Category: PFL

Spinning Back Clique: Bellator Hawaii, UFC Busan, free agent moves and more

MMA Junkie’s John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” unpack the latest MMA news and notes in Episode 8 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

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, John Morgan, “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to what went down at UFC on ESPN+ 23 in South Korea, what went down at Bellator’s two events in Hawaii, the UFC’s flyweight division, big free agent signings, Jorge Masvidal’s next move and more.

Show rundown:

For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 8 of “Spinning Back Clique.”

Rory MacDonald signs with PFL: Why it works and why it doesn’t

A few reasons why PFL might not be the best fit for Rory MacDonald – but also why it could be perfect for him.

Former Bellator welterweight champion and UFC title challenger [autotag]Rory MacDonald[/autotag] made news this week when he became the most high profile name to sign with PFL.

MacDonald (21-6-1) has been an elite fighter for years, taking on the biggest names and fighting for championships across multiple promotions. The Canadian fighter’s decision to join PFL was a surprising to many, and immediately questions came up about whether it was the right move for him.

Here are a few reasons why PFL might not be the best fit for MacDonald – but also why it could be perfect for him.

* * * *

Why it doesn’t work

The fighting style doesn’t mesh

MacDonald has finished just one fight in the past five years, and it’s been more than eight years since he put someone away inside the first round. Given how heavily the PFL regular season format rewards stopping a fight as quickly as possible, that might not bode well for him.

If MacDonald wants good playoff position, he’ll need to take a lot more risks than we’ve seen from him over much of the past decade. The competition in PFL’s next welterweight season is almost certain to be a noted step down from what MacDonald faced in Bellator and the UFC, though, so perhaps that generates more convincing performances.

The physical demand could be too much

MacDonald has been a professional fighter since 2005 and has fought at least once a year since, with 2006 his busiest stretch as he fought four time. Then 2014 and 2019 were the only years he fought three times, and every other year was fewer. With the PFL schedule, MacDonald could be looking at five fights from May to December if he wants to win $1 million.

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After all these years in the fight game, can MacDonald’s body endure that much training and competition in such a short window? It’s a legitimate concern. And as we’ve seen over PFL’s first two seasons, the schedule doesn’t stop for anyone or anything. If MacDonald suffered an injury, that would be a significant blow to the organization’s welterweight season and investment in him.

There’s no certainty past 2020

The takeaway from many after MacDonald’s signing was that PFL was going all in on trying to ink big names for its 2020 season, which has potential to be its last. Next season will close out PFL’s two-year broadcast partnership with ESPN, and surely the company will look for a renewal and more beneficial financial terms. If nothing materializes, though, then the promotion – and all its athletes – could be in trouble.

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MMA Junkie Radio #3011: Is Rory MacDonald to PFL a big deal? Bellator Hawaii preview

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” react to the latest news and notes in MMA, as well as look ahead to Bellator’s doubleheader in Hawaii.

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

On Episode No. 3,011 of the podcast, the guys react to the latest MMA news and notes, as well as preview Bellator’s Hawaii doubleheader.

THE RUNDOWN:

  • New UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is facing a tough break – literally. He revealed that he broke his hand, and it will require surgery, which means he’s out for some time. Just like that, all the momentum he’s gained from beating Max Holloway goes away, at least for a little while. What needs to happen next?
  • Bellator “Salute The Troops” takes place Friday and features the return of former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett in the headliner. We look ahead to the card.
  • Also taking place Saturday is Bellator 236, where women’s flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane will defend her title against Kate Jackson. Plus, the featherweight grand prix quarterfinals get underway with Antonio McKee vs. Derek Campos. We look ahead to the card.
  • Speaking of Bellator, former welterweight champion Rory MacDonald is gone after signing on with the PFL. What do we think of this surprising move?
  • OK, seriously. What needs to happen with the women’s featherweight “division” – if you can even call it that? We discuss.
  • UFC Hall of Famer apparently will continue fighting on after losing at UFC 245. But should he?
  • Johnny Walker is moving to Tristar Gym in preparation for his next fight. Good move?

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at AudioBoom, 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.

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NAC delays Daniel Pineda hearing until next month; four other fighters face sanctions

PFL featherweight Daniel Pineda is out of his $1M fight with Lance Palmer after his NAC hearing was postponed until next month.

PFL dark horse [autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag] won’t compete on New Year’s Eve after all.

The former UFC fighter’s improbable run in the 2019 PFL featherweight playoffs was one of the main storylines leading into the finals on Dec. 31 in New York.

However on Nov. 14, MMA Junkie learned Pineda had failed a drug test. The positive result, stemming from an Oct. 17 test, means he is out of his $1M championship fight with Lance Palmer. Palmer will instead face alternate Alex Gilpin, per sources with knowledge of the situation.

In a post on social media, Pineda denied having taken any “steroids” and indicated sex pills may have been the culprit.

Furthermore, Pineda’s manager, Jason House, issued the following statement to MMA Junkie:

“Right now we’re in the process of researching what could have led to a positive test. We plan on appealing the decision once all information is gathered.”

On Wednesday, the Nevada Athletic Commission held their monthly meeting and Pineda’s case was one of the topics on the agenda.

Initially, Pineda’s representative was eager to plead his case to the commission. However before he could get started, the NAC informed him by doing so, he’d forfeit his ability to reach a settlement, something Pineda’s team also seemingly wanted to do.

After a 15-minute intermission, Pineda’s representative elected not to argue his case before the commission Wednesday. Instead, the hearing was tabled until the NAC’s next meeting in January.

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Pineda wasn’t the only PFL fighter who had a hearing Wednesday. Light heavyweight [autotag]Alex Nicholson[/autotag] was suspended four years and fined over $15,000 for testing positive for three anabolic steroids, stemming from an Oct. 31 test.

Additionally, former UFC fighter and TUF 13 runner-up [autotag]Ramsey Nijem[/autotag] was suspended nine months and fined 15 percent of his purse ($3,750),as a result of a positive test for marijuana metabolites. Nijem didn’t respond to the NAC’s inquiries regarding the test.

[autotag]Luiz Rafael Laurentino[/autotag] was suspended 12 months, as a result of a positive test for stanozolol, an androgenic anabolic steroid. The Brazilian was also fined 20 percent of his purse ($5,000) and will have to pay an additional $363.40 in prosecution fees. Laurentino didn’t respond to the NAC’s inquiries regarding the test.

Former TUF Brazil competitor and UFC fighter [autotag]Glaico Franca[/autotag] also went before the commission. Like Pineda, Franca’s temporary suspension was extended and his hearing was tabled until January.

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Douglas Lima ‘little bit disappointed’ about Rory MacDonald’s Bellator exit, thankful for rivalry

A trilogy fight between Douglas Lima and Rory MacDonald is now off the table, but the Bellator champ said he’s taking it in stride.

[autotag]Douglas Lima[/autotag] won’t get his trilogy bout with [autotag]Rory MacDonald[/autotag], after all.

Bellator welterweight champion Lima (32-7 MMA, 14-3 UFC) said that, like many, he was thrown off guard when news broke Wednesday morning that MacDonald (21-6-1 MMA, 3-2-1 BMMA) had signed a deal to join PFL, marking the end of his six-fight stint with Bellator.

After splitting results over two meetings, Lima said he thought the trilogy with MacDonald was going to happen in the “very near future.” But then, just the same as everyone else, he learned the two no longer shared the same roster.

“I’m a little bit disappointed,” Lima told MMA Junkie. “It definitely did surprise me. It was unexpected. We had a close first fight, second one was a little better, but not as exciting. I thought we were going to do the third fight. But whatever. I got the belt. That’s what I wanted. It wasn’t about revenge or anything. I just wanted my title.”

Lima regained the 170-pound title he lost to MacDonald when he took a unanimous decision at Bellator 232 in October. The fight took place 21 months after the initial matchup at Bellator 192, which saw MacDonald edge out a razor-thin unanimous decision in a thrilling contest.

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It was that first meeting, and the resulting loss, that signified a turning point for Lima, he said. It revealed some significant hurdles the Brazilian needed to overcome to meet his full potential, and he said his growth has shown in going 3-0 since. For that knowledge, Lima said he can’t be anything but grateful to MacDonald.

“The first fight is what changed me the most,” Lima said. “It was so close, it was a battle. So much more things I could’ve done, but I didn’t because of a mental block that I had there. But you learn from fighting, and it kind of changed me and it helped me so much. I definitely learned a lot more from fighting him than anyone else in the first fight. I showed that through the tournament, then I beat him in the rematch. You learn something from everyone in every fight, but Rory was the most, for sure.

“I have to be thankful for him. He taught me a lot in our first fight. I’m never going to forget that. It really helped me in my career just being in the cage with him all that time. But it’s over now. That chapter is closed.”

Given Lima has beaten most of the top welterweights in Bellator, he said losing out on a high-profile trilogy fight like MacDonald is definitely a bit frustrating. Lima said he hopes to be back to action in March, either defending his title or possibly moving up to fight at middleweight. Meanwhile, MacDonald has moved on, but Lima will always hold their rivalry close, and said he will be keeping tabs on the Canadian moving forward.

“Good for him, I think he’s going to do good wherever he goes,” Lima said. “I’m sure he’s being very well taken care of. Being a champion in Bellator, and what he did in the UFC, I look forward to watching him there for sure.”

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Alex Nicholson suspended four years by NSAC, fined $15,363 for first-time drug offense

PFL light heavyweight Alex Nicholson won’t be fighting in Nevada any time soon.

Former UFC fighter and current PFL light heavyweight [autotag]Alex Nicholson[/autotag] won’t be fighting in Nevada any time soon.

On Wednesday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) held their monthly meeting in Las Vegas. Hearings for five PFL fighters were part of the agenda. Among them was Nicholson.

According to the NSAC, Nicholson recently tested positive for multiple anabolic steroids: drostanolone, nandrolone and trenbolone. The failed test stems from his Oct. 31 loss against Francimar Barroso at PFL 2019, Playoffs 3.

The commission stated Nicholson elected not to respond to the complaint filed by NSAC director Bob Bennett on Nov. 25. Nicholson was not in attendance for Wednesday’s meeting, nor did he elect to call in via phone.

As a result of the test and subsequent lack of cooperation, Nicholson was suspended four years by the NSAC and fined 60 percent of his fight night purse ($15,000). An additional fine equaling $363.40 was added on, to pay for the commission’s legal fees.

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According to the commission, the maximum sanction for a first-time offender is 24 months and a 30 percent fine. However, the NSAC interpreted Nicholson committing multiple anti-doping offenses under the umbrella of “aggravating circumstances.”

The application of the aggravated circumstances designation allow for up to, but not more than twice the maximum suspension and/or fine for an offense.

Ex-UFC, Bellator fighter Rory MacDonald signs multi-fight deal with PFL

Rory MacDonald has signed with PFL and will compete in next season’s welterweight tournament for a chance to win $1 million dollars.

[autotag]Rory MacDonald[/autotag] is headed to the PFL.

Former Bellator welterweight champion and former UFC welterweight title challenger MacDonald (21-6-1) has signed an exclusive multi-fight deal with PFL, MMA Junkie confirmed with promotion officials following an initial report from ESPN.

MacDonald will enter the PFL’s 2020 welterweight season and compete for a chance to win the $1 million prize awarded to the winner.

In his last outing in October, MacDonald lost his 170-pound title in the Bellator welterweight world Grand Prix final to Douglas Lima, the man he defeated to claim the title in January 2018. It was the final fight of MacDonald’s contract.

During his Bellator tenure, MacDonald also attempted to capture a second title but fell short in a second-round TKO loss to then Bellator middleweight champ Gegard Mousasi.

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Brendan Loughnane ‘extremely content’ in PFL; can’t wait to fight on New Year’s Eve

PFL featherweight Brendan Loughnane feels confident he made the right decision.

[autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag] feels confident he made the right decision.

After getting passed over for a UFC contract due to a late takedown during his “Dana White’s Contender Series” fight, Loughnane inked a deal with PFL in the fall.

Despite being unable to partake in the 2019 tournament season which had already started, Loughnane was booked right away for a showcase fight. At PFL 2019: Playoffs 1 in early October, Loughnane won his promotional debut against Matt Wagy by unanimous decision.

Less than two months later, Loughnane has been rebooked for the PFL 2019 championship card. On New Year’s Eve, Loughnane (28-3 MMA) will take on David Valente at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The promotion announced the booking Thursday.

“These guys are amazing,” Loughnane told MMA Junkie, about his experience with the PFL. “They promised me seven fights. Five in the tournament and two before the end of the year. I can’t complain. I just fought in Mandalay Bay and now I’m about to fight in Madison Square Garden. PFL is really delivering the goods.

“(I’m) extremely happy, extremely content. They work great with me. I work great with them. It’s a great partnership and I really look forward to putting myself in the mix next year for the $1 million.”

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The $1 million Loughnane refers to is next year’s tournament prize. He’s already been promised a slot in the PFL 2020 featherweight season. While doesn’t want to look past his opponent on Dec. 31, Loughnane can’t help but set long-term goals.

“I can’t overlook David Valente,” Loughnane said. “He’s a dangerous fighter. But next year is the goal – the $1 million. That’s what I signed up for.”

Loughnane had the opportunity to visit New York’s Madison Square Garden for the first time in early November. He attended UFC 244 to support his friend Darren Till. Walking in the arena, Loughnane was struck by its magnitude.

“(It) gives me goose bumps,” Loughnane said. “The most prestigious arena on earth. I recently went there for the (Jorge) Masvidal fight to support my boy Darren Till. It was my first time in New York.

“It was my first time in the arena. I literally walked in and I had to walk back out and take a second to myself. Like, ‘Wow. I’m going to be fighting here.’ One of those surreal moments.”

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Loughnane’s fight against Valente (11-4 MMA) will take place as part of the Jan. 31 undercard. After Loughnane and Valente compete, the $1 million final between the 2019 finalists will go down.

“I get to see what I’m up against,” Loughnane said. “Lance Palmer is like 9-0 in there now. He’s absolutely killing it. He’s the guy to beat. I hear there’s a bit of a change-up next year. I hear they’re changing the roster a lot. There’s going to be some savages in there, chasing that big money prize. ”

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MMA Junkie Radio #3007: Alistair Overeem’s title hopes, Jose Aldo’s weight cut, Ortega and Henderson injuries, more

Hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” break down the latest news, including Alistair Overeem at UFC on ESPN 7, Jose Aldo’s weight cut and more.

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

On episode No. 3,007 of the podcast, the guys break down the latest MMA news and notes, including Alistair Overeem’s hope for a IUFC title before he retires, Jose Aldo’s weight cut to 135 pounds, Brian Ortega and Benson Henderson’s big fight withdrawals and much more.

The rundown

Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at AudioBoom, 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.

PFL announces championship alternates as Daniel Pineda waits to appeal ‘irregular’ drug test

PFL featherweight finalist Daniel Pineda will soon find out if he’s still eligible to compete for $1 million.

With featherweight finalist [autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag] set to go before the Nevada Athletic Commission regarding his recent drug test mishap, the PFL on Wednesday announced a list of championship alternates.

They are as follows:

  • Featherweight: [autotag]Alex Gilpin[/autotag]
  • Women’s lightweight: Sarah Kaufman
  • Lightweight: Chris Wade
  • Welterweight: Glaico Franca (second alternate is Chris Curtis)
  • Light heavyweight: Bozigit Ataev
  • Heavyweight: Denis Goltsov

Pineda was flagged last month by the NAC, leaving his eligibility for the $1 million title fight in jeopardy. After weeks without comment, the PFL deemed it “an irregular test result.” Pineda is scheduled to go before the NAC on Dec. 18, when it’s expected to be determined if he’ll face defending 145-pound champion [autotag]Lance Palmer[/autotag].

“The PFL believes all athletes deserve due process and will, within reason, provide the fighters who earned their way into the finals every opportunity to compete on New Year’s Eve,” PFL CEO Peter Murray said in a statement. “The league, as always, will abide by the final ruling of the commission.”

If Pineda is suspended, then Gilpin, who lost in the semifinals to Palmer, would get a rematch.

The PFL 2019 Championship takes place Dec. 31 at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York and airs on ESPN2.

PFL 2019 Championship lineup includes:

  • Kayla Harrison vs. Larissa Pacheco – women’s lightweight final
  • David Michaud vs. Ray Cooper III – welterweight final
  • Lance Palmer vs. Opponent TBA – featherweight final
  • Natan Schulte vs. Loik Radzhabov – lightweight final
  • Emiliano Sordi vs. Jordan Johnson – light heavyweight final
  • Jared Rosholt vs. Ali Isaev – heavyweight final