FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE 5/26: Latest on McGregor vs. Mayweather, Liddell says he is open to a fight (w/Henry’s Analysis)

By Cole Henry, MMATorch contributor

Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 202 (photo credit Joshua Dahl © USA Today Sports)

Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor bout in early fall?

Last week, UFC President Dana White stated that he had finally managed to hammer out a deal with Conor McGregor to fight Floyd Mayweather, but still needed to negotiate with Floyd and figure things out on his end. Mayweather has stated that he is in no rush to sign the bout agreement, but that he is pretty sure the fight will eventually happen. Mayweather is a good business man. He knows that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. He can get one last paycheck and retire with a perfect 50-0 record, and all he has to do to get it done is beat a guy who has never had a pro boxing match.

Showtime Sports Executive Vice President Stephen Espinoza toldh MMAFighting that he knows it’s a bout that Floyd Mayweather really wants. He said that he would expect the Mayweather negotiations to take a while and, depending on just how long it takes, he thinks that the two could fight late this year or even early next year if it drags on.

Henry’s Analysis: As little bits of information like this continue to trickle out, at this point the fight seems pretty likely. Still though, it’s being met with lots of criticism, especially on the boxing side, and I guess it’s always possible that it doesn’t happen. The statements made by Mr. Espinoza, if true, can be taken as proof that McGregor will not fight in MMA this year, or perhaps at all if the Mayweather bout is pushed back until early next year. McGregor is in a weird spot because he is a hot commodity, but can’t really make any money doing what he does best, for fear of losing and risking this bout with Mayweather. Hopefully this clears up soon because I don’t think it’s a fight that people are dying to see and, the more time that passes, I think the more people will realize that this is a spectacle, a money grab by both fighters. (Not that I think anything is wrong with that.) Still, though, for people out there who are clamoring for this fight, these statements by Mr. Espinoza should be viewed as a positive, and proof that progress is being made.

Angela Magana is at it again

For those of you who have been paying attention to the Cris Cyborg-Angela Magana controversy, you might be interested to learn that despite getting punched in the jaw, Magana is still at it. This is her latest post, and its directed at top strawweight contender, Jessica Andrade…

“Oh @jessicammapro are you part of the juice family too? Are you gonna die at 40? #roadrage #fuckmyendocrinesystem”

I’m not sure what Andrade has done to deserve this criticism, but perhaps at the next fighters summit we will have a chance to see them settle this…once and for all.

Chuck Liddell talks about a return to MMA

Over the last few weeks, due in part to hints dropped by Liddell and his coach John Hackleman, some have been left wondering if the Iceman is considering a return to the Octogon. First, we saw him hitting pads with Jay Glazer. Then we saw a photo of him in tip-top shape, and in his fighting gear none the less. Liddell has since stated that the photo was for a commercial and that he has no plans to fight again. But he did leave the option open, stating that if the right opponent and the right dollar figure came along, he would consider breaking his seven-year retirement.

Heather Hardy to make MMA debut

Heather Hardy, one of  boxing’s biggest female stars, is set to make her Bellator debut on the June 24 New York card. Hardy, a 20-0 pro boxer, is obviously known for her striking skills, but will look to prove that she can put it all together when she faces Alice Yauger on the events preliminary card. This is the latest addiction to what is already a pretty good card.

Ultimate Fighter 26 Try Outs

Try outs for TUF 26 took place this week. A new division is being formed (Women’s Flyweight), and a champion will be crowned at the conclusion of the show. This, of course, drew a few notable fighters to the tryouts, those being Barb Honchack, Lauren Murphy, and fan favorite, Roxanne Modafferi.

One 55 Results

MAIN CARD

(c) Angela Lee def. Istela Nunes via submission (Anaconda choke) – Round 2, 2:18 –  Atomweight title

(c) Ben Askren def. Agilan Thani via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:20 – Welterweight title

Zebaztian Kadestam def. Luis Santos via knockout (knees to the head on the ground) – Round 3, 2:18

Garry Tonon vs. Shinya Aoki via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 7:47 – grappling match

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke def. Adrian Matheis via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:26

Geje Eustaquio def. Anatpong Bunrad via split decision

Amir Khan def. Rajinder Singh Meena via submission (punches) – Round 1, 1:29

Preliminary card

Tiffany Teo def. Rebecca Heintzman-Rozewski via unanimous decision

Rika Ishige def. Nita Dea via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:39

Lei Chen def. Jeremy Meciaz via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:56


NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATE: THURSDAY NEWS DIGEST 5/25: Rory MacDonald dominates in ring, but doesn’t draw big viewership (w/Hiscoe’s Analysis)

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