Latest news with #UFC303
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump backs possible UFC fight as Michael Chandler targets White House battle with Conor McGregor
Donald Trump backs possible UFC fight as Michael Chandler targets White House battle with Conor McGregor (Image Via Google) Michael Chandler has something big on his mind, and it's not just any fight. He is talking about stepping into the UFC Octagon right on the lawn of the White House. With buzz building that UFC and President Donald Trump are planning a Fourth-of-July fight night at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for 2026, Michael Chandler is ready to make his move. What he said in a TMZ Sports interview this week has got everyone listening and now fans want to know: will Conor McGregor take the challenge? Michael Chandler says he wants a White House fight with Conor McGregor On July 21, 2025, UFC star Michael Chandler, 38, told TMZ Sports he's more than ready to fight at the White House if UFC makes it happen next year. He said, 'Hell. Yes,' when asked if he would take part. Michael Chandler added, 'There's nothing more American than celebrating with a fight,' and said he's already picturing himself stepping into the Octagon in front of the White House. He also made it clear who he wants as his opponent: Conor McGregor. 'Conor's the guy. He's the fight that still needs to happen. We started it on The Ultimate Fighter 31, and it's not finished yet,' Michael Chandler said, referring to the 2023 TUF coaching rivalry between them. Though their UFC 303 bout in June 2024 was canceled due to Conor McGregor's injury, Michael Chandler says he's still ready and waiting. Fans online are pushing for the fight to finally happen, especially in such a historic setting. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Conor McGregor, UFC and Donald Trump links build the hype Conor McGregor, 36, hasn't fought since he broke his leg in a match against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. In June 2024, he injured his toe and had to pull out of the planned UFC 303 main event against Michael Chandler. But things may change. Conor McGregor recently hinted at a comeback on social media and re-entered the UFC drug-testing pool, a step fighters must take before returning. President Donald Trump has been very public about wanting to host a UFC event during America's 250th Independence Day in 2026. UFC President Dana White, a longtime Donald Trump supporter, is said to be working behind the scenes. A photo of Donald Trump, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler together at a White House visit earlier this year made waves online and sparked even more hype. Now, everyone's watching to see if Conor McGregor accepts the challenge and makes UFC history with Michael Chandler on the most famous lawn in America. Also Read: Conor McGregor Breaks Silence With Cryptic Tweet After Azealia Banks Exposes X Rated Photos FAQs When might this White House UFC fight happen? Likely on July 4, 2026, during America's 250th birthday celebration. Who does Michael Chandler want to fight? He wants to face Conor McGregor and finish their TUF 31 rivalry . Has Conor McGregor shown interest? Yes, he's posted online and rejoined the UFC drug-testing pool Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Dan Ige vs. Patricio Freire prediction, pick, start time for UFC 318
Dan Ige and Patricio Freire meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 318 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. Last event: 4-2 UFC main cards, 2025: 68-50-1 Dan Ige vs. Patricio Freire UFC 318 preview Ige (19-9 MMA, 11-8 UFC) comes in after successfully rebounding from back-to-back losses by stopping Sean Woodson at UFC 314 in April. Prior to that fight, Ige dropped a super-short notice replacement outing vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 303 followed by a unanimous decision loss to Lerone Murphy. In the fight prior, Ige lived up to his "50K" nickname with a bonus-winning stoppage of Andre Fili. ... Freire (36-8 MMA, 0-1 UFC) is hunting for his first win under the UFC banner. The former Bellator champion debuted in April, but couldn't get the job done against Yair Rodriguez. "Pitbull's" last victory came by third-round stoppage in his final Bellator bout against Jeremy Kennedy last March. Dan Ige vs. Patricio Freire UFC 318 expert pick, prediction In what's arguably the second-best fight on the card, Dan Ige will get his wish when he meets former Bellator double champ, Patricio Freire. Considering the theme at the top of this card, you could also argue that this serves as a solid BMF fight as far as featherweight standards go. Freire, who might not get the respect he deserves from casual fans (particularly after the way Joe Rogan called his last fight), has had one of the more impressive careers outside of the UFC in MMA's modern era. Ige, on the other hand, has been building his own resume and reputation within the UFC in recent years, becoming a well-respected staple of the scene who you can always count on for quality fights. If this fight were a few years ago, then I'd probably be forced to steer away from bias by picking an elite pound-for-pound talent in Freire. However, with Freire firmly in the post-prime of his career after spending the better part of the past decade hopping around weight classes, I'm not sure I can confidently pick him to outwork or stop a durable and proven product like Ige within three frames. The pick is Ige by knockout in Round 2. Dan Ige vs. Patricio Freire UFC 318 odds The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Hawaiian fighter, listing Ige -225 and Freire +180 via FanDuel. Dan Ige vs. Patricio Freire UFC 318 start time, how to watch Ige and Freire are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and ESPN+.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
BKFC boss reveals big development Conor McGregor shared about UFC comeback
Conor McGregor let BKFC president David Feldman in on a major career update. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is yet to compete since breaking his leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He had re-entered the UFC drug-testing pool to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 but withdrew from the fight a month away after breaking his pinky toe. McGregor has not been booked for a fight since, and many have questioned if he will ever return again. But with President Donald Trump announcing that the UFC will host an event next July at the White House, McGregor has thrown his name in the hat. According to Feldman, McGregor is taking his comeback seriously. "He's got two fights left on his contract," Feldman said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "He's got to get right, and the whole world's waiting. Is he going to get in shape and fight? He told me in person, he whispered in my ear, he said, 'I'm in the testing pool.' He said, 'I'm getting ready to make my comeback. I'm going to fight on that big card, and then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk." Feldman is referring to McGregor potentially competing for BKFC – something the former UFC dual-champion has vowed he would eventually do. However, McGregor will have to complete the final two fights on his UFC contract before being able to.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Daniel Cormier hopes Jon Jones doesn't 'become what Conor McGregor has become'
Now that Jon Jones has retired, Daniel Cormier wants him out of the headlines. After a long wait of contemplating whether or not to fight Tom Aspinall in a title-unification bout, Jones opted to relinquish his UFC heavyweight title and retire from MMA. However, it didn't take long for Jones to potentially change his tune as he claimed to have already re-entered the UFC drug testing pool and expressed interest in competing at the UFC's planned event at the White House. Cormier is not a fan of Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) trying to stay relevant in the headlines, comparing him to Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who also threw his name in the hat to fight at the White House. McGregor hasn't competed since July 2021. "Jon Jones and I don't see eye to eye in most instances," Cormier said on "Good Guy/Bad Guy" with Chael Sonnen. "And, boy, he's been great for my YouTube here this last couple months. Him flopping all over the place has been great for my YouTube. But please don't become what Conor has become in the media. Every time a big story breaks, Conor's like, 'I'm back,' or 'I'm doing this.' "Don't do that. Don't try to make it about you when you voluntarily walked away from this. Conor didn't voluntarily walk away. Conor got hurt, and he left. He just hasn't come back. Jones voluntarily said 'I'm done.' So now that he's done, don't try to make these stories about you whenever you're a guy that's supposed to have walked away from the game." McGregor has been linked to numerous fights ever since breaking his leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 but withdrew due to a broken pinky toe. He has not been scheduled for a bout since.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kolton Miller and Paddy Pimblett spark wild NFL UFC clash as viral photo ignites unbelievable size debate
Kolton Miller and Paddy Pimblett spark wild NFL UFC clash as viral photo ignites unbelievable size debate (Image Via Getty) Social media is buzzing after a surprising meeting between two famous sports stars. Fans were shocked when a giant in the NFL bumping into a fan favorite in UFC. This was not during a game or fight, just a moment of fun which had everyone talking. This was a viral image of Kolton Miller and Paddy Pimblett that left a lot of people mind blown with what they saw. And, they still can't get over the height difference. One star looked like a giant, while the other looked amazed just standing next to him. This happened recently, and the internet has been loving every second of the interaction. Kolton Miller and Paddy Pimblett's viral height moment shocked fans On July 5, 2025, sports fans were experiencing a whirlwind of excitement regarding NFL star Kolton Miller, offensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders met up with UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett, during UFC 303 & events that weekend with many athletes from various sports were in the Las Vegas area to show their support and enjoy the fights. The photo that went viral featured Kolton Miller, standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, towering over Paddy Pimblett who is 5 feet 10 inches tall. The difference was so evident that Paddy Pimblett laughed and stated, 'I felt like a child standing next to him.' The image was shared by the UFC's official social media account and also picked up by TMZ Sports, with the caption: 'When UFC meets the NFL!' Fans on X (formerly Twitter) quickly turned the moment into memes, using hashtags like #KoltonMiller and #PaddyTheBaddy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Our one of a kind Patented Cold Water Extraction Process Superior Ginseng Undo Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders HC Pete Carroll Puts Pressure On Rookies By Saying, 'Everybody's Watching You' Paddy Pimblett and Kolton Miller both enjoyed the fun moment Paddy Pimblett, 29, known for his energy and charm, later spoke to reporters and said, 'I've met big lads, but that man's a giant. Mad respect.' He added that the meeting was unexpected but fun. Kolton Miller, 28, didn't say much publicly, but he reposted the picture with a laughing emoji and the words: 'Good vibes with the champ!' This crossover moment happened outside of the T-Mobile Arena when UFC 303 fights were about to start. Fans enjoy this crossover in football and MMA, and many referred to it as the 'coolest sports photo of the week.' For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
