Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 5, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- “MVP” plans to learn and come back stronger from UFC 303 setback
- WBC refuses to work with Ryan Garcia after latest offensive outburst
- Ankalaev believes he can exploit Pereira’s striking in one area
Michael ‘Venom’ Page Speaks On Social Media After First UFC Setback
Michael “Venom” Page suffered his first defeat in the Octagon at UFC 303 this past weekend where he was beaten on the scorecards by Ian Garry.
Despite displaying some of his unpredictable striking at it’s best, he was unable to prevent his opponent from taking the fight to the ground.
Page could have been lined up for a massive fight if he was able to hand Garry the first defeat of his career, but now it’s time to go back to the drawing board for the London-based fighter.
Page spoke for the first time since the setback via a post on his Instagram profile, where he reflected about learning from this defeat in order to come back stronger.
“When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal. #ufc303”
WBC Cut All Ties With Ryan Garcia After Latest Controversial Rant Goes Too Far
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán has taken action against controversial boxing star Ryan Garcia after his latest outburst pushed the line too far.
Garcia made headlines after using incredibly offensive racial slurs and referencing George Floyd during a rant on X Spaces.
With Garcia’s behavior only appearing to become more erratic and troubling since his clash with Devin Haney, the people around him are starting to act.
Sulaimán said that the governing body will be cutting all ties with Garcia from this point on and refuse to work with him.
His post on social media also makes reference to how he has declined the opportunity for help from the WBC on multiple occasions, claiming that they wished to support him through is struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC , I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse”
This latest outburst also led to Garcia’s family putting out a statement, insisting that they don’t support the things he said and that they don’t reflect who he truly is.
Magomed Ankalaev Makes Bold Claim About Alex Pereira’s Striking
Ask any MMA fan who the best striker in the sport is right now and you’re likely to be given the name of the UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira.
Following his latest title defense at UFC 303, where his devastating stand-up skills were on full show once again, his likely next opponent has made a bold claim.
Magomed Ankalaev believes that he will dethrone “Poatan” when they eventually meet, and while he would be expected to have an advantage in the grappling, he also believes that he can out strike the champion.
Ankalaev spoke in an interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie about the one aspect that he sees in Pereira’s striking that he believes he would be able to take advantage of.
“I think he is a great striker. But he is the kind of guy who always moves forward, and that is where sometimes he might make a mistake. That’s where I might catch him,” Ankalaev continued. “Definitely he has a strong punch, but I think just overall, his standup fight is overrated. Watch his fight with Jamahal Hill; he had something to offer to counter him. Same with the fight with Procházka. … He was probably lucky or didn’t face serious opposition. Wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight with him standing up.”
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- Georges St-Pierre’s Coach Labels Jiří Procházka’s UFC 303 Performance As ‘Worst Approach To A Fight Ever’
- ‘Big’ John McCarthy Slams Influencer Who Disrespected Nate Diaz At Press Conference: ‘Homeboy, You’re Lucky He Doesn’t Jump Over The Table…’
- Eric Nicksick Admits Last-Minute Technique Advice To Dan Ige May Have Cost Him UFC 303 Fight Against Diego Lopes: ‘My Heart Hurt…’
