Welcome to MMA News Today, your daily dose of the most interesting news from the world of mixed martial arts. July 3, 2024, Here's what we're looking at:
- Du Plessis gives the perfect response to Adesanya's jab
- Jones explains his stance on magic and the use of spirits
- Diaz knew his worth before he took the McGregor opportunity.
Dricus du Plessis jokes with Israel Adesanya during a heated fight
Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya faced off again at a press conference yesterday ahead of their upcoming middleweight title fight.
Before the two rivals faced off at UFC 305 in Perth on August 17, they engaged in an incredibly tense standoff, building anticipation for the actual showdown.
When the middleweight champion was asked about the standoff after the press conference, Adesanya appeared to be the first to say something to du Plessis.
He was joking about how Adesanya's previous opponent, Sean Strickland, had also been mocking him throughout the pre-fight build-up.
Du Plessis was referring to the video of Adesanya and his dog, which seems to be a bit of a sore subject for “The Last Stylebender,” as evidenced after the Strickland fight.
“As far as I know, I think he said, 'Don't kiss me'. I said I wouldn't because I'm not a dog, but I'm not sure what he said. I wasn't really concentrating on what he was saying.”
Jon Jones says he experienced 'spirit channelling' and 'magic' after UFC 303 controversy
Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka are two of the most fierce athletes in the sport when it comes to competition.
Before UFC 303 began, Prochazka said she believed “Poitan” was using magic and spirits to help in the bout and asked to forfeit the rematch.
Pereira gave a classy response in his post-fight interview after beating the former champion, but UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones also commented on the same.
He posted on social media that there is some truth to this, based on his experience stepping into certain arenas and facing certain opponents.
“There's been a lot of talk lately about mediums and witchcraft in MMA. All of this is very real. I've felt all kinds of strange energies as I've walked into arenas. I've looked certain opponents in the eyes. I want everyone to know that Jesus Christ is King and will always be undefeated. All will be on their knees.”
Nate Diaz reveals how he negotiated big payday for first fight with Conor McGregor
Nate Diaz has always been a cult icon in the world of combat sports, but UFC 196 was the moment that changed his life forever.
The Stockton-born boxer became an overnight celebrity after being thrust into a main event role against Conor McGregor in one of the most iconic moments in boxing history.
Diaz was handsomely rewarded for stepping up to save the day on behalf of Rafael dos Anjos, but he had to be firm in order to receive a much higher payout than was originally offered.
He said this in an interview with MMA great Demetrious Johnson. Mighty Cast How did he realize his worth at the time and ensure he was appropriately compensated?
“At the time, it was (the highest salary I'd ever received), but they were only willing to pay me a small amount for it,” Diaz said. “I said, 'Yeah, yeah. I know what I'm doing here. I've got experience.' I was already in negotiations with the organization for it. So they called me and said, 'Hey, we're going to give you a million dollars while you do this.' And I said, 'Hey, you're going to give me more than that.'”
“So I made like five times that amount. By that time I knew the game so I was like, 'Who cares?'” Diaz continued, “Remember when I told you that if you fight every two months you can get rich? It's just basic math, like 10 times, 100 times, over and over again. So I knew how business and making money was. I might not be educated, but I'm not stupid.”
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