The MMA Ten keeps you updated on the latest news from the world of the UFC and beyond!
This week: Al Iaquinta taunts his UFC bosses (again), MMA fights at a NASCAR event, UFC Hall of Famer seeks comeback, and Floyd Mayweather Sr. is ready for Conor McGregor!
Bellator MMA + NASCAR on May 20
The Monster Energy Bellator MMA Fight Series will kick off on May 20 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during NASCAR’s All-Star Race weekend. Regional fighters will battle before the race begins, and I’m thinking this is just what NASCAR needs: fist-fights before a race to make the crowd even jumpier.
It makes sense from a demographic standpoint and I understand the effort to acquire new fans. But my guess is we will see some extra fights that day, and they won’t be in the cage. Bellator will feature four fights and there won’t be any names that casual fans recognize. If they really want to create something different, they should put some of the drivers in the cage. I don’t watch auto racing, but most of the highlights I see are of fighters trying to beat each other up.
Al Iaquinta: Hero of the Working Man
“Ah, even you… You just punch the clock, too scared to punch your boss!”
— “Well Paid Scientist” – Dead Kennedys
The Dead Kennedys have nothing on UFC fighter Al Iaquinta. We told you last week how Iaquinta weaponized his Twitter account to display his disdain for the UFC and Dana White. He was back at it again with a very concise request.
@UFC cut me you sissys
— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) May 4, 2017
Who knows how long this can go on, but it’s definitely entertaining. We hope to have more for you next week, or just follow Ragin’ Al on Twitter.
Paige VanZant Gets Spoofed by Fellow Fighters
Paige VanZant released a slightly risque Reebok promo video last week, but it was deleted after some harsh feedback and ridicule. Of course, deleted is a relative term. Nothing is ever truly deleted unless you’re Matt Hardy. So here is that clip:
https://youtu.be/R2XIoFOm-nc
UFC fighter Chris Weidman and One FC’s Ben Askren quickly posted their own versions.
Sometimes you just gotta let out your inner sexy…I got your back @paigevanzantufc @reebok pic.twitter.com/gnH0lZI56l
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) May 4, 2017
Floyd Mayweather Sr. Says He Will Beat Conor McGregor’s A**
Floyd Mayweather Sr. says to forget about his son facing Conor McGregor. “I’m a 64-year-old man and I will beat your a**,” the elder Mayweather told Fight Hype. Check it out:
Props on the confidence and bravado, but one Conor McGregor combo would send Floyd Sr. to the eternal dirt nap.
Jones and Cormier Continue Twitter Battle
The banter between UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and former champ Jon Jones continues.
Man I can't wait to pop you in the mouth https://t.co/OkDaWvozcx
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 30, 2017
Funny that u would use that word lol "pop" like "pop" positive, "pop" a molly "pop" a cialis. I could go on for days lol https://t.co/T0yfUcIuyA
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 30, 2017
Lol finally a decent joke https://t.co/i9AJwNvVsE
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 30, 2017
Unfortunately, this is probably going to be better than the fight, if and when it goes down. I’m a huge Daniel Cormier fan and his accomplishments are amazing. But Jon Jones is the king of MMA and I think Cormier is in for a beatdown.
Anderson Silva Wants a Title Shot
Anderson Silva says he wants to fight Yoel Romero for an interim middleweight title at UFC 212 in Brazil or he will retire. No word on if he demanded small, unmarked bills as payment. He talked about it on the fantastic MMA Hour.
“The guys no give this fight for me for the interim belt, I’m done. I’ll go be with my family. I’m done. I say, ‘OK, I go fight Yoel Romero.’ Because I know I respect Yoel Romero, he’s a great fighter. He’s No. 1 in the ranks. But one thing — why Yoel Romero come to Brazil for fight me for nothing?
“This is perfect bulls**t. I’m tired. I’m so tired. I’m respectful long time. Everything, I never talk about bad situations in UFC. I think I’m done. I fight for long time in my life. And I’m tired, bro. I’m so upset. I have my legacy, I have my story. It’s very frustrating because this is the second time I’m not fighting in my country.”
Silva is widely recognized as the GOAT in MMA, but has won just once since 2012. He’s nowhere near contention and certainly undeserving of a title shot.
Chuck Liddell to Fight Again?
Jay Glazer dropped an Instagram video of Chuck Liddell throwing some vicious elbows.
Liddell’s position with the UFC was eliminated after the company was bought, and he is now free to pursue whatever endeavors he chooses. Could the 47-year-old be getting ready to fight again? He sure looks ready.
UFC Hall of Famer Matt Hughes is rumored to go to Bellator to fight Royce Gracie, and perhaps “The Iceman” will follow.
Michael Bisping in My Name Is Lenny Trailer
Michael Bisping continues his acting career in My Name is Lenny, a biopic about bare-knuckle boxing legend Lenny McLean. Bisping plays Roy “Pretty Boy” Shaw, Mclean’s main rival. The film looks killer.
Stockton Ports to Hold Nick Diaz Bobblehead Night
And suddenly, I am a fan of the Stockton Ports.
Sunday, May 7th at 2:09 PM we honor @ufc star and #StocktonCA native @nickdiaz209 with a bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans! pic.twitter.com/kDEtrMbv2L
— Stockton Ports (@stocktonports) April 29, 2017
They are even starting the game at 2:09pm, a reference to the beloved area code that the Diaz Bros. always refer to. Nate Diaz will also get a bobblehead night on July 14.
Diaz Bros. Featured on Parts Unknown
We all want to see the Diaz Bros. fight again, but until then we will take whatever we can get. Here they are with Gilbert Melendez on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.
https://youtu.be/f_XuaYWP8ds
