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MMA News Round-Up: Stipe Miocic Confirms Jon Jones Matchup, Complaint Lodged Against Bo Nickal, Francis Ngannou’s Post UFC 285 Message

Published 03/07/2023, 10:00 AM EST

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UFC 285 was a very exciting affair. Jon Jones completed his fairytale return to the UFC with a win over Ciryl Gane. He then expressed his wish to fight Stipe Miocic. His call-out has now got a response from the 40-year-old. The heavyweights engaging in a verbal duel will only excite fans. Meanwhile, another winner from UFC 285, Bo Nickal, is not too happy after his opposition team registered a complaint against him, accusing him of foul play. Francis Ngannou who recently exited the UFC dropping the opportunity to fight, ‘Bones’, has now expressed his wish to face the latter. He, however, looked sure about the fact that the possibilities of that fight were negligible. Find details on all this hot news in today’s edition of the MMA Round-up.

Stipe Miocic sends a cold message to Jon Jones

Stipe Miocic is a very capable fighter. The man is ranked #2 in the heavyweight division and it appears that he will be facing the champion Jon Jones next. ‘Bones’ had called out Miocic after his win over Ciryl Gane. He had mentioned ‘The Silencer’ as being a firefighter in a dig.

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Although Stipe Miocic came out with a response, he didn’t look too perturbed by what Jon Jones had to say about his profession. Talking to MMA Fighting, Miocic said, “I think everyone tries to say that and they realize they’re in a world of hurt when it’s not happening the way they want.”

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He further added, “I don’t know if he knows this, but I’ve been a fireman the whole time I’ve been in my career in the UFC. But whatever, that’s none of my business. I don’t really care.”

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The statement may be the beginning of a war of words between the two absolutely amazing fighters, who are both regarded as the best at what they do. Fans, however, can expect exciting times ahead.

Bo Nickal’s victory under scanner after foul play allegations

Bo Nickal secured a first-round victory at UFC 285. Days later, it looks like he may be in trouble. His opponent Jamie Pickett‘s team has complained about an alleged low blow that Nickal landed on Pickett‘s groin. According to the latter’s team, he was dealing with the low blow when he was taken down and submitted by the 7-0 record holder. Team Pickett is now filing a complaint with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Pickett‘s manager in a statement to MMA Junkie wrote, “It’s very important that like all other major sports (including collegiate sports) replays are necessary to manage fair play It seems these types of issues from judges and officials are becoming more and more common in MMA. At the end of the day they (officials) are human; however, a fighter who trains his a** off should not be penalized for mistakes by individuals who are paid to make the best judgments for the integrity of the sport.”

Responding to the allegations, Nickal has been very stern that he was not involved in any foul play and said that he was not a cheater and doesn’t take shortcuts.

Francis Ngannou wants to face the new heavyweight champion

Francis Ngannou walked away from the UFC, but it seems his heart is still in the heavyweight division. As the new champion Jon Jones captured the belt, the Cameroonian congratulated him on his victory. He, however, didn’t miss out on letting ‘Bones’ know that’s considered himself to be the heavyweight champion despite not having the belt.

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The statement drew a response from Jones, who called Ngannou a “Big old p***y“. Ngannou did not directly comment anything about the expletives hurled at him by Jones. He however said, “A fight that I would have liked to have, but unfortunately, we are not there,” Ngannou said about facing Jones. “That fight didn’t happen and probably will never happen now that he’s on a very long contract with the UFC. So that’s not happening anymore.”

via Imago

Ngannou seems right in his calculations that the probability of a Jones vs Ngannou is really low, but fans would have loved to see the two have a go at each other. More exciting stories from the world of MMA in the next edition.

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Watch This Story: MMA pros react to Jon Jones flawless Performance at UFC 285

 

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Written by:

Akshay Pallav

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Akshay Pallav is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his undergraduation from National Institute of Fashion Technology in Apparel Production, he has been a sports enthusiast all his life and has several medals at the University level across multiple sports including basketball, badminton, track and field. He aspires to interview Conor McGregor and Cristiano Ronaldo someday.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana