FRIDAY NEWS DIGEST 4/7: Gastelum removed from UFC 212, UFC 210 close-call, Bisping responds to criticism (w/Cole’s Analysis)

By Cole Henry, MMATorch contributor

Kelvin Gastelum popped by USADA, removed from UFC 212 bout with Anderson Silva

Kelvin Gastelum’s “Legends Ass Whipping” tour, has hit a stand-still, at least for now. UFC/USADA officials announced today that Kelvin Gastelum will be removed from his UFC 212 bout with Anderson Silva, due to a failed drug test for…THC. The test was taken “in competition” around the time of his last fight, against Vitor Belfort. Representatives for Anderson Silva have stated that “The Spider” wishes to remain on the card, and the UFC is seeking out an opponent for the former Middleweight king.

Henry’s Analysis: This is disappointing for several reasons. First of all, it’s another bump in the road for Gastelum, and it’s going to keep him from fighting his highest profile opponent to date. It’s hard for me to understand why THC is even viewed as an issue, and it’s crazy that it can lead to a fight being cancelled, but rules are rules, and until they are changed, Gastelum is going to have to better discipline himself so that he can take advantage of these opportunities. 

Michael Bisping has a few words for his potential challengers

Michael Bisping is the UFC Middleweight Champion, and if you don’t like it… well he doesn’t really seem to care. Bisping has faced controversy since winning the belt, as many feel that he is picking his opponents, and avoiding the tougher match-ups in the process. Bisping stated that he will be fighting GSP, and the other challengers should simply “get over it.” He points out that he had to wait quite a while for his own shot, and that if you are really that good, you will eventually get your shot. At 38, Bisping clearly doesn’t care what people say about him, and is only looking for the big paydays.

UFC 210 weigh in controversy

This isn’t exactly world-breaking news, but a problem was narrowly avoided at the UFC 210 ceremonial weigh ins this morning. As the weigh ins were coming to a close, the main event participants, Daniel Cormier, and Anthony Johnson, still had to hit the scales. The champion, Daniel Cormier, weighed in at 206.2, nearly a pound and a half over the 205 limit. Disaster was avoided, as it took Cormier just two minutes to shed the extra weight, and he hit the 205 mark on his second attempt. The challenger, Anthony Johnson, had no problems making the weight, and actually showed up below the 205 limit.

FRIDAY NOTEBOOK ITEMS…

-UFC has announced that tryouts for the Ultimate Fighter 26 will take place on May 23 in Las Vegas, Nev. They are looking for women in the Strawweight and Bantamweight divisions, and men in the Middleweight division.

-Emil Weber Meek will return for his second UFC appearance, against Bellator and multi-fight UFC veteran, Nordine Taleb. The fight will take place in Stockholm, Sweden, on May 28.

-Jeff Mayweather has stated that one of the hold-ups in the McGregor-Mayweather deal, is that the UFC wants 80 percent of McGregor’s purse. Could just be talk, but would anybody be surprised?


NOW CHECK OUT YESTERDAY’S REPORT: THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE 4/6: Cormier critical of Jones for planning to attend UFC 210, McGregor-Mayweather update (w/Hiscoe’s Analysis)

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