It seems UFC 178 just is not meant to be the blockbuster event everybody had it pegged as since way back in March, when Alexander Gustafsson reclaimed his #1 competitor’s slot with a success over Jimi Manuwa. Few watched Jon Jones’ April title defense against Glover Teixeira as more than a mere detour on the route to Jones/Gustafsson 2, along with the masses were right. Even though it took a while to choose a particular date and place, the bout was highly expected whenever and where it would occur. Then, all of a sudden, Alexander Gustafsson was made to drop out of the fight with a torn meniscus. No issue, in stepped Daniel Cormier to take his place along with the MMA world was even more enthusiastic. Then the infamous media day brawl happened, and UFC 178 became a must-watch occasion for more than just the MMA community. It had the type of buzz that few UFC events garner, and likely would have become the biggest grossing light heavyweight bout since Quinton Jackson vs. Rashad Evans back at UFC 114. Obviously, things rarely ever go to program in MMA, as well as the backup programs fall through occasionally. Jon Jones declared yesterday that he too was injured in training and forced out of UFC 178. The organization has rescheduled Jones and Cormier to headline UFC 182 in January, in which they will likely share the card with Ronda Rousey at a yearlong (or starting) card which hearkens back to the times of piled events across the New Year. The one issue with all of this yet, is that this was assumed to be Alexander Gustafsson’s fight all together, and from January he will probably be ready to proceed. Will the UFC really forego what could be another classic between Jones and Gustafsson for the dollar signs apparently obvious for Jones and Cormier? It will be interesting to see how this plays out during the upcoming few weeks, but early signs are that the Swede will wind up a very unhappy camper. Of course in MMA news as it rains, it pours, and it was a busy day outside of the Jones injury. UFC 177 along with flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson believed the domino effect from the accident, as his title defense against Chris Cariaso will be moving to the main event of UFC 178. Knowing that lovers would be frustrated with all the change, Johnson tweeted (tongue-in-cheek),”Bad: you’ll have to wait a little longer to see me win again. Great: I’m the newest UFC 178 headliner. Bout time that card gets a true main event.” To complete UFC 177, the company has put together a bout between a set of highly touted champions from the regional circuit. Former Bellator and Tachi Palace Fights champion Joe Soto will compete just three weeks after his latest bout, and he will be taking on former MFC champion Anthony Birchak in a few of the better fights between UFC newcomers that’s been made in 2014. The bantamweights will likely complete a spot on the UFC Fight Pass prelims. Soto’s old promotion also announced a pair of bouts yesterday, as heavy hitters Doug Marshall and Melvin Manhoef will headline Bellator 125 on September 19th. Although this bout is of nearly zero significance in any sort of divisional rankings, it should be violent and fun for however long it lasts. Following in the exact same mould is the co-main occasion on the card comprising Brian Rogers and James Irvin, just two of those guys discovered on any highlight reel of flying knees in MMA history. Betting lines will probably lean towards Manhoef and Rogers in their various bouts, as they are the talented strikers in what should be completely striking contests. A pair of AXS TV promotions announced upcoming bouts as well, together with Legacy FC 37 being headlined by two of its former winners, Leonard Garcia and Daniel Pineda. Garcia just lost his featherweight belt to Damon Jackson at Legacy FC 33, and Pineda — a former lightweight and featherweight champ in the advertising — was only re-signed after being cut from the UFC. It is quite likely that Jackson will be signed into the UFC earlier this bout occurs on November 14th, and if that is the case this could establish a new champion too. Following Garcia’s quick loss in his last outing, anticipate the public to prefer Pineda, and he will probably open as a small favorite. RFA continues their tour across the Western United States since RFA 18 takes place at Albuquerque, New Mexico on September 12th. The event will be headlined by flyweight champion Matt Manzanares defends his belt against undefeated Albuquerque native Joby Sanchez. Sanchez only knocked off Antonio Banuelos last week in Tachi Palace Fights 20, and will probably be carrying this particular bout on just over a month’s notice. This line should be close, however, the public can push it slightly towards Manzanares because he’s the more well-known of both.
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