Latest news with #Octagon
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili reveals his next possible opponent after facing former champ Sean O'Malley at UFC 316
As the day of UFC 316 is nearing, it is not just the fighters who are gearing up for their respective bouts, but also the fans who will be witnessing two title fights in the main card. While the hype surrounding the event is already high, ahead of the headline event between Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O'Malley, the Georgian fighter has recently named some of the greatest fighters with good cardio, both past and present. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the same interview, the fighter also reveals the next opponent he would like to face after UFC 316. Merab Dvalishvili lists out fighters with good cardio, claims George St-Pierre as his favorite fighter Merab Dvalishvili won the bantamweight belt at UFC 306 after defeating Sean O'Malley via a unanimous decision. It was Sean's second title defense after winning it against Aljamain Sterling and defending it once against Marlon Vera. Even though UFC 316 would be Suga's first appearance since losing the belt to Merab in September 2024, The Machine has defended his belt once against Umar Nurmagomedov. Merab and Sean are facing each other for the second time, and this has increased the hype of the headlining event. During a recent interview, the Georgian fighter revealed his plans within the Octagon after UFC 316, as well as ranked some of his favorite fighters who have good cardio. While speaking to Helen Yee, a sports reporter, the fighter claimed Georges St-Pierre as his favorite fighter, 'GSP is one of my favorite fighters, he has good cardio. Khabib has good cardio. Ilia Topuria has good cardio. Petr Yan, too.' The statement came after Merab was made aware of the fact that MMA fans have ranked him number one in the said category. Merab Dvalishvili REVEALS CRAZY Sparring Before First Sean O'Malley Fight, Looking For A Wife.. While the list was just a part of the interview, the fighter also revealed his next plans within the Octagon and the opponent he was looking out for after UFC 316, 'I think right now, Sandhagen is ready. We never fought each other… Maybe, I'm not sure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Whatever the UFC will decide. Whatever UFC thinks the fresh guy and the most deserving guy is, I will fight.' Also read: Cory Sandhagen is ranked 4th in the bantamweight division with a pro-MMA record of 18-5-0. The fighter has won four of his last five bouts and is known for his knockout wins. Merab believes that after retaining the title, the Georgian fighter might be defending the belt against Sandhagen since Petr Yan will now be facing Marcus McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
40 years of service enough for sergeant
From "good old-fashioned dust-ups" to prosecuting criminals in court, retiring sergeant Chris George has done it all. Sgt George, Dunedin born and bred, retired yesterday after 40 years of service. "It's time to go, [I'm] getting too old," he said. He began his career in Invercargill, working for seven years as a uniformed officer before transferring to Dunedin in the early 1990s to become a detective. While completing his detective training he also earned a law degree from the University of Otago and became a prosecuting officer at the Dunedin District Court. He said the biggest changes he had seen in the police during his time as an officer were that no-one smoked any more, there was a lot less alcohol consumed and there were a lot more women in the force — which was a good thing. When he was a young officer in the 1980s, Sgt George was told to drive a police truck through a gang pad's fence in Invercargill so firefighters could get in and control a blaze inside. "It was quite funny because no-one told me that you were supposed to pull up to the fence and gently nudge it over." He hit the fence at speed, knocking it over, and ended up well inside the property. "The problem was I couldn't reverse the truck out because there were police coming in and party-goers going out. "So I had to stay where I was behind the wheel and I got a punch in the head from a bikie who was unhappy about their party being closed down on the way past." Sgt George said it was an exciting "good old-fashioned dust-up". Back then there was a lot more direct leadership in the force, he said. "We got told in no uncertain terms by the senior cops if we'd made a mistake. But you learn from that." About 15 years ago, there were a lot of problems with inner-city violence and a lot of police were put back on the beat with a particular focus on the Octagon. Sgt George said he and his team came up with some simple but effective strategies to deal with the issue including intercepting unaccompanied juveniles and intoxicated people and encouraging them to go home. "Looking back on it that was probably the most rewarding time on the street." There had been a lot of ups and downs but he could not see himself doing any other job. He had struggled with the general direction of policing of late but still very much believed in it as an institution. "I think Dunedin is well served and long may it continue." Sgt George will be taking July off to follow the British and Irish Lions rugby tour to Australia and is in no rush to get into another job.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Belal Muhammad eyes Madison Square Garden bout amid rumors of potential Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena pay-per-view
Belal Muhammad. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Madison Square Garden in New York City, USA, has the eye of every other fighter due to the venue's illustrious combat sports history, with the latest desire to fight there expressed by the former welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad. The venue has seen the likes of Muhammad Ali and Conor McGregor, who have achieved significantly throughout their careers. Muhammad's interest in the venue stems from the possibility of one of the biggest pay-per-view events being held at the venue, featuring Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev . Former welterweight Belal Muhammad reveals his upcoming plan within the Octagon, wishes for Jack Della Maddalena to win his upcoming bout The newly crowned welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, has had much time to sit back and relish his achievement after defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Shortly after Muhammad's debacle, UFC wasted no time in announcing a move up by Islam Makhachev to the welterweight division after vacating his lightweight title and immediately getting a title shot. Despite the lack of time to process the glorious win and prepare himself to defend the title immediately, Della Maddalena, instead, seems pretty confident and hyped up for his first title defense against Makhachev. The fighter, in a recent interview with ESPN, expressed his desire to fight in Madison Square Garden, citing the examples of Muhammad Ali and Conor McGregor, who rendered some unforgettable fight experiences for the audiences and fans at the venue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The former welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad, also joins the league of players eyeing the venue while revealing his next plan of action within the division in a recent interview. In the latest Remember The Show episode, when the fighter asked about his opinion on the possibility of Makhachev fighting for the title against JDM happening at MSG, Muhammad quickly replied, 'Yeah, I am excited, right! If it's MSG for sure, I wanna be on that card. And definitely be on the same card as them.' The fighter justified how MSG as a venue would be a better option for Makhachev, 'I think it makes a lot of sense. I don't think it makes sense for Islam to go all the way to Perth. I think in MSG, they usually have a big card, a big night event. I don't know if they are trying to do Jon Jones for it.' Muhammad reveals the next plans for himself within the Octagon, 'For me now, it's jut locking it in and making the next guy pay. I am not the type that's gonna be like, 'Oh Jack s*cks and ….' I hope he wins. I hope he wins every single one of his fights and then we meet again and I get the belt back from him. Whoever he is fighting.' Muhammad seems quite fixed on redeeming himself from the title loss, and that too against Della Maddalena only. Also read: Former UFC champion Conor McGregor leaves fans in awe as he posts images and videos of his son engaged in soccer training UFC 315 had resulted in one of the major shakeups within the promotion. Had the situation been otherwise, with Muhammad still holding the championship belt, Makhachev wouldn't have moved up, and there would have been a heightened possibility of Makhachev facing the former featherweight Ilia Topuria
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor leaves fans in awe as he posts images and videos of his son engaged in soccer training
Conor McGregor with his son Conor Jr. Image via Conor McGregor/X Conor McGregor 's shift in interest across different careers becomes visibly evident through his posts on social media, especially X. While he stepped away from the Octagon for a while to focus on his political venture, the fighter's recent post showcases his admiration for the sport of soccer . McGregor sponsors and endorses a local club named Black Forge F.C., and the team has even won a regional championship. While training alongside the team, the Notorious posted a series of pictures with his son, Conor Jr. that have stirred the interest of the fans . Conor McGregor owns a local club Black Forge F.C, plays as a striker himself It's been so long now that the once furious legend within the Octagon has stepped away and has not shown any signs of returning despite multiple comeback teases. The fighter's last full-fledged bout was against Dustin Poirier, which ended in a leg injury. Months later, Conor McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler, but the former had to withdraw owing to a toe injury. That was it. Since then, the Irish fighter, despite remaining socially active and teasing a potential comeback multiple times, has stayed away from the Octagon. Over the course of the last few months, the fighter has expressed his interest in the presidential run of Ireland. McGregor did receive support, but in a divided manner. While some of the fans supported him, many, including the officials in the administrative bodies of the country, stood against the fighter's decision. The Notorious even met the US president, Donald Trump, to build a cordial relationship between the individuals. The fighter was not just interested in politics but also became a part-time owner of the BKFC. He owns a pub in Dublin, Ireland, named Black Forge Inn, which now sponsors and endorses a local soccer club under the banner Black Forge F.C. McGregor's interest in soccer is not a newfound one. He has been attracted to the world of soccer from a very early stage of his life. His team even won a regional championship - the United Churches Football League. McGregor himself is part of the team, where he plays the role of the striker. The fighter's love for the sport seems to be never-ending, and it is reflected yet again in his recent post, where the fighter was seen training along with his eldest son, Conor Jr. Fans are delighted to see the young kid playing along with his father and some even compared him to the famous athlete Cristiano Ronaldo . Reacting to the wholesome videos and pictures, one of the users wrote, 'Good to see the next gen training hard. Irish Ronaldo incoming' Another one wrote, 'Awesome pics champ!! Thank you so much for sharing and it's great to see the athlete in him already!!' 'Little Conor is God protect you!!!' Also read: 'Don't think his ego could handle that' - UFC Hall of Famer reveals rival Jon Jones' thought process amid enraged fans' demand to strip the title McGregor still is left with two more bouts, as mentioned in his UFC agreement. However, the fighter seems to be far away from the idea of even stepping back in the Octagon ever since his cancelled bout against Chandler. The posts and videos of the fighter as seen across his social media, only indicate his retirement from MMA. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'The Ultimate Fighter' can no longer intelligently defend itself
'In 2005, a groundbreaking new competition changed the landscape of television and combat sports,' a husky voice declares as soon as I hit play on the first episode of the 33rd season of "The Ultimate Fighter." 'Sixteen fighters, living together under one roof, coached by UFC superstars, all battling through a pressure cooker to earn the ultimate prize — UFC glory.' Advertisement Cue Dana White's legendary 'Do you wanna be fighter?' inquisition. Then a montage of the contestants from season one — Diego Sanchez, Chris Leben, Forrest Griffin, Stephan Bonner, Josh Koscheck and Bobby Southworth. Then it's the classic finale bout from that very season, the fight that changed everything for the world's flagship MMA promotion. The rasping speech returns while Griffin and Bonner batter each other to a pulp: 'Two fighters leaving it all on the line … a fight that catapulted UFC into an era of massive popularity.' A new montage fills the screen. Conor McGregor pushes Michael Chandler in the middle of the Octagon. Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson tears a wooden door into smithereens as though it were a piece of paper. Rose Namajunas is in tears. Uriah Hall wheel kicks someone into oblivion. Advertisement The voice of the presumed combat deity returns and underlines the great conveyor belt of talent that has been forged by the franchise. 'Sixteen world champions and four Hall of Famers,' have been produced by the UFC's preeminent reality offering, it tells us. 'Get ready for a special 20th anniversary season of 'The Ultimate Fighter,'' it warns. But, after 20 years and 32 seasons, how special can the latest season of "TUF" be? 'It's a big deal, man. You can feel the importance of the 20-year anniversary,' says former two-division UFC champion, Daniel Cormier. Cormier has been pitted against another icon of the sport, Chael Sonnen, in their roles as coaches for the latest season, which kicked off Tuesday and will focus on flyweights and welterweights. Advertisement They're all assembled at the UFC APEX, a building which has undoubtedly won the ire of many UFC fans over the years but has also proved to be one of the best investments the company has made. White is there flanked by Cormier and Sonnen — and perhaps one of the greatest legends of the format, "TUF" champion and former UFC light heavyweight champion, the aforementioned Griffin is also present. What becomes obvious very quickly is that there doesn't seem to be anything particularly special or important about the latest season of "TUF." Similar to how trips to the barber and packing suitcases have become predictable elements of "UFC Embedded," the 33rd season of "TUF" offers the same ports of call as always. The fighters are evaluated. The teams are selected. The fighters sprint into the "TUF" house in an effort to get the best room. Tensions emerge between the competitors. A fight is announced. We take a deeper look at the stories of the competitors. The fighters face off. The fight happens. Another fight is announced. Lather, rinse, armbar. There is no denying the magic of the early seasons of "TUF," but the format has been in its death throes for some time. Advertisement When it first appeared on our screens, we had never seen anything like it. There had never been such unprecedented access to the combatants nor such easily accessible in-depth looks at training processes in the lead up to fights. It was new and exciting. Being a fan of MMA still felt like you were part of some kind of fringe community, like being in on the early stages of punk rock among the unwashed at New York City's fabled CBGB venue or London's 100 Club. Mixed martial arts has never been this mainstream. The same preparations and personalities are available on a multitude of social media platforms and are followed by millions upon millions. Far from its anti-establishment roots, UFC events are now attended by U.S. presidents, Oscar-winning actors, and the sport is the subject of Hollywood blockbusters. In the age of Contender Series, "TUF" doesn't even seem to be the best path to the big dance for aspiring prizefighters. The Ultimate Fighter Finale events used to nearly guarantee all contestants a second opportunity to impress the brass, but since 2018 they've essentially been done away with. Of course the format still makes business sense for the organization. As media and industry insiders continue to point to the next UFC broadcast deal potentially being spread across a multitude of platforms, "TUF" is important real estate in what many predict will be a multi-billion dollar deal. Advertisement However, if we narrow our glance and just consider "TUF" as a television show, it's gone the distance and well beyond that point. Imagine if "The Sopranos" had 33 seasons. Imagine if we were still watching Avon and Stringer fight for corners in Season 28 of "The Wire." Sometimes shows end not because they've failed — but because they've said everything they needed to say. Sometimes, the toughest fight is knowing when to hang it up. For "TUF," the final bell has long since rung.
