Two-Cent Tuesday on RDA-Moicano, UFC 275, Kayla Harrison's future, Cris Cyborg, more
Hello there. Hope you’re doing well.
Here are some random thoughts on the wide and wacky world of MMA. Lots of news and notes this week ..
First and foremost, I want to send my sincerest condolences to my friend Daniel Cormier on the recent passing of his mother, Audrey. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Momma Cormier a couple of times, and she was a very sweet lady. She meant the world to DC. She was always there for him. I think one thing we very much have in common is we are momma’s boys. I love DC’s relationship with his parents. I was really sad to hear of her passing earlier today. My heart goes out to the family and anyone who knew her. May she rest in peace.
So, it’s going to be Rafael dos Anjos vs. Renato Moicano at 160 pounds on Saturday after Rafael Fiziev was forced to withdraw due to COVID. This came out earlier today.
I’m happy they got RDA to fight someone. He deserves that, and he detailed on the show yesterday why he couldn’t wait any longer for his next fight. And they got a great opponent, too. I think beating Moicano, considering how he’s looked recently, and beating Fiziev has the same affect on RDA’s career. Win-win.
I’m surprised it is remaining a five-round fight, though. I mean, kudos to Moicano for accepting that, but that seems unnecessary. The only reason RDA-Fiziev was a five-rounder was because it was originally a main event on Feb. 19. So they kept it as such when it was moved to UFC 272 this weekend. But this fight doesn’t need to be. Seems silly to me.
That being said, it’s worth repeating, Moicano is a gangster for accepting this. He’s flying from Brazil to Vegas today, according to his manager Oren Hodak. He weighed 180 pounds when he accepted the fight. He’s fighting in five days and has make 160 in four. Incredible. Much respect.
UFC did inquire about Tony Ferguson stepping in, I’m told, but that never really got far.