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Conor McGregor is the biggest star in UFC history, but the sport is currently moving forward without him.
The recent years have not been kind to McGregor, who is faced with all sorts of negative statistics ahead of his continually delayed return to action. In the last seven years, McGregor has won just a single time. He’s 36 years old and trying to return from a grotesque leg break. For all his modern talks of titles, “Notorious” pulled out of his scheduled July headliner vs. Michael Chandler because of a broken pinky toe.
More importantly, the Irishman is busy posting political rants and getting hammered in Philadelphia bars. The situation has grown so desperate that Chandler — the eternal optimist who has sacrificed years of his career to score the McGregor match up — has moved on too. Earlier tonight, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Chandler is returning to action in November at UFC 309 in a rematch versus former Lightweight kingpin Charles Oliveira.
This news come as White claims McGregor will return in 2025 despite the former double champion’s insistence that he could return to the cage sooner. Based on his social media reaction, McGregor is annoyed on both accounts, talking trash to Chandler and demanding a return date.
“Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped,” McGregor wrote on X. “Little Fat P—sy. I’m at the hard rock hotel Florida for the bare knuckle tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI. Give me my f—king date!”
McGregor’s inability to score a return date offers some credence to the theory that UFC is intentionally icing out McGregor in order to improve their upcoming broadcast rights deal negotiations. Having McGregor contracted for two fights is millions of dollars more valuable than a single fight, and UFC surely wants to maximize what’s left of McGregor’s combat sports career.
While still just a theory, it wouldn’t be the first time the valuable asset was shelved.
Insomnia
Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje feels like a really obvious booking, but I would kind of prefer to see Dan Hooker vs. Gaethje in a new match up. Hard to go wrong with Lightweight match ups!
You know I’m down https://t.co/ycuhUKrd86
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 13, 2024
There are drawbacks to being buddies with Renato Moicano.
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Mickey Gall title run starts now!
#UFC309
Mickey Gall takes on Ramiz Brahimaj on November 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York. pic.twitter.com/hIZ3259I1t
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) September 13, 2024
Former Bellator Welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov (27-1) is now a free agent. UFC signing incoming?
My contract with Bellator is over, it was a great time! pic.twitter.com/qZsvutDE3D
— Yaroslav Amosov (@YaroslavAmosov) September 13, 2024
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has signed with a major streaming service. How popular can the promotion grow?
Exciting news! BKFC is teaming up with DAZN for a Multi-Year broadcast partnership, bringing the action to fans like never before. Get ready for a thrilling new era of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship! #BKFConDAZN #BareKnuckle pic.twitter.com/iV1KyXRKbU
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) September 13, 2024
Khalil Rountree could become the first hardcore singer to capture a UFC title … that I’m aware of!
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They didn’t have to do Rampage like that!
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Slips, rips, and KO clips
Throwback to Merab Dvalishvili earning his UFC roster position by knocking out future Bellator champion Raufeon Stots.
Merab’s only KO is actually insane wtf pic.twitter.com/f1WTguZIWf
— Elon Rakhmonov (Fan) (@ElonRakhmonov) September 8, 2024
Beautiful body shot after backing his opponent into the fence:
Very impressive finish by Ortsa Gudaev, stopping Georgy Shakhruramazanov with a left hook to the liver in R1. #ACAYE49 pic.twitter.com/KRrjzdwxKC
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) September 13, 2024
Marched forward into Southpaw, drew the check, but instead fired a left hook upstairs:
WHAT A DEBUT 17-year-old Maemmot starches Copter in 31 SECONDS!#ONEFridayFights79 | LIVE NOW
Live TV broadcast in 190+ countries (check local listings)
Also available on ONE YouTube and ONE Facebook (geo-restrictions may apply)
Also available on… pic.twitter.com/7SmWabEogG— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) September 13, 2024
Random Land
A scary thought.
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Midnight Music: Indie, 2009
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
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