MMA News Roundup: Derrick Lewis pulls out of UFC Fight Night mid-broadcast, Israel Adesanya pens emotional tribute to 'Rumble', coach banned from cornering due to gambling probe
Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda MMA's Daily 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 UFC Vegas 65 losing its main event at the last minute, an MMA coach getting removed from cornering his fighter because of a recent betting investigation, and more.
#3. Derrick Lewis hospitalized during UFC Vegas 65 broadcast
Derrick Lewis was going to be one of the only major draws on a somewhat mediocre UFC Vegas 65 card and was going to headline the event on Saturday. However, his heavyweight clash with Sergey Spivak had to be canceled after 'The Black Beast' was forced to withdraw due to medical issues.
It was announced by Brendan Fitzgerald during the prelim broadcast of the card that Lewis was out of the fight. MMA Media later learned that Lewis had come down with a stomach illness and was hospitalized while the event was taking place at UFC Apex.
MMA Junkie reported shortly after the card ended that Lewis was subsequently cleared of the issues and released from the hospital. Ion Cutelaba vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu served as the main event instead, where the Nigerian fighter emerged victorious with a second-round TKO.
#2. Israel Adesanya revisits memories of Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson
Israel Adesanya penned a heartfelt post paying tribute to the recently deceased Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson. He revisited the time he was invited to help Johnson train for his title shot against Jon Jones back in 2015.
The former middleweight champion shared pictures and videos of him training with Johnson, along with a touching note:
"Rest in Power @Anthony_Rumble 🕊️ In 2015 I had the privilege to be invited to AJ’s camp for his tittle shot. This trip really cemented in my mind that I could hang with the world’s best. Sparring with Anthony was such a rush! Always humble, thank you Rumble!"
Take a look at the post below [Click here to go to Twitter and see the pictures and video]:
Rest in Power @Anthony_Rumble 🕊️
In 2015 I had the privilege to be invited to AJ’s camp for his tittle shot. This trip really cemented in my mind that I could hang with the world’s best. Sparring with Anthony was such a rush! Always humble, thank you Rumble! twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/TcQeHajLvu
Although Adesanya was flown in to mimic Jones, the fight never materialized.
story time:
before UFC 187, @bokamotoESPN and I flew to Blackzilians for a story on Rumble Johnson. at the time, he was prepping to fight Jon Jones
Henri Hooft flew out this kid (3-0 MMA) from New Zealand to mimick Jon in sparring sessions
that kid was @stylebender https://t.co/IDu3R9lCYV
Johnson instead faced Daniel Cormier in a title bid, only to lose via second-round submission.
#1. Glory MMA coach James Krause faces consequences of alleged betting fix
In one of the biggest controversies in MMA in recent times, former UFC fighter and Glory MMA coach James Krause was reportedly pulled and banned from cornering at UFC Vegas 65.
Miles Johns, who fought on the card against Vince Morales, revealed in his post-fight interview that his coach was unable to corner him on orders from the promotion.
Coach pulled and suspended? 🤔
https://t.co/l8pfxVbf3m
ESPN later clarified that Krause has not been formally suspended by the UFC or the Nevada State Athletic Commission but will likely not corner fights while being under investigation.
A probe was launched into the November 5 bout between Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and Darrick Minner after several sportsbooks in multiple states reported suspicious wagering hours before the fight.
The betting line saw massive amounts pouring in for Nuerdanbieke to win in the first round or for the fight to last less than 2.5 rounds, according to Las Vegas-based firm U.S. Integrity. Minner, who lost in the second minute of the fight and is also coached by Krause, was apparently injured going into the bout.
Krause is openly involved in betting and hosts the 1% Club podcast on wagering.