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The Roundup: biggest MMA & UFC stories, Sep 1

Gaethje cools on McGregor talk, Song Yadong defuses a scary Shanghai cage jump, and Mokaev, Prochazka and Cyborg all make moves toward their next fights.

Gaethje Isn't Holding His Breath on McGregor

Justin Gaethje has run through a murderers' row of lightweights during his UFC career, but a superfight with Conor McGregor looks less likely by the week [1]. We're hearing that McGregor reportedly made his long-awaited return against Max Holloway earlier this year after five years away from the Octagon [1]. That comeback has since been swallowed up by controversies and injury setbacks, and Gaethje's response to the matchup reflects just how uncertain that fight has become [1].

Song Yadong Plays Peacemaker After Usman's Cage Jump

UFC Shanghai gave us one of the wildest scenes of the year when Usman Nurmagomedov reportedly hopped the fence and nearly went after Song Yadong right after Yadong knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event [4]. Instead of firing back, Yadong is publicly siding with Usman, saying he actually understands why the PFL lightweight champion reacted that way [4]. That is a remarkably level-headed response considering he was mid-celebration when Usman came flying over the cage [4].

Nathaniel Wood's Paris Card Gets a Late Shakeup

He now faces promotional newcomer Pavel Andrusca, a Moldovan featherweight coming over from UAE Warriors, in a booking multiple sources confirmed [18]. The timing is almost funny given the other Wood story making the rounds: UFC hopeful Aboubakar Younousov claims Wood turned down a fight with him specifically because of his "-ov" surname [14]. Whatever the reason for the original swap, Wood gets a fresh, undefeated test in Andrusca on short notice [18].

Mokaev Takes Dana White Up on His Challenge

Muhammad Mokaev is actively campaigning to get back into the UFC, and now he's directly answering a challenge Dana White put in front of him [12]. Mokaev has made no secret that he wants back in the promotion, and this latest response shows he's not letting the issue go quiet [12]. For a guy once considered a fast-rising flyweight prospect, staying in the public conversation matters just as much as the eventual booking [12].

Prochazka Teases a Return Before Year's End

Jiri Prochazka is dropping hints about new fight news as he eyes a trip back to the Octagon later this year [13]. The former light heavyweight champion hasn't fought since UFC 327 back in April, where Carlos Ulberg knocked him out in his bid to reclaim the title [13]. Prochazka has been linked to several potential opponents since that loss, and his latest teasing suggests an announcement could be close [13].

Cris Cyborg and BKFC: A Real Possibility

The idea of Cris Cyborg stepping into bare knuckle boxing just got a serious co-sign, with BKFC's David Feldman saying he's excited by the concept [17]. Adding fuel to the fire, Cyborg has already picked up an endorsement for the move from Conor McGregor [17]. For a fighter who has cleaned out multiple weight classes and organizations, bare knuckle would be one of the few boxes left unchecked [17].

Liam McCracken's Comeback From a Bus Accident

Buried among the UFC hopeful profiles this week is a genuinely wild survival story. Liam McCracken says he nearly died in 2023 when he was struck by a bus and dragged 60 feet [15]. He describes feeling "protected" through the ordeal, and his recovery to the point of chasing a UFC opportunity says as much about his resilience as anything he could show on the feet or on the mat [15]. Stories like this are exactly why McCracken's name is worth remembering the next time his fights come up [15].

Sources

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