Tag: MMA News

Ex-UFC Champion Chokes Out Poker Player Who Refused To Pay 5k Debt

Ex-UFC Champion Chokes Out Poker Player Who Refused To Pay 5k DebtA friend of former UFC middleweight titleholder Chris Weidman was left with an interesting choice — pay up your…

Ex-UFC Champion Chokes Out Poker Player Who Refused To Pay 5k Debt

A friend of former UFC middleweight titleholder Chris Weidman was left with an interesting choice — pay up your poker debt or get choked unconscious.

In a video clip posted on Weidman’s Instagram, ‘All-American’ carefully put one of his acquaintances to sleep while revealing in the caption that it was either that or pay $5,000 after a night of gambling. As you can see, the friend chose the former, and the results were exactly what you’d expect.

“He Lost in poker last night,” Weidman wrote. “It was either pay 5k or get choked unconscious! What do you do?”

It’s certainly not the first time a professional fighter has taken the opportunity to choke out a friend or fan. Who can remember the time Steve-O stepped inside the Octagon so another former middleweight titleholder — Michael Bisping — could put him in a chokehold?

Then there’s the time that Dillon Danis put Elle Brooke to sleep live on camera, only for her to spring alive and exclaim that the experience was better than drugs.

Dana White encourages Weidman to retire following brutal loss at UFC 310

After ending a three-year-long streak without a victory, Weidman climbed back into the win column last year with a technical decision over Bruno Silva, though the W came with a heaping spoonful of controversy.

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Unfortunately, ‘All American’ couldn’t keep the momentum going in his return to the Octagon at UFC 310 earlier this month, suffering a brutal second-round knockout against Eryk Anders in the promotion’s final pay-per-view event of 2024.

Following the loss, UFC CEO Dana White strongly suggested that Weidman lay down his gloves and call it a career.

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UFC’s Laura Sanko Opens The Gates and Offers Tour Dream Ranch: “This is My Sanctuary.”

UFC's Laura Sanko Opens The Gates and Offers Tour Dream Ranch: "This is My Sanctuary."Laura Sanko may work for the biggest mixed martial arts organization in the world, but when she’s away from…

UFC's Laura Sanko Opens The Gates and Offers Tour Dream Ranch: "This is My Sanctuary."

Laura Sanko may work for the biggest mixed martial arts organization in the world, but when she’s away from all the blood and brutality of the Octagon, the beloved MMA analyst prefers the quiet refuge of her sprawling ranch.

In a recent video on her YouTube channel, Sanko opened the gates and invited fight fans to see a behind-the-scenes look at what Sanko does when she’s not offering her expertise on the fight game.

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“We’ve owned this land since 2013 to build our dream house,” Sanko said. “The idea has been, you know, in our minds for quite a while, and a year ago, we finally got construction underway. One of my favorite spots in the whole house is this Four Seasons room, which was kind of how the whole idea of the house started. We wanted to have as much of the outside connected to the inside. I love being able to look out and see the cattle, the creek, and we have bald eagles that live out here. We have a black coyote that lives out here.

“Once we came up here one day and just saw what it looked like, we were like, ‘This is the spot.’ The whole ranching piece of it really comes from my husband. He grew up in Western Kansas, and when I met him, he had 1,500 head of cattle. We dated for like 6 years, and I would go down to the bigger ranch with him. We really enjoyed that, so we knew we wanted to have that piece of ranch life when we had a family.”

“This is my Sanctuary. There’s a lot of peace that our ranch brings.”

Laura Sanko rises through the ranks to make UFC history

After hanging up her MMA gloves following a brief stint under the Invicta FC banner, Sanko made the move to broadcasting where she eventually scored a gig as a roving reporter for the UFC.

In 2021, Sanko became the first female color commentator since Kathy Long at UFC 1 more than three decades ago. After cutting her teeth on Dana White’s Contender Series, she made history once again, earning a spot at the broadcast table for UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak on February 3, 2023.

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She made her UFC pay-per-view debut later that same year at UFC 293.

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Logan Paul Fuels Conor McGregor Boxing Speculation in Bold WWE Championship Speech

Logan Paul Fuels Conor McGregor Boxing Speculation in Bold WWE Championship SpeechLogan Paul fueled speculation that he’s on a collision course with UFC star Conor McGregor. Earlier this week, the…

Logan Paul Fuels Conor McGregor Boxing Speculation in Bold WWE Championship Speech

Logan Paul fueled speculation that he’s on a collision course with UFC star Conor McGregor.

Earlier this week, the Irish megastar sent fight fans into a frenzy after revealing that he would continue to delay his long-awaited return to the Octagon in favor of an exhibition boxing bout with Paul in India.

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“The rumors of a bout with [Ilia Topuria] are false,” McGregor wrote in a post on X on Tuesday. “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.

While many wrote off McGregor’s comments as just another troll job by the former champ-champ, Paul added some fuel to the fire during his appearance at the WWE’s RAW on Netflix kickoff event.

Paul used the classic Conor McGregor line, “I’m not here to take part. I’m here to take over” during the announcement that he would be a regular on the WWE’s flagship show once the program moves from cable TV to the streaming giant on January 6.

“Your approval means nothing to me,” he continued. “You are looking at the future WWE world champion and his name is Logan Paul.”

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Could Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul really happen?

Considering McGregor’s claim that the two would be fighting in 2025, Paul’s recycling of McGregor quotes from the past certainly came at a curious time, leading many to believe that there could be some truth to the Irishman’s statement.

It’s been well over three years since McGregor has stepped foot inside the Octagon. Despite the lengthy layoff, ‘Mystic Mac’ has continued to dominate headlines, usually for all the wrong reasons.

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Fans Cry Foul as Kayla Harrison Edges Out Dakota Ditcheva for 2024 ESPN Honor

Fans Cry Foul as Kayla Harrison Edges Out Dakota Ditcheva for 2024 ESPN HonorDakota Ditcheva or Kayla Harrison? Kayla Harrison has been named ESPN’s Female Fighter of the Year for 2024. While…

Fans Cry Foul as Kayla Harrison Edges Out Dakota Ditcheva for 2024 ESPN Honor

Dakota Ditcheva or Kayla Harrison? Kayla Harrison has been named ESPN’s Female Fighter of the Year for 2024. While Harrison’s accomplishments are impressive, the decision has sparked a debate among fans, with many arguing that Dakota Ditcheva had a stronger case for the award.

Kayla Harrison Or Dakota Ditcheva

Kayla Harrison is a former Olympic judo gold medalist who had an incredible run in the PFL and later transitioned to the UFC. Her debut came at UFC 300 in April, where she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the second round. This victory immediately placed her among the top contenders in the 135-pound division. Harrison solidified her position in October at UFC 307, defeating Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision. The two wins improved her professional record to 18-1.

However, fans have pointed to Dakota Ditcheva’s perfect year as a strong counterargument to Harrison’s selection. Competing in the PFL, Ditcheva delivered four dominant performances, with her becoming the youngest champion in PFL history.

She kicked off the year with back-to-back TKO victories over Lisa Mauldin and Chelsea Hackett, then secured a semifinal win against Jena Bishop in August also via knockout.

In November, Ditcheva claimed the PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament title and a $1 million prize by defeating former UFC title challenger Taila Santos via TKO. The 25-year-old British fighter ended 2024 with a flawless 14-0 record, earning her recognition as the first British female MMA world champion. Additionally, she was the first fighter ever to stop Santos.

Kayla Harrison Or Dakota Ditcheva

Critics of ESPN’s decision argue that Ditcheva’s historic achievements and unbeaten record should have tipped the scales in her favor. While Harrison’s UFC debut and victories were significant, some fans believe they fell short of Ditcheva’s remarkable run through the PFL tournament. Harrison defeated an over-the-hill Holm and narrowly edged Viera while Ditcheva dominated the field and made history.

Fans Balk at Harrison over Ditcheva

Here are various comments by fans:

“I love Kayla but Dakota Ditcheva would like to have a word…”

“Dakota Ditcheva is 4-0 in 2024 under the PFL banner with 4 knockouts. She’s you’re real 2024 WMMA Fighter of the Year winner.”

“Dakota Ditcheva should have won this. 4-0 over the year, all KO wins with no girl making it out of the 2nd round.”

“Dakota ditcheva should’ve won she went 4-0 in 2024 all by tko”

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China’s Xie Wei’s Looks to Prove the Strength of a Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China's Xie Wei’s Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu StrengthChina’s Xie Wei has gone from training as a Shaolin monk to becoming a rising star in MMA. The…

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China's Xie Wei’s Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength

China’s Xie Wei has gone from training as a Shaolin monk to becoming a rising star in MMA. The Chinese fighter ‘The Hunter’ has built a reputation as a knockout artist, blending his traditional Kung Fu martial arts background with modern MMA techniques.

From Shaolin Monk to MMA Fighter

At 14, Xie Wei left his hometown to join the legendary Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. Over four years, he trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, a discipline known for its physical rigor and spiritual focus. By the time he left, Xie had become a martial arts instructor, but he wanted more.

From Shaolin Monk to MMA Fighter

“I’ve considered martial arts my passion since I entered the Shaolin Temple,” Xie shared in an interview. “With mixed martial arts, I’m lucky to have my passion as my job.” In 2016, Xie decided to leave the temple to pursue MMA, a decision that initially disappointed his family. Their support came later, once they saw his potential in the sport.
Climbing the MMA ranks in ONE Championship.

From Shaolin Temple to MMa Chinas Xie Weis Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength

Xie started his MMA career in 2017, competing in regional Chinese promotions before catching the attention of ONE Championship. He entered through the ONE Hero and Warrior Series, where he won five consecutive fights, all by knockout or TKO. His official ONE Championship debut came against top flyweight contender Danny Kingad. Although Xie lost by unanimous decision, he proved he could compete at a high level.

Since then, the Chinese athlete Xie has bounced back with a string of impressive wins, including TKO victories over Chan Rothana, Kantharaj Agasa, and Dae Hwan Kim. Competing at the highest levels, he has suffered three consecutive losses to top opponents but will be looking to bounce back soon.

From Shaolin Temple to MMA Chinas Xie Weis Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength 1

China’s Xie Wei

Currently 21-8, Xie Wei is on a mission to become one of China’s first male world champions in ONE Championship.
“I’ve already passed the hardest test in my debut against Kingad,” Xie said. “That’s history now. I’ll get back to my winning streak and work toward becoming a champion.”

With his unique blend of Shaolin Kung Fu and MMA, Xie Wei is making waves in the flyweight division. Up next, Xie hopes to climb higher in the rankings and move closer to a title shot in ONE Championship. For now, ‘The Hunter’ remains focused, determined, and ready for the challenges ahead.

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China’s Xie Wei’s Looks to Prove the Strength of a Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China's Xie Wei’s Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu StrengthChina’s Xie Wei has gone from training as a Shaolin monk to becoming a rising star in MMA. The…

From Shaolin Temple to MMA: China's Xie Wei’s Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength

China’s Xie Wei has gone from training as a Shaolin monk to becoming a rising star in MMA. The Chinese fighter ‘The Hunter’ has built a reputation as a knockout artist, blending his traditional Kung Fu martial arts background with modern MMA techniques.

From Shaolin Monk to MMA Fighter

At 14, Xie Wei left his hometown to join the legendary Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. Over four years, he trained in Shaolin Kung Fu, a discipline known for its physical rigor and spiritual focus. By the time he left, Xie had become a martial arts instructor, but he wanted more.

From Shaolin Monk to MMA Fighter

“I’ve considered martial arts my passion since I entered the Shaolin Temple,” Xie shared in an interview. “With mixed martial arts, I’m lucky to have my passion as my job.” In 2016, Xie decided to leave the temple to pursue MMA, a decision that initially disappointed his family. Their support came later, once they saw his potential in the sport.
Climbing the MMA ranks in ONE Championship.

From Shaolin Temple to MMa Chinas Xie Weis Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength

Xie started his MMA career in 2017, competing in regional Chinese promotions before catching the attention of ONE Championship. He entered through the ONE Hero and Warrior Series, where he won five consecutive fights, all by knockout or TKO. His official ONE Championship debut came against top flyweight contender Danny Kingad. Although Xie lost by unanimous decision, he proved he could compete at a high level.

Since then, the Chinese athlete Xie has bounced back with a string of impressive wins, including TKO victories over Chan Rothana, Kantharaj Agasa, and Dae Hwan Kim. Competing at the highest levels, he has suffered three consecutive losses to top opponents but will be looking to bounce back soon.

From Shaolin Temple to MMA Chinas Xie Weis Journey Looks to Prove Shaolin Monk and Kung Fu Strength 1

China’s Xie Wei

Currently 21-8, Xie Wei is on a mission to become one of China’s first male world champions in ONE Championship.
“I’ve already passed the hardest test in my debut against Kingad,” Xie said. “That’s history now. I’ll get back to my winning streak and work toward becoming a champion.”

With his unique blend of Shaolin Kung Fu and MMA, Xie Wei is making waves in the flyweight division. Up next, Xie hopes to climb higher in the rankings and move closer to a title shot in ONE Championship. For now, ‘The Hunter’ remains focused, determined, and ready for the challenges ahead.