New never-seen-before UFC 229 audio footage, Jon Jones in legal trouble again, Nate Diaz sues for fighter pay: MMA News Roundup
Recently released extended cage audio footage of UFC 229 offers viewers a new perspective on the fabled rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Elsewhere, Jon Jones managed to find himself on the wrong side of the law yet again.
Here are today's top combat sports updates presented by Sportskeeda MMA.
Khabib Nurmagomedov curses and spits at Conor McGregor in new UFC 229 footage
The rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov is a matter of the legends. Not only was its impact unparalleled on the sport and its popularity but it was also one of the ugliest beefs to combat sports history. Still topping the charts for the most PPV buys for any UFC event, the historic night of their clash is etched in the memory of every MMA fan.
In newly released, never-seen-before UFC 229 footage, fans can discover a translated version of what Nurmagomedov said (and did) with McGregor during their hatred-fueled fight.
Everyone knows the two camps locked horns in a full-on brawl after the UFC 229 fight, but even during the contest, Nurmagomedov was uncharacteristically aggressive towards his opponent. From cursing McGregor out on the stool in between rounds to spitting on him after the submission, Nurmagomedov was far from the calm and composed personality he usually maintains.
Watch the full fight below:
Jon Jones charged with a misdemeanor
Jon Jones is charged with assault, a petty misdemeanor, and interference with communications, a misdemeanor, for an alleged attack on a drug-testing agent. The police report for the incident was filed on March 30 after the incident took place during a sample collection session at Jones' home. His hearing is set for July 17 in New Mexico.
If convicted of both charges, the UFC heavyweight champion could face jail time of less than a year. He would also have to pay a collective fine of up to $1,500.
Jones issued a statement denying the accusations when the incident happened and instead accused the agents of breaching standard protocols and HIPAA laws.
Nate Diaz sues Fanmio for fraud and breach of contract
Nate Diaz filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Miami on Monday claiming Fanmio still owed the fighter over $9 million for the Jorge Masvidal fight.
ESPN obtained documents in which Diaz stated he entered an agreement with Fanmio Inc. president Solomon Engel to be paid $10 million for the fight - $1 million upfront and $9 million after the event. The lawsuit claims that Engel is now refusing to honor the contract citing potential bankruptcy:
"In a flurry of desperate calls to Diaz's representatives following the event, Engel despondently groveled that he was going to lose more money than he had anticipated on the event if he paid Diaz what he had promised and that his wife might divorce him because of the financial losses. Engel went so far as to threaten he might have to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying Diaz what he owed."
The former UFC star is suing for fraud and breach of contract. Jake Paul reacted to the news with a reminder of his $15 million PFL offer to the Stockton native.
Hours later, Engel released a statement to the media denying the allegations and claiming that Diaz had already been paid seven figures. He labeled the lawsuit to be "frivolous" and a "salacious and defamatory" attempt to sully his name. He said he's confident "justice will prevail."
Read Engel's full statement here.