Missed the latest updates of the last 24 hours? Well, worry not, as we are back with another episode of MMA Roundup, where we will give you the latest happenings of the MMA world in bite-sized pieces. Starting off, we will look at the nasty banter that’s been going on between women bantamweight fighters, Julianna Pena and Kayla Harrison. We might be getting a new rivalry.

From the banter news, we will move on forward to an unforeseen appreciation by Israel Adesanya about Alex Pereira ahead of his scheduled fight against Khalil Rountree Jr. Lastly, we will conclude our Roundup with a piece of information about the featherweight GOAT, Jose Aldo. So without any further ado, let us get started.

Kayla Harrison and Julianna Penna share verbal jabs against each other

What’s the most highlighted happening at the UFC 307 press conference, you ask? Well, it is the fiery exchange between women’s bantamweight contenders Julianna Penna and Kayla Harrison. The duo are going to fight at the UFC 307 but against different opponents. Penna is about to take on Raquel Pennington for the bantamweight title, while on the other hand, Harrison is fighting Ketlen Vieira.

At the press conference, Harrison asserted that she is coming for the title irrespective of anyone who holds it and this was the start of their banter, “Fill in the blank. It doesn’t matter. It’s only a matter of time. I’m the uncrowned queen. First Saturday night, I smash Ketlen and then I come for my title. Enjoy it while you can ladies.” 

Juliana Penna fired back at the American fighter, “I know violence. Kayla just got here to the scene… As far as I’m concerned, the last time she faced a Brazilian, she came running into the UFC.” Harrison took a quick turn around and called out Penna for her uneven record. This statement irked the bantamweight contender as she called out Harrison’s record, “It’s easy to be 17-1 when you’re fighting freaking tomato cans.” A new rivalry is brewing at the doorsteps of the UFC 307 but will it materialize in a fight? Time will tell. For now, let us move on forward to the headliner of UFC 307, Alex Pereira.

Alex Pereira finds uncommon support from Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya may have fou͏ght Alex Pereira four times in his career, but it seems that after ͏all the battles, they have nothing but respect for each ͏other. In his latest conversation with Joe Rogan on ‘JRE MMA Show #164’, ‘Stylebender’ ascertained that Pereira’s unconventional leg kicks are something that should be feared by the masses. Adesanya recounted his initial MMA fight with Pereira and stated that the momentum was in his favor but when ‘Poatan’ unleashed his leg kicks, everything shifted.

“That f**king leg kick, bro,” Adesanya said. “You know what it is. If you look at this bit of his foot [forefoot], it’s like a hammer, like the back of a hammer because that’s what he kicks you with, so he doesn’t have to turn the hip over. And when he hits you with that, even because of his bone density and long legs, when he hits you with that, you just feel it like, ‘Oo, that’s bad,’” said Adesanya.

He further added, “It’s a different feeling because I’ve been kicked by kickboxers all my life on the thigh and on the calf as well, but when he hits you with that bit, it’s just the surface so small, it travels and transfers through your whole calf, and you’re like, ‘Oh, I can’t put weight on this.’” Pereira is set to defend his title against Khalil Rountree Jr. at the UFC 307 and this hypothesis by the former middleweight champion might help Rountree. But, for now, let us move on forward to Jose Aldo, who has a confession to make.

Jose Aldo turned down a massive financial inflow to re-sign with the UFC

There was a time when the entirety of the featherweight division was afraid of getting inside the Octagon with Jose Aldo. The ‘King of Rio’ was such a force that he not only dominated the entire UFC but was also undefeated for a decade until he met Conor McGregor. The two-time featherweight champion’s life turned around when he embraced the beauty of fighting and UFC was one of the reasons for his comfortable life. So when other promotions approached with twice the money to fight for them, Aldo knew what he had to do.

“Listen, my dream has always been to be a champion in the UFC,” said Aldo through a translator to ESP. He further added, “I want to be a champion in the UFC; that’s what I’ve always dreamed of, and that was my ultimate goal. Thinking about the contract now, I’m looking forward to this opportunity. If any other proposals came about, I knew I would be locked in with the UFC, and that’s what I want to continue to do.Other organizations came at me with some proposals and contracts,” Aldo added. “They threw some money at me, sometimes twice, three times the money, but it doesn’t matter. Listen, I’m locked in, and I think there’s a purpose for me to be in the UFC.”

Interestingly, PFL offered a hefty six-figure income for Aldo to fight for them but this offer was turned down by the former featherweight champion. Jose Aldo will be fighting Mario Bautista at the UFC 307. Regardless, what’s your take on Jose Aldo’s career? Did he make the right choice? State your thoughts in the comments below.