UFC 287 to have new gloves to avoid eye pokes, USADA bans youngest-ever champ, Alex Pereira ups his troll game to target arch-rival: MMA News Roundup
Welcome to Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC news updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.
In today's issue, we talk about the UFC getting new gloves designs for future events, Alex Pereira trolling Israel Adesanya on media day, and more.
#3 UFC 287 to feature new gloves
The UFC has long been criticized for its lack of measures to prevent accidental eye pokes inside the octagon. In recent history, many fights have had to be abandoned due to such incidents, most memorably Sean O'Malley vs. Pedro Munhoz and Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards.
However, things may change going forward. In a new episode of UFC Countdown, welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is seen trying out a pair of new gloves. Impressed with the unique design, 'Durinho' says:
"I love it because people don't see, but it kind of makes your fingers go down, so less eye pokes."
The new design seemingly keeps the hands relaxed, but the fingers are pointing downwards, therefore avoiding the possibility of eye pokes.
Catch the segment below captured by Chris Presnell:
Looks like the UFC will use new gloves on Saturday that try to prevent eye pokes, slightly bending the fingers downward. https://t.co/Mqap3tif3Z
Gilbert Burns is fighting Jorge Masvidal in the co-main event of UFC 287.
#2 USADA bans youngest-ever IBJJF champion
Mica Galvao, the youngest-ever IBJJF champion, has been suspended by USADA after testing positive for banned substances. He won the competition last year. His title will now be revoked as his sample tested positive for clomiphene and its metabolite 4-hydroxyclomiphene. The 19-year-old will also serve a one-year suspension before he's allowed to compete again.
Taking to Instagram, Galvao admitted to the wrongdoing and claimed that he unknowingly took the substance after a doctor prescribed it for a treatment:
"My doctor used a banned substance in my treatment. My father and I have always tried to get closer to the best professionals to help my career and unfortunately that mistake happened..."
He apologized to his fans and promised to start from scratch.
Galvao's opponent, Tye Ruotolo, is now the new champion of the title. Alexander Volkanovski's coach Craig Jones previously mentioned having knowledge of a BJJ champion failing a drug test. Following the reports, Jones confirmed it was Galvao he was talking about.
#1 Alex Pereira dons Pikachu jacket to mock Israel Adesanya
Alex Pereira was seen wearing a denim jacket with a big, joyous Pikachu on the back. Anybody who is aware of his fabled rivalry with Israel Adesanya knows the significance of this attire. 'Poatan' has long mocked Adesanya for taking an interest in anime and nerd culture. Even the fans roasted 'The Last Stylebender' for saying he will leave Pereira 'frozen like Elsa'.
Alex Pereira was gifted a Pikachu jacket at #UFC287 media day 😅 https://t.co/G6lc1nRq3k
A few weeks ago, Pereira was seen laughing at Adesanya's soft-toy collection, including a Pikachu plushie, while watching a reaction video posted by the latter.
However, when asked about it, Pereira did not name Adesanya and slyly answered that he was gifted the jacket and he wore it simply because it matched his pants.
Watch Pereira give the explanation below:
#UFC287Alex Pereira explains his Pikachu jacket 😁 #UFC287 https://t.co/4N3Z7ppclE