MMA News Roundup: Ranked bantamweight accused of getting "preferential treatment," UFC veteran asks fans to forgive T.J. Dillashaw, Alex Pereira-slayer signs with PFL
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 a ranked bantamweight with the 'Nurmagomedov' surname accused of getting preferential treatment, Chael Sonnen defending T.J. Dillashaw, and more.
#3. UFC bantamweight Ricky Simon blasts Umar Nurmagomedov for making demands
Ricky Simon believes the UFC is giving biased treatment to Umar Nurmagomedov because of his surname.
Anatomy of a Fighter creator Will Harris tweeted yesterday about having a conversation with Nurmagomedov. The filmmaker wrote that he realized the fighter was frustrated about top fighters "avoiding" him as he wanted a top-ranked opponent to get closer to the belt.
I had a convo with Umar Nurmagomedov the other day at the UFCPI and you can tell on his face the frustrations of fighters avoiding him. It was the first time I really saw that from a fighter up close. He really wants a top opponent to get closer to the belt.
In reaction to the tweet, No.11-ranked Ricky Simon wrote that Nurmagomedov's goal was no different from any other fighter's. He added that he felt the Dagestani fighter getting a top-15 position without beating a ranked opponent was 'skipping the line' - a result of "preferential treatment" thanks to his last name.
Yeah yeah, that’s what we all want. He has 3 fights in the UFC and wants to skip the line. He already got ranked without beating a ranked opponent. He will keep getting preferential treatment because of his last name. twitter.com/willharrisaoaf…
Simon was alluding to Nurmagomedov's familial relationship with former UFC lightweight king Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Umar Nurmagomedov is currently ranked No.13 in bantamweight and has wins over Sergey Morozov, Brian Kelleher, and Nathan Maness in the UFC.
#2. Chael Sonnen feels T.J. Dillashaw doesn't deserve backlash
Chael Sonnen said fans should let T.J. Dillashaw off the hook for fighting Aljamain Sterling with an injured shoulder.
Dillashaw came into his UFC 280 title fight with 'Funk Master' with an injured shoulder that popped out during the fight. After the bout, he admitted that the injury had been troubling him during fight camp and he had requested the referee beforehand not to stop the fight if his shoulder got dislocated.
Fans were outraged at Dillashaw after he made the statement - one half accused him of making an excuse and the other were angry that he robbed Sterling of an honest fight. Even UFC president Dana White expressed disapproval at Dillashaw for hiding his injury prior to the fight.
Dillashaw later revealed that he will need surgery for the injury that will keep him out of action for another year.
Speaking on his Beyond the Fight podcast, Sonnen said that the loss in itself was enough punishment for Dillashaw and that fans should show him mercy:
"What about the admission and the disclosure, do you think that TJ did wrong? Who is it [that] you think he harmed? What is it you think that he took from somebody? Should we hate TJ forever? Is that forever? Or can we acknowledge that he just got his a** kicked by Aljo? I mean, if we're mad at a guy, we probably want to hit that guy. Okay well, somebody just did hit him. So your evil side, I feel, should be served."
Check out the video below:
#3. Only fighter to defeat Alex Pereira in MMA signs with PFL
Alex Pereira is unbeaten in MMA except for the one loss he suffered on his professional debut against Quemuel Ottoni. The fight took place at Jungle Fight 82 and 'Poatan' lost the bout in the third round via a rear-naked choke submission.
Pereira has made his way to the UFC since and is now set to fight for the middleweight belt at UFC 281 against arch nemesis Israel Adesanya, whom he beat twice in kickboxing already.
Ottoni, who remains the only fighter to slay Pereira in mixed martial arts, has signed with the PFL.
Raphael Marinho of Combate reported that Ottoni signed the dotted line on Friday, November 4. The Brazilian has 12 wins and three losses in MMA. He will compete in the PFL tournament next season.