Before we get into the crux of what you all showed up for (news), we want to re-introduce you to the “Insider’s Scoop.”
Every once in and while, our reporters, when enough noteworthy developments have piled up, will release news in an easy-to-digest roundup for the MMA Junkie audience.
From fight rumblings to event locations and dates to roster departures and more, various tidbits will be featured each time “Insider’s Scoop” is released.
So without further ado, here’s the latest edition of “Insider’s Scoop.”
Where’s Jon Jones?
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: Jon Jones before his fight against Dominick Reyes in their UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout during UFC 247 at Toyota Center on February 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Believe it or not, Jon Jones is ready to go. He’s been ready.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion seems to be on good terms with the promotion and its proposed terms. So what’s the issue? Well, the struggles to find an opponent are real.
The UFC wanted Stipe Miocic vs. Jones and tried for multiple dates, as was rumored. Negotiations with Miocic have not resulted in anything substantial, unfortunately. That matchup is essentially gone by the wayside, barring revival from the dead.
With the injury timeline for Francis Ngannou still up in the air, it’s unclear who Jones will fight. However, the UFC can’t just sit around forever without offering Jones a fight. As of very recently, the penciled plan is to have him fight March 5 at UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
Per sources close to the situation, if Ngannou is ready, that’ll be the fight the UFC wants. If not, the UFC will have to go to Plan C, Jones vs. someone else. I’m told the UFC also has a matchup against Curtis Blaydes as a prospective safety net should Ngannou not be ready. The UFC also has Ciryl Gane in consideration for a similar planning position as Blaydes, though there are concerns about his return timeline from injury.
The UFC’s plans and executing those plans are two different things, remember. Getting a deal done with Ngannou is still a hurdle the promotion would need to overcome.
Tatiana Suarez
Sep 8, 2018; Dallas, TX, USA; Tatiana Suarez (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Carla Esparza (not pictured) during UFC 228 at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
One of the world’s best strawweights hasn’t even competed in over three years, but that’s on the verge of changing. Tatiana Suarez is on the come back trail and targets a 2023 Q1 return to competition, sources tell MMA Junkie. Undefeated as a professional, Suarez has competed only once since September 2018 due to injuries, but is widely regarded as a likely future title challenger.
UFC in the U.K.
Jul 23, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Claudio Silva (red gloves) and Nicolas Dalby (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports
As has been alluded to, the UFC will strike while the iron is hot. For the third time in approximately a year’s time, the UFC will head back to the UK. It sounds like March 18 is the date, with multiple fighters receiving verbal and written offers from the UFC in recent weeks. UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev previously alluded to this date. That would be UFC 286, with UFC 285 expected for Las Vegas on March 4.
Another Rosas
Raul Rosas Jr. made his mark when he signed with the UFC at age 17 earlier this year. His father is a serious martial artist, who serves as his head coach. But the MMA DNA doesn’t stop there. Rosas’ older brother Jessie Rosas is following his footsteps. On Saturday, Jessie, 19, moved to 2-0.
UFC Fight Night 216 down a man
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 12: (R-L) Tafon Nchukwi of Cameroon punches Azamat Murzakanov of Russia in their light heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 12, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Tafon Nchukwi is out of his UFC Fight Night 216 bout due to injury, I’m told. It’s unclear if his scheduled opponent Vitor Petrino will remain on the card or be rescheduled for a different date.
