MMA news

• Henry Cejudo vs. Sergio Pettis targeted for UFC 218

  27-09-2017 23:46
  An important flyweight is close to being finalized for the UFC 218.
  Henry Cejudo (11-2) vs. Sergio Pettis (16-2) is targeted for the Dec. 2 event, MMA Fighting has learned. The 125-pound contenders were originally scheduled to fight at UFC 211 in May, however, Cejudo was forced to withdraw from the fight just days before due to an injured hand.
  Since then, both fighters have picked up impressive wins: Pettis over Brandon Moreno and Cejudo over Wilson Reis.
  UFC 218 is set to take place at the new
  
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• John Kavanagh calls for Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 3 on St. Patrick’s Day

  27-09-2017 23:39
  Conor McGregor’s head coach John Kavanagh rubbished claims that “The Notorious” will meet Nate Diaz for a third time on Dec. 30, as was reported by Irish newspaper, The Sunday World, last weekend.Kavanagh appeared alongside McGregor’s striking coach, Owen Roddy, in Dublin on Wednesday and claimed that his preferred date for the trilogy fight would be St Patrick’s Day, March 17, in New York.
  “December 30th is definitely not happening,” John Kavanagh told
  
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• Video: Aleksander Emelianenko Wins First MMA Bout Since Release From Prison

  27-09-2017 23:24 via sherdog.com
  Aleksander Emelianenko made a successful return to mixed martial arts on Wednesday, defeating Geronimo dos Santos via first-round TKO at WFCA 42 in Moscow.
  
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• Alexander Emelianenko wins first fight since 2014 following Russian prison stint

  27-09-2017 23:08
  The controversial brother of one of the greatest heavyweight fighters ever has returned to the cage.
  Just two years after a sexual assault conviction landed him in a Russian prison,Alexander Emelianenko, the younger brother of Pride FC legend Fedor Emelianenko, returned to mixed martial arts for the first time since 2014 on Wednesday, taking on veteran Geronimo Dos Santos in a heavyweight bout at WFCA 42 in Moscow, Russia.The event was staged by Akhmat Fight Club, the promotion led by Chechen wa
  
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• Featherweight Prospect A.J. McKee to Face Jeremy Petley at Bellator 187 in Dublin

  27-09-2017 22:59 via sherdog.com
  Unbeaten featherweight prospect A.J. McKee will lock horns with Jeremy Petley at Bellator 187 on Nov. 10.
  
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• Rory MacDonald vs. Ryan Bader? ‘The Red King’ wants gold in three Bellator divisions

  27-09-2017 21:30
  INGLEWOOD, Calif. — One Bellator weight division isn’t enough to hold Rory MacDonald. The top welterweight fighter has lofty future plans — including a trip up to light heavyweight to face champion Ryan Bader.
  MacDonald told MMA Fighting on Tuesday that his hope is to beat Douglas Lima for the Bellator welterweight title Jan. 20 here in Los Angeles and move up. First would be the middleweight title, but he wouldn’t want to stop there.
  “I’d go for three,”
  
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• Ed Ruth vs. Chris Dempsey booked for Bellator 186

  27-09-2017 19:30
  Ed Ruth already knew he was coming home. Now he knows who he’ll be giving a rude welcome to.
  The three-time NCAA wrestling champion meets Chris Dempsey in a middleweight bout at Bellator 186, which takes place on Nov. 3 at the Bryce Jordan Center of Penn State University, Ruth’s alma mater. Bellator officials confirmed the bout Wednesday after it was first reported by BluegrassMMA.
  Following his successful collegiate career, Ruth debuted with Bellator in November 2016, defeating Dust
  
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• Bellator Kickboxing Champ Denise Kielholtz to Make Sophomore MMA Appearance in Israel

  27-09-2017 18:42 via sherdog.com
  Denise Kielholtz will try her hand at MMA for a second time when she squares off against Jessica Middleton at Bellator 188 in Israel on Nov. 16.
  
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• USADA: Cris Cyborg ‘fully complied’ in controversial Thailand sample collection

  27-09-2017 18:00
  Cris Cyborg and USADA seem to be on the same page after a sample-collection controversy last week.
  The police were called on doping-control officers who came to drug test Cyborg in Thailand, the UFC featherweight champion tweeted Friday. Cyborg has been training at Phuket Top Team for the last few weeks. Bloody Elbow’s Iain Kidd reported on the situation over the weekend.
  Despite the apparent issues with Thai authorities, Cyborg’s sample was collected without issue and is now at a la
  
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• Phil Davis, Ed Ruth Get Opponents for Bellator 186 on Penn State University Campus

  27-09-2017 17:48 via sherdog.com
  Former Penn State University wrestling stars Phil Davis and Ed Ruth now have opponents for Bellator MMA’s upcoming event on their home campus Nov. 3.
  
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• Video: Cornerman Jumps Over Cage, Saves Fighter Rendered Unconscious By Choke

  27-09-2017 17:24 via sherdog.com
  A mixed martial arts bout in Brazil recently ended in bizarre fashion when a cornerman leapt over the cage to save his fighter as he was being choked unconscious.
  
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• John Phillips to debut against Eryk Anders at UFC Fresno

  27-09-2017 17:00
  Welsh knockout artist John Phillips (21-6) will make his long awaited UFC debut against unbeaten middleweight standout Eryk Anders (9-0) on Dec. 9 at UFC Fresno.The UFC made the fight official on Wednesday through their social networks, after Anders broke the news on his Instagram account on Tuesday.Phillips was signed by the UFC last December, but never made it to his promotional debut against Marcos Rogerio de Lima due to visa issues. The bout was slated for the UFC on Fox 23: Shevchenko vs. P
  
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• Anthony Smith-Hector Lombard Stole the Show in September (Editorial)

  27-09-2017 16:59
  Hector Lombard is a former Bellator champion and Olympian who has experienced mixed results since signing with the UFC. His opponent at UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Branch earlier this month in Pittsburgh was Anthony Smith, a fighter with 39 bouts on his resume and looking to make an impact. That was a bad combination […]
  
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• Aspen Ladd’s Octagon Debut Set for UFC Fight Night 118: Poland

  27-09-2017 16:37
  Unbeaten Aspen Ladd will make her Octagon debut this coming October, heading to Poland to face Lina Lansberg at UFC Fight Night 118. Ladd (5-0) made her pro debut in 2015 and has won all five fights since, including a win in January over Sijara Eubanks. She was scheduled to make her first UFC appearance […]
  
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• Three Made Official for Bellator 184 From Oklahoma Next Week

  27-09-2017 16:30
  Three bouts have bee made official for next Friday’s Bellator 184 event, including former champion Pat Curran. Curran will face John Teixeira in a featherweight scrap from Thackerville, Oklahoma and the WinStar World Casino and Resort. The main card, featuring a headline bout between Eduardo Dantas and Darrion Caldwell for the bantamweight title, airs live […]
  
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• Professional Fighters League to Conclude 2017 With Charity Event

  27-09-2017 16:25
  Professional Fighters League is giving back. The final event of 2017, PFL: Washington D.C. will be a charity event to benefit the Fight For Children, the promotion announced recently. Action takes place November 2 from the Washington Hilton. Fight For Children is a non-profit based in D.C. that serves to ensure all kids in the […]
  
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• Rashad Evans ‘Would Never Know Peace’ If Retirement Was Next

  27-09-2017 16:20
  Following four consecutive defeats, most believe time has passed former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. But “Suga” can’t go out like that. Evans, who lost his last two via split decision at middleweight, thinks a return to 205 pounds is in order for his next fight. “I can’t retire like this,” Evans said in […]
  
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• Rashad Evans decides against retirement, weighs light heavyweight return

  27-09-2017 15:45
  Rashad Evans will live to fight another day.
  Despite losing his last four fights in a row, the former UFC light heavyweight champion has decided against retirement, Evans told MMAFighting.com recently.
  “I can’t retire like this,” he said. “I would never know peace again in my life. Endless nights I would be left looking at the ceiling unable to accept reality.”
  Evans hasn’t won since his November 2013 victory over Chael Sonnen. Since then he’s dropped de
  
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• Cornerman, referee open up about chaotic fight that went viral

  27-09-2017 15:00
  A welterweight title bout between Silmar "Sombra" Nunes and Caio "Paturi" Silva ended in chaos in Capanema, Brazil.
  Nunes choked out Silva in the main event of Capanema Fight Combat on Sept. 23, but the referee didn’t stop the fight when Silva went unconscious. While still holding the submission, Nunes warned the referee multiple times that his opponent was out, but referee Jorge Gomes insisted Silva was fine. That’s when Silva’s cornerman jumped into the cage and started to pu
  
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• Morning Report: Michael Bisping teases fight with Daniel Cormier after beating Georges St-Pierre at UFC 217

  27-09-2017 14:00
  When Michael Bisping won the UFC middleweight title last summer, it was a feel-good story fit for Disney, but in a top heavy division filled with a backlog of viable title challengers, the former Ultimate Fighter winner was expected to lose his belt in his first title defense. But thanks to some fortunate circumstances, Bisping has instead avoided all of the top contenders in his weight class, instead having a revenge fight with Dan Henderson and now being set to face former welterweight champio
  
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• Derrick Lewis Treating Bout With Werdum as Championship Fight

  27-09-2017 13:30
  Derrick Lewis plans to put his best foot forward against Fabricio Werdum. The two heavyweights will clash inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Oct. 7. The bout is set to take place on the main card of UFC 216. The event will be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Tony […]
  
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• DWTNCS Free Fight: Julian Marquez vs. Phillips Hawes (Video)

  27-09-2017 11:28
  A free fight from Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series has been released. On week four of the series, Julian Marquez took on Phillip Hawes in Las Vegas. Marquez earned a second-round knockout victory. The win earned him an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract. Marquez is set to make his UFC debut on Dec. 16. […]
  
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• Charlie Ward vs. John Redmond confirmed for Bellator 187

  27-09-2017 09:42
  UFC veteran Charlie Ward will make his Bellator debut Nov. 10 at Dublin’s 3 Arena at middleweight.In an all-Irish matchup, Ward (3-3) will meet Cage Warriors and BAMMA veteran John Redmond (7-12), who has previously fought for Irish middleweight titles.Bellator confirmed the fight with MMA Fighting on Wednesday morning.Ward was signed by the UFC after clocking up a record of 3-1. In an article by the The Mac Life shortly after his signing, Ward claimed that his five-fight contract with the
  
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• UFC 216: How The Ferguson vs Lee Feud All Got Started

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  On the surface, a shot at the interim lightweight title against Tony Ferguson may not have been the most obvious next fight for Kevin Lee following his defeat of Michael Chiesa at Fight Night Okalhoma City in June. But for those who watched the post-fight coverage on FS1, Ferguson vs Lee not only seemed more likely, but suddenly became they all wanted to see.It began innocently enough: Tony Ferguson just happened to be working the analyst desk at FS1 alsongside Karen Bryant, and he asked Lee abo
  
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• The Ultimate Fighter 26 - Ep. 5 Recap

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  As The Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion continued this week, another potential upset was brewing as No. 12 seed Sijara Eubanks took on No. 5 seed Maia Stevenson in a classic battle between grappler and striker. Eubanks entered the tournament as a heavy underdog with just a 2-2 record in her professional career, but the veteran Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist felt like the UFC matchmakers got the seeds wrong because deep down she believed she belonged somewhere in the top five in the ranking
  
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• The Ultimate Fighter 26 - Ep. 5 Preview

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  The first upset of season took place on last week's episode of The Ultimate Fighter, as upstart contender Nicco Montano defeated veteran UFC fighter Lauren Murphy by unanimous decision to move into the second round of the championship tournament. Tonight’s episode will showcase the aftermath of that event as well as get fans geared up for another fight in the opening round as No. 5 seed Maia Stevenson from Team Gaethje takes on No. 12 seed Sijara Eubanks from Team Alvarez.Who takes a step
  
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• Ray Borg Insists Everything Happens For A Reason

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  As soon as he got off the plane in Edmonton, Ray Borg knew trouble was brewing. The flu had been going around the Jackson-Wink MMA gym in Albuquerque, but the young man about to fight Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title was hoping he dodged that bullet before the biggest fight of his life on September 9.He hadn’t, but it wasn’t going to stop him from showing up to Rogers Place that Saturday night.“I really wanted to fight,” Borg said. “I knew Tuesday I wa
  
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• Ngannou faces Overeem in UFC 218 clash

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  Two of the top big men in MMA will collide in Detroit on Dec. 2, as number one heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem will attempt to stop the rise of Francis Ngannou in a UFC 218 bout at Little Caesars Arena.In what promises to be an explosive battle that could earn the winner a shot at the world title, Overeem-Ngannou pits the veteran Dutch striker against the No. 4-ranked native of Cameroon, who is coming off a 92-second TKO of Andrei Arlovski that earned him his second consecutive Performanc
  
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• Get To Know TUF Cast: Maia Stevenson

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  The Ultimate Fighter: at the UFC TUF Gym on July 15, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC)" align="left" />Before she was Maia Stevenson, flyweight prospect on season 26 of The Ultimate Fighter, she was Maia Kahaunaele, a promising amateur boxer with dreams of gold.But when her coach was forced to tend to family matters when his son was in an accident, that career hit the skids.“A lot of the girls at that time hadn’t turned pro because we were waiting for the
  
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• Cruz-Rivera among bouts added to UFC 219 card

  27-09-2017 07:00 via ufc.com
  No. 1-ranked bantamweight contender and former world champion Dominick Cruz will begin his road back to the top on Dec. 30 when he meets up with No. 3-ranked Jimmie Rivera in a UFC 219 bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.HOLD UP!Former champ @DominickCruz returns to face @JimmieRivera135 at #UFC219 @TMobileArena in Vegas | @Cyn_Calvillo faces @CarlaEsparza1 pic.twitter.com/kG4Cy4wxoc— UFC (@ufc) September 27, 2017Two more bouts were also added to the card on Wednesday, with No. 7-ranked st
  
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• DWTNCS Free Fight: Brandon Davis vs. Austin Arnett (Video)

  27-09-2017 06:46
  A free fight from Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series has been released. On week four of the series, Brandon Davis took on Austin Arnett in Las Vegas. Davis earned a unanimous decision victory. The win earned him an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract. The bout has been praised by fans and analysts. In fact, […]
  
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• Jorge Masvidal on Thompson: ‘I Don’t Believe He’s Coming to Scrap’

  27-09-2017 06:25
  Jorge Masvidal doesn’t think Stephen Thompson will try to brawl with him. On Nov. 4, Masvidal and Thompson are set to clash inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout will be featured on the main card of UFC 217. Both welterweights are coming off losses. Masvidal fell short against Demian Maia back […]
  
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• Francis Ngannou: ‘I’ll Knock Stipe Miocic Out When we Fight’

  27-09-2017 06:07
  Francis Ngannou doesn’t lack confidence. The rising heavyweight bruiser has his eyes on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title. Stipe Miocic is the reigning heavyweight champion. Ngannou was supposed to fight Junior dos Santos at UFC 215, but “Cigano” was flagged by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. Speaking to ESPN, Ngannou said he’s ready to finish […]
  
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• Kajan Johnson: ‘I’m Not Down to Get Knocked Out Again’

  27-09-2017 05:11
  “Just Bleed” isn’t in Kajan Johnson’s best interest. Johnson has a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 22-12-1. He’s been knocked out in his career five times. Now riding a three-fight winning streak, “Ragin'” isn’t interested in being finished again. Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Johnson said fighting smart is key to his longevity: “If […]
  
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• Bellator 183 Medical Suspensions: Henderson & Freire Facing Six-Month Sits

  27-09-2017 05:01
  Bellator 183 is in the books and the medical suspensions have been released. This past Saturday night (Sept. 23), Bellator 183 took place inside the SAP Center in San Jose, California. In the main event, Patricky Freire earned a split decision win over Benson Henderson. Both men have received 180-day sits, but they can be […]
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Gokhan Saki

  27-09-2017 04:56
  Gokhan Saki will recap his successful UFC debut this past Friday.
  
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• Chuck Liddell: Chael Sonnen is an Easy Fight

  27-09-2017 04:44
  Chuck Liddell continues to tease a potential bout with Chael Sonnen. Liddell and Sonnen have developed a bit of a beef. It all started when Liddell was let go from his office job with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Sonnen accused “The Iceman” of phoning it in. When pressed about a potential match-up, Liddell seemed […]
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Luke Rockhold

  27-09-2017 04:34
  Luke Rockhold will look back on his win over David Branch last week and discuss what's next for him.
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Matt Brown

  27-09-2017 04:30
  Matt Brown will talk about why he will retire after his next fight in November.
  
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• Beneil Dariush Says He’s Motivated After Evan Dunham’s Callout

  27-09-2017 04:15
  Beneil Dariush is ready to do battle with Evan Dunham. On Oct. 7, Dariush and Dunham will meet inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout is set to be part of the UFC 216 card. It was Dunham who laid down the challenge. During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Dariush […]
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Mickey Gall

  27-09-2017 04:06
  Mickey Gall will join us in studio to discuss his return to action at UFC 217 and more.
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Aaron Pico

  27-09-2017 03:56
  Aaron Pico will discuss picking up his first pro win at Bellator 183 on Saturday.
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Ray Borg

  27-09-2017 03:45
  Ray Borg will talk about having to withdraw from UFC 215 48 hours before the event and getting his Demetrious Johnson fight rescheduled for UFC 216.
  
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• The MMA Hour - 401 - Kamaru Usman

  27-09-2017 03:37
  Rising welterweight prospect Kamaru Usman will discuss his recent win at UFC Pittsburgh and his future plans.
  
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• Michael Bisping to GSP: ‘I Know What You’re Working on’

  27-09-2017 03:26
  Michael Bisping claims to have spies in Georges St-Pierre’s camp. On Nov. 4, Bisping will defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title against St-Pierre. The title bout will be the main event of UFC 217. It’s possible that this will be the last time both Bisping and St-Pierre step inside the Octagon. During a […]
  
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• Bellator 183 Salaries: Patricky Freire Walks Away as Top Earner

  27-09-2017 03:01
  Bellator 183 has wrapped up and the salaries are now known to the public. Patricky Freire walked away as the top earner with $110,000. Freire took a split decision victory over Benson Henderson. “Smooth” brought in $50,000. The co-main event saw Paul Daley crush Lorenz Larkin with a second-round knockout. Daley nabbed $50,000, while Larkin […]
  
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• Lance Palmer vs. Steven Siler among additions to PFL charity event

  27-09-2017 03:00
  Professional Fighters League officially announced the complete card for its upcoming charity event in Washington.
  Headlined by a previously announced heavyweight clash between Blagoy Ivanov and Caio Alencar, the Fight Night charity event will feature Lance Palmer vs. Steven Silver in the co-main event.
  Palmer (11-3), a two-time WSOF featherweight champion, looks to rebound to from a loss to Andre Harrison as he takes on Siler (30-16), a former UFC fighter who has won seven of his last nine bouts
  
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• Bellator 183 Medical Suspensions: Freire, Henderson Both Potentially Sidelined 180 Days

  27-09-2017 02:44 via sherdog.com
  Both Patricky Freire and Benson Henderson could be facing extended layoffs following their headlining bout at Bellator 183.
  
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• Bellator 183 medical suspensions: Patricky Freire, Benson Henderson potentially out six months

  27-09-2017 02:00
  Lightweight headliners Patricky Freire and Benson Henderson led a list of six fighters to receive potential 180-day medical suspensions in the aftermath of Bellator 183, according to information released Tuesday by the California State Athletic Commission.
  Freire defeated Henderson via split decision in a back-and-forth contest in the night’s main event. As a result, both fighters will be forced to sit out a minimum of 180 days or seek doctor’s clearance various potential injuries (F
  
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• Among Other Things, Paige VanZant Dealing with Herniated Disc

  27-09-2017 01:09
  Paige VanZant’s flyweight debut vs. Jessica Eye is no longer scheduled for next month at UFC 216. And from the sounds of it, VanZant might be sidelined for longer than she wants. When it rains it pours. Herniated disc, double ear infection, sinus infection, pink eye and ringworm all right now! 😡 send me good […]
  
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