The UFC is a premier organization with the best mix for all martial arts in the USA and the global stage. Getting an opportunity on this platform is a dream for many fighters in the world. Beside speculation on cancellation of events and athletes testing positive for the pandemic COVID-19, here is the current trending news in the UFC. Let’s get started!
The Fate of Heavyweight Champion Jon’ Bones’ Jones’ Title
The state of Jones title is in jeopardy amidst pay dispute with the UFC president. The light-heavyweight champion has been embroiled in public dispute and heated debate with UFC president in the recent past. It is still unclear if Jones relinquished his title even after he tweeted and confirmed the same.
Dana White in Feud with UFC Star Jorge Masvidal
Few weeks after the resumption of the UFC after a two-month hiatus due to COVID-19, the UFC now for some time has been under the radar for the way it is treating its athletes. High profile fighters have threatened to leave because of pay negotiation. Jorge Masvidal joins the likes Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo who have called out the UFC into the limelight over his pay demands. The UFC President, Dana White, was at the spotlight in a recent barrage of tweets. On June 5th, Jorge Masvidal took to tweet and went off at Dana. In a series of tweets, he accused UFC of offering him less money while pointing out that they were using the pandemic as an excuse and they had the financial capability to buy islands instead of paying fighters. However, the UFC president refuted the allegation at a media interaction. Dana pointed out that if any UFC fighter who is not ready to fight may not fight while pointing out that UFC fighters are independent contractors. And so, UFC has no authority to make the practice or fight. Instead, Dana maintains a headstrong over pay requests and says NFL fighter are free to do whatever they want.
UFC Raises Record $370,500 amidst COVID-19 Crisis
The UFC went into partnership with Fanatics owner Michael Rubin in a fundraising campaign known as the All-In Challenge. Fanatics’ founder encouraged well-wisher to donate to the fund. He pointed out that business and sports must make a difference, especially during any global crisis such as the pandemic coronavirus. The proceeds of the 23-day sweepstakes will see that 100% of the funds raised go directly into feeding those in need due to circumstances caused by the pandemic. The UFC hit a record of $370,510, which is the highest fundraising campaign in UFC history. Michael Rubin formed this platform as a response to the unprecedented food security challenges across the USA. Food relief charities if the US such as Feeding America, No Kid Hungry, and Meals on Wheels America will benefit from the 50 million dollars raised in the All-In- Challenge so far. The challenge also includes and “Ultimate UFC Experience”, which is an opportunity a winner to an exclusive three-day all-expenses-paid trip to any UFC event in 2021. The winner will also get an opportunity to interact one-on-one with Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry and UFC president Dana White.
UFC Response on Conor McGregor’s Next Fight
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, McGregor had plans to fight at least thrice, but the unprecedented hiatus disrupted. Now that the UFC has restarted, most people are wondering what is next for him especially after he destroyed Donald Cerrone back in January in a fight that lasted a record 40 seconds. McGregor is ready for a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov or bouts with UFC superstars like Nate Diaz and Kamaru Usman. UFC president Dana White has requested for patience over the matter but hinted that the Irishman’s next bout would be in the lightweight division.