Author: David St. Martin

When UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier isn’t eating or sleeping, he’s instigating. Instigating people who are typically due to fight one another.

Last night his targets were middleweight champion Chris Weidman and his American Kickboxing Academy teammate Luke Rockhold, the division’s No. 1 contender.

Yesterday a video interview featuring Weidman somehow made its way round the interwebs, fatefully crossing paths with Cormier. During the interview in question, Weidman simultaneously claimed that ‘There is no competition’ for him at middleweight, that he would soon be making his way north to 205 pounds and that Cormier ‘is running’ from him.

Well, that’s all Cormier needed to work his magic.

people actually say I’m too hard on weidman! @ChrisWeidmanUFC u are the worst lol better worry bout @LukeRockhold pic.twitter.com/Tvp4dqj6Y2

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 14, 2015

@dc_mma @ChrisWeidmanUFC ur really starting to spread your wings these days. Too bad I’m gonna have to clip em before the end of the year.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) July 14, 2015

Get him luke! https://t.co/Y6pAZ0KKCD

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 14, 2015

@LukeRockhold @dc_mma 🙂 are you having DC write these tweets for you again ?

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 14, 2015

@ChrisWeidmanUFC @dc_mma ha! Weidman after I spank u. U can #JoinTheTeam #AKA can be our JV middleweight.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) July 15, 2015

@LukeRockhold ha again this tweet required way too much thought to have been you.Tht being said I will not lose to sum privileged surfer boy

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 15, 2015

Get in here guys @LukeRockhold and @ChrisWeidmanUFC going at each other https://t.co/0P9rA90gYK

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 15, 2015

@ChrisWeidmanUFC u underestimate my tweets like u underestimate my abilities. What we surfers like to call, Grom beatings r coming your way.

— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) July 15, 2015

Weidman and Rockhold were penciled in to compete in December on what would have been the UFC’s debut in New York state at Madison Square Garden, but this will have to do for now.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

GOAT. Former PRIDE heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko says that negotiations are taking place for him to return to fighting and that both UFC and Bellator have been made aware. ‘We have assembled a team of versatile coaches and athletes who will help me in the training process.’

‘I feel like he’s the champion.’ Conor McGregor’s head coach says the interim featherweight champ did no live wrestling in his training camp before UFC 189 due to a knee injury. ‘That was the first full test on the knee and he flew through it.’

Here we go. UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo vows to ‘smash’ Conor McGregor and says he’ll return to training in two weeks. ‘We will run through him no matter when the fight happens, but his time will come.’

‘The lion doesn’t care that the sheep laugh at him.’ B.J. Penn’s has a message for Jose Aldo and says he wouldn’t ever want to see the champ fight below 100 percent.

Red King. Firas Zahabi says Rory MacDonald ‘was fighting a three-round pace, and Robbie Lawler was fighting a five-round pace’ at UFC 189.

Watch The MMA Hour with John Kavanagh, Urijah Faber, Michael Bisping, Ben Rothwell, Firas Zahabi, Todd Duffee, Jon Anik and Seán Sheehan.

MEDIA STEW

Behind the scenes at UFC 189.

Highlights from the UFC Fight Night: San Diego weigh-ins.

Dan Hardy breaks down Michael Bisping vs. Thales Leites and Ross Pearson vs. Evan Dunham for this weekend in Scotland.

Pros predict Frank Mir vs. Todd Duffee.

Play this at MY funeral.

TTTHS.

Long watches.

…

TWEETS

Why, Fedor?

Step aside, the Emperor is coming back. #TheGOAT pic.twitter.com/RzyQSEmzTA

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 14, 2015

Fedor is backkkkkk!!!

— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) July 14, 2015

Can I be the first to call out Fedor!!!! #MMA #UFC200

— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) July 15, 2015

FEDDOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! Shut up & take my $!!! https://t.co/B9xfEXVEnO

— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 15, 2015

Fedor is back!

— Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) July 14, 2015

FEDOR

— Georgi Karakhanyan (@georgimma) July 14, 2015

https://t.co/WpD9bJUX2C pic.twitter.com/v5WbCV5cYH

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 14, 2015

Dang.

pic.twitter.com/fu3We1wfVw

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 14, 2015

@Cowboycerrone don’t worry your time will come when you will be 0-2 against me

— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 15, 2015

Back at it.

Duty calls, #TUF22, Back in LV after 2 days home! Coulda used a longer break. fabiopradobjj got so… https://t.co/DdXp2RRYyR

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) July 15, 2015

Please be careful.

Okay I need to take lessons from @cowboycerrone I suck at wake boarding https://t.co/BV46Th2uae

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) July 15, 2015

Lordy.

There is a lot more going on then the people watching truly understand. Dangerous elements that can negatively https://t.co/DJBbgb1Ywl

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 15, 2015

Effect the fighter for the rest of their lives. Rory was fighting not only Robbie, but other things like aspiration https://t.co/DJBbgb1Ywl

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 15, 2015

Of blood. He is slowly starting to drown. He has to open his mouth to breath because his nose is crushed. By https://t.co/DJBbgb1Ywl

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 15, 2015

Opening his mouth &breathing hard blood is being sucked into his lungs making the transfer of oxygen less efficient https://t.co/DJBbgaKn7L

— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 15, 2015

What?

Competition for my neck tattoo the winner will receive a juggernaut pack any artist jus post designs here thanks http://t.co/JKRjSBvo5m

— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) July 15, 2015

Got the nose just right.

A fan of mine got my face tattooed on his leg! More fan stories in my article for @Yahoo: https://t.co/u91Owcsmnk pic.twitter.com/spMZtlgVrK

— Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) July 14, 2015

Johny and Kendrick. Together at last.

Love @kendricklamar‘s new Classic Ventilators. Thanks @Reebok! Available on July 18th!!! @ReebokClassics pic.twitter.com/AIFmwgExKV

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 14, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 14 2015)

NA

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Moving_Water

Attn: Jamesglory My UFC 189 experience

Hey everyone, ok so here’s why I’m posting this, after Aldo pulled out and the Mendes fight was announced I had commented on an article I would be keeping my ticket and my man Jamesglory replied said he was glad I kept it and to share my experience when I got back and I said I would. So since I’m a man of my word, and SB Nation doesn’t have mailbox messaging I tried to find an article he commented on and hope he would see it. BUT obv there’s so many articles coming out right now, it wasn’t easy to do! So this is copied from the comments in Dave Doyle’s UFC Weekend Aftermath, I didn’t see Jamesglory reply and I got some recs and replies, so we are (thanks to Emmery Myers) for Jamesglory, (my man, what a card! what a weekend!) and anyone else who might be interested in my experience there in Vegas:

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Wanderlei Silva isn’t happy.

He’s got issues with everything from Reebok to UFC president Dana White to the promotion’s treatment of featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

Silva’s become much more opinionated since he was handed a lifetime ban from fighting and fined $70,000 by the Nevada Athletic Commission in 2014 for evading a random drug test.

Silva began a crusade against White and the UFC, claiming their business practices were mistreating its athletes.

While the UFC’s uniform deal with Reebok got off relatively light, the former PRIDE FC champion tore into White Monday with another signature video rant.

In the aftermath of featherweight champion Jose Aldo’s controversial rib injury, Silva seems furious with White’s public remarks questioning the Brazilian’s mettle.

“It’s obvious that Aldo would never lie about an injury,” Silva says in the video. “So for me it’s absurd already that he had to prove it. But he did prove it and that still wasn’t enough. Then the [UFC] picks up some local doctor to say that the rib was not broken.

“But the x-ray doesn’t lie. So what’s going on? Did they pay a doctor here to say it wasn’t broken?”

Silva says he spoke to Aldo earlier this week and that the champ was ‘very upset.’

“Calling the biggest champion in history a liar?” said Silva. The big liar in this story is the promoter of the event. [White] is the only one who has anything to gain by lying. He’s the business man who only cares about his bank account. He’s never been punched in his face. He doesn’t know what it’s like to train with a broken rib.”

Silva took exception with his perception of an obvious favoritism being placed on Conor McGregor, now the UFC interim featherweight champion.

For instance, after scoring a TKO win over Chad Mendes at UFC 189, McGregor was filmed toasting backstage with UFC brass. Silva even called the main event a ‘fake fight’ on Twitter before asking his fans if they believed the fight had been fixed.

“The promoter of an event can’t take sides,” said Silva. “He can’t give better conditions to one fighter over the other. Everyone has to be treated with quality. This guy just has to be put in his place. His job is only to set up the Octagon and arrange the music.”

Silva says White should have showed support for Aldo, but ‘slandered’ him instead.

“Aldo invested a lot of time and money into this camp, even brought help from overseas,” Silva said. “Nobody came to help him with his losses. Not financially, morally nor physically. Alone he suffered all the damages. instead of [White] helping and supporting Aldo he tries to dishonestly slander Aldo’s image.”

According to White, McGregor will challenge Aldo later this year to unify the UFC featherweight title.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Monday Morning Analyst. Luke Thomas breaks down the techniques from UFC 189’s main card.

Get paid. Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes pocket $500,000 paydays at UFC 189.

Ouch. Chad Mendes broke his right thumb early in the first round against Conor McGregor at UFC 189 and may need surgery.

Aftermath. In the wake of Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, Dave Doyle ponders the price of an instant classic.

Medical suspensions. Rory MacDonald could be out for six months due to his fractured nose and foot.

MEDIA STEW

The crew talks overexposing Conor McGregor.

CM Punk says striking is his best skill right now.

Chris Weidman says he’s moving up to light heavyweight soon because there’s no competition at 185 pounds.

Max Holloway loves him some Conor McGregor.

Anderson Silva should talk to the Marlins.

(via MMA Mania)

MMAortal Kombat.

Long watches.

Knuckle Up #357: UFC 189 + a query: how does it feel to be a sucker?

…

Submission Radio – UFC 189 Breakdown Special! w/ Tommy Toe Hold & Dave Meltzer

TWEETS

Nice.

@EllenbergerMMA thank you my friend.. Was an honor to step in the cage with such a good fighter and good guy

— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) July 14, 2015

Hang in there.

Hey @RdosAnjosMMA please please let’s do this September, October. I’m going crazy. Feel like a creak head out of crack

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 14, 2015

The Chad.

What an INSANE two weeks! We didn’t get the W but it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s such an… https://t.co/hfkNf5ke1X

— chad mendes (@chadmendes) July 13, 2015

Get well soon.

broken clavicle 3 weeks afterinjury.cartilage torn n rib out of Didn’ pull an aldoSingle mama need to feed her baby pic.twitter.com/y3bNGK1FUG

— Angela Magana UFC (@AngelaMagana1) July 14, 2015

Feeling stronger by the week…stay patient with me, I’m working my body + my brain ALWAYS! I’ll b… https://t.co/ZgV0I4GOsS

— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) July 13, 2015

.@FFaasii I’ll be back to fix this weird situation with these imposters soon. Thnx

— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) July 13, 2015

This was tough to look at last night but the Dr did an AMAZING job fixing it. Lawler looked great tonight. pic.twitter.com/HFubRvy37s

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 13, 2015

Beef.

Congrats @MarcinHeld peace and blessings to you and your new wife… Now let’s fight 🙂 https://t.co/mFGsGZNvY7

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 13, 2015

@danawhite shut up you are not warrion to speak like warrior, who has never been to war can not… https://t.co/WfrsBiVer7

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) July 13, 2015

I’m hungry!!! #horsewomankiller #andnew #UFC190 FAMINTA! https://t.co/7VrxTwRzn1

— Bethe (@bethecorreia) July 14, 2015

Almost.

On top. pic.twitter.com/5lzaRwttsO

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 13, 2015

Interested?

Let’s go https://t.co/DCrU6QEZVm

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 13, 2015

“@M_Williams_GT: Cowboy hey Cowboy, should @FrankieEdgar and @TheNotoriousMMA be the next featherweight fight? #peopleschamp #ironarmy” Yes

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 14, 2015

Now he’s excited.

@danawhite im on my way!

— Gunnar Nelson (@GunniNelson) July 13, 2015

@GunniNelson awesome!!

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 13, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 13 2015)

NA

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Frankie Edgar may have lost the game of musical chairs but he got a front row seat to The Conor McGregor Show Saturday night at UFC 189.

The former lightweight champ was passed over to face McGregor for the interim featherweight title in favor of No. 1 ranked Chad Mendes. ‘Money’ did an admirable job given the lack of a training camp, taking the fight in just 18 days notice.

“I think it was going [Mendes’] way,” Edgar said post-fight at UFC 189. “He was able to get takedowns. Credit to Conor, he was able to stay composed and get back to his feet. Chad seemed to slow down, get tired. Taking a fight on short notice like that and Conor capitalized.”

Aided by a number of body shots from McGregor, Mendes’ cardio seemed to start waning early. Despite Mendes scoring four takedowns and controlling his opponent on the mat, McGregor managed to get back to his feet and score a TKO late in the second round.

“It wasn’t flashy or anything,” Edgar said of McGregor’s ground game. “He was able to, I guess, keep Chad at bay. [McGregor] was eating some big shots. I was just impressed how when he did get back to his feet he was composed.”

Sitting at No. 2 in the division’s rankings, Edgar wants a shot at McGregor while UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo recovers from his controversial rib injury.

“Actually I went up to the cage and told Conor ‘Congrats’ and that why don’t me and him do it before Aldo,” Edgar said. “Who knows how long Aldo’s going to take. Let me and him figure this out.”

Well, that’s not going to happen according to UFC president Dana White. But if Edgar and McGregor ever get together further down the line the former champ likes his chances.

“I don’t know,” said Edgar. “I move a little more than Chad. I think my takedowns are there, like his. I feel like I’ve got good ground and pound. I don’t really slow down too much.”

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Post show. Ariel Helwani, Marc Raimondi and Shaun Al-Shatti break down the top storylines coming out of UFC 189.

‘Seeing is believing.’ Chuck Mindenhall explains how UFC interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor came up big in his moment of truth.

‘Jose is a different beast.’ Chad Mendes gives his thoughts on the eventual showdown between UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor.

‘I’ve never disrespected the guy in my life.’ UFC president Dana White isn’t happy about how the media reported his comments regarding Jose Aldo’s rib injury and withdrawal from UFC 189. ‘I don’t even know what to call them that work in this business that own some of these websites.’

‘A fight like tonight can change you.’ Dana White says Rory MacDonald ‘didn’t know what year it was’ after his loss to welterweight champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 189.

MEDIA STEW

Octagon interviews with Conor McGregor, Chad Mendes and Robbie Lawler.

Dana White calls UFC 189 ‘best UFC ever.’

Highlights from the UFC 189 post-fight presser. (full presser here)

McGregor reacts to his big win.

UFC’s 2015 Hall of Fame recap.

Conor McGregor and Urijah Faber will coach lightweights from Europe and the U.S. for TUF 22.

Stephen Thompson with another KO.

Long watches.

Connor McGregor vs Chad Mendes (Gracie Breakdown)

…

Ben Fowlkes Post- UFC 189 Breakdown: “Frankie Edgar will be licking his chops after that”

…

TWEETS

See how the pros reacted to UFC 189 (here) and the TUF 21 Finale (here)

Victory lap.

We did it 🙂 pic.twitter.com/RHaIYyi9Ri

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 12, 2015

Thanks @rory_macdonald for an amazing fight!! Class act ,much respect for you!!

— robbie lawler (@Ruthless_RL) July 13, 2015

In the end you find admiration and respect for one another. Thank you @ruthless_rl and @romac_gorilla for the amazing fight! Thank u to all the fans for the support!! #blessed

A photo posted by Firas Zahabi (@firas_zahabi) on Jul 11, 2015 at 9:51pm PDT

Ain’t shit changed, just needed to get back to who I am & what I do. Line em up, my mindset is back baby! #LilHeathen http://t.co/GwYs2w7CFA

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) July 12, 2015

Vitoria Brasil, segundo round, obrigado a todos a bandeira verde e amarela é minha maior motivação https://t.co/XnOgFCoMDQ

— Thomas Almeida (@ThomasalmeidaCB) July 12, 2015

Also thanks to Tim Means for being a true goddamn warrior and fighting me like a man. He told me he’ll be back and I believe him.

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) July 13, 2015

I want to thank all my friends, family, coaches, sponsors and everyone who came to the fight to… https://t.co/HdWHKKgYBF

— Alex Garcia (@AlexGarciaMMA) July 12, 2015

Thanks for the scrap @HenBriones @ufc @Reebok #UFC189 pic.twitter.com/ABIxvjMHXK

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 12, 2015

THANK YOU HAWAII AND EVERYONE FOR THE SUPPORT!!!!!!! THIS FIGHT WAS A HUGE DEAL FOR ME AND THANK YOU… https://t.co/lsCfFlkh4C

— Louis Smolka (@LASTSAMURAIUFC) July 12, 2015

Better luck next time.

broken nose broken foot but ill be back pic.twitter.com/KAakEC0qTh

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) July 12, 2015

thank you @Ruthless_RL @ufc @Firas_Zahabi this was the best time of my life, ill never forget this fight pic.twitter.com/vKgWD6mp6e

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) July 12, 2015

(seemed to be unconfirmed by Dana, FWIW)

Dana just offered me a rematch and I accepted. #192

— Dennis Bermudez (@MenaceBermudez) July 12, 2015

Really sorry if I let anyone down tonight truly gutted @ThomasalmeidaCB is a true talent and I wish him all the best in the future @ufc

— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) July 12, 2015

Well wasn’t my night but I always learn from these things. Hats off to @IamTheImmortal. Heading home!

— tim means (@MeansTim) July 12, 2015

Sorry guys. Felt great walking out and in awesome shape, just couldn’t put it together how I wanted. Should of let loose more. #UFC189

— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) July 12, 2015

John was the better man tonight. No excuses.Thanks for the support. Failure defeats losers, but it inspires winners. pic.twitter.com/S65YRXJVZE

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) July 12, 2015

The defeat will never taste good, but the Irish fans reconoscan you tried to knock until the last moment, they call you by your name and pilon tell you that you want in a function in Dublin. PRICELESS !! #TheBureArmy #ufc #MGMGRAND #MMA #Henrybriones

La derrota nunca va a tener buen sabor, pero que los Fans IRLANDESES reconoscan que dejaste todo, te… https://t.co/ABorHJGU1m

— Henry Bure Briones (@HenBriones) July 12, 2015

That’s the way it goes no bad blood here pic.twitter.com/HmXPlNwnRB

— Neil 2 Tap Seery (@NeilSeeryMMA) July 12, 2015

More reactions.

Let’s do this Robbie Lawler…. #BiggRigg is coming! https://t.co/BapxLZ8JXW pic.twitter.com/FEg7grTiJB

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 12, 2015

Don’t need luck beat him once can do it again

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 12, 2015

People caught up in Connor whirlwind forgetting 2 things. -Mendes was filming a hunting show and not training 2… http://t.co/eE7RKg76ls

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 12, 2015

Proud of @chadmendes thanks for saving the card and being a warrior that you are on 2 weeks notice!!

— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 12, 2015

New European UFC CHAMPION‼️#AndNew Congrats @thenotoriousmma! #Repost @ufc with @repostap… http://t.co/XOUdm5kgEX pic.twitter.com/tP8A8r7VFc

— Joanna Jedrzejczyk (@joannamma) July 12, 2015

Lots of props to @chadmendes for taking this fight on 2 weeks notice and not make any excuses on loss!

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 12, 2015

As far as UFC memories I just had a great weekend. Thanks @Ruthless_RL and @ufc #UFCHallofFame

— Matt Hughes (@matthughes9x) July 12, 2015

Cool talking to a random guy @ breakfast whose first live fight card was last night, hooked for life now, truly appreciates all the fighters

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 12, 2015

Sitting next to a gentleman at breakfast who went to his first fight last night. Said it was the best thing he’d seen since Shania Twain lol

— Josh Samman (@JoshSamman) July 12, 2015

Congrats.

Tonight was such an amazing night! Thank you all so much for your support! Glory to God!

— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) July 13, 2015

If u ever wondered how I had confidence standing with Silva, machida, and belfort it was because I was sparring @WonderboyMMA #thebest

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 13, 2015

Thanks @CubSwanson it was nice doing business with you! pic.twitter.com/usZra2IKPa

— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) July 13, 2015

Holy shit! I just took a piss in between Don Frye & Dan Severn! I woulda took my phone out but I didnt want to get my ass kicked. #Legendary

— Danny Castillo (@lastcall155) July 12, 2015

Just bumped into @roynelsonufc and his new @corvette he always had power and now he has SPEED!! pic.twitter.com/o1g50U7N3X

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 13, 2015

Cool.

Jones is best ever https://t.co/vYkLtRutzc

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 13, 2015

TUF fun.

Looks Connor’s Jr high level wrestling hasn’t learned the drag re-drag drill yet. I’ve seen crack… https://t.co/MUSdGEXALh

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) July 11, 2015

Beef.

Maybe now @MeansTim can finally come get some ground game at @JacksonWinkMMA @GracieBarraNM we welcome you brother

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 12, 2015

@MeansTim still don’t know what it’s like to be #FINISHED I would be open to a 155 fight with you

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 12, 2015

@DiegoSanchezUFC lol then shut your mouth and come see me @170

— tim means (@MeansTim) July 12, 2015

Not a Conor fan?

Fake fights !! We will gonna be wwe, this is finish the line , I am so sad!

— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) July 13, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 10-12 2015)

NA

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via DROCK10.

You’re All Missing it. How McGregor really slayed the wrestler.

It was inevitable. It was unavoidable. It as even predicted. “IT”, is the excuse that Chad Mendez short camp is the real reason he lost, and not Conor McGregors unprecedented skills. I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked, Conor said it would happen, the internet said it would happen, and the way the fight appeared to go down, it’s not a completely ridiculous conclusion. However, I’d like to point out what everyone is missing. Conor said this was going to happen. Not that he would beat him in the 2nd round, but that Chad would take him down, and Conor would beat him up off his back, then stand up and beat him up on the feat. What you are all missing is that Conor speaks exactly the way he fights. 90% of it is for show, but if you listen closely, you can see the truth hiding behind all those fancy kicks; In this fight, the truth was Conors strategy, the most efficient man wins.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

Feel free to let the hyperbole fly on this one.

The UFC’s biggest night of the year certainly didn’t disappoint as featherweight phenom Conor McGregor scored a second-round TKO over fellow contender Chad Mendes to become the promotion’s interim champion at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In an instant classic and leading contender for ‘Fight of the Year,’ UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler pushed No. 1 contender Rory MacDonald to his breaking point to score a TKO win in the final championship round.

See how the pros reacted to all the action tonight at UFC 189.

LUCK OF THE IRISH

The issue is not if Mendez can take Connor down,but if he can KEEP HIM THERE? Mcgregor wins with range/space,I believe by KO @MonsterEnergy

— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) July 12, 2015

Ready to Rumble!! @chadmendes @ufc #UFC189 https://t.co/7NYDdZiHwi

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) July 12, 2015

Hype surrounding #UFC189 was never about the FIGHT. Was about the FIGHTER. His opponent is irrelevant. Also known as the Chael Sonnen effect

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) July 12, 2015

I hope Sinead tears up a pic of Mendes after Conor’s walkout. #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

If Connor loses tonight he can blame sinead oconnor

— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) July 12, 2015

Even the Irish singers aren’t good at what they do!

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 12, 2015

Well, mendes won the walkout music already #UFC189

— Ricardo Lamas (@RicardoLamasMMA) July 12, 2015

This is a game changer ! #ufc189

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 12, 2015

#sorrynotsorry @chadmendes #WalkOut way #moebetta then Conor’s! #RealMoneyTeam #ChadMendes #UFC189 #MURICA #LETSGO! pic.twitter.com/eqb1ZiOoYu

— Julianna Peña (@VenezuelanVixen) July 12, 2015

— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) July 12, 2015

Fucking chills…. Let’s go Chad! Put this dude on his ass!!! @chadmendes #UF189

— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) July 12, 2015

McGregor bleeds!

— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) July 12, 2015

Mendes 10-9. Looking great but just wish he had more time to prepare for this fight

— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) July 12, 2015

Imagine if @chadmendes had a full camp

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) July 12, 2015

In the midst of all this chaos Connor is still running his mouth from EVERY position. I love it! #UFC189

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) July 12, 2015

Chad looks a little tired, should win this rnd but man 5 rnds on 17 days training is really tough

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 12, 2015

Exposed #gomendes

— rachael ostovich (@rachaelostovich) July 12, 2015

McGregor: “Herb I’ve fallen and can’t get up, please help”

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 12, 2015

The best @TheNotoriousMMA #ufc189

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) July 12, 2015

Wow!!!! @ufc #ufc189

— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) July 12, 2015

That was a little early on that stop. Bad call

— Daron Cruickshank (@Cruickshank155) July 12, 2015

That stoppage looked a little premature

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) July 12, 2015

To early to stop a title fight in my mind. #UFC189

— Aaron Riley (@aaronrileymma) July 12, 2015

Chad looked gassed the fuck out.

— Boom Boom (@BostonSalmon) July 12, 2015

Mendes controls all of rd 2 in the guard but with 30sec left they get up and he has nothing left. Connor wins by Tko #ufc189

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 12, 2015

Gotta give it to mcgregor. Hard shots and he ate them. But I think if we see a full camp mendes, were looking at completely different fight

— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) July 12, 2015

Give Chad an immediate rematch, he didn’t get out skilled. He fought a guy who was in a 3 month camp and he stepped up on 2 weeks notice.

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 12, 2015

WTF that was a way early stoppage!!!

— Ulysses Gomez (@uselessgomez) July 12, 2015

Mendes beats his ass on a full training camp.

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) July 12, 2015

Congrats @TheNotoriousMMA , fashion icon, talker, son , boyfriend………..CHAMPION! Congrats buddy!

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 12, 2015

Nothing to say but simply amazing. Different level of striker. @TheNotoriousMMA has indeed changed the game! #TheMcGregorEffect

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2015

Congratulations to the first Irish @ufc champion @TheNotoriousMMA #ufc189

— Joseph duffy (@Duffy_MMA) July 12, 2015

@TheNotoriousMMA is the real deal come on @josealdojunior heal up and show him who the real champ is.

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) July 12, 2015

Somewhere Steven Seagal is taking credit for that win. #UFC189 http://t.co/XZO9cBse6O

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) July 12, 2015

Super classy interview with @chadmendes. Always a fan. #ufc189

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 12, 2015

Congrats to @TheNotoriousMMA & @chadmendes amazing fights. #UFC189

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) July 12, 2015

Crazy event !! Congrats to @TheNotoriousMMA

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 12, 2015

Best @ufc ever! @TheNotoriousMMA is the biggest star we’ve ever seen. Amazing night of fights! Thanks for tuning in #fightcompanion #UFC189

— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) July 12, 2015

I’ll fight ..

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) July 12, 2015

AND STILL

Sending all of my energy to one of the men I respect and appreciate with 100% of my being @Ruthless_RL #andstill

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 12, 2015

I’m so happy for Rory; he deserves this moment. This chance for glory. #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

This should be an interesting one! #UFC189 @ufc I want that belt baaaaaaack!

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 12, 2015

First RD even, 2nd RD for Lawler. #UFC189

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 12, 2015

Rory starting to look like a walking dead extra tho…

— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) July 12, 2015

Is this why Rory is called the Red King? Nice face paint.

— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) July 12, 2015

Holy shit! We have a fight! @ufc #LawlerVsMacDonald

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) July 12, 2015

Ladies and gentlemen, we officially have a war on our hands. #UFC189

— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) July 12, 2015

Robbie controlling rd 3 until last 35 sec where Rory lands a head kick and opens up on him. Robbie rocked at the bell 2-1 Rory #ufc189

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 12, 2015

The Real Main Event! #UFC189

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 12, 2015

Finish HIM!!!!!

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

WAR!!!!!!!!!!! #UFC189

— Dana White (@danawhite) July 12, 2015

Wow. Amazing fight. 2-2 going to fifth.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 12, 2015

#UFC189 Lawler vs Macdonald OH MY GAWD!!! #Respect #TheOnceAndFutureKing

— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) July 12, 2015

Sick sick sick knockout by Lawler #ufc189 @ufc

— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) July 12, 2015

#Lawler may not be human. My complete and utter respect for both him and #MacDonald #studs #UFC189 #AndStill

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2015

MMA’s Mike Tyson!!! Ruthless Robbie Lawler

— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) July 12, 2015

Robbie lands a cross that looked like it crumpled Rory to get the Tko in rd 5. Great fight! #andstill #ufc189

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 12, 2015

What a f#×kin fight! Those boys are Champs. Hats off to both of u @Ruthless_RL and @rory_macdonald no loser in that fight. Whay heart!

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 12, 2015

Huge congrats to the champ Lawler! Both warriors!! #UFC189

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 12, 2015

Let’s do this Robbie Lawler…. #BiggRigg is coming! https://t.co/BapxLZ8JXW pic.twitter.com/FEg7grTiJB

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 12, 2015

There isn’t a fight Joe Rogan has called that hasn’t been the greatest fight he’s ever seen. But he had that one right. #UFC189

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) July 12, 2015

It is my understanding that all 3 judges had it 3 rounds to 1 for #MacDonald heading into round 5. #UFC189

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2015

From @MikeyJ_MMA: Robbie Lawler visiting Rory McDonald post-fight #Respect pic.twitter.com/xRyeHV0pxc

— Mike Kovacs (@LWOSworld) July 12, 2015

I’LL HAVE ANOTHER

Been pumped to watch my boy @LiLHeathenMMA bring the pain in this scrap with Bermudez. #UFC189 #Monsterenergy

— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) July 12, 2015

Lil Heathen is The Shining-level bloody right now . #UFC189

— Sean O’Connell (@realOCsports) July 12, 2015

Now that’s a blood bath

— Randa Markos (@randamma) July 12, 2015

This fight is bananas!!!!! Both got dropped with Bermudez getting the worst of it. Fight is even and for sure FOTN #ufc189

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 12, 2015

Daaamnnnnn! Nasty #UFC189

— Jerome-Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 12, 2015

Second flying knee! Love it. Awesome work @LiLHeathenMMA! #ufc189

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 12, 2015

That’s gotta be the fight of the night Wow!

— Randa Markos (@randamma) July 12, 2015

Well, nevermind judges, we never trust you anyway

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 12, 2015

2 flying knee KO’s in 1 night??? Wow. Crazy! @ufc @danawhite @lorenzofertitta

— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) July 12, 2015

Every body getting $50k tonight lol #UFC189

— Terrion Flash Ware (@flashmma) July 12, 2015

Heck yeah @LiLHeathenMMA !! Crazy fight and a crazy knockout!!@ufc

— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) July 12, 2015

The @Reebok stuff looks great but the white shows so much blood. #UFC189

— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) July 12, 2015

@LiLHeathenMMA #Killer @ufc #ufc #UFC189 #UFCFightWeek the walk out song should given his performance away!! “Real MuthasPhuckin G’s!” #FOTN

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) July 12, 2015

Back me into a corner in life, a fight, anything or anywhere…. I’m knocking anyone out! Thanks for all the love and support! #UFC189

— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) July 12, 2015

Dana just offered me a rematch and I accepted. #192

— Dennis Bermudez (@MenaceBermudez) July 12, 2015

IRELAND’S OWN

Brandon thatch same height and reach as me, didnt do me any good against him lol

— Danny Mitchell (@DannyAranha) July 12, 2015

Gunner Nelson is “DEAD FACE”, the Fedor face reincarnate. #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

Thatch making Gunner look like a lightweight. Another massive 170. Let’s see winner vs Matt Brown. #UFC189

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) July 12, 2015

0-2 jesus

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 12, 2015

Gunnar lulls you to sleep on your feet, drops you, then puts you to sleep on the ground. #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

Gunnar drops thatch with a hook cross then showcases fluid ground control to get the back and Rnc In rd 1 #ufc189

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 12, 2015

Did not see that going down quite like that. Impressive #UFC189 #

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 12, 2015

Great job @GunniNelson!

— Rick (@Rick_Story) July 12, 2015

That was awesome!!! ….but poor Thatch 🙁 that’s two RNCs in a row.

— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) July 12, 2015

Ken Shamrock watched the finish to Nelson vs Thatch and asked, “is that a new technique?” #UFC189 http://t.co/yXJSHDBr4b

— Chael Sonnen (@sonnench) July 12, 2015

@GunniNelson by rear naked choke 😉 Iceland and the Jiujitsu family smiles

— Renzo_Gracie_BJJ (@RenzoGracieBJJ) July 12, 2015

DAT KNEE

Serious question: anyone know how many times Brad Pickett’s nose has been broken? #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

This fight is going to be a fun fight to watch #UFC189 almeida is fun to watch

— Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) July 12, 2015

Pickett is getting after it here!

— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) July 12, 2015

Wow!! What a crazy first round

— Randa Markos (@randamma) July 12, 2015

Once Almeida warms up he’s a dynamo. Watch for his left hook to the liver. #UFC189

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2015

Wow. That double jumping knee KO sounded like a baseball bat hitting a side of beef. #UFC189

— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 12, 2015

That was a crazy ko! Sweet knee by Thomas Almeida #UFC189

— Jessica Penne (@JessicaPenne) July 12, 2015

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— Yves Edwards (@thugjitsumaster) July 12, 2015

My GOD that head snap on the canvas was brutal!! Sign of a complete KO

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) July 12, 2015

I’m literally speechless right now. Just WOW. @UFC #UFC189

— Elias Silvério (@EliasSilverio) July 12, 2015

Sick knee! That was a great fight and that knockout was awesome. @ufc

— Myles Jury (@FuryJury) July 12, 2015

What a great fight @One_Punch is a beast. One of the best fights I’ve seen in years. Head up brother.

— Kong Watson (@TomKongWatson) July 12, 2015

@kennyflorian oh and that double knee too. What an arsenal!!! The Brazilian Almeida remains undefeated. #UFC189

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 12, 2015

DAMN IT…….

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 12, 2015

Really sorry if I let anyone down tonight truly gutted @ThomasalmeidaCB is a true talent and I wish him all the best in the future @ufc

— Brad Pickett (@One_Punch) July 12, 2015

Apparently, Chad Mendes is a bit of an underdog to beat Conor McGregor this Saturday at UFC 189 in Las Vegas.

Luckily for UFC commentator Joe Rogan, he’ll be near a casino.

“I think Chad Mendes should be the favorite,” Rogan said Thursday afternoon on his podcast. “Chad Mendes knocked Ricardo Lamas, dead. Dead. With one punch. He smashes dudes. He goes after guys. He’s a destroyer.”

Joining in the conversation, UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub balked at the move to have promotional golden boy McGregor possibly derailed by Mendes prior to a showdown with featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

“See, I disagree,” said Rogan. “Mendes easily could be as big a star as Conor McGregor. He wouldn’t talk like Conor McGregor did, but neither did [former UFC welterweight champion] Georges St-Pierre. Georges St-Pierre was the biggest pay-per-view star of all time. Because he was a gentleman. Georges St-Pierre got a million pay-per-view buys.”

17-2 as a pro, Mendes’ only losses came at the hands of Aldo. Rogan says the 2014 ‘Fight of the Year’ rematch between ‘Money’ and Aldo at UFC 179 in Rio de Janeiro could have gone either way.

“The last fight was razor close,” said Rogan. “There’s an argument that could be made that if they fought in America [Mendes] would have won that decision. There’s also an argument to be made that if Jose Aldo didn’t land that late punch after the first round that knocked Mendes down and had him very hurt, it could have been a very different fight.

“Let me tell you something, if he goes out and starches Conor, he’s a giant.”

Mendes faces McGregor for the interim featherweight title July 11 in the main event at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

‘Little coward. Trying to be friendly.’ Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes trade barbs in intense UFC 189 press conference.

‘Travis is innocent.’ Travis Browne’s manager denies allegations that Browne abused his wife. ‘I think we have to look at the credibility of the behavior.’

Co-main. Marc Raimondi explains how welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald are basking in the lack of limelight at UFC 189.

‘I think he should stay at 155.’ Matt Brown says he’s happy Nate Diaz didn’t agree to fight him at UFC 189.

Diamond. Dustin Poirier says he’s interested in fighting in Dublin and gives advice to Mendes before he fights McGregor this weekend.

MEDIA STEW

UFC 189 embedded episode 8.

Highlights from the UFC 189 press conference.

Johny Hendricks only down to fight Tyron Woodley for the UFC welterweight title.

BJJ Scout previews McGregor vs. Mendes, Lawler vs. MacDonald and Nelson vs. Thatch.

Dana White explaining why UFC isn’t worried about throwing McGregor to Chad Mendes.

EA SPORTS UFC Simulation – Mendes vs. McGregor.

Long watches.

UFC 189 press conference video

…

Mike Swick: The Comeback – Ep #7: We Are AKA – Road To UFC 189

…

TWEETS

Not a fan of this look.

Mr. Multi. https://t.co/iok4WdzZiY pic.twitter.com/MRP5qw3h3l

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 10, 2015

Buds.

My guy rumble https://t.co/rRbH0MvxxM

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 10, 2015

@ufc eat your heart out! @JohnyHendricks pic.twitter.com/mull52bajO

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) July 9, 2015

Browne, I assume.

If it’s true, then I’ll do the fight for free, vale tudo, and no ref…..

— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) July 9, 2015

Congrats.

Exited to officially announce my partnership with @Reebok! Look forward to great things to come and bringing the @UFC belt back to Canada!

— Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) July 9, 2015

Very nice.

Wow @ChrisWeidmanUFC just raised $16k and @TimKennedyMMA $45k for @HireHeroesUSA by training people in MMA and marksmanship respectively

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 10, 2015

Super fun time bowling at the Charity Bowling event!!! 🙂 I smoked @UrijahFaber pic.twitter.com/xZQzUUlY5N

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) July 10, 2015

Beef.

I will smash sholler https://t.co/fqPDBJOgOk

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 9, 2015

Dear @Sholler_UFC remember when we where boys??

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 6, 2015

Cyborg, still horrifying.

And Cyborg wins in 45 sec. Not surprised, but happy for her nonetheless #AndStill #invictafc13

— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) July 10, 2015

Congrats and Happy Birthday to @CrisCyborg getting the :45 1st rd KO. You are the baddest women on the planet. @InvictaFights @Punishment99

— Tito Ortiz (@titoortiz) July 10, 2015

I would easily pay $100 for a PPV with Rousey vs. Cyborg headlining.

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) July 10, 2015

This Week in Struggle.

@mmamania what do u know about rapping. I killed that.

— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) July 8, 2015

Just spent 20min sticking my key card in doors trying to find my room. I was on the wrong floor, by 15 floors. Lol every time

— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) July 9, 2015

I hate when I burp and throw up almost comes up with it lol #randomfact

— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) July 9, 2015

So…. I did want a motorcycle before I saw the guy on his bike get his back tire clipped and swerved into on coming traffic. #nvm

— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) July 7, 2015

Dealing with complete morons on the daily✋

— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) July 7, 2015

Hey @MMAWorldSeries remember me? I took a new opponent on two hrs notice, cuz I’m a company guy. How bout booking me a fight? #billstopay

— Jake Heun (@JakeHeun) July 6, 2015

Name a job where you work hard every day and have no idea when you will get paid.

— Roxanne Modafferi (@Roxyfighter) July 6, 2015

That moment when you sneeze and pop your back out again… #OldFighterProblems again

— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) July 5, 2015

Sorry, guys. Despite having over a decade of experience in & over two dozen MMA fights, a dude on Twitter said I don’t know what I’m doing.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) July 8, 2015

My neurologist rubbed me wrong as soon as we met I should of picked 1 who is a fan of fighting Still didn’t release me have to get a MRI now

— Josh Clark (@joshclarkmma) July 7, 2015

Lost a brand new pair of Ray Bans and that, my friends, angers me.

— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) July 9, 2015

I am so sick of cooking … going through that phase of my diet right now

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) July 8, 2015

Welcome to Lake Oswego where you don’t matter as much as me. Really? You took the final THREE spots? pic.twitter.com/F01C0yow8l

— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) July 2, 2015

Antes do MMA, quando meu nariz era bonito! Hahahaha!! Before I did MMA when I had a beautiful nose…. https://t.co/qPPfrlXD6N

— Fabricio Werdum (@FabricioWerdum) July 8, 2015

Antes do MMA, quando meu nariz era bonito! Hahahaha!! Before I did MMA when I had a beautiful nose. Hahahaha! #redot #mhpstrong

A photo posted by Fabricio Werdum (@werdum) on Jul 8, 2015 at 9:26am PDT

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 9 2015)

Justin Gaethje vs. Luis Palomino at WSOF 23

Dave Branch vs. Teddy Holder at WSOF 23

Jake Matthews out, Mickael Lebout vs. Teemu Packalen at UFC Fight Night: Bisping vs. Leites

Kajan Johnson vs. Naoyuki Kotani at UFC Fight Night: Barnett vs. Nelson

Antonio Braga Neto out, Zak Cummings vs. Dominique Steele at UFC on FOX 16

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.

This is a tough one.

Sadly, one of Conor McGregor’s biggest fans won’t be able to see him compete this weekend at UFC 189.

Last month McGregor became close with a 14-year-old Irish teen battling leukemia named Brendan McGlone.

“What happened was I got a phone call from a person in the UFC, someone from the Make-A-Wish Foundation reached out to them,” McGregor told TSN Wednesday. “This kid from Ireland, he has leukemia and it was his final wish. I don’t know. They were saying, ‘This is probably his last wish and his last wish is to talk on the phone to you.’

“I rang the kid and we talked for a long, long time. I talked with his friends in the hospital, his family.”

@TheNotoriousMMA thanks for the call!!! Made my day pic.twitter.com/5dNhZtprKO

— Brendan Mcglone (@mcglone_brendan) June 9, 2015

During the call, McGregor promised Brendan he’d fly home after UFC 189 to visit him in the hospital, championship belt in tow.

“Conor was a great inspiration and said all the greats have faced a great battle in their life and that’s what I’m doing now,” Brendan told the Irish Mirror in June. “He has offered to come meet me when he’s back in Ireland with his belt.”

Me and Mike think it’s best to leave your Ma at home for the Vegas trip, but it’s your call champ? @mcglone_brendan pic.twitter.com/Uuh6Mim9y0

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 9, 2015

On July 6, Brendan’s family announced that the teen had passed.

“Today or last night he passed away and it f***ed my head up,” said McGregor. “This little kid is in Ireland and I’m telling the kid, ‘I’m going to take this belt and bring the belt to you and we’ll raise the belt.’ I would have done it. I would have flown him out to Las Vegas. They were thinking if maybe he got a little bit better we could fly him out to Vegas.

“It’s just a really sad situation. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve lost family members to cancer and it’s a horrible, horrible thing. I wish … I don’t know. It would have been nice if I could have maybe … I don’t know.”

McGregor faces Chad Mendes July 11 for the interim featherweight title at UFC 189 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

5 MUST-READ STORIES

Scrum. Conor McGregor discusses his weight cut, his possible bet with Dana White, Sinead O’Connor singing his walkout song, and much more.

Money. Chad Mendes says he’s letting Conor McGregor focus on money ‘while I’m beating a hole in his face.’

Chat Wrap. Luke Thomas previews UFC 189, the TUF 21 Finale and Invicta 13 in this week’s live chat.

‘Re-motivated.’ UFC welterweight contender Rory MacDonald spoke to the media at Wednesday’s UFC 189 open workouts about facing Robbie Lawler, changing his training camp, watching tape and much more.

Awful. UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer’s husband has been arrested for attempted murder following a domestic dispute.

MEDIA STEW

UFC 189 embedded episode 7.

Dana White talks UFC 189, Reebok and more.

McGregor talks Jose Aldo, fake champions, wrestlers and more.

Dana White says Frankie Edgar fighting Conor McGregor made no sense.

Rory’s had enough.

Been too long. Don Frye’s UFC 189 predictions.

Long watches.

UFC 189 Conor McGregor vs Chad Mendes Care/Don’t Care Preview + TUF Teams Finale

…

UFC 189: Conor McGregor Open Workout (Complete)

TWEETS

2015?

“@UFCONFOX: Khabib believes he’s the uncrowned king at 155lbs http://t.co/WbRVuCOpim pic.twitter.com/VmImRwL0Rk” Say when!

— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) July 9, 2015

Excited?

Oct 3rd Houston, Texas. UFC 192 Facing off with Rashad Evans. Can’t wait https://t.co/NyAhth6lqo

— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) July 9, 2015

Oh damn.

Connor McGregor looking A little indecisive in his open workout

— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) July 9, 2015

Tate vs. Cyborg?

It is not a “challenge” it was the answer to a question, would I fight @Criscyborge at 140? Yes, right opportunity https://t.co/r4MliDlLUE

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) July 9, 2015

Beef.

So tell me @MasioFullenMMA how does it feel to spend more time in a Plane than in a octagon? pic.twitter.com/9FvagWSKXP

— Makwan Amirkhani (@MakwanAmirkhani) July 8, 2015

Break my jaw? It seems like Mr Potato-Head is havin trouble keeping in one-piece these days. Try not to piss hot! @JohnnyEduardoN @danawhite

— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 8, 2015

Very cool.

Huge thank you to @TimKennedyMMA and @ChrisWeidmanUFC for donating incredible experiences for @HireHeroesUSA benefit in NYC tomorrow

— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) July 8, 2015

The real fighters!! @ufc thank u for trusting me to go and speak to these kids. Hopefully we made a positive impact! pic.twitter.com/iM4YAuHvIv

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) July 8, 2015

Careful.

Almost Just Scrapped in the parking lot with this hall of Famer! @bjpenndotcom hugged it out in the… https://t.co/dzdeNsGOk1

— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) July 9, 2015

Sorry, Johny.

. @DeandreJordan6 come to Dallas and I can teach you some moves like this- http://t.co/z4uZLtUFXW @mcuban

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 8, 2015

Wow. Maybe I owe Deandre Jordan one of these now- http://t.co/z4uZLtUFXW @swish41 @CVBelieve @bcuban let me know!!

— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) July 9, 2015

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announced yesterday (July 8 2015)

Ryan Bader vs. Rashad Evans at UFC 192

Hayder Hassan vs. Kamaru Usman at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale

Michael Graves vs. Vicente Luque at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale

FANPOST OF THE DAY

Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via TeepToTheJunk.

Poll: Lightweight according to Fightmatrix

Soooo…I should preface this with a big RESPECT to all fighters from the kings and queens down to ammies and students. 4 UFC cards in 8 days coming up, so lets get hyped up talking about the upper echelon of the sport’s deepest weightclass.

This fightmatrix LW divisional outlook makes a few things crystal clear. Being active counts for a lot in their system. Also it seems finishes are highly valued. Nurmy UD’d current #1 Dos Anjos just over a year ago but is only #6. This series I’m doing is not an endorsement of their system. It is a good starting point for a consensus argument we can have.

…

Check out the rest of the post here.

Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.