MMA News Roundup: Big Update on UFC-WWE Merger; Ian Garry Criticized for Geoff Neal Remarks; UFC Releases Three Fighters

In this day and age, we are all faced with the limitations of time. Similarly, this means that devoted MMA fans often miss out on new developments in their favorite sport. To bridge this knowledge gap, our latest edition of the MMA news roundup will provide a brief overview of several noteworthy MMA happenings from the past 24 hours in just a few minutes.

We will start with the UFC-WWE merger, which would result in cost cuts. Then we will shift our focus to rising Irish star Ian Garry getting criticized for his remarks about Geoff Neal. Finally, we will end our news compilation with the UFC releasing three fighters from their roster. Here we go!

Dana White to slash costs following the UFC’s merger with WWE

Dana White‘s promotion is slated to undergo cost cuttings after its merger with WWE gets completed in September. The merger was announced earlier this year with the formation of a new company called TKO Group Holdings. Wrestling business reporter Brandon Thurston stated in a post on X that the merger will be finalized by mid to late September 2023.

As per Thruston, Endeavor CEO, Ari Emanuel, also declared that cost reductions and efficiencies could be in store as the merger is completed. This may potentially include a reduction in both organizations owned by Endeavor.

Ian Garry faces criticism for ill-fated remarks

Rising Irish MMA star Ian Machado Garry is gearing up for his next fight at UFC 292 on August 19. He was slated to face Geoff Neal, but that did not come to fruition. ‘Handz of Steel’ had to withdraw from the fight due to a medical issue. Now, Garry will face a veteran Neil Magny, whom he called out after his win at UFC Charlotte. However, the Irish fighter received criticism for remarks regarding Geoff Neal.

Geoff Neal’s withdrawal supposedly elicited unfavorable comments from Garry’s manager, Lloyd Pierson. The latter is presumed to have said, “His p*ssy hurts,” while informing the Irish fighter about Neal’s withdrawal. Garry then shared another post on social media with the quote, “Geoff Neal has b*tched out.” This did not sit well with Neal’s coach, Sayif Saud.

READ MORE: Sean O’Malley Goes After Fellow Conor McGregor Compatriot for Disrespectful Comments Leading Up to UFC 292

Saud mentioned how his student had dealt with sepsis in 2020 and claimed that Neal never recovered fully despite continuing to fight. Given the caliber of opponents Neal has faced since managing his medical issues, Saud was displeased to hear Garry and Pierson imply that Neal had an aversion to participating in their UFC 292 bout.

The UFC released three fighters in over two weeks

UFC recently released a total of three fighters from their roster in the past two weeks. First off, it was Tyson Nam, a one-time flyweight prospect, who failed to impress the UFC brass after consecutive losses. He signed off with the promotion with a record of three wins and five losses.

Then one of the most recent releases included Charles Rosa, who lost three fights in a row against Damon Jackson, TJ Brown, and Nathaniel Wood. Finally, the most recent release came in the form of a female flyweight fighter, Mandy Bohm. She won only one of her three fights and the UFC decided to cut her off the roster.

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