In the fast paced world of mixed martial arts we at Fighters Only know it’s hard to stay on top of all the latest news, so here’s five stories you may have missed this week.
Gustafsson rules out London
Despite tickets for UFC Fight Night London now on general sale the promotion is yet to announce a main event for the card, which is due to take place in the O2 Arena in the English capital on March 18th. Fans hopes were high that Swedish light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson may get the call to headline the card, but ‘The Mauler’ exclusively told FO yesterday that he won’t be involved, but is looking to make a return to the Octagon soon.
Bellator 170 hits 2m views
Tito Ortiz’s first round rear naked choke victory over Chael Sonnen at Bellator 170 drew huge numbers for Spike TV in the US. The main event peaked at 2.2 million viewers, making it the third most watched fight in Bellator’s history. Brit Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley got the rub of a massive main event as his flying knee knockout of Brennan Ward was seen by 2 million viewers.
Silva wants Bisping rematch
Following his unanimous decision loss to Michael Bisping last March in London, Anderson Silva wants a rematch – as long as it’s not in the UK. Speaking to AGFight, Silva said: “It would be perfect to fight with Bisping because there was something in the air. Not only with me, but also with Dan Henderson.
“There was something in the air there in London. I think if it was in a neutral place I would have won for sure. Regardless of the belt or anything, it would be interesting to fight Bisping again. But, of course, I would not (agree to fight in England again), certainly not.”
Iaquinta returns to UFC
Not happy with his pay packet, Al Iaquinta has been on hiatus from UFC competition for quite some time now and has picked up a gig as a real estate agent over in New Jersey. During his enforced absence he missed out on the opportunity to fight in his own back yard at Madison Square Garden at UFC 205. However, it now appears he may return soon after UFC matchmaker tweeted earlier today fans should expect to see the New Yorker back in action soon.
PVZ books it
A professional dancing queen on ‘Dancing with the Stars’, a professional mixed martial artist in the UFC and now UFC strawweight Paige VanZant can add professional author to her long list of accomplishments. This week PVZ announced she has a book deal in place. The 22-year-old’s autobiography should hit newsstand’s later in the year.