Latest news with #BrazilianJiu-Jitsu
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'Put him to sleep in the first round' - Ilia Topuria issues a brutal warning for Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 317 vacant lightweight title bout
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC UFC 317 has everyone's eyes fixated, as fans will see their favourite fighters in action once again after a long hiatus involving weight class moves and multiple rounds of back-and-forth negotiations to finalise the bout. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will now be facing former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title . While Oliveira is on a mission to reclaim the championship belt, Topuria has his sights set on achieving two-weight championship status and issues a brutal warning for the former lightweight. Ilia Topuria acknowledges Charles Oliveira's fighting abilities while being confident about his own set of skills, aims for a finish in first round itself After winning the featherweight championship belt against Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria's last bout was against Max Holloway, in which the Georgian fighter retained his title. Having defended his title, the fighter announced his move up to the lightweight division in February 2025, and since then, Topuria started calling out Islam Makhachev, the then-lightweight champion, for a title bout, but was met with no response. Makhachev seemingly was not much interested in facing Topuria and instead wanted to move up the weight category. Post UFC 315, where Belal Muhammad lost his title to Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev, too, vacated his title and shifted to the welterweight division for a direct title shot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Even though the shakeup across the division killed the expectations for a highly anticipated bout between Topuria and Makhachev, El Matador has now been placed against another strong lightweight contender and former champion of the division, Charles Oliveira. Oliveira won three out of his last five bouts, one of which was a title loss to Makhachev. Despite this, he is known for his striking abilities and submission techniques. Trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the fighter has even knocked out some of the greatest contenders of the division, including Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush. While both fighters are preparing for the upcoming bout with their respective aims set, Topuria acknowledges the abilities of the former lightweight champion, while also believing that a guaranteed win awaits the former featherweight. In a recent interview, the fighter stated, 'Charles is a great fighter. I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC.' He further continued, 'But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine, to put him to sleep in the first round because he has no mobility, he doesn't move.' Also read: Kamaru Usman stuns audience with a brutal take on former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad ahead of the former's UFC Atlanta showdown Ever since losing the title to Makhachev, Oliveira did not get a title shot despite the fact that he had defended it twice after winning it against Michael Chandler at UFC 262. This makes the upcoming bout crucial for the fighter to establish his prominence once again within the division.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP's $46.475 Million Verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc. Now a Final $56 Million Judgment After Supreme Court Denies Review
LOS ANGELES, June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a two-year battle all the way to California's highest court, the law firm of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is proud to announce the $46.475 million verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc., et al is now final. Defendants first appealed the landmark verdict in the California First District Court of Appeal and when the verdict was affirmed in full on December 31, 2024, they not only sought review from the California Supreme Court, but requested the appellate opinion be depublished. Both requests were denied. "While the efforts by the insurance company to appeal delayed justice for Jack, it was not and could not be denied," said Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP partner, Rahul Ravipudi. "The published appellate opinion cements a critical legal victory not only for our client, but also for injured athletes across California by reaffirming that sports instructors and facilities may be held accountable when they unreasonably increase risks beyond those inherent in the sport." Since obtaining the verdict in March of 2022, the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has skyrocketed in popularity while at the same time its safety standards have improved dramatically, which is yet another data point that accountability through the civil justice system fosters a safer and better society. With nearly $10 million in post-judgment interest accrued, the total judgment now exceeds $56 million—more than 56 times the insurance policy limits. The defendants' insurer posted an over $70 million bond to pursue the appeal and, therefore, the judgment will be paid in full. Prior to filing suit, Plaintiff made a clear and timely demand to resolve the matter within the $1 million policy limits issued to Defendants by United States Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Crum & Forster. Despite the opportunity to protect its insured, U.S. Fire failed to accept the demand or engage in meaningful settlement negotiations. As a result, the policy was opened, and U.S. Fire is now liable for the full amount of the excess judgment. This result is a testament to the outstanding advocacy of Mr. Greener's trial team, led by Rahul Ravipudi, Paul Traina, and John Shaller of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, in collaboration with co-counsel from Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP: Shawn D. Morris, Michael Malady, and Christian Barton. Special recognition also goes to appellate counsel Rupa G. Singh and Victoria E. Fuller from Niddrie | Addams | Fuller | Singh for their exceptional work on the appeal in this case. A beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, Mr. Greener suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while sparring with a Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club instructor who performed a technique which rendered Mr. Greener an incomplete quadriplegic. On March 28, 2023, following a four-week trial and two days of deliberation, a San Diego County jury delivered the $46,475,112.33 verdict in favor of Mr. Greener and found the defendants 100 percent at fault. "My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor," said Jack Greener. "I am incredibly grateful to both teams at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP and the subsequent victory earned through immense passion and hard work. Their longstanding dedication to the case, positivity in the face of numerous litigation obstacles, and deep kindness to not only myself as a client but also to my entire family through the process will never be forgotten." Defendants were represented at trial by Robert T. Bergsten and Mary M. Campo, Esq, of Hosp, Gilbert & Bergsten. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT:Angela Bailey, abailey@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Panish Shea Ravipudi LLP's $46.475 Million Verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc. Now a Final $56 Million Judgment After Supreme Court Denies Review
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following a two-year battle all the way to California's highest court, the law firm of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is proud to announce the $46.475 million verdict in Greener v. M. Phelps, Inc., et al is now final. Defendants first appealed the landmark verdict in the California First District Court of Appeal and when the verdict was affirmed in full on December 31, 2024, they not only sought review from the California Supreme Court, but requested the appellate opinion be depublished. Both requests were denied. 'My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor,' said Jack Greener. "While the efforts by the insurance company to appeal delayed justice for Jack, it was not and could not be denied,' said Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP partner, Rahul Ravipudi. "The published appellate opinion cements a critical legal victory not only for our client, but also for injured athletes across California by reaffirming that sports instructors and facilities may be held accountable when they unreasonably increase risks beyond those inherent in the sport." Since obtaining the verdict in March of 2022, the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has skyrocketed in popularity while at the same time its safety standards have improved dramatically, which is yet another data point that accountability through the civil justice system fosters a safer and better society. With nearly $10 million in post-judgment interest accrued, the total judgment now exceeds $56 million — more than 56 times the insurance policy limits. The defendants' insurer posted an over $70 million bond to pursue the appeal and, therefore, the judgment will be paid in full. Prior to filing suit, Plaintiff made a clear and timely demand to resolve the matter within the $1 million policy limits issued to Defendants by United States Fire Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Crum & Forster. Despite the opportunity to protect its insured, U.S. Fire failed to accept the demand or engage in meaningful settlement negotiations. As a result, the policy was opened, and U.S. Fire is now liable for the full amount of the excess judgment. This result is a testament to the outstanding advocacy of Mr. Greener's trial team, led by Rahul Ravipudi, Paul Traina, and John Shaller of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, in collaboration with co-counsel from Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP: Shawn D. Morris, Michael Malady, and Christian Barton. Special recognition also goes to appellate counsel Rupa G. Singh and Victoria E. Fuller from Niddrie | Addams | Fuller | Singh for their exceptional work on the appeal in this case. A beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student, Mr. Greener suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while sparring with a Del Mar Jiu-Jitsu Club instructor who performed a technique which rendered Mr. Greener an incomplete quadriplegic. On March 28, 2023, following a four-week trial and two days of deliberation, a San Diego County jury delivered the $46,475,112.33 verdict in favor of Mr. Greener and found the defendants 100 percent at fault. 'My life was forever changed by my black belt Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Francisco Iturralde, and his reckless actions which left me paralyzed from the neck down and a multi-stroke survivor,' said Jack Greener. 'I am incredibly grateful to both teams at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP and Morris, Sullivan & Lemkul, LLP and the subsequent victory earned through immense passion and hard work. Their longstanding dedication to the case, positivity in the face of numerous litigation obstacles, and deep kindness to not only myself as a client but also to my entire family through the process will never be forgotten.' Defendants were represented at trial by Robert T. Bergsten and Mary M. Campo, Esq, of Hosp, Gilbert & Bergsten.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Russell Brand's festival axed after rape charge as fans demand refunds
Comedian and actor Russell Brand's planned 'Community' wellness festival has been called off amid mounting issues and public backlash Russell Brand 's wellness-themed 'Community' festival has been cancelled amid declining ticket sales and rising demand for refunds, following the comedian's recent rape charge. Brand, 49, was formally charged by the Metropolitan Police in May with multiple offences, including a charge of rape, indecent assault, and controlling or coercive behaviour. The alleged incidents involve four women and span from 1999 to 2005, during a period when Brand was active on television, radio, and in film. The charges were presented at Westminster Magistrates' Court on May 3. Brand spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, and to acknowledge his bail conditions. He previously denied all allegations, stating that his past relationships were consensual and that he 'never was a rapist.' The festival, scheduled for July, was set to take place over three days and feature activities such as yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, massage, meditation, and live music. Brand's wife, Laura Gallacher, was also expected to speak at the event. Promoted as 'about personal awakening and social change', the festival was part of Brand's recent shift toward wellness and spiritual commentary. His website described it as a gathering for 'camping, conversation on spirituality, wellness, healthy living and our environment". In a sustainability message, Brand urged attendees to consider eco-friendly travel: 'Audience travel is typically the largest part of an event's carbon footprint. Please consider a lower-carbon travel route: public transport, shuttle bus, coach or if you're driving, fill your car with passengers.' The cancellation has not been formally addressed by Brand. However, ticket sales have been halted, and a message on ticketing platform The Ticket Sellers confirms: 'Please note: this event has now been cancelled, more detail may be contained in the event text below. If you have purchased tickets for this event, then please contact us on 0121 472 6688 or email refunds@ The festival followed a similar event held in Hay-on-Wye in 2023, part of Brand's rebranding as a wellness advocate and spiritual commentator. The criminal case includes four separate allegations. One woman alleges she was raped by Brand in a hotel room during a Labour Party conference in 1999. According to court testimony, the assault occurred after the woman returned from the bathroom and was pushed onto a bed. A second woman accuses Brand of indecent assault in 2001, claiming he grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a TV studio. A third complainant, a television worker Brand met in Soho in 2004, alleges he groped her breasts, pulled her into a bathroom, and forced her to engage in oral sex. The fourth allegation involves a woman who worked at a radio station while Brand was presenting Big Brother 's Big Mouth. She alleges that he grabbed her face, kissed her, and groped her. The allegations first came to light in September 2023, following a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 's Dispatches. In response, Brand posted a video denying the claims and said he welcomed the chance to prove his innocence. If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
Metro
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Russell Brand's festival axed as customers seek refunds after rape charge
Russell Brand's career has taken yet another blow due to the cancellation of his upcoming wellness festival. Last month, the actor and comedian was formally charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police. It came after allegations were made against him, accusing Brand of rape, sexual assault, and controlling behaviour over several years at the height of his fame, when he was fronting talk shows, hosting on mainstream radio, and starring in Hollywood blockbusters. The 49-year-old has maintained his innocence, previously stating that any encounters were 'consensual' and declaring he was 'never was a rapist.' However, Brand's fans have started seeking refunds for his event, due to be held in July. Consequently, the 'Community' festival has been quietly axed, according to the Daily Mail, as interest waned in ticket purchasing and those already attending seemingly changed their minds. A description of the event said on Brand's website: 'Community is about personal awakening and social change. 'Russell Brand and friends will be back for 3 days of camping, conversation on spirituality, wellness, healthy living and our environment.' In his own appeal, Brand also said: 'Audience travel is typically the largest part of an event's carbon footprint. 'Please consider a lower-carbon travel route: public transport, shuttle bus, coach or if you're driving, fill your car with passengers.' The festival was due to offer activities like yoga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and massages. There would also be meditation sessions hosted by holistic healers and musical performances. Additionally, Laura Gallacher, Brand's wife, whom he married in 2017, was set to give a talk. While Brand is yet to issue a statement confirming the cancellation personally, links on The Ticket Sellers website no longer work. A notice also reads: 'Please note: this event has now been cancelled, more detail may be contained in the event text below. If you have purchased tickets for this event, then please contact us on 0121 472 6688 or email refunds@ A similar sort of festival took place in Hay-on-Wye in 2023, with the controversial star having rebranded in recent years as a charismatic, spiritual guru deeply embedded in the alternative health world. In early May, Brand made his first court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court after allegations of offences against four women from 1999 to 2005. Brand, 49, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address, and that he understood his bail conditions. The charges against him as heard in court include him allegedly raping a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference. Following a theatrical event in Bournemouth in 1999, it is alleged that while the woman went to the bathroom, Brand removed some of his clothing and later pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear, and raped her. Another of Brand's alleged victims has accused him of indecent assault after being allegedly grabbed by her forearm by the actor as he attempted to drag her into a male toilet at a television station in 2001. The court heard the third alleged victim was a television worker Brand met in Soho in 2004. He is accused of grabbing her breasts before allegedly pulling her into a toilet and orally raping her. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The final complainant is a radio station worker who met Brand while he was working for Channel 4 on Big Brother's Big Mouth between 2004 and 2005, the court heard. More Trending Brand is alleged to have grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall, and kissed her before grabbing her breasts and buttocks. Allegations against Brand were first published in September 2023 when the alleged victims came forward. Posting on his X account at the time, he said he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Russell Brand's derelict pub has 'ripped the heart out' of local community, neighbours say
