Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 29, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Muhammad gets his moment in Manchester
- Mokaev's conduct called into question
- Blaydes admits he got carried away with his striking
Belal Muhammad Throws Post-Fight Celebrations In Manchester
Belal Muhammad may not have had nearly as much in-arena support in Manchester as Leon Edwards but his fans rallied around him in victory afterwards.
In the main event of UFC 304, Muhammad capitalized on his long-awaited title shot to become the welterweight champion via unanimous decision.
Before he made the trip back home, the newly crowned champion celebrated on the streets of Manchester, as he drove down the street with the title in hand.
Fans showed up to support him and blocked the busy Wilmslow Road in Rusholme on Sunday night, with Palestinian flags being waved in the crowd that gathered.
The videos posted on social media show a long backlog of cars waiting for the crowd to disperse in order to get through.
Zac Pauga Says There Is More To Muhammad Mokaev Not Being Re-Signed Than His Fighting Style
One of the most surprising stories to come out of UFC 304 was Muhammad Mokaev's future in the UFC.
Despite beating another top flyweight contender in Manel Kape and improving his record to 13-0 at just 23 years old, Dana White announced that the promotion will not be renewing his contract now that it has concluded.
Mokaev had made comments after his fight about being told by a member of UFC staff that they didn't want to see him realy on his heavy grappling style, if he was going to get a new deal.
White later clarified in his post-fight press conference that the decision was made due to the issues he causes outside of the Octagon, like starting brawls, rather than what he does inside it.
UFC light heavyweight contender Zac Pauga seconded this on social media, suggesting that there is more to Mokaev's issues behind the scenes than White revealed.
"Like I said in getting tired of being the 'inside guy'. Just know that mokaev being released had nothing to do with his fighting style, the fact that he has all these accolades and they are willing to let him walk should tell you something"
Curtis Blaydes Says He Got 'Greedy' At UFC 304 In Post-Fight Statement
Curtis Blaydes posted his first statement after coming up short in his first UFC title fight this past weekend in Manchester.
Blaydes looked to claim the interim heavyweight title from Tom Aspinall in a rematch that lasted just one minute, after Aspinall dropped his opponent and poured on the pressure to get the stoppage.
In a message on his Instagram story, "Razor" thanked his supporters and said that he got overzealous with his striking early on.
Blaydes was able to have success in the striking range early on but trading with the Brit didn't appear to be the approach that he and his team had planned for.
“Sorry guys, I got greedy when I touched him early and threw out the amazing gameplan that my coaches Vinnie Lopez (and) Cody Donovan came up with that would’ve worked I’m sure of it. No excuses Tom was on point tonight I know this isn’t the end of my journey but damnit, I know I’m better than tonight’s performance. I appreciate all the support truly it’s been an eye opening experience to have so many ppl rocking with me,” Blaydes wrote.
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- Kamaru Usman Reacts To Belal Muhammad Dominating Leon Edwards At UFC 304: ‘Leon Doesn’t Necessarily Know How To Fight There…’
- Molly McCann Speaks On ‘Sh*t Night At The Office’ At UFC 304: ‘Wasn’t Able To Recover After That Knee…’
- Jon Jones Gives First Reaction To Tom Aspinall’s 60-Second Knockout At UFC 304, Post-Fight Callout