Conor McGregor managed to insert himself into the UFC 288 aftermath, roasting Henry Cejudo in a since-deleted video mocking “Triple C” following a loss to Aljamain Sterling. Meanwhile, one of the fighters allegedly bumped from The Ultimate Fighter 31 to make room for some of McGregor’s teammates is looking for his shot in the UFC. It’s your Sunday MMA Quick Hits, better late than never edition!
“Judo” Jim Wallhead Retires
Bellator MMA and UFC veteran Jim Wallhead announced his retirement following Cage Warriors 153 last weekend, after failing in his bid to unify the promotion’s welterweight title in Dublin, Ireland.
Wallhead, wrapping up his career with a professional record of 33-12, started the night as the promotion’s interim 170lb champ, but came up short against fellow UFC veteran Rhys McKee. Still, at 39, Wallhead managed to go on one final run and claim an interim belt in the U.K.’s largest regional promotion — winning a pair of fights in Bellator before shifting to Cage Warriors.
Starting his career in 2005, Wallhead had stops in M-1 and BAMMA, fighting for the BAMMA welterweight title in 2013. And he finished his career where it began: Wallhead made his pro debut at Cage Warriors: Quest 1 in 2005.
Wallhead holds notable wins over Frank Trigg, John Phillips, Che Mills, and Mateusz Figlak, among others.
"It's time to get home to the wife and kids" 😢
Not a dry eye in the 3Arena. THANK YOU Judo Jimmy, UK legend. pic.twitter.com/KNd9s37cnO
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) April 29, 2023
Kron Gracie wants to eliminate rounds from MMA
Kron Gracie didn’t have much to say during this past week’s UFC 288 media day, but he did open up just a little in a one-on-one with MMA Fighting. Of interest, Kron’s suggestion to eliminate rounds from MMA, and just have 15 and 25-minute fights.
The Gracie family member believes that modern mixed martial artists are at a level to make that happen, while fans are intelligent enough to adjust to the rule change.
“What I really think MMA needs is, instead of [more] rounds, is 15- or 25-minute rounds,” Gracie said. “I think that’s something that would change the result and bring more finishes on the feet and on the ground because when you have rounds, you have a break and time to think, your coach brings you water, and that changes the fight. It’s no longer a fight between you and the guy. I know it’s hard to have a fight with no time limit, but I think there should be no rounds. It should be a 15-minute fight, or a 25-minute fight. I think that would change the sport for the better. You would have more chances to fight and win with these rules.”
XMMA 6 winner Mitch Ramirez blasts Conor McGregor, wants UFC’s Dana White to give him his shot (back)
Mitch Ramirez says Conor McGregor got him booted off The Ultimate Fighter 31, and he wants another shot at making the UFC.
Ramirez picked up a TKO win over Jeremie Holloway at Wednesday’s XMMA 6 card in Myrtle Beach, SC, and took to the mic afterwards to plead his case.
“Anything’s possible, man. Seven years ago, I was in prison, I was a loser, I was a heroin addict, I was f*cking nothing, and I f*cking broke myself and built myself and I’m standing here talking to you now. So if you’ve got a problem, it doesn’t have to be the same as mine, do what you gotta f*cking do, and take what’s yours,” Ramirez told TUF 30 winner Juliana Miller, before addressing UFC President Dana White.
“I was supposed to be on The Ultimate Fighter, and I lost my spot because Conor McGregor came in with a couple of his little cronies and kicked me out last second. Dana White, you said you were going to give guys like me an opportunity in the UFC. I’m asking you now, please give me my opportunity. I belong in the UFC!”
White did say previously that anyone bumped from the show in favor of McGregor’s teammates would be afforded other opportunities. Seems like Ramirez has yet to receive his.
Amanda Serrano vs. Heather Hardy Co-Headlines Paul vs. Diaz card
Female featherweight boxers Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KOs) and Heather “Heat” Hardy (22-2, 1 NC, 4 KOs) will run it back in the co-main event of the August 5’s Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz card.
Most Valuable Promotions confirmed the news in a press release, following an initial report by ESPN.
Serrano beat Hardy via decision in their first meeting in 2019, capturing the WBO title in the process. Hardy has fought just once since, but Serrano has proven willing to engage nonetheless.
So what, right? This is the Sunday MMA Quick Hits, not the Boxing Quick Hits. Well, both Serrano and Hardy have tried their hand at MMA over the years. Serrano went 2-0-1 from 2018 to 2021, but hasn’t entered the cage since. She’s also 5-0 in submission grappling.
Hardy went 2-2 in a stint with Bellator MMA, meanwhile.
“Coach MacDaddy” roasts Cejudo following UFC 288 to Sterling
Conor McGregor rarely seems to miss a big UFC fight, and he was definitely paying attention to Aljamain Sterling’s win over Henry Cejudo at UFC 288 on Saturday.
He just couldn’t help himself afterwards, posting a video (later deleted, but the Internet remembers) mocking some of Cejudo’s feints in the fight.
Conor McGregor reacts to Aljamain Sterling beating Henry Cejudo in hilarious video 🤣😭 pic.twitter.com/cawwXNMUsa
— XcellentMMA (@XcellentMMA) May 7, 2023
More importantly, though… what’s up with that hat?
