Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 8, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- White argues that UFC is the best at what they do rather than a monopoly
- There’s a new “King” in the lightweight division
- Top 15 lightweights scheduled for UFC’s return to Paris
Dana White Insists UFC Isn’t A Monopoly Because ‘Anyone’ Can Start An MMA Promotion
During the long process of the antitrust lawsuit that was filed against the UFC by former members of the roster, the case was granted class certification.
While a settlement was eventually reached, many concluded that the class certification validated the allegation that the UFC holds a monopoly over the sport. Unsurprisingly, the promotion disagreeds with that notion.
Dana White spoke out on this during a recent interview with Fox News, where he debated the idea that the MMA leader prevents others from being able to compete at its level.
He made the case that the UFC is simply the best at what it does, but that it’s not stopping others from trying to replicate the success achieved by the sport’s leading promotion.
“People have called us ‘monopoly’ and all this stuff for years. We’re not a monopoly, we’re just the best,” White said. “We’re the best at what we do, there’s no barrier to entry, anyone could get into this.
“You could start a league tomorrow and pay the guys whatever you want, you can do whatever you want but a lot of smart, talented, big business moguls have got into this sport and tried to compete with me and they couldn’t do it,” White continued. “But everybody — there’s no barrier to entry, anyone can get into this thing tomorrow.”
Bobby Green Officially Changes His Name To ‘King’ Green Ahead Of UFC 304 Return
Islam Makhachev sits atop the UFC’s lightweight division as the world champion and pound-for-pound best fighter in the sport. Now, however, 155 pounds has a new king.
#15-ranked Bobby Green made his intentions clear in the past that he was looking to change his name, but it has now been made official.
When he makes the walk at UFC 304 later this month to face Paddy Pimblett, he will do so under a new name, King Green.
He gave fans a glimpse of the official documentation on Instagram, which clearly shows that from this point on, he will answer to King and King only.
Renato Moicano Set To Face Benoît Saint Denis In Paris Over Five Rounds
The Octagon is set to return to the French capital for a third consecutive year, with UFC Paris going down at the Accor Arena on September 28.
Ag. Fight reported that top 15 lightweights will face off in Paris with France’s Benoît Saint Denis taking on Brazil’s Renato Moicano. MMA Junkie later confirmed that the contest is set to take place over five rounds.
It remains to be seen whether that marks the break of Ciryl Gane’s streak of Paris headliners, or if “God of War” and his Brazilian counterpart are set for a five-round co-headliner.
Moicano is riding a three-fight win streak from the #10 spot, while Saint Denis, who is two spots below him in the rankings, will look to bounce back from his defeat to Dustin Poirier in March.
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- Magomed Ankalaev Reacts To Alex Pereira’s Interaction With Anthony Joshua: ‘One More UFC Champion Wants To Run To Boxing’
- Dricus Du Plessis On What He Saw In Israel Adesanya’s Eyes During Staredown: ‘Trying To Convince Himself He Still Wants To Do This’
- Jorge Masvidal Calls For Nate Diaz Trilogy In ‘Neutral’ Location After Claiming Crowd Influenced Judging In Boxing Defeat
