MMA News: Conor McGregor admits he underestimated Khabib, Jon Jones responds to Tony Ferguson call out, Greg Hardy in to face Alexander Volkov
By Joe Coleman
Here is what is making news from the world of mixed martial arts...
Conor: 'I underestimated Khabib'
Conor McGregor believes he can drastically improve 'when' he rematches undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The Irishman has not fought since being soundly beaten by 'The Eagle' in their record-breaking contest at UFC 229 last year.
After recovering from a number of injuries and then serving a six-month ban for his part in the brawl which followed afterwards, McGregor is targeting a return to the sport in 2020.
3
McGregor believes he can make the adjustments to beat KhabibCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Speaking at a sponsor's event on Tuesday, McGregor said: "We overestimated his (Nurmagomedov's) grappling severely, and we also underestimated his striking, so they are things we will correct.
''I will go on the offensive from a grappling standpoint. I believe I was winning the clinch exchanges in round three in the bout, but it was a little too little, too late.
''Also my lack of commitment. I wasn't as fully committed as I should be carrying injuries and what not.
''There's many, many things we can improve.''
Jon Jones responds to Tony Ferguson call out
Jon Jones has deleted a tweet asking Tony Ferguson if he is 'feeling suicidal' following a backlash on social media.
No 1-ranked lightweight contender Ferguson had lashed out at the UFC light heavyweight champion on Twitter out of nowhere earlier this week, seemingly referencing something that happened between them at college.
Seemingly blindsided, Jones hit back. “Wait, when did this beef start?!? I thought we were cool!! You over there feeling suicidal Tony?” Jones tweeted.
The tweet was deleted around 30 minutes later after drawing heavy criticism from fans, who pointed out Ferguson’s struggles with mental health issues earlier this year.
The 35-year-old underwent counselling after his wife filed a restraining order against him in March, citing domestic violence.
He reportedly rejected an interim lightweight title shot, which was contested between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, with UFC president Dana White citing 'personal issues' for Ferguson’s absence.
3
Jones issued a series of apologies online to FergusonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
“Definitely should’ve used a better choice of words, deleted that last tweet. My fault, I’m sorry guys,” Jones wrote in another tweet, which was again deleted.
He followed that up with a second apology. “Definitely knew nothing about my guy having any mental health issues, I do now though,” Jones said. “I apologise for my response back to him and moving on.”
Greg Hardy gets Alexander Volkov test
UFC matchmakers stunned the MMA community on Tuesday by confirming controversial heavyweight Greg Hardy will replace Juniro dos Santos in the main event of UFC Moscow.
Despite seemingly being out of his depth, Hardy is relishing the prospect of going to Russia and delivering a KO performance.
3
Greg Hardy's win in Boston was overturned to a no contest after his use of the inhalerCredit: Getty Images - Getty
“I’m excited man, here was a lot of things that played into this decision, dude," he told . "The big one was just the opportunity. It’s the big-time fight, it’s the high-level competition. It’s what any ‘Prince of War’ or future ‘King of War’ could ever hope for.
“And then second of all, somebody fell down, my teammate [dos Santos] went down, so somebody’s gotta fill in, the next man up’s gotta fill in.
"That’s always been my mentality, gotta hold it down for the team. The UFC always has my back. They took a gamble on me, you know what I mean? They let me in the door.
"So if they need somebody to fill in, then for sure, I’m about to go knock this dude out. And the last one, soft Derrick Lewis knocked this dude out.
"If ‘pillow hands’ Lewis can do it, for sure I feel like I can go in there and compete and knock this guy out. And he’s a monster, too.”
