Cageside Catch-up: Willis denies UFC release
Justin Willis calls UFC release a "miscommunication"
A couple weeks ago, heavyweight Justin Willis was removed from the top-15 heavyweight rankings, and then it was was reported that he was no longer on the UFC roster, according to TSN's Aaron Bronsteter. But "Big Pretty" tried to bring clarity to the situation in an interview with MMAJunkie's Steven Marrocco.
“It was a big miscommunication and a technical difficulty between me and the UFC,” Willis explained. “I’ll put it like that. But everything has been worked out, and you will have a fight in the near future.”
Willis (8-2) had his eight-fight winning streak snapped after losing a unanimous decision to Curtis Blaydes at UFC Nashville in March. It was then that the 31-year-old was reportedly released after turning down a fight with Walt Harris. Willis mentioned that Harris wasn't an intriguing matchup for him and added that he's looking to fight at UFC 241 alongside AKA teammate Daniel Cormier.
“If it was August, or he had a bigger name … just because you want something doesn’t mean you’re going to get it,” Willis said. “I’m after people with bigger names.”
Willis holds a 4-1 record in the Octagon.
"Bonecrusher" is back with the UFC
Lightweight Marc "Bonecrusher" Diakiese has signed a new multi-fight contract with the UFC, the 26-year-old announced on Twitter.
Diakiese (12-3) picked up his first win since March 2017 when he defeated Joseph Duffy by decision at UFC London in his most recent appearance. Prior to the victory, Diakiese suffered three straight losses to Drakkar Klose, Dan Hooker, and Nasrat Haqparast.
The UK fighter has gone 4-3 in the UFC since signing with the promotion in October 2016.
Caraway cut by the UFC, makes Battlefield FC debut in July
UFC bantamweight Bryan Caraway has been released from the promotion according to MMAJunkie. As a result, the 34-year-old will be fighting July 27 against Raja Shippen (18-11-1) at Battlefield FC 2 in Macau.
Caraway (21-9) was featured on Season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he lost to Diego Brando in the semifinals. Despite losing on the show, "Kid Lighting" earned an opportunity in the UFC and defeated Dustin Neace at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale in his debut.
The Xtreme Couture product would go 6-4 with the promotion, earning notable wins over Erik Perez and Aljamain Sterling. However, back-to-back losses against Cody Stamann and Pedro Munhoz prompted the UFC to hand him his walking papers.
It will be the first time since February 2011 that Caraway hasn't fought under the UFC banner.
LFA 67 Highlights: James and Willis win big
Heavyweight Daniel James punched his ticket to the LFA heavyweight tournament finals with a first-round finish over Patrick Martin. Meanwhile, lightweight prospect Jaleel Willis got back on the winning track by defeating Dakota Bush by unanimous decision.
Watch the highlights below.