UFC vet talks Elon Musk Nazi salute, Sean Strickland wants stand-up only fight, Alex Pereira opens as UFC 313 underdog: MMA News Roundup

A UFC veteran weighs in on Elon Musk's alleged Nazi salute, Sean Strickland wants Dricus du Plessis to sign a pact and Magomed Ankalaev opens as an early betting favorite against Alex Pereira.

Find out more details in today's (Jan. 22) Sportskeeda daily news roundup.

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#3. UFC veteran weighs in on Elon Musk's alleged Nazi salute at Donald Trump rally

Former UFC fighter Jake Shields has opted to defend Elon Musk, after the Tesla CEO was accused of doing the Nazi salute at a Donald Trump rally.

Musk, who was talking to the crowd of people, signed off his speech by doing a hand gesture that appeared to be similar to the salute Hitler would often do during the Nazi regime. He has since faced widespread criticism for his actions, with many people concerned that his actions may influence the U.S. government.

Watch the clip here:

Following the incident and the fallout, Shields took to X to have his say. The former fighter defended Musk's actions, stating that it was America and people are free to move their arms how they like. He tweeted:

“It’s crazy how people are freaking out over how Elon Musk lifted his arm. This is America, not Germany We are allowed to move our arms however the f**k we want in this country”

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#2. Sean Strickand challenges Dricus du Plessis to sign a "pact" ahead of UFC 312 title bout

Sean Strickland has demanded Dricus du Plessis sign and honor a pact that would see the pair engage in a stand-up only bout when they clash for the middleweight title next month.

Speaking in an interview with Full Violence before the pair meet inside the octagon in Sydney, Australia on Feb. 8, 'Tarzan' issued the challenge, stating:

''Listen Dutchman, I'm going to need you to be a fu**ing man and I'm gonna need you to stand up, not go to your knees, and we're gonna need to fu**ing strike like men. I know you like to wrestle, and you like to fu**ing choke people out and do some gay sh*t, dude but I'll make a pact with you. You make a pact with me that we fu**ing stand up like fu**ing men and we settle this sh*t like men.''

Catch Strickland's comments here:

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#1. Magomed Ankalaev opens as betting favorite against Alex Pereira, Anthony Smith weighs in

Anthony Smith recently shared his thoughts on the news that Magomed Ankalaev has opened as the early favorite in the betting odds for his upcoming light heavyweight title bout against Alex Pereira.

The pair's headline bout was confirmed last weekend, with their contest set to be the main event of UFC 313 on Mar. 8. Following the announcement, betting odds have been released. Anklaev appears to have been given a slight edge, as he has opened as the early favorite at around -200.

'Lionheart' then weighed in on the news during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The UFC veteran said:

"That's crazy [that Ankalaev is favored]...I don't think you have to look any further than [Ankalaev's] own words. He's not gonna wrestle Alex Pereira, that's what he said. I don't have any reason not to believe him. [He] says he's gonna stand in front of him and knock him out. I mean, maybe he'll double cross us but I don't think that would be great for him. But, is there anybody you'd favor in a striking match versus [Pereira]?"

Catch Smith's comments here: