MMA Junkie Radio #3049: Finally a fight week to preview!, opinions on Dana White, more

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here!

On Episode No. 3,049 of the podcast, the fellas dive into the latest MMA news and notes, as well as … wait for it … fight week!

THE RUNDOWN

• UFC 249 is this Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., where two titles fights – Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje and Henry Cejudo vs. Dominick Cruz – will take place behind closed doors at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Without the rush of a thousands of fans in attendance, will winning (or defending) a belt be the same?
• Cruz, at 35, is fighting for the first time since December 2016 after being riddled with injuries. He’s considered by many to be the bantamweight GOAT, but if he loses to Cejudo at UFC 249, could that be it for him?
• As much as Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruick called for it, their UFC 249 clash will NOT be for an interim heavyweight title belt. Why not?
• Here’s something we didn’t see coming: Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya praised UFC president Dana White last week for “doing a phenomenal job in defending his sport” during the global coronavirus pandemic. These guys have talked so much trash about each other in the past, why the sudden complete 180 from De La Hoya?
• On the other hand, Top Rank owner Bob Arum chided White and the UFC for their “cowboy behavior” in rushing to get back during the pandemic. Is he wrong?
• The guys discuss their interview with John McCarthy and how/why his stance on UFC 249 has evolved.
• Not only do we have UFC 249 on the way, we also have shows set for May 13 and 16 in Jacksonville. The full cards were announced, and the guys examine what to look forward to.
• It turns out, a welterweight title fight with Kamaru Usman might not be a lock for Jorge Masvidual if we’re to believe White. There could be another fight in store for him. What could that be?

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio, or check it out above. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.