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‘That felt good' – Conor McGregor's brutal KO named as UFC star's favourite

‘That felt good' – Conor McGregor's brutal KO named as UFC star's favourite

The Irish Sun16-07-2025
DUSTIN POIRIER rides off into the sunset this weekend after a long and storied career.
The former interim lightweight champion and fan favourite will bring the curtain down on his days as a mixed martial artist early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans.
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Dustin Poirier brings down the curtain on his mixed martial arts career this weekend
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Poirier has faced a who's who at featherweight and lightweight over the years
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Poirier won interim UFC gold in April 2019
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Poirier admits he'd love to relive the build-up to and the result of his rematch with Conor McGregor
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The beloved southpaw has never been one to sit back, smell the roses and reflect on his body work.
But he finds himself doing just that ahead of the end of a bona fide Hall-of-Fame career.
Despite never touching
undisputed
UFC gold, Poirier insists he wouldn't change a thing about his story.
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But if he could, he would love to relive the build-up to what proved to be one of the most satisfying moments of his career - his stunning knockout of long-time rival
Conor McGregor
in January 2021.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, 'The Diamond' said: "It would have to be either the Max fight when I won the belt or that second Conor McGregor fight in Abu Dhabi.
"Just because I felt like the odds were against me and it was COVID. I had to travel across the world.
"You know, the guy [knocked me out] and I had to wait seven years for the rematch.
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Dusin Poirier lost his first encounter with Conor McGregor in September 2014
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He got his revenge in January 2021 with a second-round KO of 'The Notorious'
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"Just a lot went into that, so much media, so much hype.
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"And to go out there and knock him out and. It was an incredible night, you know?"
Watch as emotional Poirier struggles through interview after UFC 302 defeat to Makhachev as he hints at retirement
As satisfying as it was to exact revenge on McGregor,
"I mean, that felt good," he said. "But winning the belt was the best [feeling]."
Poirier's retirement, which will see his 'Last Dance' be a trilogy fight with fellow fan favourite Max Holloway, comes when he's still very much at the peak of his powers.
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But he'd rather call time on his career on his own terms than have retirement thrust upon him like so many before him.
He said: "I've been fighting since I was 17 years old, so making this decision is tough.
"But the decision was made because, you know, I have over 50 fights.
I felt like the odds were against me."
Dustin Poirier on his rematch with Conor McGregor
"My wife's pregnant, I have a little girl at home.
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"I've said this over and over again, 'I don't want this sport to retire me.
"'I want to walk away from this sport.'
"And if that's putting only great performances and fighting and beating the best guys in the world, that's the way I want it to be.
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Dustin Poirier has shown he can still mix it with the elite in his last few fights
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But 'The Diamond' insists now is the right time for him to call time on his career
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Poirier will close out his Hall of Fame career with a trilogy fight against Max Holloway
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"I want to go out on top with stuff still left in the tank.
"I don't want to empty myself out and leave this game broken and bruised for a paycheck.
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"It's just time. I just feel like it's time, youu know. I've done a lot in the sport.
"And I want to be healthy and be with my family. I've been doing this for a very long time."
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Chris Pratt dragged into Katy Perry's bitter legal row after he rented $15m home she forced bedridden veteran, 85, from
Chris Pratt dragged into Katy Perry's bitter legal row after he rented $15m home she forced bedridden veteran, 85, from

The Irish Sun

time11 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Chris Pratt dragged into Katy Perry's bitter legal row after he rented $15m home she forced bedridden veteran, 85, from

The singer has been accused of lacking empathy LEGAL GUARDIAN Chris Pratt dragged into Katy Perry's bitter legal row after he rented $15m home she forced bedridden veteran, 85, from CHRIS Pratt could be dragged into Katy Perry's ugly legal battle to prise $6 million from an 85-year-old disabled veteran she evicted from his home. The Guardians of the Galaxy star and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger are renting the $15 million house previously owned by Carl Westcott who is bedridden in a hospice. Advertisement 8 Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom won a court battle to evict an elderly disabled veteran from his home Credit: Getty 8 Chris Pratt and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger are renting the $15 million house previously owned by Carl Westcott - which is at the heart of a heated legal fight Credit: Getty 8 An ailing and bedridden Carl Westcott, 85, who has a neurological disorder and is fighting Perry's claim for back rent and alleged damages Credit: Instagram / kameronwestcott 8 The second phase of the court battle is in connection with Westcott's former Montecito property, which he sold for $15 million in 2020 Credit: Supplied by the Westcott Family Westcott's family is outraged the popstar is suing the ailing man - who receives 24/7 care - for $6 million to cover back rent and alleged damages. Entrepreneur Westcott, a US Army veteran and founder of 1-800 Flowers - sold his Montecito mansion to Perry for $15 million in July 2020. Westcott had signed the property deal with Perry and Orlando Bloom's business manager, Bernie Gudvi, after initially agreeing to sell his 8.9-acre estate to the Firework singer. Gudvi accepted Westcott's counteroffer to increase the price from $13.5 million to $15 million, according to court documents. Advertisement Read more on Katy Perry catty swipe Orlando Bloom mocks ex Katy Perry as she's seen 'on a date' with Justin Trudeau But just one month later, Westcott filed a lawsuit against Gudvi, alleging he was heavily medicated and not of sound mind when he contracted with Perry for the sale. He maintained that the contract was thus "void" on the grounds of his mental incapacity when he signed it. Westcott has been bedridden for nearly two years as he suffers from Huntington's disease, a brutal condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time. However, the pop star's legal team successfully countered his challenge in court, and keys were exchanged in 2024, meaning that Westcott had to move out. Advertisement The judge said Westcott presented no persuasive evidence that he lacked capacity to enter into a real estate contract between June 10, 2020, and June 18, 2020, the days during which he negotiated and signed the contract. His angry son, Chart, told The U.S. Sun in February that Perry was "a rich pop star who can buy any other house in the world... she has no empathy... it's unforgivable." Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau Spark Romance Rumors with Surprise Dinner in Montreal After her successful verdict, Perry then lodged a damages claim for $6 million against the elderly man - phase two of the legal action. According to court documents, the star's team is seeking compensation for alleged lost rental value, deferred maintenance, repairs for water damage and a fallen tree. Advertisement Perry has paid $9 million so far for the $15 million property, which dates back to the 1920s/'30s, and is comprised of a large main house, three-bedroom guest house, one-bedroom pool house, gym building, and equipment building, per court filings. The Perry V Westcott case is heading back to court this month for the penalty phase, with his lawyers claiming in filings that her "16 witnesses have failed to produce any construction or repair contracts between Perry and any general contractor." The U.S. Sun understands that recovery of such costs is normal in civil litigation. RENTED OUT A source has told The U.S. Sun that the luxury house is currently being rented by Jurassic World star Chris Pratt, 46, and Katherine Schwarzenegger, 35. Advertisement She is an American author and the eldest daughter of legendary Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger and NBC broadcast journalist Maria Shriver, who is also a member of the famous Kennedy family. The source added that, ironically, "Shriver initially put in a bid for the same house in 2020." Westcott's attorney returned to court last Tuesday ahead of a "likely attempt to subpoena Pratt because he is a material witness," she said. "For example, to establish when he started renting? He is living in a property that is wrapped up in a legal battle." Advertisement The star is likely to be asked to testify - "Katy has already been mandated to do so," the source said. She added that Westcott's team "want to know how much Pratt is renting the house for. "Perry has claimed millions of dollars in damages, and claimed that it's not liveable - it's clearly liveable because an A-list actor is renting it." PRATT TESTIMONY Pratt's name was mentioned several times in court filings by Westcott's legal team last Friday in documents submitted to the Superior Court of the State of California. Advertisement Before Perry's damages claim goes to trial, Westcott's attorneys have asked Judge Lipner to consider a "status report of issues to be resolved." Their August 1 document claimed: "Now, just before the Phase 2 trial, there is new, never-before disclosed evidence that Perry has rented out the Westcott property to the actor Chris Pratt and his wife. "Per a recent Daily Mail online newspaper article... 'sources close to Perry' say she rented the house to actor Chris Pratt." In their filings, the judge was asked to issue a pre-trial order to "allow Westcott's repair expert Steve Norris to do a short three-hour house re-inspection of the property... so he can see what repairs were done and opine as to their reasonable value." Advertisement His attorneys also asked the judge to "allow Westcott to take several re-depositions limited to 3 hours each of the following persons: Perry and Gudvi... Chris Pratt (the tenant at the property, concerning its condition or problems and the terms of his lease agreement with Perry), and Orlando Bloom, Perry's boyfriend and father of her child, whose deposition testimony showed would personally be in charge of repairs." They alleged, "Now that we know Perry just rented out the house to a famous actor, conducting a trial on the real merits... means that this court's discretion should be exercised to allow the few and very short depositions requested and to allow Mr. Norris to spend 3 hours re-inspecting the property. "Another reason for allowing the short and few depositions is to allow Westcott and this court to know who owns the house after the recent split between Perry and her boyfriend Orlando Bloom." Their filings also alleged, "The current issues were caused by Perry/Gudvi waiting until after the September 2024 discovery cutoff to perform repairs, unless they did no repairs yet were still able to rent out the house as-is to Chris Pratt, which would tend to show the alleged repairs were exaggerated to drum up damages. Advertisement "Either way, Perry's conduct is unfair and without the requested house inspection and short depositions requested by Westcott deprives him of a trial on the real merits." PERRY TO TESTIFY The source told The U.S. Sun today, "Judge Lipner confirmed that Katy will have to testify for at least an hour or more to the damages claim." Timeline of Katy Perry's mansion battle against veteran Carl Westcott July 2020: Entrepreneur Carl Westcott, US Army veteran and founder of 1-800 Flowers - sold his Montecito mansion to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom for $15 million. Westcott had bought it only two months earlier for about $11.25 million. August 2020: Westcott filed a lawsuit against Perry and Bloom's business manager, Bernie Gudvi, alleging he was heavily medicated and not of sound mind when he contracted with Perry for the sale. The pop star's legal team countered and alleged that Westcott, who has Huntington's disease, had changed his mind on the sale, and the contract should be upheld. December 2023: A judge ruled in favor of Perry, and upheld the original sales contract. A Los Angeles judge ruled that Westcott failed to prove incapacity, finding him of sound mind during the sale negotiations. March 2024: The keys were exchanged. On May 17, 2024, Perry officially took legal ownership after the deed was recorded. 2024-2025: Phase two of the legal action - after the successful verdict, Perry lodged a damages claim for $6 million against Westcott, who is bedridden and currently receiving 24/7 care. This claim has yet to go before court. August 2025: Damage claims and ongoing litigation - Perry has paid $9 million so far for the luxury property and is now seeking $6 million in damages, citing structural defects, deferred maintenance, and lost rental income. TRIAL IN AUGUST The latest legal request follows filings submitted by Westcott's legal team, lodged in the Superior Court early July, and which outlined a further motion in the case. The July documents show that Westcott asked the court to "exclude any and all evidence, references to evidence, exhibits, testimony or argument relating to claims for alleged damages concerning repairs allegedly needed at Mr. Westcott's former home located at... Santa Barbara, California, as of May 17, 2024." Advertisement Westcott's legal team explained in these earlier filings that escrow closed on May 17, 2024, and that Perry "must testify" in the penalty phase. "Since Gudvi had signed the contract in his capacity as the agent of the singer Katy Perry, the court ruled that Perry is the real-party-in-interest as to the damages being sought in the Phase 2 trial and that she must testify during the trial." Who is Carl Westcott? Katy Perry is suing the bedridden and ailing veteran, 85, who has a neurological disorder Carl Westcott was born in 1939 at the charity hospital in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Westcott and his five sisters lived in a house without indoor plumbing. When Westcott was six, his father - who drove a logging truck - left and never returned. His mother became a nurse's aide, earning just $5 per eight-hour shift. When he was five, Westcott sold papers in front of the Vicksburg Hotel, as well as chewing gum - he also shined shoes. "By the time I was eight, I was making more money than my mother." The judge ruled that the boy should go to Columbia Training School, a state institution, until the situation improved at home. When Westcott was 16, he asked his mother to change his birth date in the family Bible to prove he was old enough to join the U.S. Army. He became a paratrooper and was honorably discharged as a corporal After becoming a successful car salesman, he joined Sopp Chevrolet as the dealership's general manager. In 1983, Westcott bought the NBC television affiliate in Tyler, Texas. His firm, Westcott Communications, became a pioneer in producing training programs in 18 fields such as automobile dealership management, certified public accountants, and law enforcement personnel. The company went public in 1989, and Westcott sold it in 1996. He said that, throughout his lengthy life, he has treated others with respect and dignity. Source: Horatio Algar Association of Distinguished Americans - Westcott was an award recipient in 2003 The documents also said that the property title, "was vested in the name of an entity supposedly owned by Perry called DDoveB LLC, a California limited liability company, formed on April 9, 2024. "The name of the LLC closely resembles the name Perry's daughter, Daisy Dove Bloom, the child of Perry and her long-time actor boyfriend, Mr. Orlando Bloom. Advertisement "Westcott's counsel has repeatedly asked Perry's counsel who owns the LLC that owns the house? "This court has always been told that Gudvi is Perry's manager and agent, and at her deposition before Phase 1 Perry testified the house was to be owned by her and she was buying it to live in, and not to rent." QUESTIONS OVER REPAIRS Westcott's legal team claimed in the July court document that under the terms of the house sale contract, it stated the home was being sold "in its present physical condition" and that the singer "had the right to perform inspections" prior to escrow being closed. They alleged that "Perry's lawyers did not even produce a written schedule showing each alleged item of repair and the cost Perry is seeking for each allegedly defective condition." Advertisement His lawyers also claimed in the documents that "newspapers reported that Perry had just rented the house to the actor Chris Pratt, whose wife is the daughter of Maria Shriver, whom the court will recall from the Phase 1 testimony was bidding against Perry to buy the property in 2020." This revelation prompted Westcott's team to "immediately contact Perry's counsel" and ask for further details about her current rental agreement with Pratt, per the document. His lawyers also requested an "expert" to visit the property to "visualize any repairs." 8 A judge ruled in favor of Katy Perry in 2023 Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Carl Westcott is 85 years old and is bedridden with Huntington's disease, a condition that stops parts of the brain working properly over time Credit: Supplied by the Westcott Family The document added, "Given that many of her prior 'estimates' totaling $2.29 million pertained to habitability items, it defies logic and common sense that she was able to rent the house to a famous actor. "Perry's counsel flatly refused in a series of approximately half a dozen meet and confer emails to even disclose if repairs had been done." FAMILY HOME The Daily Mail reported in June that the singer had rented out the property to Pratt. Advertisement A source told the paper, "The arrangement suits Chris, but it's a bit of a surprise given how Katy fought tooth and nail to get her hands on the house. "She previously suggested it was the ideal place for her and Orlando to raise a family. "After all that time, energy, and money, it seems unthinkable that they are not going to live in it." The U.S. Sun has contacted representatives for Pratt, Perry and Bloom for comment on the latest developments in the bitter case. Advertisement STRUGGLE Westcott had intended to live in his home for the remainder of his life, according to his angry family. His son, Chart, ranted on X last November, 'My family has been in a struggle against… Katy Perry and now Orlando Bloom to defend the honor of my father, Carl Westcott, who is dying from Huntington's Disease. 'He is a US Army Veteran and winner of the Horatio Alger US award (an honor he shares with Clarence Thomas, Buzz Aldrin, and Donald Trump's father Fred Trump). 'Celebrity privilege, much like political lawfare, must end. We cannot afford any two tier justice in America.' Advertisement The Horatio Alger Award is given to exceptional leaders who 'personify the American Dream' and have triumphed over adversity to achieve greatness. The latest revelations come as photos showed Justin Trudeau and Perry enjoying a night out in Canada after the singer split with Bloom earlier this year. 8 Carl Westcott pictured at his former home before he became bedridden Credit: Facebook/Kameron Westcott 8 When Westcott was 16, he asked his mother to change his birth date in the family Bible to prove he was old enough to join the U.S. Army Credit: Supplied by the Westcott Family

Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together
Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together

A pal who confirmed the pair had rekindled their romance has also revealed how Ozzy Osbourne's death impacted the rock star HAPPIER NOW Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together Yungblud is back with girlfriend Jesse Jo Stark five months after they parted. US singer Jess, who is Cher's goddaughter, started dating the British punk rocker in 2020. 8 Brit punk rocker Yungblud has reunited with ex Jesse Jo Stark, Cher's goddaughter, five months after they split Credit: Click News and Media 8 Our exclusive snaps show Yungblud and Jesse house‑hunting in London, pausing at a window marked 'heart and soul' Credit: Click News and Media But the pair called it quits in March after he said he needed to be 'a better boyfriend, a better brother, son, a better artist'. Now they're an item again, and my exclusive pictures show Yungblud — real name Dominic Harrison — and Jesse on a day out in London. They were looking at properties in an estate agent's window that had the words 'heart and soul' written on it. A pal confirmed they have rekindled their romance and said: 'Dom and Jesse are super-happy together. 'They had been dating for a long time when they chose to slow things down. 'A lot was happening in Dom's life and he wanted to get his head straight so he could give his all to Jesse. 'So happy' 'They started getting more serious again a few weeks ago and they're doing really well. 'Dom and Jesse went off on a short holiday together too, which was much needed, especially for Dom. Losing Ozzy Osbourne, who was a great friend to Dom, has been really difficult. 'If anything, it's taught him to grasp each day with both hands. 'Their friends are thrilled to see them together again and so happy.' YUNGBLUD - teresa Chatting about their split in May, Patience singer Dom, who has three No1 albums under his belt, said: 'It was a 'me' problem. Everything is a 'me' problem. 'I was drowning, and I couldn't figure out why. I've literally got a tattoo of her under my arm. 8 The death of his friend Ozzy Osbourne hit Yungblud hard Credit: Getty 'I don't know what it is. We needed space, we needed time, and she's giving me that, because she truly gets me. I needed to look at myself in the mirror, on my own for a while.' Despite spending time apart, Dom made it clear he was still head-over-heels for Jesse, who released her debut album Doomed in 2022. Dom, who today opened his first fan club and shop at 20 Denmark Street in London, previously told the We Need To Talk podcast: 'She's probably the most incredible person I have ever met and she's my best friend and I feel so lucky to be in her orbit. 'I got to talk this through with her and she understood and she needed a moment. 'We talk every Sunday. Ultimately, I think in my life, all roads lead to her because I love her. I never loved anything like I love her. 'I love her as everything. And I love her as if I'd love water. I need it, you know. I think I'd never experience love like it — when you could be that honest with another human being, even in times when we're not technically together.' Anne dances with Devil 8 Anne Hathaway channels Gene Kelly as she dances around a lamppost while filming in New York Credit: Getty Forget The Devil Wears Prada – Anne Hathaway looks more primed for a reboot of 1952 classic Singing In The Rain. The American actress was seen dancing around a lamppost, just like Gene Kelly did 73 years ago, as she filmed scenes for the upcoming sequel of the fashion film in New York. Anne, alongside co-stars including Meryl Streep and Patrick Brammall, has been spotted working on the new movie in the Big Apple for the past few weeks. The sequel is out on May 1 next year and promises more bitchiness than ever, as fearsome Miranda Priestly struggles with new rival and former assistant Emily Charlton, played by Emily Blunt. I can't wait. So, rest for the Wicked 8 Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will scale back the promo for their Wicked sequel - with no London premiere planned Credit: Getty Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were practically unavoidable last autumn as they promoted the first Wicked film – from chat shows to viral interviews and appearances at no less than five premieres. But some of you will be breathing a sigh of relief, as I can reveal they have drastically scaled down the promotion for the second and final instalment of the movie musical, Wicked: For Good. I've been told there are no plans for a premiere in London. Instead, a single launch event will take place in New York ahead of its release on November 21. On top of that, leading ladies Ariana and Cynthia, who play Glinda and Elphaba, will only do a fraction of the interviews they did for the original. A movie insider said: 'The reaction to the first movie was incredible and studio bosses feel like people are locked in now, so are bound to buy tickets to see the second film. 'The marketing spend on the first movie was astronomical, so they think they can save a fortune by cutting back this time and just riding on the momentum from part one. 'And hopefully people won't get as tired of Cynthia and Ari this time.' I've heard it's been a long road to complete the second film and despite the fact filming officially wrapped more than 18 months ago, the movie is yet to be completed. I've no doubt this one will still be Popular. Kesha knows how to get a head 8 Kesha posing with a life-like model of her own head Credit: Instagram Kesha gave a very literal meaning to 'losing your head' in her latest social media post. The American singer shared a rather odd video dancing and posing with a life-like model of her own bonce. Kesha captioned the Instagram video: 'What's your red flag?' I think it's safe to say mine is this. Danny's a salad tosser 8 Danny Dyer has teamed up with Deliveroo to inspire Brits with creative barbecue side dishes Credit: Mike Buck / Deliveroo Danny Dyer has confirmed what his critics have long thought, declaring: 'I'm proud to be a tosser.' But his declaration of being a bit of d**k isn't all as it seems. The ex-EastEnders and Rivals actor has teamed up with Deliveroo to create a load of fancy barbecue side dishes. It is in a bid to get Brits to be more creative this summer. He promotes the delivery app's new 'Freshness Promise', which means customers get their money back if groceries aren't brought fresh to their door. Danny, below, who filmed a hilarious video with Deliveroo to announce the launch, said: 'Salads and sides have been mugged off at barbecues, left in the shadows while the main event gets all the glory. 'I'm here to tell you it's time to embrace your inner tosser . . . ' I'll try my best, Danny. Radio 1's Mollie King has revealed she was away from her DJ role to have surgery. The ex-Saturdays singer wrote on Instagram: 'I had to take some time off in July for an operation but everything went well and I'm doing much better now. 'I'll be back on air in September and can't wait.' A taste of the fame game If you love all things showbiz and celebrity, then we have discovered the perfect event for you. A new theatre show called Fame*Factory is launching at Immerse LDN this October. The show in East London is created by Done + Dusted, the team behind the Oscars, MTV's VMAs and the Brits. It gives people the chance to live their very own A-lister dream. As well as spending the night emulating your favourite celebrity, you have your own publicist on hand to help as you embark on making your big-screen debut. Plus, guests will be taught how to pose for the paparazzi, to give an Oscar-worthy speech and be told what not to do in a crisis. Talking of which, the Bizarre team can think of a couple of bona fide stars who could do with a refresher . . . Grease is the word as park hosts Rydell High 8 For just six weeks, Evolution in London's Battersea Park has been transformed into a real-life Rydell High School Credit: Alamy Most people I know have watched Grease ten times over. But I'm willing to bet they haven't seen a version as amazing as Secret Cinema's. For just six weeks, Evolution in London's Battersea Park has been transformed into a real-life Rydell High School. Rather than simply watching the show, you are transported into the story itself, with the scenes between Danny and Sandy, right, playing out around them. From the school canteen to the car mechanics, every key moment is recreated throughout the venue. Blurring the lines between what is part of the performance or not, guests are also encouraged to come in fancy dress. Having never been to a Secret Cinema show before, I was on the fence as to whether it would do film justice. But no expense has been spared on the sets, which include a working fairground. If you're looking for fun on these summer nights, this is the one that you want.

Emma Raducanu to bank record sum if she regains US Open title as ‘largest purse in tennis history' confirmed
Emma Raducanu to bank record sum if she regains US Open title as ‘largest purse in tennis history' confirmed

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

Emma Raducanu to bank record sum if she regains US Open title as ‘largest purse in tennis history' confirmed

Scroll down to see how the prize money has changed since last year CANU DO IT Emma Raducanu to bank record sum if she regains US Open title as 'largest purse in tennis history' confirmed EMMA RADUCANU would bank a record $5million (£3.7m) if she regained the US Open women's crown next month. Four years on from that fairytale success in New York, the 22-year-old heads to Flushing Meadows with a new coach, Rafa Nadal's former guru Francisco Roig. Advertisement 2 Emma Raducanu could win a major windfall at the US Open Credit: Getty 2 The prize fund has doubled since Raducanu won the title in 2021 Credit: Getty Raducanu's title success in 2021 earned her $2.4m (£1.8m) so the top fee has doubled since then. On Wednesday, US Open chiefs announced a bumper new prize fund for the men's and women's singles champions to combat ongoing player complaints about pay. The tournament's overall pot has been described as the 'largest purse in tennis history'. It has gone up in 12 months from $75m (£56m) to $90m (£67m) in total player compensation. Advertisement The 2024 champions, Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, received $3.6m (£2.7m) for their triumphs. First-round main-draw losers will be compensated with $110,000 (£82,000) in cash. The winning teams from the men's and women's doubles events – and from the new Mixed Doubles Championship – will split $1m (£750,000) in prize money. Meanwhile, Raducanu has hired her eighth coach of her career to boost her chances in the US. Advertisement SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN She has appointed former Rafael Nadal mentor Roig, 57, to help her on the court. He is vastly experienced having worked with Nadal throughout his career. Pet dog runs on court to celebrate as Emma Raducanu is beaten by Anna Kalinskaya in Washington He was No2 coach for the Spaniard for all 22 Grand Slam wins, working alongside his uncle Toni. Advertisement Raducanu's team began discussions with Roig over him coming on board during Wimbledon, according to the Mail.

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