MMA News Roundup: Sean Strickland suspects Jeff Molina video leak was "planned,"  Dana White backs Stipe Miocic amid Jon Jones' claims, Ali Abdelaziz slams Colby Covington for avoiding Belal Muhammad

Welcome to today's (March 18) edition of Sportskeeda's daily MMA News Roundup, where we present the biggest UFC updates and other stories from the world of mixed martial arts.

In today's issue, we talk about Sean Strickland's comments regarding Jeff Molina's 'leaked' video, Dana White defending Stipe Miocic amid Jon Jones' criticism, and Ali Abdelaziz saying that Colby Covington is ducking Belal Muhammad.

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#3. Sean Strickland suspects Jeff Molina video leak was "planned"

Earlier this week, UFC flyweight Jeff Molina made headlines after an NSFW video featuring him was leaked online. Molina is currently serving a suspension from the UFC regarding his involvement with James Krause's betting scandal.

Reacting to the situation on Twitter was middleweight fighter Sean Strickland, who appeared skeptical of the authenticity and timing of the 'leak'. 'Tarzan' suggested that the video surfacing may have in fact been a ploy to gather support and attention for Jeff Molina, whose career has stagnated due to his suspension.

The No.7-ranked middleweight wrote on Twitter:

"Meh mans looking at his career fading away.. was this a planned leak?"

Following the leak online, Jeff Molina has come out as bisexual, becoming the first openly LGBTQI+ male fighter on the roster. 'El Jefe' shared an emotional and heartfelt message online, which has rallied support from MMA fans and fighters across the globe.

In response to Molina's post, Sean Strickland continued to fuel speculation about the authenticity of the leak, reminding fans that the 25-year-old is still a suspected cheater:

"Jeff Molina suspended indefinitely for rigging fights, ruining MMA.. Everyone: "POS". Jeff Molina "I may of sucked a c*ck" Everyone: "you're so brave" What the actual CNN is going on here.. Bro we don't care that you f*ck dudes its 2023 we care that you're a pos cheater..."

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#2. Dana White defends Stipe Miocic over Jon Jones claims

Jon Jones cemented himself as the greatest fighter of all time in the eyes of many fans after he dominated Ciryl Gane to capture the heavyweight title.

Following his victory, Stipe Miocic, who was cageside at UFC 285, confirmed that the UFC are planning on booking the two heavyweights to go head-to-head in July this year. However, 'Bones' recently suggested that Miocic may be trying to dodge him.

Jones took to Twitter to claim that Miocic avoided fighting him on multiple occasions last year and is looking to do the same again:

"Yo @stipemiocic, only you, the UFC and I know the truth, you dodged me all of 2022 - July, September & December. Now I'm hearing rumors that we may not be fighting this July."

The former heavyweight champion was quick to respond and confirmed that a clash in July is still the plan.

Dana White was asked about the situation ahead of UFC 286 this weekend. The UFC president defended Miocic and stated that the former heavyweight champion has never once tried to duck a fight:

“No, no, no. Listen, Stipe has never tried to get out of anything ever. You know, this guy is looked at as the greatest or one of the greatest heavyweights of all time and yeah, no I don’t think Stipe is trying to get out of anything."

White added:

"The thing you have to understand for some of these guys, when they get to the level of a Jones, a McGregor, a Stipe… Stipe’s done it all. You know, he’s made tons of money, plus he has a job in Ohio, he’s got babies. These guys have stuff going on, so it’s never a matter of, ‘Oh he’s trying to get out of something.’ Stipe’s been fighting his whole life, who is he trying to hide from? You know what I mean, doesn’t make sense. Plus this will be if not the biggest, one of the biggest fights of his life.”

Catch White's comments here:

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#1. Ali Abdelaziz criticizes Colby Covington for ducking Belal Muhammad to be UFC 286 back-up fighter

Earlier this week, Colby Covington surprised fans by stepping onto the scales at UFC 286's official weigh-ins. 'Chaos' weighed in at 170lbs and was confirmed to be the back-up fighter for the main event featuring Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.

Following his appearance at the pay-per-view, Dominance MMA CEO Ali Abdelaziz took to Twitter to fire shots at Covington. According to Abdelaziz, 'Chaos' made the conscious decision to be a back-up fighter as it meant he wouldn't have to face his client Belal Muhammad:

"You could [have] fought Belal today, but you choose to make weight and [not] fight and make $25,000 - Zero [confidence in] your skills"

'Remember the Name' is currently No.4 in the welterweight rankings, two spots below Colby Covington. Belal Muhammad is also on a seriously impressive nine-fight undefeated run, a streak that began in April 2019.

UFC commentator Jon Anik also weighed in on the situation. The 44-year-old stated on Twitter that he understands why Covington was brought in as a back-up, but admitted to feeling bad for Muhammad, who is pushing to fight the best in the division:

"Understand acutely why Colby Covington was the back-up but hard not to feel for @bullyb170. 9-fight unbeaten streak. Hasn't lost in 4-plus years. Just KO'd a previously undefeated fighter. The man deserves his respect and I don't say that b/c he hosts a podcast w/ my twin bro."