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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Sean O’Malley doesn’t like Conor McGregor all that much these days, but he completely understands that the former two-division UFC champ is the biggest star in the history of the sport.

O’Malley addressed McGregor as he continues getting ready to defend his bantamweight title in the main event of UFC 306 on Sept. 14 at Sphere in Las Vegas against No. 1 contender Merab Dvalishvili.

In an interview with ESPN, O’Malley, who knocked out Dvalishvili’s teammate Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in August 2023 to win the title, was asked how close he is to becoming the face of the UFC. The flamboyant bantamweight says it’s hard to gauge with a pay-per-view model littered with illegal streaming, but for him, he sees a path to getting there if the roadmap he’s drawn out in his head actually happens.

“Right now it’s Conor McGregor, 100 percent,” O’Malley said. “He’s a dork, but it’s the truth. For me to get to that, I need to go out there and knock out Merab, I go up to [145 pounds], I beat Ilia [Topuria], I beat Max [Holloway], I beat Umar [Nurmagomedov], I’m three fights away from being one of the greatest of all-time, one of the most exciting of all-time. There’s [a] difference.

“No one thinks Conor’s the greatest fighter of all-time. He was lacking skills, lacked title defenses, but entertainment wise, he’s the best in the world. Entertainment wise, he was the best.”

O’Malley successfully defended his title with a stellar performance in a lopsided decision win against longtime rival Marlon Vera to get revenge on the only man to defeat him in an MMA fight. That 25-minute outing opened a lot of eyes to the, perhaps, underrated ceiling the MMA community placed on him throughout his build to the title.

While being the UFC’s biggest star is an accomplishment — albeit a lucrative one — O’Malley says he’s striving for more: The combination of superstardom, and historical greatness.

“Greatest fighter of all-time, Jon Jones, Khabib [Nurmagomedov], Islam [Makhachev], [all] up there,” O’Malley explained. “I want to be both. I want to be one of the greatest of all-times, and one of the most entertaining of all-times. That’s my goal.”

MMA Fighting – All Posts

JK Rowling has recently been involved in a controversy surrounding Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif was hounded on social media over a false story accusing her of being a man competing as a woman.

JK Rowling and Imane Khelif

This situation escalated after Rowling made comments on social media regarding Khelif’s gender, incorrectly identifying her as a man. Khelif, who won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has faced scrutiny over her gender identity due to past disqualifications from the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA is largely not considered a reputable organization due to corruption. The IBA never specified what they tested for. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported her right to compete, affirming her eligibility as a female athlete.

Imane Khelif was born a woman and competes as a woman. No test had ever said that she was intersex, had XY chromosomes, or had increased testosterone. The IBA never claimed such things. It was misinformation aimed at a minority woman. Being LGBTQ in Algeria could land a citizen in prison.

Following these events, Khelif filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France, naming JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and others, accusing them of promoting online harassment against her. The backlash spurred the lawsuit and misinformation spread about her gender identity, which Khelif claims has caused her significant distress.

In response to the lawsuit and the surrounding controversy, JK Rowling has reportedly deleted numerous tweets related to Khelif and has gone silent on her social media platform X, formerly Twitter. This silence is notable given Rowling’s typically very active presence on the platform, especially regarding issues related to gender and transgender people.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, and while it is uncertain if billionaires JK Rowling or Elon Musk will face prosecution due to jurisdictional issues, the lawsuit highlights the broader debate over gender identity in sports and the impact of public figures’ comments on social media. JK Rowling was never censored, she is facing the consequences of the thoughts she published publicly. Elon Musk also spread misinformation on a platform where he largely controls the spread of information.

Chael Sonnen explained the controversy:

The claim that the boxer submitted a genetic test that came back with an XY chromosome—indicating that she is biologically male—is simply not true. The IBA, which initiated this whole controversy, never said such a test was done. They only mentioned that they found something, which was then appealed.

The IOC, which sees the IBA as insignificant in the broader sports world, reviewed the appeal. The IBA is relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of sports, and they never claimed that the test involved genetics or chromosomes. Everything else—this entire narrative—was fabricated by outlets and spread across the internet.

He added:

Alleging that this Algerian boxer had a test showing she had the XY chromosome, which would indicate biological maleness. But this is simply not true. The test never happened. The IBA never claimed such a test was done.

But if you care about the truth and the reality, I’ve just laid it out for you.

Update from JK Rowling

Rowling just Tweeted moments ago mocking and smearing the Algerian athlete. Many people on social media were happy to admit they were wrong due to misinformation. Instead, Rowling continues personal attacks:

“It’s important to highlight that launching a PR campaign and applying layers of thick makeup requires far more time and effort than simply making DNA test results public.”

LowKickMMA.com

Ronda Rousey has dipped her toe into many career avenues throughout her life. Combat sports, acting, sports entertainment, the graphic novel world, and now real estate?

‘Rowdy’ has found success in almost everything she does, but the most dominant years of her life arguably came inside the octagon. The retired UFC women’s bantamweight still holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses and most finishes in title fights in the division. 

Whether fans love her or hate her, the now 37-year-old is a major factor in the success of women’s mixed martial arts and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever do it.

Since leaving her sporting career in the past, Ronda Rousey is now hoping to settle down in one of her ranches with her husband — fellow UFC veteran Travis Brown — and focus on the next stage of her life.

After purchasing a beautiful home a decade ago for $ 1.4 million, Rousey is hoping to see an almost $ 1.9 million return on her Los Angeles property. 

The fabulous two bedroom, one bathroom bungalow has a warm, welcoming living space perfect for an individual or a small family.

The bungalow is hidden away in the heart of the oceanside community of Venice Beach. Though cosy, the property has a near 870 square feet living area and almost a 2250 square feet loft. Another benefit of the land is the location, which is incredibly just walking distance from the boardwalk.

Related: Ronda Rousey reveals the one thing preventing UFC return

A built-in barbecue sits in the outdoor space and is perfectly accompanied by a large rooftop lounging area for those hot summer evenings.

The California home has much to offer. Ranging from a versatile one-car garage to a comforting loft space ready to be converted into whatever one’s heart desires.

Check out the mesmerizing residence below.

View the 14 images of this gallery on the original article

MMAWeekly.com | UFC and MMA News, Results, Rumors, and Videos

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Retired UFC Lightweight kingpin Khabib Nurmagomedov’s year has been a complicated one. Though his athletes continue to find unprecedented success around the globe, Nurmagomedov was dealt a substantial blow by the Russian government, which froze his bank accounts and seized his collection of luxury cars over a unpaid tax bill totaling $ 3.4 million.

Conor McGregor, naturally, took great joy in his former opponent’s suffering. Regardless, Nurmagomedov paid off the bill just about a week ago, so there will be no need for a UFC comeback or quick boxing match in Riyadh.

Perhaps there’s more to the story? In a recent interview, top-ranked Bellator contender Alexandr Shabliy — who is scheduled to face Bellator Lightweight champion and Khabib trainee Usman Nurmagomedov on Sept. 7 — weighed in on the real reason behind Khabib’s tax issues. The Russian clearly picked his words carefully, but he explained that political disagreements were the root cause of Khabib’s frozen accounts and assets seizure.

“In general, this situation is connected with the fact that it wasn’t just that it turned out that Khabib had some unpaid taxes. This is a situation of counterbalance between the country and Khabib. Khabib did not support the political decisions of the state, and in response, the state — as in response to many bloggers who pursued opposition policies and did not support the government’s position — took such measures. I think that it is no secret that our state has a tough policy and controls the resources that it has.”

What political disagreements? Khabib may be buddy-buddy with Russian president Vladimir Putin, but “The Eagle” has also spoken out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In fact, he specifically asked former US President Donald Trump to stop the bloodshed when the two met at a UFC event. Of course, Shabliy didn’t name the war specifically, but it’s hard to imagine a different political disagreement causing the retired champion so many problems.

Even for MMA legends, Russian politics can be a dangerous scene.

Insomnia

Renan Ferreira denies the idea that he was talking trash in reference to Francis Ngannou’s deceased son.

I’d love to know the backstory here. A friendly embrace capped off by a cheap shot? There has to be some drama involved.

Dricus Du Plessis remains undefeated in bantering with UFC fighters, current or former.

Jon Jones demonstrates how much he doesn’t care about social media talk by destroying his phone then posting it on social media.

On a related note, Stipe Miocic denies the injury rumors.

Weight classes are imaginary.

Every clip I see of Russian TUF seems to confirm it’s a better watch than our version.

Muhammad Mokaev wrecked his car but is thankfully okay.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Carlos Prates has such a slick style of striking, he makes the most of a really long reach while staying very aggressive.

Name a better uppercut?

Gerald Meerschaert already was deep into his career by the time he joined the UFC roster, but that didn’t stop “GM3” from picking up a bunch of submissions inside the Octagon!

Random Land

I should feel bad for the gators but I cannot stop laughing at the idea of chasing off a horde of crocodiles with a shovel.

Midnight Music: Punk, 1978

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.

MMAmania.com – All Posts

Tom Aspinall is ready to jump at any opportunity to fight Jon Jones.

At UFC 304, Aspinall successfully defended his interim heavyweight title with a 60-second smashing of Curtis Blaydes; and while the title defense was exceptional, it still didn’t manage to earn Aspinall the one thing he wants most: a fight with Jones.

Jones is the current UFC heavyweight champion, having won the vacant title by defeating Ciryl Gane in 2023, and is dead set on facing former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in his first title defense. Rumor has it that fight will finally happen at UFC 309 in November, and should that be the case, Aspinall has dibs.

“Jon Jones, I know you’ve got your fight coming up,” Aspinall said in a YouTube video. “Apparently it’s in November, against Stipe Miocic. Nothing has been announced or signed yet, as far as I’m aware, but if that does happen, I’ll be there, I’ll be ready to jump in with either of you guys for the undisputed title if one of you is going to pull out.

“But if you successfully defend against Stipe in November, I will be there in the crowd, I’ll be there front row. I want you to hand me the undisputed title as you walk past me please. Thank you.”

Aspinall has been trying to get a fight with Jones since winning the interim belt last fall, to no avail and despite growing backlash to Miocic getting a title shot despite being 42 years old and having not competed in over three years. But there may be a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel for Aspinall, as the Englishman revealed that the UFC has already spoken to him about being the backup fighter for the Jones-Miocic matchup.

“After my last fight with Curtis Blaydes, there was some talk about me being the backup fight,” Aspinall said. “The UFC spoke to me directly about that. I said I’m in. If somebody pulls out, I’m in… I’ll be prepared for that date, so you let me know. I’ll be there. I’m ready to take the fight. I’m the No. 1 in the division, not Jon Jones, not Stipe Miocic. They’re a couple of older fellas having a fight, fighting for the title for some reason. I don’t know why that reason is. But I am the guy at heavyweight and I’m ready to prove that on an hour’s notice if I need to.”

“… I’m hearing rumors that Stipe is potentially injured,” Aspinall added. “These are stuff that I’m hearing from the inner circle. Stipe… he’s 42 years old. The guy is going to be injury prone. Jon Jones, a million miles on the clock, he’s going to be injury prone. Me, I’m ready to go. I’m not even in my prime yet. I’m hungry for it. I’m not sure these two guys are, but I am, and I’ll fight either of them for the undisputed title on any notice. I’m ready.”

Despite Aspinall’s claims, sources told MMA Fighting that Jones vs. Miocic is still expected to take place this November.

Ultimately, its a tough situation for Aspinall who has wins over five fighters currently ranked in the UFC’s top-10 at heavyweight and simply wants his chance to prove what he believes to be true: that he is actually the best heavyweight in the world.

“Jon Jones had an amazing career. I ain’t putting Jon Jones down,” Aspinall said. “Jon Jones isn’t the best heavyweight in the world right now. That’s me. So I want what’s mine. I’m pissed off for greatness. I believe that I should be the No. 1 heavyweight in the world. I’ve done what it takes to deserve that and I’m ready to prove it. Jon Jones isn’t. That’s all I’m saying. Nothing against Jon and his career.

“The issue I have with Jon is he’s got the belt and I want it. I want it. I’ve got a belt too and I want to unify the belts. There shouldn’t be two heavyweight champions, there should be one, and I want it to be me. So that’s all I’m going for now…

“The issue is not with Jon. The issue is not with Stipe. The issue is with them holding the belt hostage. Give me the belt… The belt’s mine. I want it. I’m here for it. I’m here to take it. If you think you’re the man at heavyweight, I’ll take anybody. I’ll fight anybody for the undisputed belt.”

MMA Fighting – All Posts

Former undisputed heavyweight UFC champion, Francis Ngannou finally came face-to-face with incoming foe, Renan Ferreira ahead of his PFL (Professional Fighters League) debut against the Brazilian in Saudi Arabia later this annum, where he struggled to hold back tears whilst discussing the tragic passing of his son earlier this year.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has yet to compete in mixed martial arts since he successfully unified the promotional titles against then-interim champion, Ciryl Gane back in 2022.

Handing the Frenchman his first professional loss, Cameroonian favorite, Ngannou landed a unanimous decision win over the former, before departing the promotion to sign with the PFL the following annum.

Francis Ngannou emotional discussing passing of late son, Kobe

And finally slated for his first venture to the SmartCage following a pair of professional boxing matches against former world championship winning duo, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou featured at a pre-fight press conference today ahead of his clash with Ferreira in October.

“FIghting for me is a lifestyle,” Francis Ngannou told assembled media ahead of his PFL MMA debut. “I questioned myself if I should continue or retire, but I didn’t want my son to be the reason for me to do that.”

“It becomes a new purpose for me,” Francis Ngannou explained. “I decided to make a positive out of his 15 months of living. To find strength out of him, as a motivation, to keep going instead of quitting. I think this is the best way of honoring him.”

In his most recent appearance under the PFL banner, Ferreira won an inaugural Super Belt in a heavyweight title fight against Bellator MMA champion, Ryan Bader, laying waste to the former UFC light heavyweight contender with a blistering opening round knockout win in Riyadh, earning a fight against Batie knockout artist, Ngannou.

LowKickMMA.com

Sean O’Malley will defend his UFC bantamweight championship against Merab Dvalishvili at Riyadh Season Noche UFC in the Las Vegas Sphere on September 14, 2024. The event will celebrate Mexican Independence Day and UFC CEO Dana White has promised unprecedented production quality.

With a spectacular win at The Sphere, O’Malley can significantly boost his popularity in MMA circles and draw new fans. However, his opponent has won ten consecutive fights in the UFC with relentless pressure and dominant wrestling.

Amidst the gradually increasing hype for his next fight, “Suga” revealed his mixed feelings about headlining a massive card like UFC 306…

Sean O’Malley Expects The UFC To Promote His Fight, Not Just The Sphere In The Lead-Up To UFC 306

O’Malley talked about the opportunity to headline a card as massive as UFC 306 on Michael Bisping’s Believe You Me podcast recently. With UFC 305 done and dusted, the UFC bantamweight champ acknowledges that Riyadh Season Noche UFC will soon get all the eyes.

“I’m very excited. Now that it’s like, you know, the last fight, the pay-per-view is last weekend so now it’s, you know, it’s always the next pay-per-view, that’s being talked about so now that that fight’s over, we got The Sphere coming up.”

“Suga” realizes his fight with Dvalishvili is the UFC 306 main event over Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, now scheduled for UFC 308. Conor McGregor was also rumored to be added to the card. He’s naturally honored to get this chance from the UFC but expects the promotions to improve as the event approaches.

O’Malley highlighted that the UFC has promoted The Sphere and the event’s theme more than the fighters, including him and Dvalishvili. However, he looks forward to things getting better once promotion on social media begins.

“A little annoyed-ish about the promotion of The Sphere. The Sphere is the show. I’m the one doing interviews, not The Sphere. Let’s promote Sean vs. Merab, the Suga show. I’m the one fighting let’s go baby. But, you know, it is what it is. The Sphere is going to be f*****g legendary, it’ll be epic, it’ll be cool. But yeah I think these next few weeks are really going to, you know, things are still going to start coming out. ESPN Will start posting, UFC will Start Posting. So, it’s going to feel big soon.

“Suga” leaves no opportunity to take sly digs at his opponents through funny skits and memes on social media platforms. He’s also fulfilling his media responsibilities as a UFC champion, which explains his aforementioned expectations from the promotion.

• Read More: Chael Sonnen Feels Khalil Rountree Fight Will Fast Track Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Move: ‘The Best Way, Get Him Beat!’

Continue Reading Sean O’Malley ‘Annoyed-ish’ At Noche UFC Fight Promotion After Getting Nod To Headline Over Holloway vs. Topuria, Conor McGregor at MMA News.

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