Rousey’s Current Path:
Having recently graced the WWE’s SummerSlam event, Ronda Rousey seems to be on a trajectory towards lesser commitments with the WWE, according to an insider source who spoke to the Daily Mail. The ultimate goal? Rousey might be setting her sights on one final showdown at UFC 300.

Top Contenders for Rousey’s Return Match:
The betting sphere is already abuzz with predictions. Leading oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag have earmarked former 135-pound titleholder Julianna Pena, also known as the “Venezuelan Vixen”, as a prime contender—possibly due to the past verbal confrontations between the two fighters. Here’s a look at the odds for Rousey’s potential opponents:

• Julianna Pena: 5/4 (+125)
• Raquel Pennington: 3/1 (+300)
• Macy Chiasson: 4/1 (+400)
• Holly Holm: 5/1 (+500)
• Norma Dumont: 6/1 (+600)
• Chelsea Chandler: 8/1 (+800)
• Irene Aldana: 10/1 (+1000)

It’s crucial to note the bantamweight division currently lacks a reigning champion.

Rousey’s Legacy in UFC:
At 36, Rousey opted to leave the UFC after two consecutive knockout losses, specifically to Holly Holm (UFC 193) and Amanda Nunes (UFC 207). She shared a brief, intense rivalry with Pena in the years 2021 and 2022, culminating in her retirement post a double championship win in June.

Interestingly, Miesha Tate, Rousey’s long-term adversary, isn’t featured on the list of potential opponents. Tracing Rousey’s beginnings, she clinched a bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics, marking her as the first American woman to secure an Olympic medal in judo. Her MMA journey commenced with King of the Cage in 2011, swiftly moving to Strikeforce and eventually to UFC. With a record of most UFC title defenses by a female (6), her reign was surpassed only by Valentina Shevchenko in 2022. Rousey bid adieu to MMA in 2016, sealing her legacy with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Stay tuned for further updates on Ronda Rousey’s potential UFC 300 appearance.

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McGregor’s Call for Action on Social Media
Saturday night was abuzz with McGregor’s Twitter voice recordings. Not only did he vociferously support his teammate, Brad Katona, during UFC 292 prelims, but as the night progressed, McGregor’s recordings took a wild turn. From humming Chris Weidman’s walkout tune to offering a slam poetry commentary on matches, it was evident that McGregor might have been under the influence. Yet, the fighter, in a clearer state, reflected on UFC 292 and shared crucial insights about his future fight plans, lamenting the barriers he perceives to his intended December bout.

A Cry for Resolution and Dana White’s Silence
As the anticipation for McGregor’s return reaches its zenith, the fighter has hinted at reaching out to Bob Bennett, the former head of the Nevada commission, in a bid to clear the air with the UFC. McGregor’s passionate plea to Bennett suggests a desperate attempt to reclaim his space in the UFC ring. However, Dana White, when confronted post-UFC 292 about McGregor’s return, simply replied with a terse, “No.”

In conclusion, while fans eagerly await the return of “The Notorious,” the road to his comeback is paved with challenges and uncertainty. The world watches on, hoping for clarity in the coming days.

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Making it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an incredible feat on its own. Typically, new fighters commence with a $12,000/$12,000 contract, and the dream of earning $1 million seems distant. However, for the viral internet sensation Hasbulla, the route was different, as seen with his unique UFC signing in September 2022. The shocking decision had fans questioning the move, but it’s undeniably boosting Hasbulla’s bank account.

Dana White Speaks: Behind Hasbulla’s Lucrative Deals

UFC’s President, Dana White, shed light on his association with Hasbulla during his appearance on Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson. He commented on Hasbulla’s skyrocketing fame, emphasizing that “The Nelk Boys” played a significant role in promoting the 21-year-old, whose dwarfism gives him a childlike appearance. White elaborated, “Hasbulla’s done really well… Just with us and the Nelk Boys he’s made easily over a million bucks.” While UFC might have unconventional ways of promoting its brand, it’s evident that their alliance with Hasbulla has been financially fruitful.

The Future of Hasbulla in UFC: Controversies and More

While Hasbulla isn’t the conventional UFC figure, he’s managed to stay in the spotlight, albeit with several controversies. As fans eagerly await UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, many are hoping to see Hasbulla make an appearance. Alongside, there’s anticipation for more merchandise featuring the young influencer. Can online popularity truly equate to a million-dollar UFC contract? In Hasbulla’s case, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.

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Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, renowned for their roles in the tech industry, are now reportedly preparing to face off in the unexpected territory of mixed martial arts (MMA). Both personalities are currently immersed in the world of combat sports. While the idea initially seemed like nothing more than playful banter, Zuckerberg has even set a proposed date for the showdown: August 26, 2023.

“Training Regimens and Setbacks”

Elon Musk has been particularly vocal about his training regimen, divulging that he incorporates weight lifting into his work routine. However, potential health concerns pose a challenge, with a forthcoming MRI to determine if surgery will be necessary prior to the match. The SpaceX and Tesla founder, despite his compromised spinal condition from a previous encounter with a sumo wrestler, remains an intriguing contender against Facebook’s creator.

“Zuckerberg’s MMA Commitment”

Zuckerberg, on the other hand, shows intense dedication towards this new venture. The tech mogul continues to demonstrate his love for the sport and his commitment to competing, whether the face-off with Musk materializes or not. His recent achievement of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt stands as testimony to his serious endeavor in the sport, making the potential match a spectacle worth waiting for.

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“El Cucuy” Addresses Controversy Surrounding Eye Poke Incident

Ferguson took to Instagram to voice his perspective on the recent loss, pointing to the illicit eye poke as a pivotal turning point in the match. Despite significant impairment to his vision, he maintained a fighter’s spirit, refusing to bow out prematurely. Ferguson reiterated his determination to overcome this setback and work closely with his team, including Dana White and Hunter Campbell, to strategize his future in UFC.

It’s noteworthy to remember that before his recent downward spiral, Ferguson maintained an impressive 12-fight winning streak spanning seven years. His streak was halted by Justin Gaethje at UFC 249 in a brutal five-round bout. The remainder of his winless run featured battles against high-ranking Lightweights like Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler. With the recent losses to Nate Diaz and Bobby Green, however, he now faces defeats from unranked opponents. Regardless of the challenges, “El Cucuy” remains hopeful of redeeming his position and achieving future victories.

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While the prestige of being featured on the Sports Illustrated cover may be debated in the digital media age, celebrity boxer Jake Paul has nonetheless earned the sought-after spot. This accolade comes in anticipation of his forthcoming “sweet science” bout in August against former UFC fighter Nate Diaz.

Criticism from Boxing Purists

The decision to spotlight Paul has sparked discontent among boxing purists. Critics argue that Paul has transformed the sport into a “circus sideshow,” distancing it from its traditional roots. The detractors seem to overlook the similar situation when Ronda Rousey, a former MMA fighter, graced the cover of Ring Magazine before being knocked out by a boxing champion.

Paul Among the Top 50 Influential Sports Figures

Further solidifying his influence in sports, Paul, 26, has been named one of the “50 Most Influential Figures in Sports.” This list also features UFC President Dana White, despite their contentious relationship frequently making headlines in the past year.

Absence of Conor McGregor

Interestingly, the rapidly fading star, Conor McGregor, does not appear anywhere on the influential figures list. This omission is noteworthy, given his previous status within the world of combat sports.

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The anticipation surrounding a potential “super” fight between UFC stalwarts Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou may be premature. Despite both fighters operating under the ESPN umbrella, through Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Professional Fighter’s League (PFL) respectively, UFC President Dana White remains unconvinced that such a clash would be feasible.

“It Wouldn’t Work” – Dana White Quashes Superfight Speculation

During a recent interaction with Pat McAffee, White dismissed the likelihood of the Heavyweight titans going head-to-head in the octagon. This denial roots itself in a complicated history preventing a match between Jones and Ngannou under the UFC banner. Jones, after relinquishing his Light Heavyweight title and a three-year hiatus from active competition, wanted to step into the Heavyweight realm. However, the UFC’s reluctance to renegotiate obstructed his potential bout with “The Predator”, Ngannou.

The Legacy of Unfulfilled Clashes: The Ngannou vs. Jones Saga Continues

Ngannou, dissatisfied with the quantity of his fights and the restrictive terms of his contract, decided to let his contract run out and depart from UFC. Even in his exit, he was willing to negotiate a one-off fight with Jones, an opportunity UFC passed on. Ngannou’s recent retort to White’s comments encapsulates the situation: “No Pat, Jonny was on vacation for 3 years while I sat there waiting.” As the narrative evolves, it seems that we are looking at another legendary fight that, unfortunately, may never see the light of day.

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Ngannou’s Journey from UFC Supremacy to PFL Superfight

Ngannou’s superfight with Fury was once a hot topic in early 2022. At the time, Ngannou held the UFC heavyweight title, despite not being under contract with the organization. Much like the historic matchup between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr., Ngannou hoped for UFC’s cooperation for this proposed fight. However, Dana White, UFC President, wasn’t interested in facilitating the match.

In a surprising turn of events, UFC is now offering Fury a chance to compete against Jon Jones, the current holder of the UFC heavyweight title since UFC 285 in March. This proposition came after Ngannou’s release from UFC earlier this year. It now appears that UFC’s willingness to negotiate with Fury is contingent upon Jones holding the heavyweight title, not Ngannou.

On the flip side, Ngannou’s recent Professional Fighters League (PFL) contract allows him to entertain the idea of a superfight with Fury. The former UFC champion reported ongoing discussions about the potential matchup. Despite Tyson Fury’s elusive behavior, Ngannou remains committed to securing the fight.

Francis Ngannou: Defying UFC’s Narrative

Ngannou isn’t surprised by Jones’ proposed superfight with Fury. The heavyweight icon feels UFC is attempting to undermine him, and now that he’s no longer part of the organization, the promotion is pushing for a superfight without him.

Despite UFC’s seeming dismissal, Ngannou stands tall. In his words, “Nothing’s going to take me [down]. I’m going to be here for a while.” Regardless of the shifting alliances and narratives in the world of heavyweight fighting, Ngannou’s determination remains a constant. The prospect of a superfight with Fury is still alive, and with the backing of PFL, fans may soon witness a legendary clash.

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Conor McGregor, the dynamic former two-division champion, has kept fans and pundits alike guessing about his UFC return. Having last fought in July 2021 at UFC 264, where a leg injury marked a premature end to his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, McGregor has remained largely absent from the octagon. His only involvement with the UFC this year has been as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter, where he faced off (in words, not fists) with Michael Chandler.

The USADA Hurdle: McGregor’s Return Delayed?

Further casting shadows over McGregor’s potential return is his exit from the USADA testing pool during recovery. His re-entry into the pool – a prerequisite to compete – demands a six-month wait period. May saw rumors of an imminent McGregor re-entry into the testing pool, but the official USADA website suggests otherwise. Halfway into the year, the clock is ticking for McGregor if he intends to make an appearance before 2023 closes.

Dana White’s Outlook: Uncertain but Unfazed

UFC President Dana White, despite acknowledging the potential fall-through of a McGregor fight, remains unperturbed. Speaking at the UFC Vegas 74 post-fight press conference, White expressed his admiration for the business’ unpredictable nature. He also hinted at McGregor’s renewed interest in returning to the octagon, likely fueled by his involvement in The Ultimate Fighter. However, he highlighted the difficulty in motivating fighters like McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who are flush with cash, to return to the ring.

McGregor’s Financial Status: A Barrier or Boon to His Return?

2021 saw Conor McGregor top the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes, thanks to a lucrative sale of his Proper No. 12 Irish Whiskey brand. Despite his financial success, recent activities suggest a desire for a comeback. This includes the release of a Netflix miniseries, McGregor Forever, focusing on his previous fights and the journey back to the ring post-injury.

The McGregor vs Chandler Fight: Inevitable or Improbable?

The expected return of McGregor was supposed to culminate in a face-off with Michael Chandler. However, his USADA re-entry status has cast doubts on the feasibility of this matchup. Despite the uncertainty, Dana White and the UFC seem to take it in stride. As per White, they are prepared to navigate any issues that come with booking a fight for an athlete of McGregor’s stature. Regardless of whether McGregor changes his mind or any complications arise, UFC continues business as usual.

The Wait Continues: McGregor’s Return Still a Mystery

As it stands, fans are left eagerly waiting for an official announcement regarding McGregor’s MMA return. With rumors of a potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight and a looming pay-per-view event in December, anticipation is high. Yet, without a confirmed re-entry into the USADA testing pool, it remains to be seen whether the “Mystic Mac” will make his grand return in 2023. As the UFC navigates these uncertainties, it appears that it might be business as usual after all – with or without McGregor.

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Endeavor CEO on the Precarious State of Affairs During the Pandemic

According to Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, the company was on the brink of collapse during the pandemic, with UFC’s tenacity serving as its lifeline. The company adopted a rigorous strategy to keep the UFC operational while many other sports organizations paused their activities.

UFC’s Aggressive Plan Amid COVID-19: A Key to Endeavor’s Survival

During an episode of Freakononics Radio, Emanuel delved into the critical period for Endeavor, expressing his respect for UFC President, Dana White. “Dana White’s a genius,” Emanuel acknowledged. White’s determination to uphold the ESPN contract and keep hosting UFC events ultimately saved Endeavor. The UFC launched a series of shows on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, ultimately changing the course of sports in the pandemic era.

From “Fight Island” to Full-Capacity Fan Events

Even with the pandemic at its peak, UFC was the first major US sports league to resume and the first to reintroduce full-capacity fans at UFC 261. Held at Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, the event attracted 15,269 attendees, generating a revenue of $3.3 million at the gate.

Despite backlash over holding an unrestricted event amid a pandemic, Dana White and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the decision. The governor emphasized the state’s commitment to freedom, while White’s insistence on proceeding despite the pandemic has been hailed as one of his shrewdest moves.

The UFC: A Resilient Powerhouse Post-Pandemic

Despite the hurdles, UFC has bounced back and continues to host sold-out events. The next UFC event, UFC 273, will return to Jacksonville with another promising lineup. Although UFC 267 did not follow the sellout trend due to pandemic restrictions in Abu Dhabi, the UFC’s resilience and adaptability continue to stand out in the sports industry.

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