Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 31, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Anik says fans are biased against Muhammad
- Allen labels Olympic Games as corrupt
- UFC veteran says Mokaev didn't have a leg to stand on
Jon Anik Says Fans Criticism Of UFC 304 Main Event Is Out Of Dislike For Belal Muhammad
UFC commentator Jon Anik believes that some fans have been too critical of the UFC 304 main event, due to their dislike of Belal Muhammad.
Whilst the majority of each round was spent with either Muhammad or Leon Edwards holding the other in a dominant position with little action, the momentum of the fight did swing back and forth at points.
Anik said that to make it clear, he is a huge fan of both men because whilst he may be friends with the new champion, his career will always be tied to "Rocky" and his title reign.
On the Anik & Florian Podcast recap of this past weekend's event, he said that some were looking for a way to criticize Muhammad rather than praise him.
So I'm not sure what exactly we are looking for, I think a lot of people just watch Belal Muhammad with a tainted eye and that's why I tweet, "cry", right. I am a Leon Edwards fan as anyone knows, 'Shabba Madda Pot' is my favorite song.
"My most significant call of my career is Leon Edwards, the favorite moment of my professional career is when Leon hugged me after the fact, six months later. But, it is time to put respect on the name Belal Muhammad.
Arnold Allen Criticizes The Paris Olympic Games Amidst Multiple Controversies
The Paris Olympic Games are in full swing but this particular instalment has been defined by controversy from the very start.
In a recent series of posts on social media, UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen voiced his opinions on how the event has become unwatchable over time.
He may have been planning to spend some time this summer watching the games after returning to the win column this past weekend at UFC 304 but "Almighty" has had to tap out.
Allen referred to Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde who qualified for this year's games despite being convicted of child rape in 2016.
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Matt Brown Says The UFC Made The Right Call Regarding Muhammad Mokaev's Contract Status
UFC veteran Matt Brown weighed in with his thoughts on the recent UFC departure of undefeated flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev.
Like many, he admitted that he was surprised at first given the ability and potential that "The Punisher" brings to the table.
Brown was also able to identify why the UFC would want to walk away from resigning the fighter, if he's causing issues behind the scenes.
Crucially, he pointed out how Mokaev isn't in a position where the juice is worth the squeeze given his profile in the sport and performances, compared to other controversial fighters on the roster.
During the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, "The Immortal" said that he understands the promotion's call after what went down on fight week.
I’d probably cut him, too, to be honest,” Brown said. “It is surprising that they would do that, being that his ceiling is pretty freaking high. I’ve watched him fight before. The dude has really, really high ceiling. Young guy with a lot of skills, a lot of talent. But when you’re up and coming like that, you can’t just do that. I think the UFC has shown that before. When you’re an up and comer, you can’t be ruffling too many feathers. Obviously like some but you can’t be doing stupid sh*t like that.
Once you’re Jon Jones and you’re putting all those asses in the seats, yeah you get away with some sh*t. Because you’re in business with the UFC. You’re a partner essentially,” Brown continued. “Whereas how many people tune in to watch Muhammad Mokaev? When he goes and fights in PFL, how many people are going to tune in and watch Muhammad Mokaev? So there are double standards or triple standards or whatever. There is different standards for every fighter. He’s not at that level to be getting away with sh*t like that. I don’t know the story but that (sucker-punch) sounds like a cowardly b*tch move, and I wouldn’t want to be in business with someone like that either.
Read more on the story here.
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