The calendar has turned, and we are now into 2021, which means we are drawing ever closer to the return of the UFC. While the fighters are taking a short break, other than training of course, the business side of the MMA continues. That means that deals are being made and fights arranged, so we do have some stuff to cover this week. The fight that everyone is looking forward to is the return of Conor McGregor on Jan. 23, and there is an update on that card so let’s begin with that little news nugget so you can start getting ready to make your bets against our UFC odds.
2021 MMA Betting News & Rumors Update | Jan. 4th Edition
While the McGregor/Poirier fight certainly dominates the headlines of UFC 257, we have all been eagerly waiting to see what else the main card would have to offer. We have some news to report on that front, although, as you all know, the announcements of matchups for any event don’t mean much until they finally go. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on cards over the pat few months, but we will keep our fingers crossed that the latest addition stays. Michael Chandler, who is moving over from Bellator, will make his UFC debut against #5 ranked Lightweight Dan Hooker in a fight that has been in the making for about a month now.
On the Featherweight side of things, we are going to need to wait a little while longer to see Alexander Volkanovski defend his crown. He is coming off a controversial split decision win over Max Holloway earlier in the year, with a rematch almost certainly coming at some point. Next up, though, will be a date with Brian Ortega. The UFC were looking at February for that one, but the Volkanovski camp needed a little more time, so we will be seeing this one go in March. There is no official word yet, though, so we will be keeping an eye on this one.
There are some major cuts coming in the UFC, with rumors suggesting that as many as 50 fighters could be on the way out. Mike Perry is one fighter that may well survive the cut, which is sure to come as a surprise to many fight fans. Perry has gone 7-7 in the UFC, which alone is usually enough to see a fighter drop out. Perry has also had some serious issues outside the Octagon, but while his behavior is erratic, UFC head Dana White finds him to be an entertaining presence who is good for the UFC. It looks as though he may be around for a little while longer yet.
That is all the news we have for this week, but be sure to check back next Monday for more, as there is always something new to report.
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