Jon Jones’ absence deepens with changes at UFC 282

Jon Jones won’t be at UFC 282. If he was, the recent changes to the map wouldn’t be so disruptive. There may still be time to turn the map over in the next two weeks, but there’s so little time to make major changes or additions.

Jiri Prochazka’s shoulder injury hampered the light heavyweight fight. The situation was so serious that he relinquished the title and the new champion will be determined in a match between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev. The card will no longer feature Glover Teixeira, who appears ready to fight Blahowitz, but hopefully has more time to prepare for Ankaraev. The request was denied and Teixeira is now not on the 282 card.

While quitting a title is usually not a wise move, Teixeira should still be next in the running for the belt. Light heavyweight lacks depth and star power, and losing Prochazka is a blow. He has the potential to be the face of the division for the foreseeable future, but this injury is changing that. Now, the window is open again for Blachowicz, who has underperformed and lost to either Teixeira or Ankalaev, who died at the age of nine – against an opponent’s streak.

Jones plans to play as early as March. During his UFC 281 post-fight press conference earlier this month, White confirmed Jones would fight again in 2023. When it comes to Jones, however, it’s always wise to expect the unexpected. There have been reports of his imminent return, but he hasn’t competed in the Octagon since February 2020. His absence in a few weeks will be particularly notable in Vegas, as his return will be the perfect focal point for the 282.

Conor McGregor’s title fight?

Conor McGregor has done a fantastic job outside the cage to promote the idea that he deserves the title.

McGregor tweeted that he would be rejoining the USADA pool so he could schedule a fight. The schedule could have him back in the octagon in the summer.

Although he hasn’t won a fight since January 2020, McGregor remains the most recognizable figure in the sport. But will his rematch be for the lightweight title? This may seem unrealistic until you think about it:

• There will be no clear top challenger for the lightweight top for the next six months. Beneil Dariush has been knocked out by Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier needs another win (Justin Gaethje needs two), and Charles Oliveira’s rematch is currently lacking appetite.

• For the defending champions, there’s no one more compelling than McGregor, whether it’s Islam Makhov or Alexander Volkanovski.

• ESPN certainly isn’t shying away from a title race that could be ESPN+’s record-breaking card candidate.

So what if McGregor returns and fights Islam Makhachev or Volkanovski for the title?

Of course, it would make more sense for McGregor to win a few fights before fighting for the title, but if he gets back into the title fight sooner, the money is there.

Why didn’t Burns fight Muhammad?

Gilbert Burns vs. Neil Magny would be a solid addition to UFC 283 in January, but it feels like a missed opportunity.

Welterweight champion Leon Edwards’ future is secured against Kamaru Usman, but the next four challengers after that are Colby Covington, Kamza Te Chimayev, Beral Mohammed and Burns. With the Covington-Chimaev move (does anyone else think this is a good matchup for Covington?), the next most meaningful fight is Muhammad vs. Burns.

First announced by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the Burns-Magney fight represents a remarkable opportunity for Magny. Currently ranked 12th, a win here would propel him to a whole new level in the division. But it still won’t clear the quagmire of the top 5, which only happens when these fighters are paired with each other.

Harrison needs a new opponent to cement his standings

Kayla Harrison will compete in the PFL World Championships on Friday for her third women’s featherweight title.

A win would be another notable achievement for Harrison, who is undefeated in 15 professional fights. But it won’t be played with much fanfare since her opponent – Larissa Pacheco – is barely recognizable.

If Harrison were the UFC’s bantamweight, would she be in the top five? She will be at the disadvantage against Amanda Nunes and Juliana Peña, but Holly Holm, Katein Vieira and Erin Aldana will also be tough matchups. While she might find a way to defeat Cris Cyborg or a host of other elite fighters, Harrison will never shy away from those questions until she actually does.

Even with a win on Friday, the same question hangs over Harrison. Can she beat top opponents? Until she does, doubts will always be there.

Richarlison’s incredible goal makes Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 in the World Cup

Patrick Mahomes ties Dan Marino for 300 yards in first 7 seasons

6 Best Credit Cards For Sports Fans

Giants vs. Lions, Week 11, spread and odds: NFL2022, proven computer model predictions

Lakers’ Patrick Beverley kicked out for pushing Ayton: ‘I’m a trench man’

Japan beats Germany 2-1 in World Cup

UFC 282 card: Jiri Prochazka withdraws from title rematch with Glover Teixeira due to injury

Jiri Prochazka withdrew from the UFC light heavyweight title fight without a title defense. Earlier this year, Prochazka will defend his crown in an epic fight against Glover Teixeira at UFC 282. Instead, Jan Blachowicz will determine the new champion against Magomed Ankalaev in a three-round joint main event, the UFC announced in a statement.

According to ESPN, Prochazka voluntarily left the belt after suffering a “significant orthopedic injury,” which will keep him out for more than a year. Prochazka injured his right shoulder during the wrestling, his manager Tim Simpson told Yahoo Sports. The UFC noted in its press release that once Prochazka is medically cleared to compete again during his recovery, he will fight for the title.

“This is the worst shoulder injury the doctors have ever seen in UFC history,” UFC President Dana White said in an interview with Yahoo Sports. “It’s damn bad. He has a very, very bad shoulder. He’s going to have major surgery and extensive rehab.”

According to Yahoo Sports, Teixeira has turned down another title fight.

Blachowicz previously won the title in September 2020 with a TKO win over Dominick Reyes’ opening. This will be Ankalaev’s first title fight under the UFC banner, and he has won nine straight.

Prochazka vs. Teixeira 2 is a direct rematch of their best fight of the year at UFC 275. Prochazka captured the UFC light heavyweight title in his third UFC fight, defeating the oldest first-time champion at Teixeira.

Derrick Henry jokes after TD pass: ‘young Peyton Manning

Tough for Kansas Jayhawks, other takeaways from Championship Classic

6 Best Credit Cards For Sports Fans

Giants vs. Lions, Week 11, spread and odds: NFL2022, proven computer model predictions

Lakers’ Patrick Beverley kicked out for pushing Ayton: ‘I’m a trench man’

Japan beats Germany 2-1 in World Cup

Nate Diaz announces UFC exit, teases boxing cross after UFC 279 win, Jake Paul and Dana White respond

Nate Diaz appears to be transitioning from the UFC to the world of boxing. Diaz announced his departure from the MMA organization after defeating Tony Ferguson in the fourth round of the UFC 279 Main Event.

Diaz entered the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night with one fight remaining on his UFC contract. The MMA folk hero has announced his intention to switch to another sport before returning to win the UFC title.

“What I do know is that the relationship with the UFC has been a love-hate relationship since I’ve been with this damn company,” Diaz told UFC commentator Joe Rogan in a post-fight interview. “But I love the UFC.

“I want to leave the UFC for a minute and show all these UFC fighters how to play and own another sport. How to do it. Conor McGregor doesn’t know how to do it. No, these other fighters know how to do it. I’ll go there , do another job, be the best at it. Show everyone that I’m the best at it, and then I’m right. – Come back for a creepy UFC title. The best title in the world.”

Nate Diaz sounds off to close out #UFC279! pic.twitter.com/S6eGlB77lM

— UFC (@ufc) September 11, 2022

Jake Paul, who is actively preparing for his Oct. 29 fight against former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, responded to Diaz’s vague post-fight remarks.

“Nate Diaz is getting into boxing,” Paul said in a video posted to social media. “I wonder who he should fight with.”

Nate Diaz says he’s going into the sport of boxing. pic.twitter.com/wZoKkDbN2s

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) September 11, 2022

Diaz confirmed to reporters at the UFC 279 press conference that he will be attending Paul Silvaca.

White wishes Diaz all the best in his future endeavors and will welcome him back to the UFC with open arms.

“From now on, no matter what Nate does. This is his house,” White told reporters at a news conference. “He’s been here. Made him have a great time here. I wish him all the best. He and I had a discussion in the office a few months ago. Whatever he’s doing. I just wish him the best of luck. I wish him the best of luck in organizing or doing other things. It’s great to have him here.”

“He’s so tough, so tough,” White said of Ferguson’s game. “They’re all old guys who’ve been here for a long time. That’s what I expected.”

Learn more

Rangers are tired of being the underdog

Game 5 of NBA Finals: Stephen Curry scores, Draymond Green confident in top 5 Warriors vs Celtics

Blue Jays 2022 draft to watch: Ryan Leitch of Canada’s Marshall University

Pirates vs. Cardinals Prediction and Odds for Monday, June 13 (Mitch Keller Revival Is Real).

Chelsea vs Club America – Result and News

NASCAR officially announces 2023 Chicago Cup Series road race