MMA News Roundup: Aljamain Sterling defends Andrew Tate, Leon Edwards plans on making Jorge Masvidal "beg" for title fight, UFC veteran faces devastating loss in bantamweight debut

Leon Edwards (left), Aljamain Sterling with Andrew Tate (center - via @funkmasterMMA on Twitter), Jorge Masvidal (right)
Leon Edwards (left), Aljamain Sterling with Andrew Tate (center - via @funkmasterMMA on Twitter), Jorge Masvidal (right)

Welcome to today's edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.

In today's issue, we talk about Aljamain Sterling defending Andrew Tate's comments, Leon Edwards sending a word of warning to Jorge Masvidal, and more.


#3. "I really don’t care that much" - Aljamain Sterling on Andrew Tate's reputation

Aljamain Sterling talks about Andrew Tate meet
Aljamain Sterling talks about Andrew Tate meet

Aljamain Sterling was recently seen posing with the infamous Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan in Dubai ahead of UFC 280.

The former kickboxer-turned-internet sensation recently rose to newfound fame owing to his notorious takes regarding women and their rights. From vocally advocating domestic abuse to being accused of it, Tate's notorious reputation precedes him.

Naturally, Sterling's fans weren't impressed seeing their favorite fighter associating with such a personality. 'Funk Master' took a neutral stance, coming to Tate's defense but also agreeing with some of the points made by his fans. He stated that there can be both sides to the argument of whether Tate is a "bad guy" or not, and either way, he is indifferent.

Here's one of Sterling's tweets:

Here's a second response:

Sterling responds a third time:

The recently crowned welterweight king, Leon Edwards, was also seen with Tate a couple of days ago. Interestingly, Joe Rogan is also a fan of the self-proclaimed "self-help guru."


#2. "Get on your knees and beg" - Leon Edwards to Jorge Masvidal

Leon Edwards not letting Jorge Masvidal off the hook
Leon Edwards not letting Jorge Masvidal off the hook

Jorge Masvidal is possibly realizing at the moment the true meaning of the words "what goes around comes around."

There was a time when Leon Edwards repeatedly asked for a fight with 'Gamebred' following the infamous "3 piece and a soda" backstage incident at London's O2 Arena. However, these were brushed aside for title fight with Kamaru Usman, a 'BMF' clash with Nate Diaz, and a grudge match with Colby Covington. With the welterweight belt now around his waist, the Brit currently has the upperhand and plans on taking full advantage of the same.

Now that Edwards is the champion, Masvidal seems all too keen for the fight, but 'Rocky' is having none of that. He posted the below tweet:

"Refer to me as "Mr Edwards" or "Sir" and get on your knees and beg and I may consider it"

The comment was in response to Masvidal's most recent call-out where he claimed that Edwards was getting "cold feet" about fighting him.


#1. UFC veteran Cub Swanson gets finished on bantamweight debut

Cub Swanson at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Induction Ceremony
Cub Swanson at the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Induction Ceremony

After fighting for over a decade at featherweight, Cub Swanson moved down to bantamweight to give himself "a new challenge."

Despite a promising start, Swanson's 135-pound


debut didn't quite go according to plan, thanks to a dominant show by Jonathan Martinez.

'Dragon' almost had Swanson in the first round after dropping him with a knee to the body and following by with punches. But the veteran was saved by the bell.

Swanson's luck didn't last in the second round as a brutal leg kick by Martinez sent him buckling to the mat. It only took one follow-up shot for the referee to step in.

Here's a highlight of the fight:

youtube-cover

This was Swanson's 22nd fight in the UFC. He debuted in 2011 with a loss against Ricardo Lamas. He has 13 UFC wins, which include a knockout win over Charles Oliveira and a decision victory over Dustin Poirier.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now