Tag: Global MMA

Dana White confirms Power Slap League will air on TBS, clears up ruleset for controversial venture

Power Slap LeagueUFC president, Dana White has announced the new organization headed up by former promotional owner, Lorenzo Fertitta and himself, Power Slap league, will air on TBS (Turner Broadcasting System) – as well as clearing up the ruleset and regulation surrounding the controversial and criticized venture. Heading to TBS in January of next year, White confirmed […]

Power Slap League

UFC president, Dana White has announced the new organization headed up by former promotional owner, Lorenzo Fertitta and himself, Power Slap league, will air on TBS (Turner Broadcasting System) – as well as clearing up the ruleset and regulation surrounding the controversial and criticized venture.

Heading to TBS in January of next year, White confirmed at a press event in New York ahead of this weekend’s UFC 281 pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden, that the Power Slap league will come to television of January 2023, with eight episodic features scheduled.

Gaining approval from the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) following an application last month, the Power Slap league will be headed up by White, however, the UFC president is not expected to run operations in the promotion on a day-to-day basis. 

Dana White lays out ruleset for Power Slap league ahead of January debut

Along with the confirmation of a broadcast deal with Turner Broadcasting System, media members in attendance received a breakdown of a ruleset for Power Slap league in the form of a glossary. (H/T MMAFighting)

Each bout is expected to start with a coin toss, with the correct caller eligible to decide whether or not they would like to throw the initial slap or be on the receiving end of a strike. A 30 second countdown timer will along the thrower to prepare to throw a slap, while the recipient with then gain 30 seconds of recovery. The maximum number of rounds will be three. 

Akin to professional mixed martial arts and boxing, rounds will be scored in a 10-point must system, with judges instructed to determine their scoring based on the slapper’s effectiveness, along with the reaction and recovery time of the recipient. Bouts can be won via methods of knockout, TKO, or on a decision – while disqualifications, and no contests are also methods of ending a clash. 

Fouls will also be issued if a striker elects to club his opponent, as well stepping, or inducing an illegal wind-up ahead of their strike, as well as delaying the bout. Strikers will also have to announce which hand their intend to throw, whilst also confirming how long it will take them to deliver the strike.

Recipients of slaps will be penalized and fouled with the following; warnings, re-strikes, losses of strikes, point deductions, and disqualification.

Fouls can be committed by flinching, delaying a bout, or blocking an incoming slap. 

Ahead of the inaugural event and confirmation of regulation in the state of Nevada, physicians and medical experts, as well as commenters in the sphere has criticized the establishment of a slap league, given the risk of suffering chronic brain injury, with competitors not allowed to block incoming strikes.

Charles Oliveira trains alongside McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo prior to Brazil Grand Prix

Charles OliveiraOne superstar joined another this past week as Charles Oliveira welcomed McLaren racing driver, Daniel Ricciardo, to the Chute Boxe training centre for a session. Not the typical type of practice Ricciardo would be used to getting as he prepares to compete at the Brazilian Grand Prix this upcoming weekend. This will be one of […]

Charles Oliveira

One superstar joined another this past week as Charles Oliveira welcomed McLaren racing driver, Daniel Ricciardo, to the Chute Boxe training centre for a session.

Not the typical type of practice Ricciardo would be used to getting as he prepares to compete at the Brazilian Grand Prix this upcoming weekend. This will be one of Ricciardo’s last appearances under the McLaren banner as he and the organisation have agreed to part ways at the end of the season.

And therefore, it seems he has recruited some extra help to make this tenth appearance at the Interlagos racetrack one to remember.

Watch below as the former lightweight world champion trained alongside Ricciardo in a session hitting pads down in Sao Paulo.

Charles Oliveira welcomes an overdue break following UFC 280 defeat

Despite already being back inside the gym as seen in the footage above. Charles Oliveira is in no rush to return to the octagon after he was unable to regain his UFC lightweight title at UFC 280, suffering a submission defeat to Islam Makhachev.

During his title campaign from acquisition to his most recent defeat, ‘Do Bronx’ had competed four times in fifteen months and is now understandably in need of some time away from the octagon as he plans his route back to the lightweight title.

Rumours had circulated that the former champion had already plotted a quick return to action with a matchup against a rising contender in Rafael Fiziev poised for UFC 283 in Brazil. However, Oliveira declined the opportunity citing he needed some time to rest.

Fellow lightweight contenders Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier will return to action this upcoming weekend against each other at UFC 281 as they both begin their journeys back into title contention.

Oliveira earnt victories over the two previously mentioned contenders and given his most recent one coming against Justin Gaethje, it leaves just Beneil Dariush in the top five whom he has yet to be matched up against.

Provided the timeline is fitting for both men a matchup between the #1 and #4 lightweights seems perfectly fitting for both men as they

Would you like to see Charles Oliveira take on Beneil Dariush when he returns?

Former UFC contender Megan Anderson makes scathing affair accusation at James Krause and Laura Sanko

James Krause Megan Anderson Laura SankoThe Australian-born MMA fighter Megan Anderson had some choice words for some people she had previously worked with. Anderson has not competed actively since her stiff loss to ‘The Lioness’ Amanda Nunes in early 2021. Last night on Twitter, the Australian athlete accused her former trainer, James Krause at Glory MMA, of not coaching her […]

James Krause Megan Anderson Laura Sanko

The Australian-born MMA fighter Megan Anderson had some choice words for some people she had previously worked with. Anderson has not competed actively since her stiff loss to ‘The Lioness’ Amanda Nunes in early 2021.

Last night on Twitter, the Australian athlete accused her former trainer, James Krause at Glory MMA, of not coaching her during the leadup to that UFC title fight. She said:

“If you’re telling me that just 1 x 30 mins pad session a week is enough for a world title fight against the greatest female fighter of all time is enough coaching then you’re delusional.”

James Krause trained Jeff Molina, UFC flyweight, fired back explaining that Anderson is spreading falsities. Molina explained that she was offered more training time but turned it down and was frequently drunk. He explained fully here:

“Take some accountability for yourself. You lost that fight the second you signed the dotted line- look in the mirror that’s why you lost that fight.”

Laura Sanko caught in the crossfire of Megan Anderson

UFC analyst Laura Sanko used to work alongside Megan Anderson on a show together. In an odd turn of events, Anderson was accused of sleeping with her coach James Krause. Anderson answered this accusation by levying the same charge at Laura Sanko. On Twitter, someone commented:

“… Then somehow sleeping with James Krause …”

Anderson responded:

“You should look at Sanko about that actually..”

Laura Sanko and James Krause have not commented publicly on this situation regarding Megan Anderson. Late-night Tweeting brings in the juiciest drama.

Stephen Thompson believes Khamzat Chimaev’s future is at 185lbs, still excited by the rumored Colby Covington matchup: “Is he gonna make weight?”

Stephen ThompsonStephen Thompson has shared his belief that undefeated title contender, Khamzat Chimaev, would be better suited to compete at middleweight but admits a rumored matchup with Colby Covington would make for an exciting affair. Thompson’s claim comes after Khamzat Chimaev horrendously missed weight at UFC 279 and subsequently was removed from the main-event matchup with […]

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson has shared his belief that undefeated title contender, Khamzat Chimaev, would be better suited to compete at middleweight but admits a rumored matchup with Colby Covington would make for an exciting affair.

Thompson’s claim comes after Khamzat Chimaev horrendously missed weight at UFC 279 and subsequently was removed from the main-event matchup with Nate Diaz. A quick card shuffle saw Chimaev then matched up with Kevin Holland in the co-main event slot who he would submit inside the first round.

Speaking to MMA journalist James Lynch in a recent interview, Thompson gave his reasoning on why he feels Chimaev should move up a weight class but also shared his excitement for the speculative matchup with Colby Covington which is rumored to be occurring at UFC London in 2023.

Stephen Thompson Questions Khamzat Chimaev’s ability to make welterweight

“From what I hear, he’s a very strong welterweight,” Stephen Thompson stated.

“He should be at 185. I don’t even understand why he’s still at 170. I know they’re trying to get him to fight Colby Covington, which I think is gonna be a fun fight. That’s gonna be a fun fight [against] somebody who’s as strong a wrestler as Khamzat. But the thing is, is he gonna make weight? Can he make weight?”

“Don’t take anything away from Kevin Holland after that fight. I mean, it was a days’ notice. Fighting somebody as big and strong and wrestling savvy as Chimaev, I thought he held his own right there in the first round. A lot of crazy scrambles.”

“He’s very scrappy on the ground. He really is; Kevin is. Which was kinda messed up, he goes in to give him a high five and he [Chimaev] shoots right in for the legs, ends up taking him down. I’m like, oh, come on, man. Should’ve just gave the guy a high five.” (Transcribed by BloodyElbow)

Given Chimaev is currently ranked third in the welterweight standings and a potential title eliminator with Colby Covington speculated to be on the horizon, it seems unlikely that ‘Borz’ will be wanting to jump divisions anytime soon.

However, in the future, this could be a very likely possibility with his fighting style being seen as problematic for the current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya.

Do you agree with Stephen Thompson’s opinion on Khamzat Chimaev?

Israel Adesanya prepared for war against Alex Pereira at UFC 281: “I want to make this a horror movie.”

Israel AdesanyaIsrael Adesanya expects to deliver a violent affair when he defends his middleweight crown against Alex Pereira at UFC 281. ‘The Last Stylebender’ will look to continue his reign of supreme at the top of the middleweight division when he defends his title against fellow former kickboxing opponent, Alex Pereira, at UFC 281. Adesanya has […]

Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya expects to deliver a violent affair when he defends his middleweight crown against Alex Pereira at UFC 281.

‘The Last Stylebender’ will look to continue his reign of supreme at the top of the middleweight division when he defends his title against fellow former kickboxing opponent, Alex Pereira, at UFC 281.

Adesanya has faced his next opponent on two previous occasions when both men competed in kickboxing, suffering defeat on both occasions. Despite this Adesanya is ready to deliver a violent affair when he steps into face Pereira for the first time in MMA.

Speaking in an interview with TMZ Sports TV, the middleweight champion aims to start the mental warfare with Pereira before the pair enter the cage, promising to leave the octagon and his opponent in a bloody state.

“I want to make this a horror movie.”

“I want to be the first person he sees when he wakes up. I want to make sure I’m right in his line of sight so he’s looking at me,” Israel Adesanya said.

Despite suffering defeats previously when the two men encountered, Israel Adesanya believes people are making too much out of their previous meetings and feels competing against Pereira in MMA suits him far better than it does the Brazilian.

“100%, even though the way you defend is different, the way you attack is different. It’s kinda stupid sometimes. No disrespect to kickboxing,” Adesanya stated.

“I always felt my striking was better suited for MMA, for the glove size but also the way, the freeness of attacking, I can clinch someone and trip ’em down. I can elbow, things like that and I know he’s good at stuff like that as well but I’ve been doing this a lot longer.”

Israel Adesanya reflects on kickboxing encounters with Alex Pereira

Despite not showing much concern about suffering two defeats to Pereira previously, Israel Adesanya revealed he has gone over the footage from the two previous times they have shared the ring.

Instead, Adesanya sees this as a chance for redemption, both men have grown exponentially since previously fighting but the 185-pound champion feels his experience competing in mixed martial arts is going to hold great value when the pair meet in the headline matchup at UFC 281.

“I’ve looked back at them and I’ve taken a few things away from them but it is a different fight. I’m not the same guy, he’s not the same guy either, but again, I’ve been doing this a lot longer and people forget,” Adesanya said.

“For me, I have reminded them. I always do when it’s time. I remind people and show them how great I am. This is just another one of those times I have to do it.”

The fight goes down Saturday … inside the “world’s most famous arena.” (Transcribed by TMZ Sports)

With so many closely contested matchups taking place at UFC 281 be sure to check out our best bet column and see just exactly who we believe will be the middleweight champion once the final curtain closes.

Will Israel Adesanya retain his middleweight title at UFC 281, or will Alex Pereira be able to secure a third victory and claim the 185-pound title?

Lyoto Machida picks out 2 potential opponents for UFC retirement fight

Lyoto MachidaFormer UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, has offered up several names of potential opponents as he aims to return to the UFC for his final MMA fight. Machida parted ways from the organisation in 2018 after back-to-back victories over Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort. He would sign for Bellator and make an impressive start […]

Lyoto Machida

Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida, has offered up several names of potential opponents as he aims to return to the UFC for his final MMA fight.

Machida parted ways from the organisation in 2018 after back-to-back victories over Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort. He would sign for Bellator and make an impressive start which saw him defeat Rafael Carvalho and fellow UFC alumni, Chael Sonnen.

However, things would begin to go south from here for Machida as he lost his next four bouts, most recently being stopped by Fabian Edwards in the first round at Bellator 281.

Machida recently revealed that he has been released by Bellator and wishes to return to the UFC to compete in what would be his final MMA matchup.

During an interview with Canal Encarada, Machida laid out his plans and suggested several potential opponents with whom he wishes to share his last dance.

“I like the UFC a lot and I’ve always loved fighting there,” Machida said. “I know it’s not easy with the way the UFC works today, but I would love doing one final fight in the UFC, maybe in Brazil. A farewell fight. It was in the UFC that I had the most exposure, where I was champion, and I’m grateful for everything I lived there.”

“I had no conflicts with the UFC even when I left because I always respected their position as promoters, and that was very important because I knew my place,” he added. “The UFC is the biggest platform in MMA, can’t compare. I liked fighting in Bellator because I needed that change, but I’m in a different moment today.”

Lyoto Machida suggests Luke Rockhold or Robbie Lawler as potential final opponents

At age 44, Lyoto Machida no longer wishes to face the up-and-coming athletes in this game and prefers to face a fellow veteran of the sport in his final outing. ‘The Dragon’ even has several potential names that spring to mind.

“There are many guys that fit well,” Lyoto Machida said. “Luke Rockhold is a nice name, Robbie Lawler too, because they have a similar age and have similar interest in fighting one last time and retiring.”

Luke Rockhold had retired upon his final outing when he shared the cage with Brazilian powerhouse, Paulo Costa, back at UFC 278. However, since that moment the former middleweight champion has gone back on his statement and re-instated his interest in still competing under the UFC banner.

His other ideal opponent, Robbie Lawler, is still actively competing and returns to the octagon on December 10th to take on Argentinian brawler, Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Should Machida be granted his wish, he feels fans of the sport would enjoy seeing him face off against either of the two previously named opponents.

“Everybody would like watching that,” Lyoto Machida said. “I’m in great shape, never entered a fight untrained. I’m training every day.” (Transcribed by MMAFighting)

Acting as a UFC matchmaker, who would you partner up with Lyoto Machida in his final octagon appearance?