GM, fight fans! Welcome back to another edition of This Week in Combat Sports, where we've got some spicy updates for you. From verbal jabs to big plans, we've got it all covered. First on the agenda: the beef between Ryan Garcia and former UFC middleweight champ Sean Strickland is heating up. 🥊

And of course, you can't talk combat sports without mentioning Conor McGregor. The Irish superstar has revealed his plans for the year ahead, and let's just say, it's got everyone talking. 🇮🇪

But that's not all! Michael Bisping has thrown his two cents into the ring, sharing his thoughts on Jake Paul's latest boxing match. 👀

So grab your coffee and get ready for all the latest updates from the world of combat sports. Let's dive in! 👊

NEWS
Ryan Garcia and Sean Strickland beef 👊 

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland weighed in on the recent actions of renowned American boxer Ryan Garcia on his X account.

Garcia, slated to face Devin Haney on April 20, made headlines on social media by admitting to recent use of banned substances. He later alarmed his followers by revealing that his bank cards had been blocked and expressed fear of potential imprisonment. Concerns arose among fans regarding Garcia's mental well-being.

In a tweet, Strickland commented:

After a few more back and fourth tweets later and Strickland replied to Garcia’s tweet by saying:

After this interaction Sean Strickland went on X yet again but this time to apologies to Ryan as he thinks he has CTE or a Psychotic episode:

NEWS
Conor McGregor reveals his plan for 2024 👀 

Conor McGregor took to his Instagram Story to outline his fight plans for the year, kicking off with his highly anticipated showdown against Michael Chandler slated for June 29th at UFC 303.

Following this bout, McGregor aims to swiftly return to the octagon for a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz in September at UFC 306, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day at the Sphere in Las Vegas 🇲🇽.

Adding a twist to his combat sports journey, McGregor expressed his interest in transitioning to boxing for a match against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao 🥊 

However, McGregor didn't shy away from expressing his frustration regarding the lack of action surrounding the rumored fight with Michael Chandler at UFC 303. He also asserted his position as the "Most tested athlete under the new regime," highlighting his commitment to the rigorous testing protocols of the new testing company following the end of the partnership between USADA and the UFC.

NEWS
Michael Bisping’s thought on Jake Paul’s recent boxing match 🥊 

In a recent edition of his YouTube series, the outspoken former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping didn't hold back in his criticism of Jake Paul's latest first-round knockout victory over Ryan Bourland. Bisping, known for his candid commentary, didn't mince words as he expressed his dismay, accusing Paul of disrespecting the noble sport of boxing 🥊.

Bisping's sentiments were crystal clear: "He is disrespecting the sport of boxing." He went on to denounce Paul's choice of opponents, suggesting that defeating fighters he perceives as easy targets amounts to nothing more than bullying. Bisping's impassioned remarks underscore the importance of integrity and honor in combat sports, reminding fans and fighters alike of the values that define the true spirit of the sport.