FRIDAY NEWS DIGEST 9/8: Borg out of UFC 215, Showtime interested in UFC TV deal, Fertittas sell remaining shares of UFC, Till an unknown to Cerrone

BY COLE HENRY, MMA TORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Donald Cerrone (photo credit Jane Kamin-Oncea © USA Today Sports)

Ray Borg out of UFC 215

If you don’t already know let me be the first to tell you that Ray Borg is out of UFC 215. Borg is reported to be suffering from a viral illness and was pulled from the fight by UFC doctors. In a brief statement, Borg gave a generic explanation, apologized to Demetrious Johnson, and thanked the doctors and Jeff Novitzky. This is an unfortunate development, especially this close to the event but rumors are that the fight will be rebooked for UFC 216. The main event for UFC 215 will now be Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko for the Women’s Bantamweight Championship.

Showtime interested in UFC broadcast deal

When speaking on the MMAHour, Showtime Network executive Stephen Espinoza made it clear that Showtime would attempt to make a TV deal with the UFC when the current contract with Fox ends at the end of next year. Espinoza stated that while he did have some concerns about distribution, he thought that a deal could work.

Fertittas sell remaining shares of UFC

The Fertitta brothers have sold the remaining portions of their UFC shares, which was roughly 5.8 percent of the company. The brothers made a $2 million initial investment when purchasing the UFC, and though it lost money for several years it eventually turned a profit and they sold it for $4 billion in 2016.

Cole’s Analysis: The brothers are involved in other business ventures, but the impact that they made on MMA will likely always define them.

Donald Cerrone had never heard of UFC: Gdansk opponent Till

In typical Donald Cerrone fashion, he accepted his latest fight with Darren Till before knowing who his opponent would be. Even upon learning his name, he still didn’t know who Darren Till was. Cerrone is riding a two-fight losing streak, and will be looking to break it in Poland against the undefeated Till. At 15-0 Till has been picking up steam and a win here would do wonders for his career.

Cole’s Analysis: This is a bit of a random fight, and not one that I think anybody saw coming, but it should be exciting and it gives us a chance to see where both men are at in 2017. 


NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS NEWS UPDATE: ‘Cyborg’ granted professional boxing license, Mayweather vs. McGregor gate and UK PPV numbers, Donald Cerrone to headline UFC Fight Night 118

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