UFC wanted Khabib-McGregor, GSP-Diaz lightweight tournament
The UFC reportedly wanted a lightweight tournament with Nurmagomedov fighting McGregor in the fall and St-Pierre vs Diaz in August, with the two winners facing off at the end of the year. The GSP-Diaz bought was cancelled due to GSP’s illness. St-Pierre:
I’m not ready to fight yet. I need to wait until all the symptoms of my ulcer stop. It’s much better than it was but it’s not 100 percent yet. If I try to return for a training camp for a fight it will amplify and go back to what it was in the beginning. I need to get over this first for my own health and safety.
The Nurmagomedov-McGregor bout is impacted by McGregor’s legal issues. However, Nurmagomedov’s camp has also been pushing for a match up with St-Pierre instead, which they call a “legacy” bout.
UFC owners invite McGregor, entire roster, to Las Vegas retreat
Emanuel and Whitesell, owners of the UFC, have invited McGregor and the entire roster of over 500 to attend a two day UFC Athlete Retreat in Las Vegas in May. Various actors/actresses, athletes, musicians and others represented by WME/IMG will be appear and interact with the fighters. Fighters will also be able to discuss concerns with the owners. The retreat will end with a concert performed by an as yet unnamed WME/IMG represented artist.
UFC 205: Fighting For History
UFC releases UFC 205: Fighting For History, featuring McGregor and Alvarez. McGregor:
I fight every week. I’m the most active fighter in all weight divisions. Of course I can take the two belts, I can defend them simultaneously.
Alvarez:
You’re not going to see driving around in fancy cars, buying jewelry and fancy shit like that. That’s not what I’m here for. I hope I beat down this guy and go home.
SXSW appearance
Rousey appears at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas as representative of UFC and talks about the women perception in sports.
I think that women fighting in the Octagon really affects everything that women see as possible for themselves. It’s not about trying to find a role that already exists that you can fit into. Now it’s trying to dream up all the different roles you can create yourself. Just like we did in fighting, we can do in every single profession out there.