C. Do Bronx lost the lightweight title after failing the weight cut. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The month of May presented MMA fans with great events, fights, knockouts and submissions, but it also had a high dose of controversy. At the end of the month, the SUPER FIGHTS recalls five major cases that attracted attention for a variety of reasons.
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The fifth month of the year featured Charles of the Bronx losing his belt after failing to make weight for a fight with Justin gaethje, controversial speeches by Tony Kelley and Dedé Pederneiras in the corners, update Cain Velazquez and challenge of Michael Pereira a Jorge masvidal by allegedly 'DM' to his wife. Remember the stories:
1) Charles do Bronx fails to make weight cut and loses lightweight belt
Despite having won Justin gaethje with a brilliant performance and a rear naked choke in the first round, Charles of the Bronx went through a troubled episode before the fight in UFC 274, which took place on May 7th. After failing to make the weight cut for what would represent his second lightweight belt defense, the Brazilian had his title stripped for failing to reach the 70,3kg mark.
In an exclusive conversation with SUPER FIGHTS, Ariane Sorriso – who also performed at the event against Lupita Godinez – reported an alleged error on the scale where fighters usually check their weights at the hotel. The tool would have been restarted and confused the athletes scheduled for the card.
After Charles' victory, Dana White classified the unprecedented situation experienced by the Brazilian as a 'nightmare' due to the error in equipment calibration. The president of Ultimate assured that, because the Brazilian won, he will compete for the vacant belt in the next appearance.
2) Coach is accused of racism and xenophobia towards Brazilians
A regrettable scene marked one of the breaks in the fight between the Brasilia native Viviane Araujo e Andrea Lee. Coach and boyfriend of the North American, Tony Kelley was caught insulting Brazilians in UFC Las Vegas 54, which took place on May 14th. After the coach's statements, athletes and several members of the press used social media to accuse the 'teacher' of racism and xenophobia.
“That’s what they’re going to do. They (Viviane's team) are filthy Brazilians. They will cheat this way. Let’s kick someone’s ass,” Tony told Andrea.
Kelley's speech took place during the break between the first and second rounds and the internet promptly revolted, with protests from athletes like Chris Cyborg e Dudu Dantas, And Belal Muhammad |. Tony, however, seemed unrepentant about what he said and blamed 'cancel culture' for the move.
3) Dedé Pederneiras scolding Ketlen Vieira
D. Pederneiras (left) was in K. Vieira's corner in the UFC Las Vegas 55. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ketlenvieiraufc
Besides Tony Kelley, another coach also went viral on social media for his attitude, which many consider exaggerated in his treatment. Established in MMA, Dedé Pederneiras lost his head with Ketlen Scallop during the break for the last round against Holly holm, which took place last Saturday (21).
“Lost the round. You're not doing anything we're telling you to do, Ketlen. He's accepting defeat. (…) She has nothing. (…) Fuck if it’s going to end. Your only chance to win is to knockout or submit. (…) If you keep doing this nonsense, you will lose the fight. (…) It's all or nothing. Did you come here for a walk?” shouted Pederneiras.
Still, the stance seems to have had an effect and his student achieved the most important victory of her career, in addition to getting closer to a chance at the bantamweight belt (under 62,1kg). On her 'Instagram', Dedé Pederneiras explained the situation and stated that she works to ensure that her athlete emerges victorious and, if necessary, she will do so as many times as necessary.
4) Bail for Cain Velasquez is denied
C. Velasquez remains in custody without the right to bail. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Arrested since February, Cain Velazquez suffered a new defeat in court. Accused of attempted murder, the former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg.) was unable, for the second time, for the Santa Clara County Court, in the United States, to release an agreement for bail and prosecution in freedom.
Velasquez's defense filed a request for bail in an agreement that would involve an amount of US$1 million (around R$5 million, at the current exchange rate), in addition to electronic monitoring and relocation to an inpatient unit outside the state, as well as 24 hour supervision. The appeal, however, was denied by judge Shelyna Brown, after arguments from both sides in a hearing that lasted around 30 minutes.
The Santa Clara County Prosecutor's Office further argued that there were no reasonable terms that would eliminate the risk of Goulart – who would have sexually abused a member of Velasquez's family. Paulo Bender, who was shot, stated that Cain has 'no respect for human life' and, therefore, should remain in prison.
5) Michel Pereira and Jorge Masvidal's 'DM'
M. Pereira (left) challenged J. Masvidal (right) after victory in ufc vegas 55. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
No UFC Las Vegas 55, event held last Saturday (25) Michael Pereira overcame Santiago Ponzinibbio and challenged Jorge masvidal. The reason behind the 'call' was surprising, as it involved the wife of the 'Paraense Voador'.
In a post-event press conference, the Brazilian accused the American of sending an “emoji” to his wife and stated that he would like to resolve the matter inside the octagon. The Brazilian's accusation did not go unanswered by 'Jesus das Ruas' who, the following day, used social media to claim that it was Michel's wife who contacted him, in addition to publishing a 'print' of the alleged exchange of messages.
“How crazy the world is and how much our society has fallen to this idiot (Michael Pereira) use his wife to maybe one day get a payment and create a false narrative to try to fight me when he clearly sees her coming in my private messages? I wish you the best #coupletherapy”, wrote Masvidal when publishing the “print”.
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