Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. In this week’s episode, Simon Head hosts as MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” answer five rounds of questions.
SHOW RUNDOWN:
Note: This episode was recorded prior to news of Amanda Nunes’ withdrawal from her planned title fight with Felicia Spencer.
It took all of a few days following the cancellation of UFC 249 for UFC president Dana White to shift from the schedule of events being “indefinitely suspended” to insisting, once again, that the promotion will be back up and running May 9 with a trifecta of title fights during the coronavirus pandemic. An attempt at tribal land in California failed once already, and “Fight Island” isn’t a thing just yet. So, given the current climate with COVID-19, where will this thing happen?
As mentioned, three title fights were planned for the UFC’s May 9 show – that is, until women’s champ-champ Amanda Nunes said Monday that she will not defend her featherweight title vs. Felicia Spencer, citing the less-than-ideal circumstances around her training. Still, we’ve got Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title and bantamweight champ Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz on tap. Assuming this show actually happens, who’s more likely to lose?
The PFL suspended its season until 2021 amidst the coronavirus panemic. Did the promotion make the right call, and how might it go about the rest of the year – if things get back to normal sooner than later?
MMA Junkie’s Nolan King reported details of Friday’s fighter call with White, who spent about 25 minutes taking questions on the current state of things during the pandemic. What was the biggest takeaway?
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is back at it on Twitter, exchanging messages with both Jan Blachowicz and Dominick Reyes. Jones, who was just arrested last month, seems to be favoring Blachowicz as his next opponent. Who should get the next title shot?
For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 25 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.
Spinning Back Clique: What's realistic location for UFC return if May 9 event is to happen?