Latest news with #TheBullet
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Maycee Barber: UFC Vegas 107's Erin Blanchfield is 'a boring fighter' with 'a terrible fighting style'
Maycee Barber isn't impressed with Erin Blanchfield. The pair of top-ranked flyweight contenders collide this Saturday night in UFC Vegas 107's main event. Barber and Blanchfield have long appeared to be on a collision course, with a previously booked matchup falling through in 2021 when an injury forced Barber's withdrawal. Advertisement Thanks to that previous instance, Blanchfield has recently expressed her worries that Barber will once again miss fight night. Barber reacted to the comments on Tuesday's edition of "The Ariel Helwani Show." "She's just trying to figure out what she can say bad about me, because I think she can't really talk anything bad about my style or anything about my marketability," Barber said. "I think it's just the only thing she can say about me — that she thinks I might not show up to the fight versus her. I think her fighting style is terrible, and there's a lot of things you can say about Erin Blanchfield — she's a boring fighter, she has a terrible fighting style. "It's boring. Have you watched it?" Barber continued. "Do you think she's an exciting fighter? She's a good fighter, but is she an exciting fighter, though?" When the original Blanchfield vs. Barber fight fell through in 2021, Blanchfield ultimately earned a one-sided win over replacement opponent Miranda Maverick. Coincidentally, Barber had come off a controversial victory of her own against Maverick immediately prior, but has since gained plenty of momentum by winning six bouts in a row. Advertisement Since then, Blanchfield has suffered just one setback over her past six bouts — when she lost a unanimous decision to recent title challenger Manon Fiorot in March 2024. Blanchfield rebounded with a decision win over former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas this past November, however Barber believes the judges did her rival a favor in that one. "Manon exposed Erin's holes, and I think she was gifted the win over Rose," Barber said. "I think Rose won the fight against Erin, honestly. I think she beat her in the striking, and I think she got lucky in that fight. "I think a lot of people didn't [score it for Blanchfield]. I think Rose is on her way out, and I think the UFC knows that. I think a lot of people know that. So what good would it do to give Rose the decision over Erin? So I think they gave Erin the decision over Rose because Erin's the younger fighter. "I'm not sure exactly what they're thinking, but I think there's some biased judges, for sure." Advertisement Barber's winning streak is undeniably the best of her career, and up there with the best currently at 125 pounds. Following the champion Valentina Shevchenko's latest title defense against Fiorot at UFC 315, "The Bullet" is expected to wait to see which contender emerges as the next in line. Maycee Barber earned a tough win over Katlyn Cerminara in her most recent UFC appearance in March 2024. () (Megan Briggs via Getty Images) While names like Barber, Blanchfield and Natalia Silva are all at the front of the flyweight list, reigning strawweight queen Zhang Weili has been linked to a champion vs. champion fight with Shevchenko since late 2024. Barber has mixed feelings on that idea, but has heard rumblings about its validity. "I was actually told that a while ago. And honestly, I think, for me, as a competitor in the flyweight division, obviously I want a title shot after I beat Erin," Barber said. "But also, it's cool to see that they keep trying to unite the belts or have a double champ. I don't know if Weili beats Valentina though, to be honest. I think Valentina is fast. I know Weili has the power, but Valentina is fast and I think Valentina is such a dominant champion." Advertisement Assuming the Shevchenko vs. Zhang superfight does happen next, Barber may have to fight once more if she gets past Blanchfield. In that case, a Silva clash could look like the obvious next step on paper. Barber isn't overly keen on the idea, though. If they end up fighting one day, "The Future" sees it happening when either woman is the champion. Although Silva's latest performance saw her dispatch ex-champ Alexa Grasso, Barber still thinks a win over Blanchfield will put her ahead of the Brazilian. "When I win on Saturday, I'm planning on calling for a title shot. That's the plan," Barber said. "I do [think I'll get it]. I don't think I need to say anything more, I think that will be enough. "You already know that every time I go out to fight, I try to hurt people. My plan is to hurt Erin and to make her bleed a lot and to finish her. I think that that's a good statement, and I don't want a decision. I think that all of Erin's fights go to boring decisions, so my plan is to finish her."
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Stephen Bunting's purchase speaks volumes after darts favourite rakes in nearly £200,000 in 2025
BUNSEN BURNER Stephen Bunting's purchase speaks volumes after darts favourite rakes in nearly £200,000 in 2025 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STEPHEN BUNTING has revealed the humble treat he has bought after banking nearly £200,000 in 2025. The darts star, 40, has set the oche alight this season with some brilliant performances. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Stephen Bunting bought himself a humble treat after netting nearly £200,000 Credit: Getty Bunting first lit up Ally Pally with a run to the semis at the World Darts Championship. He then secured his first World Series title with victory over Gerwyn Price at the Bahrain Darts Masters. And although he eventually finished bottom of the Premier League table, Bunting did manage to go one better than Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross by picking up a win on Night Nine in Berlin. As a result of his success, The Bullet has managed to pocket almost £200k in prize money. READ MORE IN DARTS NOT GERWEN MY WAY MVG's miserable year from Littler loss & bizarre injury to marriage split His Premier League win secured a tasty £10,000 jackpot. While Bunting's performances in ranking events raked in £172k. But instead of splashing the cash on something extravagant, Bunting has instead chosen to buy something for all his family to enjoy. Speaking to Spin Bet, he revealed he has bought a caravan at a site in North Wales. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Just 90 minutes away from his home in Cheshire, it means Bunting and his family can make a quick getaway for a quiet break. He revealed: "Part of my money went on the garden and then we've also just bought a caravan in a Haven site in North Wales. Premier League Darts star Stephen Bunting 'moonlighting as Rangers steward' as incredible Ibrox doppelganger spotted 'It's a lovely getaway from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family. "Haven sites are always great for the kids so there is plenty to do there, and it isn't too far away with it being an hour-and-a-half from down the road. I can be in my own luxury caravan out of the way and loving life."
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Stephen Bunting's purchase speaks volumes after darts favourite rakes in nearly £200,000 in 2025
STEPHEN BUNTING has revealed the humble treat he has bought after banking nearly £200,000 in 2025. The darts star, 40, has set the oche alight this season with some brilliant performances. Advertisement 1 Stephen Bunting bought himself a humble treat after netting nearly £200,000 Credit: Getty He then secured his first World Series title with victory over And although he eventually finished bottom of the Premier League table, Bunting did manage to go one better than Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross by picking up a win on Night Nine in Berlin. As a result of his success, The Bullet has managed to pocket almost £200k in prize money. Advertisement READ MORE IN DARTS His Premier League win secured a tasty £10,000 jackpot. While Bunting's performances in ranking events raked in £172k. But instead of splashing the cash on something extravagant, Bunting has instead chosen to buy something for all his family to enjoy. Speaking to Advertisement Most read in Darts BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Just 90 minutes away from his home in Cheshire, it means Bunting and his family can make a quick getaway for a quiet break. He revealed: "Part of my money went on the garden and then we've also just bought a caravan in a Haven site in North Wales. Premier League Darts star Stephen Bunting 'moonlighting as Rangers steward' as incredible Ibrox doppelganger spotted 'It's a lovely getaway from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family. Advertisement "Haven sites are always great for the kids so there is plenty to do there, and it isn't too far away with it being an hour-and-a-half from down the road. I can be in my own luxury caravan out of the way and loving life."
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stephen Bunting's purchase after winning £100,000 at World Darts Championship shows true colours
Stephen Bunting has revealed how he spent his £100,000 winnings from reaching the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. His impressive performance was halted by Luke Littler, the eventual champ, leaving fans to continue their wait for him to add a PDC title to his 2014 BDO world championship. Despite this setback, 'The Bullet' didn't let disappointment get to him once he returned home. Shunning the temptation to indulge in exorbitant treats like a flashy motor or opulent indulgences, the 41-year-old instead chose to invest in something close to his heart – his family's happiness. "Part of my money went on the garden and then we've also just bought a caravan in a Haven site in North Wales," Bunting shared with Spin Bet. "It's a lovely getaway from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family. READ MORE: Superb run for Liverpool Angling Society's John Easton READ MORE: Horse Power: Big Mojo can win the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park "Haven sites are always great for the kids so there is plenty to do there, and it isn't too far away with it being an hour-and-a-half from down the road. I can be in my own luxury caravan out the way and loving life. "After the Worlds, I didn't get much time off because I came back on the day of the final, got home and had not seen the baby for a week and I had her in my arms. My manager then rang me and said I was going to Germany for a pro-am gala, so I wasn't at home too much to spend any money." Bunting is reaping the rewards of his darting success, having amassed £573,000, which places him fourth in the PDC Order of Merit. Following the World Championship, he clinched both the Bahrain Masters and his first European Tour title at the International Open in Germany, bagging £30,000 for each victory, reports the Mirror. Despite a challenging Premier League Darts season, the world No. 4 relished his lone triumph in Germany last month. Owing to his impressive World Championship performance, Bunting was invited back to participate in the eight-man Premier League for the first time in 10 years. However, 'The Bullet' suffered eight consecutive defeats before securing a win on night nine in Berlin. His Premier League season concluded in Sheffield on Thursday, where Littler eliminated him in the quarter-finals. With a record of one win, one second-place finish, a couple of semi-final appearances, and 12 early exits, Bunting ended up at the bottom of the Premier League Darts table with 12 points, narrowly failing to surpass Rob Cross's 14 points. Bunting's Premier League earnings totalled a substantial £60,000, including a £10,000 bonus for his night win. Littler dominated the Premier League, finishing at the top with 45 points after achieving six night victories. Luke Humphries followed in second place, 11 points behind the leader, with three night wins to his credit. Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price secured the remaining two spots in the top four. The stage is now set for the play-offs on Thursday, May 29, at The O2 in London. Reigning champion Littler will clash with Price, while Humphries will square off against Aspinall in an electrifying contest to determine the Premier League victor.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Luke Littler's behind the scenes mind games revealed by darts rival Stephen Bunting
Stephen Bunting and Luke Littler are on course for yet another Premier League Darts meeting after some high-level clashes both there and in the PDC World Championship Darts star Stephen Bunting has shed light on rival Luke Littler's"very strange" practices ahead of matches. Littler and Bunting met in the semi-finals of the World Championship in January, with Bunting averaging more than a 100 but still suffering a 6-1 hammering at the hands of the eventual tournament winner. The pair have met on a number of occasions since, including in this year's Premier League Darts competition. Littler came out on top when the pair were matched in a quarter-final in Exeter in February, repeating the trick at the same stage in Newcastle the following month. Bunting got a modicum of revenge in Rotterdam in April, beating Littler in the semis before losing to Chris Dobey in the weekly final. The fourth Littler-Bunting clash is set to take place tonight in Birmingham, and 'The Bullet' has opened up on his rival's unconventional preparations. 'I think he's probably the one with the mind games, to be fair. Although I'm probably the one with the experience," Bunting told talkSPORT. 'He's doing things in the practice room that we're taught not to do. So, he very rarely picks the darts up in the practice room, very strange. 'He'll be sat on his phone either watching Man United or playing a Formula 1 game on his phone. And I'll be on the practice board for four hours," Bunting continued. 'Then he'll get up, he'll throw for bull, and then he'll get on stage and average 110. And you're like: 'How are you doing that?' So, it's incredible." Littler leads the overall Premier League Darts standings as he looks to defend the title he won at the first time of asking last year. He has 30 points after 12 weeks, while Bunting is bringing up the rear with just eight and faces an uphill battle to qualify for the play-offs. 'The Nuke' had a tough time of things in week 12, though, throwing away a 4-0 lead to lose to Michael van Gerwen in Liverpool. Manchester United fan was booed by the partisan crowd on Merseyside, but said before the event that he was ready for whatever they might throw at him. Gerwyn Price came out on top in Liverpool, beating Luke Humphries 6-4 in the final. Humphries has a chance to take immediate revenge, with the pair facing off in the quarter-finals in Birmingham. "I just want to make top four," Price told Sky Sports after the victory, which earned him five points and lifted him to third in the standings. "It doesn't matter whether it's one, two, three or four as long as I am at the O2 in a few weeks."
