MMA Odds and Ends for Tuesday: Rousey staying with Tarverdyan, Gastelum fights Noke, Cheng replaces Lewis-Parry

Ronda Rousey staying with head coach Edmond Tarverdyan Suffering the first blemish on her resume in devastating fashion, many pundits and fans were quick to suggest that former UFC woman’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey should switch camps. Even prior to the loss against Holly Holm, Rousey’s mother Dr. AnnMaria DeMaras also suggested a change of scenery would be good for the 28-year old. Rousey however doesn’t agree with those critics as she told ESPN. “Of course I’m staying [with Edmund Tarverdyan]. That’s my mom’s opinion, not mine.” No date has officially been set for the Holm vs. Rousey rematch.   Paul Cheng now fighting Brandon Vera at ONE Championship Friday  Former CFL player Paul Cheng has the opportunity of a lifetime this Friday as he takes on Brandon Vera for the promotions inaugural heavyweight championship. Cheng (5-1) replaces Chi Lewis-Parry (6-0) who failed to submit medicals and also missed his flight. ONE Championship President Victor Cui make the statement this morning via social media.

Cheng hasn’t fought since a knockout victory back in July of 2014 against Mahmoud Hassan at ONE FC 18: War of Dragons. The 37-year old – who resides in Vancouver B.C – was slated to fight Igor Subora back in April at ONE FC 26 but had to pull out due to injury. Vera (13-7) has also had a lengthy layoff, having not competed since a December 2014 victory over Subora at ONE FC 23.   Kelvin Gastelum takes on Kyle Noke at UFC 195 The UFC announced Monday that TUF 17 winner Gastelum will be taking on TUF 11 contestant Noke at UFC 195. This announcement comes two weeks after Gastelum dropped a split decision loss to Neil Magny at UFC Fight Night 78. Gastelum (11-2) went undefeated through his first 10-bouts but has now gone 1-3 in his last four fights, dropping bouts to Magny and Tyron Woodley. Noke (22-7-1) is coming off a first round knockout victory over Peter Sobotta at UFC 193, which was his third victory in his last four fights. UFC 195 takes place Jan. 2nd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by the welterweight championship matchup between champion Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit.   Cris Cyborg to fight Daria Ibragimova, not Cindy Dandois, at Invicta 15 MMAFighting.com reports that Cyborg  will defend her featherweight title against Daria Ibragimova in the main event of Invicta FC 15. Invicta officials confirmed the change Monday morning. Initially Cyborg was slated to take on Cindy Dandois at a 140-pound catchweight. Cyborg (14-1) hasn’t tasted defeat in 10 years and is the former Strikeforce women’s featherweight champion. At 30-years old she has knocked out all of her opponents since 2008. Ibragimova (9-1), a native of Russia, has won seven straight fights via stoppage.  The 31-year old will be making her Invicta FC debut. Invicta FC 15 takes place Jan. 16th in Costa Mesa, CA.

Written by James Lynch

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