Here is the Friday edition of MMA Rumors. The combat sports world is touting Francis Ngannou as a live dog in his upcoming boxing match with the Lineal Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury. Dana White continues to drive more rumors this time dropping hints at why Stipe Miocic wasn’t offered another fight as well as a change for the lightweight title picture.
This edition of MMA rumors will go over what is next at lightweight, more and more pros picking Francis Ngannou to upset the champion, and Miocic finally getting respect from Dana White.
All MMA rumors come from the original source and are subject to change.
More and More Pros are Leaning Towards Ngannou
Rumor: Francis Ngannou has a chance to upset Tyson Fury on Saturday when the two faceoff. Several prominent fighters and trainers such as Teddy Atlas and Devin Haney think the former UFC Champion has a chance to shock the world.
Analysis: Any money sent to a sportsbook that includes a bet that is reliant on Ngannou winning is a donation to that company. Tyson Fury is the greatest heavyweight champion of this generation and has a complete skill set. He has top-tier defense, a great chin that has been tested, and he has no problem taking a boxer deep before drowning them late in the fight. It will be a long night for Francis Ngannou.
Charles Oliveira May Not Be Next in Line
Rumor: Dana White is unsure if Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje will get the next crack at the lightweight championship.
Analysis: In his post-Powerslap press session, Dana White hinted that Charles Oliveira may have to wait for a title shot. He told the media that was present “that’s all going to be determined by his cut, it was a pretty nasty cut. It was pretty deep. The thing that’s really good about it is he went to a plastic surgeon, so they sewed it up from the inside out, and hopefully, that’s going to help it heal faster and heal properly.” If it turns out that Justin Gaethje is the choice for the title shot, the fans are still winners. There is no wrong choice between the two former champions, either will be a must-see matchup with Islam Makhachev.
Dana White Didn’t Offer Stipe Miocic Title Shot
Rumor: Dana White at the media session linked above said he didn’t offer Stipe Miocic an interim title shot out of “respect.”
Analysis: The UFC and Stipe Miocic have never shied away from their heated relationship over the years. There is a reason the former heavyweight champion has only fought five times in the last five years after fighting four times in two. White may claim that they didn’t offer him a shot out of respect but he wasn’t offered one because it wasn’t worth the negotiations and the money. Despite the UFC charging $900 for nosebleed seats in Madison Square Garden, the promotion took the cheap way out and went with another heavyweight title fight.
