The latest news in combat sports brings attention to significant developments in the UFC and the upcoming boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul.
Firstly, after UFC 301, Ihor Potieria received a 45-day medical suspension due to his fight against Michel Pereira. Potieria took the fight on short notice and faced a guillotine choke from Pereira, alongside a questionable backflip knee strike.
This injury has led to Potieria withdrawing from UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22, where he was scheduled to face Sharabutdin ‘Bullet’ Magomedov. Magomedov has expressed his frustration on Instagram, calling out Pereira for the illegal move and seeking retribution.
Meanwhile, Potieria has filed an appeal with the Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission to have the fight’s result overturned to a no-contest, emphasizing the impact of such injuries on fighters and the subsequent repercussions.
In other news, Logan Paul responded vehemently to allegations made by his former friend and co-host George Janko regarding the IMPAULSIVE podcast. Janko claimed undervaluation and alleged a case of sexual harassment involving a guest.
Paul refuted these claims with detailed evidence, disclosing Janko’s substantial earnings from the podcast since December 2021, which included payment per hour and equity in the show.
Finally, heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder expressed concern for Mike Tyson’s safety ahead of his fight against Jake Paul. Wilder criticized the licensing of Tyson due to his inactivity in the sport for over 20 years, highlighting potential risks associated with such matchups. Wilder emphasized the need for caution, citing examples of serious injuries suffered by athletes and expressing a desire for Tyson to avoid potential harm.
These developments underscore the physical and regulatory challenges faced by athletes in combat sports, emphasizing the importance of safety and transparency within the industry. The concerns raised by Wilder regarding Tyson’s upcoming fight reflect broader discussions surrounding athlete well-being and the ethical considerations of high-profile sporting events.