Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For May 24, 2023, we’re taking a look at:
- Dana White discusses interest in Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones.
- Dillon Danis and Belal Muhammad go back and forth on Twitter.
- Former UFC fighter dealt restraining order following alleged assault.
“Let’s Do It” – Dana White On Tyson Fury vs. Jon Jones
During a recent interview with BroBible, UFC President Dana White weighed in on the recent back-and-forth between WBC Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones.
The war of words began when Joe Rogan suggested ‘Bones’ would get the better of ‘The Gypsy King’ in a fight. Unsurprisingly, Fury took exception to the idea which, in turn, led to Jones piping up as well. Both men have suggested the other should consider stepping into their respective combat sports realm.
White has confirmed his interest in making the blockbuster crossover fight happen provided Fury is genuinely interested.
“You know how I am: If Tyson Fury really wants to fight Jon Jones in the UFC, I will make it happen,” White asserted. “Here’s my thing: Right now, Tyson, if you’re serious, let me know.”
White went on to cite Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor as a key example of putting a superstar two-sport clash together in the past.
“We can talk all we want,” White said. “Tyson can talk, Jon Jones can talk, I can talk, we can all talk. Let’s do it. If Tyson is serious, and he wants to do it, listen, I got Floyd Mayweather to fight [McGregor], and we paid Floyd. We got Floyd the number he wanted. If Tyson Fury is serious, and he wants to fight Jon Jones in the UFC, let’s start talking.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
“His Face Is Just One Of Those Just Ruins Your Whole Day” – Dillon Danis On Belal Muhammad
Notorious MMA troll Dillon Danis recently revealed he hates No.3-ranked UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad. Danis offered no personal reason for his disdain towards ‘Remember the Name’, instead simply claiming that Muhammad’s face irritates him.
i fucking hate @bullyb170 his face is just one of those just ruins your whole day.
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) May 23, 2023
In response, Muhammad lampooned Danis’ attitude despite his lengthy inactivity as a professional fighter. ‘Remember the Name’ brought up Danis’ recent sparring session with former UFC Middleweight Champion Alex Pereira, claiming it has given ‘El Jefe’ delusions of grandeur.
Your like a mom that goes to one cardio kickboxing class “Trains with pereira one day” thinks he can fight now lol
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 23, 2023
‘Remember the Name’ also retweeted a fan comparing his and Danis’ polar opposite career trajectories at the moment.
Belal fighting for a UFC championship while you sitting on a couch pulling out of fights against YouTubers.
— Valhalla (@BrilitantMMA) May 23, 2023
In response, Danis likened Muhammad’s appearance to a character from the 2016 animated comedy Sausage Party and claimed he’d “rag doll” the 170lbs star in a fight.
if we fought i would absolutely rag doll your bum ass, coach shish kebab wouldn’t be able to help you defend from me dumping you on your mr potato ass looking face. https://t.co/ydZt6vtxgb pic.twitter.com/ULo8kUEVaX
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) May 23, 2023
Former UFC Fighter Alessio Di Chirico Out On Bail
Ex-UFC middleweight fighter Alessio Di Chirico was recently arrested and taken into custody. The arrest came due to his alleged assault on a taxi driver in Formentera, Spain.
Omar Bouhia, the driver, drover Di Chirico and his family from a restaurant back to their hotel. He claimed the assault came following an argument about seating in the car. The attack led to the driver suffering facial injuries.
Di Chirico’s wife has since posted bail to get Di Chirico out of jail. The release also comes with a 100 metre restraining order filed against the retired fighter.
UPDATE: As already reported by @fight_4_yours yesterday, Alessio Di Chirico is out of jail.
Diario de Ibiza reports that Di Chirico's wife deposited €30K voluntarily to ensure civil responsibilities. Di Chirico also got a 100-meter restraining order. https://t.co/jTrt5rJfHP
— Al Zullino (@phre) May 24, 2023
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you want to read more about Di Chirico’s arrest, you can do so here.
Make sure to also read:
- Dana White Defends Presser Comments Following Aljamain Sterling Rebuttal: ‘If You’re Not Healthy, Don’t Take The Fight’
- Khamzat Chimaev Dismisses ‘Nobody’ Colby Covington’s Title Credentials: ‘Maybe They Give That Chance To Him Because He’s From USA’
- Alexander Volkanovski Outlines UFC’s ‘Clever’ Plan To Book The Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira Trilogy MMA Fight
- Javier Mendez Recounts Khabib Nurmagomedov Giving Teammates $1,000 Each After Making Money Through A Signing Session