Tag: Dana White

When Dana White claimed Jon Jones should be scared of Francis Ngannou

When Dana White claimed Jon Jones should be scared of Francis NgannouFootage has once more reemerged of UFC CEO, Dana White singing the praise of former heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou…

When Dana White claimed Jon Jones should be scared of Francis Ngannou

Footage has once more reemerged of UFC CEO, Dana White singing the praise of former heavyweight titleholder, Francis Ngannou ahead of a long-mooted fight with Jon Jones — before switching his tune on the pairing following the Cameroonian’s exit from the promotion at the beginning of last year.

Jones, a former two-time undisputed light heavyweight champion and a current heavyweight gold holder, is all but set to headline UFC 309 at the end of the year in November — taking on the returning soon-to-be common-foe, Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden.

Francis Ngannou on fighting through grief: ‘This is for my son’

As for Ngannou, the former undisputed UFC heavyweight gold holder has been sidelined from mixed martial arts since January of 2022, most recently successfully unifying the heavyweight crowns with an impressive unanimous decision win over the then-unbeaten common-opponent, Ciryl Gane.

Departing the promotion in January of last year, Batie native, Francis Ngannou is now slated to make his long-anticipated PFL (Professional Fighters League) debut in two months time in Riyadh, taking on heavyweight star, Renan Ferreira in a blockbuster showdown.

Francis Ngannou scoffs at Jon Jones' prediction of easy win over him in your dreams you're fat

Dana White once picked Francis Ngannou to beat Jon Jones before UFC exit

However, amid continued links to a future grudge title fight between Jones and Ngannou down the line — footage has once more emerged of UFC boss, White heaping praise on his former undisputed champion, Ngannou — after urging Jones to pursue a middleweight drop.

If I’m Jon Jones, and I’m watching this fight [Stipe MIocic vs. Francis Ngannou 2], then I’m moving to 185 [pounds],” Dana White told assembled media three years ago. “I could sit here all day and tell you what show me the money means. You can say you want to fight somebody, but do you really want to?”

Those comments from White provide a stark difference in his take on the failed matchup today — boldly claiming that Ngannou would not agree to fight Jones in a heavyweight title fight, despite touting the Cameroonian as a terrible matchup for the former pound-for-pound number one.

Dana White again claims Francis Ngannou rejected fight with Jon Jones we did everything in our power

In recent weeks to boot, Jones has been cast as the best fighter to ever compete in combat sports across the board ahead of his expected title fight comeback at UFC 309 — in a bid to promote the former two-weight titleholder.

Jake Paul Tries To Broker Multi-Million Dollar Payday For “Bones” To Fight Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones Doesn’t Dodge Anyone’

Jake Paul recently attempted to broker a multi-million dollar deal to entice Jon Jones into a showdown with Tom Aspinall. Since capturing the interim heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023—an opportunity that arose after “Bones” had to withdraw from his undisputed title clash with Stipe Miocic […]

Continue Reading Jake Paul Tries To Broker Multi-Million Dollar Payday For “Bones” To Fight Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones Doesn’t Dodge Anyone’ at MMA News.

Jake Paul recently attempted to broker a multi-million dollar deal to entice Jon Jones into a showdown with Tom Aspinall.

Since capturing the interim heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023—an opportunity that arose after “Bones” had to withdraw from his undisputed title clash with Stipe Miocic due to injury—Aspinall has been unabashedly outspoken about his desire to test himself against Jones in a title unification bout.

However, Jones has consistently dismissed the challenge, even going so far as to disparage Aspinall’s standing as the interim champion. Rather than entertain a clash with Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight titleholder has made it clear that his sights are set on rekindling his bout with Miocic, a showdown that is rumored to headline UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden this November.

“Bones” has frequently hinted at the prospect of retirement after defeating a legendary heavyweight champion like Miocic, thereby cementing his GOAT status. Many speculate that this might be why Jones is hesitant to risk his legacy against a formidable contender like Aspinall.

However, “The Problem Child” suggests that the real reason Jones is sidestepping the Brit’s challenge is the lack of a lucrative payday on the table…

Paul Claims Jones Would Accept Aspinall Bout If The Paycheck Fits

Paul, well-known for his frequent critiques of UFC fighter pay, recently took to X to refute the narrative that Jones is avoiding a fight with Aspinall. The YouTuber-turned-boxer argued that Jones isn’t one to shy away from any opponent but suggested that the real issue lies in the financial incentive.

He believes that if the right financial deal is presented, tapping into both the American and English pay-per-view (PPV) markets, Jones would be more than willing to step into the Octagon with Aspinall.

“Jon Jones doesn’t dodge anyone. He knows exactly what he’s doing,” Paul tweeted. “Show him the money – that real money. Not that spin the narrative money. Him versus Aspinal is massive as it hits two big PPV markets. A $25M guarantee plus PPV seems about right. @JonnyBones”

During a post-event press conference for DWCS, UFC CEO Dana White suggested that, despite Jones’s occasional talk of retirement, he is confident that “if the Aspinall thing is really flying out there,” Jones would rise to the occasion and accept the matchup.

Continue Reading Jake Paul Tries To Broker Multi-Million Dollar Payday For “Bones” To Fight Tom Aspinall: ‘Jon Jones Doesn’t Dodge Anyone’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life. For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, […]

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life.

For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, who declared his intent to move up a weight class in 2020. However, a bitter contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White led to “The Predator” entirely parting ways with the organization. Ngannou later inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which included the freedom to explore his passion for boxing.

White has repeatedly asserted that it was Ngannou who blocked the eagerly awaited matchup, while the former heavyweight champion countered by saying that it was “Bones” who was reluctant to fight him as he tried to negotiate a new contract to remain with the UFC. In the end, any negotiations that were in place fell through.

However, now with Saudi Arabia owning a modest share in the PFL, Alalshikh seemingly has the sway to potentially orchestrate this long-dreamed-of clash. Even White, who has traditionally opposed cross-promotion, was questioned about the possibility during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference in June, and surprisingly, he didn’t dismiss the notion outright.

“The Natural” thinks the UFC would never gamble with their reigning champion by jeopardizing a loss to someone like Ngannou, whose stock continues to soar. However, he believes the Ngannou vs. Jones clash could become a reality if authorities higher than White step in to make it happen…

Couture Sees TKO CEO & Alalshikh As Key To Ngannou vs. Jones Fight

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Couture shared his thoughts on the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown ever materializing. The former two-division champion expressed his doubt, stating that it’s highly improbable the UFC would ever agree to a cross-promotion bout.

“I don’t see the champ in the UFC ever getting a shot at fighting the champ from PFL or any other organization for that matter, and that’s unfortunate,” Couture said. “That’s a shame that the fans are never going to get to see those types of matchups. That’s one of the flaws and issues in our sport right now.”

However, “The Natural” added that a bout of such magnitude could only come to fruition with the involvement of UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel, along with the influence of Alalshikh.

“At the end of the day, I think Ari [Emanuel] is the one calling the shots. He’s the one who bought the company from Zuffa. It’s his business. He has shareholders and people he has to answer to, and he needs to do what’s best for the bottom line for that company, which includes WWE and UFC and everything that’s going on there.”

“Certainly, what the Saudis are holding and what they’re doing with LIV Golf, and all the other things that they’re doing to build culture and create opportunity for their citizens and their athletes in their country, that [fight] could very well happen because that kind of money can make a lot of things happen.”

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life. For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, […]

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

Randy Couture recently offered his thoughts on whether Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority head, Turki Alalshikh, possesses the influence to bring the highly anticipated super fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones to life.

For years, the most monumental heavyweight bout the UFC could have delivered was a showdown between Ngannou and then-light-heavyweight champion Jones, who declared his intent to move up a weight class in 2020. However, a bitter contract dispute with UFC CEO Dana White led to “The Predator” entirely parting ways with the organization. Ngannou later inked a multi-fight deal with the PFL, which included the freedom to explore his passion for boxing.

White has repeatedly asserted that it was Ngannou who blocked the eagerly awaited matchup, while the former heavyweight champion countered by saying that it was “Bones” who was reluctant to fight him as he tried to negotiate a new contract to remain with the UFC. In the end, any negotiations that were in place fell through.

However, now with Saudi Arabia owning a modest share in the PFL, Alalshikh seemingly has the sway to potentially orchestrate this long-dreamed-of clash. Even White, who has traditionally opposed cross-promotion, was questioned about the possibility during the UFC 303 post-fight press conference in June, and surprisingly, he didn’t dismiss the notion outright.

“The Natural” thinks the UFC would never gamble with their reigning champion by jeopardizing a loss to someone like Ngannou, whose stock continues to soar. However, he believes the Ngannou vs. Jones clash could become a reality if authorities higher than White step in to make it happen…

Couture Sees TKO CEO & Alalshikh As Key To Ngannou vs. Jones Fight

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Couture shared his thoughts on the likelihood of a Ngannou vs. Jones showdown ever materializing. The former two-division champion expressed his doubt, stating that it’s highly improbable the UFC would ever agree to a cross-promotion bout.

“I don’t see the champ in the UFC ever getting a shot at fighting the champ from PFL or any other organization for that matter, and that’s unfortunate,” Couture said. “That’s a shame that the fans are never going to get to see those types of matchups. That’s one of the flaws and issues in our sport right now.”

However, “The Natural” added that a bout of such magnitude could only come to fruition with the involvement of UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, under the leadership of CEO Ari Emanuel, along with the influence of Alalshikh.

“At the end of the day, I think Ari [Emanuel] is the one calling the shots. He’s the one who bought the company from Zuffa. It’s his business. He has shareholders and people he has to answer to, and he needs to do what’s best for the bottom line for that company, which includes WWE and UFC and everything that’s going on there.”

“Certainly, what the Saudis are holding and what they’re doing with LIV Golf, and all the other things that they’re doing to build culture and create opportunity for their citizens and their athletes in their country, that [fight] could very well happen because that kind of money can make a lot of things happen.”

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Whether Saudi Arabia Can Make UFC vs PFL Happen: ‘That Kinda Money…’ at MMA News.

UFC Return: Dana White Teases Conor McGregor’s Next Fight: ‘News Coming Soon!’

Conor McGregor's Next FightWhen is Conor McGregor’s next fight? Conor McGregor’s next fight is being teased by both UFC president Dana White…

Conor McGregor's Next Fight

When is Conor McGregor’s next fight? Conor McGregor’s next fight is being teased by both UFC president Dana White and ‘The Notorious’ himself. There is big Conor McGregor news coming soon.

Conor McGregor’s Next Fight

On a recent IG live, the leader of the UFC Dana White teased an announcement regarding the Irish-born MMA superstar. There has been much speculation of when McGregor will return to the UFC. White himself said that it will not be in 2024. Michael Chandler, who coached TUF against ‘The Notorious,’ said he is ready to move on from the fight and is done waiting.

But it seems there is imminent news. Dana White was asked about McGregor’s UFC return, he said, “News coming soon” but couldn’t offer any more information or details. When this was announced, McGregor took to Twitter and added fuel to the fire with a single smirking emoji.

Dana White unsure Conor McGregor can fight his year after UFC 303 injury our schedule is laid out

Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

Iron’ Michael Chandler has long been waiting for his fight against McGregor. The two lightweight athletes coached TUF against one another years ago but a fight date could never be nailed down. The Irish fighter dropped out of their booked matchup due to a toe injury but it was never rebooked.

Conor Mcgregor vs Michael Chandler

Chandler is sick of waiting for Conor McGregor’s Next Fight, and in a recent interview said:

“And I think I put him away. It used to be the second round, but at this point, with everything that has been built up, I think I will finish him in the first round … I am an optimist by default, so I do believe the Conor fight will happen. Right now, we are in a period where things are being talked about.

“What date? Is it Conor? Is it pivoting to a different fight? Is it making the best decision for me and my family? I love the idea that Conor and I did The Ultimate Fighter, we had a training camp, we signed on the dotted line. But as much as I respect Conor, my legacy is not hinged upon this fight.”

The former Bellator world champion Michael Chandler signed with the UFC and has been an exciting staple of the lightweight division ever since. McGregor made history by being a two-division UFC champion winning two world titles both by way of knockout. The Irish star may be best known for his rivalry against Khabib Nurmagomedov and the blockbuster boxing fight against Floyd Mayweather. McGregor has not been active in the octagon since 2021. But, it seems, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight news may be coming soon.

Dana White comments on WWE’s rumored relocation to Las Vegas

Dana White comments on WWE's rumored relocation to Las VegasIf Dana White does know anything about the WWE’s rumored move to Las Vegas, he’s not telling. On Tuesday,…

Dana White comments on WWE's rumored relocation to Las Vegas

If Dana White does know anything about the WWE’s rumored move to Las Vegas, he’s not telling.

On Tuesday, WrestleVotes reported that employees of World Wrestling Entertainment were informed in a meeting at the corporate Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut that the Performance Center would be relocating from Orlando, Florida to Las Vegas. Mark Shapiro, the president of William Morris Endeavor, the WWE’s parent company, reportedly revealed the news to a room full of employees.

WWE

For those unaware, Endeavor is also the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Endeavor closed a deal to purchase the WWE for $9.3 billion in April 2023 before merging both the UFC and the sports entertainment juggernaut into one company, TKO Group Holdings. With Las Vegas already serving as the UFC’s base of operations, speculation quickly ran rampant that WWE’s rumored move could be the first step toward further combining the two companies into one.

WWE

Asked about the WWE’s rumored move into its territory following Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series, the UFC CEO remained tight-lipped but flashed a curious smile suggesting he knows more than he’s willing to share.

“That’s none of my business. I know nothing about it,” White said coyly. “It’s none of my business. Let the WWE talk about their business.”

Rumors of WWE’s Move to Las Vegas Alread Debunked?

Not long after the rumor ran rampant on social media, Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that a source within the company claimed it was false and that no such meeting had taken place. The site also added that nobody within the performance center had heard of any such plans to move to Vegas and were shocked when the word began circulating of such a move.

Sources also indicated that Shapiro has talked about how Las Vegas is a sports and entertainment destination and that there was the possibility of a WWE presence on the table, though no immediate plans to relocate are in place.

WWE

Despite the followups from both Sapp and Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer, WrestleVotes doubled down on their initial report.

WWE