Ex-UFC star defends Imane Khelif, Alexander Volkanovski's unexpected outburst, fighter's car crash story: MMA News Roundup
A former UFC fighter spoke up defending Imane Khelif against the barrage of criticism over her Paris Olympics participation. Elsewhere, Alexander Volkanovski sent Belal Muhammad a message on X that surprised a few fans.
Here are your today's top combat sports updates, presented by Sportskeeda MMA.
Ex-UFC star speaks up in Imane Khelif's defense
Gray Maynard shared his two cents on the controversy surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif's participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Several MMA pros have recently criticized the International Olympic Committee for allowing Khelif to compete despite a previous suspension due to failure to pass the gender eligibility test during the 2023 IBA Women's World Boxing Championships.
The grounds for her suspension have triggered a mass outrage on social media, in which many are labeling her as a "man" or "transgender." Former MMA fighter Maynard spoke up against the narrative on X:
"I don't agree with male-born athletes competing in women's sports. But I also don't agree with a woman born athlete being persecuted for something she has no control over if it is a medical condition."
Alexander Volkanovski mouths off at Belal Muhammad
After Alexander Volkanovski claimed in a recent interview with The MacLife that Belal Muhammad would be a good matchup for him stylistically, the newly crowned welterweight champion said on Remember the Show:
"Shut up bro, I'll smack the hell out of you... There's nobody in the UFC that will beat me."
In response, Volkanovski took to X to write:
"@bullyb170 you have every reason to hate on what I said about you being a good stylistic matchup for me but I truly believe that, even after your last fight, you didn't show me anything different. You [are] still mad because I accidentally missed your call...pathetic! Say "Shut up, I'll smack the sh** out of you" to my face and see what happens."
Muhammad retorted with a four-word tweet:
"Well come find out."
Arnold Allen describes a "scary" car crash ahead of UFC 304
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Arnold Allen shared that just before UFC 304, he got into a car crash. He had dozed off behind the wheels due to exhaustion from preparing for the late start time of the Manchester pay-per-view card.
Allen said:
"I was driving home half asleep and I spun my car out, and crashed it into a barrier somewhere. That was on the way home after my last sparring. I was so tired, and it was pretty scary, facing the wrong way on the motorway."
Allen assured that he did not hurt himself or anyone else in the accident.
Conor McGregor gives return update
Conor McGregor recently gave a new timeline for his MMA return. Responding to a fan on social media who asked if he would be coming back in December, 'The Notorious' simply said, "Yes."
Islam Makhachev shows off injured hand
Islam Makhachev spoke with the media ahead of this Saturday's UFC Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi. He appeared with his right hand in a brace. It is presumably owing to the injury he spoke of a few days ago that may require surgery.
About the injury itself, Makhachev said:
"Next 10 days I have to wear this thing and doctor will make decision."