MMA News Roundup: Jake Gyllenhaal's co-star details UFC 285 filming, new updates on Andrew Tate's potential release, Sean O'Malley no longer No. 1 bantamweight
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about the new UFC rankings, Andrew Tate's potential release, and more.
#3. Jake Gyllenhaal's co-star details experience of filming in front of live UFC crowd
The UFC 285 crowd was treated to a pleasant surprise when the Road House crew, including Jake Gyllenhaal, showed up to film a scene.
The actor entered the octagon with former UFC fighter Jay Hieron to shoot a fight sequence for the movie. In the scene, Gyllenhaal, who plays a fighter in the movie, goes up against the reigning middleweight champion, played by Hieron.
It featured several members of the broadcasting team as well.
Jake Gyllenhaal wins by TKO 🤯
Filming a scene for a new movie during UFC 285
(via @Chisanga_Malata)
https://t.co/cXWXUeNYUV
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Hieron spoke about the experience in detail:
"When you're dealing with a live event, a live crowd, you know we don't have control of it. We were using UFC camera angles...We're dealing with a live crowd. If it looks terrible, they're going to let you know. Man, we're in the belly of the beast, we're in the UFC crowd."
He spoke highly of Gyllenhaal's dedication to perfecting the athletic movements as well.
Watch the full video below:
The remake of the 1989 classic is also featuring Conor McGregor in an original character.
#2. Romanian court has agreed to hear bail request
There have been some new developments in the ongoing case of kickboxer-turned-social influencer Andrew Tate.
The latest reports claim that the Romanian court will hear an appeal by Tate against preventive detention that was extended for another month. According to a report by Spy News, Tate's request for judicial control on bail will be heard and discussed on Tuesday, March 14. His brother Tristan Tate's appeal will be heard the following day.
A statement by the Tate brothers' legal team read:
"The Bucharest Court has established the trial terms within which the requests to replace the measure of preventive detention with that of judicial control on bail will be discussed, formulated by the defense, as follows: Andrew Tate - 14.03, 8.30 am, Tristan Tate - 15.03 - I will return with confirmation of the time."
The lawyers added that these requests were not on the grounds of medical reasons, but solely because they maintain the stance that they're innocent.
#1. Merab Dvalishvili replaces Sean O'Malley as the top bantamweight contender
The win over Petr Yan catapulted Merab Dvalishvili to the No.1 contender's spot in the bantamweight position, according to the latest UFC rankings update.
The position was previously held by Sean O'Malley, who could be a backup or replacement for the Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo title fight. 'Sugar' dropped down to No.2, followed by Marlon Vera climbing up a spot to be at No.3.
Despite the ranking, Dvalishvili has said he has no intention of fighting for the 135-pound belt as long as his friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling is the champion. Dana White has expressed disdain at this decision, as it could possibly hold up the division.
In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Dvalishvili joked that he would agree to fight Sterling if the promotion offers him $10 billion.
The heavyweight division also saw some movement after the event. Alexander Volkov went up to No.7 with a win over Alexandr Romanov.