Author: Anton Tabuena

Watch the full video of Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor. The latter scored a knockout victory back in 2014.

UFC 264 is in the horizon, with the Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier trilogy looking to put a stamp on their rivalry that started seven years ago.

In 2014, as both fighters were still just young featherweight contenders, McGregor only needed a minute and 46 seconds to spark Poirier and pick up a TKO win in the very first round. As you get hyped for their third bout, re-live McGregor’s moment from their first encounter and watch the full fight on the video embed above.

So much has happened since then, with both fighters moving up in weight. After that bout, McGregor went on to win, and eventually get stripped of titles in both featherweight and lightweight. He is now 1-2 since then, with the last bout being that TKO loss in the rematch with Poirier.

Poirier moved up to 155 lbs immediately after the 2014 loss to McGregor, and it’s where he found far more success, including an interim title win over Max Holloway in 2019. He has only lost once in his last nine bouts, which was to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has since retired undefeated.

With McGregor and Poirier going 1-1 with each other, their rivalry could find a conclusion at UFC 264.

Watch the rematch between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier.

UFC 264 is set to reach a conclusion on the Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier trilogy.

Their first bout happened all the way back in 2014, with McGregor only needing a minute and 46 seconds to TKO Poirier in the very first round.

So much has happened in the seven years since the two young contenders first faced off. Poirier moved up to 155 lbs immediately after the 2014 loss to McGregor, and it’s where he found far more success, including an interim title win over Max Holloway in 2019. He has only lost once in his last nine bouts: to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has since retired undefeated.

Soon after their frist bout, McGregor became MMA’s biggest star as he went on to win, and eventually get stripped of titles in both featherweight and lightweight. He is now 1-2 since then though, with the last bout being that TKO loss in the rematch with Poirier.

As you get hyped for their third bout, re-live Poirier’s moment from their most recent encounter and watch the full fight on the video embed above.

That rematch happened just less than six months ago. Will McGregor be able to make the proper adjustments to win the trilogy? Or has Poirier figured things out and will get back to back wins on the Irishman? McGregor and Poirier are 1-1, and UFC 264 could put a stamp on their rivalry once and for all.

Recently revealed letters from Bruce Lee allegedly detail international drug shipments to Hong Kong.

Bruce Lee’s marijuana use has been recently well documented, mostly thanks to Matthew Polly’s 2018 biography on the martial arts icon that had him interview at least a hundred of his friends, family, and colleagues. Lee was said to have enjoyed smoking weed and ingesting hashish because “it raises the consciousness level,” but did the actor have a more serious drug habit?

Enter Robert Baker, who started out as a volunteer for the iconic “one inch punch” demonstration in 1964, and would eventually become Lee’s close friend and confidant.

Baker would be known for his role in Lee’s 1972 film Fists of Fury, but according to Polly, he was also “long rumored to be Bruce’s dealer.” The author of Bruce Lee: A Life stated that it was “assumed by many” that Bob, as he was called, simply supplied the actor with marijuana.

Recently released private letters between the two seem to suggest that it was much more than that.

Heritage Auctions has since authenticated and put up various memorabilia from Bob Baker’s Bruce Lee collection on sale, which includes over 50 letters that Bruce and his wife, Linda sent him through the years. Most of them were handwritten, and many used Lee’s personal Jeet Kune Do letterhead stationeries.

These personal correspondence discussed various topics such as their developing friendship, plans for their film careers, and Lee’s back injuries. Perhaps more striking, it also contains numerous references to drugs, including marijuana as well as cocaine.

The handwritten letters allegedly document different instances of Lee trying Baker’s “holy stuff,” recovering from their get togethers, and having nights out with “little recollection of what had happened.”

There was also a letter with a short-lived attempt at quitting.

“I told Linda to call you to forget about the ‘stuff’ because I really don’t need them in my training,” a letter from 1970 read. “I feel that I have ‘gained’ in trying them, but excessive indulgence of them just isn’t in my road in Jeet Kune Do.”

By 1972, as Lee left the US and moved to Hong Kong, the letters included requests to Baker for “advice on the possibility of shipping some coke to me.”

Hong Kong had very strict drug laws, but he supposedly proposed a plan on shipping drugs to an address under a different name in “Wu Ngan,” and hiding the contraband inside books and clothes. In one letter, authenticated by Heritage Auctions to be from Lee, the writer ordered “COKE (in large amount),” “ACID (in fair amount)” and “HASH OR GRASS,” before also inquiring about procuring “psilocybin” — commonly known as magic mushrooms — after supposedly reading about it in a book.

In the same note, the writer also asked for “more goodies ready for shipping” including a “very classy derringer” firearm and a “cowboy holster.”

Later in the year, a supposedly “stoned as hell” Lee wrote a less legible letter to Baker about needing “some coke” to “help in the formation” of a character he was working on.

In various other letters, there were repeated orders of “C,” “coke” and “Coca-Cola.” There were also references to other substances, which he called the “holy stuff,” “super duper,” “M pills”, and “H oil.”

Other letters signed by Linda appear to discuss follow ups on drug shipments and money orders. It was also stated that she bought a scale and would be inspecting the cocaine that would be sent.

“Enclosed you will find the $500 for the amount of C you quote that Bruce can get. I’ll measure it but the quality (that goes without saying) plus the quantity Bruce himself will have to judge,” the letter from 1973 read. “I hope you will send him the mostest along with the one oz of H. oil and/or whatever.”

Two letters also appear to have Linda thanking Bob’s wife, Bev for “past favors” and for “taking the risk and sending the last shipment to Bruce.”

In another note following up a new shipment of “C,” Baker was assured that Bruce had things under control.

“Don’t worry about Bruce using the C — he is not going overboard,” a letter signed by Linda in 1973 read.

Apart from details on drugs, one correspondence also revealed what Polly calls “a previously unknown mistress named Teresa,” as Lee seemingly tried to plan a secret meet up without their family knowing.

They discussed various topics through the years, but below are a few of the more notable snippets from several of the letters addressed to Baker.

Bruce’s only typewritten letter to Baker from this collection. Sent from Los Angeles, December 15, 1969:

A personal letter to thank you for bringing me the stuffs, especially the pipe and the painting.

February 2, 1970:

It was a brief but definitely enjoyable get together. Thank you again for that “holy stuff”

March 6, 1970:

… By the way, wouldn’t mind going in with you for some of those “holy stuff” before leaving for H.K.

March 11, 1970:

I’m planning to leave for H.K. on April 1st, and definitely would like to store up on some “Holy stuff” to bring over there. See if you can come up with something good.

…

The paper that I had “taste” kind of sweet and that definitely adds to it. So see if you can get some “good tasting” paper.

March 17, 1970:

Though I have little recollection of what had happened – – – – – – – – – – anyway I know that I enjoyed your stay and am looking forward for another visit from you. Thank you for that stuffs and do take care and have fun.

Love, Peace, Brotherhood,

Bruce

P.S. I can’t think of the six items, but I think you have a better memory – – – – –

Ordering and planning on sharing “M” pills with friend and actor James Coburn, who would eventually win an Academy Award in 1997. From April 22, 1970:

A quick letter to thank you personally for the “wonderful gifts.” I enjoyed them very much. By the way, when and if you should come down again, do get more 1-inch boards plus the same “M” pills. They do give me tremendous experience. Coburn likes some of them. I’ll give some to him when I get them.

Cancelling an order and trying to quit, June 17, 1970:

I told Linda to call you to forget about the “stuff” because I really don’t need them in my training. I feel that I have “gained” in trying them, but excessive indulgence of them just isn’t in my road in Jeet Kune Do.

June 30, 1970:

“Again thank you for your generous supply of paper that would seem to last a life time!”

October 8, 1970:

…Anyway, when you go back to work, I need more paper! Plus I can’t remember what – – – – – – anyway, you will remember.

December 16, 1970:

It takes me a day to get back to myself to write this letter to “thank you” once more for everything, particularly “those super duper!” We had some wonderful moments.

February 25, 1971:

“Thank you” Bob

Organizing a secret meet up, June 22, 1971:

I plan to come up — depending when I finished shooting — from July 2 (friday nite) to probably Tues or Wed (7). One thought here: I “might” come up (fly) with Teresa and she probably stays Friday nite (July 2), Sat nite (July 3) and leave Sunday (July 4) afternoon or so. The question is, is it convenient for Beth Bev and the kids to spend two Friday nite, Sat. and Sunday morning at her mother or somewhere and make up some convenient jazz for I don’t want Bev to know about this. Of course it has to be convenient or else forget it. My mother and everybody is at my house now. Let me know, and remember if only it is convenient and flow and everything is cool.

From Thailand, while filming “The Big Boss,” August 3, 1971:

Thailand is full of G but I have very little time for it though. I have to say it is “extremely” good.

From Thailand, August 23, 1971:

…By the way the “G” in Bangkok is holy indeed. I understand Hong Kong is super lousy.

That same later also included a passage stating Baker would be “coming” to Hong Kong and has been cast to star in his next film, Fist of Fury. The movie was shot in Hong Kong late in 1971. Prior to this, Lee dealt with serious back injuries, and previous letters showed that Baker also gave him a loan when he was struggling financially at the time.

The following year, Baker would also got a small role in Lee’s movie, Way of the Dragon.

After Lee moved to Hong Kong, February 28, 1972:

…Still am in the process of adapting to life here. By the way, what is the advice on the possibility of shipping some coke to me? Drop me a line on that.

Planning the orders and shipment of various drugs, along with a firearm, from late 1972:

(A) Regarding the goods — you can send them in a package addressed to Mr. Wu Ngan c/o Golden Harvest Studio, 1412 Tung Ying Building 100 Nathan Rd.

The goodies list can be (1) COKE (in large amount) (2) ACID (in fair amount) (3) HASH OR GRASS (the former can be more while the latter, even cleaned, has to be carefully packed. As to what you put the above with you know better — inside books? Clothings? —

(B) Also, when I come I would like to have more goodies ready for shipping including finding me a really classy derringer — from shops, collection, or what not. Also, find me a cowboy holster for my 45 fast draw — all these when I come but not for your sending me right away.

So send (A) request right away … they might open for brief inspection or they might not — but play it safe. As for the total cost, let me know and I’ll send you the money order by air mail right away.

…

P.S. Do you have access to any PSILOCYBIN. If so send a little together with info on how to take it. Read about it in a book.

From Linda Lee, October 5, 1972:

I just want to check with you about the second shipment. We thought you probably would have sent it already, but it has not arrived. Hope nothing has happened to it in th email. Please confirm if you have sent it or not. In regards to the money, I’ll send as soon as I can get to the bank to buy a money order.

November 22, 1972:

…One thing you have to do is to air-mail me some fine “C” if you can swing it.

December 11, 1972:

Air-mail me some Coca-Cola — do it the way you and I sincerely feel — in other word, whatever. Be cool about the package. Same procedure, Wu Ngan — “quality! man”

Date illegible, late 1972:

“Cooly” send some Coke — How’s everything? Stoned as hell, but am working on the upcoming character. Some coke would help in the formation and [illegible] I want to create.

Another order after Baker’s “friend” supposedly got “busted” in 1973:

Deep regret for your friend being busted

…

RUSH the sparkle “quality” LOTS!”

…

By now you should have received my money order, though I feel that it might be a slight delay because of your friend’s situation. I hope you will send me the “quality” stuff you said you will send (“it has never been from the street”). In the mean time I’m getting a “quality” spoon and [illegible] scale. Do send it “air-mail” like yesterday (ha! ha!)

March 21, 1973:

Just want you to know that Linda had yesterday send the ADDITIONAL money you have requested. I had a hard day, a REAL HARD day. You take good care of yourself and your family. By the way, I’ll be waiting for the 1 oz of H. oil I have ordered from you — send it as soon as you can.

From Linda Lee, March 29, 1973:

Dear Bob and Bev, For past favors and for being a good friend. Hope this small amount helps a little.

From Linda Lee, March 30, 1973:

Received your four letters. Bruce is in the midst of shooting — working very hard.

Well, forget about your making some money out of the last orders. I’ve bought a gram measurer and enclosed you will find the $500 for the amount of C you quote that Bruce can get. I’ll measure it but the quality (that goes without saying) plus the quantity Bruce himself will have to judge. I hope you will send him the mostest along with the one oz of H. oil and/or whatever.

From Linda Lee, April 16, 1973:

Dear Bob, Its been quite a while since you’ve written. I assume you have received the money order for $500 and I am wondering if you have sent the C yet. Please let me know right away because if you did not receive the money order, then I will have to talk to the bank to put a tracer on it.

How are you all doing? We hope things are straightening out for you. Say thanks to Bev for taking the risk and sending the last shipment to Bruce. Don’t worry about Bruce using the C — he is not going overboard.

…

Write very soon and let us know about the $500 money order and/or when the C is coming.

On May 10, 1973, less than a month after that letter signed by Linda, Bruce Lee collapsed. He suffered seizures and headaches, and was diagnosed with cerebral edema. While the reports and circumstances leading to his death were conflicting, more headaches and brain swelling happened again two months later. Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, at just 32-years-old.

Bob Baker was one of the pallbearers in Lee’s funeral.

In the years following his death, letters show that Linda still tried to keep in touch with Bev and Bob Baker. The latest from this collection being sold is from January 16, 1975.

“After living with Bruce for so long, I certainly have the strength and determination to keep going, as well as the ability to take life as it comes,” Linda wrote. “Like Bruce used to say — turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones!”

Baker reportedly died by heart attack in 1993, at age 52.

Michael Chiesa isn’t happy about the idea of Colby Covington getting an underserved title rematch.

Michael Chiesa will face Vicente Luque at UFC 265 this August, in a bout between two welterweight contenders on impressive win streaks. The winner would have a great case for title contention, along with Leon Edwards, who is unbeaten in his last ten fights, but will they all get passed over?

Chiesa doesn’t seem happy about the idea that Dana White possibly gifting Colby Covington a title rematch, despite being inactive and only fighting once since being knocked out by Kamaru Usman in 2019.

“I think whoever wins between me and Luque should be next,” Chiesa said on Michael Bisping’s podcast. “I don’t even want to say the guy’s name, because you know who’s name I’m going to say next. I don’t this f—king guy should be able to win one fight in a year and sit on the sidelines.

“What’s more important in the sport? Winning fights and backing up a win streak, or just being a guy that just — think about the things that he says. He’s just out here offending people’s families, offending people’s religions. He’s just sitting on the sidelines making himself look like an a—hole. And not to mention, he didn’t even draw that many numbers! He thinks he’s this huge pay-per-view draw. F—k Colby Covington!”

Chiesa makes a pretty solid case, arguing how Covington already badly lost his shot at the title, and doesn’t draw enough to justify skipping over more worthy challengers on winning streaks.

“I think he’s a fierce competitor, but I just think he’s a s—t human being,” Chiesa said. “I think guys like me and Luque, and Leon Edwards, these guys that are actively fighting and striving to become number one contender, we should be rewarded with the opportunity to fight the champion.

“It shouldn’t be the guy that lost, won one fight, and just sits on the sidelines. That’s not enough,” Chiesa argued. “If that was the case, Luque should fight next, because he put Woodley out in a round, and it took you five!”

Chiesa is unbeaten since moving up to welterweight, and has won four in a row against Carlos Condit, Rafael Dos Anjos, Neil Magny and Diego Sanchez. Luque, on the other hand, has won three in a row and nine of his last ten. All but one of those wins came by knockout or submission.

Adding one more win on top of that streak, would surely make the winner climb the rankings even further. Next weekend at UFC 264, there’s also a bout between Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson that has title implications as well.

Nonito Donaire has pulled out of the contest.

What would’ve been the first all-Filipino title unification bout is now off. Nonito Donaire vs John Riel Casimero has been officially scrapped just about two weeks after it was first booked.

A seemingly common pre-fight spat devolved into an uglier and much more personal issue as the two camps got heated and squabbled online. This led to Nonito saying he would pull out of the contest after the “disgusting” behavior directed at his wife and manager, Rachel Donaire.

The four-division champion said he won’t give someone like Casimero “the stage or the payday that comes with it,” and it looks like he really stuck to his words.

Despite Casimero’s promoter in Sean Gibbons guaranteeing it would still push through, the bout is now officially off and they have since found a replacement. According to a report from Lance Pugmire (HT: Bad Left Hook), it’s a “done deal” and Guillermo Rigondeaux is stepping back in to face Casimero.

The date will remain the same, and Casimero’s title defense will still happen on August 14, and will be broadcast on Showtime.

Shortly after his historic win that made him a world champion again, Donaire was tapped to replace Rigondeaux, setting up the Filipino vs Filipino title unification bout. Just two weeks and a lot of angry tweets later, and the original bout is back on.

Casimero (30-4) will now defend his WBO belt against Rigondeaux (20-1), who is coming off three straight wins since he lost to Vasyl Lomachenko in 2017.

Donaire’s (41-6) next move hasn’t been finalized just yet, but he could likely pursue that title unification rematch with Naoya Inoue again, and book a follow up to their 2019 Fight of the Year.

“This is mixed martial arts.”

Last month, Conor McGregor tweeted a bit of a proposal for his UFC 264 foe in Dustin Poirier. The former two-division champion suggested that the first one to shoot for a takedown in their trilogy is a “dusty b—ch.”

Poirier has since responded in an interview with ESPN, slamming the idea of removing facets of the sport for their bout.

“He just said the first one to shoot is a dusty b—ch. That’s what he said, yeah? Isn’t he the one who’s always preaching about the flow, the full martial arts, no holds barred, no rules, the ultimate fighting, when he’s talking about boxing stuff?” Poirier responded.

“How ‘bout the first one to get taken down is a dusty b—ch? This is mixed martial arts. Put it all together. It reeks of insecurity to me.”

McGregor of course responded by talking more smack, and pointing out how he was winning the clinch exchanges of a fight that he lost by KO.

Their original match up happened almost seven years ago, at featherweight, with McGregor winning by first round TKO. Last January, Poirier avenged that loss by scoring a second round TKO. Now 1-1, the pair will settle the score at UFC 264 on July 10.