MMA Rumor Roundup: Strickland vs. Du Plessis Feud, Vera Criticizes O’Malley’s Marriage, UFC Fighters React to Jake Paul’s KO win
MMA Rumour Roundup: Strickland vs. Du Plessis Feud, Vera Criticises O’Malley’s Marriage, UFC Fighters React to Jake Paul’s KO Win
In this latest MMA News Roundup, we look at some intriguing developments that have shaken the combat sports community. There’s no beating around the bush when it comes to mixed martial arts. Rivalries and verbal spats are as prevalent in the sport as powerful knocks on rock-steady chins.
- Dricus Du Plessis Unleashes Verbal Barrage; Strickland’s Anger Erupts:
The heated exchange between UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and his upcoming opponent, Dricus Du Plessis, is at centre stage in the drama. Self-confessed trash talker Strickland is famous for his frankness, both inside and outside the ring. But in the UFC’s seasonal press conference, Du Plessis turned the tables.
Du Plessis taunted Strickland by mentioning his father, thereby establishing a verbal battle, which paved the way for their bout at UFC 297 in January. The South African called ‘Tarzan’, however, didn’t hold back. He suggested that Strickland was angry because he had a bad relationship with his father. Du Plessis retorts boldly, “Your dad has no cream in him. I’m going to show you what it’s like to get beaten. All your childhood memories are about to come back.”
Du Plessis’ remark hit a nerve with Strickland, who was visibly angry. The middleweight king struck back, saying he would take the soul of Du Plessis and naming it in obscene words. The tension between fighters has now extended beyond the physical realm.
- Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera Throws Shade at Sean O’Malley’s Personal Life:
Another headline-grabbing moment came from Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, who during the UFC’s seasonal press conference took a swipe at his opponent Sean O. Malley. The two rivals will be facing off again at UFC 299 in March next year, and the rivalry has been boiling ever since Vera defeated O’Malley by TKO—his only loss to date.
‘Chito’, for his part, took aim at O’Malley by making a somewhat controversial comparison during the presser. He compared O’Malley to Adam22, a well-known influencer who caused an uproar when he consented for his wife to shoot an adult video with another performer. Vera didn’t beat around the bush, saying that he hated him and cursing as you please. I’m going to be ready. I’m going to fight him. Take a look at this dude, man. He’s the next Adam 22.”
This personal smack adds a dose of animosity to the already bitter rivalry and builds up for an old-fashioned grudge match between two people outside of the Octagon.
- UFC Fighters Weigh In on Jake Paul’s Stunning KO Victory:
Outside the world of traditional MMA, nothing epitomises controversy like Jake Paul. When he blew out Andre August in the first round for his eighth professional boxing victory, Paul showcased his skills and left people talking.
such UFC stars as Francis Ngannou and Sean O’Malley expressed congratulations to Paul on his fine performance both online. Ngannou recognised that the kid had skills, writing, Congratulations on an amazing performance, Jake Paul,” while O’Malley (the bantamweight champ) added a series of emojis expressing his excitement and acknowledging Jake just did what he does best.
This reaction from UFC fighters is emblematic of the increasing presence (and potential significance) in recent years among crossover personalities like Jake Paul and combat sports events that cut across traditional boundaries between MMA, boxing, or even other fighting codes.
From the heated words exchanged between Strickland and Du Plessis to the witty barbs Vera shoots at O’Malley’s ‘personal life, different types of stories run wild in the MMA Rumour Roundup. At the same time, UFC fighters ‘acknowledgement of Jake Paul’s boxing skills points to new dynamics taking shape within the greater combat sports community.
