Geo’s Weekly Round-Up:

Geo’s Weekly Round-Up:

By Geo Youngson

The Return of Conor McGregor

The biggest news story of this week is undoubtedly the return of Conor McGregor, who will challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC lightweight belt at UFC 229 Oct 6th in Las Vegas.

Whether you like McGregor or not, whether you think he deserves this title shot or not, whether you think he should have been punished for the bus incident or not, the UFC needs him back.

Recent numbers have not been what was expected or needed so the return of undoubted needle mover McGregor will hopefully show us how the market really is.

The Return of Nate Diaz

Just behind the McGregor comeback in terms of interest is the announcement that Nate Diaz will be returning to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 229. In true Diaz fashion though there is always an issue and right after the press conference where he faced off with Poirier he Tweeted that he wasn’t fighting in that event.

Obviously Nate thought he was the main event at the press event then got upstaged by the McGregor Show. My money is on him still fighting though but you know these Diaz boys and their unpredictability.

Eddie Alvarez is a Free Agent

Just before the Dustin Poirier fight it was reported that it would be the last fight on Alvarez current contract. The UFC had tried to sit down with him earlier to agree a new deal but they couldn’t come to terms.

Looks like Eddie was taking a chance, a gamble on himself beating Poirier then as a potential title challenger having much more bargaining power. Obviously it didn’t work out as planned so we will see what happens. Lets see if Bellator throw some money at him and lets see if the UFC match it. I would imagine he will still be at the UFC with and improved deal after he explores his options but you never know.

Cub Swanson – Generous or Silly

It was reported that Cub Swanson had spent $26,000 on tickets and stuff for family and friends who were going to UFC 226. Worth mentioning that Swanson’s pay from his last fight was $76,000 and since he lost to Moicano so no win bonus, that $26K represents a lot of his money. And to think, fighters complain about being broke.

Cyborg Blasts The UFC….. Again

Cris Cyborg doesn’t seem happy unless she is smashing someone’s face in. The more time she has off the more she finds to complain about. This time she went off about the UFC not promoting Brazilians, using Ketlan Vieira as an example. She says that since Amanda Nunes is injured/on vacation/moving up to 145, Ketlan Vieira should be getting an interim title shot rather than be fighting unranked opposition.

Tyson Fury

Ex heavyweight champ Tyson Fury claims that he has negotiated a deal to face Deontay Wilder in December in Las Vegas.

Fury’s next fight is against Francesco Pianeta in August but he’s obviously expecting no problems there and with AJ and Wilder not managing to strike a deal, Fury has seen a way in and good for him.

Teixeira vs Maunwa

A couple of years ago this would have been a blockbuster but I don’t think things have turned out as expected. At one point both guys were deemed to have real potential but no it seems they are fighting each other for relevance.

They will square up at UFC Fight Night Sao Paulo on September 22nd.

AND NEW………. AND STILL

In what must be considered an upset, last night at UFC 227 Henry Cejudo beat Demetrios Johnson by split decision over five rounds. It was Johnson’s first loss since 2011 and was what would have been his 12th title defence. Its some accomplishment for Cejudo, Olympic gold medalist then UFC gold…..wow.

In the nights other fight it was history repeating itself when TJ Dillashaw knocked out Cody Garbrandt to retain his title and put their rivalry on the shelf for now.

Whats Next For Dillashaw?

Well Cejudo said he wants him and you have Assuncao who deserves a crack and then there is Marlon Moraes and then of course Dominick Cruz so the division is looking as exciting as ever.

I would like to point out that the views and opinions contained here are mine and do not necessarily represent the opinion of anyone who may publish this piece.

Twitter – @Geo_youngson