Latest news with #Heavyweight
The Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
UFC faces increased pressure to strip Jon Jones of heavyweight title after petition skyrockets
The UFC continues to face mounting pressure from fans to strip Jon Jones of his heavyweight title after a petition surged to almost 140,000 signatures. The Change petition has called for the legendary American to be removed as undisputed heavyweight king in the UFC, with Tom Aspinall patiently waiting for his opportunity as interim champion. The Briton has not fought since beating Curtis Blaydes by knockout last July and has grown tired of waiting for Jones to make a decision on his future, with conflicting comments suggesting the 37-year-old could opt to retire. With just over 138,000 signature at the time of writing, Dana White continues to face calls to make a definitive decision on Jones' future, with negotiations continuing to drag. The petition claims Jones has 'refused' to fight Aspinall, and that the 32-year-old is poised and ready to fight the American. 'We as fans must let Dana White know: It is time to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title. He clearly has no intentions of fighting anytime soon,' the petition concluded. The latest comments in a war of words between both sides has seen Jones fire back at his rival, ordering him to 'shut up and do what you're told'. In one of the most controversial UFC sagas in recent memory, Jones and Aspinall continue to hold a heavyweight title each, without having a unification bout booked. Jones, a former two-time light-heavyweight champion, won the vacant heavyweight belt in March 2023, but a planned defence against divisional great Stipe Miocic collapsed later that year when Jones suffered an injury. Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich stepped up, with the Briton knocking out the Russian to win the interim title, while Jones's clash with Miocic was delayed by 12 months. Last November, Jones stopped his fellow American to retain the regular belt, seemingly setting up a fight with Aspinall, who retained the interim strap last July. However, Jones has continued to play coy over the prospect of that contest coming to fruition. As such, Aspinall opened up on the mental toll of the saga this week, telling UFC legend Demetrious Johnson: 'I've been almost a year inactive with no prospects of anything apart from 'wait'. So, now it's actually a bit more of a tricky time for me mentally than it was [when I was out for 12 months with an injury, from 2023 until 2024]. 'Now, it's just like: 'Just be ready and we'll just let you know.' It's kind of difficult mentally, but this is the fight against Jon Jones. The fight is another thing, this is the tricky bit where I really have to stay switched on, stay motivated, and I'm trying my best. It's tough sometimes.' Verdict MMA shared the 32-year-old's quotes on Instagram, and 37-year-old Jones commented, 'Shut your mouth and do as you're told,' along with a laughing emoji. The comment comes during a week in which Jones has been as vague as ever over the chances of him fighting Aspinall. In one video, he said, 'I'm done,' though he tweeted on the same day: 'I don't know if I wanna call it retired, I feel like I'll always have an ability to pop out and show em. I've had many breaks throughout my career, my identity outside of fighting is well intact. I'm genuinely enjoying life, I'm growing in different ways.' And earlier in the week, he tweeted: 'Yall barkin up the wrong tree. I told the Ufc my plans a long time ago. I have no clue why they haven't shared them with you guys yet. 'Lol do I come across as the type of person who cares about things like [being stripped of the title]? [...] This, this attitude, right here is making me a very wealthy man. This desperation [from fans] is incredibly lucrative, so thank you. Keep it coming.' With the UFC , Jones vs Aspinall is unlikely to happen before October. UFC president Dana White did vow this month that he would soon announce the bout, but fans continue to await such an announcement.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
‘Ready and fully charged' – Anthony Joshua breaks silence on Tyson Fury retirement confirmation and hints it's STILL ON
ANTHONY JOSHUA is refusing to give up on a Battle of Britain with Tyson Fury - despite his rival's doubling down on retirement. Fury, 36, called time on his career for a FIFTH TIME in January just weeks after his second straight loss to Oleksandr Usyk. 4 4 4 The Wythenshawe warrior unsurprisingly performed a U-turn late last month but has since doubled down on his latest hanging up of the gloves. But AJ isn't buying what The Gypsy King is selling and is confident their long overdue domestic dust-up will come to fruition. Along with a picture of Fury in the ring, he wrote on his private Snapchat: "One of these days it'll be standing in the opposite corner. "Read and fully charged spiritually." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Independent
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Dana White makes promise over Jon Jones v Tom Aspinall in latest update
Dana White has reiterated that Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall 'will happen' as he prepared fans for an imminent announcement. British interim heavyweight champion Aspinall has been waiting for his shot at arguable pound-for-pound GOAT Jones - and the undisputed gold that he carries - for the better part of 18 months. However, Jones, now 37, has seemed unwilling to share the cage with the younger and faster Aspinall, 32, who poses the biggest threat to his unbeatable mystique in the division. White has nonetheless been hellbent on getting Jones v Aspinall signed to a date and has now hinted that an official announcement could be closer than ever. "We'll get Aspinall vs Jones done,' White said on Instagram live. 'The heavyweight fight will happen. Just relax, I'll announce that soon." Jones has only fought twice in the two years since making his long-awaited jump to heavyweight in March 2023. He defeated supposed-next big thing Ciryl Gane in convincing fashion to win the vacant title before finishing ex-champion Stipe Miocic, 42, in November last year. His claim to only want 'legacy fights' at this stage in his career has led many to accuse Jones of 'ducking' Aspinall, who is the undeniable next challenger to his throne. Aspinall has rocketed through the heavyweight ranks, possessing attributes that make him the archetype of the division's new era. He holds the record for the shortest average fight time for an athlete with five or more UFC bouts . He derailed Sergei Pavlovich 's hype train to become interim champion in November 2023, and retained the gold by stopping Curtis Blaydes with a first-minute KO – avenging the only blotch on his UFC record, where a freak knee injury forced a stoppage loss in 2022. White's message of intent came on the same evening he announced two mammoth title bouts. Ilia Topuria will get a shot at the lightweight crown immediately upon his arrival in the division at UFC 317, taking on ex-champion Charles Oliviera for the belt after it was vacated by Islam Makhachev. Then at UFC 319, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will go to battle with Khamzat Chimaev in what could be the South African's biggest challenge yet.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jey Uso Involved in Surprising Angle Once 'WWE Raw' Went off the Air
Once the cameras stopped rolling for "WWE Raw," a surprising angle involving Jey Uso took place. Uso put the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at stake against Seth Rollins at the conclusion of "Monday Night Raw." This was Uso's first title defense, and he was nearly the victim of underhanded tactics before CM Punk wiped out both Rollins and Bron Breakker, causing the no-contest finish. Advertisement While "WWE Raw" went off the air with Rollins, Breakker, and Paul Heyman walking away, an ambush occurred off-air. Logan Paul disguised himself as a fan in the crowd and delivered a knockout punch to Jey Uso. As seen in the clip, Uso embraced fans in the crowd before Paul delivered the punch. Sami Zayn and Punk chased off Paul, but the damage had already been done. This is the second straight week Paul has delivered a sneak attack to the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. WWE has been building up a future championship clash between Uso and Paul. While the company has its "Backlash" PLE coming up on Saturday, Uso hasn't been booked for the show at this time. There's currently no word on whether Uso vs. Paul will be added to the event or if it'll be saved for another show. Advertisement Following the conclusion of "WWE Raw," it appears that Uso and Rollins will have to circle back to some unfinished business later down the road. Some fans believe that the two will have a rematch for the gold at "SummerSlam 2025" in August. It remains to be seen if that is indeed the plan, but Uso's attention will be on Paul for now. Related: Huge WWE Name Returns on 'Monday Night Raw' After Brief Absence
Irish Daily Star
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Ric Flair's iconic 'WOOOOO!' catchphrase keeps him in the spotlight decades after WWE fame
Three years after putting on his wrestling boots for what he's called his last-ever match, Ric Flair has said he's more popular than ever . Throughout an illustrious career in the squared circle which lasted nearly five decades, Flair tallied considerable accomplishments, including reigns as an 8-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, 6-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and two-time WWF Champion. Despite the 76-year-old's prediction that Cody Rhodes would stop John Cena from doing so at WrestleMania 41 , which featured a controversial appearance from Travis Scott , Cena recently surpassed Flair's hallmark of 16 WWE world championships. In July 2022, Flair hung up his wrestling cape for good in a grudge match featuring Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal, with Andrade El Idolo by his side, during the 'Ric Flair's Last Match' event. Read More Related Articles Tom Brady's pre-Draft comments on Shedeur Sanders come to light after dramatic slide Read More Related Articles Shedeur Sanders breaks silence as five quarterbacks taken before him in NFL Draft Flair became an international sensation not only through his shiny mane, flashy attire, and boundless charisma but also thanks to his famous catchphrase that has endured over the decades. Almost 50 years after he first toyed with his trademark "WOOOOO!", the chant has embedded itself into contemporary culture. While racking up around 3,000 miles every week driving to wrestling events in the 1970s, Flair often had Jerry Lee Lewis tunes accompanying him. It was Lewis' sharp "woo!" from his 1961 hit 'Great Balls of Fire' that caught Flair's attention and led him to incorporate it into his television promos. The "WOOOOO!" shout began as Flair's signature call and quickly captured the hearts of audiences nationwide, who would yell it out in unity when he stepped into the wrestling ring. Today, the "WOOOOO!" can be heard well outside the confines of wrestling arenas. "I just look at it now, it's flattering," Flair shared exclusively with Mirror U.S. Sports . "It keeps me relevant and probably more recognized now than I've ever been." Flair believes he might be more recognized now that he's ever been (Image: Getty Images) Notably, prominent rappers and musicians like Metro Boomin, Offset, Snoop Dogg, and Bad Bunny have woven the distinctive cheer into their music whilst shining the spotlight on Flair in their videos. "They made that song 'Ric Flair Drip' ... and that took off," Flair remarked. "Snoop said I was bling before bling was bling, and pretty soon I made that thing for Bad Bunny. I've become really, really close friends with Post Malone. It's just amazing." Numerous sports teams from leagues all over North America are celebrating big moments like an NFL first down or an MLB homerun with the famed "WOOOOO!" "14 National Hockey League teams use it after they score a goal," cited Flair. Even the drinks industry hasn't escaped the "WOOOOO!" with Flair launching WOOOOO! Energy in 2023, his "better-for-you" energy drink infused with functional mushrooms. Keen to broaden its market reach, he's exploring overseas distribution options, including partners in Shanghai. Flair quipped, "If we get in China and Japan, I'll be hard to locate. I'll be doing one of these [interviews] from my own 747." Flair's iconic 'WOOOOO!' has been featured in several popular songs (Image: Getty Images) However, despite the popularity of the "WOOOOO!", Flair acknowledged that few people respect its trademarked status. "it's impossible to enforce it. We've tried," he admitted. "I'd have to sue everybody." That hasn't stopped Flair from going after several businesses that have used the "WOOOOO!" without permission, though with limited success. "I've tried it with a car dealership here that uses it in Vegas. They just tear up the letters and throw them away," he said. One notable exception is McDonald's, which complied with Flair's request. "The only person we shut down was McDonald's, because they did it in a commercial," he said. "And rather than pay me - that commercial had to have cost them millions to produce or hundreds of thousands anyway - they just elected not to pay me and took it down." For now, though, Flair is content to see his iconic "WOOOOO!" thriving in popular culture and sports.
