Looking for MMA news? This Week in MMA highlights the week’s upcoming fight cards, as well as can’t miss MMA news. Twitter beef? New fight announcement? New fighter signed to the roster? You’ll find the latest need-to-know news and information evolving in the MMA world right here in this weekly roundup. Whether it’s UFC, ONE Championship, Bellator, or another organization, you’ll learn the latest news right here.
In this week’s MMA news, check out upcoming fight cards that you don’t want to miss. Plus, Ovince Saint Preux plans to contest his UFC Vegas 30 loss, Justin Jaynes bet on himself in his fight against Charles Rosa and ONE Championship signed three new athletes.
MMA News: Coming Up This Week (6-28-21 to 7-4-21)
On Tuesday, June 29, catch ACA 125 live from the WoW Arena in Sochi, Russia, starting at 11 am ET/8 am PT. This card brings 10 new fights, including the main event match-up as Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev (25-6-0) meets Francisco De Lima Maciel (16-4-1.)
Fury Pro Grappling 1 kicks off July 2 at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT. The first-ever CFFC BJJ promotion airs live on UFC Fight Pass. The main event features Danielle Kelly against Sofia Amarante in a 115-pound contest.
Titan Fighting Championship 70 also takes place on Friday. Prelims start at 6 pm ET/3 pm PT. The main card starts at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. The event streams live on UFC Fight Pass. In the main event, Bruno Assis (10-5) meets Shane O’Shea (4-1.) Talita Alencar, five-time IBJJF black belt world champion, makes her professional MMA debut as she faces Staci Vega (0-1) in a women’s strawweight bout at Titan FC 70.
Also on Friday, LFA 110 will air live on UFC Fight Pass. The action starts at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. The 7-fight card features a championship doubleheader as light-heavyweights Joshua Silveira (5-0) and Jesse “Hollywood” Murray (8-3) meet in the main event. In the interim championship match, Charles “Inner G” Johnson (8-2) meets Yuma Horiuchi (8-3) for interim flyweight gold.
New UFC and Bellator Fights Announced
Recently announced fights confirmed by the respective organizations include the following athletes and cards:
Karolina Kowalkiewicz (12-6 MMA, 5-6 UFC) will take on Jessica Penne (13-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) at UFC 265 in the women’s strawweight bout.
Bellator 264 takes place on August 13th. The organization has confirmed that a middleweight title fight between champion Gegard Mousasi (47-7-2 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) and John Salter (18-4 MMA, 8-1 UFC) will headline the event.
A bout between Bethe Correia (11-5-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC) vs. Karol Rosa (14-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has been confirmed for UFC on ESPN+ 53.
Two fights have been added to UFC Fight Night set for October 9th. Women’s strawweight Lupita Godinez (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) fights Sam Hughes (5-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC) while Jamie Pickett (11-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) will take on Laureano Staropoli (9-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC.)
Saint Preux Contests UFC Loss
Ovince Saint Preux says he will contest his UFC Vegas 30 loss to Tanner Boser. After a poor first round, Saint Preux came in for the takedown, quickly gaining control over Boser. As Boser struggles to get back to his feet, he appears to grab the fence. Referee Jason Herzog placed his hand on Saint Preux’s back, then allowed the fight to continue. Boser landed a crushing right knee and a flurry of punches that ended the fight.
In a statement to MMA Fighting, Saint Preux said, “I felt the ref put his hand on my back, which is only done to pause the action or call a finish. I slightly paused and then the tide turned. We will be protesting and requesting a no-contest.” This loss is the second straight for Saint Preux, who last year was defeated by Jamahal Hill.
Boser denies grabbing the fence.
Justin Jaynes Loses His Entire $25,000 Purse After Rosa Split Decision Defeat
Justin Jaynes (16-7) lost his entire $25,000 purse after a split-decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28) defeat against Charles Rosa (13-5) at UFC Vegas 30. Jaynes said that he believed in himself enough that he was willing to put it all on the line. Jaynes quickly made it clear on social media that he did not regret betting on himself, saying that he would “do it again.” Jaynes entered the UFC Vegas 30 card on a three-fight losing streak, but this defeat certainly hurt a little bit more.
ONE Championship Signs Three New Athletes
Recently named as one of the “Top 10 Global Sports Properties” by Nielson, ONE Championship added three new athletes to its roster of talent. Kickboxer Qiu Jianliang and MMA professionals Zhang Lipeng and “The Prince” Banma Duoji anticipate making huge impacts fighting in their respective divisions.
Carmouche 35-Second Knockout
Bellator’s Liz Carmouche (3-0 BMMA) upheld her undefeated promotional record Friday night at Bellator 261 after a 0:35 knockout against Kana Watanabe (2-1 BMMA.) Now, Carmouche says she earned a title shot and hopes to seal her shot as the Bellator No. 1 contender after the impressive KO.
McGregor Provides Funding for IMMAF Youth MMA Championship
On Monday, June 28, IMMAF announced that former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, Conor McGregor (22-5 MMA, 10-3 UFC,) will provide funding for 27 fighters ranging in ages from 12 – 18 and 20 coaches who can now attend this year’s International Mixed Martial Arts Federation youth MMA championship without the worry of financial burden.
Conor McGregor is sponsoring the entire Irish youth team to participate in the 2021 IMMAF Youth MMA Championships, the organization announced.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 28, 2021
“Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year!” McGregor told the IMMAF. We love the kids, great to see this act of kindness from UFC’s former bad boy.
See you next week for more MMA news and information! In the meantime, follow me on Twitter @AmandaG_LWOS.
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