Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For August 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- O'Malley reviews latest McGregor footage
- Muhammad and Volkanovski trade words after UFC 304 comments
- Former strawweight champion set to return at UFC 307
Sean O'Malley Critiques Conor McGregor's Latest Pad Work Video On Social Media
After taking some time to recover from his injury that led to the cancellation of his return at UFC 303, Conor McGregor appears to be getting back to work.
"The Notorious" is hopeful of returning later this year but he appeared to have taken his foot off the gas once June 29 was ruled out.
His latest training footage came courtesy of his own social media accounts, with the Irishman seen working on his boxing and hitting pads.
UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley, who has engaged in some interactions with McGregor as of late, gave his review via a reply to the post.
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McGregor also commented in response, calling for O'Malley to try and do better whilst telling him to "cheer up".
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Belal Muhammad & Alexander Volkanovski Beef After Pre-Fight Comments
During a recent episode of Remember The Show, Belal Muhammad hit back at all his fellow fighters that doubted him ahead of UFC 304.
The new welterweight champion specifically referenced Alexander Volkanovski, who was in attendance this past weekend in Manchester, and suggested that Muhammad would be a good style clash for him.
You guys were hating, all these guys wanted to come out. Volkanovski, 'Man I think Belal's a good match-up for me if I fight him.' Shut up bro, I'll smack the hell out of you. All these guys right, there's nobody in the UFC that will beat me.
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Volkanovski responded on social media where he doubled down on his previous statement and told Muhammad to say that to him the next time they cross paths.
"@bullyb170 you have every reason to hate on what I said about you being a good stylistic match up for me but I truly believe that, even after your last fight, you didn’t show me anything different. You still mad because I accidentally missed your call…pathetic! Say 'shut up, I’ll smack the shit out of you' to my face and see what happens."
"Remember The Name" had the final word on the matter in a follow-up post with a short and to the point message.
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Carla Esparza Set To Return At UFC 307 In Utah Against Former Foe
Former UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza is expected to return for the first time since losing her title to Weili Zhang in November of 2022.
She took the majority of 2023 and 2024 off after giving birth to her son and is now targeted to compete in a rematch at UFC 307 on October 5.
Esparza and Tecia Pennington first met back on The Ultimate Fighter a decade ago with "Cookie Monster" getting the nod in that quarterfinal clash before going on to win the series.
MMA Junkie's Nolan King reported the fight which will see both women look to return to the win column for the first time in several years.
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