Despite being the fan favorite, Kai Asakura failed to put a dent in Alexandre Pantoja‘s armor as the flyweight king. The Rizin bantamweight champion was defeated by the UFC flyweight champion, and with the entire flyweight division now virtually cleared by ‘The Cannibal,’ Khabib Nurmagomedov has a unique proposition for them. What is it? Let’s find out in today’s episode of MMA Roundup, breaking down the latest fight news from the last 24 hours in bite-sized information.

From the flyweight division, we will move on to Conor McGregor, who shared a wholesome video with the MMA world. Then, we will move on forward for some bad news a UFC veteran has for PFL and GFL. Finally, we will end our segment with some information about former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants Henry Cejudo to take on Alexandre Pantoja 

The current flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja appears to be unstoppable as ‘The Cannibal’ has been defending his title like a mother bear defending its cubs. The UFC had to rope in Rizin’s bantamweight champion Kai Asakura to take on Pantoja at UFC 310 but despite his best efforts, the Brazilian submitted him in the second round to successfully defend his flyweight title. Well, looking at his dominance, former lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov asserted that Henry Cejudo should be the one to decrown the flyweight champ.

While having a candid conversation with the media, Khabib Nurmagomedov asserted that Pantoja doesn’t have any challenge in front of him right now and Henry Cejudo is the best option for him. “There is no other option for Pantoja. There is no fight. I think if they want some big fight for this weight class, they have to make this: Cejudo vs. Pantoja.”

The former flyweight and bantamweight champion, self-proclaimed ‘Triple C’,  has revealed plans of returning to the flyweight division after his comeback fight against Merab Dvalishvili ended in disaster. Moving on, from active UFC fighters, let’s look at an inactive one, Conor McGregor, who shared something heartwarming on social media.

Conor McGregor raises parents’ goal in his latest video

Last year was pretty tough for the former dual-weight champion of the world, Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious’ had to endure character assassination specifically due to the fact that he lost his civil assault case against Nikita Hand in what she described as a heinous act committed by the Irishman. In addition to paying damages to the plaintiff, multiple businesses, that had partnerships with Conor McGregor canceled their deals with him following the lawsuit verdict.

‘Mystic Mac’ also had to suffer the consequences of the suit, as long-time fans who once defended ‘The Notorious’, turned on him. But now it appears that the wounds of the legal battle are starting to heal as the UFC star was seen enjoying the new year with his family. MMAProsPicks recently uploaded a wholesome video of McGregor playing with his son. In the video, his son was seen executing a clean armbar on him, causing McGregor to tap out in glee. Quite a wholesome moment. But from that moment, it’s time to look at some gloomy news regarding the UFC’s rivals PFL and GFL.

Matt Brown feels PFL and GFL may not survive in the future

The UFC is the biggest MMA promotion in the world, and trying to shake it from its dominant position is nigh impossible. Interestingly, PFL and the newly registered GFL are trying to rattle the UFC’s feathers but might not be successful according to a UFC legend. Former UFC fighter, Matt Brown, in one of his statements to the media, asserted that promotions like PFL and GFL, who have a fighter-first approach might not survive in the near future.

There’s only been one truly successful fight promotion in history — the UFC,” Brown said on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “They did not build it by helping fighters. I think that’s where they’re all kind of f*cking up. I say that as a former fighter, I want to see everybody get paid and do well but the UFC built their business lowballing fighters and still almost went out of business.

He further stated, “There are still a lot of arguments about how they take care of their fighters even today. I find it hard to believe that making it a fighter-based, help-the-fighter promotion is really the way to build a promotion. I hate saying that because I love that they care about the fighters. I love the thought process behind it, but is that going to build a promotion? I have a hard time believing it.”

Well, Dana White and the Fertitta went into a $40 million debt after acquiring a struggling UFC decades ago and were even on the verge of shutting it down. However, with the help of a few friends along the way, a TV deal with The Ultimate Fighter show, and relentless marketing, the promotion found its way to the top of the mountain, and there’s no stopping them now. Speaking of UFC and rival promotions, Sean O’Malley was seen at a particular event in the Island nation of Japan. Let’s take a closer look.

Sean O’Malley arrives in Japan for Rizin Decade

Sean O’Malley has yet to return to the Octagon following his last defeat against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306. The former bantamweight champion is currently enjoying time with his family and friends after losing the belt. Interestingly, he made a surprise appearance at the Rizin Decade event, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

Arriving in the ring wearing a pink kimono, O’Malley expressed his gratitude to all his Japanese fans, stating that he was thankful to be there. Regardless, at the post-fight press conference, O’Malley emphasized that he would love to compete in Japan if the UFC ever hosted an event there, “Right now, obviously I’m with the UFC. I plan to be with the UFC forever, so if the UFC comes here one day, I would love to fight in this arena. There’s a good energy here.”

Speaking on the Rizin event, he further added, “The production of the show was incredible, the energy in the arena was incredible, the ring girls are incredible. Overall impression of Japan, this has been the most fun trip I’ve ever been on and I would love to come back.” Sean O’Malley would most likely return to the Octagon sometime next year but there’s no news of his next opponent or when he’ll return. Regardless, when do you think will ‘Suga’ come back to the Octagon? State your thoughts in the comments below.