Combat Sports Media Man

Combat Sports: Media Man Int and Media Man

Articles

Battle for the sports entertainment dollar; Australian and international opportunities, threats and unknowns

How UFC Got Social Media Right; WWE taking the fight online via social media and people power

Karrion Kross wins Media Man 'Wrestler Of The Month' (Men's Division); Runner-Ups: Roman Reigns and Lance Archer

Josh Barnett Comments On Brock Lesnar Possibly Fighting For Bloodsport - 15th March 2021

Pro wrestling, circus, carnivals, burlesque, showgirls, meatpies, hot-dogs, roller derby is staple pop culture in Australia, United States and most parts of the western world

Terry Funk best professional wrestler of all time says Media Man agency; Closely followed by Harley Race, Kurt Angle, Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, A.J. Styles, Chris Jericho, Chris Beniot, Eddie Guerrero, 'Cowboy' Bob Orton, Ken Shamrock, Bret 'Hitman' Hart, Dolph Ziggler

UFC Australia: News

UFC returns to Australia this December - 21st Feb 2013

Combat Sports Week, Weekend And Months Ahead

2024

WWE Speed
Every Wednesday on X

WWE Crown Jewel
November 2, 2024
Kingdom Arena
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Cody Rhodes vs Gunther
Roman Reigns and The Usos vs The Bloodline

UFC Fight Night
November 2, 2024
Rogers Place
Edmonton, Canada
Moreno vs Albazi
Blanchfield vs Namajunas

BKFC
BKFC 68
Utilta Arena
Newcastle, United Kingdom
Faulkner vs Oscar

WWE Raw
November 3, 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Fallout from Crown Jewel
The Road To Survivor Series

WWE NXT
NXT 2300
November 6, 2024
2300 Arena FKA ECW Arena
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Numerous ECW legends to appear

WWE SmackDown
November 8, 2024
Keybank Center
Buffalo, New York

UFC
UFC Night Night Vegas
November 10, 2024
Apex Arena, Las Vegas
Magney vs Prates

WWE Raw
November 11, 2024
Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids, Michigan

UFC
November 17, 2024
UFC 309
Madison Square Garden
New York
Jones vs Miocic

UFC
November 23, 2024
UFC Fight Night
Yan vs Figueiredo
Galaxy Arena
Macau, SAR, China

WWE Survivor Series: War Games
November 30, 2024
Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Boxing
Frank Warren/Queensberry Promotions
Usyk vs Fury
December 21, 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

UFC
December 8, 2024
UFC 310
Muhammad vs Rakhmonov
T-Mobile Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
December 14, 2024
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Long Island, Uniondale, New York

UFC
UFC on ESPN 83 aka UFC Fight Night
December 14, 2024
Amalie Arena
Tampa, Florida

2025

UFC
UFC Fight Night 249
January 11, 2024
Apex Arena
Paradise, Nevada

UFC
UFC 311
January 18, 2025

WWE Royal Rumble
February 1, 2025
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

*card/s subject to change

Combat Sports Week At Media Man; Elon Musk's X And Grok Take Publishers, Reporters, Fans Et Al Around The World Of Sports In A TKO Second!: Media Man

October 1, 2024

News

Alex Pereira's Arrival for UFC 307

Alex Pereira, known as 'Poatan', is gearing up for a highly anticipated UFC fight at UFC 307 against Khalil Rountree Jr., scheduled for October 2024. The fight week has begun with both fighters, including notable figures like Jose Aldo, checking in for the event. There's considerable excitement around this match, primarily due to the knockout capabilities of both fighters. Pereira has publicly stated his intention to 'break' Rountree, intensifying the event's buildup. Discussions and analyses have focused on Pereira's recent UFC activities, potential retirement, and the high stakes of the main event, suggesting it could be one of the most thrilling UFC main events recently. Additionally, Khalil Rountree hinted at employing a never-before-seen move during the fight, adding an element of mystery and anticipation. (Grok)

News

UFC 307 and DWCS Week 8

UFC 307 is generating significant buzz, particularly for the main event where Alex Pereira has promised an intense confrontation against Khalil Rountree, vowing to 'break' him. This fight is not only a highlight of the event but also showcases both fighters' formidable striking power, with predictions leaning towards a knockout rather than a decision. Alongside this main event, the UFC community is abuzz with excitement for other matchups, discussing fighters' skills and predicting outcomes. Concurrently, the Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS) Week 8 is taking place, spotlighting emerging talents like Christien Savoie, who are competing for the chance to earn UFC contracts. The DWCS not only serves as a platform for new fighters but also engages fans with live events and betting odds, adding another layer of anticipation and discussion around the UFC's upcoming events. (Grok)

News

UFC 307 Fight Week

UFC 307, scheduled for Saturday, features a highly anticipated main event between Alex Pereira, known for his striking prowess, and Khalil Rountree Jr., who has hinted at a unique move he might employ during the fight. The event has sparked considerable interest among fans and analysts, with discussions focusing on the fighters' capabilities and potential outcomes. Alongside the main event, the Dana White Contender Series (DWCS) Week 8 is also taking place, offering emerging fighters a chance to secure UFC contracts. Notable fighters like Jose Aldo, Kevin Holland, and Stephen Thompson are also highlighted, adding to the excitement with their upcoming matches. The event is set to be broadcast live, with various analyses and predictions circulating among enthusiasts. (Grok)

News

Torrez Finney's Third DWCS Victory

Torrez Finney achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first fighter to win three times on Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS). In his third appearance on DWCS, which took place on October 1, 2024, Finney secured a first-round TKO victory over Abdellah Er-Ramy. This performance not only marked his third win on the series but also showcased his dominant skills, leading to widespread acclaim across social media platforms, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter). Following this victory, there was a consensus among observers and fans that not offering Finney a UFC contract would be an oversight, given his undefeated record and his consistent performance under the DWCS spotlight. This achievement cements his status as a top prospect in the middleweight division, with many expecting him to finally receive a UFC contract. (Grok)

News

Khalil Rountree's Mystery Move at UFC 307

Ahead of UFC 307, Khalil Rountree Jr. has hinted at employing a unique, never-before-seen technique in his upcoming fight against Alex Pereira, the current light heavyweight champion. Rountree, known for his striking prowess, aims to dethrone Pereira with a knockout, seeking to establish himself as a formidable force in the UFC. The event has drawn significant attention, with fans and analysts speculating on Rountree's strategy and the potential outcome of this high-stakes match. Meanwhile, new sparring footage of Pereira with Sean Strickland has been released, showcasing Pereira's skills and improvement in English. Other notable fighters like Kevin Holland and Jose Aldo are also featured in the event, but the main event between Pereira and Rountree remains the focal point, with expectations set high for an explosive encounter. (Grok)

News

Diyar Nurgozhay's Head Kick KO

Diyar Nurgozhay recently showcased his striking prowess at Dana White's Contender Series, where he secured a notable victory via a head kick knockout against Bartosz Szewczyk during the light heavyweight bout at DWCS 74. This event took place on October 1, 2024, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Nurgozhay, maintaining his undefeated record, delivered the knockout in the second round, further solidifying his reputation in the MMA community. This performance not only electrified the audience but also significantly boosted his potential for earning a UFC contract, given the platform's purpose of scouting new talent for the UFC roster. This victory adds to Nurgozhay's highlight reel, known for his finishing capabilities, as he continues his journey with an eye on the UFC. (Grok)

News

New WWENXT Logo Debuts on The CW

WWE NXT has introduced a new logo as part of its transition to The CW network, marking the beginning of a new era for the wrestling brand. The rebranding, effective from October 1, 2024, aims to evoke a more classic aesthetic. The debut on The CW was highlighted by various wrestling personalities and news outlets, with many expressing enthusiasm for the new look and the show's premiere. The debut episode featured significant matches, including a championship bout and a street fight, indicating a strong start to NXT's new chapter on The CW. (Grok)

News

Roxanne Perez Retains NXT Title with Cora Jade's Return

Roxanne Perez successfully defended her NXT Women's Championship against Giulia in a recent WWE NXT event, marked by an unexpected twist when Cora Jade returned to assist Perez in retaining her title. This intervention was pivotal in Perez's victory, sparking varied reactions among fans. While some expressed disappointment with the match's conclusion and the manner of Giulia's defeat, others were thrilled by Cora Jade's comeback, anticipating new storylines. Despite the controversial finish, the match received praise for its quality. (Grok)

News

Mixed Reactions to New NXT Titles

Based on the information gathered from posts on X and general web sentiment, the introduction of new NXT titles has generated a mix of reactions among fans and observers:

Design Critique: There's a noticeable divide over the aesthetic of the new NXT titles. Some fans have expressed a preference for the previous designs, particularly the "rainbow titles" which were admired for their vibrant yet balanced color scheme. The new designs have been described by some as less appealing initially, but there's an acknowledgment that acceptance might grow over time. For instance, one user likened the transition in perception from the old to the new titles humorously, suggesting that while the initial reaction might be negative, eventual adaptation is expected.

Nostalgia and Change: The change in title designs seems to reflect broader changes within NXT, including its move to The CW network. This shift has stirred mixed feelings, with some fans feeling nostalgic about the "black and gold" era of NXT, which these new titles symbolically depart from. However, there's also excitement about what this change could mean for NXT's future, especially with the involvement of figures like Shawn Michaels in crafting the new era.

Performance and Presentation: Despite mixed feelings about the titles' design, there's a consensus on the quality of the matches and the presentation of NXT on The CW. The debut of NXT on this new platform, highlighted by significant matches like Ethan Page vs. Trick Williams for the NXT Title, and the involvement of high-profile figures or matchups, indicates that while the titles themselves might be divisive, the content and direction of NXT are still highly anticipated and discussed.

Fan Engagement: The new titles have certainly engaged the fanbase, sparking conversations not just about design but about what these changes signify for NXT's identity and its place within WWE's broader ecosystem. This engagement ranges from criticism to cautious optimism, with some fans seeing it as a necessary evolution for NXT to stand out in the crowded landscape of wrestling entertainment.

Cultural and Identity Shifts: There's an underlying discussion about what these titles represent for NXT's brand identity. Some fans have humorously or critically remarked on the choice of design, questioning if it aligns with NXT's desire to carve out a unique identity or if it's merely a shift for the sake of change. This touches on broader themes of brand evolution and fan acceptance of change in professional wrestling.

In summary, while the new NXT titles have sparked a variety of reactions from critique over their design to nostalgia for previous eras, there's an underlying excitement about the narrative and performance aspects of NXT's new chapter. The conversation around these titles encapsulates fans' emotional connection to NXT's history and their hopes or concerns for its future under its new presentation. (Grok)

News

Wes Lee Wins Street Fight at WWENXT

During a recent WWE NXT event, Wes Lee defeated Zachary Wentz in a highly praised street fight. The match, described as both brutal and entertaining, featured intense action characteristic of street fights. Both wrestlers received acclaim for their performance, with fans and commentators noting the match as a highlight of the evening's programming. The fight included dramatic moments, such as Wentz missing a table dive, adding to the spectacle. This victory for Wes Lee was celebrated, with many expressing enthusiasm for the match's quality and hoping for future encounters between the two. (Grok)

News

WWE Bad Blood

WWE Bad Blood is making a comeback in 2024, marking the fourth event under this name and the first since 2004. Here's what you need to know:

Event Date and Location: The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This date coincides with the 27th anniversary of the first Bad Blood event.

Broadcast Details: Bad Blood 2024 will be available via traditional pay-per-view (PPV) worldwide and will also air on WWE's streaming platforms, specifically Peacock in the United States and WWE Network internationally.

Historical Significance: The original Bad Blood in 1997 introduced the Hell in a Cell match, which has been a staple of the event, including in its previous iterations in 2003 and 2004.

Matches and Card: One of the main matches includes Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship, with a unique twist where Dominik Mysterio will be suspended above the ring in a shark cage to prevent interference.

There's also speculation and reports about a Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre, though there was some uncertainty about whether this would be the main event or if a tag team match involving Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa, and possibly Jacob Fatu would close the show. However, recent discussions and fan reactions suggest a strong possibility of Punk vs. McIntyre main eventing due to the historical significance of Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood.

Themes and Anniversaries: The event is not only a nod to its own history but also leverages the anniversary of the first Hell in a Cell match. The involvement of high-profile figures like CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and the intertwining storylines with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes adds layers to the event's narrative.

Fan and Industry Buzz: There's considerable excitement around the return of Bad Blood, especially concerning how WWE will utilize the Hell in a Cell structure this time, given its history with the event. Fan posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show anticipation for the matches, particularly the potential main events, and how WWE might script the outcomes to impact ongoing WWE storylines.

This event represents not just a wrestling spectacle but a significant moment in WWE's calendar, blending nostalgia with current rivalries, making Bad Blood 2024 a must-watch for WWE fans. (Grok)

News

Beterbiev vs Bivol: Clash of the Undefeated

The latest on Beterbiev vs. Bivol, titled "Clash of the Undefeated," centers around their upcoming fight scheduled for October 12, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here's what's been circulating and reported:

Fight Details: Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will face Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) in a unification bout for the IBF, WBC, WBO, and WBA light heavyweight titles, marking a significant event in boxing as both fighters are undefeated.

Beterbiev's Condition: After a knee injury forced a postponement from an initially planned June fight, Beterbiev has confirmed his 100% recovery and readiness for this bout. His approach to training and recovery underscores his intent to maintain his 100% knockout record.

Bivol's Perspective: Dmitry Bivol has expressed that this fight is not personal but a professional challenge to become the undisputed champion. His strategy likely involves his well-known boxing skills, with an emphasis on counterpunching and movement, aiming to possibly outbox or even, as speculated by some like Chris Algieri, potentially knock down Beterbiev.

Public and Expert Opinions: There's a mix of predictions and excitement around this match. Some fans and analysts believe Bivol's boxing IQ and defensive skills might give him an edge, while others favor Beterbiev's relentless pressure and knockout power. The discussion often revolves around whether Bivol's style can withstand or adapt to Beterbiev's aggressive tactics.

Undercard and Event: The undercard features notable fights, enhancing the event's appeal. Names like Chris Eubank Jr., Fabio Wardley, and Jai Opetaia add to the night's boxing spectacle.

General Sentiment: The fight is widely anticipated as one of the biggest in 2024, not just for the titles at stake but for the clash of styles and the potential for defining moments in both fighters' careers. The narrative around this fight often highlights the rarity of seeing two such high-caliber, undefeated champions facing off, especially at light heavyweight.

This event is not just a fight for belts but is seen as a significant moment in boxing, where the outcome could solidify one fighter's legacy or dramatically alter perceptions of both in the sport. (Grok)

News

AEW Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary Show

The AEW Dynamite 5-Year Anniversary Show, set for October 2, 2024, at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA, is gearing up to be a landmark event for All Elite Wrestling. Here's what's on the slate based on the latest information:

Main Event: A high-stakes, title-for-title match is scheduled where Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Kazuchika Okada, who is bringing his AEW Continental Championship into the match. However, there's a twist: Okada's championship will only be on the line for the first 20 minutes of the match. If the match goes beyond that, only Danielson's AEW World Championship remains in contention.

Another Title Defense: Will Ospreay will defend his AEW International Championship against Ricochet. This match has been highlighted as part of the anniversary celebration.

Other Matches:
Hangman Adam Page is set to face Juice Robinson. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. will return for a match, although the opponent hasn't been specified in the latest updates provided, there was mention of her facing Serena Deeb in some fan discussions or reports.

Special Features: The episode is not just about the matches but also about celebrating five years of AEW Dynamite. Tony Khan, AEW's President, has teased a significant announcement which could potentially set the tone for the future of AEW. This adds an element of anticipation beyond the in-ring action.

Broadcast Details: The show will have a significant overrun, courtesy of TBS Network, indicating more content than the usual runtime, possibly to accommodate the extra matches or the celebration elements.

This anniversary episode is not just a showcase of wrestling talent but also a milestone for AEW, marking its growth and the journey it has had over the past five years. The inclusion of champion vs. champion matches underscores AEW's commitment to big matches on big nights, promising fans a memorable event to commemorate this occasion. (Grok)

News

Danielson vs. Okada: Title-for-Title Match

On the 5-year anniversary of AEW Dynamite, a significant wrestling event is scheduled for October 2, 2024, in Pittsburgh, PA, where Bryan Danielson, the AEW World Champion, will face Kazuchika Okada, holder of the AEW Continental Title. This match is unique as it features a title-for-title stipulation with a twist: the Continental Championship, which usually has a 20-minute time limit, will only be at stake for the first 20 minutes of the match. However, the World Championship, with its 60-minute time limit, will remain in contention for the entire duration. This setup has sparked varied reactions among wrestling fans, with some questioning the effectiveness of the stipulation, while others are excited about the potential of the match. The event is set to be a highlight of AEW Dynamite's milestone celebration, pitting two of wrestling's top talents against each other in what promises to be a memorable clash. (Grok)

News

Conor McGregor's Stroll on Emirates Pitch

Conor McGregor was spotted walking around the Emirates Stadium pitch following Arsenal's victory over PSG in the Champions League. Videos and photos showed McGregor enjoying himself, including interactions with Arsenal player Declan Rice. This appearance led to various reactions and discussions online, with many finding amusement in McGregor's post-match activities. Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a 2-0 win against PSG, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The match also marked the debut of Mikel Merino for Arsenal, who joined from Real Sociedad. Additionally, Thomas Partey was highlighted for his exceptional performance during the game. However, there were concerns about Jurrien Timber, who felt a muscular issue during the match, prompting Arsenal to manage his playing time carefully. (Grok)

Combat Sports News/Profile via Grok

Combat sports encompass a wide range of athletic competitions where the primary objective is to physically subdue an opponent. Here's a brief overview of some popular forms:

1. Boxing

Origin: Ancient Greece, but modern boxing is often associated with 18th-19th century England.

Rules: Competitors use only their fists, wearing gloves, and aim to score points by landing punches on the opponent's upper body or head. A fight can end by knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or points decision.

2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Origin: While various forms of mixed combat have existed historically, modern MMA was popularized through events like the UFC starting in the 1990s.

Rules: Allows a mix of striking and grappling techniques from various martial arts. Fighters can win by knockout, submission (tap out), judges' decision, or disqualification.

3. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Origin: Derived from judo in Brazil in the early 20th century, made famous by the Gracie family.

Rules: Emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds. Competitors aim to force a submission through joint locks or chokeholds. Points can also be scored for position control and takedowns.

4. Wrestling

Freestyle and Greco-Roman: Common in the Olympics, Greco-Roman restricts holds below the waist.

Professional Wrestling (Pro Wrestling): More entertainment-focused, with choreographed matches, high flying moves, and storylines.

5. Kickboxing

Origin: A group of stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching. It evolved from Karate, Muay Thai, and Western boxing.

Rules: Similar to boxing but includes kicks. Variants include allowing knee strikes and elbows (influenced by Muay Thai).

6. Muay Thai

Origin: Thailand, known as the "Art of Eight Limbs" because it uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.

Rules: Similar to kickboxing but with a heavier emphasis on clinching (a kind of standing grapple) and use of all eight points of contact.

7. Judo

Origin: Japan, developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century as a physical, mental, and moral pedagogy.

Rules: Based on throws (Nage-waza) and ground techniques (Katame-waza). The objective is to either throw or takedown an opponent to the ground, immobilize them, or force a submission through joint locks or strangles.

8. Karate

Origin: Okinawa, Japan, with influences from Chinese martial arts.

Styles: Many styles with different focuses, but generally emphasizes striking with punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques like knife-hands.

9. Taekwondo

Origin: Korea, developed in the 1940s and 1950s.
Rules: Known for its high, fast, and spinning kicks.

Competitors score points in Olympic Taekwondo for strikes to the torso or head.

10. Krav Maga

Origin: Israel, designed as a self-defense system for the Israel Defense Forces.

Rules: Not typically a sport, but some organizations hold competitions. Focuses on real-world scenarios, aiming to neutralize threats quickly and efficiently.

Each combat sport has its unique culture, training methods, and competitive environments, reflecting diverse historical, cultural, and practical contexts. If you're interested in any particular sport, each has its own set of governing bodies, leagues, and famous athletes or events that could be explored further! (Grok)

Combat Sports - Streaming vs PPV News

May 2024

World's leading MMA promotion UFC fully expects to offer a lot of value to any potential partner under the terms of a new broadcast rights deal once the promotion’s current ESPN contract wraps in 2025.

UFC may potentially reach new deal with ESPN

TKO Group Holdings president Mark Shapiro advised Monday that UFC has already outgrown the deal signed with ESPN six years ago.

“That’s where we want to be,” Shapiro said about ESPN during the JP Morgan Technology, Media and Communications conference on Monday. “We love the neighbors on ESPN, those that lead into us and those that lead out of us.

“Having said that, we have grown into a position where we are now under-monetized. That’s just a fact. Not when we did the deal. It was a record deal, very exciting, it was triple what we were getting at FOX. But we are now under-monetized, given the viewership, given the ratings, given the demos, and we look forward to having those conversations.”

Some in and around the industry believe the UFC is making plenty already from the range of revenue streams - buy they can also pursue more, and will likely get it, and the UFC is now one of the most beloved sporting brands globally.

UFC has an exclusive negotiating window with ESPN starting in January, but then the organization can commence entertaining offers from other potential parties.

Shapiro advised that before signing on with ESPN in 2018, UFC was actually very close to inking a b2b deal with Amazon as the massive conglomerate looked to expand its Prime Video streaming service prior to signing a $1 billion per year deal to land NFL’s Thursday Night Football package. Amazon eventually did business with ONE Championship.

He pointed out Amazon while covering how UFC figures to work with potential partners on the perfect package when it comes to its next broadcast rights deal starting in 2026.

“I think speaking for Dana [White] and Ari [Emanuel], I would tell you we’re going to be very flexible in the next negotiation, just like we were in this one,” Shapiro said. “We sold our pay-per-view rights after all those years with the UFC doing month-to-month pay-per-views through DirecTV and cable, we ultimately sold those rights to ESPN. Before that, we were in conversations to do that with Amazon. We ultimately went with ESPN, but we got pretty far down the road with Amazon.

“Now it’s an evolved landscape, as we’ve discussed. ESPN is on the verge of launching their own direct-to-consumer flagship. Peacock is trying increase their penetration. Paramount+ is using sports to increase their penetration. We’ve talked about Apple, Amazon, YouTube, a lot of healthy places for us to be. But we will be flexible so we are giving any prospective partner or current partner the best programming for the most ideal windows so that they can grow their base and retain their [subscriptions]. Very important.”

Shapiro advised that a future broadcast partner could potentially sandbag up enough capital to purchase not only the UFC’s television rights, but the entire PPV (pay-per-view) package.

Elaborating Shapiro suggested that could be something ESPN might want to explore as the network prepares to launch its own standalone streaming service in 2025.

“If I, for example, was launching direct-to-consumer flagship ESPN, I might think about just buying out the pay-per-view and putting it right on that flagship channel,” Shapiro said. “Like you can only get it, just like ESPN+, if you have flagship.

“If you’re trying to launch ESPN flagship and whatever they might call it, that’s the working title, and you’re trying to charge $29, $39.99, whatever it might be, what better than to have a monthly quote-unquote pay-per-view that sits exclusive to that platform. Now, we haven’t had those conversations with ESPN, but that’s just an example of the kind of flexibility that we’re going to bring to the conversations.”

What that means is a potential broadcast partner like ESPN would pay UFC a substantial amount of money and then possibly put pay-per-view events like the upcoming UFC 302 card or Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 303 on a streaming service, where consumers paying a monthly subscription fee would already have access to the card without forking over an additional $79.99 (the current cost for a UFC pay-per-view).

That’s what Netflix did with the upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which streams live for all subscribers without living behind any other paywall.

Under UFC’s current deal, ESPN serves as the exclusive provider for pay-per-view broadcasts, but viewers have to fork out again for the ESPN+ streaming service and then an additional fee to watch premium cards like UFC 302 or UFC 303.

Shapiro confirms that those discussions haven’t happened at ESPN just yet, but it’s obvious that UFC appears open to any and all offers — if the price is right.

“We know we have A-list programming,” Shapiro said. “We know we have premium content. We know we have a volume of premium content. We have enough that will fit many pipes without becoming tonnage. When I look at some other sports, and I’ll leave some brands out, some of them have a really strong postseason, but the regular season, there’s just too much there and it just becomes white noise. We don’t suffer from that. We’re premium content in the regular season, if you will, and we’re double premium, if you will, when you get to those pay-per-views or those premium live events. That’s a good place to be.

“At the same time, we want to be accommodating because it has to both ways. We need these platforms to grow our audience, to grow our brand, to grow our followers globally. They need us for acquisition and retention and price hikes. It should be a very healthy marriage.”

(Sources: ESPN, MMA, Wires, TKO Group, JP Morgan Conference/PR/Wires, AI News Editor)

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Endeavor

UFC

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How UFC Got Social Media Right; WWE taking the fight online via social media and people power

Future of Fights Sports May Largely Be In Studios

Sports Tourism Business

Multimedia

Gracie Barra: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Profiles

Combat Sports Sports

UFC news update

UFC.com

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Combat Sports

Jake Paul vs Andrew Tate?! Hype or Legit Chance?

Potential Dream Match; Potential Nightmare For One Fighter?

Jake Paul vs Andrew Tate. Would you buy a ticket or purchase the Pay-Per-View? That's what we thought...

The thought of some such a match has been trending on X and numerous social media channels for a number of days now.

Former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson has joined the online based conversation on a potential fight between the two.

"Andrew Tate has won world championships in kickboxing, fought the baddest of the baddest. Jake Paul is hand-picking pizza boys in boxing. There's a huge difference." [Happy Punch]

Jake Paul Tweets on X re a potential re-match with Tommy Fury

"Had a call with Tommy and his dad John about a month ago. It was clear their main concern was money and not about actually getting the fight done. After offering him the largest guarantee on the biggest stage he’d ever receive they have gone silent. I smell fear. Real fighting man would jump at the chance to make his biggest payday ever and actually live up to his claim that he’s going to KO me."

More News...

An increasing amount of insiders and media have been taking a closer look at Paul's betting company and a number of his fights basically asking the question re has any "rigging" been happening. It's common knowlege that the integrity of boxing has a patch record and there are too many examples to list here.

Jake Paul's brother Logan Paul has embraced the sports entertainment genre known as professional wrestling and is the current WWE U.S champion. LP may find himself against either Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley or Grayson Waller in a WWE ring in the near future. LP has also recently been trending on X in relation to the South Park Studios edition of SouthPark where "Credd" (parody of Prime ) is featured. "The Maverick has also been spotting having a number of MMA training sessions with signed UFC fighters including UFC middleweight champ Volk! Logan Paul is a hot fav to defend his U.S Title in Perth, WA, Australia on the WWE Elimation Chamber card on February 24, 2024. In pro wrestling the danger is very real and LP has been making noices about "high flying" and the cage. That's a very different and maverick kind animal to the KO punch. Love them of hate them, or elements of both - these Paul boys ain't going away anytime soon. As pro wrestling living legend and ultra LP fan Ric Flair sometimes says, "Learn to love it 'cause its the best thing going today. Woooooo!"

Cheers with Prime to the boxing, MMA, pro wrestling and pop culture connection. Fans for the win!

Video

Endeavor-UFC deal is the next evolution of WWE, says Vince McMahon (CNBC Television YouTube)

Tag team deal: WWE to merge with UFC (CNBC Television YouTube)

Endeavor to merge UFC with WWE in $21 billion deal (CNBC Television YouTube)

WWE in talks to sell to UFC parent Endeavor (CNBC Teleivion YouTube)

ENDEAVOR ANNOUNCES UFC AND WWE TO FORM A $21+ BILLION GLOBAL LIVE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY (UFC.com)

UFC in shock $13.5 billion takeover of WWE to create combat sport juggernaut (FOX Sports)

News Next UFC fighter to WWE - April 2023

Derrick Lewis +400, Tai Tuivasa +500, Molly McCann +600, Paddy Pimblett +700, Conor McGregor +900, Dustin Poirier +1000,nKamara Usman, +1000, Amanda Nunes + 1400, Khamzat Chimaev +1400, Holly Holm +2000, Jamahal Hill +2000, Jones +2000

Boxing/Combat Sports/Wrestling PPV (Pay-Per-View)

Logan Paul @LoganPaul and KSI @KSI will fight on the same card together. The rivals-turned-Prime business partners will headline a DAZN pay-per-view card on October 14 in Manchester. KSI via Instagram: The PRIME card is here! "We will both fight on the same night for the first time since our rematch in 2019, live on DAZN @DAZNBoxing PPV. Opponents will be announced soon."

Mams Taylor, KSI's manager, commented: "The most epic card in history incoming. Guaranteed!" KSI, 30, drew with Paul, 28, in 2018 before winning the rematch a year later by split-decision when they turned pro.

Paul is also signed to the world's largest/leading pro wrestling promotion, the WWE @WWE and has been able to showcase his energy drink Prime @PrimeHydrate a number of times as part of his pro wrestling/sports entertainment deal.

The WWE used to have PPV (Pay-Per-View) events but over the past few years migrated over to a PLE (Premium Live Event) and streaming service model, originally the WWE Network @WWENetwork , before many countries got the service and the former PPV's via a local media company. In Australia for example what was previously WWE Network content moved over to Binge @binge . Are you following us still?!

Streaming service lingo also included OTT (Over the top), the service - not the movies and docos of the same name. Media Man wishes Paul, KSI and their boxing squad well in their upcoming bouts.

The Media Man Group is currently increasing its streaming, PPV and combat sports coverage as the industry continues to be disrupted, with modest zine media firms such as MMA also doing some of the disrupting! As Aussie MMA (UFC @ufc ) living legend Volk told us during the week via a live mic, "what an exciting time"..(to be in the UFC), but the statement also holds much truth for the overall state of fighting sports as each fight promotion continues to carve our their own niche. The gloves are just about off in the world of fight promotions, but rivals still show respect for competing outfits, as well they might, as fighters are known to change "mobs" and promoters from time to time. Logan Paul (and his brother Jake Paul), as well as KSI, remain well placed to cash in on the ongoing battles in and out of the ring.

Paul has also had a recent back and forward with Aussie grappler Grayson Waller @GraysonWWE ..but now it appears they are more mates than rivals. 'The Rock's @TheRock name also gets dropped on the Paul podcasts from time to time. These Paul's are heat and headline generators. Part of the name of the game, and they know it! It's a Win-Win-Win as society shows little in the way of loosing their primal instinct for a good old fashioned fight (with a dash of social media on top to boot).

News

WWE Night Of Champions Reportedly Earned Highest Viewership Of Any Saudi Arabia Show - 31st May 2023

According to a report from Fightful Select, Saturday's Night of Champions PLE scored WWE the highest viewership out of any of the company's Saudi Arabia events since the partnership between the two began in 2013. The report states that Night of Champions brought in an 18% increase in viewership compared to last year's Crown Jewel event, and the company is reportedly quite happy with its holiday weekend results.

Night of Champions was headlined by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn successfully defending the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline, with a major angle taking place on the show that saw The Usos turn on Reigns after more than a year of build-up and tension.This marks the second time a tag team match has served as the main event of a major WWE show in recent months. Additional matches on the show included Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles to decide the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion, a singles match between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus, and a Backlash rematch pitting Brock Lesnar against Cody Rhodes, among others.

To date, WWE has held nine PPVs and PLEs in Saudi Arabia, along with three house shows. Back in 2019, WWE announced that they had "expanded their partnership" with Saudi Arabia, and that they would be hosting two major events per year in the Middle Eastern nation through at least 2027. Though it hasn't been announced yet, WWE will likely return to Saudi Arabia for another Crown Jewel event later this year.

News

Pat McAfee Comments On Empty Seats At AEW Double Or Nothing - 31st May 2023

All Elite Wrestling's Double or Nothing pay-per-view took place this past weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the event, Wrestlenomics' Brandon Thurston tweeted images of empty seats inside the venue. Wrestling Observer's Bryan Alvarez also posted a photo from his ringside position, which showed many unoccupied places behind Orange Cassidy after he retained the AEW International Championship in a Blackjack Battle Royal. Former "WWE SmackDown" commentator Pat McAfee has weighed in with his thoughts.

"Anytime you get a shot away from hard cam, you know what I mean, you can really see a lot of things," McAfee said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "AEW found out this weekend or whatever at one of their events, it's like three quarters of an arena completely empty. They don't want that photo out anywhere."

Ahead of the pay-per-view going live on Sunday night, WrestleTix revealed 10,229 tickets had been distributed for an 11,641 setup inside the T-Mobile Arena, leaving 1,412 tickets available. An Anarchy in the Arena match headlined the show, with Blackpool Combat Club's Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley, reigning ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta picking up the win in that bout against The Elite's Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, and "Hangman" Adam Page.

AEW's next major standalone show, All In, which will take place on August 27 at Wembley Stadium in London, England, has currently sold over 65,000 tickets and has a gate of over $8 million. No matches have been announced for AEW's first event across the pond as of this writing. Ticket sales for All In have slowed following an initial surge.

News

WWE-UFC merged company to be called ‘TKO Group Holdings’ - 16th May 2023

A name has emerged for the group.

Coming out of WrestleMania, it was announced by Endeavor that an agreement had been reached with WWE and the company would be merging with UFC to form a new sports and entertainment company.

The deal has not been formally finalized but a name for the merged group has been revealed. CNBC’s Alex Sherman and Mike Calia published a story and an Endeavor spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the new group is going to be called ‘TKO Group Holdings’.

It will trade under the New York Stock Exchange as ‘TKO’.

The merger between WWE and UFC is being valued at $20 billion. Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel will be the CEO of TKO Group and Vince McMahon is going to serve as Executive Chairman.

News

Nick Khan Says WWE In Talks With International Cities For 2024 PLEs

It sounds as though WWE will continue expanding its PLEs into international markets next year. Speaking at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media & Communications Conference, WWE CEO Nick Khan stated that the company was discussing the potential for additional overseas shows in 2024.

"We're in conversations now with a lot of international cities about doing 2024 shows there," Khan said. "Also, part of the intent is to match those up with our media rights, even if they're not up to over-deliver for incumbent partners who can then invite their partners in the international city to the event, and host them. It's good for our overall business." Khan's comments came as part of a conversation about countries offering subsidies to WWE for bringing shows there, as the company brings a great deal of revenue to the city for major events. Khan cited recent events in Puerto Rico as well as the Dallas, Texas area as examples.

Previous rumors pointed toward Australia as a potential location for a future international WWE PLE. However, it's unknown if negotiations with the country have progressed in the months since.

WWE has steadily ramped up its major international shows over the last five years, with the company holding several yearly events in Saudi Arabia, as well as last year's Clash at the Castle and the upcoming Money in the Bank both being held in the United Kingdom. It seems fans around the world should stay on the lookout for upcoming announcements regarding WWE's international schedule in 2024.

News

“We Let People Go”: Months After $21.4 Billion UFC-WWE Deal, Endeavor CEO Recalls “Horrible” Time for Organization - 2nd June 2023

The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges for individuals and organizations alike, and the UFC was no exception. The promotional frontman Dana White has reflected on those uncertain times and shared the struggles the organization faced in keeping things going. Despite the pandemic, White was determined to keep the show running and provide entertainment for fight fans worldwide. While the rest of the world was shut down, the UFC managed to organize consistent events, albeit on a smaller scale. However, this arduous journey was not without its fair share of hardships.

Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC and William Morris Endeavor talent agency, revealed the significant challenges they encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though Endeavor recently secured a massive $21.4 billion deal to acquire the WWE, during the COVID-19 days, the company found itself at rock bottom struggling to stay afloat.

When Covid-19 posed a threat to the UFC

In an interview on the “Freakonomics Radio” podcast, Emanuel shared how the pandemic affected the company financially. During the interview, podcast host Stephen Dubner asked Emanuel, “Did you think COVID might kill Endeavor?”. Reflecting on this, the 62-year-old CEO replied, “It was bad,” He continued, “I’d never had to fire that many people.”

Emanuel mentioned that the continuation of UFC fights during the pandemic played a crucial role in saving the company, accounting for approximately 70% of their revenue that year. Further talking about the struggles to keep the organization alive during the pandemic, the Endeavor CEO stated, “We had our ESPN deal. We then started making deals for writers. So we stored all the cash. We didn’t let anything out. We let people go, which was horrible, or furloughed them.”

Through the storm, Endeavor’s leadership team, led by Emanuel, proved to be the lighthouse that guided them to safer shores. The UFC’s resilience and the implementation of innovative strategies, such as the ‘Fight Island’ events, not only salvaged the company but also became a beacon of hope for other professional sports leagues.

News

“Very, Very Easy for Jon Jones”: Ex-UFC Star Ruthlessly Shuts Down Tyson Fury Days After Boxer’s Callout of UFC Champ in Ugly Public Feud - 1st June 2023

The claim made by Joe Rogan that Tyson Fury would stand no chance against Jon Jones has sparked an intense and never-ending debate. Recently, another prominent figure from the UFC, the world of mixed martial arts, has jumped into this heated discussion. However, ‘The Gypsy King’ himself strongly opposed the take of the UFC commentator and didn’t hold back in expressing his views. In fact, he went as far as bashing Rogan and proudly proclaimed himself to be ‘the baddest man on the planet’.

As the back and forth continued between Fury and Rogan, UFC president Dana White has stepped in, proposing a potential fight between Fury and Jones. However, the WBC heavyweight champion firmly refused to step into the octagon, dismissing the idea altogether. This decision faced an immediate backlash from fans who had eagerly anticipated the materialization of this debate inside the fighting arena.

Despite the disappointment felt by fans, it becomes evident that the 34-year-old boxer has no intention of venturing into the octagon. On the contrary, a former UFC welterweight challenger believes that Fury would fare well in the realm of mixed martial arts. However, he warns that there may be unforeseen challenges along the way.

Tyson Fury will have a Jon Jones threat in MMA

During a recent interview, the former UFC fighter Dan Hardy shared his reflections on the latest happenings in the combat sports world, ranging from boxing to MMA. However, it was the Tyson Fury-Jon Jones debate that took center stage.

The 41-year-old Hardy began by heaping praise on ‘The Gypsy King’ for his potential in MMA, stating, “Tyson Fury doesn’t come from a boxing background. He comes from a fighting man background. Tyson Fury sees himself as a fighter first that boxes, and I think he looks at mixed martial arts and sees lots of ways he can capitalize on the changing of the rules.”

Continuing his analysis, Hardy mentioned Fury’s collaboration with Tom Aspinall and how he has showcased proficient elbows and knees in the videos shared with him. ‘The Outlaw’ confidently stated, “I feel like Tyson Fury would be really good if he crossed over to mixed martial arts. Of course, there’d be a lot for him to learn. The main issue would be, he’d be very, very easy for Jon Jones to take down. And I think that’s something that Tyson has not experienced and has not and has not really quite comprehended.”

Meanwhile, Jon Jones recently made a strong statement in his heavyweight debut, securing a first-round victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 after returning from a three-year-long hiatus.

This certainly explains Dan Hardy’s warning to Tyson Fury. How do you think ‘The Gypsy King’ would fare in MMA?

PPV (Wikipedia)

WrestleMania is the traditional showcase PPV event from the WWE (Credit: WWE)

WWE: Shows

WWE Night Of Champions WWE Money In The Bank

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WWE Night Of Champions Reportedly Earned Highest Viewership Of Any Saudi Arabia Show - 31st May 2023

Profiles

PPV

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Biggest PPV Fights

The Top Ten PPV Buys In UFC History

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Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman

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AEW and NJPW Announce First-Ever Joint Pay-Per-View Event,“AEW x NJPW: FORBIDDEN DOOR”

-- Live from the United Center in Chicago on Sunday, June 26, this landmark PPV represents the next step in professional wrestling’s revolution --

April 20, 2022 -- Moments ago on AEW: Dynamite live on TBS, the hinges were fully ripped off the Forbidden Door, as it was announced that AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling will present their first ever joint pay-per-view special this summer. “AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door” will take place live on Sunday, June 26, at the United Center in Chicago, featuring marquee matchups between members of AEW and NJPW’s world-class rosters.

Tickets for the historic PPV event go on sale on Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT at AEWTix.com and Ticketmaster.com. Fans in the United States and Canada can watch the PPV via purchase on the Bleacher Report app or via their local Cable or Satellite provider. The program will be available with both English and Spanish commentary. The PPV will be available in international markets on FITE.tv. Fans in Japan can watch on iPPV on NJPWWorld.com with live Japanese commentary.

“As the world continues to reopen, I’m making sure the Forbidden Door follows suit and we can finally give fans the dream events they’ve always imagined,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “The United Center was home to one of AEW’s biggest events of all time, The First Dance, where CM Punk made his return to wrestling after a seven-year hiatus. This summer, fans of AEW and NJPW can expect the unexpected during this extraordinary, first-of-its-kind pay-per-view between our two incredible companies.”

“As we have done for more than 50 years, the power of pro-wrestling can energize people by fulfilling their dreams,” said Takami Ohbari, President of NJPW. “Now, it’s quite an important mission for us, the pro-wrestling industry as a whole. We are not only opening this door. We will show you NJPW’s genuine Strong-Style beyond the Forbidden door.”

This announcement furthers the opening of the Forbidden Door, coming just over a month after Tony Khan announced that he agreed to acquire the assets of Ring of Honor, and less than three weeks after he produced the ROH Supercard of Honor pay-per-view in Dallas, featuring a number of major title changes and ROH alumni appearances including Samoa Joe, The Young Bucks, Wheeler Yuta, Jay Lethal, Lee Moriarty, Matt Sydal, Sonjay Dutt and Mercedes Martinez.

About AEW

Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan, AEW is a new professional wrestling league headlined by Hangman Page, Thunder Rosa, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson), Adam Cole, Sting, Jon Moxley, Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Jade Cargill, Dr. Britt Baker, Scorpio Sky, Sammy Guevara, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Miro, Lucha Bros., PAC, MJF, Darby Allin, Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, Ruby Soho, Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida, Malakai Black, Andrade El Idolo, Christian Cage, Eddie Kingston, Ethan Page, Orange Cassidy, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, Lance Archer, Keith Lee and many more. For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a roster of world-class talent that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry.

“AEW: Dynamite” airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TBS and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television. The fight-forward show “AEW: Rampage” airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET on TNT. AEW’s multi-platform content also includes “AEW Dark” and “AEW Dark: Elevation,” two weekly professional wrestling YouTube series, “Being the Elite,” a weekly behind-the-scenes YouTube series, and “AEW Unrestricted,” a weekly podcast series. For more info, check out Twitter.com/AEW; Instagram.com/AllEliteWrestling; YouTube.com/AEW; Facebook.com/AllEliteWrestling

About New Japan Pro Wrestling

Founded in 1972, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is the world’s premier professional wrestling organization. Proudly carrying the branding of ‘King of Sports’, stars like Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Will Ospreay, Jay White and more bring fans worldwide the absolute best in-ring action worldwide.

With a 50 year legacy stretching from Antonio Inoki through Tiger Mask and Jyushin Thunder Liger to Kazuchika Okada, NJPW is renowned for its Strong Style influence on the pro-wrestling landscape. Based in Tokyo, NJPW operates its U.S. business from Los Angeles, California.

(All Elite Wrestling)

ENDEAVOR ANNOUNCES UFC® AND WWE® TO FORM A $21+ BILLION GLOBAL LIVE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
April 3, 2023

New, Publicly Listed Company to be 51% Owned by Endeavor and 49% by Existing WWE Shareholders

Endeavor to Contribute UFC into Company at Enterprise Value of $12.1 Billion

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. and STAMFORD, Conn. (April 3, 2023) – Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) (“Endeavor”) and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) (“WWE”) today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to form a new, publicly listed company consisting of two iconic, complementary, global sports and entertainment brands: UFC and WWE. Upon close, Endeavor will hold a 51% controlling interest in the new company and existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49% interest in the new company.

Together, UFC and WWE will have global reach, impressive scale and omnichannel distribution. On a combined 2022 fiscal year-end basis, UFC and WWE achieved revenue of $2.4 billion and a 10% annual revenue growth rate since 2019.

“This is a rare opportunity to create a global live sports and entertainment pureplay built for where the industry is headed,” said Ariel Emanuel, CEO of Endeavor. “For decades, Vince and his team have demonstrated an incredible track record of innovation and shareholder value creation, and we are confident that Endeavor can deliver significant additional value for shareholders by bringing UFC and WWE together.”

“Given the incredible work that Ari and Endeavor have done to grow the UFC brand – nearly doubling its revenue over the past seven years – and the immense success we’ve already had in partnering with their team on a number of ventures, I believe that this is without a doubt the best outcome for our shareholders and other stakeholders,” said Vincent K. McMahon, Executive Chairman of WWE.

McMahon continued, “Together, we will be a $21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse with a collective fanbase of more than a billion people and an exciting growth opportunity. The new company will be well positioned to maximize the value of our combined media rights, enhance sponsorship monetization, develop new forms of content and pursue other strategic mergers and acquisitions to further bolster our strong stable of brands. I, along with the current WWE management team, look forward to working closely with Ari and the Endeavor and UFC teams to take the businesses to the next level.”

The new company will be led by Emanuel (Chief Executive Officer), who will also continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer of Endeavor, McMahon (Executive Chairman of the Board) and Mark Shapiro, who will be President and Chief Operating Officer of both Endeavor and the new company. Dana White will continue in his role as President of UFC and Nick Khan will serve as President of WWE. The Board of Directors will consist of 11 members who will be appointed at a later date, six of whom will be appointed by Endeavor and five of whom by WWE.

Together, UFC and WWE expect to deliver an estimated $50 million to $100 million in annualized run rate cost synergies by leveraging, among other things, Endeavor’s back office and robust infrastructure. Endeavor also expects significant growth across revenue areas including domestic and international media rights, ticket sales and yield optimization, event operations, sponsorship, licensing and premium hospitality. Endeavor’s success at UFC, including increasing commercial opportunities that have driven more than 2x Adjusted EBITDA growth since its acquisition in late 2016, demonstrates the significant value creation opportunity and upside potential of having UFC and WWE under one roof.

Transaction Details and Approvals

The transaction values UFC at an enterprise value of $12.1 billion and WWE at an enterprise value of $9.3 billion. The transaction represents a contribution price of WWE of approximately $106 per share (before any post-closing dividend). Additionally, UFC and WWE will each contribute cash to the new company so that it holds approximately $150 million. At closing, Endeavor intends to sweep all excess cash at UFC, and shareholders of the new company (other than Endeavor) are expected to receive a post-closing dividend.

Under the terms of the transaction, existing WWE shareholders will roll all existing equity into the new entity that will be the parent company of UFC and WWE (“NewCo” until it is named at a later date) and intends to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TKO”. The listing of NewCo will expand the collective investor base to allow for broad market participation across Endeavor and NewCo.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Endeavor and by the Board of Directors of WWE. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2023.

This marks the successful conclusion of WWE’s strategic alternatives review process. WWE embarked on this process to take advantage of the company’s unique position in the entertainment ecosystem as well as the inflection point coming with its media rights renewals, both of which were widely recognized in the marketplace through this process.

Advisors

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to Endeavor, and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Endeavor. The Raine Group is acting as lead financial advisor to WWE. J.P. Morgan and Moelis & Company LLC are also acting as financial advisors to WWE. The Raine Group, J.P. Morgan, and Moelis & Company LLC each rendered fairness opinions to the Board of Directors of WWE. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal advisor to WWE, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to WWE’s controlling stockholder, McMahon.

Webcast

Endeavor and WWE will make public a recorded audio webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET today discussing this transaction. The event and accompanying presentation materials can be accessed at investor.endeavorco.com or corporate.wwe.com/investors. The link to the webcast, as well as a recording, will also be available on those websites after the call concludes.

# # #

About Endeavor

Endeavor is a global sports and entertainment company, home to many of the world’s most dynamic and engaging storytellers, brands, live events and experiences. The company is comprised of industry leaders including entertainment agency WME; sports, fashion, events and media company IMG; and premier mixed martial arts organization UFC. The Endeavor network specializes in talent representation, sports operations & advisory, event & experiences management, media production & distribution, experiential marketing and brand licensing.

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 228 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is owned by global sports and entertainment company Endeavor, and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok: @UFC.

About WWE®

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The Company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX Sports, BT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in more than 180 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network. Additional information on WWE can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains, and oral statements made from time to time by our representatives may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements regarding the potential transaction between Endeavor and WWE, including statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the potential transaction, the ability to complete the potential transaction, expected synergies, impacts and benefits of the potential transaction, projected financial information, future opportunities, expected cash distributions and other statements regarding NewCo’s and WWE’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, or future events or performance. Statements that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the expected market opportunity, growth, financial performance, realizable synergies and closing of the transaction. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this communication may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “outlook,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this communication are only predictions. Endeavor and WWE management have based these forward-looking statements largely on their current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that management believes may affect its business, financial condition and results of operations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from what is expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the transaction will not be consummated; there may be difficulties with the integration and in realizing the expected benefits of the transaction; Endeavor and WWE may need to use resources that are needed in other parts of its business to do so; there may be liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time; the transaction may result in the diversion of management’s time and attention to issues relating to the transaction and integration; expected synergies and operating efficiencies attributable to the transaction may not be achieved within its expected time-frames or at all; there may be significant transaction costs and integration costs in connection with the transaction; the possibility that neither WWE nor Endeavor will have sufficient cash at close to distribute to shareholders (or that the amount of cash available for distribution will be less than what the parties expect); unfavorable outcome of legal proceedings that may be instituted against WWE and Endeavor following the announcement of the transaction; and risks inherent to the business may result in additional strategic and operational risks, which may impact Endeavor’s, NewCo’s and WWE’s risk profiles, which each company may not be able to mitigate effectively. In addition, a number of important factors could cause Endeavor’s or NewCo’s actual future results and other future circumstances to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements, including but not limited to those important factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in Endeavor’s or WWE’s respective Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, as any such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, Endeavor’s investor relations site at investor.endeavorco.com and WWE’s investor relations site at https://corporate.wwe.com/. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, except as may be required under applicable law, neither Endeavor nor WWE undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Important Information For Investors And Stockholders

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any issuance or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In connection with the transaction, NewCo expects to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which will include an information statement of WWE and a preliminary prospectus of NewCo. After the registration statement is declared effective, WWE will mail to its stockholders a definitive information statement that will form part of the registration statement on Form S-4. This communication is not a substitute for the information statement/prospectus or registration statement or for any other document that WWE may file with the SEC and send to its stockholders in connection with the transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF WWE ARE URGED TO READ THE INFORMATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the information statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by WWE through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by WWE will be available free of charge on WWE’s website at https://corporate.wwe.com/.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to the financials presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), this press release includes certain non-GAAP financial information. Non-GAAP metrics have limitations as analytical tools and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for or superior to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP metrics versus their nearest GAAP equivalents. Other companies, including those in Endeavor’s and WWE’s industry, may calculate non-GAAP metrics differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of the non-GAAP metrics used in this press release as tools for comparison. Endeavor and WWE urge you to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company and its business. See the presentation available on Endeavor’s investor relations site at investor.endeavorco.com and WWE’s investor relations site at https://corporate.wwe.com for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures.

‘Powerhouse’: WWE, UFC merge to create $21b sporting giant

April 4, 2023

WWE is saying goodbye to existing as a family-run business as it joins with the company that runs Ultimate Fighting Championship to create a $US21.4 billion ($31 billion) sports entertainment company.

The deal announced between Endeavor and World Wrestling Entertainment, on the heels of its biggest event of the year, catapults WWE into a new era after spending decades under the control of the McMahon family.

Vince McMahon purchased Capitol Wrestling from his father in 1982, and took the regional wrestling business to a national audience with stars such as Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The company, which changed its name to World Wrestling Federation and later World Wrestling Entertainment, hosted its first WrestleMania in 1985.

McMahon, in an interview with CNBC, addressed doubts among some WWE fans and industry experts that he would ever make a deal for the business. “It’s the right time to do the right thing. And it’s the next evolution of WWE,” he said.

In a presentation after the deal was announced, the WWE and Endeavor said that they will cross-promote to drive brand awareness and deepen penetration of their overlapping fan base, more than 700 million UFC fans and 1.2 billion WWE fans worldwide.

Ties already exist talent-wise between WWE and UFC, with stars such as Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey crossing over between the two organisations.

A new publicly traded company will house the UFC and WWE brands, with Endeavor Group Holdings taking a 51 per cent controlling interest in the new company. Existing WWE shareholders will hold a 49 per cent stake.

The companies put the enterprise value of UFC at $US12.1 billion and WWE’s value at $US9.3 billion.

The new business, which does not yet have a name, will be led by Endeavor chief executive officer Ari Emanuel. McMahon, executive chairman at WWE, will serve in the same role at the new company. Dana White will continue as president of UFC and Nick Khan will be president at WWE.

“Together, we will be a $US21+ billion live sports and entertainment powerhouse with a collective fanbase of more than a billion people and an exciting growth opportunity,” McMahon said in a prepared statement.

He also provided some idea of where the focus of the new company will be, saying that it will look to maximise the value of combined media rights, enhance sponsorship monetisation, develop new forms of content and pursue other strategic mergers and acquisitions to further bolster their brands.

Confirmation that WWE is being sold comes after McMahon, a majority shareholder of WWE, returned to the company in January and said that it could be on the block with viewership continuing to rise.

Rumours swirled about who would possibly be interested in buying WWE, with Endeavor, Disney, Fox, Comcast, Amazon and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund all in the mix.

McMahon said on CNBC that there were several buyers interested in WWE, but that combining with Endeavor is the right move.

“It makes all the sense in the world for all these synergies that we have to extract all of the value that we can out of the marketplace,” he explained.

Media industry analysts viewed WWE as an attractive target given its global reach and loyal fanbase.

The company held its marquee event, WrestleMania, over the weekend. The two-day spectacular, held at SoFi Stadium in California, topped the existing global viewership record by 28 per cent on the first night. On the second night, it beat the existing global viewership record by 33 per cent. Merchandise sales for WrestleMania 39 climbed 20 per cent from a year earlier. Last year, WWE booked revenue of $US1.3 billion.

The company is also a social media powerhouse. It surpassed 16 billion social video views in the final quarter of last year. It has nearly 94 million YouTube subscribers and more than 20 million followers on TikTok. Its female wrestlers comprise five out of the top 15 most followed female athletes in the world, across Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, led by Rousey with 36.1 million followers.

WWE had more than 7.5 billion digital and social media views in January and February of this year, up 15 per cent from the same time frame a year ago. And WrestleMania 39 had more than 500 million views and 11 million hours of video consumed over the two days of the event, a 42 per cent increase over last year.

The new company plans to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the “TKO” ticker symbol. Its board will have 11 members, with six being appointed by Endeavor and five being appointed by WWE.

“We like the assets of UFC and also WWE in a world where linear TV is losing market share to streaming, thus live sport content is in high demand,” wrote Jeffries analyst Randal Konik said in a note to clients.

The transaction, which was approved by the boards of Endeavor and WWE, is targeted to close in the second half of the year. It still needs regulatory approval.

Shares of World Wrestling Entertainment, based in Stamford, Connecticut, are up 33 per cent this year, but fell nearly 4 per cent in Monday afternoon trading. Shares of Endeavor, based in Beverly Hills, California, slipped more than 7 per cent.

(AP)

UFC Returns To Australia For UFC 284 in Perth, Western Australia on Feb 12, 2023

WWE elevates Paul "Triple H" Levesque to Chief Content Officer

WWE: Roman Reigns remains in number one position in global pro wrestling aka sports entertainment business

NJPW launches new TAMASHII brand with the best of Japan, Australasia

One Championship declares it will ‘swallow up’ UFC as battle for MMA supremacy intensifies - 20th May 2018

WWE Considering Making An Acquisition In Boxing, Says Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon - 7th December 2022
(Boxing Scene)

Whether it was Muhammad Ali refereeing the main event of Wrestlemania I, Mike Tyson feuding with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Floyd Mayweather Jr. breaking The Big Show’s nose, or more recently, Tyson Fury campaigning in the WWE, boxers have long had a history of making cameos in professional wrestling.

There is now intent and desire from World Wrestling Entertainment to officially plant a flag and deepen its presence in boxing.

WWE Co-CEO Stephanie McMahon recently stated that one of the potential areas for growth for the company is mergers and acquisitions.

During the sixth annual Wells Fargo TMT Summit in Las Vegas on Nov. 30, Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall asked McMahon to elaborate and provide color on what those future acquisition plans could look like for the WWE.

“Just to give some examples of what I meant by that, [an acquisition] has to align with our core capabilities, right, so whether that’s smaller wrestling promotions, say, internationally. Or it’s another bigger opportunity around a business that is, you know, kind of all over the place like boxing. Who's the lineal champion? Who's the WBC champion? Who's the this — it's kind of it's all over the place. That’s where professional wrestling was some 40 years ago. My father, Vince McMahon, who was the Chairman and CEO, obviously, had the opportunity to roll up all of those different territories and create one major brand in WWE that has now gone from a regional, territorial, content play to a global media franchise. And how can we then replicate that in other areas, with boxing being an idea of one of them.”

McMahon didn’t elaborate any further, or specifically on what kind of a player WWE would be in boxing’s fragmented and often fractured ecosystem.

The McMahon family has a deep history in boxing. Jess McMahon, Vince's grandfather, was a boxing promoter in the early 20th century.

WWE Co-CEO Nick Khan has a deep background and passion for boxing. In 2017, then a top agent for CAA, Khan was instrumental in brokering the megadeal that brought Top Rank Boxing exclusively to ESPN.

Stephanie McMahon is also married to former wrestler and current WWE chief content officer Paul Levesque (Triple H).

Levesque was a mainstay in Mayweather’s circle during the Hall of Fame boxer’s illustrious career, frequently joining Mayweather during fight weeks as well as his ring walks.

Throughout the last few decades, other boxers have made appearances in the wrestling ring, including Evander Holyfield, Buster Douglas, and “Butterbean” Eric Esch, among others.

(Boxing Scene)

Combat Sports Report - October 2022

By Greg Tingle

What a huge few weeks for the combat sports world including pro wrestling aka sports entertainment, martial arts and boxing. Promotions who made national and international news included WWE (Foxtel Media Group), ONE Championship (beIN Media), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (New Zealand and Australia tour next month), UFC (IRL social platform deal), All Elite Wrestling (press conference, talent shake-ups, new ROH Champion, Chris Jericho), and much more. LinkedIn and YouTube are currently our social media channels to follow the action, and Binge Australia, WWE Network, Tubi and Amazon Prime Video have been helping keep us up to speed, along with the official websites of course, and occasional news leaks! Promoter Of The Month: Triple H. Promotion Of The Month: WWE

Champions

UFC (Men)

Heavyweight: Francis Ngannou
Light Heavyweight: Vacant
Middleweight: Alex Pereira
Welterweight: Leon Edwards
Lightweight: Islam Makachev
Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski
Bantamweight: Aljamain Sterling
Flyweight: Deiveson Figueiredo

UFC (Women)

Featherweight: Amanda Nunes
Bantamweight: Amanda Nunes
Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko
Strawweight: Zhang Weili

Bellator (Men)

Heavyweight: Ryan Bader
Light Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov
Middleweight: Johnny Eblen
Welterweight: Yaroslav Amosov; (Interim): Logan Storely
Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov
Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull
Bantamweight: Sergio Pettis; (Interim): Raufeon Stots

Bellator (Women)

Featherweight: Cris Cyborg
Flyweight: Liz Carmouche

ONE Championship (Men)

Heavyweight: Arjan Bhullar
Light heavyweight: Anatoly Malykhin
Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder
Welterweight: Christian Lee
Lightweight: Christian Lee
Featherweight: Tang Kai
Bantamweight: Vacant
Flyweight: Demetrious Johnson
Strawweight: Joshua Pacio

ONE Championship (Women)

Strawweight: Xiong Jing Nan
Atomweight: Angela Lee

Women of wrestling: Stamina, strength and the ability to lift a human over your head

Broken Skull Sessions wins Media Man 'Wrestling Podcast Of The Month' award again

Wrestling News

CM Punk, Swerve in Our Glory, Toni Storm & Chris Jericho Comment | AEW All Out Media Scrum | 9/4/22

Wrestler interviews via Media Man Int and Media Man Australia

How UFC Got Social Media Right; WWE taking the fight online via social media and people power

The Big Chief With The Big Heart (Credit: The Australian Worker) Wrestling With The Past

Karrion Kross wins Media Man 'Wrestler Of The Month' (Men's Division); Runner-Ups: Roman Reigns and Lance Archer

Web Is Jericho vs PopCulture.com and the rest

Talk Is Jericho

What the media has said about wrestling over the years, by Greg Tingle

Battle for the sports entertainment dollar; Australian and international opportunities, threats and unknowns, by Greg Tingle

FOX Sports taking the fight to TMZ Sports, ESPN, others; Rupert Murdoch's FOX playing to win in Australian and international sports media and sports rights matters says Media Man agency

Binge wins Media Man 'Streaming Platform Of The Month' award

Wrestling Promotion Friendly Wars

FITE TV Sports Streaming: Boxing, All Elite Wrestling, Bare Knuckle

TMZ big fans of WWE and pro wrestling aka sports entertainment (opinion article)

Dave Smith aka The Fighting Father wins Media Man 'Social And Community Entrepreneur Of The Month' Award

A Sporting Legend and the Media Man - February - March 2009

Watch select WRESTLING matches for FREE! Pay only $7.99 to $49.99 for best WRESTLING fights!

FREE Select MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing matches. Pay only $7.99 to $49.99 for best MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing fights!

Pro Wrestling aka Sports Entertainment, MMA, Boxing, Judo, Pancrase Wrestling, Stuntwork, Self Defence, Gyms, Promotions, Media...

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Promote your sports, extreme sports, combat sports, pro wrestling, MMA, surfing, eSports, gaming products via Media Man network

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UFC.com

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UFC Returns To Australia For UFC 284 In Perth

The Octagon Heads West For UFC 284 As UFC Returns To Australia

OCT. 11, 2022

UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, today announced its return to Australia for UFC 284 at Perth’s RAC Arena on Sunday, February 12, 2023.

In partnership with the Western Australian Government, through Tourism Western Australia, this event marks UFC’s return to Perth with a Pay-Per-View event following the success of UFC 221: ROMERO vs. ROCKHOLD in February 2018 in front of a capacity crowd.

For those who don’t want to miss a second of the action, fans can start locking in their plans and securing their tickets early as UFC Travel Packages are now available to purchase. Head to www.sportsnetholidays.com/UFC284 to book your spot.

Fight fans wanting to keep up to date with all further bout and ticketing information for UFC 284 can register their interest at www.ufc.com/perth.

This highlight on the Australian summer calendar marks UFC’s highly anticipated return to Aussie shores since October 2019, when the global UFC attendance record was set at UFC 243: WHITTAKER vs. ADESANYA at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

“Australia, we’re back!” said UFC President, Dana White. “I’m so pumped we are returning to Perth for UFC 284 – it was an amazing host city in 2018 and this February we’re bringing a stacked card headlined with a championship fight. Australian fans are some of the best in the world and they’ve had to wait a long time for this. I can’t wait to put on another massive show for them. I will see you there!”

Helping make the announcement today at RAC Arena was UFC featherweight champion and No.1 Men’s Pound-for-Pound athlete in the world, Alex Volkanovski; Peter Kloczko, Vice President of Australia and New Zealand, UFC; and the Hon. Roger Cook, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Western Australia.

"Australia has a real appetite for UFC and the event attracts spectators to Perth from across the country,” said Hon. Roger Cook, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Western Australia.

“The McGowan Government, through Tourism WA, is proud to support the return of this event back to Perth, after the huge success of the 2018 event. Hosting UFC at RAC Arena is expected to attract thousands of people to WA, who will patronise our local accommodation and hospitality business, and inject millions into our State’s economy.”

Peter Kloczko, UFC Vice President Australia and New Zealand added, “We are absolutely thrilled to finally be returning to Australia. Our athletes, fans and partners have been extremely patient to have a UFC event back on Australian soil. I want to thank the McGowan Government and Tourism Western Australia for their continued support for UFC, MMA and making UFC 284 in Perth possible.”

Since 2010, UFC has presented 15 live events in Australia, including sold-out shows at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Perth Arena, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Gold Coast Convention Centre. Collectively, these events have seen over 265,000 fans in attendance and millions worldwide watching on PPV and broadcast television. The six host cities to date – Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth – have produced a cumulative gross gate of more than $45 million and hundreds of millions more in economic impact.

For more information or current fight news, visit ufc.com.

Information regarding media accreditation for the event will be sent out at a later date.

UFC News: Anderson Silva

Ed Soares, the manager for former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva, told MMAjunkie.com that "The Spider" has been cleared to return to training MMA. Silva broke his leg last December when Chris Weidman checked a kick.

"We've talked with the UFC, and we'll see what they come up with," said Soares, when asked when Silva might fight again.

Silva (33-6) has lost his last two - both two Weidman - after setting a UFC record with 16 straight wins. His 2,457-day title reign remains the longest in promotion history.

Many, though, wondered if Silva would be able to return from such a devastating injury. The 39-year-old has kept fans up-to-date on his progress, posting numerous videos and messages on social media sites.

- Former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos has suffered a hand injury and will not be able to meet Stipe Miocic later this month at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale. The UFC confirmed the news, which was first reported by Combate.

Dos Santos (16-3) was looking to get back into the win column after a 2013 loss to Cain Velasquez for the UFC heavyweight title. Two of his three career losses have come to Velasquez. "Cigano" is expected to miss several weeks of training with the injury.

So far, the UFC has yet to announce plans for Miocic (11-1) or the main event role at the May 31 card from Sao Paulo. Miocic posted on Twitter that he is "bummed about the news. Wishing dos Santos a quick recovery. Not sure where things stand, but whatever the UFC wants me to do I'm game."

Website

UFC.com

HYDEN BLOG: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from Bellator 288 and UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba, and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson Dies
(MMA Torch)

By: Frank Hyden, MMATorch Senior Columnist

Bellator 288 and UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba were both
this weekend and featured some interesting fights. The Bellator card
featured two title fights while the UFC card was hurt by injury. Who
won and who lost? Let’s get to the rundown.

Bellator 288
GOOD- Roman Faraldo vs. Levan Chokheli
Chokheli gets an early takedown but Faraldo is able to stand, only to
get hurt by some Chokheli punches. Faraldo reverses a Chokheli
takedown attempt and they spend the rest of the first round on the
mat. The second round begins with both men swinging. They go to the
mat but neither fighter can gain a real advantage. Back to the feet
and Faraldo drops Chokheli with a right hand but can’t finish him.
Faraldo remains active and is landing a lot of strikes but gets
deducted a point for grabbing the fence and the second round ends. The
third round opens with them trading a few strikes. Chokheli gets a
takedown and glues himself to Faraldo and that’s how the last few
minutes of the fight go. Chokheli wins the decision from the judges
and improves to 11-2 with 1 No Contest while Faraldo drops to 8-1 and
tastes defeat after winning his first 8 fights. Good win for Chokheli.

Daniel James stops Tyrell FortuneGOOD- Daniel Weichel vs. Timur Khizriev
They exchange strikes throughout the first round. Things heat up a bit
in the second round, as Weichel is barely missing with his big strikes
while Khizriev is able to connect but without a ton of power and we
move to the third round. Weichel is cut under his left eye but the
third round is pretty similar to the previous ones, neither man is
connecting with anything dangerous so we go to the scorecards and
Khizriev wins the decision. Khizriev remains undefeated at 12-0 while
Weichel drops to 42-14. Good win for Khizriev.

GOOD/BAD- Patricky “Pitbull” Freire vs. Usman Nurmagomedov
Freire was defending his Bellator Lightweight Championship here but
didn’t seem interested in doing anything in the first round. I’ve
never understood fighters who do this. I know they’re trying to
conserve energy for the later rounds but putting yourself in a hole
early isn’t a very good strategy. Anyway, the first round ends without
much happening. The second round opens with Nurmagomedov getting a
takedown and he starts beating the hell out of Pitbull. Elbows,
hammerfists, and punches to the body batter the champion. Right at the
end of the round Nurmagomedov turned it on and nearly ended the fight
but Pitbull survived. If he had started that sooner things would have
been over. The third round is another boring round where nothing
happens. The fourth round sees a few fleeting moments of excitement
but is overall another boring round. The fifth round finally sees a
little more action as Nurmagomedov gets a takedown and works some
ground-and-pound. Pitbull can’t get up and that’s how the fight ends.
Usman Nurmagomedov is your new Bellator Lightweight Champion and
improves to a perfect 16-0 while Freire drops to 24-11. Good win for
Nurmagomedov.

GOOD- Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson
This was the Finals of the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix
and Nemkov was defending his Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship.
Nemkov works his jab early and often, with Anderson returning fire.
Nemkov drops Anderson with a spinning wheel kick but can’t finish him
before the first round ends. The second round starts with more
striking exchanges but neither fighter can get a real advantage. The
third round opens with Nemkov continuing to stuff Anderson’s takedown
attempts. They’re exchanging more strikes, with Nemkov seemingly
coming out ahead but it’s very close. The fourth round is more of the
same. Anderson just cannot get a takedown and Nemkov is battering him
with strikes as he tries. The fifth round continues that, as Nemkov
lands a lot of kicks. We go to the scorecards and Nemkov wins the
decision, retaining his Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship and
improving to 16-2 with 1 No Contest while Anderson drops to 16-6 with
1 No Contest. Good win for Nemkov.

UFC Fight Night: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba
GOOD- Charles Johnson vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov
They exchange strikes early, with Zhumagulov working the body. Johnson
gets a takedown and they exchange more strikes. The second round
starts with leg kicks from Zhumagulov, who’s the more active fighter
right now. Zhumagulov with the takedown but the round ends. The third
round sees Zhumagulov land a ton of low kicks while Johnson goes
upstairs more. It’s really close but Johnson wins the Split Decision
and improves to 12-3 while Zhumagulov drops to 14-8 and has lost 3
straight fights. Good win for Johnson.

GOOD- Jack Della Maddalena stops Danny Roberts
Della Maddalena beats up Roberts and drops him early. However, Roberts
gets up only to eat more strikes from Della Maddalena. He pours it on
until the referee is forced to jump in to stop the fight not quite
three and a half minutes into the first round. Della Maddalena
improves to 13-2 and has won 13 straight fights while Roberts drops to
18-7. Good win for Della Maddalena.

GOOD- Muslim Salikhov stops Andre Fialho
They trade kicks early before mixing in some punches. Salikhov gets a
takedown but Fialho quickly gets up. Fialho works the body and lands a
nice uppercut before the first round ends. The second round sees
Salikhov open up with a spinning back kick and jabs to the body. Then
he lands a spinning back fist and works the body some more before
landing a good hook. Salikhov is moving much more smoothly here. He
staggers Fialho with a Superman punch and follows him to the ground
but doesn’t do much before the round ends. The third round sees a
spinning wheel kick and some punches from Salikhov force the referee
to stop the fight just over a minute into the third round. Salikhov
improves to 19-3 while Fialho drops to 16-6 with 1 No Contest. Good
win for Salikhov.

GOOD- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Chase Sherman
They trade kicks early before mixing in punches. Cortes-Acosta lands
some punishing strikes but Sherman is fighting back as the first round
ends. The second round opens with more of the same. Cortes-Acosta is
landing some big strikes but Sherman’s fighting him off. Sherman’s
hurt but he manages to fight back and survive the round. The third
round sees Sherman continuing to fight. He’s not backing down, despite
the punishment from Cortes-Acosta he’s absorbed. Things have slowed
down but they’re still fighting hard. It goes to decision and
Cortes-Acosta wins to remain undefeated at 9-0 while Sherman drops to
16-11. Good win for Cortes-Acosta.

GOOD- Kennedy Nzechukwu stops Ion Cutelaba
Cutelaba comes out firing and hurts Nzechukwu. He gets a quick
takedown but Nzechukwu gets up. Cutelaba lands a throw but Nzechukwu
fights him off and the first round ends. The second round starts with
them trading strikes. Cutelaba shoots into a knee but survives.
Nzechukwu then knees Cutelaba again and finishes him off with punches
to force the referee to jump in to stop the fight one minute into the
second round. Nzechukwu improves to 11-3 while Cutelaba drops to
16-9-1 with 1 No Contest and has lost 3 straight fights. Good win for
Nzechukwu.

*************

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson died last Sunday at the incredibly young age
of 38 years old. He fought in a lot of different weight classes but
one constant was his amazing knockout power. His MMA record was 23-6,
with 17 of those wins coming by Knockout. He fought in a lot of
different promotions and knocked out a lot of guys, 12 of them in the
first round. It’s hard to pick just one highlight from his career but
knocking out Glover Teixiera in 13 seconds or Alexander Gustafsson in
Sweden in 2:15 immediately springs to mind. He was an exciting fighter
that I used to love to watch fight. I would count him among my
favorite fighters. May he rest in peace.

My new fantasy book is now out. It’s called Kingdom of Zarias: A Fight For
Survival. It’s the third book in my epic fantasy Kingdom of Zarias
series and follows the adventures of the Summers siblings as they
fight to defend the world from an evil villain named Galren. This book
also introduces lots of other characters as the scope of the world
grows. There’s lots of action, magic, and monsters in the Kingdom of
Zarias. It’s like a tabletop game in novel form. It’s on Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, and many other places. If you’re interested, I would
greatly appreciate it if you would check it out and support me. Also,
here’s the link to my new Compendium book about the Kingdom of Zarias
series- KoZ Compendium
Thank you very much, have a good day.

UFC 284 tickets on sale to public Friday 18 November
(Fight News Australia)

With the card quickly filling up, UFC 284 tickets will go to sale to the public this Friday, 18 November at 10am AWST (Perth time) via Ticketek.

Pre-sale tickets were made available for ‘Ultimate Package’ UFC Fight Club members on Wednesday. They will need to use their UFC Fight Club login to access the code while those that signed up at https://www.ufc.com/perth should expect to receive their unique code to purchase tickets from Thursday 10am AWST.

The remainder will need to wait for the general public sale commencing at 10am AWST on Friday.

UFC 284 will be headlined by a UFC lightweight title fight as featherweight champ and pound-for-pound number one, Alex Volkanovski steps up to face the lightweight champion, Islam Mackhachev.

SBW stunned! 48yo MMA great Mark Hunt ends cross-code star’s unbeaten run in boxing boilover - 6th November 2022
(Fox Sports)

MMA great Mark Hunt has stunned Sonny Bill Williams with a fourth-round knockout of the cross-code superstar in their boxing clash in Sydney.

Hunt was a major underdog given he is 48 years old and lost to Paul Gallen back in 2020.

Williams in contrast came in unbeaten, having been 9-0 in his professional boxing career, last beating Barry Hall back in March. He is also 11 years younger.

But that meant little given Hunt’s incredible power which was all the former UFC star, who has battled greats like Brock Lesnar, Alistair Overeem and Frank Mir, needed.

After three rounds he had landed just 18 of his 73 thrown punches, whereas Williams had landed 38 of 105.

But the momentum swung Hunt’s way in the fourth round after a few body shots with Williams’ corner screaming “Move, Sonny, move! Dance, Sonny!”

On commentary Stan’s Andy Raymond yelled: “Sonny Bill is down.

“He’s hurt. Against the odds, Sonny Bill Williams has been dropped.

“His eyes are not clear... Mark Hunt, in his final fight, stops the legend that is Sonny Bill Williams. What a fight.”

He fell to the floor and the fight stopped briefly before more big punches from Hunt saw the referee call it off.

Hunt declared: “Heavyweights pack a lot of power, a shot like that could have ended anyone.”

Williams conceded he could follow Hunt into retirement.

“At this stage I’m not even sure if I’ll fight again. That could be it for me, too,” Williams said.

“We’ll see what unfolds over the next few weeks.”

Asked if he was genuinely considering retirement, Williams replied: “Yeah, for sure. I’m 37, I’ve always said that if I cop a lot of punishment, that could be it.

“I wasn’t trying to be the heavyweight champion of the world, I was just out there doing my best. Mark read my punches, they were obviously a bit too telegraphed, he caught me and that was it... we’ll see what the future holds.

“If this is the end of my sporting career, it’s been a good one.”

Hunt had dropped around 30 kilograms in preparation for his farewell fight and it paid off, with the MMA great reminding the sporting world of his deadly power.

“Wow, that was unbelievable,” Australian boxing great Danny Green said.

News

Foxtel Group to become exclusive destination for WWE in Australia

STAMFORD, Conn., September 27, 2022 – The Foxtel Group and WWE today announced a major new multi-year partnership that will see Foxtel Group’s portfolio of entertainment brands become the home of WWE in Australia.

The new deal will deliver the biggest line-up of WWE’s live and on demand content to Foxtel Group’s 4.5 million subscribers, on Foxtel as well as the rapidly growing streaming services, Kayo Sports and BINGE.

Foxtel Group-WWE Partnership Key Points:

BINGE will become the new streaming home of WWE Network in Australia from January 2023 with all WWE Premium Live Events, including Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 39, and entertainment content available with a BINGE subscription, starting from just $10 per month.
WWE Network’s original programming and vast collection of archived content will be available on BINGE.

WWE will continue to be available to all Foxtel subscribers on both the FOX8 channel and on a new, dedicated 24/7 WWE channel to launch from December 2022. The Foxtel Group will broadcast on both these channels all of WWE’s Premium Live Events, previously only available through pay-per-view, at no additional charge to subscribers, plus Weekly Live Episodes of Raw, SmackDown and NXT.

Selected content will continue to be available via Kayo Sports.

Foxtel Group Chief Content and Commercial Officer, Amanda Laing, said: “We are thrilled to remain the long-term partner of WWE, and be part of what will be an exciting new chapter for WWE in Australia.

The reach of the Foxtel Group is a game-changer for our partners such as WWE. It’s why sport and entertainment partners in Australia and around the globe, including major Hollywood studios and world-leading sports and now WWE, continue to choose the Foxtel Group to showcase their content and build their audience reach in Australia. We are particularly pleased to offer all our Foxtel subscribers access to WWE’s Premium Live Events, that were previously only available on a pay-per-view basis for up to $30 per event, for no extra cost.”

BINGE Executive Director, Alison Hurbert-Burns said: “For generations WWE has delighted fans across the globe and we’re thrilled this expanded partnership makes BINGE the new streaming home of WWE in Australia.”

“We can’t wait to bring WWE’s unpredictable drama, larger-than-life personalities from past and present including Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, Ronda Rousey, John Cena and The Undertaker, along with all the world-class WWE action to passionate Australian fans.

“It’s a great fit to welcome WWE and its year-round entertainment, including all WWE Network content and Premium Live Events, to the home of the world’s best shows on BINGE.”

WWE Chairwoman and co-CEO, Stephanie McMahon, said: “With its far-reaching and engaged audience, the Foxtel Group has been a trusted and long-standing partner of WWE for more than 20 years. We look forward to expanding our partnership with the Foxtel Group, and welcoming BINGE as the new streaming home of WWE Network in the region.

“Together we will continue to provide our unique blend of action-packed, family-friendly entertainment to fans and grow the WWE audience throughout Australia.”

(WWE.com)

BJ Penn wins Media Man 'Martial Artist Of The Month' and 'Combat Sports Website Of The Month' awards

Ken Shamrock starts Podcast; Ramps up platforms to engage with wrestling, MMA, sports fans