More Failed Drug Tests, UFC Rankings Shakeup, Tecia Torres Says Paige VanZant Isn't On Her Level

- Women's Strawweight standout Tecia Torres had choice words for breakout star Paige VanZant while at a media scrum during UFC 185. Torres admitted jealousy, but said that she wanted people to see she's better than VanZant.

Advertisement

"There's a part of me that is jealous of the spotlight Paige is getting since I beat her. She's fighting Felice and I think that's a good matchup for her. They are on an equal level. I've thought about it a lot and I think I really want Felice to win just because of the spotlight Paige is getting. I want Felice to win because I want people to see, not that (Paige) is just a pretty face, but that's she's not on my level. I'm not saying I like Felice better, I think Paige is a cool girl, but I'm going for Felice in that fight," Torres said.

The 20-year old VanZant got a huge amount of attention following her UFC debut, a third round TKO of Kailin Curran at UFC Fight Night 57. Since then, she's signed a sponsorship deal with Reebok, and also been featured on countless television programs and magazines.

Advertisement

- The official UFC rankings saw some big moves this week following several upsets at UFC 185.

Former lightweight champion Anthony "Showtime" Pettis dropped 5 spots in the pound-for-pound rankings to #10, as his opponent Rafael dos Anjos debuted at #9, impressively. Olympic Gold Medalist Henry Cejudo also made his first appearance in the flyweight rankings, appearing at #10.

- MMA's rough year for drug test failures continued, as not even Bellator MMA is exempt from the issues as two former world champions both failed tests.

Former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel Newton failed a post-fight drug test for marijuana following his Bellator 134 bout. Bellator President Scott Coker then announced Newton would be suspended for three months, a virtually pointless suspension in MMA.

Alexander Shlemenko also failed a pre-fight test, his prior to Bellator 133. The California State Athletic Commission declined to disclose the substances, but MMAJunkie reported that Shlemenko had significantly elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio.

Shlemenko has been suspended, and has the right to appeal.

Comments

Recommended