MMA News Roundup: UFC making one exception for James Krause ban, Nate Diaz's manager talks Conor McGregor trilogy, Jorge Masvidal splits with longtime management
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 banning of James Krause, Nate Diaz's manager weighing in on the Conor McGregor trilogy, and more.
#3. UFC forbids fighters to be associated with James Krause, but makes one exception
In a statement released on Friday, December 2, the Ultimate Fighting Championship management announced that any fighter who chooses to continue training with Glory MMA coach James Krause will not be allowed to compete. The statement also revealed that they have cut Darrick Minner from the roster.
"UFC has since advised Krause and the respective managers working with impacted fighters, that effective immediately, fighters who choose to continue to be coached by Krause or who continue to train in his gym, will not be permitted to participate in UFC events pending the outcome of the aforementioned government investigations. Further, UFC has released Darrick Minner from the organization."
However, per a report by TSN's Aaron Bronsteter, a student of Krause will be allowed to compete as scheduled in this Saturday's Fight Night prelims as the memo was passed the day before the event.
I am told that Marcelo Rojo, who trains under James Krause, will still be permitted to compete on tomorrow night's card in Orlando.
The decision was made in the interest of fairness given that the UFC's athletes just received the memo regarding the decision about Krause today.
Read the complete story on James Krause's ban here.
#2. Nate Diaz still eyeing Conor McGregor trilogy - Manager
Nate Diaz is no longer with the UFC, but he is not ruling out the Conor McGregor trilogy. He fought out his contract with a win over Tony Ferguson and the negotiation period would have expired on December 9, but the promotion waived it in November itself.
Diaz's manager Zach Rosenfield told MMA Junkie that despite his exit, the magnitude of the trilogy fight with the Irishman still interests the Stockton native:
"Nate [Diaz] is going to be looking at the biggest fights possible. He has stated that completing the trilogy with Conor McGregor is something that interests him, and that has not changed."
Rosenfield added that Diaz will be competing "multiple times" in 2023 but did not divulge further specifics.
#1. Jorge Masvidal no longer represented by Malki Kawa
Jorge Masvidal has parted ways with longtime representative First Round Management. He will now represent himself in fighting deals and negotiating his own contracts. He was associated with FRM's Malki and Abraham Kawa for over 10 years and was close friends with them as well.
The news was reported by Alex Behunin, who also stated that 'Gamebred' continues to be on good terms with his former managers.
Jorge Masvidal is no longer being represented by First Round Management, per sources.
He still has a relationship with FRM and are on good terms but will be negotiating on his own from now on https://t.co/20JwIwqlxu
Masvidal's decision to split from FRM comes amid his court case against best friend-turned-bitter foe Colby Covington over a street brawl.