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Welcome to the inaugural edition of the MMA News round-up where we present to you five of the day's most trending stories in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.
The MMA community has been abuzz after former UFC interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier hinted at following in the footsteps of fellow fighter Nate Diaz. Boston's own Calvin Kattar is geared up to fight Zabit Magomedsharipov in his hometown of Moscow, Russia at UFC FIght Night 162 on Saturday.
Head coach at the Tristar Gym in Montreal, Firas Zahabi shared his views on the outcome of a possible fight between the Irish superstar Conor McGregor and the 'BMF' of the fight game, Jorge Masvidal. Robert Whittaker wants to make a return to the Octagon against Darren Till. Ahead of his trilogy fight against Stipe Miocic, Daniel Cormier is looking to make some serious improvements to his stand-up game as he announced that he will be working with a former two-time world heavyweight champion.
Here's a glance at the top 5 news in the world of MMA from today:
#5 Dustin Poirier to walk on Nate Diaz's path?
'The Diamond' Dustin Poirier posted a cryptic tweet in reply to Nate Diaz's recent post stating that latter is bidding goodbye to professional MMA. Poirier wrote "We finally agree on something" in reply to Diaz's post, hinting that he too, might want to call it quits or in the least, take some time off.
A reason behind Poirier looking to take some time off the sport could be the fact that he recently underwent surgery for a back injury. It may also be due to the fact that UFC denied him a rematch against Conor McGregor. (h/t Sportskeeda)
#4 Calvin Kattar seems to be enjoying his big underdog story
As his main event bout against Zabit Magomedsharipov in the latter's hometown of Moscow, Russia at UFC Fight Night 163 inches closer, Calvin Kattar is only gaining in confidence. Kattar is really enjoying being pitted against the crowd-favorite heading into the fight which is evident by his recent antics at the open workouts in Moscow.
At the event, Kattar drew the ire of the Russian crowd by pretending to kick at a backdrop display with Magomedsharipov's face on it. Kattar claimed that he will earn the respect of the crowd after beating the Dagestani fighter on Saturday.
“I feed off this (expletive). I know the Russians have a big fight fan-base out here and I want to earn every last one of them before I go back to the U.S.” (h/t Sportskeeda)
#3 Firas Zahabi picks Jorge Masvidal over Conor McGregor
With Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal trading barbs at each other, speculation is rife that the pair might step inside the Octagon on the Notorious One's return to MMA. McGregor recently said that he wanted a 'three-piece and a soda' served to him, taking a jibe at the recently crowned 'BMF' title holder Masvidal.
Head Coach of Tristar MMA, Firas Zahabi has predicted that in a match-up between Conor McGregor and Masvidal, Gamebred would surely have his hands raised if he manages to make it past the first couple of rounds against the Irishman.
While he hailed McGregor as the 'best puncher' in the UFC, he said that he would put his money on Masvidal in a fight between the pair as the new BMF titleholder is simply too big and strong for McGregor. He further stated that Masvidal just needs to weather the storm in the first two rounds, after which he would dominate Conor.
“I think (Masvidal) beats McGregor. I think McGregor is a great fighter. I just think Masvidal is too big. He’s a great puncher and has a great chin. If he takes McGregor past the two rounds, it’s going to be the Masvidal show. I think he’s very smart. I’m not saying McGregor has no chance of winning, but he’d have to win early and he’d have to connect with the left — and everybody kind of knows now what McGregor does. I think Masvidal’s gonna have a really good game plan, come prepared, and he’s a lot bigger." (h/t Sportskeeda)
#2 Robert Whittaker wants to fight Darren Till in comeback bout
After a failed attempt at defending his title against Israel Adesanya in the headliner of UFC 243, Robert Whittaker does not want to waste anymore time before stepping inside the cage and resume his quest to reclaim the middleweight title.
Whittaker also has an opponent in his mind, and it is none other than Englishman Darren Till who recently made a hugely successful debut at middleweight after beating Kelvin Gastelum via split decision in the co-headliner of UFC 245.
In and interview with The Daily Telegraph, Whittaker has also expressed the desire to fight Till in the latter's home turf.
“That’s the fight I’m currently interested in. Plus I’ve never been to Europe before, so what better reason to go?” (h/t BJ Penn.com)
#1 Daniel Cormier to work with legendary boxer George Foreman ahead of his trilogy fight against Stipe Miocic
Heading into the upcoming rubber match against Stipe Miocic, former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier has announced that he is going to work with former two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, the legendary boxer George Foreman. (h/t Sportskeeda)
Miocic and Cormier fought each other twice previously, with DC snatching the heavyweight title off Miocic in their first fight with a spectacular performance and Miocic reclaiming it in the second meeting. The trilogy fight between the pair is also rumored to be Cormier's final MMA bout.
With Foreman's addition to the team, Cormier is looking to up the ante with his striking and match Miocic blow for blow in the fight that will finally settle their rivalry once and for all.
