CombatSports.org

submitted by /u/crazybartur [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Is he right?
| BJPenn.com

There’ll be no slowdown in the number of events held at the UFC Apex. Here’s why.

The UFC will continue to hold regular Fight Night events at their Apex facility in Las Vegas coming into 2024.

The Apex became the UFC’s base of operations in North America during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it worked pretty well as a last-resort. But now that the pandemic is over and all other sports have resumed in arenas around the world, the UFC continues to hold events in their relatively small studio space.

Fans that had hoped to see the UFC hit the road again in 2024 will be disappointed by this news: MMA Junkie’s Nolan King reports the promotion has requested permits from the NSAC for three Apex events in four weeks: on March 16th, March 23, and April 6th.

Why does the UFC refuse to go back to holding fight nights in smaller markets across America and beyond? Ease and cost are two obvious answers. There’s less pressure on matchmakers to stack cards when you don’t have to worry about selling out arenas in Nebraska. And why put in all the effort to travel about when fans have seemingly accepted watching fights in the Apex?

There is another element to this, though: the UFC is pushing hard to collect site fees whenever they bring their show to town. At a recent conference event, TKO COO Mark Shapiro bragged about recent deals of this sort. They’re getting $ 16 million from Australia, $ 20 million from Saudi Arabia, and $ 25 million from Abu Dhabi.

It’s not just international events, either. Utah pays for UFC to come to Salt Lake City, and a lucrative deal with the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas ensures the UFC returns there regularly. At this point, we’d be shocked if the UFC rolls into any mid-tier market without a six or seven figure deal in place.

So be prepared for more Apex events. If there’s not a buyer lined up for a show, that’s probably where it’s gonna be held.

MMAmania.com – All Posts

submitted by /u/Tight-Fall5354 [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Finally inking terms on an Octagon contract following years of speculation, former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, Michael Page claims he can already see a blockbuster title pairing with fellow UK star, Leon Edwards in the future in a return to England, ahead of his bow at UFC 299 next March against Kevin Holland.

Page, a former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, was confirmed as having put pen to paper on a multi-fight deal with the Dana White-led UFC earlier this month, booking a long-rumored Octagon bow at the welterweight limit against Riverside striker, Holland in his debut in March of next year in Miami, Florida. 

Sidelined from active competition since he featured at Bellator 292 back in March of this year, London Shootfighters staple, Page most recently landed a quickfire opening round TKO win over perennial contender, Goiti Yamauchi with a series of leg kicks. 

Michael Page predicts title showdown with UFC star Leon Edwards

And aiming to blast his way to the top of the welterweight rankings, Page, 36, has sights firmly fixed on standing opposite Birmingham native, Edwards in an undisputed championship fight in the pair’s native UK sooner than later.

“The fact is, we’re prize fighters,” Michael Page told MMA Fighting. “When the time comes, we’re gonna get to work. And I can already see it. I can already envision it. I can already see ‘MVP’ (Michael ‘Venom’ Page) – Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards, in the UK, two British fighters. That is going to be unbelievable.”

“If you look at the [Michael] Chandler route, I’m definitely on that mode,” Michael Page explained. “It can’t be long. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. I just wanna come in and make as much noise as possible.” 

Who wins in a future UFC title fight: Leon Edwards or Michael Page?

LowKickMMA.com

submitted by /u/rmma
[link] [comments]
MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

submitted by /u/PremLeagueAndy [link] [comments]

MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

What a scrap
| BJPenn.com

Joshua vs. Wilder was set to go down in March 2024, but Wilder losing a one sided decision at Day of Reckoning has those plans in jeopardy.

Anthony Joshua refuses to give up on a Deontay Wilder fight, even though “The Bronze Bomber” was defeated on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.

Both Joshua and Wilder competed on the big Day of Reckoning card from the Kingdom, with Joshua winning via corner stoppage after the fifth round in a vintage performance (check it out here). Wilder didn’t fare as well: he looked listless in a surprising 118-111, 118-110, 120-108 decision loss (highlights here).

This event was supposed to set up a Joshua vs. Wilder fight, but that’s all in question now. For his part, Joshua still wants the Wilder fight.

“I’m not too sure what can happen from here but I’m sure from a fan perspective they’ll be more annoyed,” Joshua said at the post-fight press conference. “For me I always understand how this game is. You never know. This is elite level boxing. Wilder just came up short but he’ll live to fight another day.”

“Me and him can still get it on, we can still get it cracking,” he added. “I believe I’m a massive threat. I still think Wilder is a threat, and I still think it does amazing numbers if you get it on. But I’ll leave that down to my management, trainers, promoters, to make the decision. I’m down to fight anyone, whenever, and whoever.”

It seems silly to throw away a blockbuster fight like Joshua vs. Wilder just because Wilder didn’t show up in his last performance. It may be slightly less perfect after last night, but it’s still a must-see bout. Boxing as a sport has a habit of over-complicating everything. Saudi Arabia made a mistake not just making Joshua vs. Wilder at Day of Reckoning. The fight was ready to go before, and it’s still ready now. Let’s go!

MMAmania.com – All Posts

submitted by /u/BasicallyClean
[link] [comments]
MMA: Mixed Martial Arts