Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 19, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Jones targets November return
- Oliveira gives back via charity auction once again
- Cejudo says Cortez is better than she showed
Jon Jones Lays Out Specific Timeline For His Return Following Misdemeanour Charges
After being charged with two misdemeanours following the encounter that he had with a drug-testing agent at his home, Jon Jones appears to be preparing for his return.
The UFC heavyweight champion was set to make his first title defense at UFC 295 last year in New York when facing off with Stipe Miocic.
When he withdrew due to injury, it was suspected that we could see "Bones" back one year later and that is his clear focus as of right now.
He posted the following message on X which with the specific timeframe of 16 weeks being mentioned, would schedule his return roughly for November 8th which is just three days out from being a full year since he was set to compete at UFC 295.
"Tomorrow, I’ll be 37 years old !! I’m 260 pounds 16 weeks away from fighting the most decorated heavyweight in UFC history. I feel like I’m in a great spot right before training camp ramps up. My form is far from perfect in these videos, but I’m happy with it considering the surgeries I recently had. 16 more weeks to become the beast , that’s exactly what I will do. #Champion2024."
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Charles Oliveira Raises Huge Sum For Children In Need Via Signed Glove Charity Auction
Charles Oliveira is continuing to help raise money for charity by using his own star status in Brazil to benefit others.
"Do Bronx" took part in a charity auction several months ago that was hosted by soccer star Neymar Jr. where a fan won the opportunity to get special access to his fight preparations.
The latest auction saw Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. take up the hosting role where a signed glove from Oliveira was up for grabs.
Through this one small act, the former UFC champion was able to raise a staggering $80,000 to go towards supporting children in need.
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Henry Cejudo Critiques Tracy Cortez's Performance Against Rose Namajunas
Tracy Cortez's teammate Henry Cejudo believes that she had much more to show in the main event this past weekend in Denver.
Cortez stepped into the headliner on short notice to replace Maycee Barber and face Rose Namajunas, with the fight going the full five rounds.
Cejudo, who admitted that he was somewhat surprised by the way that Namajunas approached the fight, believes that Cortez didn't have her best performance on the night.
He said on the Pound 4 Pound podcast that the replacement fighter didn't play to her strengths enough in the fight which ended up costing her, stating that she will be back stronger after learning this lesson.
Tracy didn’t show up, man. I just don’t know how to say it; man, that’s not the Tracy that we know. I watched the fight again, and she never once attempted the takedowns; after she attempted one takedown, that’s it, there’s no level changes involved. I talked to her on Saturday afterward and just said, ‘Hey, just keep your head up, dude. It was an experience, but I just know you’re better than that, Tracy’.
Read more on the story here.
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