Israel Adesanya releases UFC 305 promo, Khamzat Chimaev's illness reported, Dana White talks Conor McGregor's pullout: MMA News Roundup
Israel Adesanya has already started to promote his upcoming UFC title fight against Dricus du Plessis. Meanwhile, Dana White weighed in on Conor McGregor pulling out of the Michael Chandler fight.
Sportskeeda MMA is back with the day's top combat sports news.
Israel Adesanya sends fans into a frenzy with UFC 305 promo
Israel Adesanya released a 40-second video promoting his upcoming fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 305. The fight has been in the making for a while, with their rivalry fueled over the months by vicious verbal back-and-forths with racial connotations.
The two will fight out their feud on August 17, 2024, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
Take a look at the promo below:
Read the fan reactions to the video here.
Khamzat Chimaev's close associate reveals the nature of his illness
Khamzat Chimaev pulled out of UFC Saudi Arabia allegedly due to food poisoning.
In a recent chat with Russian outlet Ushatayka, Chimaev's close aide Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov said that he found out from mutual friends about the illness 'Borz' was suffering from:
"Food poisoning is always dangerous, accepting a fight with food poisoning... He knew his state, [knew] that he wouldn’t be able to fight. That’s why he called if off." [H/t Red Corner MMA]
Chimaev was set to face Robert Whittaker for a potential title eliminator. In his place, Ikram Aliskerov will now face 'Reaper'.
Dana White expressed discontent about the matter on The Jim Rome Show, showing frustration about Chimaev repeatedly falling sick before fights.
Dana White talks about Conor McGregor's pullout
Dana White will not discuss Conor McGregor until he's ready to fight again. But he's more than willing to schedule a fight for Michael Chandler if he wants to skip facing McGregor after all this time.
However, McGregor did not sabotage the UFC 303 fight over a contract issue or failed negotiation - this much White can confirm with confidence. His injury is the genuine reason behind the delay, he clarified while addressing the conspiracy theories on The Jim Rome Show:
"Conor McGregor never tries to lead up to a fight and renegotiate a contract or get more money….He is as solid as solid can be at being a business partner. Conor McGregor is hurt right now. It’s absolutely real."
The Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler headliner is now replaced by a light heavyweight title rematch between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.