MMA News Roundup: Joe Rogan takes shot at WWE move, Dana White helped save Jose Aldo's son, Jorge Masvidal says "borderline vegetable" Nate Diaz doesn't belong in the UFC
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 Joe Rogan firing shots at a popular WWE move, Jorge Masvidal slamming former "BMF" foe Nate Diaz, and more.
#3. Joe Rogan calls Ric Flair's Figure-Four leglock dumb
Joe Rogan isn't a fan of WWE legend Ric Flair's iconic figure-four leglock. 'Nature Boy' used the move as his trademark finish to win numerous matches during his exceptionally long professional wrestling tenure.
Ric Flair with the Figure Four on the Undertaker https://t.co/e8Fbl8g2KO
However, the UFC color commentator is amused by how ineffective a figure-four leglock would be in a real-life scenario.
Speaking to Grammy-winning music producer Rick Rubin on episode #1881 of the JRE podcast, Rogan said:
"A bunch of [pro] wrestlers got mad at me... [because] I was trying to explain how dumb a figure-four leg lock was because I was like, 'He was literally giving up an inside heel hook.'"
Rogan went on to explain how the inside heel hook is among the most devastating submission techniques in MMA.
Watch the segment below:
Despite Rogan's comments about the move, Rogan has respect for Flair and has previously showed interest in having him as a guest on his podcast.
#2. Dana White saved Jose Aldo's son's life with a text message
An unintentional gesture by Dana White eventually helped save Jose Aldo's newborn son.
During an appearance on Portuguese language podcast Trocação Franca (h/t MMA Fighting), Aldo said that the UFC president sent him a heartfelt text message after he was informed of the Brazilian legend's MMA retirement.
Upon reading the message, Aldo's wife Vivianne, who was pregnant at the time, got emotional and her blood pressure shot up significantly. Upon visiting the hospital, she was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a major underlying artery blockage issue resulting in neonatal deaths.
It was because of the emergency visit that the condition was detected in time and the baby, named Jose Aldo III, was born a healthy boy bar a few complications.
"It looked like everything would go wrong. He was born with a true knot [in his umbilical cord], and if we had waited two more weeks, I wouldn’t be at home with little Aldo here... He was born with all odds against him, but thanks to Dana [White]… God always puts good people in our lives to help us," Aldo said.
Aldo shared adorable pictures of his newborn son with his wife and daughter after he was born.
While Aldo doesn't feel like he's in debt to White for this, he's certainly as loyal an employer as they come. He has made it quite clear that he doesn't plan on returning to MMA, but if he does, it will not be any promotion outside of the UFC.
#1. Jorge Masvidal believes the UFC is better off without Nate Diaz
Nate Diaz has long been seen as one of the biggest draws in the UFC by fans and experts alike. However, his former rival Jorge Masvidal believes there is no place for the Stockton native on the company's roster.
In an insult disguised as a concern, 'Gamebred' suggested in an interview with MMA Fighting's Mike Heck that Diaz should stay away from big promotions like the UFC to avoid getting hurt.
"I think the guy's like borderline vegetable. His interviews' spunkness, his wittyness and sharpness has got to sh*t... Good for him man, he shouldn't be in the big leagues, he's going to get hurt. Take that old a** dude somewhere else," Masvidal said about Nate Diaz's exit from the UFC.
Watch the full interview below:
Masvidal fought Diaz for the one-off 'BMF' belt at UFC 244 and managed to secure a TKO via doctor's stoppage.