Welcome to “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly show that takes a quick spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts. This week, host John Morgan is joined by panelists “Gorgeous” George Garcia from MMA Junkie Radio, as well as MMA Junkie managing editor Simon Samano and reporter Danny Segura. Let’s get into it!
SHOW TOPICS:
- John Kavanagh recently spoke with TheMacLife, and he talked about the possibility of Michael Chandler or Justin Gaethje potentially stepping in for Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. Let’s all knock on wood that that isn’t necessary, but Kavanagh said – respectfully – that both of those guys are “slightly easier” opponents for Conor McGregor. Out of those three guys – and including Dan Hooker, as well – who is the toughest matchup for McGregor?
- Colby Covington is getting vocal again and claiming that he’s ready to sign a contract with Jorge Masvidal and is simply waiting on the man he calls “Street Judas” to get on board. We know Masvidal is one of the biggest stars in the game, and we know he’ll fight anyone, so what else is going on? Is there a bigger fight to make for Masvidal?
- Vitor Belfort is the latest MMA fighter to come out and discuss a potential fight with Jake Paul. UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has said he’s in. Ben Askren. Dillon Danis. The list goes on. It all does seem a bit silly – professional prizefighters taking on a YouTube sensation – but there also seems to be real money at stake. Is there anything wrong with these fighters trying to cash in at their maximum value, or should there be some sort of code of ethics that prevents pro fighters from taking part in these circus sideshows?
- The UFC’s bantamweight division continues to be a thrilling weight class with a number of viable contenders in line for champ Petr Yan. A resurgent Jose Aldo called out T.J. Dillashaw after his latest win, but Rob Font also said he’d like a crack at either one of them. We also now know that Cody Garbrandt isn’t willing to just sit around for his flyweight title shot and would like to face Aldo while Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno get their rematch sorted. So knowing we’ve got those four names to work with now – Aldo, Dillashaw, Font and Garbrandt – what are the two fights to make?
- Bellator president Scott Coker recently said he’s not going to let COVID-19 ruin the retirement fight of MMA legend Fedor Emelinanenko, saying he’s hoping to delay things long enough for the 44-year-old Fedor to fight in front of 30,000 people in Moscow. So, knowing that’s the plan, and let’s say Bellator is willing to open up the checkbook to get anybody they need for this fight, play matchmaker for a second and tell us who’s the best choice to stand on the other side of the cage.
For answers to all of those questions, watch Episode 59 of “Spinning Back Clique” above.