Dana White says Anderson Silva will not receive Interim Title Shot
Despite his usual calm, low-key personality, Anderson Silva sounded off on the UFC, voicing his frustrations with the current direction of the Middleweight Division. Silva, who hints at retirement pretty regularly, has again stated that perhaps he has had his last fight unless he is given a shot at the UFC Interim Middleweight Championship, specifically against Yoel Romero, and in his native Brazil. If Anderson is serious, then perhaps we really have seen the spider for the final time. Dana White commented today that the company would not be creating an interim title, and that if Silva is really considering retirement, he should probably go through with it.
Henry’s Analysis: This just seems like a bargaining move for Silva. I can’t imagine that he really retires, but who knows. He’s 42 years old, and certainly has nothing left to prove. Still though I imagine that he sits around for a while and eventually is rebooked against Kelvin Gastelum something in the future.
Conor McGregor welcomes child
Conor McGregor’s father told a UK newspaper that his grandson was born last night at 8 p.m. The child, Conor McGregor Jr., already has a larger Instagram following than I do, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. With this news, many fans will of course be wondering if this means that the elder Conor McGregor will fight soon, having previously stated that he would sit out until the birth of his child.
Gegard Mousasi claims media created the illusion of Ronda’s dominance
Gegard Mousasi was once known as a soft-spoken, yet highly-skilled fighter. He is still highly skilled, but the same can’t be said about being soft spoken. Mousasi has made the news lately for his comments about the rest of the division, but his latest are an exception. While promoting the UFCs upcoming event in Singapore, Mousasi was asked about former Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Ronda Rousey. He was pretty honest with his response. Mousasi stated that he believes that the media created Rousey and that, while she is a good fighter, she was never what she was made out to be. He criticized her stand up skills and questioned how a fighter who “can’t even punch or kick” could possibly be considered one of the best fighters ever.
Henry’s Analysis: Mousasi has some good points here, but it still feels like he’s just kicking her while she’s down. Sure, she can’t strike, but she made it work well enough for a pretty long time and her impact on the sport cannot be minimized. With that being said, I can’t say that I think he’s wrong with any of his points and, for a guy as highly skilled as he is, both on the feet and on the ground, he may be a little frustrated when she is held in such high regard, and he is often looked over.
John Lineker hopes for late July return after jaw surgery
John Lineker seemed like an unstoppable force just a couple of months ago with a six-fight win streak across two divisions. It seemed like it would take a mountain to stop him from getting to the title. Unfortunately for him, he ran into that mountain in the form of T.J. Dillashaw and, when it was all said and done, the Brazilian native left with his winning streak snapped, as well as his jaw. After a successful surgery, “Hands of Stone” has stated that he would like to get back into the cage as early as late July, and he’s looking for a big-name opponent.
Henry’s Analysis: Lineker was on one hell of a hot streak, but it all came crashing down in his fight with Dillashaw. He was thoroughly defeated and will need several impressive wins in a row to prove that he is truly amongst the division’s elite. I personally like a fight with Jimmie Rivera for him, but either way it will be interesting to see what he does coming off such a decisive loss.
Manuwa details backstage incident with Daniel Cormier following UFC 210
Following his UFC 210 victory of Anthony Johnson, Daniel Cormier cut a bit of a heel promo, and while many people seemed to be amused, Jimi Manuwa wasn’t one of them. He claimed that following Cormier’s in cage interview that they ran into each other back stage and Cormier had by then changed his tune, and attempted to play the whole thing off as being in good fun. Manuwa was none too pleased. He explained that he wasn’t interested in “WWE” talk. It appears Cormier will be facing Jon Jones next, but a fight with Jimi Manuwa may have just as many fireworks.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
CB Dolloway vs. Ed Herman announced for TUF 25 Finale
Jessica Eye vs. Aspen Ladd announced for TUF 25 Finale
NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S UPDATE: FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE 5/5: GSP says he will be ready to fight “any time after October,” Iaquinta asks for release, Cerrone, Silva (w/Henry’s Analysis)
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