The fight for the UFC’s BMF title is finally here, and even with just hours to go until the UFC 244 Pay Per View main card on ESPN+, there are still new storylines developing.
With headliners Nate Diaz (170.4 lbs.) and Jorge Masvidal (169.6 lbs.) both making weight for the 500th event in UFC history, the UFC 244 main event is official.
In total, all 12 fights will go ahead as scheduled; however, the weigh ins were not without some controversy.Not only did flyweight Jennifer Maia miss weight (127.2 lbs) and forfeit 25-percent of her purse to opponent Katlyn Chookagian, but co-main event fighter Kelvin Gastelum, who weighed in with one minute remaining in the window sanctioned by the New York Athletic Commission, was accused of leaning on his coach in order to deceive regulators. The commission reviewed the video and there was no irrefutable evidence of any wrongdoing.
— BroBible (@BroBible) November 1, 2019
This wasn’t the only big story of the day …
Dana White Unveils the BMF Belt
UFC president Dana White addressed the media in a private ceremony to unveil the new BMF belt, which will be awarded to the winner of the UFC 244 PPV main event between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz.
— BroBible (@BroBible) November 1, 2019
Taking a few minutes to go over the specs of the belt, which is decorated with black diamonds and reportedly cost $50,000 to make, White then allowed the media to hold the belt … but only with gloves on.
UFC 245 Kick-Off Press Conference
As is customary, the UFC utilized the current media swell to promote their next big event: UFC 245 on December 14.
With headliners Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington exchanging words throughout, champions Max Holloway and Amanda Nunes also faced off with their respective opponents: Alexander Volkanovski and Germaine de Randamie.
That’s one hell of a card there. It’ll be available on ESPN+.
The Rock” to Play MMA icon, The Smashing Machine
Teasing a big announcement, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stopped by the ceremonial weigh ins to officially announce a new film project.
Set to produce and star in an MMA biopic, “The Rock” will play former UFC champion Mark “The Smashing Machine” Kerr, who was the BMF of his day … back when the UFC still allowed headbutts.
— BroBible (@BroBible) November 1, 2019
Johnson briefly left the stage while the UFC 244 fighters faced off and then returned with the BMF belt around his shoulder for the final staredown between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.
The winner of the UFC 244 Pay Per View main event on ESPN+ will earn the distinction of the baddest man in the game and be presented with the BMF championship belt by none other than “The Rock.”
UFC 244 Pay Per View Main Card on ESPN+ (10 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. PST)
Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz – For the UFC BMF title
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Darren Till
Stephen Thompson vs. Vicente Luque
Derrick Lewis vs. Blagoy Ivanov
Kevin Lee vs. Gregor Gillespie
UFC 244 Prelims on ESPN 2 (8 p.m. EST / 6 p.m. PST)
Corey Anderson vs. Johnny Walker
Shane Burgos vs. Makwan Amirkhani
Brad Tavares vs. Edmen Shabazyan
Andrei Arlovski vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
UFC 244 Early Prelims on UFC Fight Pass (6:30 p.m. EST / 3:30 p.m. PST)
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jennifer Maia
Lyman Good vs. Chance Rencountre
Julio Arce vs. Hakeem Dawodu
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