27-year-old Lee (18-5) got himself back in the win column after a loss to Al Iaquinta and an unsuccessful foray into the welterweight division, where Rafael dos Anjos tapped him out in May. He also handed Gillespie (13-1) his first professional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036088/ufc-244-kevin-lee-knocks-out-gregor-gillespie?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3036088/ufc-244-kevin-lee-knocks-out-gregor-gillespie?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2019 03:03:40 +0000 The UFC returns to our screens with a stacked show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday, November 2. Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 244, including the official fight card, current betting odds (via 5dimes), and predictions for each bout. UFC 244 Main Card (7.00pm PDT/ 10.00pm EDT/ 2.00am GMT/ 10.00am HKT) Jorge Masvidal (-160) vs. Nate Diaz (+140) In the main event of UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal (34-13-0) and Nate Diaz (20-11-0) will collide at welterweight for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035801/ufc-244-preview-card-time-odds-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035801/ufc-244-preview-card-time-odds-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 11:51:31 +0000 Jorge Masvidal would’ve been happy to “baptise someone else” at UFC 244 had Usada suspended Nate Diaz. A positive drugs test for elevated levels of a banned substance in Diaz’s out-of-competition sample threw the main event of Saturday night’s Madison Square Garden card into jeopardy last week. Diaz was ultimately cleared to compete, but Masvidal was prepared to step into the Octagon without him. “If they paid my handsome fee, for a fact someone else would have got baptised,” Masvidal told a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035784/jorge-masvidal-says-someone-else-wouldve-got?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035784/jorge-masvidal-says-someone-else-wouldve-got?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:55:24 +0000 Open workouts are often uneventful affairs. Not when Jorge Masvidal is around. The 34-year-old Masvidal (professional record 34-13) is set to face Nate Diaz (20-11) for the “BMF” belt on Saturday Night in the main event of UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. You’d think with the biggest fight of his career around the corner, he might have kept it strictly business for Wednesday’s media obligation at Hulu Theatre. But “Gamebred” urged his coach Mike Brown to pick members of the audience for some... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035777/jorge-masvidal-gets-fans-spar-ufc-244-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035777/jorge-masvidal-gets-fans-spar-ufc-244-open?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 10:37:21 +0000 Like many MMA fans, when I first heard that Nate Diaz had tested positive in a pre-fight drug test by the United States Doping Anti-Doping Agency (Usada), I can’t say I was surprised. Diaz is a known marijuana user and has been for years, even lighting up a CBD (cannabidiol) cigarette on stage during a UFC event in August. But his failed test before last weekend’s fight at UFC 244 against Jorge Masvidal in New York was for an organic, vegan, plant-based multivitamin which turned out to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035732/ufc-nate-diaz-exposes-many-fallacies-usadas?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035732/ufc-nate-diaz-exposes-many-fallacies-usadas?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 09:14:35 +0000 Jorge Masvidal has taken a thinly veiled jibe at Colby Covington after news emerged that US President Donald Trump will attend UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden. “Gamebred” fights Nate Diaz for the BMF title in the main event, and Trump is expected to go to New York to watch Saturday’s stacked card before staying overnight in Trump Tower. “Of course [I’m honoured], no matter what your political views on him, not every fighter can say, ‘Hey, the president is showing up to my fight’,” Masvidal told... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035681/jorge-masvidal-trolls-trump-fan-colby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035681/jorge-masvidal-trolls-trump-fan-colby?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Oct 2019 04:27:29 +0000 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has promised a surprise announcement at Friday’s UFC 244 press conference, after confirming he will present the “BMF” belt to the winner of Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz on November 2. The WWE and Hollywood superstar – who is a long-time fan of combat sports – told UFC president Dana White via an Instagram Live Q&A that he had big news for the MMA community. The press conference is expected to cover the BMF headliner at Madison Square Garden and look ahead to UFC 245,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035568/ufc-244-rock-gives-his-take-jorge-masvidal-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3035568/ufc-244-rock-gives-his-take-jorge-masvidal-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:42:19 +0000