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

Alistair Overeem headlines UFC on ESPN 7 on Saturday and says he wants to win a UFC title before he retires. Can he?
Is the Ben Rothwell vs. Stefan Struve fight at UFC on ESPN 7 a loser-leaves-town fight?
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is dropping to 135 pounds for the first time – and he just doesn’t look very good.
Brian Ortega suffered a partial ACL tear and is out of his UFC Busan main event against “The Korean Zombie.”
Benson Henderson had to pull out of his fight against Michael Chandler at Bellator’s last event of the year.
The PFL seems to be handing out a lot of money to its playoff final alternates.
Diego Sanchez is back, and he’ll fight on the UFC’s Rio Rancho card just outside his longtime Albuquerque home base in New Mexico.
Jorge Masvidal is going to do some color commentary.
It looks like Johnny Walker may be back again soon – but is it too soon?
Should Gregor Gillespie retire from the trash talk business?
And speaking of trash talk, did Colby Covington take his too far this time?

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