SATURDAY NEWS DIGEST 8/12: Dana released Malignaggi vs. McGregor footage, Malignaggi says it was doctored, Struve critical of Lesnar-Jones

By Cole Henry, MMATorch contributor

Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor (Photo credit Mark J. Rebilas © USA Today)

Marcos Rogerio de Lima flagged by USADA

UFC Light-heavyweight Marcos Rogerio de Lima has received the news that every fighter fears the most. De Lima was informed by USADA that he was flagged in an out of competition test and as a result he will be removed from the upcoming UFC: Rotterdam card.

Dana White releases Conor McGregor sparring video

In a somewhat surprising move, Dana White has released video footage of Conor McGregor’s sparring session with Paulie Malignaggi in an effort to clear up the debate over the photo recently released by the McGregor camp. The photo appears to show Malignaggi falling down, though he argued it was from a push. On Twitter, Malignaggi said the video was doctored and is a mix of rounds eight and twelve, made to look like McGregor knocked him down with a punch when it was actually a shove.

Stefan Struve comments on potential Lesnar vs. Jones fight

Add Stefan Struve to the list of fighters who are not interested in seeing UFC book Jon Jones against Brock Lesnar. The Dutch heavyweight stated that he doesn’t like the message that he believes booking the fight would send. He also doesn’t think the fight would be competitive, and actually gave a brief breakdown of how he thinks it would play out.  He claims that Jones is simply too good, and Lesnar would not be able to get ahold of him to take him down.

Cole’s Analysis: While I do see Struve’s point here, I think it’s pretty clear that the UFC isn’t really worried about perception when it comes to booking fights. Just look at all the interim title fights if you need examples.

Fight Announcements

Gregor Gillespie vs. Jason Gonzales added to UFC Fight Night 116

Ion Cutelaba vs. Gadzhimurad Antigulov announced for UFC 217


NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATES: FRIDAY NEWS DIGEST 8/1: Hunt upset with idea of Lesnar vs. Jones, Bisping and Florian endorses Lesnar-Jones, Conor-Mayweather undercard

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