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www.australiansportsentertainment.com is an active media and entertainment news portal that serves as part of the Media Man Group (closely tied to Media Man International at mediamanint.com). It functions primarily as a content aggregator and directory focused on sports entertainment, with heavy emphasis on:Professional wrestling (WWE, AEW, etc.)
Combat sports (UFC/MMA, boxing)
Streaming news (Netflix, Paramount+, WWE on Netflix)
Related areas like sports betting, gaming, pop culture, advertising, and business news

The site is run by journalist and media personality Greg Tingle, and it features extensive lists of links to news articles, interviews, profiles, awards (e.g., Media Man "Wrestler of the Month" or "Promotion of the Month"), multimedia, and promotional opportunities.

Key Highlights from the Current Site (as of January 2026)Recent/Featured Content includes updates on major events like WWE acquisitions (e.g., Mexican promotion AAA), Netflix becoming the new home for WWE Raw (starting 2025), UFC events (e.g., UFC 319, Abu Dhabi shows), awards for figures like Chris Jericho (Wrestler of the Year) and Logan Paul, plus broader coverage of TKO Group, streaming deals, and combat sports.

It's text-heavy with categorized news feeds (e.g., WWE News, UFC News, Combat Sports, Streaming News, Advertising News) and promotional sections for sponsors, advertising, and brand exposure.

Navigation includes sections like News (with many sub-categories), Profiles, Articles, Interviews, Multimedia, Blog, Sponsors & Clients, and Contact Us.

The portal has an Australian focus but covers global sports entertainment, often highlighting Aussie angles (e.g., events in Melbourne or Sydney). It also promotes related services like media publicity, niche advertising campaigns, and directories (cafes, coastal properties, etc.).

Note that this domain is interconnected with other Media Man sites — visiting it often redirects or heavily links to mediamanint.com content. It's been operating for years as an independent news/promotions hub in the sports and entertainment space

.If you're looking for more mainstream Australian sports broadcasting (radio/TV/digital), that would be Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) at sportsentertainmentnetwork.com.au — a larger commercial entity focused on live sports coverage across multiple platforms.

World Sport Calendar: 2026 Australian Edition

First Half Of Year: January to June

(In Case You Missed It)

JANUARY

02: ICE HOCKEY: Florida Panthers v New York Rangers in NHL’s Winter Classic

02-11: TENNIS - United Cup in Perth/Sydney, Australia

03: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup giant slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

03-05: FOOTBALL - Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, last 16

03-17: MOTOR SPORT - Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

04: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

04: SKI JUMPING - 3rd leg of 4 Hills at Innsbruck, Austria

04-08: CRICKET - Australia v England 5th Test at Sydney

04-11: TENNIS - WTA/ATP in Brisbane, Australia; ATP in Hong Kong

05-11: TENNIS - WTA in Auckland

06: SKI JUMPING - 4th leg of 4 Hills at Bischofshofen, Austria

07: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 1st T20 at Dambulla

07: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Madonna di Campiglio, Italy

08-11: GOLF - LIV Golf at Black Diamond, Florida

09: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 2nd T20 at Dambulla

09-10: FOOTBALL - Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, quarter-finals

09-11: RUGBY UNION - Champions Cup/Challenge Cup round 3

10: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup giant slalom at Adelboden, Switzerland; Women’s World Cup downhill at Zauchensee, Austria

10: ATHLETICS - World cross-country championships at Tallahassee, USA

10-12: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - NFL playoffs, wild-card round

11: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 3rd T20 at Dambulla; India v New Zealand, 1st ODI at Vadorada

11: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Adelboden, Switzerland; Women’s World Cup super-G at Zauchensee, Austria

12-17: TENNIS - WTA and ATP in Adelaide, Australia; ATP in Auckland, New Zealand; WTA in Hobart, Australia

13: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup slalom at Flachau, Austria

13-18: FIGURE SKATING: European Championships at Sheffield, England

14: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 2nd ODI at Rajkot

14: FOOTBALL - Africa Cup of Nations, semi-finals in Tangier and Rabat, Morocco

15-18: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii; European Tour’s Dubai Invitational

16: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup super-G at Wengen, Switzerland

16-18: RUGBY UNION - Champions Cup/Challenge Cup round 4

17: FOOTBALL - Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off

17: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill at Wengen, Switzerland; Women’s World Cup downhill at Tarvisio, Italy

17-18: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - NFL playoffs, divisional round

18-FEB 01: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at Australian Open in Melbourne

18: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Wengen, Switzerland; Women’s World Cup super-G at Tarvisio, Italy

18: FOOTBALL - Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Morocco

18: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 3rd ODI at Indore

18: BASKETBALL - NBA international game Orlando v Memphis in London

19: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - US college national championship in Miami

20: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup giant slalom at Kronplatz, Italy

20-21: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League matchday 7

20-25: CYCLING - Tour Down Under, Melbourne, Australia

20: CRICKET - BBL Finals begin, Australia

21: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 1st T20 at Nagpur

21-25: FIGURE SKATING: Four Continents Championships at Beijing, China

22: FOOTBALL - Europa League, matchday 7

22: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 1st ODI at Colombo

22-25: GOLF - PGA Tour at La Quinta, California; European Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic

23: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 2nd T20 at Nagpur

23: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup super-G at Kitzbuhel, Austria

23-25: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, matchday 3

24: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill at Kitzbuhel, Austria; Women’s World Cup giant slalom at Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic

24: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 2nd ODI at Colombo

25: CRICKET - BBL Final, Australia

25: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 3rd T20 at Guwahati

25: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, matchday 3

22-25: RALLYING - Rally of Monte Carlo

25: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Kitzbuhel, Austria; Women’s World Cup slalom at Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic

25: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - NFL playoffs, conference championship games

27: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 3rd ODI at Colombo; South Africa v West Indies, 1st T20 at Paarl

27: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup giant slalom at Schladming, Austria

28: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Schladming, Austria

28: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League matchday 8

28: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 4th T20 at Visakhapatnam

29: CRICKET - South Africa v West Indies, 2nd T20 at Centurion

30: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 1st T20 at Pallekele

28: CRICKET - India v New Zealand, 5th T20 at Thiruvananthapuram

29: FOOTBALL - Europa League, matchday 8

29-FEB 01: GOLF - PGA Tour at Torrey Pines, San Diego; European Tour’s Bahrain Championship; LPGA Tour at Orlando, Florida

30: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup downhill at Crans-Montana, Switzerland

30-FEB 01: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, matchday 4

31: ALPINE SKIING - Women’s World Cup super-G at Crans-Montana, Switzerland

FEBRUARY

01: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, matchday 4

01: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill at Crans-Montana, Switzerland

01: CYCLING - Cadel Evans Great Ocean road race, Australia

01: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 2nd T20 at Pallekele; South Africa v West Indies, 3rd T20 at Johannesburg

01-07: TENNIS - WTA at Abu Dhabi, Cluj, Ostrava

02-08: TENNIS - ATP in Montpellier, France

03: CRICKET - Sri Lanka v England, 3rd T20 at Pallekele

04-07: GOLF - LIV Golf at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

05-07: RUGBY UNION - Six Nations round 1; France v Ireland, Italy v Scotland, England v Wales

05-08: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open; European Tour’s Qatar Masters

06-08: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, matchday 5

06-08: TENNIS - Davis Cup, qualifiers 1st Round, World Group I and II Play-offs, multi-city

06-22: WINTER OLYMPICS in Milan-Cortina, Italy

07-MARCH 08: CRICKET - T20 men’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka

08: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, matchday 5

08: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - Super Bowl LX at Santa Clara, California

08-14: TENNIS - WTA at Doha, Qatar

09-16: TENNIS - ATP at Dallas, Rotterdam, Buenos Aires

11-12: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League play-offs, 1st leg

12-15: RALLYING - Rally of Sweden

12-15: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am; LIV Golf at Adelaide, Australia

13-14: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 1

13-15: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, matchday 6

14: HORSE RACING - Saudi Cup at Riyadh

14-15: RUGBY UNION - Six Nations round 2; Ireland v Italy, Scotland v England, Wales v France

15: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, matchday 6

15: BASKETBALL - NBA All-Star Game at Los Angeles, California

15: MOTORSPORT - Nascar’s Daytona 500 in USA

15-21: TENNIS - WTA at Dubai

16-22: CYCLING - UAE Tour, UAE

16-22: TENNIS - ATP at Doha, Rio de Janeiro, Delray Beach

17-18: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League play-offs 1st leg

18-19: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League play-offs, 2nd leg

19: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, play-offs 1st leg

19-22: GOLF - PGA Tour at Riviera, California; European Tour’s Kenya Open; LPGA Tour at Pattaya, Thailand

20-22: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 1 at Sydney 500

20-22: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 2

21-22: RUGBY UNION - Six Nations round 3; England v Ireland, Wales v Scotland, France v Italy

23-MAR 01: TENNIS - ATP at Acapulco, Dubai, Santiago; WTA at Austin, Merida

24-25: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League play-offs 2nd leg

26: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, play-offs 2nd leg

26-MAR 01: GOLF - PGA Tour at Palm Beach, Florida; European Tour’s South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch; LPGA Tour’s Women’s World Championship at Singapore

27-28 RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 3

28: CYCLING - Omloop Nieuwsblad, Belgium

28: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; Women’s World Cup downhill at Soldeu, Andorra

MARCH

01: RUGBY LEAGUE - NRL Round 1 begins in Las Vegas

01: ATHLETICS - Tokyo Marathon

01: MOTOR CYCLING - Thailand MotoGP at Buriram

01: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup super-G at Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; Women’s World Cup super-G at Soldeu, Andorra

02-04: FOOTBALL - AFC Asian Champions League, last 16 1st leg

04-15: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at Indian Wells

05-08: AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - AFL Opening Round

05-08: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 2 at Melbourne SuperSprint

05-08: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Florida; European Tour’s Joburg Open; LPGA Tour at Hainan Island, China; PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open; LIV Golf at Hong Kong

06-07: RUGBY UNION - Six Nations round 4; Ireland v Wales, Scotland v France, Italy v England

06-07: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 4

07: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup giant slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia; Women’s World Cup downhill at Val di Fassa, Italy

07: CYCLING - Strade Bianche, Italy

08: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom at Kranjska Gora, Slovenia; Women’s World Cup super-G at Val di Fassa, Italy

08: CRICKET - Men’s T20 World Cup final, venue to be confirmed

08-15: CYCLING - Paris-Nice, France

08: FORMULA ONE - Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne

09-11: FOOTBALL - AFC Asian Champions League, last 16 2nd leg

09-15: CYCLING - Tirreno-Adriatico, Italy

10-11: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League last 16 1st leg

10-13: HORSE RACING - Cheltenham Festival, England

11-13: PARA ATHLETICS - Grand Prix at New Delhi, India

12: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, round of 16 1st leg

12-15: RALLYING - Safari Rally Kenya

12-15: GOLF - PGA Tour’s The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Florida; LIV Golf at Singapore

13-14: FOOTBALL - African Champions League, quarter-finals 1st leg

13-15: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 5

14: NETBALL - Super Netball Round 1 begins

14: RUGBY UNION - Six Nations round 5; Ireland v Scotland, Wales v Italy, France v England

14: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai

14: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill at Courchevel, France; Women’s World Cup giant slalom at Are, Sweden

15: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup super-G at Courchevel, France; Women’s World Cup slalom at Are, Sweden

15: FORMULA ONE - Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai

15: CRICKET - New Zealand v South Africa, 1st T20 at Mount Maunganui (men and women double-header)

15: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, quarter-finals 1st leg

17: CRICKET - New Zealand v South Africa, 2nd T20 at Hamilton

17-18: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League last 16 2nd leg

17-29: TENNIS - ATP and WTA at Miami

19: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, round of 16, 2nd leg

19-22: GOLF - PGA Tour at Palm Harbor, Florida; European Tour’s Hainan Classic in China; LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup at Menlo Park, California; LIV Golf at Johannesburg, South Africa

20-21: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 6

20: CRICKET - New Zealand v South Africa, 3rd T20 at Auckland

20-21: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, quarter-finals 2nd leg

20-21: ATHLETICS - World Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland

21: CYCLING - Milan - San Remo, Italy

21: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup downhill and Women’s World Cup downhill at Kvitfjell, Norway

21-MAY 31: CRICKET - Indian Premier League

22: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup super-G and Women’s World Cup super-G at Kvitfjell, Norway

22: CRICKET - New Zealand v South Africa, 4th T20 at Wellington

22: MOTOR CYCLING - Brazilian MotoGP at Goiania

22: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, quarter-finals 2nd leg

23-29: CYCLING - Volta Cyclista a Catalunya

24-25: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, 1st leg

24: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup giant slalom and Women’s World Cup slalom at Hafjell, Norway

24-29: FIGURE SKATING: World Championships at Prague, Czech Republic

25: CYCLING - Great Sprint Classic, Belgium

25: BASEBALL - Major League Baseball season opens

25: CRICKET - New Zealand v South Africa, 5th T20 at Christchurch

25: ALPINE SKIING - Men’s World Cup slalom and Women’s World Cup giant slalom at Hafjell, Norway (season end)

26: FOOTBALL - World Cup European play-off semi-finals: Italy v Northern Ireland, Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine v Sweden, Poland v Albania, Turkey v Romania, Slovakia v Kosovo, Denmark v North Macedonia, Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland

26: FOOTBALL - World Cup inter-confederation play-off semi-finals in Mexico: Pathway 1 - New Caledonia v Jamaica; Pathway 2 - Bolivia v Suriname

26-29: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Houston Open; European Tour’s Indian Open at New Delhi; LPGA Tour at Chandler, Arizona

27: CYCLING - E3 Saxo Bank Classic

27-28: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 7

28: HORSE RACING - Dubai World Cup at Meydan

29: FORMULA ONE - Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka

29: MOTOR CYCLING - MotoGP of the Americas at Austin, USA

30-APR 05: TENNIS - WTA at Charleston, Bogota; ATP at Bucharest, Houston, Marrakesh

31: FOOTBALL - World Cup European play-off finals: Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy or Northern Ireland, Ukraine or Sweden v Poland or Albania, Slovakia or Kosovo v Turkey or Romania, Czech Republic or Republic of Ireland v Denmark or North Macedonia

31: FOOTBALL - World Cup inter-confederation play-off finals in Mexico: Pathway 1 - New Caledonia or Jamaica v DR Congo; Pathway 2 - Bolivia or Suriname v Iraq

APRIL

01: CYCLING - Across Flanders, Belgium

01-02: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, 2nd leg

02-05: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Texas Open at San Antonio; LPGA Tour at Las Vegas

03-04: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 8

05: CYCLING - Tour of Flanders, Belgium

05-12: TENNIS - ATP at Monte Carlo

06-11: CYCLING - Tour of the Basque Country

06-12: TENNIS - WTA at Linz

07-08: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League quarter-finals 1st leg

08: BASKETBALL - US college national championship in Indianapolis

09: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, quarter-finals 1st leg

09-12: AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - AFL Gather Round

09-11: HORSE RACING - Grand National Festival at Aintree, England

09-12: RALLYING - Rally of Croatia

09-12: GOLF - The Masters at Augusta National, Georgia (major)

10-12: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 3 at Taupo Super 440

10-11: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, semi-finals 1st leg

10-11: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 9

10-12: RUGBY UNION - Champions Cup/Challenge Cup quarter-finals

11: RUGBY UNION - Women’s Six Nations round 1; France v Italy, England v Ireland, Wales v Scotland

12: FORMULA ONE - Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir

12: MOTOR CYCLING - Qatar MotoGP at Lusail

12: CYCLING - Paris-Roubaix, France

12: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, semi-finals 1st leg

13-19: TENNIS - ATP at Barcelona, Munich; WTA at Stuttgart, Rouen

14-15: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League quarter-finals 2nd leg

16: FOOTBALL - Europa League, quarter-finals 2nd leg

16-19: GOLF - PGA Tour at Hilton Head, South Carolina; LPGA Tour at Los Angeles, California; LIV Golf at Mexico City

17-19: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 4 at Christchurch Super 440

17-18: FOOTBALL - CAF African Champions League, semi-finals 2nd leg

17-18: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 10

17-25: FOOTBALL - AFC Asian Champions League Elite, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final in Saudi Arabia

18: RUGBY UNION - Women’s Six Nations round 2; Scotland v England, Wales v France, Ireland v Italy

18: BASKETBALL - NBA play-offs start

19: FORMULA ONE - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Jeddah

19: CYCLING - Amstel Gold, Netherlands

19: FOOTBALL - CAF Confederations Cup, semi-finals 2nd leg

20: ATHLETICS - Boston Marathon

21-MAY 03: TENNIS - WTA/ATP at Madrid

22: CYCLING - La Fleche Wallonne, Belgium

23-25: AMERICAN FOOTBALL - NFL Draft at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

23-26: RALLYING - Rally Islas Canarias

23-26: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Classic of New Orleans; European Tour’s China Open at Shanghai; The Chevron Championship (women’s major)

24-26: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 11

25: RUGBY UNION - Women’s Six Nations round 3; England v Wales, Italy v Scotland, France v Ireland

26: ATHLETICS - London Marathon

25-26: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League semi-finals, 1st leg

26: CYCLING - Liege-Bastigne-Liege, Belgium

26: MOTOR CYCLING - Spanish MotoGP at Jerez

28-29: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League semi-finals 1st leg

28-MAY 3: CYCLING - Tour of Romandy, Switzerland

30: RUGBY LEAGUE - Womens State of Origin Game 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium

30: FOOTBALL - Europa League/Conference League, semi-finals 1st leg

30-MAY 3: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Miami Championship; European Tour’s Turkish Open; LPGA Tour’s Mexico Open at Mayakoba

MAY

01-02: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 12

01-03: RUGBY UNION - Champions Cup/Challenge Cup semi-finals

02: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix, Miami

02: HORSE RACING - 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, England; Triple Crown 1st leg, Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, USA

02-03: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League semi-finals, 2nd leg

03: FORMULA ONE - Miami Grand Prix, Miami

03: HORSE RACING - 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, England

05-06: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League semi-finals 2nd leg

05-17: TENNIS - WTA at Rome

06-17: TENNIS - ATP at Rome

07: FOOTBALL - UEFA Europa League/Conference League, semi-finals 2nd leg

07-10: RALLYING - Rally of Portugal

07-10: GOLF - PGA Tour at Quail Hollow, North Carolina; European Tour’s Catalunya Championship at Barcelona; LPGA Tour’s Americas Open at New Jersey; PGA Tour at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; LIV Golf at Virginia

08: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Doha, Qatar

08-09: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 13

09: RUGBY UNION - Women’s Six Nations round 4; Italy v England, Scotland v France, Ireland v Wales 09-31: CYCLING - Giro d’Italia

10: MOTOR CYCLING - French MotoGP at Le Mans

10: HORSE RACING - French 1000 and 2000 Guineas (Prix d’Essai des Pouliches/Poulains) at Longchamp

13: FOOTBALL - Italian Cup final at Olympic Stadium, Rome

14: RUGBY LEAGUE - Womens State of Origin Game 2 at Suncorp Stadium

14-17: GOLF - PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania (major); LPGA Tour at Cincinnati, Ohio

15-16: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 14

15-31: ICE HOCKEY - World Championships in Switzerland

16: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Shanghai, China

16: FOOTBALL - English FA Cup final at Wembley; CAF African Champions League, final 1st leg; CAF Confederations Cup, final 1st leg; last day of season in German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1

16: HORSE RACING - Triple Crown 2nd leg, The Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, USA

17: MOTOR CYCLING - Catalan MotoGP at Montmelo

17: RUGBY UNION - Women’s Six Nations round 5; Wales v Italy, Ireland v Scotland, France v England

17-23: TENNIS - ATP at Hamburg, Geneva; WTA at Strasbourg

18-23: TENNIS - WTA at Rabat

20: FOOTBALL - Europa League final at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey

21-24: GOLF - PGA Tour at McKinney, Texas; European Tour at Antwerp, Belgium

22-24: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 5 at Tasmania Super 440

22-23: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 15

22: RUGBY UNION - Challenge Cup final, Bilbao, Spain

23: FOOTBALL - Women’s Champions League final at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo

23: FOOTBALL - German Cup final at Olympic Stadium, Berlin; French Cup final at Stade de France, Paris; Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, Glasgow; CAF African Champions League, final 2nd leg; CAF Confederations Cup, final 2nd leg

23: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Xiamen, China

23: RUGBY UNION - Champions Cup final, Bilbao, Spain

23: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal

23: HORSE RACING - Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh

24: HORSE RACING - Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh

24: FORMULA ONE - Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal

24: MOTORSPORT - 110th Indianapolis 500 in USA

24: FOOTBALL - last day of season in English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italy’s Serie A

24-JUN 07: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at French Open, Paris

27: RUGBY LEAGUE - Men’s State of Origin Game 1 at Accor Stadium

27: UEFA Conference League final at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig

28: RUGBY LEAGUE - Women’s State of Origin Game 3 at Cbus Super Stadium

28-31: RALLYING - Rally Japan

28-31: GOLF - PGA Tour at Fort Worth, Texas; European Tour’s Austrian Open at Kitzbuehel

29-30: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific round 16

29-31: GOLF - LPGA Tour at Galloway, New Jersey

30: FOOTBALL - UEFA Champions League final at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary

31: CRICKET - Indian Premier League final at Bengaluru

31: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Rabat, Morocco

31: MOTOR CYCLING - Italian MotoGP at Mugello

31: ICE HOCKEY - World Championships final in Switzerland

JUNE

04: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Rome, Italy

04-07: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, Ohio; European Tour’s Dutch Open at Amsterdam; US Women’s Open at Riviera, California (women’s major); LIV Golf at Valderrama, Spain

04-08: CRICKET - England v New Zealand, 1st Test at Lord’s

04-21: BASKETBALL - NBA Finals

05: HORSE RACING - Epsom Oaks, England

05-07: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific play-offs

06: HORSE RACING - Epsom Derby, England; Triple Crown 3rd leg, Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, USA

07: FORMULA ONE - Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco

07: MOTOR CYCLING - Hungarian MotoGP at Balaton

07: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Stockholm, Sweden

07: HORSE RACING - French Derby (Prix du Jockey Club) at Chantilly

07-14: CYCLING - Tour de Auvergne (formerly Criterium du Dauphine), France

08-14: TENNIS - WTA/ATP at ‘s-Hertogenbosch; WTA at Queen’s Club, London; ATP at Stuttgart

10: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Oslo, Norway

11-14: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Canadian Open at Toronto; LPGA Tour at Midland, Michigan

11-JUL 19: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico

12-JULY 5: CRICKET - Women’s T20 World Cup in England

12-13: MOTOR RACING - Le Mans 24 Hour Race

12-13: RUGBY UNION - Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals

14: FORMULA ONE - Catalunya Grand Prix, Barcelona

14: CYCLING - Copenhagen Sprint

14: HORSE RACING - French Oaks (Prix de Diane) at Chantilly

15-21: TENNIS - WTA at Nottingham, Berlin; ATP at Halle, Queen’s Club London

16-20: HORSE RACING - Royal Ascot, England

17: RUGBY LEAGUE - Men’s State of Origin Game 2 at the MCG

17-21: CRICKET - England v New Zealand, 2nd Test at the Oval, London

17-21: CYCLING - Tour of Switzerland, Switzerland

18: RUGBY LEAGUE - Under 19s State of Origin at North Sydney Oval

18-21: GOLF - US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New Jersey (major); LPGA Tour at Belmont, Michigan

19-21: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 6 at Darwin Triple Crown

20: RUGBY UNION - English Prem final, London; Super Rugby Pacific final

21: MOTOR CYCLING - Czech MotoGP at Brno

21-27: TENNIS - ATP at Mallorca; WTA at Bad Homburg

22-27: TENNIS - ATP and WTA at Eastbourne

25-28: RALLYING - Acropolis Rally, Greece

25-28: GOLF - PGA Tour at Cromwell, Connecticut; European Tour’s Italian Open at Turin; Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine, Minnesota (women’s major); LIV Golf at Louisiana

25-29: CRICKET - England v New Zealand, 3rd Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

26: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Paris, France

27: RUGBY UNION - French Top 14 final, Paris

28: FORMULA ONE - Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg

28: MOTOR CYCLING - Dutch MotoGP at Assen

28: HORSE RACING - Irish Derby at The Curragh

29-JUL 03: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, last 32

29-JUL 12: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at Wimbledon

Media Man: To be cont ...

*Some sports such as freestyle wrestling. pro wrestling, boxing and pro surfing will be covered seperatly

*Correct at time of publication to best of knowledge

Second Half Of Year: July to December

(In Case You Missed It)

JULY

01: CRICKET - England v India, 1st T20 at Chester-le-Street

02-05: GOLF - PGA Tour at TPC Deere Run, Illinois; European Tour at Munich, Germany

04: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Eugene, USA

04-26: CYCLING - Tour de France

04-07: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, last 16

04: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 1; New Zealand v France, Australia v Ireland, Japan v Italy, Fiji v Wales, South Africa v England, Argentina v Scotland

04: CRICKET - England v India, 2nd T20 at Old Trafford, Manchester

04: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone

04: HORSE RACING - Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park

05: FORMULA ONE - British Grand Prix, Silverstone

05: CRICKET - Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s

07: CRICKET - England v India, 3rd T20 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

08: RUGBY LEAGUE - Men’s State of Origin Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium

09: CRICKET - England v India, 4th T20 at Bristol

09-11: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, quarter-finals

09-12: GOLF - PGA Tour and European Tour’s Scottish Open at North Berwick; Evian Championship in France (women’s major); PGA Tour and European Tour at Louisville, Kentucky

10-12: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 7 at Townsville 500

10: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Monaco

10-13: CRICKET - England women v India women, one-off Test at Lord’s

11: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 2; New Zealand v Italy, Australia v France, Japan v Ireland, Fiji v England, South Africa v Scotland, Argentina v Wales

11: CRICKET - England v India, 5th T20 at Southampton

12: MOTOR CYCLING - German MotoGP at Sachsenring

13-19: TENNIS - WTA at Iasi; ATP at Bastad, Gstaad, Umag

14: BASEBALL - Major League Baseball All-Star game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 14: CRICKET - England v India, 1st ODI at Edgbaston, Birmingham

14: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, first semi-final at Arlington

15: FOOTBALL - World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico, second semi-final at Atlanta

16: CRICKET - England v India, 2nd ODI at Sofia Gardens, Cardiff

16-19: RALLYING - Rally of Estonia

16-19: GOLF - British Open at Royal Birkdale, England (major); PGA Tour and European Tour at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

18: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at London, England

18: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 3; Japan v France, New Zealand v Ireland, Australia v Italy, Fiji v Scotland, South Africa v Wales, Argentina v England

18: FOOTBALL - World Cup third-place play-off at Miami Gardens, USA

18: HORSE RACING - Irish Oaks at The Curragh

19: FOOTBALL - World Cup final in East Rutherford, USA

19: CRICKET - England v India, 3rd ODI at Lord’s

19: FORMULA ONE - Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps

20-26: TENNIS - ATP at Kitzbuhel, Estoril; WTA at Prague, Hamburg

23-26: GOLF - PGA Tour at Blaine, Minnesota; LPGA Tour’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links; LIV Golf at Uttoxeter, England

23-AUG 2: COMMONWEALTH GAMES in Glasgow, Scotland

25: HORSE RACING - King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, England

26: FORMULA ONE - Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring

27-AUG 02: ATP/WTA at Washington DC; ATP at Los Cabos

29-AUG 02: HORSE RACING - Glorious Goodwood Festival, England

30-AUG 02: RALLYING - Rally Finland

30-AUG 02: GOLF - PGA Tour at Detroit, Michigan; Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes (women’s major)

31-AUG 2: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 8 at Perth Super 440

31-AUG 16: SWIMMING/DIVING - European championships in Paris

AUGUST

TBC: CRICKET - Australia v Afghanistan, one Test and three T20s in northern Australia

01: CYCLING - Classica San Sebastian, Spain

02-13: TENNIS - ATP at Montreal; WTA at Toronto

03-09: CYCLING - Tour of Poland, Poland

06-09: GOLF - PGA Tour at Greensboro, North Carolina

08: RUGBY UNION - First Test, Japan v Australia

09: MOTOR CYCLING - British MotoGP at Silverstone

10-16: ATHLETICS - European Chamionships in Birmingham, United Kingdom

12: FOOTBALL - European Super Cup at Stadion Salzburg, Austria

13-16: GOLF - PGA Tour at Memphis, Tennessee; European Tour’s Danish Golf Championship; LPGA Tour’s Portland Classic at Oregon

13-24: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at Cincinnati

15: RUGBY UNION - Second Test, Australia v Japan

19-22: HORSE RACING - Ebor Festival at York, England

19-23: CRICKET - England v Pakistan, 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds

20-23: AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - AFL final home and away round

20-23: GOLF - PGA Tour’s BMW Championship at St Louis, Missouri; European Tour event; LPGA Tour’s Canadian Women’s Open at Edmonton; LIV Golf at Indianapolis, Indiana

21-23: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 9 at Ipswich Super 440 (Sprint Cup ends)

21: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Lausanne, Switzerland

22-SEP 13: CYCLING - Vuelta a Espana

22: RUGBY UNION - First Test, South Africa v New Zealand

22: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort

23: FORMULA ONE - Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort

23: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Silesia, Poland

23-29: WTA at Cleveland; ATP at Winston-Salem

24-29: TENNIS - WTA at Monterrey

27-29: AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL - AFL finals begin (wildcard round)

27: ATHLETICS - Diamond League at Zurich, Switzerland

27-30: RALLYING - Rally del Paraguay

27-30: GOLF - PGA Tour’s Tour Championship at Atlanta, Georgia; European Tour’s British Masters at The Belfry; LPGA Tour at Boston, Massachusetts

27-31: CRICKET - England v Pakistan, 2nd Test at Lord’s

29: RUGBY UNION - Second Test, South Africa v New Zealand; First Test, Argentina v Australia

30: MOTOR CYCLING - Aragon MotoGP at Motorland, Alcaniz

30-SEP 13: TENNIS - ATP/WTA at US Open, New York

SEPTEMBER

TBC including October: CRICKET - Australia in South Africa, three Tests and three ODIs

03-06: GOLF - European Tour at Crans Montana, Switzerland

04-05: ATHLETICS - Diamond League Final at Brussels, Belgium

05: RUGBY UNION - Third Test, South Africa v New Zealand; Second Test, Argentina v Australia

06: FORMULA ONE - Italian Grand Prix, Monza

06: HORSE RACING - Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trials featuring Prix Vermeille at Longchamp, France

09-13: CRICKET - England v Pakistan, 3rd Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham

10-13: RALLYING - Rally Chile

10-13: GOLF - European Tour’s Irish Open at Doonbeg

11: CYCLING - GP de Quebec, Canada

11-13: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 10 at The Bend 500 (Enduro Cup begins)

11-13: GOLF - Solheim Cup at Cromvoirt, the Netherlands

12: RUGBY UNION - Fourth Test, South Africa v New Zealand

12: HORSE RACING - St Leger at Doncaster, England; Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown

13: HORSE RACING - Irish St Leger at The Curragh

13: FORMULA ONE - Spanish Grand Prix, Madrid

13: MOTOR CYCLING - San Marino MotoGP at Misano

13: CYCLING - GP de Montreal, Canada

14-20: TENNIS - WTA at Guadalajara, Sao Paulo

15: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 1st T20 at Southampton

17: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 2nd T20 at Cardiff 17-20: GOLF - European Tour’s PGA Championship at Wentworth

17-20: PARA ATHLETICS - Grand Prix at Cali, Colombia

18-20: TENNIS - Davis Cup, qualifiers 2nd Round, World Group I and II

19: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 3rd T20 at Old Trafford, Manchester

19-20: ATHLETICS - World road-running championships in Copenhagen, Denmark

20: MOTOR CYCLING - Austrian MotoGP at Spielburg

20-27: CYCLING - World Championships, Montreal, Canada

21-27: TENNIS - WTA at Singapore, Seoul

22: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI at Chester-le-Street

23-29: TENNIS - ATP at Chengdu, Hangzhou

24: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI at Headingley, Leeds

24-27: GOLF - Presidents Cup at Medinah, Illinois; European Tour’s French Open at Le Golf National

25-27: TENNIS - Laver Cup in London

25-27: GOLF - LPGA Tour at Rogers, Arkansas

26: FORMULA ONE - Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku

26: AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL: Grand Final at Melbourne Cricket Ground

27: ATHLETICS - Berlin Marathon

27: BASEBALL - Major League Baseball regular season ends

28: CRICKET - England v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI at the Oval, London

29: BASEBALL - Major League Baseball playoffs begin

30-OCT 6: TENNIS - ATP at Tokyo, Beijing

30-OCT 11: TENNIS - WTA at Beijing

OCTOBER

01-04: RALLYING - Rally Italia Sardegna

01-04: GOLF - European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Scotland; LPGA Tour at Oahu, Hawaii

03: RUGBY LEAGUE - English Super League Grand Final

03-04: HORSE RACING - Arc de Triomphe meeting at Longchamp, France

04: RUGBY LEAGUE - NRL Grand Final

04: MOTOR CYCLING - Japanese MotoGP at Motegi

07-18: TENNIS - ATP at Shanghai

08-11: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 11 at Bathurst 1000 (Enduro Cup ends)

08-11: GOLF - European Tour’s Spanish Open at Madrid

10: RUGBY UNION - Bledisloe Cup, New Zealand v Australia

10: CYCLING - Il Lombardia, Italy

10: FORMULA ONE - Sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore

11: FORMULA ONE - Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore

11: MOTOR CYCLING - Indonesian MotoGP at Mandalika

11: ATHLETICS - Chicago Marathon

12-18: TENNIS - WTA at Wuhan

13-18: CYCLING - Tour of Guangxi, China

15-18: GOLF - European Tour’s India Championship at New Delhi; LPGA Tour at Shanghai, China

17: RUGBY UNION - Bledisloe Cup, Australia v New Zealand

17: HORSE RACING - British Champions Day at Ascot

17-25: GYMNASTICS - World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands

19-25: TENNIS - WTA at Ningbo, Osaka; ATP at Almaty, Brussels

22-25: GOLF - European Tour in South Korea; LPGA Tour at Haenam-gun, South Korea

23-25: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 12 at Gold Coast 500 (Finals series begins)

23-31: BASEBALL - Major League Baseball World Series

25: FORMULA ONE - United States Grand Prix, Austin

25: MOTOR CYCLING - Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island

26-NOV 01: TENNIS - ATP at Basel, Vienna; WTA at Tokyo, Guangzhou

29-NOV 01: GOLF - LPGA Tour at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

30-31: HORSE RACING - Breeder’s Cup meeting at Keeneland, Kentucky

NOVEMBER

TBC including December: CRICKET - Australia hosts England, three ODIs and five T20s

01: ATHLETICS - New York Marathon

01: FORMULA ONE - Mexico City Grand Prix, Mexico City

01: MOTOR CYCLING - Malaysian MotoGP at Sepang

02-08: TENNIS - ATP at Paris; WTA at Chennai, Jiujiang, Hong Kong

05-08: GOLF - European Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship; LPGA Tour’s Japan Classic at Omitama

06-08: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 4; Ireland v Argentina, Italy v South Africa, Scotland v New Zealand, Wales v Japan, France v Fiji, England v Australia

08: FORMULA ONE - Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Interlagos

07-14: TENNIS - WTA Finals in Riyadh

08-14: TENNIS - ATP at Stockholm

12-15: GOLF - European Tour’s Tour Championship at Dubai; LPGA Tour at Belleair, Florida

11-14: RALLYING - Rally Saudi Arabia

13-15: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 13 at Sandown 500

13-15: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 5; France v South Africa, Italy v Argentina, Wales v New Zealand, England v Japan, Ireland v Fiji, Scotland v Australia

15: MOTOR CYCLING - Portuguese MotoGP at Portimao

15-22: ATP Finals in Turin

19-22: GOLF - LPGA Tour’s Tour Championship at Naples, Florida

21: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship round 6; England v New Zealand, Scotland v Japan, Ireland v South Africa, Italy v Fiji, France v Argentina, Wales v Australia

21: FORMULA ONE - Las Vegas Grand Prix, Las Vegas

22: MOTOR CYCLING - Valencia MotoGP at Cheste

24-29: TENNIS - Davis Cup, Final 8 in Bologna, Italy

26-29: MOTORSPORT - Supercars Round 14 at Adelaide Grand Final

27-29: RUGBY UNION - Nations Championship finals round

29: FORMULA ONE - Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail

29: HORSE RACING - Japan Cup at Tokyo

DECEMBER

TBC including January: CRICKET - Australia hosts New Zealand, four Tests

01-06: SWIMMING - World short course championships in Beijing, China

06: FORMULA ONE - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina

06: ATHLETICS - Shanghai Marathon

06: FOOTBALL - Euro 2028 qualifying draw in Belfast, Northern Ireland

11-13: GOLF - LPGA Tour at Naples, Florida

Media Man: To be cont ...

*Some sports such as freestyle wrestling, pro wrestling, boxing and pro surfing will be covered separately

*Correct at time of publication to best of knowledge

Pro Wrestling

WWE
@WWE
SmackDown

Uber Arena
Berlin, Germany

January 9, 2026

News Report

News Summary via Grok

Drew McIntyre Wins Undisputed WWE Title from Cody Rhodes in Berlin Thriller

McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes 2-1 in the SmackDown main event, winning the first singles match with a low blow, losing the falls count anywhere street fight after Rhodes' ramp-top dive through a table, and sealing it in the cage thanks to Jacob Fatu's distraction on Rhodes. The Scottish Warrior celebrated by posting a black-and-white photo clutching the belt with 'No longer bored at work,' followed by a morning shot using the title as a pillow captioned 'I prayed for this and it happened,' sharing fan quips like 'End of an error.' This marks McIntyre's third WWE Championship and first world title win before a live crowd, ending Rhodes' 159-day reign since SummerSlam 2025, as he heads home to Glasgow with Royal Rumble on the horizon.

News

R-Truth's Hilarious Mix-Up: Burlington Coat Factory for Berlin SmackDown

The 54-year-old superstar, real name Ron Killings, posted the video Friday night from stateside, explaining his classic blunder while SmackDown rocked Uber Arena in Germany with Drew McIntyre defeating Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship. Fans flooded the post with love, calling him a national treasure and begging for a title run, as it racked up over 17,000 likes. These oblivious antics, like invading wrong locker rooms, cement R-Truth's role as WWE's comedy king amid the high-stakes action.

News

Giulia Retains Women's US Title Over Alexa Bliss in Chaotic Berlin Match

On Friday's WWE SmackDown in Germany, Giulia defended her newly reclaimed Women's United States Championship against returning fan favorite Alexa Bliss. Lash Legend's apron shove distracted Bliss at a key moment, letting Giulia secure the pin after solid exchanges of knees, elbows, and suplexes. Post-match, Legend and Nia Jax attacked Bliss while Giulia posed confidently with the belt, hinting at tag team tension ahead. Fans debated her booking, noting the Berlin crowd's silence despite strong promos, as her second reign builds momentum.

News

Jordynne Grace Dominates SmackDown Debut and Stares Down Jade Cargill

On Friday's WWE SmackDown, the TNA standout signed her main roster contract, interrupted Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green, and crushed Fyre with spinebusters and a massive powerbomb. Cargill marched out afterward, mic in hand, declaring dominance on her show as the two powerhouses stood nose-to-nose. Grace, a record-setting Knockouts champ with Royal Rumble surprises under her belt, celebrated online with 'Ladies and gentlemen, we made it,' setting up a potential clash of titans.

News

WWE Stars Send Playful 'We Miss You' to Injured Dominik Mysterio from Berlin

During Friday's SmackDown in Berlin, commentator Sebastian Hackl and wrestlers Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez made a fun video wishing Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio a quick recovery from his December shoulder injury. Liv stole the show with her possessive 'I miss Dom' claim, tying into their sizzling 2025 storyline where she lured him from Rhea Ripley. Fans adore the LivDom chemistry from steamy segments and matches like Bash in Berlin, with Mysterio expected back late January after no surgery needed.

News

Media Man: Strong thumbs up for SmackDown. McIntyre as champ couldn't have happened at a better time. Some fans still can't believe it! Who will step up? Jacob Fatu, Brock Lesnar for re-match, Roman Reigns, or someone else no one is thinking of? Chris Jericho rumors persist, perhaps after a brief tour of TNA Wrestling is the web and industry chatter. WWE has fans and industry on edge. WWE needed a shake up, and here it is. Well done Drew McIntyre, and much respect to the WWE team both on screen and behind the scenes.

Videos

Full SmackDown highlights: Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=LDVt9cESenk

Drew McIntyre WINS WWE Title after Jacob Fatu returns: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qL3kwmleNw8

Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre | Three Stages of Hell Match: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=R3BZg7JplXg

Jacob Fatu’s RETURN leads to Drew McIntyre WINNING WWE Title: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qL3kwmleNw8

Jordynne Grace officially signs with SmackDown: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=leLaznd2h0Q

Trick Williams takes down Rey Fenix in first SmackDown match: SmackDown highlights, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=QrVAl8-UCHs

FULL SEGMENT: Trick Williams steps up to Randy Orton: SmackDown, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=t6U3c2ezepw

Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre collide in Three Stages of Hell: WWE Now, Jan. 9, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iUDAuhSDNms

Websites

WWE
https://wwe.com

WWE SmackDown https://wwe.com/shows/smackdown

WWE YouTube
https://youtube.com/wwe

Media Man: Strong thumbs up. And New! Yes! Pumped and Fired Up! Season Of The Scottish Warrior is here! Road To Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. Team McIntyre. Heels To Give Babyfaces Hell! Captain America may fall! It happended! Team McIntyre! Pro Wrestling's Other Truth Teller!

WWE News
https://mediamanint.com/wwe_news.html

WWE SmackDown: News https://mediamanint.com/wwe_smackdown.html

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event https://mediamanint.com/wwe_saturday.html

WWE Royal Rumble https://mediamanint.com/wwe_royal.html

Wrestling News https://mediamanint.com/wrestling_news.html

Pop Culture
https://mediamanint.com/pop_culture.html

Media Man Sports Watercooler

Combat Sports

January 2026

MMA/UFC/TKO

Joe Rogan On Tom Aspinall

“The Tom Aspinall-Ciryl Gane thing was a f*cking disaster” ...“I mean, that’s a disaster. Tom Aspinall still can’t see. He’s got a f*cked-up right eyeball still. The reality is he might not ever fight again. Like, who knows? If he has surgery on his eye, and it doesn’t go well and he can’t see out of the eye … apparently he’s still f*cked up in his right eye. There’s some tendon damage or something. Eyes are so tricky, you never know.”

“Unless you’re a complete psychopath like Michael Bisping, who fought 11 fights in the UFC blind in one eye, which is so crazy that he did that” ... “I hope Tom gets back in because again, we don’t really know what’s going on with his eye. And for all the critics, you need to know this.

“The right eye, that’s the problem, but if you look at when he fought, his left eye, the finger went deeper in his left eye than it did his right eye. So if you think he’s faking it, he was knuckle-deep in that f*cking left eye. It’s horrible to see.”

News

WWE

Triple H via X

“The Stranger Things #WWERaw could turn the
@WWE
upside down…

Punk vs. Breakker for the World Heavyweight Championship.

This Monday LIVE on
@netflix
.”

Overview

Barclays Center
Brooklyn, New York

3 championship matches are scheduled

Current WWE Raw lineup

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk vs Bron Breakker

Liv Morgan vs Lyra Valkyria

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Title
Maxxine Dupri vs Becky Lynch

WWE Women’s Tag Team Title
The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) vsRhea Ripley and IYO SKY

and some big suprises. No spoilers!

RAW Gets Stranger!!!

News

WWE's Gunther On Joining The Company

"Yes I did and that's why I didn't sign with them for a bit before I actually went" ... "It was definitely a thought. I never saw myself in WWE, I always thought I would, if things go well, I would work in Japan and that's my jam and that's where I fit. That never happened really and yeah, now we're here, so it's like it shows it's like it's hard to predict. You should never like cancel anything out in your life when it comes to possibilities and stuff like that, and I never expected it to fit that well as it does, but here we are and I think as long as I can be here and be a good contrast to everybody else and provide something different, I think that's why it fits and as long as I can do it, I think I'm going to have a good position here." Gunther, via The Masked Man podcast

News

Freestyle Wrestling Legend Gable Steveson Goes On Record Re Time With WWE

“Honestly, I had a great experience. I have nothing wrong with anybody there. TKO was great. ‘Triple H’ Paul Levesque was great, Stephanie, Vince, everybody was great.“

“I just had a competitive drive that I needed to get out. And so, you know when you have that gap there, you can’t do both. I was trying to bridge both, and I wasn’t giving my 100 percent to the business. And if I’m not going to give 100 percent to the business, then you might as well X me out because it’s already over with. That’s practically how it happened.” GS

News

UFC Champions

Men's Divisions
Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall
(Elevated to undisputed champion after Jon Jones retired and vacated the title in 2025.)

Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira
(Retained the title through changes in 2025, ending the year as champion.)

Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev
(Dethroned Dricus du Plessis in 2025.)

Welterweight: Islam Makhachev
(Won the welterweight title in 2025, becoming a two-division champion after vacating lightweight.)

Lightweight: Ilia Topuria
(Vacated featherweight to win the lightweight title vacated by Makhachev, defeating Charles Oliveira via knockout.)

Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski
(Regained the title in 2025 with a decision win over Diego Lopes.)

Bantamweight: Petr Yan
(Dethroned Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323, becoming a two-time champion.)

Flyweight: Joshua Van
(Dethroned Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 after Pantoja suffered an injury early in the fight.)

Women's Divisions
Women's Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko
(Longest-reigning current champion; successfully defended against challengers including Zhang Weili's attempt in 2025.)

Women's Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison
(Won the title in 2025 with a submission over Julianna Peña.)

Women's Featherweight: (Vacant or not actively contested)

Women's Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern
(Won the vacant title in 2025 after Zhang Weili vacated to move up.)

News

UFC 324

Gaethje vs Pimblett

January 24, 2026
T-Mobile Arena
Paradise, Nevada
Las Vegas Valley

Lightweight
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett

Women's Bantamweight
Kayla Harrison (c) vs. Amanda Nunes

Bantamweight
Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong

Heavyweight
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis

Featherweight
Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva

Lightweight
Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez

Light Heavyweight
Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas

Bantamweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Middleweight
Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev

Flyweight
Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson

Women's Flyweight
Natália Silva vs. Rose Namajunas

Heavyweight
Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman

Bantamweight
Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman

News

UFC

UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

February 1, 2026
Qudos Bank Arena
Sydney, Australia

Featherweight
Alexander Volkanovski (c) vs. Diego Lopes

Lightweight
Dan Hooker vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Lightweight
Rafael Fiziev vs. Maurício Ruffy

Featherweight
Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha

Heavyweight
Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira

Light Heavyweight
Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana

Welterweight
Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott

Lightweight
Quillan Salkilld vs. Rong Zhu

Light Heavyweight
Jimmy Crute vs. Dustin Jacoby

Middleweight
Cameron Rowston vs. Cody Brundage

Lightweight
Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan

Featherweight
Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay

Middleweight
Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney

Bantamweight
Sulang Rangbo vs. Lawrence Lui

Flyweight
Aaron Tau vs. Namsrai Batbayar

News

WWE RAW
December 5, 2026
Barclays Center
Brooklyn, New York
CM Punk vs Bron Breakker
and much more!
RAW Gets Stranger!

WWE SmackDown
January 2, 2026
KeyBank Center
Buffalo, New York

WWE RAW
December 29
KIA Center
Orlando, Florida
Rey Mysterio vs Austin Theory

WWE NXT
December 30
Evans vs Saints
Orlando, Florida

WWE SmackDown
January 23rd, 2026
Bell Center
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
January 24, 2026
Bell Center
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

WWE RAW
January 26, 2026
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Scotiabank Arena

WWE SmackDown
Jabuary 30, 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

WWE Royal Rumble 2026
January 31, 2026
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

*Keep checking the official WWE website for futher details

*Overview of events. More events scheduled!

*Subject to change

News

Real American Freestyle (RAF)

Real American Freestyle (RAF) is a professional freestyle wrestling promotion that launched in 2025. Founded by Chad Bronstein, Terri Francis, and the late WWE legend Hulk Hogan, the league aims to redefine "professional wrestling" as an unscripted, legitimate athletic competition rather than scripted entertainment.

Core Features and Mission

Unscripted Competition: Unlike traditional pro wrestling (WWE/AEW), RAF features real matches with no predetermined outcomes.

Elite Athlete Roster: The promotion signs Olympic gold medalists, NCAA champions, and high-profile MMA fighters. Notable athletes include Henry Cejudo, Kyle Dake, Gable Steveson, and Wyatt Hendrickson.

Professional Platform: Historically, amateur wrestlers lacked a path to earn money professionally. RAF provides a platform for these athletes to profit from their skills while maintaining eligibility for active NCAA wrestlers through NIL sponsorships.

Rules and Scoring

RAF uses modified freestyle wrestling rules designed to encourage high-amplitude throws and intense action:

Match Structure: Matches consist of three periods of two minutes each, totaling six minutes.

Scoring:

5 Points: High-amplitude throws from standing.

2 Points: Takedowns and exposing the opponent's back from the ground.

1 Point: Reversals, step-outs (pushing an opponent out of bounds), or shot clock violations.

Ending a Match: Bouts end by pinfall, technical fall (a 10-point lead), or the expiration of time. Ties are decided by "criteria," typically awarding the win to the wrestler who scored the last point.

Recent and Upcoming Events (2025–2026)

The promotion's flagship events, known as RAF cards, air exclusively on Fox Nation.

RAF 04 (Dec 20, 2025): Held in Fishers, Indiana. Wyatt Hendrickson retained his Heavyweight Title against Mason Parris.

RAF 05 (Jan 10, 2026): Scheduled for Sunrise, Florida, featuring a main event between UFC veterans Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold.

RAF 06 (Feb 28, 2026): Set for Tempe, Arizona, headlined by Henry Cejudo vs. Urijah Faber.

Television Series: A weekly two-hour live series is slated to begin airing in early 2026.

News

WWE

Drew McIntyre Burns Dusty Rhodes Photo in WWE Title Challenge to Cody

On the first SmackDown of 2026, McIntyre announced punishing rules for his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes next Friday in Berlin: a straight wrestling match, falls count anywhere, and a steel cage if needed. Rhodes charged the ring in fury but was held back by security as McIntyre invoked family legacy to stoke the rivalry. Fans are divided, with some rooting for McIntyre's European homecoming win and others backing Rhodes to defend his title amid rumors of bigger challengers ahead.

News

WWE's AJ Styles Slams Fan's AEW Career-End Suggestion

Styles quoted a fan claiming he should have ended his Hall of Fame run in AEW for its style over WWE money, calling it one of the 'dumbest things' ever said in a Jeopardy!-style jab that racked up over 7,000 likes. The 48-year-old TNA and NJPW legend chose WWE a decade ago, winning two championships and feuding with Cena and Reigns despite recent injuries. Fans split along WWE-AEW lines, with some praising his packed-arena choice and others pushing dream matches, but Styles stays loyal to WWE as his exit nears.

News

Drew McIntyre Reveals Brutal Three Stages of Hell for Cody Rhodes Title Match

On SmackDown's season premiere in Buffalo, McIntyre announced the stipulations for his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Rhodes next week in Berlin: first a standard wrestling match, then falls count anywhere, and finally inside a steel cage. The personal attack escalated their feud after McIntyre invaded Rhodes' bus and torched the family photo, drawing a 'FOUL' from WWE. Triple H hyped the throwback 'Three Stages of Hell' clash at Uber Arena on January 9, as fans debate if McIntyre can dethrone the champ or see his main event run end.

News

Media Man

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

TKO wins Media Man 'Entertainment Promoter Of The Month' award; 'Sports Promoter Of The Month' award

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award

Stranger Things wins Media Man 'Streaming Series Of The Month' award

Trick Williams wins Media Man 'Pro Wrestling Promo Of The Month' award (so far)

Killer Kross wins Media Man 'Indy Wrestler Of The Month' award

Chris Jericho wins Media Man 'Wrestling Free Agent Of The Month' award

Liv Morgan wins Media Man 'NXT Wrestler Of The Month' award

TNA Wrestling wins Media Man 'Most Improved Wrestling Promotion Of The Year' award; Runner-ups: AEW, MLW and WSW

RAF wins Media Man 'Freestyle Wrestling Promotion Of The Year' award (2025)

Sports Weekend: X Marks The Spot

Grappling With Sports News Overload
Elon's Grok Helps Fans, Promoters, Insiders And All
Strike While The Iron Is Hot
Early Bird Xmas Season Report

Pro Wrestling

WWE Friday Night SmackDown
December 6, 2025
Austin, Texas
Moody Center
The Last Time Is Now Tournament
and much more
Get well soon Tiffany Stratton, CM Punk and Jey Uso

NXT Deadline
December 6, 2025
The Boeing Center
Tech Port
San Antonio, Texas
Ricky Saints (c) vs Oba Femi - NXT Title
Ethan Page (c) vs Mr. Iguana - NXT North American Title
Iron Survivor Matches: Men's and Women's
and much more

MMA

UFC 323: Dvalishvili vs Yan 2
December 6
T-Mobile Arena
Paradise, Nevada, Las Vegas Valley

Bare Knuckle Boxing

BKFC 85
December 5
Trout vs Palomino 2
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, FL
Trout vs Palomino 2

Motorsport

Formula 1
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi, UAE
December 4-7
Championship Drivers: Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Lando Norris (McLaren), and Oscar Piastri (McLaren).

Planning Ahead ...

WWE
Monday Night RAW
December 8
T-Mobile Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Randy Orton and Cowboy Bob Orton country! RKO's to invaders? Rhodes and Jey Uso showing heelish side! Recap on John Cena.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament

WWE
Saturday Night's Main Event
December 13
Capital One Arena
Washington, D.C
John Cena's Last Match
and much more!

WWE Royal Rumble 2026

Royal Rumble 2026 Heads to Riyadh for Historic Debut

The event marks a milestone, hosted at the home stadium of Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr team in Saudi Arabia. Fans are sharing bold predictions for surprise returns, dream matchups, and who will claim the Rumble glory. Names like Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan, and Bianca Belair pop up in the excited guesses as wrestling fans gear up for the iconic battle royal.

*internet rumour. Awaiting absolute confirmation of details

*correct at time of publication, to best of knowledge

Sports Weekend

November 23, 2025

Powered by X/Grok

MMA

Luke Riley Delivers Stunning UFC Debut Stoppage in Qatar

In his first UFC fight at Fight Night in Qatar, Riley overcame Bogdan Grad's dominant first round by scrambling to top position and landing a barrage of ground strikes 30 seconds into Round 2, prompting the referee to stop it. The undefeated 12-0 fighter, with nine knockouts, earned widespread praise for his power and resilience. Training partner Paddy Pimblett cheered from cageside, while Riley later called the comeback 'unbelievable' to Michael Bisping. His performance marks him as a rising force in featherweight.

News

Conor McGregor Shares Intense Ibogaine Recovery Journey

The former UFC champion detailed treatments with Stanford doctors and a 36-hour session at Mexico's AMBIO clinic, where the psychoactive plant compound helped heal his brain, heart, and soul from personal trauma. He shared photos of grueling training sessions fueled by motivation, isolation, discipline, and prayer, while hinting at a UFC return after his 2021 leg injury. McGregor recommended the Netflix documentary 'In Waves and War,' which follows U.S. veterans using similar therapies for PTSD and brain injuries at the same clinic.

News

Pro Wrestling

Lucha Brothers Reunite to Challenge Mysterio and El Grande Americano at Guerra de Titanes

The Lucha Brothers made a surprise return at AAA's Alianzas event in Mexico City on Saturday, issuing a tag team challenge to Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano after their main event defense. The WWE stars accepted immediately, locking in the match for December 20 at Guerra de Titanes in Guadalajara. This reunion marks the duo's first teamwork since joining WWE earlier this year, thanks to contracts allowing select indie outings. Fans in the arena chanted wildly, eager for the flips, dives, and cross-promotional action ahead.

News

Blake Monroe Shares Bold Backstage Photos as NXT Champ

The NXT Women's North American Champion posted striking backstage images from a dimly lit arena setup, blending high fashion with her signature swagger. Fans loved her open black blazer over a low-cut blue top, micro shorts, lace stockings, and glamorous accessories like long blonde waves and layered necklaces. As a rising star who recently defended her title against Sol Ruca, Monroe continues to shine off the ring too, embracing her 'woman from hell' persona with fabulous edge.

News

AJ Lee and Stephanie McMahon to Discuss 2015 Twitter Clash on Podcast

The episode dives into a February 25, 2015, Twitter spat where AJ Lee challenged McMahon's post on wage equality, highlighting how female wrestlers drove sales and ratings yet earned less with little screen time. McMahon responded with #GiveDivasAChance, a phrase tied to fan pushes that helped launch WWE's Women's Evolution. Now, with women's divisions headlining shows and equal pay in place, the two will address it head-on—AJ Lee's one condition for joining.

News

Zoey Stark Runs Pain-Free Six Months After Knee Surgery

Six months after tearing her ACL, MCL, and meniscus in a May 19 Raw match, WWE wrestler Zoey Stark shared video of herself running and pivoting during agility drills at a Henderson, Nevada therapy center. She credited her progress to consistent work, thanking her team for getting her this far. WWE eyes a mid-2026 ring return, and her latest milestone shows real momentum toward reclaiming her spot in the women's division.

News

F1

McLaren's Norris and Piastri Disqualified from Las Vegas Grand Prix Over Skid Plank Wear

Norris finished second behind Max Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri in fourth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Technical inspections found their rearmost skid planks below the 9mm minimum, required to prevent cars running too low for aero advantage. McLaren had monitored excessive wear from track contact but misjudged it, leading to an apology and investigation. The loss tightens the drivers' standings—Norris leads at 390 points, Piastri and Verstappen tied at 366—with Qatar and Abu Dhabi ahead.

News

Ferrari's Hamilton Last, Leclerc Ninth in Rainy Las Vegas

Lando Norris claimed pole for McLaren in 1:47.934, with Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz following. Ferrari struggled for grip: Leclerc hit ninth in Q3 with 1:49.872, and Hamilton bowed out in Q1 on a 1:57.115 lap. Leclerc vented frustration about wet-weather issues ahead of 2026, as the team's graphic of the drivers in red suits drew fan memes and support alike. Hamilton recovered to 10th in the race, won by Verstappen.

News

Verstappen Dominates Las Vegas Grand Prix Amid McLaren Skid Block Probe

Verstappen secured victory for Red Bull, with Norris in second and George Russell third in provisional results. The FIA summoned both McLaren drivers after finding their rear skid blocks below the required 9mm thickness, risking disqualification and point losses. If penalties stick, Russell moves to second and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who climbed from 17th to fifth, takes third. Verstappen's win cuts his drivers' championship gap to Norris to 24 points with two races left.

News

Beyoncé and Jay-Z Ride with Lewis Hamilton at Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix

The power couple arrived at the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix in custom Louis Vuitton racing suits, blending fashion with trackside energy. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, gave them hot laps up to 200 mph in a sponsored Pirelli demo. Beyoncé shared the exhilaration on Instagram with 'Give it to Mama!', hugging Hamilton afterward while Jay-Z grinned in relief. The moment highlighted their long friendship amid the celebrity-packed weekend.

News

American Football

Shedeur Sanders Debuts for Browns in Vegas Showdown with Raiders

Both the 2-8 Browns and Raiders met at Allegiant Stadium in Week 12, desperate for a win. Shedeur, son of Hall of Famer Deion, connected on a deep pass to Isaiah Bond early, fueling a touchdown run that gave Cleveland a 14-0 lead. An interception and sack tested him, but through the first quarter he went 4-of-6 for 77 yards while injured starter Deshaun Watson mentored from the sideline. No Browns QB has won a debut start since 1999, making this a pivotal test of the rookie's poise.

News

Soccer

Ronaldo's Stunning Bicycle Kick Seals Al-Nassr's 4-1 Win

Al-Nassr beat Al-Khaleej 4-1 in Riyadh on Sunday, keeping their perfect Saudi Pro League record at nine wins from nine. João Félix and Wesley scored before halftime, Al-Khaleej replied early in the second half, and Sadio Mané made it 3-1 before Ronaldo's acrobatic 90+6' finish, his 954th career goal and 10th this season. The strike echoed his famous 2018 Champions League moment, proving his skill endures at age 40. Al-Nassr now leads by four points.

Other

Eze's Hat-Trick Powers Arsenal to 4-1 Derby Win Over Tottenham

Arsenal beat rivals Tottenham 4-1 in the North London Derby on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. Eze scored a hat-trick on his debut—his first since Alan Sunderland in 1978—after Trossard opened the scoring, with Richarlison's reply not enough for Spurs. The 27-year-old, signed from Crystal Palace for £67.5 million despite Tottenham's interest, now has six goals in four games against them. The victory put Arsenal six points clear at the Premier League summit.

News

Media Man

X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month' award'; Runner-up: YouTube

Media Man

WWE Survivor Series: War Games
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Petco Park, San Diego, California

Media Man Combat Sports Watercooler

Australia And World Prepares For Strong Combat Sports Weekend

October 2025

October 22/23, 2025

News

WWE Roman Reigns Returned To WWE A Few Weeks Ago; Gone Again! Rumor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson To Return; WWE Fanbase Keen On Potential Chris Jericho Return! Edge Rumors!

Brock Lesnar Returns To WWE; Seen Mainly On PLE's!

WWE Women's Division On Fire

MFT's (My Family Tree) Faction feud with Wyatt Sicks!

Los Americanos Lucha Faction

Santos Escobar Re-signs With WWE

Australians Bronson Reed Elevated In Top Tier

Rhea Ripley Recovering From Broken Nose Suffered In Japan; Fan Sign Spotted "We Want Buddy" (RR's husband)

Will Half Aussie Nia Jax Play Spoiler Again In Title Picture?

Aussie Big G Grayson Waller Ready For Rocket Ship Push? New Day To Mars! Great Feud With Penta!

WWE Home To World's Greatest Women Wrestlers: Ripley, Asuka, Stratton, IYO SKY, Sane, Sol Ruca, Zaria rising! (stayed turned to NXT's Halloween Havoc for situations)!

Maxxine Duprix Most Improved! Tears House Down On RAW vs Lynch in re-match!

News

WWE SmackDown
October 24
Tempe, Arizona
Mullett Arena
Cody Rhodes, MFT's and more!

NXT
Halloween Havoc
October 25
Prescott, Arizona
Findlay Toyota Center
Saints vs Williams - NXT Title
Page vs Dr. Wagner Jr - Day Of The Dead Match - NXT North American Title
Zaria vs Blake Monroe - NXT North American Title
Hardy's vs Darkstate - Broken Rules match!
Jayne vs Paxley -NXT Women's Title

WWE RAW
October 27
Anaheim, CA
Honda Center
CM Punk, Knight, Ripley and more!

UFC 321
Aspinall vs. Gane
October 25, 2025
Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
November 1
Salt Lake City, Utah
Delta Center

CM Punk vs Jey Uso - World Heavyweight Title

Cody Rhodes (c) vs Drew McIntyre - Undisputed WWE Title

and more!

WWE RAW
November 3
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Rio Rancho Event Center
Rhea Ripley, CM Punk and more!

News

Pro Wrestling

Killer Kross (and Scarlett) In DEFY! Re-finds Authentic Self; Life Is Fighting! One Big Work?!

Boxing News

Logan Paul Set To Box Brother Jake Paul
Developing News Story! Stay tuned to Impaulsive Podcast!

News (Australia)

MMA/UFC

Aussie Robert Whittaker calls out Sean Strickland for White House event: ‘It’ll be a fun fight’

“I would love to fight Sean Strickland in front of the White House,” Whittaker went on record with on Fox Sports Australia on Wednesday. “For one, I think that’s going to be a monumental occasion. When are you ever going to be able to fight in front of the White House ever again? But I’ve been trying to fight Sean for the longest of times just because I like that fight.

“We’ve been in the same circles for a while. He’s still ranked 3, which puts me right back into a conversation that I want to be a part of, and I think it’ll be a fun fight. I think it’ll be a good fight to watch. I’d love to be on that.” RW

News

Motorsport

Supercheap Auto, Red Bull and Repco are the brands most firmly associated with the V8 Supercars and Bathurst 1000 (Roy Morgan Summary) Research from Roy Morgan shows that three key brands -Supercheap Auto, Red Bull and Repco - stand out as associated most strongly with the V8 Supercars Championship, which includes the Bathurst 1000. Supercheap Auto, which was the naming rights sponsor for the Bathurst 1000 from 2005 to 2020, is still associated with V8 Supercars by 13% of Australians (3.1 million). Red Bull, the naming rights sponsor of the most successful V8 Supercars team since 2013, is associated with the V8 Supercars by 11% of Australians (2.6 million). Repco, which has been the naming rights sponsor of the Bathurst 1000 since 2021, is associated with the V8 Supercars by 9% of Australians (equivalent to 2.1 million people). Other brands associated with V8 Supercars include Ampol, Dunlop and Mobil (6% of Australians for each), Beaurepaires (5%), Boost Mobile (4%), and Armor All, BP, Coca Cola, Coates Hire and Jim Beam (all 3%). Meanwhile, almost 2.6 million Australians aged 14+ said they watched the Bathurst 1000 in the year to June 2025; this is equivalent to 11.3% of Australians. (RMS)

News Flashback

October 10

Billionaire injects further $900m into Dazn

Corporate filings show that UK-based sports streaming company DAZN posted a loss of $US936m in 2024, compared with a $1.4bn loss a year earlier. Revenue in 2024 was $US323m higher than previously at $US3.2bn, although the financial results were prior to the completion of DAZN's acquisition of Foxtel earlier in 2025. The corporate filings also show that DAZN's owner Len Blavatnik invested an additional $891m in the streaming provider in 2024 via his investment company, Access Industries. Blavatnk has now invested more than $11bn in DAZN over the last decade. (RMS)

News

Oct 6

Seven weighs new bid for next NRL rights

There is speculation that Seven West Media could pursue new talks with US-based NBCUniversal regarding a joint venture streaming service if the proposed merger with Southern Cross Media Group proceeds. Industry sources have indicated that NBCUniversal's requirement for the Stokes family to reduce their stake in Seven West to just 20 per cent had been a 'deal breaker' when the talks were held in 2022. The Stokes family's stake will fall to 20 per cent if the merger with Southern Cross goes ahead. Seven insiders have also suggested that having its own streaming service could also Seven to bid for the NRL broadcasting rights; Seven has limited options at present given that its holds the AFL rights. (RMS)

News

Kayo, Binge remain key pillars of Foxtel

Foxtel Group executive Mark Frain has emphasised that the pay-TV company remains committed to the Binge streaming service under its new owner, the sports-focused DAZN. The CEO of Foxtel Media says the entertainment-focused Binge is a key part of the group's future plans; he argues that Binge provides DAZN with an opportunity to bolster and complement sport. Meanwhile, Frain expects demand for Kayo Sports to continue growing amongst both from advertisers and subscribers. Foxtel recently held its 2006 'upfronts'.

Netflix

Against The Ropes (has returned)
The Legend Of Baron To'A (just hit a few weeks ago)
WWE RAW number 2 position in Australia. Ref: Netflix interface!
WWE SmackDown (numerous international markets. Not US)
WWE NXT

News

Media Man

Google Finance wins Media Man 'Business News Website Of The Month' award

Runner-ups: Yahoo! Finance, The Australian Financial Review, FOX Business and Sky News Australia

Yahoo! Finance Sports Report wins Media Man 'Sports Business Podcast Of The Month' award

83 Weeks Wins Media Man 'Wrestling Podcast Of The Month'

Logan Paul aka Impaulsive wins Media Man 'Pop Culture Podcast Of The Month' award

TMZ Sports wins Media Man 'Live Sports Broadcast Of The Month' award

Rushmore On X wins Media Man 'Sports Business Podcast Of The Month' award

News

Brand News via Media Man

Netflix wins Media Man 'Brand Of The Month'; Runner-up: MAX

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

UFC wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award

TKO Group wins Media Man 'Entertainment Promoter Of The Month' award

AEW wins Media Man 'Challenger Brand Of The Month' award

Prime wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award; Runner-up: Nespresso

2nd Runner-up: Amazon Berry Acai

Sports Card Brand Of The Month: Porsche, Runner-up: Mercedes-AMG

Sports Shoes Brand Of The Month: New Balance; Runner-up: Nike

UFC News

October 2025

Dana White's Contender Series

Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Concludes with Five Contracts and Epic Knockouts

The ninth season of Dana White's Contender Series ended Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where five fighters earned UFC contracts in six bouts, bringing the year's total to a record 41. Standout performances included Michael Oliveira's second-round TKO in the welterweight opener, Marwan Rahiki's dramatic comeback TKO in the middleweight fight after two first-round knockdowns, and Juan Diaz's viral spinning back elbow knockout in the bantamweight bout. UFC CEO Dana White praised the talent on display as the series sets to return next summer. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

UFC Fighters Banned for Life

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) maintains a strict code of conduct, anti-doping policies, and zero-tolerance stance on criminal behavior, leading to lifetime bans for several fighters over the years. These bans are typically enforced by UFC President Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), or anti-doping agencies like USADA (now CSAD). While some fighters have been released or suspended without a formal "lifetime" label, the following list compiles the most notable cases of permanent bans from competing in the UFC, based on documented incidents.

Note that a few (like Wanderlei Silva) have had bans partially lifted over time, but they remain ineligible or have retired.

Year Banned
Reason for Ban
Key Details & Aftermath

Randy Couture
2007
Contract disputes, public criticism of UFC management, and association with rival promotion Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC).

The Hall of Famer and two-division champion was effectively persona non grata with Dana White. He returned in 2011 after reconciliation but retired shortly after.

Rousimar Palhares
2013
Refusing to release submissions after the referee stopped fights (e.g., heel hook on Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29).

Known as a "heel hook specialist," his unsportsmanlike conduct led to a swift release. He competed in other promotions like WSOF but was later suspended for doping elsewhere.

War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver)
2014
Severe criminal assault on ex-girlfriend Christy Mack, resulting in a 19-year prison sentence.
Banned immediately after his arrest; his prior controversial comments and behavior sealed the decision. He's serving time and unlikely to fight again.

Paul Daley ("Semtex")
2010
Post-fight sucker punch to Josh Koscheck at UFC 113.
The British striker was cut and banned on the spot by White during the press conference. He thrived in Bellator, winning their welterweight title.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller
2012
Backstage altercation after UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dollaway, plus prior incidents like invading a rival's gym.
The TUF alum's chaotic personality led to the ban. He fought sporadically in Bellator and Japan before retiring.

Thiago Silva
2014
Fleeing a random drug test and domestic violence allegations (charges later dropped, but UFC acted swiftly).

The Brazilian light heavyweight was NSAC-banned for life initially; he fought in other promotions like PFL but retired in 2020.

Wanderlei Silva
2014
Refusal to comply with NSAC drug testing and evading investigators.
The PRIDE legend's ban was reduced to 2 years by CAS in 2015, but he never returned to UFC, retiring in 2017 after a Bellator stint.

Ruslan Magomedov
2018
Multiple USADA doping violations (third failed test) and refusal to provide a sample.
The Russian heavyweight became the first lifetime USADA ban recipient, ending his UFC career after just four fights.

Nick Diaz
2015
Third marijuana violation under NSAC rules, leading to a 5-year suspension; UFC extended to lifetime ban.
The Stockton star's ban was lifted in 2021, allowing his return at UFC 266 (he lost to Robbie Lawler). Not truly permanent anymore.

Matt Riddle
2013
Positive marijuana test post-UFC release, coupled with controversial comments about using it to avoid "beating his children."
White publicly vowed never to rehire the wrestler-turned-MMA fighter, who transitioned to WWE before being released there in 2023.

News

UFC Events

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen

October 18, 2025

Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen (also known as UFC Fight Night 262 and UFC on ESPN+ 120) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Card:

Middleweight
Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

Welterweight
Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott

Bantamweight
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Women's Flyweight
Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Bantamweight
Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng

Lightweight
Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola

Preliminary card (ESPN+)

Bantamweight
Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant

Flyweight
Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung

Middleweight
Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos

Lightweight
Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober

Women's Strawweight
Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira

Middleweight
Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui

Women's Bantamweight
Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa

News

UFC Events

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane

October 25, 2025
Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Card:

Heavyweight
Tom Aspinall (c) vs. Ciryl Gane

Women's Strawweight
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern

Bantamweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista

Heavyweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida

Light Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Preliminary card (ESPN+ / Disney+ / FX)

Lightweight
Ludovít Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki

Middleweight
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-yong

Lightweight
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Matheus Camilo

Featherweight
Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

Heavyweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett

Flyweight
Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo

Women's Strawweight
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue

News

UFC Events

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

November 15, 2025
Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York, United States

Card:

Welterweight
Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev

Women's Flyweight
Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili

Welterweight
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Lightweight
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Middleweight
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

Middleweight
Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Middleweight
Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Women's Flyweight
Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez

Middleweight
Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Women's Strawweight
Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

*card subject to change

*all cards subject to change

Media Man Combat Sports Watercooler

Thank God It's Friday Edition

Australia And World Prepares For Massive Combat Sports Weekend

October 2025

October 9, 10, 2025

News

WWE Roman Reigns Returns To WWE
Brock Lesnar Returns To WWE
WWE Women's Division On Fire
Los Americanos Lucha Faction
Santos Escobar Re-signs With WWE

Australians Bronson Reed, Rhea Ripley To Compete at WWE Crown Jewel Perth;

Will Half Aussie Nia Jax Play Spoiler?!

Will Aussie Big G Grayson Waller Play Spoiler?!

WWE Home To World's Greatest Women Wrestlers: Ripley, Asuka, Stratton, IYO SKY

Maxxine Duprix Most Improved! Tears House Down On RAW vs Lynch

Western Australia Preps For Crown Jewel Perth: Oct 11 Rhodes vs Rollins

Roman Reigns vs Bronson Reed: Australian Street Fight! John Cena vs AJ Styles
Stephanie Vaquer vs Tiffany Stratton
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky vs The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane)

News

WWE RAW
RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia
Crown Jewel Fallout!
Following RAW following Crown Jewel on Aussie Soil

News

Pro Wrestling

WWE SmackDown
October 10
RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Tiffany Stratton & Stephanie Vaquer vs Giulia & Kiana James

Sami Zayn’s US title open challenge

Damian Priest vs Aleister Black – Last Man Standing

Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (c) vs The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) – WWE Tag Team title

plus Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, Jacob Fatu, more Samoans and much more!

News

UFC Fight Night: Oliveira vs. Gamrot (aka UFC Fight Night 261 and UFC on ESPN+ 119)

October 11, 2025
Farmasi Arena
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Card:

Mains

Lightweight
Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot

Bantamweight
Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Montel Jackson

Welterweight
Vicente Luque vs. Joel Álvarez

Heavyweight
Jhonata Diniz vs. Mário Pinto

Featherweight
Ricardo Ramos vs. Kaan Ofli

Featherweight
Lucas Almeida vs. Michael Aswell

Prelims (ESPN+)

Flyweight
Jafel Filho vs. Clayton Carpenter

Heavyweight
Vitor Petrino vs. Thomas Petersen

Women's Bantamweight
Beatriz Mesquita vs. Irina Alekseeva

Flyweight
Lucas Rocha vs. Stewart Nicoll

Women's Strawweight
Julia Polastri vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz

Bantamweight
Luan Lacerda vs. Saimon Oliveira

Boxing News

Logan Paul Set To Box Brother Jake Paul
Developing News Story! Stay tuned to Impaulsive Podcast!

News (Australia)

Motorsport

Supercheap Auto, Red Bull and Repco are the brands most firmly associated with the V8 Supercars and Bathurst 1000 (Roy Morgan Summary) Research from Roy Morgan shows that three key brands -Supercheap Auto, Red Bull and Repco - stand out as associated most strongly with the V8 Supercars Championship, which includes the Bathurst 1000. Supercheap Auto, which was the naming rights sponsor for the Bathurst 1000 from 2005 to 2020, is still associated with V8 Supercars by 13% of Australians (3.1 million). Red Bull, the naming rights sponsor of the most successful V8 Supercars team since 2013, is associated with the V8 Supercars by 11% of Australians (2.6 million). Repco, which has been the naming rights sponsor of the Bathurst 1000 since 2021, is associated with the V8 Supercars by 9% of Australians (equivalent to 2.1 million people). Other brands associated with V8 Supercars include Ampol, Dunlop and Mobil (6% of Australians for each), Beaurepaires (5%), Boost Mobile (4%), and Armor All, BP, Coca Cola, Coates Hire and Jim Beam (all 3%). Meanwhile, almost 2.6 million Australians aged 14+ said they watched the Bathurst 1000 in the year to June 2025; this is equivalent to 11.3% of Australians. (RMS)

October 10

Billionaire injects further $900m into Dazn

Corporate filings show that UK-based sports streaming company DAZN posted a loss of $US936m in 2024, compared with a $1.4bn loss a year earlier. Revenue in 2024 was $US323m higher than previously at $US3.2bn, although the financial results were prior to the completion of DAZN's acquisition of Foxtel earlier in 2025. The corporate filings also show that DAZN's owner Len Blavatnik invested an additional $891m in the streaming provider in 2024 via his investment company, Access Industries. Blavatnk has now invested more than $11bn in DAZN over the last decade. (RMS)

News

Oct 6

Seven weighs new bid for next NRL rights

There is speculation that Seven West Media could pursue new talks with US-based NBCUniversal regarding a joint venture streaming service if the proposed merger with Southern Cross Media Group proceeds. Industry sources have indicated that NBCUniversal's requirement for the Stokes family to reduce their stake in Seven West to just 20 per cent had been a 'deal breaker' when the talks were held in 2022. The Stokes family's stake will fall to 20 per cent if the merger with Southern Cross goes ahead. Seven insiders have also suggested that having its own streaming service could also Seven to bid for the NRL broadcasting rights; Seven has limited options at present given that its holds the AFL rights. (RMS)

News

Kayo, Binge remain key pillars of Foxtel

Foxtel Group executive Mark Frain has emphasised that the pay-TV company remains committed to the Binge streaming service under its new owner, the sports-focused DAZN. The CEO of Foxtel Media says the entertainment-focused Binge is a key part of the group's future plans; he argues that Binge provides DAZN with an opportunity to bolster and complement sport. Meanwhile, Frain expects demand for Kayo Sports to continue growing amongst both from advertisers and subscribers. Foxtel recently held its 2006 'upfronts'.

Netflix

Against The Ropes (has returned)
The Legend Of Baron To'A (just hit)
WWE RAW number 8 position
WWE SmackDown (numerous international markets. Not US)
WWE NXT

Wrestling

TNA Bound For Glory
October 12, 2025

News

Media Man

Google Finance wins Media Man 'Business News Website Of The Month' award
Runner-ups: Yahoo! Finance, The Australian Financial Review, FOX Business and Sky News Australia

Yahoo! Finance Sports Report wins Media Man 'Sports Business Podcast Of The Month' award

83 Weeks Wins Media Man 'Wrestling Podcast Of The Month'

Logan Paul aka Impaulsive wins Media Man 'Pop Culture Podcast Of The Month' award

TMZ Sports wins Media Man 'Live Sports Broadcast Of The Month' award

Rushmore On X wins Media Man 'Sports Business Podcast Of The Month' award

News

Brand News via Media Man

Netflix wins Media Man 'Brand Of The Month'; Runner-up: MAX

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

UFC wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award

TKO Group wins Media Man 'Entertainment Promoter Of The Month' award

AEW wins Media Man 'Challenger Brand Of The Month' award

Prime wins Media Man 'Beverage Of The Month' award

Claudio's Cafe wins Media Man 'Coffee Brand Of The Month' award; Runner-up: Nespresso

2nd Runner-up: Amazon Berry Acai

Sports Card Brand Of The Month: Porsche, Runner-up: Mercedes-AMG

Sports Shoes Brand Of The Month: New Balance; Runner-up: Nike

December 2025

WWE RAW
December 8
Kansas City, MO
T-Mobile Center
Road To Saturday Night's Main Event
The Last Time Is Now Update
Finn Bálor vs. Rey Mysterio
The War Raiders
Buzz: CM Punk
and much more

WWE SmackDown
December 12
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Mohegan Arena
Casey Plaza
Road To Saturday Night's Main Event
The Last Time is Now Update
Update: John Cena's Career
Buzz: Mad Dragon, The Terror Twins

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
December 13, 2025
John Cena's Last Month: The Last Time Is Now
John Cena vs Gunther
Cody Rhodes vs Oba Femi: Champion vs. Champion
Bayley vs Sol Ruca
Road To Royal Rumble and Road To WrestleMania
and more
Washington, DC
NBC for U.S
YouTube for Australia and numerous international markets

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua
Judgement Day
December 19th
Miami, Florida
(Netflix globally)

Pro Wrestling

WWE
@WWE
RAW on Netflix
@netflix

Desert Diamond Arena
Glendale, Arizona

The Last Time Is Now Tournament

December 1, 2025

"Welcome to Monday Night RAW here in Glendale, Arizona. Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett with you, in the midst of this massive crowd ... on the heels of a fascinating Survivor Series " Joe Tessitore
@JoeTessESPN

"Wether it is Dirty Dom's defeate of John Cena ... or the mystery hooded figure who turned up at the men's WarGames match .. Everyone here wants some answers, and we're going to get after them here on RAW" Wade Barrett

"The action, the injury, it was as good as ever" ... JT

WarGames recap

"The Vision has arrived. The WarGames winners, delivering on everything Paul Heyman said they would" ... JT

Media Man: The Vision rocks. aka Paul Heyman Guys! Mr X on X?!

Media Man Watercooler

Cyber Monday. Mr X Sends Internet and IWC Into Meltdown! Can You Seen The Vision!!! Cage Jacking Heard Around The World!

Vision, Dirty Dom and Liv Morgan vibes. Liv And Let Die (Pop culture ref: James Bond)

"War Pigs" (Black Sabbath)

La Primera": Stephanie Vaquer. Kara Vale or other theme? Just call her champ!

Media Man Watercooler

Pop Culture Mania!

Desert Dweller Wrestlers To Run A Muck!

Paul Heyman Masterclass In Domination On An Off Camera!

Brock Lesnar?!

Roman Reigns watching from afar?!

Dark Angel buzz!

Penta buzz! 100 percent?

The Vision/Paul Heyman Guys buzz! Winning! Black Scorpion vibes?! Midnight Rider, The Hood or Mr X! WhoDoneIt?!

Tribal Warfare again? War appears to be brewing.

Survivor Series: War Games Aftermath and and Road To Saturday Night's Main Event

Stephanie Vaquer buzz! The Devil's Kiss You Know And Love! Pucker up ladies!

Lynch buzz! Woman scorned?! Legal!!!

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee. The Tag Champs!

Gunther buzz! Ring General!

Media Man Pop Culture References

"I Don't Like Monday's" The Boomtown Rats

"Monday, Monday" The Mamas & the Papas

"Father And Son" Cat Stevens

"Blinded by the Light" Manfred Mann

"Manic Monday" The Bangles

"Ruby Tuesday" The Rolling Stones

"Basic Thuganomics" aka "Word Life" John Cena

"On Broadway" George Benson

"Kiss And Tell" Bryan Ferry

"I Can See Clearly Now" (Johnny Nash)

"Diamonds" (Rihanna)

"Devil Inside" (INXS)

Videos To Help Get Ready!

Liv Morgan is officially BACK! after Survivor Series: WarGames: WWE Now, Dec. 1, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=g-7o_ctCIa8

Full Survivor Series: WarGames 2025 highlights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YmKPutyT3q8&t=17s

FULL MATCH: Solo Sikoa wins Survivor Series Elimination Match: SmackDown highlights, Nov. 28, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=egjF3tsV1R8

A mystery Superstar BLASTS CM Punk with a Stomp in WarGames: WarGames 2025 highlights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=B1dsphaqSiw

Jaw-dropping WarGames moments: WWE Top 10, Nov. 23, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ntSDL7k78Bo

FULL MATCH: Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown | 10-on-10 Survivor Series Elimination Match
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XXBodyRxgF0

Story of Brock Lesnar’s rookie year (2002-03)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=stIt69Cfjj0

Brock Lesnar’s March 2002 arrival sparked one of the greatest rookie years in wrestling history. Watch Lesnar’s dominant first year in WWE, including rivalries against the likes of Rob Van Dam, Hulk Hogan and The Undertaker, culminating in his WrestleMania XIX battle with Kurt Angle. (Credit: WWE)

Top 10 SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, Nov. 14, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=PKMmEXa4NEA

Who will win The Last Time Is Now Tournament and face John Cena?: WWE Now, Nov. 10 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=W8HhmHBpH4M

25 greatest John Cena Attitude Adjustments: WWE Top 10 special edition, Nov. 9, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mJO3WvFKKRY

Every John Cena message to Stew the cameraman
https://youtube.com/watch?v=BIe5podhBms

FULL MATCH: John Cena, CM Punk, Ricky Steamboat, Rey Mysterio & Jeff Hardy team: Raw, April 6, 2009
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Mz96fKC77HQ&t=916s

Top 10 SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, Nov. 7, 2025
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ai1PWybdwh0

Media Man Watercooler

Lots of surprises, new angles, creative expected! Mr X aka The Masked Man is talk of the town! Legendary RAW coming up. To be seen on Netflix globally! Road To SNME. War Games Aftermath!

Websites

WWE
http://wwe.com

WWE RAW
http://wwe.com/shows/raw

WWE YouTube
http://youtube.com/WWE

WWE on Netflix YouTube
https://youtube.com/@WWEonNetflix

Media Man: Pumped. Can You See The Vision? Paul Heyman Guys on fire! Vision became somewhat clearer at WarGames. Fog Of War! More pixels of the vision tonight?!

Media Man Int

WWE News
http://mediamanint.com/wwe_news.html

WWE RAW: News
https://mediamanint.com/wwe_raw.html

WWE Survivor Series: News
https://mediamanint.com/wwe_survivor.html

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event: News
https://mediamanint.com/wwe_saturday.html

Paul Heyman: News
https://mediamanint.com/paul_heyman.html

Wrestling News
https://mediamanint.com/wrestling_news.html

Media Man: So pumped for RAW!

UFC News

October 2025

Dana White's Contender Series

Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Concludes with Five Contracts and Epic Knockouts

The ninth season of Dana White's Contender Series ended Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where five fighters earned UFC contracts in six bouts, bringing the year's total to a record 41. Standout performances included Michael Oliveira's second-round TKO in the welterweight opener, Marwan Rahiki's dramatic comeback TKO in the middleweight fight after two first-round knockdowns, and Juan Diaz's viral spinning back elbow knockout in the bantamweight bout. UFC CEO Dana White praised the talent on display as the series sets to return next summer. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

UFC Fighters Banned for Life

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) maintains a strict code of conduct, anti-doping policies, and zero-tolerance stance on criminal behavior, leading to lifetime bans for several fighters over the years. These bans are typically enforced by UFC President Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), or anti-doping agencies like USADA (now CSAD). While some fighters have been released or suspended without a formal "lifetime" label, the following list compiles the most notable cases of permanent bans from competing in the UFC, based on documented incidents.

Note that a few (like Wanderlei Silva) have had bans partially lifted over time, but they remain ineligible or have retired.

Year Banned
Reason for Ban
Key Details & Aftermath

Randy Couture
2007
Contract disputes, public criticism of UFC management, and association with rival promotion Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC).

The Hall of Famer and two-division champion was effectively persona non grata with Dana White. He returned in 2011 after reconciliation but retired shortly after.

Rousimar Palhares
2013
Refusing to release submissions after the referee stopped fights (e.g., heel hook on Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29).

Known as a "heel hook specialist," his unsportsmanlike conduct led to a swift release. He competed in other promotions like WSOF but was later suspended for doping elsewhere.

War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver)
2014
Severe criminal assault on ex-girlfriend Christy Mack, resulting in a 19-year prison sentence.
Banned immediately after his arrest; his prior controversial comments and behavior sealed the decision. He's serving time and unlikely to fight again.

Paul Daley ("Semtex")
2010
Post-fight sucker punch to Josh Koscheck at UFC 113.
The British striker was cut and banned on the spot by White during the press conference. He thrived in Bellator, winning their welterweight title.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller
2012
Backstage altercation after UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dollaway, plus prior incidents like invading a rival's gym.
The TUF alum's chaotic personality led to the ban. He fought sporadically in Bellator and Japan before retiring.

Thiago Silva
2014
Fleeing a random drug test and domestic violence allegations (charges later dropped, but UFC acted swiftly).

The Brazilian light heavyweight was NSAC-banned for life initially; he fought in other promotions like PFL but retired in 2020.

Wanderlei Silva
2014
Refusal to comply with NSAC drug testing and evading investigators.
The PRIDE legend's ban was reduced to 2 years by CAS in 2015, but he never returned to UFC, retiring in 2017 after a Bellator stint.

Ruslan Magomedov
2018
Multiple USADA doping violations (third failed test) and refusal to provide a sample.
The Russian heavyweight became the first lifetime USADA ban recipient, ending his UFC career after just four fights.

Nick Diaz
2015
Third marijuana violation under NSAC rules, leading to a 5-year suspension; UFC extended to lifetime ban.
The Stockton star's ban was lifted in 2021, allowing his return at UFC 266 (he lost to Robbie Lawler). Not truly permanent anymore.

Matt Riddle
2013
Positive marijuana test post-UFC release, coupled with controversial comments about using it to avoid "beating his children."
White publicly vowed never to rehire the wrestler-turned-MMA fighter, who transitioned to WWE before being released there in 2023.

News

UFC Events

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen

October 18, 2025

Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen (also known as UFC Fight Night 262 and UFC on ESPN+ 120) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Card:

Middleweight
Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

Welterweight
Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott

Bantamweight
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Women's Flyweight
Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Bantamweight
Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng

Lightweight
Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola

Preliminary card (ESPN+)

Bantamweight
Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant

Flyweight
Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung

Middleweight
Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos

Lightweight
Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober

Women's Strawweight
Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira

Middleweight
Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui

Women's Bantamweight
Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa

News

UFC Events

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane

October 25, 2025
Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Card:

Heavyweight
Tom Aspinall (c) vs. Ciryl Gane

Women's Strawweight
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern

Bantamweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista

Heavyweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida

Light Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Preliminary card (ESPN+ / Disney+ / FX)

Lightweight
Ludovít Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki

Middleweight
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-yong

Lightweight
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Matheus Camilo

Featherweight
Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

Heavyweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett

Flyweight
Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo

Women's Strawweight
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue

News

UFC Events

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

November 15, 2025
Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York, United States

Card:

Welterweight
Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev

Women's Flyweight
Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili

Welterweight
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Lightweight
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Middleweight
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

Middleweight
Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Middleweight
Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Women's Flyweight
Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez

Middleweight
Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Women's Strawweight
Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

*card subject to change

*all cards subject to change

Combat Sports and Sports Entertainment

Pro Wrestling, MMA, Bare Knuckle and more!

Live Events Weekend

TNA Victory Road 2025
September 27, 2025
Edmonton Expo Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Frankie Kazarian def TNA International Champion Steve Maclin

NXT No Mercy
Oba Femi vs Ricky Saints - NXT Title
September 27, 2025
FTL War Memorial
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

BKFC 81 Manchester: DeGale vs Floyd
September 27, 2025
AO Arena City
Manchester, England

UFC
UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes
RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

News

Combat Sports News

WWE NXT No Mercy: Last night's premium live event delivered chaos, including a weaponized steel cage match and TNA crossover teases. Highlights featured Ethan Page's taunts, Tavion Heights defending the North American Championship, and a post-event announcement for an NXT-TNA "Invasion" on October 7.

Lash Legend and Jaida Parker brawled ringside, while Jordynne Grace endured brutal spots in her title defense.

MMA

Gable Steveson MMA Debut: The Olympic gold medalist wrestler brutalized his opponent in a quick submission win at a regional event, signaling a bright future in MMA.

RIZIN Update: Shinryu Makoto vows to win the Grand Prix and usher in a new era for Japanese MMA, emphasizing the need to "absolutely win" for the sport's future. (Grok)

News

AEW Collision
Huntington, West Virginia
Fletcher vs Komander
September 27, 2025

News

MMA

UFC Perth Main Card (10pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes

205 lbs.: Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan

145 lbs.: Jack Jenkins vs. Ramon Taveras

170 lbs.: Jake Matthews vs. Neil Magny

155 lbs.: Tom Nolan vs. Charlie Campbell

UFC Perth Prelims (7pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato

185 lbs.: Andre Petroski vs. Cam Rowston

155 lbs.: Jamie Mullarkey vs. Rolando Bedoya

145 lbs.: Colby Thicknesse vs. Josias Musasa

135 lbs.: Michelle Montague vs. Luana Carolina

News

WWE News

Recent Show Results and Highlights

SmackDown (September 26, Orlando, FL): The episode featured two title defenses in the main event. Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women's Championship in a chaotic triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, marred by interference and described as a "disastrous" finish that highlighted ongoing booking frustrations for the champion. In the U.S. Championship open challenge, Sami Zayn defended successfully against Je'Von Evans. Other key moments included Randy Orton aiding Cody Rhodes in taking out Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, escalating tensions ahead of Crown Jewel. Drew McIntyre continued his post-title loss rant against Rhodes, blaming referees and hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

Raw (September 22): Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka, but the post-match saw The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) viciously attack IYO SKY after she tried to intervene. Jey Uso picked up a win over LA Knight, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes had a heated face-off with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins to hype their Crown Jewel clash.

News

WWE Crown Jewel Perth
October 11, 2025

Build continues with storylines like Rhodes vs Rollins and Breakker's rise as a potential long-term face of the company. Expect international flavor with the event's location.

Australian Sports News

August - September - October 2025

AFL:

The 2025 AFL finals are set to kick off with a blockbuster qualifying final between Collingwood and Adelaide. Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs are well-represented in the All-Australian squad, while Melbourne's captain hit a historic milestone. However, West Coast recorded the worst season in AFL history, raising questions about their rebuild. An investigation is underway regarding an alleged offensive slur by an Adelaide player against a Collingwood opponent, which could impact their finals campaign.

Cricket:

Australia's men's Test captain Pat Cummins has called for a $100m fund to help sporting clubs combat climate change effects. The team secured a massive 276-run victory over South Africa in an ODI, led by centuries from Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh. Jess Jonassen and Beth Mooney shone in The Hundred, with Jonassen earning player of the match for Welsh Fire and Mooney starring for Manchester Originals. Former captain Bob Simpson passed away at 89, remembered for his tough approach in the 1980s.

Rugby:

The Wallabies achieved a historic comeback, defeating South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in over 60 years, overcoming a 22-0 deficit. Coach Joe Schmidt faced scrutiny from World Rugby over a Lions-related controversy. A veteran backrower was recalled for upcoming Tests against Argentina.

Tennis: At the 2025 US Open, Priscilla Hon pulled off a career-best win against 17th seed Liudmila Samsonova, earning $360k. Tristan Schoolkate’s five-set victory helped four Australians reach the second round. Ajla Tomljanovic had a notable clash with Coco Gauff in Round 1.

NRL: Parramatta’s captain is modeling his leadership on an NRL great, contributing to the Eels’ recent success. The NRL is considering changes to its transfer system to address fan concerns. Des Hasler will depart the Titans at season’s end.

Other Sports: Australian basketball prospect Roman Siulepa opted for a lucrative US college deal over NRL and rugby union offers, eyeing an NBA future. Josh Giddey is negotiating a big contract with the Chicago Bulls. In motorsport, Formula 1 ticket prices for the Australian Grand Prix have surged 107% over five years

TKO Group: News

Websites

TKO Group

TKO Group: News

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and sports entertainment company that comprises UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment.

Together, our organizations reach more than 1 billion households in approximately 210 countries and territories, and we organize more than 300 live events year-round, attracting more than two million fans. TKO is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR), a global sports and entertainment company. (Credit: TKO Group)

WWE: News

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

UFC News

October 2025

Dana White's Contender Series

Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Concludes with Five Contracts and Epic Knockouts

The ninth season of Dana White's Contender Series ended Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where five fighters earned UFC contracts in six bouts, bringing the year's total to a record 41. Standout performances included Michael Oliveira's second-round TKO in the welterweight opener, Marwan Rahiki's dramatic comeback TKO in the middleweight fight after two first-round knockdowns, and Juan Diaz's viral spinning back elbow knockout in the bantamweight bout. UFC CEO Dana White praised the talent on display as the series sets to return next summer. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

UFC Fighters Banned for Life

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) maintains a strict code of conduct, anti-doping policies, and zero-tolerance stance on criminal behavior, leading to lifetime bans for several fighters over the years. These bans are typically enforced by UFC President Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), or anti-doping agencies like USADA (now CSAD). While some fighters have been released or suspended without a formal "lifetime" label, the following list compiles the most notable cases of permanent bans from competing in the UFC, based on documented incidents.

Note that a few (like Wanderlei Silva) have had bans partially lifted over time, but they remain ineligible or have retired.

Year Banned
Reason for Ban
Key Details & Aftermath

Randy Couture
2007
Contract disputes, public criticism of UFC management, and association with rival promotion Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC).

The Hall of Famer and two-division champion was effectively persona non grata with Dana White. He returned in 2011 after reconciliation but retired shortly after.

Rousimar Palhares
2013
Refusing to release submissions after the referee stopped fights (e.g., heel hook on Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29).

Known as a "heel hook specialist," his unsportsmanlike conduct led to a swift release. He competed in other promotions like WSOF but was later suspended for doping elsewhere.

War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver)
2014
Severe criminal assault on ex-girlfriend Christy Mack, resulting in a 19-year prison sentence.
Banned immediately after his arrest; his prior controversial comments and behavior sealed the decision. He's serving time and unlikely to fight again.

Paul Daley ("Semtex")
2010
Post-fight sucker punch to Josh Koscheck at UFC 113.
The British striker was cut and banned on the spot by White during the press conference. He thrived in Bellator, winning their welterweight title.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller
2012
Backstage altercation after UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dollaway, plus prior incidents like invading a rival's gym.
The TUF alum's chaotic personality led to the ban. He fought sporadically in Bellator and Japan before retiring.

Thiago Silva
2014
Fleeing a random drug test and domestic violence allegations (charges later dropped, but UFC acted swiftly).

The Brazilian light heavyweight was NSAC-banned for life initially; he fought in other promotions like PFL but retired in 2020.

Wanderlei Silva
2014
Refusal to comply with NSAC drug testing and evading investigators.
The PRIDE legend's ban was reduced to 2 years by CAS in 2015, but he never returned to UFC, retiring in 2017 after a Bellator stint.

Ruslan Magomedov
2018
Multiple USADA doping violations (third failed test) and refusal to provide a sample.
The Russian heavyweight became the first lifetime USADA ban recipient, ending his UFC career after just four fights.

Nick Diaz
2015
Third marijuana violation under NSAC rules, leading to a 5-year suspension; UFC extended to lifetime ban.
The Stockton star's ban was lifted in 2021, allowing his return at UFC 266 (he lost to Robbie Lawler). Not truly permanent anymore.

Matt Riddle
2013
Positive marijuana test post-UFC release, coupled with controversial comments about using it to avoid "beating his children."
White publicly vowed never to rehire the wrestler-turned-MMA fighter, who transitioned to WWE before being released there in 2023.

News

UFC Events

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen

October 18, 2025

Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen (also known as UFC Fight Night 262 and UFC on ESPN+ 120) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Card:

Middleweight
Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

Welterweight
Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott

Bantamweight
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Women's Flyweight
Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Bantamweight
Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng

Lightweight
Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola

Preliminary card (ESPN+)

Bantamweight
Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant

Flyweight
Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung

Middleweight
Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos

Lightweight
Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober

Women's Strawweight
Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira

Middleweight
Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui

Women's Bantamweight
Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa

News

UFC Events

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane

October 25, 2025
Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Card:

Heavyweight
Tom Aspinall (c) vs. Ciryl Gane

Women's Strawweight
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern

Bantamweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista

Heavyweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida

Light Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Preliminary card (ESPN+ / Disney+ / FX)

Lightweight
Ludovít Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki

Middleweight
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-yong

Lightweight
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Matheus Camilo

Featherweight
Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

Heavyweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett

Flyweight
Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo

Women's Strawweight
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue

News

UFC Events

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

November 15, 2025
Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York, United States

Card:

Welterweight
Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev

Women's Flyweight
Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili

Welterweight
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Lightweight
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Middleweight
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

Middleweight
Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Middleweight
Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Women's Flyweight
Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez

Middleweight
Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Women's Strawweight
Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

*card subject to change

*all cards subject to change

Combat Sports and Sports Entertainment

Pro Wrestling, MMA, Bare Knuckle and more!

Live Events Weekend

TNA Victory Road 2025
September 27, 2025
Edmonton Expo Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Frankie Kazarian def TNA International Champion Steve Maclin

NXT No Mercy
Oba Femi vs Ricky Saints - NXT Title
September 27, 2025
FTL War Memorial
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

BKFC 81 Manchester: DeGale vs Floyd
September 27, 2025
AO Arena City
Manchester, England

UFC
UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes
RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

News

Combat Sports News

WWE NXT No Mercy: Last night's premium live event delivered chaos, including a weaponized steel cage match and TNA crossover teases. Highlights featured Ethan Page's taunts, Tavion Heights defending the North American Championship, and a post-event announcement for an NXT-TNA "Invasion" on October 7.

Lash Legend and Jaida Parker brawled ringside, while Jordynne Grace endured brutal spots in her title defense.

MMA

Gable Steveson MMA Debut: The Olympic gold medalist wrestler brutalized his opponent in a quick submission win at a regional event, signaling a bright future in MMA.

RIZIN Update: Shinryu Makoto vows to win the Grand Prix and usher in a new era for Japanese MMA, emphasizing the need to "absolutely win" for the sport's future. (Grok)

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AEW Collision
Huntington, West Virginia
Fletcher vs Komander
September 27, 2025

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MMA

UFC Perth Main Card (10pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes

205 lbs.: Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan

145 lbs.: Jack Jenkins vs. Ramon Taveras

170 lbs.: Jake Matthews vs. Neil Magny

155 lbs.: Tom Nolan vs. Charlie Campbell

UFC Perth Prelims (7pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato

185 lbs.: Andre Petroski vs. Cam Rowston

155 lbs.: Jamie Mullarkey vs. Rolando Bedoya

145 lbs.: Colby Thicknesse vs. Josias Musasa

135 lbs.: Michelle Montague vs. Luana Carolina

News

WWE News

Recent Show Results and Highlights

SmackDown (September 26, Orlando, FL): The episode featured two title defenses in the main event. Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women's Championship in a chaotic triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, marred by interference and described as a "disastrous" finish that highlighted ongoing booking frustrations for the champion. In the U.S. Championship open challenge, Sami Zayn defended successfully against Je'Von Evans. Other key moments included Randy Orton aiding Cody Rhodes in taking out Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, escalating tensions ahead of Crown Jewel. Drew McIntyre continued his post-title loss rant against Rhodes, blaming referees and hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

Raw (September 22): Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka, but the post-match saw The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) viciously attack IYO SKY after she tried to intervene. Jey Uso picked up a win over LA Knight, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes had a heated face-off with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins to hype their Crown Jewel clash.

News

WWE Crown Jewel Perth
October 11, 2025

Build continues with storylines like Rhodes vs Rollins and Breakker's rise as a potential long-term face of the company. Expect international flavor with the event's location.

Australian Sports News

August - September - October 2025

AFL:

The 2025 AFL finals are set to kick off with a blockbuster qualifying final between Collingwood and Adelaide. Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs are well-represented in the All-Australian squad, while Melbourne's captain hit a historic milestone. However, West Coast recorded the worst season in AFL history, raising questions about their rebuild. An investigation is underway regarding an alleged offensive slur by an Adelaide player against a Collingwood opponent, which could impact their finals campaign.

Cricket:

Australia's men's Test captain Pat Cummins has called for a $100m fund to help sporting clubs combat climate change effects. The team secured a massive 276-run victory over South Africa in an ODI, led by centuries from Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh. Jess Jonassen and Beth Mooney shone in The Hundred, with Jonassen earning player of the match for Welsh Fire and Mooney starring for Manchester Originals. Former captain Bob Simpson passed away at 89, remembered for his tough approach in the 1980s.

Rugby:

The Wallabies achieved a historic comeback, defeating South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in over 60 years, overcoming a 22-0 deficit. Coach Joe Schmidt faced scrutiny from World Rugby over a Lions-related controversy. A veteran backrower was recalled for upcoming Tests against Argentina.

Tennis: At the 2025 US Open, Priscilla Hon pulled off a career-best win against 17th seed Liudmila Samsonova, earning $360k. Tristan Schoolkate’s five-set victory helped four Australians reach the second round. Ajla Tomljanovic had a notable clash with Coco Gauff in Round 1.

NRL: Parramatta’s captain is modeling his leadership on an NRL great, contributing to the Eels’ recent success. The NRL is considering changes to its transfer system to address fan concerns. Des Hasler will depart the Titans at season’s end.

Other Sports: Australian basketball prospect Roman Siulepa opted for a lucrative US college deal over NRL and rugby union offers, eyeing an NBA future. Josh Giddey is negotiating a big contract with the Chicago Bulls. In motorsport, Formula 1 ticket prices for the Australian Grand Prix have surged 107% over five years

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UFC News

October 2025

Dana White's Contender Series

Dana White's Contender Series Season 9 Concludes with Five Contracts and Epic Knockouts

The ninth season of Dana White's Contender Series ended Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where five fighters earned UFC contracts in six bouts, bringing the year's total to a record 41. Standout performances included Michael Oliveira's second-round TKO in the welterweight opener, Marwan Rahiki's dramatic comeback TKO in the middleweight fight after two first-round knockdowns, and Juan Diaz's viral spinning back elbow knockout in the bantamweight bout. UFC CEO Dana White praised the talent on display as the series sets to return next summer. (Grok)

News

News Flashback

UFC Fighters Banned for Life

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) maintains a strict code of conduct, anti-doping policies, and zero-tolerance stance on criminal behavior, leading to lifetime bans for several fighters over the years. These bans are typically enforced by UFC President Dana White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), or anti-doping agencies like USADA (now CSAD). While some fighters have been released or suspended without a formal "lifetime" label, the following list compiles the most notable cases of permanent bans from competing in the UFC, based on documented incidents.

Note that a few (like Wanderlei Silva) have had bans partially lifted over time, but they remain ineligible or have retired.

Year Banned
Reason for Ban
Key Details & Aftermath

Randy Couture
2007
Contract disputes, public criticism of UFC management, and association with rival promotion Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC).

The Hall of Famer and two-division champion was effectively persona non grata with Dana White. He returned in 2011 after reconciliation but retired shortly after.

Rousimar Palhares
2013
Refusing to release submissions after the referee stopped fights (e.g., heel hook on Mike Pierce at UFC Fight Night 29).

Known as a "heel hook specialist," his unsportsmanlike conduct led to a swift release. He competed in other promotions like WSOF but was later suspended for doping elsewhere.

War Machine (Jon Koppenhaver)
2014
Severe criminal assault on ex-girlfriend Christy Mack, resulting in a 19-year prison sentence.
Banned immediately after his arrest; his prior controversial comments and behavior sealed the decision. He's serving time and unlikely to fight again.

Paul Daley ("Semtex")
2010
Post-fight sucker punch to Josh Koscheck at UFC 113.
The British striker was cut and banned on the spot by White during the press conference. He thrived in Bellator, winning their welterweight title.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller
2012
Backstage altercation after UFC 146 loss to C.B. Dollaway, plus prior incidents like invading a rival's gym.
The TUF alum's chaotic personality led to the ban. He fought sporadically in Bellator and Japan before retiring.

Thiago Silva
2014
Fleeing a random drug test and domestic violence allegations (charges later dropped, but UFC acted swiftly).

The Brazilian light heavyweight was NSAC-banned for life initially; he fought in other promotions like PFL but retired in 2020.

Wanderlei Silva
2014
Refusal to comply with NSAC drug testing and evading investigators.
The PRIDE legend's ban was reduced to 2 years by CAS in 2015, but he never returned to UFC, retiring in 2017 after a Bellator stint.

Ruslan Magomedov
2018
Multiple USADA doping violations (third failed test) and refusal to provide a sample.
The Russian heavyweight became the first lifetime USADA ban recipient, ending his UFC career after just four fights.

Nick Diaz
2015
Third marijuana violation under NSAC rules, leading to a 5-year suspension; UFC extended to lifetime ban.
The Stockton star's ban was lifted in 2021, allowing his return at UFC 266 (he lost to Robbie Lawler). Not truly permanent anymore.

Matt Riddle
2013
Positive marijuana test post-UFC release, coupled with controversial comments about using it to avoid "beating his children."
White publicly vowed never to rehire the wrestler-turned-MMA fighter, who transitioned to WWE before being released there in 2023.

News

UFC Events

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen

October 18, 2025

Rogers Arena
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen (also known as UFC Fight Night 262 and UFC on ESPN+ 120) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Card:

Middleweight
Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

Welterweight
Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott

Bantamweight
Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Women's Flyweight
Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius

Bantamweight
Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng

Lightweight
Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola

Preliminary card (ESPN+)

Bantamweight
Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant

Flyweight
Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung

Middleweight
Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos

Lightweight
Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober

Women's Strawweight
Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira

Middleweight
Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui

Women's Bantamweight
Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa

News

UFC Events

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane

October 25, 2025
Etihad Arena
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on October 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Card:

Heavyweight
Tom Aspinall (c) vs. Ciryl Gane

Women's Strawweight
Virna Jandiroba vs. Mackenzie Dern

Bantamweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Mario Bautista

Heavyweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Jailton Almeida

Light Heavyweight
Aleksandar Rakic vs. Azamat Murzakanov

Preliminary card (ESPN+ / Disney+ / FX)

Lightweight
Ludovít Klein vs. Mateusz Rebecki

Middleweight
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Park Jun-yong

Lightweight
Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Matheus Camilo

Featherweight
Nathaniel Wood vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

Heavyweight
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Chris Barnett

Flyweight
Azat Maksum vs. Mitch Raposo

Women's Strawweight
Jaqueline Amorim vs. Mizuki Inoue

News

UFC Events

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.

UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

November 15, 2025
Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York, United States

Card:

Welterweight
Jack Della Maddalena (c) vs. Islam Makhachev

Women's Flyweight
Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Zhang Weili

Welterweight
Leon Edwards vs. Carlos Prates

Lightweight
Beneil Dariush vs. Benoît Saint Denis

Middleweight
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric McConico

Middleweight
Roman Kopylov vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Middleweight
Bo Nickal vs. Rodolfo Vieira

Women's Flyweight
Erin Blanchfield vs. Tracy Cortez

Middleweight
Kyle Daukaus vs. Gerald Meerschaert

Women's Strawweight
Angela Hill vs. Fatima Kline

*card subject to change

*all cards subject to change

Combat Sports and Sports Entertainment

Pro Wrestling, MMA, Bare Knuckle and more!

Live Events Weekend

TNA Victory Road 2025
September 27, 2025
Edmonton Expo Centre
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Frankie Kazarian def TNA International Champion Steve Maclin

NXT No Mercy
Oba Femi vs Ricky Saints - NXT Title
September 27, 2025
FTL War Memorial
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

BKFC 81 Manchester: DeGale vs Floyd
September 27, 2025
AO Arena City
Manchester, England

UFC
UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes
RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

News

Combat Sports News

WWE NXT No Mercy: Last night's premium live event delivered chaos, including a weaponized steel cage match and TNA crossover teases. Highlights featured Ethan Page's taunts, Tavion Heights defending the North American Championship, and a post-event announcement for an NXT-TNA "Invasion" on October 7.

Lash Legend and Jaida Parker brawled ringside, while Jordynne Grace endured brutal spots in her title defense.

MMA

Gable Steveson MMA Debut: The Olympic gold medalist wrestler brutalized his opponent in a quick submission win at a regional event, signaling a bright future in MMA.

RIZIN Update: Shinryu Makoto vows to win the Grand Prix and usher in a new era for Japanese MMA, emphasizing the need to "absolutely win" for the sport's future. (Grok)

News

AEW Collision
Huntington, West Virginia
Fletcher vs Komander
September 27, 2025

News

MMA

UFC Perth Main Card (10pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes

205 lbs.: Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan

145 lbs.: Jack Jenkins vs. Ramon Taveras

170 lbs.: Jake Matthews vs. Neil Magny

155 lbs.: Tom Nolan vs. Charlie Campbell

UFC Perth Prelims (7pm EST on ESPN+)

205 lbs.: Navajo Stirling vs. Rodolfo Bellato

185 lbs.: Andre Petroski vs. Cam Rowston

155 lbs.: Jamie Mullarkey vs. Rolando Bedoya

145 lbs.: Colby Thicknesse vs. Josias Musasa

135 lbs.: Michelle Montague vs. Luana Carolina

News

WWE News

Recent Show Results and Highlights

SmackDown (September 26, Orlando, FL): The episode featured two title defenses in the main event. Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women's Championship in a chaotic triple threat match against Jade Cargill and Nia Jax, marred by interference and described as a "disastrous" finish that highlighted ongoing booking frustrations for the champion. In the U.S. Championship open challenge, Sami Zayn defended successfully against Je'Von Evans. Other key moments included Randy Orton aiding Cody Rhodes in taking out Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, escalating tensions ahead of Crown Jewel. Drew McIntyre continued his post-title loss rant against Rhodes, blaming referees and hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

Raw (September 22): Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka, but the post-match saw The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) viciously attack IYO SKY after she tried to intervene. Jey Uso picked up a win over LA Knight, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes had a heated face-off with World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins to hype their Crown Jewel clash.

News

WWE Crown Jewel Perth
October 11, 2025

Build continues with storylines like Rhodes vs Rollins and Breakker's rise as a potential long-term face of the company. Expect international flavor with the event's location.

Australian Sports News

August - September - October 2025

AFL:

The 2025 AFL finals are set to kick off with a blockbuster qualifying final between Collingwood and Adelaide. Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs are well-represented in the All-Australian squad, while Melbourne's captain hit a historic milestone. However, West Coast recorded the worst season in AFL history, raising questions about their rebuild. An investigation is underway regarding an alleged offensive slur by an Adelaide player against a Collingwood opponent, which could impact their finals campaign.

Cricket:

Australia's men's Test captain Pat Cummins has called for a $100m fund to help sporting clubs combat climate change effects. The team secured a massive 276-run victory over South Africa in an ODI, led by centuries from Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh. Jess Jonassen and Beth Mooney shone in The Hundred, with Jonassen earning player of the match for Welsh Fire and Mooney starring for Manchester Originals. Former captain Bob Simpson passed away at 89, remembered for his tough approach in the 1980s.

Rugby:

The Wallabies achieved a historic comeback, defeating South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in over 60 years, overcoming a 22-0 deficit. Coach Joe Schmidt faced scrutiny from World Rugby over a Lions-related controversy. A veteran backrower was recalled for upcoming Tests against Argentina.

Tennis: At the 2025 US Open, Priscilla Hon pulled off a career-best win against 17th seed Liudmila Samsonova, earning $360k. Tristan Schoolkate’s five-set victory helped four Australians reach the second round. Ajla Tomljanovic had a notable clash with Coco Gauff in Round 1.

NRL: Parramatta’s captain is modeling his leadership on an NRL great, contributing to the Eels’ recent success. The NRL is considering changes to its transfer system to address fan concerns. Des Hasler will depart the Titans at season’s end.

Other Sports: Australian basketball prospect Roman Siulepa opted for a lucrative US college deal over NRL and rugby union offers, eyeing an NBA future. Josh Giddey is negotiating a big contract with the Chicago Bulls. In motorsport, Formula 1 ticket prices for the Australian Grand Prix have surged 107% over five years

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TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and sports entertainment company that comprises UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment.

Together, our organizations reach more than 1 billion households in approximately 210 countries and territories, and we organize more than 300 live events year-round, attracting more than two million fans. TKO is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR), a global sports and entertainment company. (Credit: TKO Group)

WWE: News

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month' award

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UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park (aka UFC on ESPN 71 and UFC Vegas 108)

August 2, 2025

Apex Arena
Paradise, Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card:

Flyweight
Tatsuro Taira vs. Park Hyun-sung

Lightweight
Mateusz Rebeckivs.Chris Duncan

Lightweight
Elves Brener vs. Esteban Ribovics

Women's Bantamweight
Karol Rosavs. Nora Cornolle

Welterweight
Neil Magnyvs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Featherweight
Danny Silva vs. Kevin Vallejos

Prelims:

Bantamweight
Rinya Nakamura vs. Nathan Fletcher

Middleweight
Rodolfo Vieira vs. Tresean Gore

Middleweight
Nick Klein vs. Andrey Pulyaev

Featherweight
Austin Bashi vs John Yannis

Flyweight
Rafael Estevam vs. Felipe Bunes

Women's Strawweight
Piera Rodriguez vs Ketlen Souza

News

UFC Betting: Taira vs Park

Betting Odds (via BetOnline, as of July 30, 2025):

Tatsuro Taira: -355 (favorite)

Hyun Sung Park: +280 (underdog)

Fighter Breakdown:

Tatsuro Taira (16-1, No. 6 ranked UFC flyweight):Age: 25, Height: 5’7”, Reach: 70”, Orthodox stance.

Taira is a well-rounded fighter with strong grappling (2.35 takedowns per 15 minutes, 2.09 submission attempts per fight) and sharp striking. He’s coming off a close split-decision loss to Brandon Royval in October 2024, his first career defeat, but showed resilience with a career-high six takedowns.

Previously, Taira won his first six UFC fights, including knockouts and submissions, with notable victories over Alex Perez and Carlos Hernandez. His experience in five-round fights and full training camp give him an edge.

Analysts favor Taira due to his elite grappling, durability (never been knocked out), and ability to mix striking with takedowns. Predictions lean toward a stoppage win, likely via submission after a knockdown.

Hyun Sung Park (10-0):Age: 29, Height: 5’7”, Reach: 66”, Orthodox stance.

Park is an undefeated prospect with nine finishes in ten fights (five submissions, four knockouts). He won Road to UFC in 2023 and has three UFC finishes, including a recent first-round submission over Carlos Hernandez in March 2025.

Park steps in on short notice, replacing Amir Albazi, and was preparing for a three-round fight against Steve Erceg. This is his first five-round bout, and his cardio for 25 minutes is untested. His aggressive grappling and finishing instinct make him dangerous, but he’s facing a significant step-up in competition.

Some analysts note Park’s opportunistic style and killer instinct could pose a threat if Taira gets into trouble, as he has in past fights.

Betting Analysis:

Moneyline: Taira at -355 implies a 78% chance of victory, reflecting his experience and versatility. Park at +280 offers value for an upset, given his finishing ability, but the short-notice switch and five-round format favor Taira.

Props and Predictions:

Taira to Win by Submission: A strong bet given Taira’s grappling prowess and Park’s tendency to engage in grappling exchanges. Taira’s submission prop is often recommended due to his 2.09 submission attempts per fight.

Fight to End Inside the Distance: Park has only gone the distance once, and Taira’s last five fights have seen four stoppages. The under 3.5 rounds prop could be worth considering, especially if Taira capitalizes early.

Upset Potential: Park’s +280 odds are tempting for risk-takers, as his explosive style could catch Taira, who has shown vulnerability in fights (e.g., absorbing 130+ strikes against Royval). However, Park’s lack of five-round experience and Taira’s preparation make an upset less likely.

Sentiment on X: Posts on X heavily favor Taira, with bettors citing his battle-tested nature and elite grappling against Park’s untested five-round stamina. Some see Park as a live underdog due to his finishing ability, but most lean toward Taira winning decisively.

Recommendation:

Safe Bet: Taira ML (-355) or Taira by submission for conservative bettors, given his experience and grappling advantage.

Value Bet: Park at +280 for those willing to take a risk on his finishing ability, especially if the fight stays standing early.

Prop Bet: Taira to win inside the distance (+100 or better) or under 3.5 rounds, as both fighters have high finish rates, and Taira’s preparation could overwhelm Park.

Note: Odds are subject to change as the fight approaches. Always check the latest lines on platforms like BetOnline, DraftKings, or Smarkets, and gamble responsibly. (Grok)

UFC News

UFC Abu Dhabi Recap: Reinier de Ridder secured a split decision victory over Robert Whittaker in a competitive middleweight main event at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder on July 26, 2025, potentially positioning him for a title shot against the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Whittaker, despite the loss, expressed his intent to continue competing and "get back on the horse." Shara Magomedov earned his fourth performance bonus with a win over Marc-Andre Barriault but required nose surgery post-fight. Tabatha Ricci delivered a TKO win over Amanda Ribas, who faced health challenges, including fainting and seizures, prior to the event.

Upcoming Events:

UFC Vegas 108 (August 2, 2025): A new main event features Tatsuro Taira vs. Hyun Sung Park after Amir Albazi withdrew due to medical reasons. Steve Erceg now faces Ode Osbourne due to a change in opponents. The card also includes Mateusz Rebecki vs. Chris Duncan.

UFC Perth (September 27, 2025): A light heavyweight clash between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes headlines the event.

UFC 319 (Chicago): Features Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title, with Aaron Pico debuting against Lerone Murphy in the co-main event. Caio Borralho serves as the backup fighter.

UFC 320 (October 2025): Headlined by Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title, with Jiri Prochazka as the backup fighter and facing Khalil Rountree Jr. on the card. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen is also set for the bantamweight title.

UFC 321: Tom Aspinall defends his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane, with concerns raised about the division’s stability if Aspinall loses.

Notable Fighter Updates:

Conor McGregor: Shared images suggesting he’s undergoing drug testing for a potential return, possibly targeting a UFC White House card, though no official date is confirmed.

Jon Jones: Retired but recently called out for a potential super fight with Fedor Emelianenko, which he appears uninterested in. He’s also linked to rumors of a White House card appearance.

Shavkat Rakhmonov: His return is expected in November or December 2025, with his family tragically involved in a fatal car accident in Kazakhstan.

Ilia Topuria: Criticized for allegedly avoiding top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, with Michael Bisping and others urging a fight.

Bryce Mitchell: Moved to bantamweight, securing a unanimous decision win over Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi despite early trouble.

Ronda Rousey: Training session footage sparked rumors of a potential return, possibly for a White House event.

Other News:

UFC BJJ 2: Set for July 31, 2025, and will be live-streamed for free on YouTube, featuring grappling action.

Glove Change: The UFC reverted to its old glove design after feedback, with Khalil Rountree noting practical reasons for the switch.

Controversies: Jon Anik suggested a knockdown rule after Steven Nguyen’s six-knockdown performance against Mohammad Yahya at UFC Abu Dhabi, sparking debate about referee stoppages. Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed the UFC delays title shots for Russian fighters like Movsar Evloev and Magomed Ankalaev. (Grok)

News Flashback

White House To Host UFC Event In Trump Era

“All of our national park battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250 and I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump advised the enthusiastic crowd. “Does anybody watch UFC the great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.” ... “a championship fight, full fight, like 20, 25,000 people”

News Flashback

Conor McGregor’s Return Tease:

Conor McGregor hinted at a UFC comeback, posting training footage and mentioning re-entering the UFC’s drug testing pool. His anticipated fight with Michael Chandler, initially set for UFC 303 in 2024, remains unconfirmed, but McGregor’s recent activity suggests a return is nearing.

News Flashback

UFC’s Shauna Bannon joins OnlyFans as sponsored athlete

April 24, 2025 Shauna Bannon, an accomplished MMA powerhouse and rising UFC star, has officially joined OnlyFans as a sponsored athlete. A multiple-time MMA champion and the only current Irish female fighter on the UFC roster, Bannon’s stock is rising fast in the combat sports world. From clinching victories in both professional and amateur MMA—including title wins across some of Europe’s most promising promotions—to securing gold at the IMMAF World Championships and the IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu Championship, Bannon has built a legacy rooted in resilience, talent and work ethic. Complementing her MMA success, the Dublin native is also a seven-time WAKO World Kickboxing Champion and six-time European Champion, showcasing her elite-level striking and versatile combat skillset. Through her OnlyFans partnership and page , Bannon aims to bring fans closer than ever to her journey—sharing unfiltered access to her fight camps, behind-the-scenes training, family life, and personal experiences both inside and outside the cage. In joining the platform, Bannon follows fellow elite combat athletes such as UFC legend Stipe Miocic, Bare Knuckle star Bec Rawlings, former UFC Champion Charles Oliveira, and influencer-turned-fighter Elle Brooke.

Bannon commented: “I’m buzzing to join the growing list of athletes on OnlyFans, and to give my fans an exclusive, unfiltered look at both my personal life and the intense training routines that kickboxers and MMA fighters go through every day. It’s been the most incredible journey so far to get here, and I want to take my followers with me as I continue to make history. Let’s go!”

The Irish champion’s announcement is part of a wider trend in the sports industry that has seen famous athletes use OnlyFans to give fans a glimpse into their private world. This includes tennis star Nick Kygrios, Olympic pole-vaulter Alysha Newman, basketball bronze medallist Liz Cambage and bobsleigh gold medallist Lisa Buckwitz. (PR)

News

UFC News Flashback

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318:

Dustin Poirier will face BMF champion Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. Poirier has announced this will be the final fight of his UFC career, making it a highly anticipated clash for the BMF title.

Roster Cuts: The UFC recently released four fighters, including Lucas Alexander, who had a 1-3 record, and Caolan Loughran, despite Loughran’s recent win. The cuts, described as surprising, reflect the UFC’s ongoing roster trimming, with fans noting Loughran’s lackluster performances and possible ties to a planned UFC Dublin card.

Israel Adesanya Eyes Rematch: Israel Adesanya has hinted at wanting a rematch with Sean Strickland to avenge his 2023 unanimous decision loss, sparking excitement among fans. No official confirmation has been made, but Adesanya’s recent sparring and discussions with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell suggest he’s gearing up for a return.

News Flashback

Laura Sanko’s BJJ Black Belt:

UFC commentator Laura Sanko earned her Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt after nearly 20 years of training, celebrated by the MMA community on April 22, 2025.

News

Broadcast Rights Shift:

The UFC’s exclusive negotiating window with ESPN expired on April 15, 2025, opening the door for platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV to bid for broadcast rights starting in 2026.

Dana White’s Advisory Role: UFC CEO Dana White joined VeChain as an official advisor to drive blockchain adoption, leveraging his influence in sports to boost the brand’s mainstream appeal.

Conor McGregor’s Return Stipulation: Conor McGregor stated he’ll only return to the UFC if his fight is held in a stadium, a condition that conflicts with Dana White’s preference for arena events due to production challenges. (Grok)

News Flashback

Tom Aspinall Very Interested To Join WWE via Impaulsive (Logan Paul podcast)

“Honestly, I went (to a WWE show), and my personality is not this whole bravado thing, but I went and I actually met the guys who are involved with WWE – the wrestlers and the staff – and I was like, I like this. I like it a lot.”

“And I got in the ring, we had a little cameo for me. I didn’t actually get to wrestle because the UFC put the blockers on that a little bit. I thought maybe they’d let me throw one or two punches, but they didn’t let me.” “But I would absolutely… that’s something that I would really enjoy doing, just as a little outlet when I’ve finished fighting.” (via Impaulsive)

News Flashback

Joe Rogan on GSP

“He was always learning,” Rogan said. “He would go with all the Greg Jackson guys [in Albuquerque, New Mexico], go to Wild Card [with Freddie Roach in Las Vegas] and train his boxing. “He realized that gymnasts are so powerful and they have such control over their body. He was like ‘well I’m going to get better control over my body,’ so he learned how to do backflips and *hit (from gymnasts).” “You know what’s really crazy about him?” Rogan said. “He still does the same thing. He’s really a martial artist. He comes to Austin all the time to train with John Danaher and Gordon Ryan. He’s here all the time. I see him every couple months, then he’ll go somewhere else to train, then he’ll go somewhere else to train. No desire to fight. He doesn’t want to fight anymore at all. He’s just a martial artist. He’s so happy and content. He’s one of the best examples of a guy who retired with millions in the bank and is living his best life. He’s a real martial artist. Why would you come here and train with Gordon Ryan? Why would you train with that *ucking animal if you’re not thinking about competing. For him it’s all about growing.” (Joe Rogan Experience)

News

Media Man: Plenty of fight news. Fun, games, dangerous business, and just a dash of politics in some aspects of who is fighting and who is not at present. Strong Dana White buzz at present. Big announcement coming up fight fans!

Combat Sports News

X Delivers KO News For Fight Fans And Media On Deadlines Worldwide: Media Man Group

June 20, 2025

News

UFC Updates: The UFC 317 fight card featuring Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira has been finalized with two new bouts added, as reported on X. Meanwhile, Curtis Blaydes expressed frustration over his upcoming UFC Baku fight against newcomer Rizvan Kuniev, stating it doesn’t advance his career. UFC veteran Paul Craig mentioned he’d consider retirement if not re-signed after fulfilling his contract.

PFL World Tournament: Jena Bishop showcased her BJJ skills, securing a tap-out victory over Ekaterina Shakalova at the 2025 PFL World Tournament 6, highlighting the growing prominence of grappling in MMA.

Vince McMahon’s Combat Sports Venture: Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon reportedly explored acquiring a controlling stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) through his new investment firm, 14TH & I, but discussions with BKFC founder David Feldman fell through.

Combate Female Event: Combate Global hosted an all-women’s MMA event, “Combate Female,” on June 19, 2025, streamed live on YouTube. The main event featured undefeated strawweight Melissa Amaya against Bruna Ellen, emphasizing the rising popularity of women’s MMA.

Conor McGregor Controversy: Conor McGregor is back in the headlines for allegedly striking someone at a nightclub in Ibiza, drawing criticism from fans disappointed by his off-cage behavior.

Boxing Highlights: Jai Opetaia delivered a brutal KO victory over Claudio Squeo on June 8, 2025, likely breaking Squeo’s jaw, retaining his IBF and Ring cruiserweight titles. Separately, Manny Pacquiao is set to end his four-year retirement to join Tim Tszyu’s WBC title fight card in July.

Bare Knuckle Fighting Denied in Perth: The WA Combat Sports Commission rejected an application for Australia’s first bare-knuckle fighting event in Perth, citing concerns over safety and long-term brain damage risks, despite protests from fighters like Bec Rawlings.

Social Impact of Combat Sports: Research from the University of Wolverhampton suggests combat sports can reduce youth violence by teaching discipline and emotional control, presenting a counterintuitive approach to intervention programs.

These updates reflect the dynamic nature of combat sports, from high-profile fights and controversies to regulatory and societal discussions.

News

X wins Media Man 'Social Media Platform Of The Month' award; Runner-up: YouTube

WWE wins Media Man 'Wrestling Promotion Of The Month'

UFC wins Media Man 'MMA Promotion Of The Month' award

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide wins Media Man 'Lucha Libre' Promotion Of The Month' award; Runner-up: CMLL

Everlast wins Media Man 'Sports gear Brand Of The Month'

The Sports Prophets wins Media Man 'Sports Betting Brand Of The Month' award

World Surfing League wins Media Man 'Sports Lifestyle Brand Of The Month' award

NRL wins Media Man 'Australian Sports Brand Of The Month' award; Runner-up: AFL

Here’s the latest pay-per-view (PPV) news based on recent developments:

AEW Double or Nothing 2025: All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) recent PPV event, Double or Nothing, held in Glendale, Arizona, sparked discussions about its length. Reports indicate that AEW wrestlers and staff, as cited by Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, unanimously felt the event was too long. This sentiment was echoed backstage, with suggestions that some matches could have been saved for weekly TV to streamline the show.

AEW’s increasing number of PPVs, including new events like Dynasty and WrestleDream, has reignited debates about event duration.

Additionally, AEW’s next PPV, All In, is set to compete directly with WWE’s NXT Battleground on July 12, with AEW reportedly outselling and outperforming NXT’s recent event.

WWE Evolution Returns: WWE announced the return of its women-exclusive PPV, Evolution, after a seven-year hiatus.

The event, first held in October 2018, is scheduled to take place the night after Saturday Night’s Main Event at the same venue.

Fans and WWE’s women’s division have long awaited this sequel, highlighting the demand for women-focused wrestling events.UFC Summer Slate:

The UFC’s upcoming PPV events through August 2025 are generating buzz. MMA Fighting highlighted UFC 317, part of International Fight Week, as a standout, featuring matchups like Joe Pyfer vs. a yet-to-be-named opponent and Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix.

The discussion focuses on which event offers the most value for the $80 price tag, with UFC 317 being a top contender due to its high-profile fights.

Champions League Final PPV: The recent UEFA Champions League final between Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan (5-0 win for PSG) was available via PPV on platforms like ZAIKO in Japan, alongside live viewings at venues like AEON Cinema and select pubs.

This reflects the growing trend of major soccer events being offered on PPV platforms globally.

STARDOM PPV Announcement: World Wonder Ring Stardom announced a PPV event for May 31, 2025, titled “Natsu & Saori – We’re Here. It’s Here. 10th Anniversary,” at Ota Ward General Gymnasium in Japan. Priced at ¥4,620 (tax included), the event will also offer catch-up streaming until June 6, 2025.

These updates cover major PPV events across wrestling, MMA, and soccer, with a focus on recent or upcoming shows.

News

UFC open to ending the PPV model? Mark Shapiro hints at potential changes in UFC’s pay-per-view structure, emphasizing flexibility across platforms.??

March 4, 2024

"Yeah, it's interesting. I mean, certainly, life has changed on the PPV front. In the old days, the cable consortium and DirecTV were major platforms for PPV. Look, it works for us, but we are super flexible—linear broadcast, streaming, pay-per-view, or not PPV.

Remember, we own Fight Pass, which is our proprietary platform. It’s designed for the hardcore combat sports fan, featuring a lot of MMA, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and karate. It’s a strong platform on its own, and we charge a monthly and annual fee. We like having it to ourselves; we like the proprietary nature of it. But, like you saw with the WWE Network years ago with Vince McMahon, if it makes sense to fold it into a larger deal, we're open to that too.

So, it’s still early stages. We want to be a good partner, we want to listen to everyone, we want to be prudent, we want to be patient—but we definitely want to explore all options so that we can bring our audience, our athletes, our fans, and our shareholders a maximized deal."

(Via Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference)

Media Man Watercooler

May 2025

News

Movie Box Office

Lilo & Stitch at $145.5m in first week; Mission Impossible follows on $63m

News

Wrestlers Of The Month: WWE/NXT

Men's

1. Karrion Kross
2. Bron Breakker
3. Bronson Reed
4. Seth Rollins
5. Logan Paul
6. Jey Uso
7. Jacob Fatu
8. Penta
9. Rey Fenix
10. Dirty Dominik Mysterio
11. John Cena
12. Cody Rhodes
13. Aleister Black
14. Santos Escobar
15. Rusev
16. LA Knight
17. Tony D'Angelo
18. Trick Williams
19. Joe Hendry
20. Lexis King

*Subjective in nature

Women's

1. Rhea Ripley
2. Tiffany Stratton
3. IVY SKY
4. Stephanie Vaquer
5. Giulia
6. Charlotte Flair
7. Lyra Valkyria
8. Liv Morgan
9. Roxanne Perez
10. Natalya

*Subjective in nature

News: Wrestling Big Event Of The Month

1. Saturday Night's Main Event
2. WWE Backlash
3. AEW Double Or Nothing
4. NXT Battleground
5. TNA Under Siege

News

Streaming: Netflix

Media Man Favs

WWE RAW On Netflix
WWE SmackDown
NXT

Ransom Canyon
Rotten Legacy
Netflix TUDUM 2025 - May 31
Bet - May 15
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 - July 11
Fubar - June 12
Quarterback

News

Movie Box Office: Most Anticipated

Superman
F1
Karate Kid: Legends
The Naked Gun

News

'Entertainment Promoter Of The Month' TKO Group

Sports News And Events This Weekend

May 31–June 1, 2025, based on available information:
Sports News Highlights

NBA Playoffs: The Minnesota Timberwolves face a critical Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves are down 3-1, with their resilience under pressure being a key storyline.

Baseball: The MLB season is heating up with notable games, including a World Series rematch featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge hitting home runs, and the Houston Astros celebrating a walk-off victory.

College Baseball: Georgia takes on Duke in the winner’s bracket game of the Athens Regional at Foley Field on Saturday at 6 PM, expected to draw a lively crowd.

Soccer: The UEFA Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan is set for this weekend in Munich, a major highlight for soccer fans.

Key Sports Events

Formula 1 – Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona, Spain): Saturday, May 31: F3 Sprint at 9 AM, Spanish GP Practice Three at 11:30 AM, F2 Sprint at 1:10 PM, and Spanish GP Qualifying at 3 PM.
Sunday, June 1: F3 Feature Race at 7:25 AM, F2 Feature Race at 8:55 AM, and the Spanish Grand Prix at 2 PM. All events are broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. This race is pivotal as performance in Barcelona often predicts success at other circuits.

MotoAmerica Superbike Championship (Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI): Saturday, May 31: Race 1 at 4 PM ET, showcasing high-speed motorcycle racing on a challenging 14-turn course.

Soccer – USL Super League: Saturday, May 31: Spokane Zephyr FC vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC at 9 PM ET, streamed on Peacock.

Speed Climbing World Cup (Denver, CO): Saturday, May 31–Sunday, June 1: The IFSC hosts a Speed Climbing World Cup, drawing top climbers for a competitive weekend.

Baseball, College Football, and More:
The White Sox vs. Orioles, Whipsnakes lacrosse season opener, Knicks vs. Pacers Game 6, and French Open tennis matches are also on tap, offering a diverse sports lineup.

Giro de Italia (Cycling): The Giro concludes this weekend, marking the end of a prestigious cycling race.

Additional Notes

Traffic Advisory: Heavy traffic is expected on the North Luzon Expressway (Philippines) due to an SB19 concert in Bulacan, potentially impacting travel to sports events in the region.

Streaming Options: Many events, including MotoAmerica and USL Super League, are available on Peacock, which offers extensive live sports coverage this weekend.

For real-time updates or additional events, consider checking platforms like Peacock, Sky Sports, or local sports news outlets (Grok)

News

Combat Sports This Weekend

UFC Vegas 107: Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber The UFC is hosting a fight night event on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main event features a women’s flyweight bout between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber. The event will be broadcast live on ESPN+ starting at 9:00 PM ET. Posts on X have highlighted the anticipation for this matchup, emphasizing Barber’s striking prowess.

Boxing Schedule
While specific boxing events for this weekend are not detailed in the provided sources, recent updates indicate that major fighters like Katie Taylor, Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano, and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez are scheduled to fight in the summer of 2025. For the most current boxing schedule, you can check ESPN or Yahoo Sports for any last-minute fight announcements for May 31 or June 1.

News

WWE Events June 2025

WWE Raw Location: BOK Center, Tulsa, OK, USA Type: Televised weekly show Details: Airs on Netflix at 8:00 PM ET

June 3, 2025: WWE NXT Location: WWE Performance Center, Orlando, FL, USA Type: Televised weekly show Details: Airs on CW Network at 8:00 PM ET

June 6, 2025: WWE SmackDown Location: Dignity Health Arena, Bakersfield, CA, USA Type: Televised weekly show Details: Airs on USA Network at 8:00 PM ET

June 7, 2025: NXT/AAA World Collide 2025 Location: Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA, USA Type: Premium Live Event (PLE) Start Time: 11:30 AM ET
Details: A co-branded event with AAA, marking the fourth Worlds Collide event, though WWE/TKO will primarily control operations. No specific matches have been announced yet. Airs on Peacock.

June 7, 2025: WWE Money in the Bank Location: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, CA, USA Type: Premium Live Event (PLE) Start Time: 3:30 PM ET
Details: Features the traditional Men’s and Women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches, with winners earning a championship match contract. Qualifying matches include Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax vs. Naomi and Carmelo Hayes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Andrade. Bianca Belair is set to return, and a face-off between John Cena and Cody Rhodes is scheduled. Airs on Peacock.

June 13, 2025: WWE SmackDown Location: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY, USA Type: Televised weekly show Details: Airs on USA Network at 8:00 PM ET

June 28, 2025: WWE Night of Champions Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Type: Premium Live Event (PLE)
Details: No specific start time or match card announced yet. Tickets are expected to be available soon. Airs on Peacock in the USA and likely on Netflix in international markets.

June 30, 2025: WWE Raw Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Type: Televised weekly show Details: Airs on Netflix at 8:00 PM ET

Notes:

All Premium Live Events (PLEs) are streamed on Peacock in the USA, with some international markets airing on Netflix due to the WWE Network's transition.

Weekly shows (Raw, SmackDown, NXT) follow their regular broadcast schedule, with Raw on Netflix, SmackDown on USA Network, and NXT on CW Network.

Additional events or matches may be announced closer to the dates, so check official WWE sources or platforms like Ticketmaster and Peacock for updates.
on X for real-time updates For the latest details, visit WWE.com

Media Man Group Notes:

In various markets including Australia and India, events that broadcast on Peacock in the US will usually broadcast via Netflix.

In addition, Worlds Collide will broadcast globally via YouTube

News

WWE Events: July 2025

July 1, 2025: WWE NXT (Televised) Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA

July 5, 2025: WWE Evolution 2 (Premium Live Event) Location: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT, USA (unconfirmed date) Note: This is an all-women's wrestling event, the first since 2018. No match cards have been announced as of March 2025.
July 7, 2025: WWE RAW (Televised) Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI, USA

July 8, 2025: WWE NXT (Televised) Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA

July 11, 2025: WWE SmackDown (Televised) Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, USA

July 12, 2025: WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XL (Televised) Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA, USA Note: This event will air live on NBC and Peacock in the U.S. and on YouTube in most international markets. No match cards have been announced as of March 2025.

July 12, 2025: NXT The Great American Bash (Televised) Location: Center Stage Theater, Atlanta, GA, USA Note: This event takes place prior to Saturday Night’s Main Event on the same day.

July 13, 2025: WWE Evolution (Televised) Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA, USA Note: This is part of a multi-event weekend takeover in Atlanta, featuring an all-women's Premium Live Event.

July 14, 2025: WWE RAW (Televised) Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL, USA

July 15, 2025: WWE NXT (Televised) Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA

July 18, 2025: WWE SmackDown (Televised) Location: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA

July 21, 2025: WWE RAW (Televised) Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX, USA

July 22, 2025: WWE NXT (Televised) Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA

July 25, 2025: WWE SmackDown (Televised) Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, USA

July 28, 2025: WWE RAW (Televised) Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA

July 29, 2025: WWE NXT (Televised) Location: Yuengling Center, Tampa, FL, USA

Additional Notes:

The Atlanta weekend (July 12-13) is a significant multi-event takeover featuring Saturday Night’s Main Event, Evolution, and The Great American Bash, showcasing WWE’s focus on diverse programming with a mix of main roster and NXT events.

Most events are expected to be streamed on Peacock in the U.S., with Netflix covering WWE programming in many international markets. Some events, like Saturday Night’s Main Event, may also air on NBC and YouTube internationally.

Match cards for Premium Live Events like Evolution and Saturday Night’s Main Event have not been announced as of the latest updates in March 2025.

Tickets for these events are typically available through Ticketmaster or WWE.com, with pre-sale opportunities often announced prior to general sales.

For the most up-to-date information, including match cards and ticket availability, check official sources like WWE.com or Ticketmaster.com.

News

Media Man

X wins Media Man 'Platform Of The Month'; Runner-up: YouTube

Netflix wins Media Man 'Streaming Service Of The Month' award (again)

Sports News

World Sport This Weekend

June 17, 2025

Basketball (NBA): The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Conference Semifinals, keeping their playoff hopes alive. The series continues to draw significant attention as the Knicks push for a deeper run.

Football (Soccer): In the English Premier League, Aston Villa and Chelsea bolstered their chances for Champions League qualification with key victories on May 16. Chelsea's win over Manchester United was particularly notable, with Marc Cucurella playing a pivotal role.

Cricket (IPL): The Indian Premier League resumes today after a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions. Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Kolkata Knight Riders at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, Delhi Capitals face challenges with Mitchell Starc withdrawing after a scare in Dharamsala, though Mustafizur Rahman has been cleared to play the final three league games.

Badminton (BWF Thailand Open): The semifinals are set for today, with World No. 3 Anders Antonsen advancing after a dominant 21-8, 21-18 win over South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin in the quarterfinals. Indian players exited early in the tournament.

Formula 1: The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is underway, with the third practice session and qualifying race scheduled for today, promising high-speed action.

NFL: The 2025 season schedule has been a major talking point, with seven international games announced, including historic matchups in Germany, Ireland, and Spain. The Minnesota Vikings will make history by playing two international games in different countries in consecutive weeks.

Other Sports:

Chess: Indian players D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa are competing in the Superbet Classic in Bucharest, Romania, while the All India Chess Masters continues in Mumbai.

Athletics: The Diamond League in Doha featured notable performances, with Neeraj Chopra in action on May 16.

GAA (Gaelic Football): The All-IIreland Senior Football Championship began with round-robin fixtures, including Mayo hosting Cavan.

Combat Sports:

Pro Wrestling

Friday Night

WWE SmackDown
Greensboro, North Carolina
Tiffany Stratton vs Nia Jax

Australia:

Pro Surfing

Saturday, May 17

Men’s and Women’s Opening Rounds
Western Australia
Margaret River Pro

News

May 17

NRL News

Dolphins vs Warriors

Sharks vs Storm

Tigers vs Rabbitohs

May 18

Cowboys vs Sea Eagles

Broncos vs Dragons

Raiders vs Titans

*Full list on NRL matches via NRL website

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

“I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler.” Socrates

Profiles

WWE RAW On Netflix

WWE SmackDown

NXT: News

RAW On Netflix

WWE Bash In Berlin

WWE Bad Blood

Live Combat Sports

WWE
WWE SmackDown
February 14, 2025
Capital One Arena
Washington. DC

NXT
Vengeance Day
February 15, 2025
Entertainment And Sports Arena
Washington, DC

WWE RAW
February 17, 2025
Spectrum Center
Charlotte, North Carolina

WWE SmackDown
February 21, 2025
Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, Louisiana

WWE RAW
February 24, 2025
Heritage Cup Center
Cincinnati, Ohio

WWE NXT
February 25, 2025
Andrew J. Brady Music Center
Cincinnati, Ohio

WWE SmackDown
February 28, 2025
Scotiabank Arena
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WWE Elimination Chamber
March 1, 2025
Rogers Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

UFC
March 1, 2025
UFC Fight Night
UFC Apex

UFC
UFC 313
Pereira vs Ankalaev
March 8, 2025
T-Mobile Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

WWE
WrestleMania 41
April 19-20, 2025
Allegiant Stadium
Las Vegas, Nevada

WWE Clash In Paris
August 31, 2025
Paris La Défense Arena

*card/s subject to change

WWE Bash In Berlin

WWE Bad Blood

Combat Sports Watercooler

News

WWE Pro Wrestler Karrion Kross On Mox Telling Him To Call Triple H About A Contract

"After the show, he's like, he basically says 'Hey listen. I'm not telling you where to go. I'm not telling you where to make money. But I'm just saying, you really should call Triple H, cause you could make a very, very good living there" ... "He was like 'Work wherever you want, go wherever you want. But I just have a feeling that if you call him, things are going to be good for you.'

"And I was like...that's like 'What do you mean? Call Triple H? What do you mean?' He's like 'Nah, just call him...I'm giving you his number. I want you to call him.' And I was like 'Oh my god.' Well now I can't [not call him]...So now I had to...So I sent him [Triple H] a text. He calls me and is like 'Is this really Killer Kross?' Cause like, I don't know, it could be a crank caller or somebody gets his number. So we talk, and a few months later, I was in 'NXT,' and that's kind of how that worked." (Not Sam Wrestling)

News

Bully Ray on TNA Wrestling, WWE and AEW via Busted Open Radio

"TNA will grow, the WWE will grow bigger, and we will either be talking about the resurgence or the demise of AEW, and I go 50/50 on that. I want to see the resurgence, but from what I see right this very moment, I hope we're not speaking about the demise, and that's just my fair assessment on everything." (Busted Open Radio)

News

Wrestling Legend Kurt Angle On Wrestling Movies And Career via Talk Is Jericho

"I've been pretty much building to this movie I'm having done about my life's sports story" ... "The directors are Ian and Eshom Nelms. They're really talented directors. The reason why I picked them is because they were wrestlers in high school and college. So they understand my sport.

"So we got the ball rolling with that, and now we're getting investors and we're going to start picking the cast soon. This movie's only about my Olympic story, not my WWE story. There's going to be, actually, two movies. 'Angle 1' and 'Angle 2.' One's for the Olympics, one's for after, my WWE and TNA career, everything after that. It was just too much to put in one movie, so they wanted to split it in two." (Web Is Jericho)

News

Tommy Dreamer on CM Punk And Seth Rollins Raw Face To Face Promo

"It's a very 'what have you done for me lately.' There's so much to get into with CM Punk and leaving, and yes, some people can still harbor a grudge towards that"

"I can't even say 'blurring the lines,' because if you ask me, these two guys don't like each other" (Busted Open After Dark)

News

AEW Signed Adam Copeland On His Injury Via TMZ Sports

"I've actually been cleared for about three months, but then with everything that happened here with the hurricane, it just — we all had the discussion," Copeland said. "It's more important to be home and kind of get everything at home squared away, and then just come back to work."

"In that time, I've been healthy and going to the ring, and been able to go 100 in the gym" ... "It's time. I feel ready." (TMZ Sports)

News

WWE Raw Moves to Netflix

WWE has entered into a significant partnership with Netflix, debuting its flagship show 'Raw' on the streaming platform starting January 6th, 2025. This move has sparked excitement among fans worldwide due to the increased accessibility of WWE content. In the UK, all WWE programming including Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Premium Live Events will be available live on Netflix, while in the US, only Raw will be streamed. This partnership marks the end of the WWE Network era, with WWE content now transitioning to Netflix. Fans are particularly enthusiastic about the availability of uncensored content and extensive WWE archives, including classics like WrestleMania 17. The collaboration is viewed as a transformative step for WWE's distribution strategy and is expected to influence viewing habits, potentially reintroducing wrestling into mainstream entertainment.

News

MMA/UFC

Strickland's Controversial Comments Stir MMA Community

Sean Strickland, a prominent MMA fighter, recently sparked controversy with his comments on Islam, suggesting it promotes violence and is incompatible with American values. His statements have led to a significant backlash from fans and fellow fighters alike, with many accusing him of hypocrisy given his career in a sport centered around violence. While there has been speculation about a potential match-up with Khamzat Chimaev, a Muslim fighter known for his deep commitment to his faith, no official confirmation of such a fight has been made. The discourse around Strickland's comments has brought to light the complex interplay between personal beliefs, professional conduct, and public statements within the MMA community, highlighting how fighters' personal views can influence their public and professional lives.

Sweet Daddy Siki passes away

WWE is saddened to learn that Elkin James, known to wrestling fans as Sweet Daddy Siki, passed away on December 31, 2024, at age 91.

Siki wrestled worldwide for promotions such as Maple Leaf Wrestling, Grand Prix Wrestling, and Stampede Wrestling through the ’60s and ’70s and became a fixture in the Toronto community. He trained many future wrestlers out of Sully’s Gym in Toronto, Canada, including iconic WWE Superstars Edge and Christian.

WWE extends its condolences to Siki’s family, friends and fans. (WWE)

News/Profile

Combat Sports via Grok

Combat sports are competitive physical activities involving one-on-one combat where the objective is to score more points, submit, disable, or defeat an opponent through regulated techniques. These sports have a rich history, tracing back to various ancient civilizations and have evolved into diverse forms practiced worldwide:

Boxing: A sport where competitors use their fists to throw punches within a designated ring, aiming to outscore or knock out their opponent. It's one of the oldest combat sports, with roots in ancient cultures like Egypt and Greece, and became an Olympic sport in 1904.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Often seen in promotions like the UFC, MMA combines techniques from numerous martial arts including wrestling, boxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It gained significant recognition in the 1990s and is known for its no-holds-barred approach within a regulated environment.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, BJJ focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. It became popular through MMA and is now practiced globally for both sport and self-defense.

Muay Thai: Known as "The Art of Eight Limbs," this Thai martial art uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, making it uniquely comprehensive in terms of striking techniques.

Wrestling: With styles like freestyle and Greco-Roman, wrestling involves grappling techniques to pin or throw an opponent. It's one of the oldest sports, with historical ties to ancient Greece, and is a mainstay in the Olympics.

Judo: A Japanese martial art emphasizing throws and submission holds, judo has been an Olympic sport since 1964, showcasing its global impact on combat sports.

Kickboxing: A hybrid sport that incorporates elements from boxing, karate, and other martial arts, focusing on both punches and kicks. It's popular in both professional and amateur circuits.

Combat sports also serve various benefits beyond competition, including physical fitness, mental toughness, and self-defense skills. They are regulated by organizations to ensure safety, with rules varying by sport and sometimes by region. In Australia, for instance, combat sports are overseen by bodies like the Combat Sports Authority of NSW, ensuring participants are registered and events are permitted.

These sports are not only about physical confrontation but also promote discipline, respect, and sportsmanship among participants. They have a cultural significance, often tied to national heritage, and continue to evolve with new techniques, safety measures, and competitive formats. (Grok)

News/Profile

Pro Wrestling

Professional Wrestling Overview: Professional wrestling is a form of athletic theater that combines mock combat with drama, where the premise is that performers are competitive wrestlers. It's distinguished by its scripted outcomes and emphasis on entertainment over genuine competition. The staged nature of matches is an open secret, maintained through a practice known as "kayfabe," where both wrestlers and spectators pretend that the performances are legitimate competitions. Wrestlers perform as characters with distinctive gimmicks, including unique attire, stage names, and entrance themes.

Current Landscape: As of early January 2025, the wrestling landscape in Australia includes notable promotions like Pro Wrestling Australia (PWA) in Sydney, which focuses on providing both adult-themed and family-friendly shows. United Pro Wrestling (UPW) is another key player, particularly in Queensland, known for its quality events and character development. Melbourne City Wrestling (MCW) has been active with events like their anniversary celebration planned for March 15, 2025.

Global Influence: Wrestling has achieved mainstream success worldwide, influencing popular culture with its terminology and concepts. It's performed across various promotions globally, with unique styles in countries like the U.S., Mexico, Japan, and Europe. The largest promotions continue to be WWE and AEW, with significant cultural impact through television, music, film, and video games.

Community and Culture: Professional wrestling has developed its own culture, including a vernacular specific to the industry. Fans engage through live events, online discussions, and fan-created content, showing the community's dedication and passion for the sport-entertainment hybrid.

For more specific details on events, wrestlers, or promotions, further exploration into current wrestling news sources would be beneficial. (Grok)

News

WWE: Events

WWE hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from weekly televised shows to premium live events (PLEs), previously known as pay-per-views (PPVs). Here's a breakdown of the upcoming WWE events:

Weekly Shows:
Monday Night Raw: Broadcast live every Monday. The next event on January 13, 2025, is at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA.

Friday Night SmackDown: Aired live every Friday. The upcoming event on January 3, 2025, will be at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ.

WWE NXT: Typically taped or live on Tuesday nights. The next significant event, New Year's Evil, is scheduled for January 7, 2025, at The Shrine LA in Los Angeles, CA.

Premium Live Events (PLEs) for 2025:

Saturday Night's Main Event: January 25, 2025, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX.

Royal Rumble: February 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Elimination Chamber: March 1, 2025, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada, marking WWE's return to Canada for a PLE.

WrestleMania: While the exact date for WrestleMania 41 hasn't been mentioned in the available data, it's traditionally held in April.

International and Specialty Events:

WWE is planning a European Tour starting in mid-March 2025. No specific dates or locations within this tour have been detailed yet.

There's also mention of WWE considering multi-night formats for major events like the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in future years.

Streaming and Viewing:

All WWE PLEs are available live on Peacock in the United States and through various international WWE Network partners or other streaming services in other countries. In Australia, PPVs are shown on Main Event.

Weekly shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT are broadcast on traditional TV and streaming services depending on the region.

Additional Notes:
WWE has no scheduled live events in the U.S. until the European Tour in March, which has been reported to be well-received by talent for providing a break.
There's a buzz about CM Punk main eventing WrestleMania, indicating his significant role in upcoming storylines.

For the most up-to-date information, checking WWE's official website or following WWE on social media platforms would provide real-time updates on any changes or additional events. (Grok)

Wrestling/Pop Culture News

Mildred Burke biopic: Queen of the Ring

Under The Media Man Watercooler

Premiers: Newport Beach Film Festival

Lead: Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke

Quotes to UPI

"I was like, 'Oh, I feel like I can do that. I just haven't'"

"I've always been super active and I pick up things pretty fast."

Burke wrestled professionally from 1937 to 1956 and launched her own World Women's Wrestling Association after leaving the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). Rickards portrays Burke, covering her training through the wrestling organization's creation.

"Mildred was a pioneer in this arena"

"She really brought women to wrestling"

"It was heavy weights, slow on the way down, faster on the way up"

"There was a period of time where I remember putting my hands on my hips and I just felt solid, like there was just more of me."

"Wrestling is a lot about safety"

"To take the bump, you spread out"

Deborah Ann Woll, Francesca Eastwood, Marie Avgeropoulous, Kelli Berglund and Damaris Lewis also play real-life wrestlers. AEW's Kailey Farmer and WWE's Toni Rossall portray two of Burke's real-life opponents.

Farmer helped train her in pro wrestling.

"If you see us wrestling on-screen, she's leading"

"She brought me into that trust as someone who is an actor, not a wrestler but was doing my darndest."

"This ability to weave story and have it be structured but improvised -- there's an essence there that is so beautiful"

"I'd say acting actually is all contact"

"Maybe it's not punching each other all the time, but it is really about affecting the other person"

Mildred Burke Profile/News via Grok

Mildred Burke was a pivotal figure in professional wrestling, particularly known for her contributions to women's wrestling. Here's an overview based on the information available up to October 20, 2024:

Career: Mildred Burke began her wrestling career in the early 1930s and quickly made a name for herself by not only competing against but often defeating male competitors. Her heyday lasted from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s, during which she held the NWA World Women's Championship for nearly twenty years, showcasing her dominance in the sport.

Achievements: Burke is recognized for her strength, tenacity, and for being a trailblazer for women in wrestling. She was instrumental in introducing women's wrestling to several countries, including the United States, Canada, Cuba, Mexico, and parts of Asia like Japan, where she helped lay the groundwork for what would become a significant scene for women's wrestling.

Legacy: Burke's legacy is honored in several Halls of Fame:

She was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Legacy Wing in 2016, recognizing her as one of the first major female competitors in wrestling.
She's also a member of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, underscoring her impact on the sport.

Personal Life and Challenges: Burke's career was marked by personal and professional challenges, particularly her tumultuous relationship with Billy Wolfe, a promoter who was also her husband. Their relationship was fraught with issues, including Wolfe's infidelities and control over the business aspects of wrestling, which led to significant conflicts and legal battles over the control of women's wrestling.

Film: Her life story has been adapted into a biographical sports drama film titled "Queen of the Ring," where actress Emily Bett Rickards portrays Burke. This film aims to capture her struggle, success, and the broader impact she had on women's wrestling. The film has garnered attention for its portrayal of Burke's life, with its premiere events listed in various film festivals in October 2024.

Cultural Impact: Beyond her in-ring achievements, Burke's efforts helped to legitimize women's wrestling. Her story, involving both her wrestling prowess and her fight for the recognition of women in the sport, continues to inspire new generations of female wrestlers.

Mildred Burke's story is not just one of athletic achievement but also of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, making her a significant figure in both sports and women's history. (Grok)

Queen of the Ring via Grok

The term "Queen of the Ring" relates to several entities across different media:

WWE's Queen of the Ring: This is a professional wrestling tournament by WWE, where Nia Jax won the tournament in 2024, as indicated by posts on X. This event was part of WWE's broader push to highlight women's wrestling, providing the winner with a match for the WWE Women's Championship at SummerSlam.

Mildred Burke Biopic: There's a biographical film titled "Queen of the Ring" focusing on Mildred Burke, the first million-dollar female athlete and a pioneer in women's professional wrestling. This film has been shown at various film festivals in 2024, with its world premiere and subsequent screenings noted across the U.S.

South Korean TV Series: "Queen of the Ring" also refers to a South Korean drama series, part of the "Three Color Fantasy" trilogy, which aired in 2017. It's a romantic drama involving characters in a fictional narrative around themes of appearance and personal relationships.

News

MMA

UFC 311 Betting

UFC 311, scheduled for January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, features several high-profile fights with notable betting odds. Here's a breakdown of the betting information for the main events:

Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan Islam Makhachev is listed as the favorite with odds around -235 to -334, indicating a strong likelihood of retaining his lightweight title.

Arman Tsarukyan comes in as the underdog with odds ranging from +200 to +250, suggesting a potential for an upset but less likely according to the bookmakers.

Co-Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov is the betting favorite at -220, reflecting confidence in his undefeated record and grappling prowess.

Merab Dvalishvili is the underdog with +185 odds, despite being the current champion, possibly due to Nurmagomedov's impressive run and the anticipation around his title challenge.

Other Notable Fights:
Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill: The odds here are close, with Hill at -103 and Prochazka at -117 or vice versa, depending on the latest updates, indicating a highly competitive match.

For those interested in placing bets, these odds provide a snapshot of how the betting markets view the chances of each fighter. Remember, odds can shift as the fight date approaches based on various factors including fighter form, public betting trends, and any last-minute news.

Please note, betting on UFC fights involves risks, and these odds should be used for informational purposes. Always bet responsibly and within your means. If you're looking to place bets, consider checking with reputable betting sites for the most current odds. (Grok)

News/Profile

WWE WrestleMania Vegas 2025

WWE WrestleMania 41 is set to take place in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium on April 19 and 20, 2025. This will be the second time Las Vegas hosts WrestleMania, with the first being WrestleMania IX in 1993 at Caesars Palace. The event will span two nights, marking a continued trend from the format established during the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event Details: WrestleMania 41, also known as WrestleMania Vegas, will feature matches from both Raw and SmackDown brand divisions. The event will be broadcasted via pay-per-view and livestreaming, with international markets able to watch on Netflix following the WWE Network's merger with the platform in January 2025. This will be the first WrestleMania to occur during Easter weekend.

Ticket Information: Tickets for WrestleMania 41 went on sale on October 25, 2024, with presales starting on October 23. There are also 2-day combo tickets available for purchase.

Cultural Impact: The event is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Las Vegas, with more than 180,000 fans anticipated to attend, occupying over 144,000 room nights. Apart from the main event, WWE will also host Raw, SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and WWE World, contributing to a comprehensive fan experience.

Notable Matches: There have been discussions about potential matches, including a bout between John Cena and Logan Paul for WrestleMania 41.

This event signifies WWE's return to one of the world's entertainment capitals, promising a grand spectacle with a mix of sports and entertainment. (Grok)

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https://www.mediamanint.com/combat_sports.html

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Ranked: What the top 10 AFL and NRL team brands are worth

Australian Football League’s Collingwood is the most valuable sports club in Australia and is $30 million ahead of its nearest rival in a ranking of football teams by the worth of their brand. The Brisbane Broncos are the most valuable National Rugby League team.

Despite struggling to make the finals series this year after winning the premiership in 2023, the Magpies brand is worth $145 million, consultancy Brand Finance Australia said in a report. Carlton was the next best in the AFL at $115 million.

The NRL’s Broncos, Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs were among the top 10 brands across the two football competitions. Seven AFL clubs, all based in Victoria, make up the rest of the list.

The report also showed a high crossover of fans who follow both Australian rules and rugby league.

On-field success does not necessarily translate to brand value. The NRL’s Wests Tigers, for instance, are eleventh in the rankings (worth $42 million) despite coming last for the past three seasons. This year’s AFL grand finalists, the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions, sit 10th and 11th in their competition’s brand value rankings, worth $66 million and $64 million respectively.

But the best way for sports clubs to improve their brand value and strength was to win more matches, said Brand Finance managing director Mark Crowe.

The most lucrative brands have either a rich heritage or are operating in fast-growing markets, he said.

“Collingwood is generating significant commercial revenues, match day revenues, as clearly evidenced by the drawing capacity of nearly all the Melbourne clubs,” Mr Crowe said. “It’s the history and the heritage of the club.

“The Broncos have really benefited from the fact they were essentially a one-team town in Brisbane for most of its history. They had that benefit of being a very strong brand in a very strong market for rugby league.

“They’re very resilient and can continue to maintain their strength and value with less reliance on-field performance.”

How to measure a team’s brand value

Brand Finance has valued international sports brands for more than a decade, but the current report was the first time it has focused on Australian clubs. It ranked them based on two factors – brand value and brand strength.

Value looks at how much of a company’s profits are attributable to its “brand”. It is a combination of the strength score, how much it would cost to license the brand’s assets and the company’s forecast revenue. It includes a valuation of the trade name, trademarks and logo.

A brand’s strength is scored out of 100, measuring attributes such as marketing investment, financial performance and sustainability.

Collingwood, which had more members than any other AFL club in 2024, topped the brand strength list with 81.4 points. The Broncos were top of the NRL’s list and second when including AFL clubs, with 80.9 points.

The total brand value of the 35 clubs in the two codes combined was $2.3 billion – about $1.3 billion represented by the 18 AFL clubs and $1 billion from the 17 NRL teams.

Melbourne-based clubs – including NRL’s Melbourne Storm – contributed $878 million to the total figure.

Other clubs to feature near the top of the list include Carlton and Richmond, while West Coast is the most valuable non-Victorian AFL brand, worth $68 million. “When you look at the most valuable clubs, they’re not necessarily reflecting the competition ladder order,” Mr Crowe said. “That goes to the heart of a brand and its strength.”

The Broncos, who finished 12th before parting with coach Kevin Walters, are worth $124 million, the richest in rugby league. It is slightly ahead of recent four-time premiership winners the Penrith Panthers, worth $108 million.

One of the abnormalities in the NRL list is the Redcliffe Dolphins, a club that entered the top-tier competition in 2023. The Dolphins team is in ninth spot on the NRL brand value ranking list, ahead of teams such as the Newcastle Knights, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.

“[The Dolphins] really demonstrate the opportunity in that south-east Queensland market. There’s … no real evidence the Dolphins have had a negative impact on the Broncos. In fact, it could be argued they’ve had a positive impact now there’s this [local] rivalry that didn’t exist before.“

The sports Australians follow

Australian rules football was the country’s most followed sport, Brand Finance found, with 76.3 per cent of more than 1000 people surveyed claiming to watch the game and 10.7 per cent declaring it their favourite.

Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said they followed rugby league and 10.4 per cent listed it as the preferred sport. Forty-six per cent of respondents said they followed both codes.

“The AFL and NRL are just in such a commanding position because they’re offering content 40 weeks a year, which is just manna for media rights because you’ve just got that consistent offering,” Mr Crowe said.

Other popular sports in 2024 included the Olympics (73.4 per cent), cricket (62.6 per cent) and soccer (57.7 per cent). Tennis, Formula 1 and basketball also made the list, but rugby union was notably absent.

“You’re certainly seeing in the NRL the resurgence of two brands – Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons. If they can continue to improve in terms of on-field performance, they are likely to strengthen considerably,” Mr Crowe said.

But there will always be some teams that struggle, particularly for newer clubs in competitive geographic areas. “The Gold Coast Suns and the GWS Giants are operating in nontraditional markets for the AFL where they’ve got two rival brands doing very well – the Swans and the Lions were in the grand final this year.

“They need to win, but even that alone is not proving to be necessarily of major short-term significance.”

Combat Sports News

X And Grok Takes Fans And Sports Media Across The Globe: Media Man

MMA Fighter's Head Kick in Boxing Match

During a recent boxing match, an MMA fighter, facing defeat in his boxing debut, controversially knocked out his opponent with an illegal head kick, leading to his disqualification. This event drew widespread attention and humorously reminded fans of the much-anticipated but differently executed fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. Many fans expressed a wishful scenario where McGregor would have used similar unorthodox tactics against Mayweather, highlighting the contrast between the restrictive rules of boxing and the more varied striking techniques allowed in MMA. The incident sparked a humorous yet reflective discussion on the constraints of boxing rules and the crossover expectations from MMA fighters entering the boxing ring. (Grok)

News

McGregor-Mayweather Fight Speculation

During a boxing match, MMA fighter Idris Abdurashitov was disqualified for knocking out his opponent, Bagher Faraji, with an illegal head kick. This incident has led to widespread discussion among fans and commentators, many of whom humorously wished for a similar scenario during the boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. The general sentiment reflects a mix of amusement and frustration over the strict rules of boxing compared to the more varied techniques allowed in MMA, highlighting the different expectations and strategies between the two sports. (Grok)

News

Trump's Wrestling Talk with The Undertaker

Based on the latest information available up to October 21, 2024, Donald Trump has engaged in several activities involving the wrestling world:

Podcast Appearance: Donald Trump appeared on The Undertaker's podcast, "Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway." During this appearance, Trump discussed various topics, including his history with wrestling, asking about the current scene in WWE, and the mechanics of wrestling like the hardness of the ring. They also delved into more political discussions, reflecting on what's at stake in the upcoming presidential election.

Endorsement Video: Trump shared a video on TikTok where he was endorsed by Mark Calaway (The Undertaker) and Glenn Jacobs (Kane). This was an unusual endorsement where they also took the opportunity to mock the Democratic ticket, showing unflattering pictures of Kamala Harris, Dave Bautista, and Tim Walz, as part of their promotional tactic for the election, likening it to a wrestling event with "ElectionMania."

Wrestling Insights: Trump has shown curiosity about the wrestling business, asking The Undertaker questions that are common among those outside the industry, like the reality of wrestling moves, the hardness of the ring, and how wrestlers handle real-life conflicts in the ring. This conversation provided insights into Trump's long-standing relationship with WWE, including his involvement in past WrestleManias.

Political and Wrestling Crossover: Trump's interaction with wrestling personalities isn't just for entertainment; it's also a part of his campaign strategy, targeting demographics that follow wrestling. This includes discussing wrestling stars like Cody Rhodes and Gunther, indicating his attempt to stay connected with pop culture and sports entertainment to appeal to voters.

From posts on X and other sources, there hasn't been a new, significant event or statement directly labeled as "Trump's Wrestling Talk with The Undertaker" beyond what's been described, but Trump's engagement with wrestling personalities and platforms continues to be part of his public persona and political strategy. (Grok)

News

The Rock's Reach Out to Trump Post-Assassination Attempt

Donald Trump appeared as a guest on The Undertaker's podcast, 'Six Feet Under,' where the discussion unexpectedly turned into Trump interviewing The Undertaker about wrestling rather than focusing on politics. During the podcast, Trump disclosed that Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson had contacted him through Dana White following an assassination attempt on Trump, expressing concern for his safety. Trump expressed surprise at this gesture, having previously believed The Rock did not like him. The Undertaker commented on how Trump has made politics entertaining, comparing it to the spectacle of wrestling where fans sometimes confuse the performance with reality. Trump also boasted about the large crowds at his political events, likening them to wrestling audiences. (Grok)

News

UFC 308 Fight Week Anticipation

Here's what's buzzing around UFC 308 as of the latest posts and information available up to October 21, 2024:

Fight Card and Main Events: UFC 308 is headlined by a UFC Featherweight Championship bout where the current champion Ilia Topuria will defend his title against former champion Max Holloway. Another highlight is the middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

Location and Date: The event is set to occur on October 26, 2024, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Fight Week Kickoff: UFC 308 Fight Week has officially started, with various fan and media activities planned throughout the week, including fan zones, athlete meet and greets at Yas Mall and Yas Bay, and the UFC 308 Press Conference.

Broadcast Details: The event will be available live on PPV, with the main card starting at 2 PM ET in the U.S. For viewers in the UK, it's set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports Box Office.

Fighter Updates and Speculations: There was some buzz about Max Holloway's weight cut, with observations suggesting he has a significant cut, potentially impacting his performance, though stylistically, the fight with Topuria is expected to be close.
A false claim circulated about Lerone Murphy being out and replaced by Jean Silva against Dan Ige, but this was debunked by Dan Ige himself.
Betting odds and potential upsets are a hot topic, with some fans and analysts pointing out that there might be some underdogs worth watching, like Holloway and Whittaker, who are not favored by the odds.

Community and Expert Analysis: Discussions are rife about the potential outcomes, with some analysts and former fighters like Megan Anderson offering breakdowns of the main and co-main events. There's also a bit of skepticism and strategic analysis on how the fights might go, with emphasis on the stylistic matchups and the physical condition of fighters like Holloway.

Public Sentiment: There's considerable excitement about the card being stacked, with fans eagerly anticipating knockouts and high-action fights, especially given the heavy hitters scheduled for the event.

Remember, while X posts provide real-time reactions and some insights, they're not always accurate or comprehensive sources for event details or outcomes. However, they do capture the community's pulse leading up to UFC 308. (Grok)

News

Anticipation for Bron Breakker vs Jacob Fatu

During WWE Raw, fans witnessed several key events including Bron Breakker defeating Jey Uso to become the new Intercontinental Champion, amidst excitement over a potential future match between Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu. This match-up has generated significant anticipation among fans, who describe it as a highly anticipated, potentially explosive encounter. Additionally, Seth Rollins was involved in a notable confrontation with Bronson Reed. The episode also featured moments involving The New Day and the LWO, contributing to the night's dynamic action and storyline developments. (Grok)

News

Wyatt Sicks vs. Final Testament

Based on recent events in WWE as of October 21, 2024:

The Wyatt Sicks made a notable return on WWE Raw, where they targeted The Final Testament. This happened during a match involving The New Day and the Authors of Pain (AOP), where R-Truth's interference led to a chaotic scene. After The New Day won, The Wyatt Sicks appeared, leading to a brawl with The Final Testament, showcasing a new feud or at least a significant confrontation.

Bo Dallas, portraying Uncle Howdy, applied the Mandible Claw on Paul Ellering, The Final Testament's manager, indicating a direct attack on the leadership or symbolic figure of the opposing faction.

The Wyatt Sicks have been described as having been off television for a few weeks prior to this event but have been keeping the storyline alive through teasers. Their return marks a continuation or possibly an escalation of their storyline involving The Final Testament.

There's also an indication of ongoing tensions and brawls involving other WWE superstars like Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed, suggesting a highly volatile environment on Raw, within which this feud is unfolding.

From posts on X, although not directly quoted or referenced in detail here:

The Wyatt Sicks have used the platform to send cryptic and menacing messages, hinting at themes of deception, pride, and upcoming confrontations, aligning with their eerie and psychological warfare style of storytelling in WWE.

This return and attack signify that The Wyatt Sicks are not only back in the physical sense on WWE programming but are also actively engaging in psychological warfare both in the ring and through social media, setting the stage for what could be an intense rivalry with The Final Testament. (Grok)

News

Rollins vs Reed Set for WWE Crown Jewel

Seth Rollins and Bronson Reed are set to compete against each other at WWE Crown Jewel, following a series of aggressive confrontations on WWE Raw. The feud intensified with Rollins attacking Reed both backstage and during live events, leading to a notable brawl. WWE official Adam Pearce officially announced their match for the upcoming Crown Jewel event, escalating the anticipation for their showdown. (Grok)

News

Rhea Ripley's Dominance at WWE Raw

During a recent WWE Raw event, Rhea Ripley was a central figure, engaging in a match where she single-handedly faced three opponents, showcasing her dominance. This event highlighted her ongoing feud with Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan, with many fans expressing fatigue over the storyline's continuation. While Rhea Ripley's performances were widely praised for their intensity and skill, there was a mixed reception towards Raquel Rodriguez's involvement. Some fans felt her portrayal lacked impact and questioned her effectiveness in the storyline. The episode also featured moments like Rhea Ripley costing Liv Morgan a match, further escalating their rivalry. Overall, the event demonstrated strong performances from Rhea Ripley but also sparked discussions about the direction and development of her feud with Raquel Rodriguez. (Grok)

News/Profile

WWE NXT

As of my last update, WWE NXT has continued to evolve, serving as WWE's developmental territory while also establishing itself as a unique brand with its own fanbase. Here's a brief overview and some recent developments based on general knowledge up to October 2024:

Rebranding and Focus: After transitioning from the "NXT 2.0" era, which saw a vibrant rebranding in color schemes and a focus on developing new talents, NXT has somewhat returned to its roots while keeping the developmental aspect strong. The brand balances between showcasing up-and-coming wrestlers and occasionally featuring established stars.

Broadcast: NXT airs live on The CW as of 2024, having moved from USA Network. This move was part of WWE's strategy to potentially reach a broader audience on network television.

Talent Development: NXT remains crucial for WWE's strategy of grooming future main roster superstars. It's where talents refine their characters, in-ring skills, and promos before potentially moving to Raw or SmackDown.

Events: NXT continues to produce special events like NXT TakeOver, although the frequency and branding might have adjusted. These events are significant for storylines culminating in high-stakes matches.

Championships: The NXT Championship, NXT Women's Championship, and NXT North American Championship are still pivotal, with the latter often being seen as a workhorse title. There might also be developments in tag team and possibly cruiserweight divisions if they continue or have been revived.

Cross-promotion: There's often interaction with main roster talents, either through crossovers, talent exchanges, or NXT stars being called up during events like the Royal Rumble or after WrestleMania.

Storylines and Characters: NXT is known for its longer-term storytelling compared to the main roster, with more focus on in-ring action. Characters evolve significantly here, and there's usually a mix of indie darlings, homegrown talents, and international stars.

Recent Movements: Without specific X posts or updates, one can assume NXT might be focusing on building new stars after inevitable call-ups post major WWE events. There could also be an emphasis on competing directly with other wrestling promotions by offering unique match types or international collaborations.

Venue: While initially heavily associated with Full Sail University, NXT has been known to tour or set up in different venues, enhancing its live event feel. However, with recent changes, they might be utilizing different arenas or even revisiting past iconic locations like the 2300 Arena for special episodes.

For the most current events or specific matches, one would typically look at recent shows or announcements. However, NXT's core purpose as a blend of entertainment and talent development for WWE remains its defining feature. (Grok)

News

Chris Jericho's AEW Contract Expiry

Chris Jericho's contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is due to expire in 2025, prompting speculation and discussion among fans and commentators about his future in professional wrestling. Some fans hope for Jericho to continue with AEW, emphasizing his importance to the promotion, while others discuss the possibility of him returning to WWE, considering the financial and creative implications. There is a mix of emotional reactions from fans, with some expressing devastation at the thought of Jericho leaving AEW, while others speculate on the impact his departure could have on both AEW and WWE fanbases. Discussions also touch on potential financial offers from AEW to retain Jericho, suggesting that AEW might be more inclined to offer a substantial deal to keep him. (Grok)

News

Tim Tszyu vs Bakhram Murtazaliev

The boxing match between Tim Tszyu and Bakhram Murtazaliev on October 20, 2024, resulted in a significant victory for Murtazaliev, who defended his IBF super welterweight title against the Australian boxer.

Here's a detailed overview:

Outcome: Bakhram Murtazaliev won the bout via a third-round stoppage, retaining his IBF title. Tim Tszyu was knocked down four times during the fight, three times in the second round and once in the third, before his corner threw in the towel, signaling Tszyu's defeat.

Fight Highlights: Knockdowns: Murtazaliev's strategy and power were evident as he dropped Tszyu multiple times, showcasing his dominance in the ring with precise counter-attacks, particularly with his left hook.
Corner's Decision: After the fourth knockdown, and with Tszyu appearing unable to defend himself effectively, his team decided to stop the fight to prevent further punishment.

Post-Fight Sentiment: There's been a mix of shock and analysis following the fight. Social media and boxing forums on X have highlighted Murtazaliev's impressive performance, noting his dangerous left hand and questioning the matchmaking that led to this bout.
Discussions on X also reflect concerns over Tszyu's condition post-fight, with some posts indicating that Tszyu has been cleared of serious head injuries but suggesting that his career might be at a crossroads due to this devastating loss.

Implications for Tszyu: This defeat marks a significant setback in Tim Tszyu's career, especially after coming off a previous loss. There's talk about his future in boxing, with some suggesting this might affect his standing and potential future title opportunities in the super welterweight division.

Murtazaliev's Position: With this victory, Murtazaliev not only retains his title but also significantly raises his profile in the boxing world, potentially setting up future high-profile fights with other champions in the division.

Fight Availability: Clips and full fight videos have been shared across platforms, including X, indicating high fan interest in rewatching or analyzing the bout.

This match has evidently had a profound impact on both fighters' careers, with Murtazaliev emerging as a dominant force in the super welterweight category, while Tszyu faces a challenging path forward after consecutive high-profile losses.

News

Tim Tszyu News/Profile via Grok

Tim Tszyu, born on November 2, 1994, in Sydney, Australia, is a professional boxer who has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the notable names in the super welterweight division. Here are some key points about Tim Tszyu:

Family Legacy: Tim is the son of the legendary boxer Kostya Tszyu, a former undisputed light-welterweight champion who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This heritage has naturally placed a spotlight on Tim, with many expecting him to follow in his father's footsteps.

Professional Career: Tim Tszyu made his professional debut in December 2016. Since then, he has shown considerable skill and determination, climbing the ranks in the boxing world. His style combines technical proficiency with aggressive fighting, reminiscent of his father but with his unique flair.

Titles and Achievements: By 2024, Tim has captured several regional titles. He won the WBC-ABCO Continental light-middleweight title early in his career and has since aimed for world titles. His pursuit of world championship belts has been a significant focus, with matches that have drawn considerable attention in the boxing community.

Notable Fights: Tszyu has faced several high-profile opponents. His fights have included bouts against domestic and international fighters, enhancing his reputation both in Australia and abroad. One of his significant fights was for the WBO interim junior middleweight title against Tony Harrison, showcasing his readiness for world-level competition.

Recent Developments: As of 2024, Tim Tszyu was involved in a high-stakes match for the IBF super welterweight title eliminator, indicating his push towards securing a world title. However, his journey has not been without setbacks. For instance, a fight against Sebastian Fundora for Tszyu's WBO super welterweight title resulted in a loss, and subsequent injuries have impacted his fight schedule.

Public Image and Style: Tim carries the Tszyu name with a mix of pride and pressure. His fighting style is often described as calculated aggression, and he's known for his resilience and comeback spirit in the ring. Outside of boxing, he maintains a relatively low profile but is increasingly recognized for his contributions to Australian boxing.

Future Prospects: Despite facing some tough losses, Tszyu's career is still seen with optimism by many in the boxing world. His dedication to the sport, combined with his lineage, suggests that he will continue to be a significant figure in boxing, aiming for world titles and possibly unification bouts in the super welterweight division.

Given the dynamic nature of sports, Tim Tszyu's journey in boxing continues to evolve with each fight, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike, eager to see if he can capture the world titles that have so far eluded him but were once held by his father. (Grok)

News/Profile

Combat Sports

Combat sports encompass a wide variety of fighting disciplines where participants engage in direct physical combat, often one-on-one, following a set of rules designed to ensure safety while determining a winner through points, submission, or knockout. Here are some insights and recent trends in combat sports based on the information available up to October 21, 2024:

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): MMA continues to grow in popularity, integrating techniques from various combat sports and martial arts. Events like the UFC have become mainstream, with fighters from diverse backgrounds like kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing competing together. Recent posts on X highlight upcoming fights, like the mention of Kai Asakura sparring with Merab Dvalishvili, indicating the cross-weight class interest and training that fighters undertake.

Boxing: While boxing remains a staple in combat sports, there's an ongoing trend of boxers and MMA fighters crossing over between sports. For instance, Jake Paul's venture into new combat sports after his fight with Mike Tyson shows the blending boundaries of combat disciplines. Moreover, boxers like Artem Vakhitov trying to secure a UFC contract exemplify this trend.

Kickboxing and Muay Thai: Although not as highlighted in recent X posts, these sports contribute significantly to the combat sports scene, often feeding talent into MMA. Their techniques are fundamental in the striking aspect of mixed martial arts.

Wrestling and Grappling: Catch Wrestling, Combat Sambo, and Greco-Roman Wrestling are less covered in mainstream media but remain crucial for their contributions to the grappling techniques in MMA. There's a continuous interest in these forms, especially in how they integrate into MMA strategies.

Emerging and Niche Combat Sports: Combat sports like Canne de Combat or variations like Combat Hapkido might not make daily news but are part of the broader combat sports ecosystem, often featured in specialized tournaments or as part of self-defense training.

Events and Scheduling: Platforms like X provide real-time updates on combat sports schedules, showing a packed calendar across various promotions like UFC, PFL, KSW, and more, indicating a vibrant scene with events almost every week.

Crossovers and Novelty Fights: There's a growing trend of crossover events or novelty fights where personalities from different combat disciplines or even different sports altogether engage in combat sports matches, which draws wide attention.

Safety and Equipment: Discussions around the safety gear in combat sports continue, with MMA and boxing being noted for their minimal gear compared to others like Taekwondo, influencing injury rates as per earlier studies.

Market Growth: The mention of the combat sports market heating up indicates not just an increase in viewer interest but also in commercial investments, sponsorships, and media coverage.

The landscape of combat sports is ever-evolving, with athletes constantly adapting new techniques, and promotions innovating in how fights are presented and consumed. The integration of social media like X for real-time updates has also brought fans closer to the action, making combat sports a dynamic field with global participation and viewership. (Grok)

News

The term "Dream Match" in the context of sports and entertainment often refers to a highly anticipated or hypothetical contest between top competitors or teams that fans and analysts would love to see. Here are some insights based on recent discussions:

Wrestling: There's considerable buzz around several potential dream matches in the wrestling world: The Rock vs. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes has been floated as a possible match for WrestleMania 41, indicating a high-profile encounter that would draw significant interest due to the star power and storylines involved.
CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre received enthusiastic fan reaction, showcasing how matches that have already taken place can still be celebrated as dream encounters due to their execution and reception.
Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed at Crown Jewel has been highlighted as a match to look forward to, suggesting an ongoing interest in current roster matchups that promise high-quality wrestling.
Damian Priest naming Oba Femi as his dream opponent from NXT points to cross-generational or brand dream matches that fans and wrestlers themselves are intrigued by.

Baseball: The New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series has been described as a dream matchup due to the historical rivalry and the significant market presence of both teams. This reflects not just on the athletes but the legacy and fanbase of the teams involved.

Boxing: Although not recently discussed in X posts, historically, Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao was billed as "The Dream Match," showing how individual sports like boxing can create dream scenarios based on the fame and contrasting styles of the fighters.

General Sentiment on X: Fans often discuss dream matches across various platforms, expressing desires to see matches like Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Street Profits in wrestling, showcasing a blend of tag team excellence from different promotions or eras. (Grok)

Riyadh Season Noche UFC aka UFC 306 (Wikipedia)

Noche UFC aka UFC 306

Sports, Combat Sports; Grok Continues To Assist Media And Online Media Firms At The Speed Of News; Nears 99 Percent Accuracy - Media Man Group

August 22, 2024

News

Cena Declares Reigns as WWE GOAT

John Cena has publicly declared Roman Reigns as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in professional wrestling, attributing the significant rise in WWE/TKO stock value during Reigns' tenure as evidence. This statement has ignited a debate among wrestling fans and enthusiasts. Some fans agree with Cena, highlighting Reigns' current dominance and his impact on WWE's financial success. However, others argue that while Reigns is exceptional, he does not surpass historical figures like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even Cena himself in terms of overall influence and legacy. The discussion reflects a generational shift in wrestling's GOAT debate, with newer fans potentially viewing Reigns differently than veterans who recall the era of The Rock and Austin. (Grok)

News

Danielson Declares Wrestling Supremacy

During a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Bryan Danielson confidently declared himself the best wrestler in the world, a claim he has upheld for the past 20 years. This statement was a focal point of the episode, drawing significant attention and support from fans and commentators. Danielson's promo not only showcased his confidence but also set the stage for his upcoming match at AEW's All In event, where he is expected to challenge for the AEW World Title. The episode also featured other matches, but Danielson's proclamation and the crowd's enthusiastic response highlighted the high stakes and anticipation for the future event. (Grok)

News

Danielson Claims Best Wrestler Title

The latest episode of AEW Dynamite, which aired on August 21, 2024, from Cardiff, was a pivotal go-home show leading up to the AEW All In event at Wembley Stadium. The episode was marked by high energy from both the performers and the audience. Bryan Danielson made a bold claim, declaring himself the best wrestler in the world, a statement that was met with significant fan and commentator support. The show featured strong promos from key figures like Britt Baker, Mercedes, MJF, and Will Ospreay, all contributing to the anticipation for All In. AEW President Tony Khan expressed his gratitude for the audience's support, highlighting the show's importance in setting the stage for the upcoming major event. The episode was widely praised for its wrestling quality and storytelling, effectively building momentum towards AEW All In. (Grok)

News

UFC Vegas 96 Betting Highlights

Ahead of UFC Vegas 96, fans and analysts are actively discussing predictions and betting strategies for the event. Key points include Jared Cannonier being seen as a value bet despite his underdog status against Caio Borralho, and the addition of a last-minute fight between Zygimantas Ramaska and Fletcher. Discussions are centered around potential outcomes, with some focusing on specific bets like Llontop at +186 odds. The main event features Edmen Shahbazyan, with speculation on whether he will secure another finish. The community is engaging with detailed fight breakdowns, betting tips, and varied predictions, reflecting a mix of professional analysis and casual fan insights. (Grok)

News

Beterbiev vs. Bivol Set for Boxing Showdown

The upcoming boxing event on October 12th features a much-anticipated match between Dmitry Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, widely considered one of the top fights in recent boxing schedules. Beterbiev, known for his knockout streak, will face Bivol, who is recognized for his technical boxing skills. Predictions for the fight are split, with some believing Bivol's skill might lead to Beterbiev's corner stopping the fight, while others anticipate Beterbiev's aggressive style could overpower Bivol. This event has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts about the potential outcomes. Additionally, there was a notable fight on ProBox TV between Jarrett Hurd and Jeison Rosario, which ended controversially in the second round, aimed at keeping the fighters relevant in their divisions. (Grok)

News

One Month to Joshua-Dubois Showdown

The upcoming boxing event, #RiyadhSeasonCard: Wembley Edition, is scheduled for September 21 at Wembley Stadium, UK, featuring a headline fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight Crown. This event has generated significant anticipation among boxing fans, with tickets available through various platforms. Prominent figures in the boxing community, including Turki Alalshikh, have actively promoted the event, highlighting its importance in the boxing calendar. Discussions around the event include the potential for an upset, with some backing Dubois to defeat Joshua. The event is part of a broader series of boxing matches, marking a notable moment for fans of the sport. (Grok)

News

BKFC

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion that has become quite popular since its inception in April 2018. Here's what you need to know based on the latest information:

Events and Schedule: BKFC has upcoming events including BKFC 65 FEREA VS MASSON-WONG on September 6, 2024, and BKFC 66 BLAS VS REBER on September 13, 2024. They're also expanding internationally with BKFC SPAIN set for October 12, 2024.

Regulation and Structure: BKFC is the first promotion allowed to hold legal, sanctioned, and regulated bare knuckle events in the U.S. since 1889. Fighters are allowed to wrap and tape their wrists, thumbs, and mid-hand, but no gauze or tape can cover the knuckles within 1 inch.

Fighter Rankings: BKFC employs a ranking system where champions and interim champions automatically hold the top spots in their respective weight classes.

Fighters inactive for over 12 months are dropped from the rankings.

Media and Accessibility: BKFC has an official app where fans can watch live events, past fights, and access fighter profiles for a subscription fee. This indicates their push towards digital media for broader accessibility.

Public Sentiment and Coverage: From posts on X, there doesn't seem to be any direct discussion or updates specifically about BKFC's latest events or fighter news, but the platform's nature means there could be discussions or updates in various threads or posts that might not be directly linked to BKFC but could discuss related topics like combat sports trends or fighter performances.

Critical Examination: While BKFC has brought back the historical aspect of bare knuckle fighting, the sport's resurgence also sparks discussions on safety, the spectacle of violence, and its appeal in modern combat sports culture. Critics might argue about the ethics of promoting a sport where the lack of gloves could lead to more severe injuries, while fans and participants might highlight the raw, unfiltered nature of the competition as its primary draw.

Remember, while X posts can give insights into public sentiment or real-time reactions, they're not always factual or comprehensive sources for event-specific updates or official news. For the most accurate and current information on BKFC, checking directly with their official website or app would be advisable. (Grok)

News

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport is a series of professional wrestling events that blend elements of mixed martial arts (MMA) with traditional pro wrestling, focusing on a more realistic and hard-hitting style. Here's what's been happening recently around this event:

Event Details: The latest Bloodsport event, Bloodsport XI, took place on July 28, 2024, at Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York. This event featured a mix of well-known names from both wrestling and MMA backgrounds, showcasing matches that end by knockout, submission, or referee stoppage, reflecting the event's ethos of minimal rules.

Notable Matches and Results:

Heddi Karaoui defeated Brian Johnson in what was likely an opening match, setting the tone for the event.

Julius Creed from WWE had a victory over Matt Makowski, highlighting WWE talent's participation in the event.

Masha Slamovich won against Jody Threat, another match that ended with a referee stoppage.

Royce Isaacs managed to defeat Charlie Dempsey, which was surprising given Dempsey's WWE background.

Brutus Creed also from WWE, defeated "Filthy" Tom Lawlor, another notable match where WWE talent was showcased.

Homicide won against Mike Santana, showing a mix of TNA and indie wrestling talent.

Josh Barnett himself competed, defeating Bad Dude Tito by knockout, which is in line with the event's theme of showcasing real combat skills.

MVP's Confrontation: Post-event discussions highlighted a confrontation between MVP and Josh Barnett, where MVP challenged Barnett to a future fight, indicating a potential storyline or match setup for future events.

International Expansion: Josh Barnett has taken Bloodsport international with Bloodsport Bushido in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22, 2024, at Ryogoku Kokugikan, featuring names like Minoru Suzuki, which underscores the event's global appeal and its blend of wrestling cultures.

Fan and Media Reaction: The event has been praised for its unique approach to wrestling, bringing in fans from both the wrestling and MMA communities. The inclusion of WWE talent in Bloodsport events has been a point of interest, suggesting a crossover appeal that might attract a broader audience or serve as a platform for WWE stars to show a different side of their wrestling skills.

This series continues to push the boundaries of what's expected in professional wrestling, focusing on a more grounded, combat sports approach, which appeals to fans looking for something different from the usual scripted wrestling fare. (Grok)

News

Bloodsport

The Sport: In a broader context, "bloodsport" refers to any sport or entertainment that involves bloodshed, often to the death or serious injury of animals or humans. This can include:

Historical Context: Events like gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome or medieval jousting.

Modern Interpretations: Some might consider extreme fighting sports like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) or underground fight clubs as modern forms of bloodsport, though these are highly regulated to prevent serious injury or death.

Cultural Impact: The term "bloodsport" has also been used metaphorically to describe any highly competitive or ruthless activity, not necessarily involving physical combat, where participants might be seen as fighting for survival or dominance.

If you're referring to something specific about "Bloodsport," like a sequel, a remake, or a particular scene, let me know! (Grok)

News

Pay-Per-View (PPV)

Pay-Per-View (PPV) is a television distribution model where viewers pay to watch specific events or programs, typically on a one-time basis. Here's a deeper look into how it functions:

Business Model:
Revenue: PPV events generate revenue directly from viewers, which can be particularly lucrative for high-demand content like major sporting events, boxing matches, concerts, or exclusive movie premieres.

Cost: The price for viewing can vary widely, depending on the event's popularity, exclusivity, and the platform offering it.

Content Types:
Sports: Boxing, UFC, WWE wrestling, and major sports finals like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals are often broadcast via PPV.

Entertainment: Special concerts, stand-up comedy shows, or exclusive movie releases might also be offered through PPV.

Special Events: Weddings of celebrities, royal events, or unique live performances.

Distribution:
Cable and Satellite TV: Traditionally, PPV was offered through cable or satellite TV providers where viewers would call in or use their remote to order the event.
Streaming Services: With the rise of digital platforms, PPV has evolved. Services like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and various sports streaming platforms now offer PPV events online.

Advantages:
Exclusivity: Viewers get access to content that might not be available through regular broadcasting.
Revenue for Content Creators: PPV allows for direct monetization of content, which can be beneficial for artists, athletes, or event organizers.

Challenges:
Piracy: High-profile PPV events are often targets for illegal streaming, which can cut into profits.
Market Saturation: With many events going PPV, there's a risk of viewer fatigue or competition for viewership.

Future Trends:
Integration with Subscription Models: Some platforms offer PPV within a broader subscription service, providing additional revenue streams.

Virtual Reality (VR): There's potential for PPV to expand into VR, offering immersive experiences for events.

If you're interested in a specific aspect of PPV, like its history, how to set up a PPV event, or its impact on media consumption, feel free to ask! (Grok)

News

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) represents a significant merger in the sports and entertainment industry, combining World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) under one corporate umbrella. Here's a detailed overview based on the latest information:

Formation and Ownership: TKO Group Holdings was formed by Endeavor Group Holdings as part of a merger between WWE and Zuffa, the parent company of UFC. This merger was completed on September 12, 2023, marking a historic moment as it was the first time WWE was not solely owned by the McMahon family, who had founded and owned it for over 70 years. Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) is the majority owner of TKO, with Vince McMahon personally owning approximately one-third of the Class A Common Stock of TKO Group Holdings, Inc.

Business Structure: Both WWE and UFC operate as divisions under TKO, maintaining their individual branding and operations but now under the same corporate governance. This structure aims to leverage combined resources for global expansion and cost savings, with an estimated value of more than $21 billion at the time of the merger.

Financial Performance: Recent financial data indicates TKO's stock price at around $119.78, with significant fluctuations in its financial metrics year-over-year. For instance, net income saw a decrease, while cash from operations increased dramatically, showcasing a mixed bag of financial health but with a strong operational cash flow.

Strategic Moves and Market Impact: The merger has led to various strategic decisions, including cost-saving measures, with expectations of saving between $50 million to $100 million. Additionally, WWE's deal with Netflix for content distribution was highlighted as transformative, indicating TKO's approach to expanding its media presence.

Board and Leadership: The board of TKO Group Holdings includes notable figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who joined to help expand the business globally, alongside other industry leaders from both WWE and UFC backgrounds. This diverse board aims to steer the company towards further integration and growth in the entertainment sector.

Public Sentiment and Media Coverage: From posts on X, there's a mix of excitement about the merger's potential for growth and concerns over the implications for WWE's traditional ownership structure. The listing on the NYSE and the involvement of high-profile figures like Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon have been points of discussion, reflecting both optimism for the future of combat sports and entertainment and skepticism regarding the cultural shift within WWE.

Stock Performance: TKO's stock experienced a significant rise after reporting a strong second-quarter earnings report, nearly tripling its revenue from the previous year's quarter, indicating investor confidence in the company's direction under the new structure.

This merger not only reshapes the landscape of sports entertainment but also positions TKO Group Holdings as a major player in the global entertainment industry, with ambitions to expand its reach and influence through combined resources and strategic partnerships.

News

Verstappen's Trophy or Bust

Formula 1 is set to resume with the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, generating excitement among fans, particularly for Max Verstappen who has a perfect record at this event since its return to the calendar in 2021. Discussions are centered around Verstappen's potential to win again, with fans expressing high expectations and some playful skepticism about others' interest in the sport. Meanwhile, there have been significant team changes; Lewis Hamilton's long-time race engineer, Peter 'Bono' Bonnington, has been promoted to Head of Race Engineering at Mercedes, ending speculation about his move to Ferrari with Hamilton. This news has stirred reactions among fans and within the F1 community, highlighting the dynamic shifts in team structures and driver-engineer relationships. (Grok)

News

Ronaldo Breaks YouTube Subscriber Record

Cristiano Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel and within less than 24 hours, he amassed over 14 million subscribers, breaking the previous record held by Mr. Beast who took 132 days to reach 10 million subscribers. Ronaldo's channel not only set a new benchmark for the fastest growth in subscribers but also highlighted his immense global popularity, with his first video garnering millions of views shortly after its release. This achievement was celebrated by fans and commentators alike, noting Ronaldo's unparalleled influence both on and off the football pitch. (Grok)

Media Man Int: Editor

The Grok reference for TKO Group is not 99 or 100 percent. A number of references are 6 to over 12 months out of date. The information regarding TKO Group is published as is, just as Grok AI directs us. This editor post may potentially assist Grok to further improve its otherwise excellent service, in the view of Media Man Group management. Media Man Int/Media Man Group management/staff finds Grok A.I to be overall much superior than that of the general A.I offerings of the industry and believes that under Elon Musk management and direction that the sky's the limit! Combat sports on Mars anyone?! Grok/X Championship Of The World!

Combat Sports: MMA

UFC

UFC 304

Manchester, England

Co-op Live @TheCoopLive

July 27, 2024

Main Card:

Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad

Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes

Paddy Pimblett vs King Green

Christian Leroy Duncan vs Gregory Rodrigues

Arnold Allen vs Giga Chikadze

Prelims:

Nathaniel Wood vs Daniel Pineda

Molly McCann vs Bruna Brasil

Caolan Loughran vs Jake Hadley

Modestas Bukauskas vs Marcin Prachnio

Oban Elliott vs Preston Parsons

Muhammad Mokaev vs Manel Kape

Sam Patterson vs Kiefer Crosbie

Mick Parkin vs Lukasz Brzeski

Shauna Bannon vs Alice Ardelean

Videos

Bonus UFC Footage

UFC 304: Pre-Fight Press Conference Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tvXLF1_YUs&t=49s&ab_channel=UFC

"Just anoteher guy in the way right. I'm chasing the great GSP's record" Leon Edwards

Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall and more took the stage at the official UFC 304 Press Conference to take questions from the media ahead of UFC 304 on Saturday. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 304 Manchester: Edwards vs Muhammad - TWO CHAMPS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Re0csXCpEw&t=10s

Tom Aspinall & Michael Bisping CLASH in EA UFC 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Up2ahWd9fM&t=8s&ab_channel=UFC

A true battle of the Brits! UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping collide in a battle that could only go down in EA UFC 5! (Credit: UFC)

UFC 304: Ceremonial Weigh-In
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD55aqrj7tM&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 304: Post-Fight Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REkEUBSFenY&ab_channel=UFC

Will Paddy Rise To Superstardom? Paddy Pimblett's UFC Career So Far
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4FKSeZ8Wo4&ab_channel=UFC

UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3NnyxoGXMA&t=34s&ab_channel=UFC

Athlete check-ins wrap up for UFC 304; Champ Leon Edwards gets in a late night striking session; King Green goes for a swim; Belal Muhammad trains in the early morning; Curtis Blaydes hits pads in an alley; Media Day kicks off. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5B4tVRgGvQ&t=4s&ab_channel=UFC

Champ Leon Edwards has a run in with Belal Muhammad; Champ Tom Aspinall is interviewed by Anthony Smith; King Green eats dinner; Molly McCann goes through check-in interviews; Curtis Blaydes trains at the hotel. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfldMaTo-Xc&t=90s&ab_channel=UFC

Belal Muhammad runs up stairs before traveling to England; Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann train together; Champ Tom Aspinall packs for the hotel; Giga Chikadze trains with Beniel Dariush; Champ Leon Edwards arrives in Manchester; King Green eats dinner. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 304 Embedded: Vlog Series - Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nHgu-VmFr8&t=135s&ab_channel=UFC

Tom Aspinall trains with his dad and shows off his mural; Belal Muhammad eats, trains, and prays; Curtis Blaydes heads to the mountains; Giga Chikadze hangs out at home. (Credit: UFC)

UFC 305: On-Sale Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KyXy10ZmmY

Media Man: Thumbs up. Love some of the badass match-ups and promos.

Websites

UFC Official Website
https://www.ufc.com/

UFC 304
https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-304

UFC YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/ufc

Media Man Int

MMA News (Media Man Int) *in progress
https://mediamanint.com/mma_news.html

Sports News (Media Man Int) *in progress https://mediamanint.com/articles2.html

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Pro Wrestling Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking

In Case You Missed It!

Back By Popular Demand!

In a WWE ring and/or via WWE Games

Jacob Fatu vs Cody Rhodes. Special ref: Nick Aldis

Tama Tonga vs Randy Orton

CM Punk vs John Cena - Looser Leaves Town

Drew McIntyre vs Seth Rollins

Bron Breakker vs Brock Lesnar

Logan Paul vs Lexis King - Looser Does Social Media Duties For Winner For A Month!

Braun Strowman vs Uncle Howdy

Bo Dallas vs Big Red

Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan vs Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley. Special ref: Finn Balor

Karrion Kross vs Tozawa

Grayson Waller vs Austin Theory

Seth Rollins vs Nathan Frazer (NXT @WWENXT )

Tiffany Stratton vs Fallon Henley - Cowbell On A Pole match or looser becomes Jillaroo For A Week, reigniting NXT feud

Iyo Sky vs Sol Ruca

Media Man Int

Dream Matches (Media Man Int) http://mediamanint.com/articles/dream_matches.html

UFC Returns To Vegas

UFC.com

UFC Vegas 93: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Apex. Las Vegas

Main card

Flyweight: Alex Perez (+150) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-185)

Middleweight: Antonio Trocoli (+625) vs. Ikram Aliserov (-1000)

Featherweight: Timmy Cuamba (-200) vs. Lucas Almeida (+165)

Bantamweight: Douglas Silva de Andrade (+105) vs. Miles Johns (-125)

Flyweight: Asu Almabayev (-500) vs. Jose Johnson (+375)

Prelims Bantamweight: Brady Hiestand (+150) vs. Garrett Armfield (-185)

Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov (-225) vs. Joshua Van (+180)

Flyweight: Jimmy Flick (+340) vs. Nate Maness (-450)

Welterweight: Josh Quinlan (-125) vs. Adam Fugitt (+105)

Women's flyweight: Carli Judice (+155) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (-190)

Featherweight: Jeka Saragih (-300) vs. Westin Wilson (+240)

Women's strawweight: Josefine Knutsson (-225) vs. Julia Polastri (+185)

Featherweight: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (+150) vs. Melquizael Costa (-185)

News

UFC 303: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Saturday, June 29, 2024

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada

Main card Lightweight: Conor McGregor (-105) vs. Michael Chandler (-115)

Light heavyweight: Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg

Women's bantamweight: Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson

Middleweight: Joe Pyfer vs. Marc-Andre Barriault

Welterweight: Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page

Prelims Featherweight: Cub Swanson vs. Andre Fili Bantamweight: Ricky Simon vs. Vinicius Oliveira

Featherweight: Charles Jourdain vs. Jean Silva

Bantamweight: Payton Talbott vs. Yanis Ghemmouri

Prelims Women's strawweight: Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs. Gillian Robertson

Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski vs. Martin Buday

Flyweight: Rei Tsuruya vs. Carlos Hernandez

*more details to become available as fight dates become closer

SEO And X Buzz For Pop Culture

Pro Wrestling And Pop Culture Connection

SEO And X Buzz For Pop Culture

Combat Sports and Contact Sports Connection

News Bytes via Media Man

In Case You Missed It; Updated July 18, 2024

UFC Partners With Crown Resorts (Melbourne, Australia)

UFC Teams Up With PCYC (Sydney, Australia), as per tip off 6 months ago

UFC Explored Venue Deal With Manly Warringah Leagues Club (Sea Eagles). Brookville, Sydney, Australia

WWE prepares for show In Germany and Canada; Japan this past week huge success

WWE stars including Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley and Rey Mysterio appear on Call Of Duty videogame upgrade

WWE NXT ratings up; TNA Wrestling helped keep positive momentum. TNA's Joe Hendry creates additional buzz, web and social media traffic for NXT. Continues to increase pro wrestling skills, technical etc, Fan signs start to appear on prime WWE brands Raw and SmackDown. NXT's Booker T stirs the pop with Joe Hendry: "What's he doing here"?!

Pro wrestling "forbidden door" strategy helps ignite fan and sports media interest; Fresh dream matches! AEW did start the recent ripple effect!

UFC 303 in Las Vegas over-delivers as management and fighters demonstrate teamwork and massive work ethic

UFC's Dana White X tie ins with Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler indicate that the match will happen this year to fans delight.

UFC staying clear of political drama says Media Man agency; Of course they respect the fight and "fight fight fight" in Trump's will and ability to survive just about anything than a sometimes crazy world can throw at him; "American Bad *ss" - Dana White

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship enjoys additional media buzz since Conor McGregor deal announced; Website traffic and PPV numbers on the rise - intel

WWE Raw broadcast deal on track with Netflix including in Australia - Jan 2025

Most Valuable Promotions: Jake Paul received alternative fight proposals from would be opponents to replace Mike Tyson. Vs Tyson confirmed for November 15 in Texas

Jake Paul vs Mike Perry in 8-round boxing match on July 21 AEST in Tampa, Florida.

WWE SummerSlam: August 3, 2024. Cleveland, Ohio.
Priest vs Gunther
Rhodes vs Sikoa
Bayley vs Jax
Morgan vs Ripley
Some surprises fully expected! No spoilers!

WWE RAW: This past Raw Big Bronson Reed vs Sheamus help spike X numbers and promotion for 'Twisters' movie; Announcers Michael Cole and Pat McAfee send wrestling media into positive spiral! Whips up X tsunami and storm of movie interest and buzz. 'Twisters' via Univeral Pictures. US release: July 19, 2024

CBD, Canna, alternative health b2b deals prevent in combat sports sector. Carma prevalent brand with Mike Tyson, Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan...

CBD: Matt Riddle, RVD and Sean Morley also prominent figures with other brands, dispensaries and outlets

Pro wrestling and MMA promotions become more educated about benefits of SEO for websites to drive extra quality traffic, buzz. Helps sell more tickets, merch and grab additional balanced and positive news media coverage

Australian boxing gym exploring potential documentary; Australian, Russian and U.S connection. Stay tuned!

Josh Barnett's Bloodspot aka Bloodsport Bushido big hit with fans and combat sports media in Japan. Ryogoku, Kokugikan, Tokyo - June 22, 2024. Game Changer Wrestling next big event: GCW Bloodsport XI - July 28, 2024. Roulette Intermedium. Brooklyn, New York

Australian based sports agency receives additional government backed support; Need to know basis! More selective of brand partners, affiliates and associates. Under the watercooler!

TMZ Sports becomes even more active in pro wrestling, MMA and boxing coverage

ESPN's Pat McAfee of The Pat McAfee Show as broadcast on globally via ESPN, YouTube and socials, continues to ruffle some ESPN top brass feathers and PM's fanbase loves it; Sports Wars YouTube show generates even additional buzz. UFC's Dana White appears on Pat McAfree show and offers pro Trump comments and support.

Additional details to follow.

Media Man

Boxing News

Bloga

Media Man Combat Blog

Media Man Sports Blog

Netflix.com

Combat Sports News

Boxing Fans Rejoice (mainly)

New date announced for Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match

The Show Must Go On

New Day Will Help Reduce Churn To "The Big N" Netflix

All Is Fair In Love And War And Pro Combat Sports

Sports Gonzo Report Under The Media Man Watercooler, with Prime and/or Celsius

The well hyped "Iron" Mike Tyson vs Jake "The Problem Child" Paul boxing match to be broadcast globally via Netflix will now take occur on Friday, November 15th after requiring a reschedule due to a recent Tyson medical issue.

The mega combat sports event will happen live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the already announced Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano co-main event rematch.

The decision to reschedule was announced last week following Tyson suffering what was called ulcer complications after boarding a flight. It was stated that Tyson’s doctors instructed him to take it lighter on training for a period of time that caused concern, and rightly so, due to the timeframe in which the July 20th fight was originally set to take place.

The bout between the 58-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul was first announced in early-March. It will be Tyson’s first fight of any kind since a November 2020 exhibition boxing bout with Roy Jones Jr. which was preceded by a 15-year-gap of inactivity.

Jake's brother, Paul, had offered to sub (take the place) for Tyson a few weeks ago, and that winner would have to change their surname. The brainchild of "The Maverick" aka "Prime Heel" in hardcore pro wrestling circles, never materialized, but the Paul's always have an ace or two up their sleeves. Logan Paul is set to be high up on the WWE SummerSlam card on August 3 in Cleveland, Ohio. ..IO, right Mr Pat McAfee of WWE Raw fame and sports broadcasting and podcasting mastermind.

The upcoming match is forecast to be the biggest broadcast boxing match in modern history.

Netflix Boxing Undercard:

Katie Taylor vs. Amando Serrano (super lightweight title fight)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Darren Till (cruiserweight)

Ashton Slyve vs. Floyd Schofield (lightweight)

*information correct at time of publication

Media Man Int

News

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions Partner on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, a Global Live Sports Event To Stream Exclusively on Netflix on Saturday July 20 (Media Man Int) *date amended to November 15, 2024
https://mediamanint.com/articles/netflix_and.html

News

Fury vs Usyk

Jake Paul Knocks Out MMA Fighter in Under Two Minutes - 18th April 2021

Muhammad Ali: 50th anniversary of fight that launched a legend - 25th February 2014

Muhammad Ali loses to Gorilla Monsoon! (multimedia) - 1976

Muhammed Ali vs Antonio Inoki

The Ring wins Media Man 'Magazine Of The Month' award

The Sun (Boxing) wins Media Man 'Boxing News Of The Month' award

MVP's international superstar Jake "El Gallo” Paul returns to the ring against his most dangerous opponent to date, bare knuckle boxing champion and MMA star "Platinum” Mike Perry on Saturday, July 20 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL, for "Fear No Man” live on DAZN pay-per-view globally.

Boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda "The Real Deal” Serrano to face top-10 IBF, WBO, and WBA ranked Stevie Morgan in co-main event.

Undefeated Florida talents and MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects series standouts Tony Aguilar and Corey Marksman to rematch in 8 round lightweight bout

NEW YORK, NY – June 18, 2024 – Today, MVP announced that international superstar Jake "El Gallo” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) will return to the ring for "Fear No Man,” a cruiserweight battle against the incredibly dangerous bare knuckle champion boxer and MMA star "Platinum” Mike Perry (5-0, 3 KOs BKFC) on Saturday, July 20 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, live on DAZN pay-per-view. Paul vs. Perry will be an eight round cruiserweight bout, as Paul faces his most dangerous opponent to date and puts it all on the line in an incredibly risky fight against the baddest bare knuckle boxer of all time ahead of his bout with the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson. Boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda "The Real Deal” Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) will also return to the ring against Tampa, Florida's top-10 ranked IBF, WBO, and WBA talent and KO artist, Stevie "Sledgehammer” Morgan (14-1, 13 KOs) in the co-main event. Serrano vs. Morgan will be a super lightweight battle, contested over 10, two-minute rounds as Serrano aims to display her power at super lightweight against the powerful puncher, Morgan, ahead of her clash with Katie Taylor on Friday, November 15. Tickets for Paul vs. Perry and Serrano vs. Morgan at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL will go on sale Wednesday, June 19th at 12pm ET on Ticketmaster.com.

"Fear No Man” is presented by CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy. The undercard will also feature the rematch of Crescent City, Florida's Tony Aguilar (12-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. Orlando, Florida's Corey "2Smoove" Marksman (9-0-1, 7 KOs) in an 8-round lightweight bout. Further undercard fights will be announced in the coming days.

Jake "El Gallo” Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) has shown tremendous growth as a boxer on his path to becoming a world champion, and now will face his most dangerous opponent to date, Mike Perry, on Saturday, July 20. Perry's formidable knockout power and fearless mentality will pose a true risk and test for Paul as the 27-year-old aims to prove he has what it takes in the ring against his second youngest opponent to date, the 32-year-old Perry, who is one of the world's most feared fighters and the baddest bare knuckle boxer of all time. Paul will nevertheless put it all on the line ahead of his bout against the Baddest Man on the Planet, Mike Tyson on Friday, November 15. Since turning pro in 2020, Paul has collected multiple accolades for his commitment to the sport of boxing, including ESPNRingside's 2021 Knockout of the Year, Sports Illustrated's 2021 Breakout Boxer of the Year, ESPNRingside's 2022 Viral Moment of the Year, and was the cover of Sports Illustrated's "The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports” issue, awarded specifically for his groundbreaking work to revolutionize the sport through equitable pay, providing a platform for young fighters, and his support of female boxers. Paul also recently announced a partnership with USA Boxing ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, continuing his mission to elevate the sport and its future champions.

Since headlining his first fight, Paul has broken records at every arena he's fought at during his professional career, including his first fight at Tampa's Amalie Arena, Paul vs. Woodley II, which set the record for the highest combat sports gate in the arena's history. Paul now returns to challenge his own record at Amalie Arena.

"When Paul vs. Tyson was rescheduled, I knew immediately that I wanted to still fight on Saturday, July 20. Now, as I prepare for my fight against Iron Mike, there's no better opponent for me than Mike Perry,” said Jake Paul. "He's a proven knockout artist who has shown to be a maniac in and out of the ring. This is the perfect experience for me to gain in advance of facing Mike Tyson. But getting that experience comes with risk. Those who know me know I'm a risk taker and while ‘Platinum' Perry might try to end me, I'm Titanium Jake Paul and I fear no man. I'm going to get the W and give everyone a preview of what I'm bringing to the ring against Mike Tyson. Tune in on DAZN PPV as I return to Tampa and send ‘Platinum' Perry the Platypus back to bare knuckle for good.”

"Platinum" Mike Perry (5-0, 3 KOs BKFC), one of the most dangerous fighters in combat sports, steps into the ring with Jake Paul following his fearsome career across the UFC, Triad Combat, and bare knuckle boxing. Following his 14-win career in the UFC, boasting 11 wins by knockout, Perry made his Triad Combat debut in November 2021, taking on 27-3, 21 KOs seasoned boxer Michael Seals, demonstrating his ability to handle power punchers and outworking Seals to a split decision victory in the bout. Less than three months later, Perry made his bare knuckle boxing debut with BKFC, securing his first win over Julian Lane in 2022, which he followed with a thrilling win over dynamic striker Michael "Venom” Page later that year. Perry's bout with former UFC champion Luke Rockhold in April 2023 ended decisively with a second-round knockout, highlighting Perry's striking power and relentless pressure from the opening bell. In his BKFC "King of Violence” title fight in December 2023 against Eddie Alvarez, the first-ever fighter to become a champion in both UFC and Bellator, Perry displayed his vicious power yet again with a second round TKO due to corner stoppage. Perry earned the 2023 Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Male Fighter of the Year and in April 2024, he expanded his undefeated record to 5-0 with a first-round KO of UFC veteran Thiago Alves. The bout served as the latest testament to the power, tenacity and skill Perry will bring to the ring against Jake Paul on Saturday, July 20 for "Fear No Man”.

"Jake Paul claims he fears no man, but on Saturday, July 20, the world will see the truth: he just made the worst mistake of his life in trying to get through me before Iron Mike,” said Mike Perry. "I'm going to make it look easy on Saturday July 20th, and I'm going to teach Jake Paul the most he's ever learned about fighting."

Amanda Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs), the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion, started her current featherweight title reign by defeating Heather Hardy in a brutal 10-round fight in 2019 to win the WBO belt, and has since defended her WBO belt six times. Serrano offered Hardy redemption in August 2023, but successfully defended her undisputed featherweight world champion title for the first time in a decisive 10 round unanimous decision victory. Serrano also won a blood-soaked war against WBA featherweight champion Erika Cruz in February 2023, which made her the undisputed featherweight champion. Serrano's decisive win against Cruz followed her previous win over Sarah Mahfoud in Manchester, England that added the Dane's IBF title to her WBO, WBC, and IBO featherweight belts. Her historic clash against Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in 2022 earned recognition as Sports Illustrated's Fight of the Year and The Ring's Event of the Year and was further nominated for Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal. Most recently, Serrano took home a unanimous decision victory against her mandatory WBO challenger Danila Ramos, making history in the first-ever women's unified world championship to be fought over 12, three-minute rounds, equal to any men's championship fight, and marking the first time a women's fight has gone the full 12x3. Serrano threw a career high of 1103 punches in the bout. In honor of her trailblazing achievements inside and outside the ring, Serrano was also recently awarded the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Female Fighter of the Year for 2023. Following her bout against Stevie Morgan on Saturday, July 20, Serrano is set to face Katie Taylor in the most anticipated women's boxing rematch in modern history, for the undisputed super lightweight women's championship. Taylor vs. Serrano will be the co-main event of the rescheduled Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson mega-event at AT&T Stadium on Friday, November 15.

"I've already been preparing for a fight on Saturday, July 20, and even though I'll now be waiting a little longer for my rematch with Katie Taylor, this is an opportunity for me to face another tough boxer in Stevie Morgan in Tampa,” said Amanda Serrano. "My opponent has 13 KOs, more than almost every other active female boxer, but I fear no woman – I embrace the war. I look forward to seeing all my Puerto Rican fans in Tampa for my 50th professional fight to show the world my skills at super lightweight, live on DAZN PPV.”

Stevie Morgan (14-1, 13 KOs), the 34-year-old 5'8” lightweight talent, has established herself as a formidable force in the boxing world. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Stevie was an athlete throughout her school years, excelling in track and field, basketball, and football. Her journey into boxing began just a year before her first amateur fight, under the guidance of coach John Cassella. As an amateur, Stevie quickly rose to prominence with around 40 fights and accolades such as Outstanding Female Boxer and Florida Golden Gloves Champion. Stevie made her professional debut on June 18, 2022, with Brandi Mccain's One One Six Promotions in Memphis, Tennessee. Under the expert training of Monyette Flowers at Flowers Boxing Lab, she has continued to build on her amateur success as a professional. Now in just her second year as a pro, she is currently ranked by the WBC and is in the top 10 of the IBF, WBO, and WBA world rankings.

"We've been training for an opportunity like this, and I want to give full respect to Amanda for all she has done in her career and for women's boxing,” said Stevie Morgan. "In this sport, though, in order to make a name, you have to take a name. I have 13 KOs and nothing will be sweeter than making Amanda Serrano number 14. Come fight night on Saturday, July 20 there will be fireworks!”

"The stakes are high for every single one of MVP's fighters stepping into the ring on Saturday, July 20. For Jake and Amanda, the pressure is on to emerge with a W against two very dangerous opponents in Mike Perry and Stevie Morgan,” said Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of MVP. "Jake Paul is facing a monster in Mike Perry. Amanda Serrano is going in there with a fighter who has 13KOs in 15 fights. Nothing is a given for our two superstars. We also have an incredible lineup of undercard fights coming together, the first of which features highly talented lightweight prospects Aguilar vs. Marksman. This fight will see these young talents putting their undefeated records on the line and working to set a new precedent for hopeful title contenders in the sport. We are excited to return to Tampa and put on another heart racing night of fights.”

Joining the undercard will be a battle of two of boxing's up-and-coming lightweight prospects, Tony Aguilar (12-0-1, 4 KOs) vs. Corey Marksman (9-0-1, 7 KOs). The two were longtime amateur rivals before turning pro, and now look to secure Florida bragging rights during the bout. The 25-year-old Aguilar, a Crescent City, FL native, returns to the ring off his latest three thrilling fights on MVP's Most Valuable Prospects series, including his initial bout against Marksman on Most Valuable Prospects 5 in February 2024. He proudly represents his Mexican heritage in the ring, and is a relentlessly hard-working fighter who will look to keep the action high and his opponent guessing in his eagerly-anticipated rematch against Orlando, Florida's Marksman. In the pair's recent faceoff, the 23-year-old Marksman matched Aguilar's energy and met the challenge with his own aggression and power. Aguilar, promoted by boxing legend Christy Martin, and Marksman fittingly fought to a split draw, a decision each will look to right in their favor on Saturday, July 20 in their first major PPV appearances.

"It's great to have Jake Paul back on DAZN in another action packed, high risk fight,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America of DAZN. "With an unprecedented number of top-tier fights every year of DAZN, we are pleased to be adding another huge fight to our already packed summer schedule. Watch the fight exclusively live Saturday, July 20, only on DAZN PPV.”

Paul vs. Perry and Serrano vs. Morgan: "Fear No Man” is produced and marketed by MVP with Boxlab Promotions serving as the official licensed promoter and is distributed by DAZN pay-per–view. CELSIUS Live Fit Essential Energy, maker of lifestyle energy drink, is the exclusive energy drink sponsor of MVP. Additional information will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions and @DAZNBoxing or on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions and @DAZNBoxing.

About MVP

MVP was founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian in 2021. With the mission to provide more creative control to fighters, MVP works to identify, grow, and maximize return for its own events and talent partners. One year into its inception, MVP was nominated as one of the prestigious Sports Breakthroughs of the Year in 2022 by Sports Business Journal. MVP have produced Jake Paul's last five global pay-per-view events, including the recent Paul vs. Diaz match. The promotion company also signed one of the most decorated Hispanic athletes of all time, Amanda Serrano in its first year. Serrano and MVP made history in April of 2022 when Serrano went head to head with Katie Taylor, marking the first female fight to headline at Madison Square Garden, recently earning a nomination for Event of The Year by Sports Business Journal. Co-founder Nakisa Bidarian was an executive producer of the historic Triller Presents Mike Tyson v. Roy Jones Jr., which was the 8th most bought pay-per-view event in history.

About DAZN

DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL (excl. USA). We are building the ultimate sports entertainment platform, based on premium sports rights, world-leading tech, and multi-platform distribution. DAZN believes that fans from across the globe should be able to watch, read, bet, play, share, socialise, buy tickets and merchandise, all in one place, with one account, one wallet and on one app.

For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit dazngroup.com.

Vinik Sports Group/Tampa Bay Lightning/AMALIE Arena:

The three-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning (2004, 2020, 2021) of the National Hockey League and the leasehold rights to AMALIE Arena, the 19,092-seat home in which the team plays its games, were purchased by Tampa Bay Sports & Entertainment, an entity established by Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik, in March of 2010. Since that time, the Lightning and the arena have undergone a complete brand and business transformation, featuring a $100 million dollar renovation of the publicly owned facility as well as back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships in 2020 and 2021. AMALIE Arena serves as the centerpiece of the vibrant Water Street district of downtown Tampa, a development spearheaded by Vinik, in a partnership with Strategic Property Partners. In February of 2020, the organization announced the creation of Vinik Sports Group, which now serves as the parent company of the Lightning, AMALIE Arena and other sports and entertainment assets, including management of the Yuengling Center on the campus of the University of South Florida, as well as multi-media rights for USF Athletics. AMALIE Arena hosts over 200 events per year with over 2 million guests walking through the doors, while Yuengling Center hosts over 250 events per year with over 1 million guests. Both have the mission to provide world-class entertainment for sports fans and music enthusiasts alike.

News

Combat Sports News

Boxing Fans Rejoice (mainly)

New date announced for Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match

The Show Must Go On

New Day Will Help Reduce Churn To "The Big N" Netflix

All Is Fair In Love And War And Pro Combat Sports

Sports Gonzo Report Under The Media Man Watercooler, with Prime and/or Celsius

The well hyped "Iron" Mike Tyson vs Jake "The Problem Child" Paul boxing match to be broadcast globally via Netflix will now take occur on Friday, November 15th after requiring a reschedule due to a recent Tyson medical issue.

The mega combat sports event will happen live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the already announced Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano co-main event rematch.

The decision to reschedule was announced last week following Tyson suffering what was called ulcer complications after boarding a flight. It was stated that Tyson’s doctors instructed him to take it lighter on training for a period of time that caused concern, and rightly so, due to the timeframe in which the July 20th fight was originally set to take place.

The bout between the 58-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul was first announced in early-March. It will be Tyson’s first fight of any kind since a November 2020 exhibition boxing bout with Roy Jones Jr. which was preceded by a 15-year-gap of inactivity.

Jake's brother, Paul, had offered to sub (take the place) for Tyson a few weeks ago, and that winner would have to change their surname. The brainchild of "The Maverick" aka "Prime Heel" in hardcore pro wrestling circles, never materialized, but the Paul's always have an ace or two up their sleeves. Logan Paul is set to be high up on the WWE SummerSlam card on August 3 in Cleveland, Ohio. ..IO, right Mr Pat McAfee of WWE Raw fame and sports broadcasting and podcasting mastermind.

The upcoming match is forecast to be the biggest broadcast boxing match in modern history.

Netflix Boxing Undercard:

Katie Taylor vs. Amando Serrano (super lightweight title fight)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Darren Till (cruiserweight)

Ashton Slyve vs. Floyd Schofield (lightweight)

*information correct at time of publication

Media Man Int

News

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions Partner on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, a Global Live Sports Event To Stream Exclusively on Netflix on Saturday July 20 (Media Man Int) *date amended to November 15, 2024
https://mediamanint.com/articles/netflix_and.html

News

Fury vs Usyk

Jake Paul Knocks Out MMA Fighter in Under Two Minutes - 18th April 2021

Muhammad Ali: 50th anniversary of fight that launched a legend - 25th February 2014

Muhammad Ali loses to Gorilla Monsoon! (multimedia) - 1976

Muhammed Ali vs Antonio Inoki

The Ring wins Media Man 'Magazine Of The Month' award

The Sun (Boxing) wins Media Man 'Boxing News Of The Month' award

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