Dana White On Spending Time With CM Punk And If He Wants To Fight, New FOX Fights, Failed Drug Test
- UFC president Dana White recently squashed the persistent rumors of Brock Lesnar's MMA return and, in a recent interview on Fox Sports, squashed rumors of another WWE star's crossover to MMA.
White has been seen frequently with pro wrestler CM Punk, who has spoken often about being a fan of the sport and does some training in his off time. Despite Punk's increased appearance at UFC events, White insists that he and the wrestler have never discussed a potential run in MMA.
"He and I have spent plenty of time together over the last couple months," White said. "He was actually at the fight in Chicago, he was with me all night. Never once has he said to me that he wants to fight. I have the biggest mouth in the business, it would be impossible for me not to say it."
- The UFC has announced three more match ups for their planned April 19 UFC on FOX event in Orlando, two lightweight tilts and a middleweight bout.
At middleweight, Yoel Romero and Brad Tavares will face off in what will serve as the opening bout on the main card. Romero and Tavares are both coming off of wins, having recently defeated Derek Brunson and Lorenz Larkin, respectively, on the same card.
At lightweight, former Strikeforce luminaries Jorge Masvidal and Pat Healy will be squaring off. Masvidal and Healy are both coming off of decision losses, with Healy having lost his last two (he had a submission win over Jim Miller overturned to a No Contest after testing positive for marijuana prior to those two losses). Also at 155lbs., the surging Khabib Nurmagomedov will take on Rafael dos Anjos.
- In on of the more confusing moves by a regulatory body involved in MMA, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation have changed Jessica Eye's October win over Sarah Kaufmann to a No Decision after she tested positive for a banned substance; the TDLR have not revealed what substance Eye tested positive for. Though Eye has been issued a fine and placed on "fully probated suspension," will still be allowed to fight Alexis Davis at UFC 170 in February. Eye recently issued an official statement on her punishment.
"I was recently alerted to the fact that I was issued a fully probated suspension and fine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. While I intend to discuss with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation the overturning of my victory at UFC 166, I have accepted the terms of the probation and intend to compete at UFC 170 on Feb. 22. I pride myself on following the rules and representing my family, teammates, sponsors and fans in the best light possible. I apologize for any distractions this has caused."
Eye has also indicated that she intends to dispute the findings reported by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.