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Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about Sean O'Malley's title contention, the aspirations of Fight Circus, and more.
#3 Ex-UFC fighter Stevie Ray's daughter in need of brain surgery, Dana White donates
Former UFC fighter Stevie Ray and his wife Natalie have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for their daughter's brain surgery. Myla, 7, suffered a seizure during sleep in 2019 and was later diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia Type 2, a malformation of the brain's cortical development that causes refractory epilepsy.
The recurring seizures that Myla suffers due to the disease have a chance of putting her life at risk, as the condition dictates that eventually, the oral medications will stop having any effect. Due to a very long waiting list at NHS, the Rays have decided to take matters to a private hospital in London and requesting help.
Read about the matter in detail here.
Among the top donors on GoFundMe are the PFL (£15,000), where Ray is currently fighting at. Dana White (£10,000), Sean O'Connell (£4,000), Paddy Pimblett (£1,000), Shane Burgos (£1,000), and Kayla Harrison (£5,000) are also on the list. The goal was set at £100,000, of which £91,430 has been raised at the time of this writing.
To donate, go to gofundme.com.
#2 Sean O'Malley pulls himself out of imaginary backup slot
With Merab Dvalishvili refusing to fight his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling, No.2-ranked Sean O'Malley appears to be next in line for a bantamweight title shot. For the longest time, it was even rumored that he was serving as the backup fighter for the UFC 288 title fight between Sterling and Henry Cejudo.
However, now that the UFC did not make it official, 'Sugar' has withdrawn himself from the possible backup fighter status.
Speaking on his podcast TimboSugarShow, 'O'Malley said:
"They're five weeks out to the fight, if I got the call I'd be like, 'I'm not ready to do five f**king fives'. ... So I'm pulling out from backup fighter. I never officially was, but breaking news."
'Sugar' said he would need at least eight weeks to properly train for a potential title fight.
Check out Sean O'Malley's full comments about UFC 288 below (starting at the 58:29 mark):
O'Malley's comments are quite in contrast to the latest backup fighter surprise UFC fans were treated to. Colby Covington, who made a shocking return to serve as a potential replacement for Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards, claimed that he was contacted on the Tuesday, with the fight scheduled for Saturday.
#1 Fight Circus welcomes Alistair Overeem and all other suspended fighters
Fight Circus, an entertainment combat sports organization owned by Thailand's Full Metal Dojo is known for bizarre and freakshow fights. Ahead of their upcoming event that will feature veterans Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Bob Sapp, they made an outlandish claim on social media.
Fight Circus sent a message to Alistair Overeem, who was recently suspended by GLORY over a positive drug test.
"We ONLY test for STDs after it burns. We have a place for you legend."
They followed it up by opening their doors to all fighters who have been suspended or banned from fighting over steroid usage.
"I feel like ALL suspended fighters should be sent UP to Fight Circus. Then, they can fight their way back down to all those lower organizations like UFC, ONE FC, BELLATOR, BKFC etc. Lose your contract and fight to get it back. IMO of course."
