The MMA Hour host shared the promotion’s current plans for the next five pay-per-view events, and they’re pretty impressive.
Recent reports that Max Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria and Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili will headline UFC 306 at the Sphere in September are not true, according to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Or not completely true, to be more specific.
The internet went crazy after the UFC’s French-Canadian broadcast partner TVA announced the two title fights like they were a done deal for Noche UFC. But on the latest episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani dismissed the claim and laid out what sources were telling him the second half of UFC’s 2024 pay-per-view schedule would look like.
“There was never a plan to have those two fights headline the Sphere card,” Helwani said. “And as of right this second, that is not the plan … I think it was an honest, erroneous mistake. And unfortunately, it went viral and now everyone’s taking it as fact, as gospel.”
“The plan was always the [Alexa] Grasso title defense,” he clarified. “The plan has for some time has been ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley versus Merab [Dvalishvili]. Now, both fights aren’t official just yet. They haven’t been signed. But that has been the plan.”
“And if they did go with that fight, then the other plan would be Ilia [Topuria] versus Max [Holloway], most likely on the October 5th Utah card which hasn’t been officially announced yet. Also on that card, we suspect Julianna Pena versus Raquel Pennington.”
“And then we obviously have Arman [Tsarukyan] and Islam [Makhachev]. Arman, he’s gonna do the PSA. He’s said this, and he’s been verbally told that he is fighting for the belt at the end of October in Abu Dhabi. Then you’ve got the tentative plan being Jon Jones and Stipe [Miocic] in early November at Madison Square Garden. And as of right now, the hope is Conor [McGregor] vs. [Michael] Chandler on that December — I think 14th — pay-per-view.”
That’s a pretty impressive run of events, provided injuries or other MMA misfortunes don’t ruin things. Let’s take a look at that all laid out:
UFC 306 – September 14th at The Sphere, Las Vegas – Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Alexa Grasso vs. TBA
UFC 307 – October 5th in Salt Lake City, Utah – Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena
UFC 308 – October 26th in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan 2
UFC 309 – November 9th at MSG, New York – Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
UFC 310 – December TBD in Las Vegas, Nevada – Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
“All subject to change,” Helwani repeated. “But that’s the plan as of now.”
Julianna Peña has some important advice for female fighters: Keep it all-natural in the cage.
At UFC Denver, the main event bout between flyweights Rose Namajunas and Tracy Cortez went viral when a punch from Namajunas sent a fake eyelash flying off of Cortez’s face. Namajunas went on to win a five-round unanimous decision, but social media was still buzzing about the strange moment in the aftermath of the contest.
Peña, a former bantamweight champion who hopes to fight for UFC gold again soon, shared her own experience with facial cosmetics and why she would never wear them on fight night.
“As you know, hair and makeup, that’s my jam,” Peña said on The MMA Hour. “Love it, love it, love it, love it. I got my eyelashes done in training. Fake eyelash extensions, so they had to stick on each individual lash. When one of them broke off, it stabbed me in the eyeball and it was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever had in my life. Therefore, I’m a strip girl — I only wear strip lashes. I only put the glue on and I take them on and off every time. I never wear them in training and I’ve never worn fake extensions while I’m fighting for that reason.
“Now, some of these girls, I don’t know how or why they’re doing it, or maybe it just hasn’t happened to them yet to the point that they think that they can just get away with continuing to fight with fake eyelash extensions. But as we saw, it just went flying.”
The circumstances that led to Cortez’s eyelash malfunction are confusing to Peña, who wonders why Cortez was so effusive with her praise on social media for the technician that provided the extensions.
Peña did her best to deduce where the flyweight contender went wrong.
“I saw the whole thing go flying,” Peña said. “How does that even happen? What I think is that something must have happened. They must have taken the eyelash extensions out on just that eye and covered it up really quick with the actual strip lash, because I saw the whole lash go flying, and if it wasn’t a strip lash, then her lash tech is actually not that good because I saw the whole thing go. It’s not like a couple that flake off and stab you in the eye, it was the whole thing.
“So anyways, ladies, if you’re listening, please do me a favor, don’t fight with the eyelash extensions on. It’s just a no-no.”
When asked if commissions should be the ones to prevent these accidents happening in the future, Peña disagreed that those cosmetic decisions require official oversight. She hopes other women just use common sense when figuring out how made up they need to be for their fights.
“I don’t anticipate eyelash extensions being a thing [they inspect],” Peña said. “Can you imagine they’re going to come in there and be like, ‘Are these real? Are these yours?’
“No mascara, no eyelash extensions. You’re a warrior, you’re a barbarian. This is like gladiator times.”
Months after UFC was nearing a deal that would potentially free them from facing accusations of antitrust practices in a legal setting ever again, they will soon find out if that beneficial agreement will actually come to fruition.
Earlier this year, the promotion was ready to cut a check worth $ 335 million and agree to some contractual changes in exchange for eliminating a pair of class action lawsuits representing groups of fighters. This deal, while in the nine-figures, was significantly less than the potential billions of dollars that a lawsuit would cause in damages. And due to a waiver in newer UFC contracts that prevents fighters from ever entering into class action lawsuits, the payment would mark an end to the possibility of fighters banding together to challenge the MMA goliath’s power.
The agreement was seen as the possible end to a decade-long battle in the sport. But in recent weeks the deal has seemingly come close to falling apart, as signalled by comments made by U.S. Nevada District Judge Richard F. Boulware.
Despite the settlement from the UFC being agreed upon by both plaintiff classes—the Cung Le et al. group representing talent from 2010 to 2017 and the Kajan Johnson et al. group for fighters who competed from 2017 to 2023—and the UFC, an important third party must also sign off on a class action deal in American court cases: The Judge. And in this scenario, Judge Boulware has shown significant concern about the deal.
Alarm bells first sounded in June, when the Nevada judge first voiced his “serious concerns” about the agreement. Some alterations were made to the deal later that month in hopes of appeasing the judge, who mentioned that the Le class was not getting enough in comparison to the $ 800 million to $ 1.6 billion they looked to earn in damages from a trial.
As reported by John S. Nash, the adjusted deal would give the Le group 90 percent of the cash damages, up from the 75 percent they were guaranteed in the previous deal. This seemingly did little to impress Judge Boulware, who appeared in a courtroom once again last week to list off a series of qualms he had with the proposal.
After a few weeks of discussion between the judge and the parties involved, Josh Gross is reporting that we’re expected to hear his decision on the deal this week. The ruling is a turning point in the legal battle, either putting an end to the saga or simply beginning a new chapter.
The Judge Doesn’t Seem Convinced
Due to both the financial details and the brief injunctive relief that is placed into the agreement, Judge Boulware has explicitly shown significant hesitancy. Canadian lawyer and Combat Sports Law writer Erik Magraken said while we don’t know what the Judge will decide, it’s not entirely shocking that he has given some pause regarding the deal.
“The judge is of a very strong view that the UFC is operating as an illicit monopsony,” Magraken said. “And now he’s being asked to approve a settlement that’s gonna resolve two class actions, which basically are gonna lock in the UFC into a position of power. The judge is struggling with that outcome. So to me, it’s not terribly surprising that he’s hesitant to sign off on it.”
Judge Boulware has expressed concern about the contractual changes that UFC is forced to abide by in the agreement, arguing it might not be enough to clamp down on the promotion. Courthouse News reported that he specifically said “It is difficult for me to understand why, if Johnson were settling separately, that class members would agree to this amount of injunctive relief.”
When asked about the reason for Judge Boulware’s concern about the changes, Magraken explained how class action cases look not just at the past but toward the future. He highlighted that the importance of a class action case is to bring relief to those wronged in the past while also setting up safeguards that stop the issue from happening again in the future.
HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 07: The UFC Heavyweight title belt awarded to Ciryl Gane at UFC 265 at Toyota Center on July 7, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images )
“One of the purposes of antitrust litigation is not just to compensate people that are harmed by the bad behavior, but it’s to then disrupt that bad behavior,” Magraken explained. “To make it so it can’t be done moving forward. I think the court is simply concerned that once the money changes hands, the UFC is free to keep doing this monopsonistic behavior. And since the fighters have given up their rights to participate in a class action moving forward [due to the class action waivers signed], there’s not going to be a challenge from the labor side of things.”
Revisiting The Possibility of a Trial
Prior to the settlement, the Le class was just weeks away from heading to a jury trial against the UFC. The Johnson case was still looking for class certification, a crucial step needed before heading to trial.
If Judge Boulware decides to reject the settlement, discussions about a possible trial in the future will re-emerge. Magraken explained that this is a potentially riskier scenario for everyone involved: The damages could be higher, including the trebling of financial payouts which is seen in antitrust cases. But also high is the possibility that no money could change hands.
“What’s a good day in court look like [for the fighters]? We’ve got the numbers: $ 1.6 billion being the plaintiff’s high-end estimate of damages, and then that gets tripled … The bad day in court is it gets dismissed. You’ve got 10 years of litigation and the jury for whatever reason doesn’t buy it, or gives very very low numbers.”
Jury trials are, as Magraken described, unpredictable. It takes just one jury member to throw everything off-course, causing a result that might be unexpected. This explains why jury selection can often be picky by both sides of a lawsuit. Take for example the recent high-profile case where Donald Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records. In that specific scenario, the lawyers looked at 96 New York citizens before finalizing their seven-person jury.
“It’s really tough to know what a handful of strangers off the street in Las Vegas will think of all of this. It’s a complicated case. You’re getting into contracts, you’re getting into economic evidence, you’re getting to a lot of stuff that people don’t deal with in their day-in-day-out lives.”
A decision from Judge Boulware, which reportedly is set for next week, will answer the long-awaited question of whether a settlement can be possible. The deal could get approved, which Magraken said would “lock in UFC’s position of power.” Or the agreement could get called off, putting the fate of a couple of thousand fighters back into the courtroom.
Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier looks set to fight again, and there’s a select few names he sees as suitable opponents.
Retirement was among the most prominent talking points leading into Poirier’s third shot at the undisputed throne last month at UFC 302, where Newark’s Prudential Center played host to his enthralling battle with Islam Makhachev.
“The Diamond” hinted pre-fight that it could mark his farewell win or lose, and his Octagon interview in the aftermath of being submitted in the fifth and final round suggested it was the end of a memorable career.
But in the weeks since, Poirier has had somewhat of a change of heart, revealing that he’s actually leaning toward another appearance in the cage in an attempt to exit the sport on a win.
And by the sounds of it, “The Diamond” has a small group of possible foes in mind…
Poirier’s Next Opponent ‘Definitely’ On Anik Shortlist
During a recent appearance on the Anik & FlorianPodcast, Poirier further addressed talk of his retirement and the potential for one final fight post-title defeat to Makhachev.
“After the Islam fight, when I got back home, I thought like, ‘Maybe this is it.’ And then a few weeks went by, injuries started hurting less and less post-fight, and I was like, ‘I gotta do this again.’ I’ve never lost two in a row. I can’t leave this sport on a loss,” Poirier said. “But at the same time, I wanna be 100 percent in it if I’m gonna do it again because I don’t want to disrespect the sport.”
And with close to confirmation that “The Diamond” will indeed feel the Octagon canvas beneath his feat at least one more time, Anik presented a list of potential opponents for the Louisianan.
Poirier was asked whether he expects his next rival to come from a shortlist of seven major names — Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, Alexander Volkanovski, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Colby Covington.
“100 percent,” Poirier said. “Yeah, for sure. If I do fight again, and when I do fight again, it’ll be definitely one of those guys you just said.”
Poirier has direct history with all but former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, having already fought McGregor, Gaethje, Holloway, and Oliveira, trained with Covington before his bitter split from American Top Team, and had a previously booked showdown with Diaz fall through.
It remains to be seen which big name will get the call for what could be “The Diamond’s” farewell. But whoever it is, the matchup will no doubt be highly anticipated should it come from that seven-figure list.
I need to battle something pic.twitter.com/EE0b3yxhcb
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) July 7, 2024
Read More: Fanmio CEO Releases Statement After Being Sued By Nate Diaz, Accuses Ex-UFC Star Of ‘Salacious & Defamatory’ Claims
Continue Reading Dustin Poirier Limits Opponent Options For Next Fight To 7 Major Names: ‘Definitely One Of Those Guys’ at MMA News.
Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Dana White remains fairly secretive about the upcoming Noche UFC event from inside The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, but at least fights now know how many fights will be taking place.
While speaking on the “The Pat McAfee Show,” White revealed that Noche UFC will have a total of 10 bouts. Obviously that could change with potential injuries or dreaded weight misses, but as of now White is expecting to run a lean and mean card for UFC’s pricey one-and-done inside of The Sphere. One that will feature a Mexican-heavy lineup.
“We’re going to do 10 (fights),” said White. “There will be a main, co-main, and obviously this card will be very Mexican-heavy.”
As for the cost of UFC’s innovative trek into the next stage of live combat sports, White claims to have already spent $ 17 million on the upcoming event. Considering there’s still two months before Noche UFC actually sets sail, White and company are expected to spend even more.
“I’m already $ 17 million into this thing, and we’re not anywhere near September yet,” said White. “… I keep telling you guys: It’s gonna be the most unique, badass show you’ve ever seen in sports.”
Insomnia
Does it ever end with Jon Jones?
| Jon Jones has been charged with two misdemeanors relating to an interaction with a drug-testing agent who visited his home to collect a sample back in March.
Jones could face jail time (under 1 year) and up to $ 1,500 in fines if convicted of both charges.
[per @MMAFighting] pic.twitter.com/ObO6zTN0Sc
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 15, 2024
Is “my wife will divorce me” a plausible excuse? That’s wild. And this sucks for Nate Diaz.
Nate Diaz is suing Fanmio, the promoters of his boxing match against Jorge Masvidal
Diaz was supposed to be paid $ 10 million and Fanmio are now saying they aren’t able to pay this amount since they will lose money and go bankrupt
Let’s funk’n go! @funkmasterMMA makes his first appearance in the Karate Combat Pit for Pit Submission Series in Nashville on July 25th! #KC48 pic.twitter.com/l96u3u7FqG
— Karate Combat (@KarateCombat) July 16, 2024
Dan Hooker was not going to miss a chance to compete in Perth, Australia.
When it comes to UFC Perth, @danthehangman wasn’t taking no for an answer! #UFC305
“Nothing beats the ANZAC crowd. The Aussies, the Kiwis, once they all get there. Nothing beats being on a card with your brothers…
they said, you can wait for Beneil and they’ll do a main… pic.twitter.com/YmNKhpPC8f
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) July 15, 2024
What a moment for Jean Silva after taking out Drew Dober at UFC Denver.
Jean Silva finding out he won a $ 50k bonus for his FOTN victory over Drew Dober #UFCDenver
pic.twitter.com/HHI7hNEyjW
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 14, 2024
Matt Brown is still battling some backlash on social media after making political comments over the weekend.
Literally just mention a single thing about politics and insults/hate/anger flies at you. If you care about things so much you think that’s the way to get folks to respect your opinions? Humans true nature is revealed when they’re anonymous on X isn’t it
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) July 15, 2024
Should Alex Pereira wear this mask to his next weigh-in?
Alex Pereira enjoying himself at a pro-wrestling event in Mexico last night pic.twitter.com/QedJSsm9z0
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 15, 2024
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Some weekend vibes.
Violent overhand right by Budi Setiawan sleeps Irfan Aruan in the opening round #OnePride80 pic.twitter.com/LyytKDysOF
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 13, 2024
BOOTS WITH THE TKO(Corner stoppage) VICTORY OVER DAVID AVANESYAN BEFORE THE START OF THE 6TH ROUND‼️ #Boxing #EnnisAvanesyan
pic.twitter.com/bbGA6gbQRC
— Danny (@dantheboxingman) July 14, 2024
Brutal counter left elbow by Kendu Irving to KO Yuhei Tsuda in the 2nd. Damn. #ONEFridayFights70 pic.twitter.com/okxQA84KOk
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) July 12, 2024
This is pretty cool.
She been studying Gervonta Davis film pic.twitter.com/mikuBJh9hf
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 14, 2024
Random Land
Trump is back!
President Donald J. Trump enters the RNC less than 72 hours after surviving an assassination attempt.
This is so awesome.
Absolute boss. pic.twitter.com/VI9wXVCLC9
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 16, 2024
Is this one of the worst National Anthem performances ever?
My ears are bleeding. One of the worst national anthem renditions ever pic.twitter.com/FnJUNjWe6l
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) July 16, 2024
Sleep well Maniacs! We’ll be back for more tomorrow night.
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