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COVID-19 and injuries shake-up UFC return to Fight Island

The calendar flipped from 2020 to 2021 recently, but that didn’t magically eradicate concerns over COVID-19 or stop injuries from knocking bouts off of UFC fight cards.

Having already suffered a couple of COVID-19 related losses, UFC Fight Island 7, which takes place on Jan. 16, lost another bout. Mike Gundy, who was supposed to face Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Island 7, was removed from the bout when a team member tested positive for COVID-19.

As result, Lentz was paired with Movsar Evloev and moved to the UFC 257 fight card on Jan. 23, which features a headlining rematch between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.

UFC 257 was already in need of another bout after Hakeem Dawodu vs. Shane Burgos was nixed from the fight card.

Dawodu suffered a shoulder injury that forced him out of the bout. UFC officials then removed Burgos from the event as well with plans to possibly have him fight in February when the UFC returns to the United States.

Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/covid-19-and-injuries-shake-up-ufc-return-to-fight-island

Diego Sanchez announces that his next fight is his last

Diego Sanchez has one more fight left in him. “The Nightmare” announced on Sunday that his next fight will be his last fight.

“It’s my last fight my heart path has changed, it’s time to heal not hurt! One more Nightmare to give,” Sanchez posted on Twitter.

It’s my last fight my heart path has changed, it’s time to heal not hurt! One more Nightmare to give! It is honestly in @danawhite hands who I fight, I have no choice in it nor do the match makers #endofanera

— Diego Sanchez UFC (@DiegoSanchezUFC) January 10, 2021

Sanchez won the middleweight tournament in the debut season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005. The 39-year-old has competed at middleweight, welterweight, lightweight, and featherweight during his 16-year UFC career.

In 2009, Sanchez competed for the lightweight championship at UFC 107, losing to BJ Penn by doctor stoppage. Since the loss to Penn, Sanchez has only put together a two-fight winning streak twice. He’s gone 9-11 in his last 20 octagon appearances.

Sanchez last competed at UFC 253 in September, losing to Jake Matthews by unanimous decision.

Article source: https://www.mmaweekly.com/diego-sanchez-announces-that-his-next-fight-is-his-last

MMA Junkie Radio #3121 with guest Michael Chandler, UFC on ABC 1 preview, more

By MMA Junkie Radio |

January 11, 2021 10:05 am

Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with hosts “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here and will be live on SportsCastr beginning at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

On Episode 3,121, the guys will be joined by guest Michael Chandler, a former Bellator lightweight champion who recently signed with the UFC and has his promotional debut upcoming. They’ll also break down the next few UFC cards and talk about the latest news and notes.

Breaking, Michael Chandler, UFC on ABC 1, Bellator, MMA Junkie Radio, News, Radio, UFC