Spinning Again Clique LIVE (midday ET): Diaz-Masvidal boxing rematch, UFC 301’s important occasion, Jose Aldo’s return, Islam Makhachev speaks

Take a look at this week’s “Spinning Again Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly stay present that takes a spin by the largest matters in blended martial arts.

This week’s panel of Mike Bohn, Matthew Wells and Brian “Goze” Garcia will be a part of host “Attractive” George Garcia, stay at midday ET (9 a.m. PT) to debate and debate:

• Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal will run it again in June, however this time, the rivals will meet inside a boxing ring moderately than an MMA cage. The previous UFC mainstays will compete independently of the group the place they made their names and, in reality, will struggle on the identical night time as UFC 302. The identify energy is there for this rematch between two of the extra fashionable MMA fighters in latest reminiscence, however ought to it have been in a cage like the primary assembly?
• Alexandre Pantoja has his subsequent flyweight title challenger: Steve Erceg. UFC 301 has its headliner, and it’s a flyweight title struggle that no person noticed coming. Pantoja will get the chance to defend his title on residence soil, however the challenger in UFC-ranked No. 10 Erceg caught many, together with a number of friends in his division, abruptly. Is that this a case of excellent timing for Erceg, or there a bigger message being despatched to the division?
• After strolling away from the UFC after his twentieth struggle, to an on the spot Corridor of Fame induction whereas dabbling in skilled boxing, former featherweight king Jose Aldo is again. At UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Aldo will return to motion in opposition to Jonathan Martinez, including some much-needed weight to a light-weight pay-per-view occasion. Extra importantly, what ought to be anticipated of the 37-year-old Aldo in return to the UFC?
• Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall crossed paths at a sports activities conference this previous weekend. The viral second noticed the 2 heavyweights alternate respectful phrases in a face-to-face encounter. Aspinall, the heavyweight interim title holder, positioned his hand on Jones’ shoulder, which prompted the UFC champ to instantly take away it earlier than persevering with with the temporary interplay. You possibly can really feel the respect, and in addition the strain. Ought to the UFC change course right here from Jones’ anticipated struggle in opposition to Stipe Miocic and unify the UFC title subsequent?
• Islam Makhachev spoke to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, hitting on a number of fascinating matters. Amongst them have been the explanations for wanting Dustin Poirier to be his subsequent title challenger, his ideas on the BMF title struggle between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, and why he couldn’t tackle Leon Edwards in a champ vs. champ struggle at UFC 300. What struck you probably the most about this interview with the UFC light-weight champion?