Latest news with #FighteroftheYear
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Merab Dvalishvili a lock for 2025 Fighter of the Year? UFC analyst explains why he isn't
Outside of UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, Chael Sonnen still sees several fighters in the running to be Fighter of the Year. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) is currently one of the frontrunners for 2025 Fighter of the Year after title defenses over Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311 in January and a finish of Sean O'Malley at UFC 316 in June. Dvalishvili won the "Best UFC Fighter" at the most recent ESPYs last month, but Sonnen isn't ready to give him the Fighter of the Year award just yet. "Fighter of the Year is going to be very tough," Sonnen told MMA Junkie. "It's very tough. Merab has done a very good job, but to get in front of Ilia (Topuria)? There's a buzz around Ilia that's almost unlike anything I ever felt. (Khamzat) Chimaev is going to be of interest. Should Alex Pereira come back and get it over (Magomed) Ankalaev. No, Merab doesn't have it locked up. A lot of that list comes down to popularity, which Merab has now. "That dude is a star. I was at International Fight Week. The mobs and the crowd, they mobbed everyone through there. Dana (White) himself got more, but for active fighters, the crowd and the interest, Merab could not move around. He is over. He is very popular, and people are going to vote for him. But no, activity alone, no, it will not get you Fighter of the Year." Dvalishvili, who is currently scheduled to defend his belt against Cory Sandhagen (18-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in the UFC 320 co-main event on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas, has plans of squeezing one more title defense before the end of the year. "That's very impressive (if he can get a fourth title defense in 2025)," Sonnen said. "Those stats do matter. Any time you're setting history, it moves you to the front of the list. Merab is a wonderful person. That's a nice man behind all this. One thing that takes fighters off their perch quickly is when they start believing what's being said about them. They go to practice a little less. You don't meet better people as you become bigger and better in life. You meet a higher quality scumbag. ... It doesn't seem like Merab is falling for any of that. He's in Las Vegas, which is a very difficult place to not meet a lot of scumbags. He seems very focused. He seems to know who he is. He seems to be still be hungry. I think he deserves credit for that. I think one thing that would help Merab is if people got to know him more. "He really is a kind gentleman. You can't say that about a lot of fighters. Most of them are scumbags, too. He's in a different category. I only bring that up because of his popularity and where it could go. If people simply get to know him, if he finds a way to get his message out, he comes across what he is, which is very nice, but he's so nice that people think it's an act. But it's not. So if he does a little bit more time, I would love to see Merab coach 'The Ultimate Fighter.' ... I think that kind of exposure where people got him in the living room every day, I think Merab has the potential to be the top draw in the sport. That's a big claim for a 135 pounder. But O'Malley had it. It can definitely be done." To hear more from Sonnen, check out his complete appearance on "The Bohnfire" podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
Los Angeles Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Karate legend Mike Stone visits Costa Mesa studio
Karate legend Mike Stone seemed to relish the moment Wednesday night, even if few of the dozens of students at Bob White's Kenpo Karate Studio in Costa Mesa could say the same. Stone had the students warming up by stretching their legs in sets of 10, only the sets to strengthen their core and quadriceps were seemingly limitless. 'Suffer silently, please,' Stone said. 'I'd like to make a T-shirt with that logo. I love it.' Stone, now 82, was happy to donate two hours of his time to train the students. He was good friends with the late Bob White, a 10th-degree black belt who died in 2023. He said the two of them enjoyed playing golf and tennis together outside of the studio. 'After Bob passed, I really didn't have a chance to come down here,' Stone said in an interview with the Daily Pilot prior to his teaching session. 'I've been living in the Philippines for 40 years. When I came on this trip, I had a little extra time, so I decided to give [Bob's wife] Barbara a call and ask her. I actually imposed. I said, 'If it's OK, I'd like to come down and do a session for the school.' And she said, 'Yeah, sure, come on down.'' The karate students got to learn from a master who has earned 17 10th degree black belts. Stone, a native of Hawaii, was known as 'The Animal' during a competitive career that saw him win 91 straight black belt matches without a loss. Stone spoke to the students, a group that included adults and children, for about an hour before doing an hour of training with them. He said his lessons were more about life and less about martial arts. 'What I'm doing is allowing people to see another side of martial arts,' said Stone, who was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as both Fighter of the Year in 1971 and Instructor of the Year in 1994. 'Although they were told they were going to be taught these values, principles and virtues, nobody's ever really taught it, and we can see the results of it in society as a whole. It's fallen apart. 'Everybody turned toward money and convenience and violence ... There's aspects of our humanity that we have to get reconnected to. And I'm not talking about religion, I'm talking about spiritually. That's a different vibration altogether ... We've got to get back to the basics of what it is, and start telling the truth.' Stone told the students that nowadays, he starts his day at 3:30 a.m. 'What time do you go to sleep,' asked a female student, and he replied that he tries to get to bed by 9 p.m. Whatever he's doing, it seems to be working. 'He seems like he's 62, at most,' said Kristie Galyon, a student at the Bob White studio who attended Wednesday's event with her husband, Brent and 9-year-old son, Nicholas. Nicholas is a purple belt, soon to take his blue belt test, and has gotten his parents — both yellow belts — into karate. He said meeting Mike Stone was 'amazing,' and he got a movie print autographed. 'He gave a wonderful, holistic approach to what life and karate is,' Brent Galyon said. Stone, also known for having a relationship with Priscilla Presley in the early 1970s, defied expectations by earning his black belt in Shorin-ryu karate in just six months while he was in the U.S. Army and stationed in Arkansas about a decade earlier. 'You just have to have trust, faith and belief in yourself to be the very best that you can be,' he told the students Wednesday. 'That has always been my secret.' Heather Flessing of Orange, a fourth-degree black belt who has been going to the Bob White studio since 2009, enjoyed Stone's message. So did her 18-month-old daughter, apparently. 'She got to listen to Mike Stone for like 20 minutes straight,' Flessing said, laughing. 'She just stared at him.' The session ended with Stone taking a big group picture with Barbara White and the students. Alia White-Cass, Bob White's daughter and a black belt instructor at the studio, knelt in front with a framed photo of her father.
OC Media
04-07-2025
- Business
- OC Media
Former MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov faces new scrutiny for tax delinquency
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former undisputed UFC champion and native of Daghestan, is once again under scrutiny from Russia's Federal Tax Service (FTS). According to the Telegram channel SHOT, which is known to be linked to law enforcement officers, the FTS has issued him a new tax bill in the amount of ₽1.8 million ($23,000). The FTS has not yet disclosed the specific reasons for this new debt, nor have Nurmagomedov and his representatives commented on the report. The information published by SHOT has not been confirmed by other sources. In 2024, the FTS froze Nurmagomedov's bank accounts due to outstanding tax payments, penalties, and fines. At that time, the total debt amounted to ₽302 million ($3.8 million). In addition to the account freezes, court bailiffs seized assets belonging to the athlete worth ₽79 million ($1 million). This debt was later paid off, and enforcement proceedings were closed. Financial difficulties have also affected several organisations connected to Nurmagomedov. These include his MMA promotion company Eagle FC, his charitable foundation, and the travel agency Hikmet Travel, which was shut down in 2022 after the FTS found irregularities in its official documentation. In November 2024, reports also emerged about the freezing of accounts of two other organisations associated with Nurmagomedov — the Football Ball Museum and the Foundation for the Development of Education, Sport, and Social Initiatives. There has been no public update on the unfreezing of the museum's accounts, although it continues to operate. The foundation's accounts were reportedly unfrozen in January. Nurmagomedov, 36, ended his professional career in October 2020 after defeating American fighter Justin Gaethje in the second round of UFC 254. He retired undefeated with a record of 29 wins, becoming the first fighter in UFC lightweight history to retire with a perfect record. In April 2018, he won the UFC lightweight title by defeating American Al Iaquinta. Nurmagomedov's most famous fight came later that year when he defeated Irish fighter Conor McGregor — a bout that generated over $200 million in revenue, becoming the most profitable in MMA history. Advertisement Since retiring, Nurmagomedov has focused on business and coaching. In 2021, he was named 'Fighter of the Year' by ESPN's ESPY Awards, and in 2022, he became the first Russian to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Buckley Terrorizes Hapless Streamer In Embarrassing Video
Top-ranked UFC Welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley's winning ways continue. N3on, real name Rangesh Mutama, is an American YouTube and Twitch streamer/personality, primarily in the departments of video game streaming and online trolling. The 20-year-old Internet personality recent met up with Buckley to make some content and sparring. Advertisement Let's just put it this way: N3on makes Sneako look like Floyd Mayweather. He was downright terrified of Buckley, who graciously did not put too much of a beating on the hapless streamer. Even when Buckley allowed N3on to lock in a rear naked choke, Mutama didn't have the biceps to cause any effect. For some context, I once saw my jiu-jitsu coach's eight-year-old daughter put a 30-year-old man to sleep when he let her lock in the RNC. Buckley's commentary adds to the hilarity, 'It's time to spar!' He spits. 'Time to get that connection, body on body. I'm gonna treat you real nice, I'm glad you came out here. I'ma take my time with ya. I ain't gone break ya ...' Maybe N3on can serve as a rebound opponent for The Island Boy. Advertisement Buckley was arguably 2024's 'Fighter of the Year' after racking up four quality victories last year, most recently stopping Colby Covington in a high-profile Miami clash (watch it). Buckley is angling for a big 170-pound fight next, someone like former Welterweight kingpin Kamara Usman. Currently, however, 'New Mansa' remains unbooked and looking for a dance partner. More from
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Carl Frampton's heartbreaking health admission, net worth, Barry McGuigan feud
Carl Frampton's heartbreaking health admission, net worth, Barry McGuigan feud Carl Frampton has enjoyed a stellar career in boxing, becoming the first Northern Irishman to have held world titles in multiple weight classes, but is concerned for his long-term health Carl Frampton has revealed concerns about his health (Image:) Carl Frampton has revealed his concerns about potentially developing dementia or "some sort of brain injury" as a result of his time in the ring. The now-retired boxer made a name for himself across two weight divisions – super bantamweight and featherweight – claiming world titles in both categories. Notably, he was the first from Northern Ireland to hold world championships in different weight classes. These titles earned Frampton Fighter of the Year awards from The Ring magazine, ESPN, and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Frampton held prestigious titles such as the WBA (super) super bantamweight belt in 2016, the IBF super bantamweight title from 2014 to 2016, and the WBA (Super) featherweight title between 2016 and 2017. Following his retirement in 2021, Frampton appeared on The Nolan Show in February 2025 to share his worries about the future of his neurological health due to his intense boxing career. This report delves into some of the significant highlights of Frampton's life in the sport, including his estimated net worth, the well-documented feud with Barry McGuigan, and his concerns over potential brain disease. What is Carl Frampton's net worth? Carl Frampton is reportedly worth over £1million - despite retiring four years ago (Image:) Article continues below In 2021, The Net Worth Portal reported Frampton's net worth at approximately £1.3million, and stated that he could have made as much as £1.13 million per fight during his prime years. Having not fought since his retirement four years ago, it remains uncertain if his net worth, which was last calculated in 2021, has changed. Despite this, Frampton did make millions throughout his career, thanks to some lavish fight purses. The Sun reported that the Northern Irishman earned approximately £902,000 for the rematch against Leo Santa Cruz, and £1.8million from his bout with Josh Warrington. In 2019, the retired boxer revealed the truth behind fight purses; stating that they were distributed among several parties including management, trainers, and the fighters themselves. This means that, even if he emerged victorious in the fight, Frampton was unlikely to win the entire purse to keep for himself. Carl Frampton has earned millions throughout his career (Image:) During an appearance on the Joe TKO podcast, the ex-world champion said: "Your outlay depends on where you are at. For me to be fighting in big title fights, your trainer gets 10%. Your manager normally gets 25%. That is the amount in most circumstances. "Then you have to pay sparring partners. Sometimes you can get sparring partners who are looking to get [ready] for other fights, who you don't have to pay. You have to pay for your food. You have to eat clean, which is sometimes expensive. "Then there's your digs, if you are travelling away from home. And travel expenses, and getting to and from training. "Sometimes what sound like a good purse at the time – someone might say to you that they'll give you £20,000 – by the time you break it down and you're paying taxes on it, it is not a lot of dough." Barry McGuigan feud - 'Pretty deep disappointment' Frampton once worked under his "hero" Barry McGuigan, with the former professional boxer promoting him throughout his early career. Their partnership began in 2009, and it was during this time that Frampton won his world titles while fighting for Cyclone Promotions and being coached by McGuigan's son, Shane. The relationship soured in 2017 following the cancellation of Frampton's fight with Andres Gutierrez. Frampton parted ways with his promoter to join rival firm MTK Global, managed by Daniel Kinahan, a man suspected by British authorities of operating a significant criminal enterprise. Although Frampton was never implicated in any criminal activities associated with Kinahan's operations, his switch in allegiance resulted in a legal battle with his former associates. Carl Frampton ended up in a legal battle with Barry McGuigan (Image:) Frampton initiated legal action against Cyclone Promotions, seeking £6m for alleged unpaid earnings from fights across Northern Ireland, England, and the USA. In response, McGuigan filed a counterclaim, claiming that Frampton had breached his contract by leaving Cyclone Promotions. Both sides maintained their innocence, and what unfolded was a multi-million pound lawsuit that, to many people's surprise, concluded with an out-of-court settlement in November 2020 – the terms of which remain confidential. The Daily Mail has previously reported Frampton's accusations of McGuigan profiting extravagantly from his success in the ring. He said: "It just seemed at times they were enjoying life on my purse. "The biggest one was in 2016 after a fight. My family and I had a bit of a holiday, and the McGuigans did too. The expenses were coming out of the purse after the fight was over. "I literally paid for a lot of what went on in their holiday. It was hard when it broke down, to be honest, but I mean, it was probably a long time coming. Barry McGuigan managed and promoted Frampton for years (Image:) "I was hoping that the things that people were saying about Barry were all wrong. He was a hero of mine growing up. I wanted this to get fixed. A court process was the last thing I wanted, but there was no other option." After their court case was resolved, McGuigan expressed his sadness about the rift that had developed with the fighter, whom he previously considered "part of the family." The former boxer said: "Just a disappointment. Pretty deep disappointment. I took him into my home, made him part of my family. I didn't take a penny off him for over two years [until] he won the Commonwealth title. "It's been very disappointing he chose to go off and be with Daniel Kinahan. That's just how it is. He [Frampton] knows well himself that without me or my family and our efforts, he wouldn't have achieved anything. "I don't want to get into a slagging match with him. I'm past all that nonsense. Shane will end up in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, just like me. It sounds very bumptious but I'm not in the International Boxing Hall of Fame for no reason. "I was really good at what I did. We are very good people. We're very decent people." Frampton subsequently signed with promoter Frank Warren before retiring in 2021 and releasing an autobiography titled 'Carl Frampton: My Autobiography'. Carl Frampton no longer speaks to Barry McGuigan (Image:) In this 2023 publication, the 38-year-old delved into the legal dispute with McGuigan and confessed how his perception of the ex-boxer drastically shifted during his tenure with Cyclone Promotions. In his book, Frampton wrote: "It was bliss at the start and there was genuine love and friendship. Barry went as far as calling me the fourth son at times. He was a man that I looked up to so much. "I understand that Barry is a hero to many people. He was a hero to me. But if you read this book, and still think he is a hero, you need to give your head a wobble. It was pretty sour in the end. It was a shame but this is what happens in boxing. I think the relationship's dead, it will always be dead. "But for a while, I had a lot of bitterness about them and thought about them a lot and I had a lot of anger, but I don't have that anymore. I kind of pity them now. I've calmed down and have more important things to worry about now. "Obviously I can't say a lot, but I can say I'm extremely happy with the settlement." Health admission - 'One of the lucky ones' Carl Frampton is worried about his neurological health (Image:) Frampton has revealed that he is deeply concerned about the potential consequences of his boxing career on his brain health. During his February appearance on The Nolan Show, the two-weight world champion confessed to having suppressed the risks associated with fighting during his active years, only to confront them in retirement. Frampton said: "I wouldn't say I worry about it but I have been to see some specialists just to have my brain checked out and make sure it's working as it should be and that there's no deterioration with it. "I go back for a check-up on a yearly basis to make sure I'm still OK and touch wood I am at this stage. Given the longevity of my career I'm expecting at some point to have dementia or some sort of brain injury, but I'm just hoping it's when I'm 75-years-old and not 50. "If you look at what's going on in the sport and the amount of former boxers this happens to, but I'm OK with it I'm not worried. Obviously I hope I don't get it. I wouldn't want to be a burden on anyone or anything like that. Frampton has been hit many times in his career (Image:) "It's part of the game and that's a horrible thing to say as it sounds flippant, but if you're in professional boxing, and I'm going to separate it from amateur boxing as I think that amateur boxing is actually quite a safe sport as referees jump in quicker, fights are stopped when kids are getting hurt and they use bigger gloves. "The professional side of the game can be very brutal though. As a fighter you probably just put it to the back of your mind. You know that there's a risk and if you actually sat there and thought about it you know you're in a dangerous sport. "For me though it was something I never really thought about. I was boxing to better the life of my family. I obviously wanted to win titles but for me it was about security especially as my career developed. "I'm one of the lucky ones who has a secure life for the time being and the kids are in a good position, but it's few and far between so I would class myself one of the very lucky ones. I did have fights where I fought the wrong fight and maybe took too many punches, or punches that I didn't have to take. "Sometimes that's down to trying to impress the crowd, but you put the risks to the back of your mind. Looking back I probably sparred too much. I sparred guys that were too big for me as well, and at the time I got a bit of a macho feel out of that. With hindsight I probably wouldn't have sparred as much, it's just trauma on your head and brain that you don't need." Article continues below Frampton also discussed improving safety practices in boxing, touching on aspects such as weight preparation prior to bouts and overall nutrition for athletes. He added: "In general I think nutrition needs to be looked at as I think that's where a lot of these serious injuries are stemming from. More can be done especially with the weigh-ins a day and a half before a fight meaning fighters are going into fights dehydrated. "People are talking about head guards and stuff, but I don't think that makes it safer as there has been research done showing head guards only really stop cuts from happening, not trauma to the head or brain."
