MMA News Roundup: Former UFC champion teases return, Andrew Tate shares cryptic tweet following recent arrest, Khabib Nurmagomedov sweeps Islam Makhachev during sparring
In this week's edition of Sportskeeda's MMA News Roundup, we'll be taking a look at the biggest updates from the UFC as well as other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
Today's edition features a former UFC champion teasing their octagon return in the coming year and Andrew Tate sharing his response to being arrested by Romanian police earlier this week. Furthermore, there's footage of Khabib Nurmagomedov's slick move on Islam Makhachev in sparring.
#3. Khabib Nurmagomedov sweeps lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in sparring
Recent footage has emerged that reminds fans just how good Khabib Nurmagomedov was in his prime.
A number of years ago, Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev took part in a friendly spar where 'The Eagle' started at the bottom. The grappling experts demonstrated their skills as Makhachev attempted to find a better position on top and slip Nurmagomedov's guard.
Impressively and in a flash, the UFC Hall of Famer swept through Makhachev and ended up in the top position.
Check out the clip here:
The Russian duo have been friends since childhood whilst also training alongside each other. When 'The Eagle' decided to call time on his career, he transitioned into a coaching role alongside Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA). The pair have worked side by side to aid Makhachev's development.
According to Mendez, whilst both Makhachev and Nurmagomedov possess remarkably similar skills in the octagon, the current lightweight champion's striking is distinctly better than Nurmagomedov's ever was:
"Islam was smart enough to train with other people, he has great coaches at home that are working with him. His striking is further ahead than Khabib's ever was, only because of the fact that Islam was working year-round on his striking."
Catch the video here:
#2. Former UFC champion teases 2023 comeback
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold may not be done with MMA just yet after recently teasing fans with a cryptic message on Instagram.
Rockhold called time on his illustrious career back in August at UFC 278, where he lost to Paulo Costa. The pair put on one of the most bizarre bouts of the year but their efforts were rewarded with Fight of the Night bonuses.
Despite proving to fans that his chin would still hold up, the American called time on his career during his post-fight interview, labeling himself "too old" to fight anymore.
#UFC278ROCKHOLD RUBBED HIS BLOOD ON COSTA 😦 #UFC278 https://t.co/I1CeGGkUWz
Rockhold has had time to reflect on what may have been a hasty decision. The UFC veteran was recently pictured wearing boxing gloves whilst at the RVCA Training Center, where he trains with longtime coach Jason Parillo.
"Putting the old rig to the test. 2023 could get interesting."
The 38-year-old is also no stranger to taking long breaks between fights. Prior to his bout with Costa, the American hadn't stepped foot in the octagon for three years after a second-round KO loss to Jan Blachowicz at 205lbs.
Should fans take Rockhold at face value and he does indeed return, the former middleweight champ has at least proved he's capable of taking some heavy shots and putting on a show.
#1. Andrew Tate posts cryptic tweet after arrest in Romania
Earlier this week, controversial internet personality Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested in Romania in a human trafficking probe. Other allegations include rape and attempting to form a crime group.
The 36-year-old was also at the forefront of a social media storm this week prior to his arrest after he called out Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Tate goaded the 19-year-old with images of his gas-hungry supercars and the pair were involved in a back-and-forth on Twitter.
Full Andrew Tate Arrest https://t.co/kYDs6VmtHC
Tate was detained in police custody for 24 hours before being released. The Romanian police have also lobbied to have the brothers detained in the country for at least 30 days.
After being released from prison, the internet star wasted no time in updating his followers about the situation. In typical Andrew Tate style, the 36-year-old put out a cryptic post and compared his arrest to a situation from 'The Matrix'.
"The Matrix sent their agents."
The Matrix sent their agents.
Tate has since followed up his tweet by adding:
"The Matrix will only tell you what the Matrix needs you to believe."
The Matrix will only tell you what the Matrix needs you to believe.
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC fight night main card and earn $$$.