Tag: Noche UFC

UFC’s 2025 Plans For Mexico Reported, Including Noche UFC In Guadalajara

The UFC appears to be returning to Mexico City early next year as the first quarter of 2025 continues to take shape. A recent report from Claro Sports’ Alfredo Bush detailed the promotion’s plans for a Fight Night event on March 29 which could be followed up later in the year with a much bigger […]

The UFC appears to be returning to Mexico City early next year as the first quarter of 2025 continues to take shape. A recent report from Claro Sports’ Alfredo Bush detailed the promotion’s plans for a Fight Night event on March 29 which could be followed up later in the year with a much bigger show.

Early next year, Mexico is set to have it’s second-largest arena be completed with a new 20,000 capacity venue for live events. Arena Guadalajara unfortunately won’t be available to the UFC in the early part of 2025 hence why Mexico City is the planned destination for March.

Bush reports that offers have already been received for that particular date which would likely see the promotion return to Arena CDMX which previously hosted the Fight Night event that was headlined by the rematch between Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval this past February.

The recent news stated that Arena Guadalajara will instead be the target for the third annual instalment of Noche UFC in September which has previously been hosted at the T-Mobile Arena and Sphere, both in Las Vegas. This new arena presents a lot of exciting options for the UFC with a hungry fanbase waiting for the Octagon to arrive in the home of the former flyweight champion, Alexa Grasso.

Guadalajara also makes logistical sense due to the elevation not being quite so steep as it is in Mexico City though it still would be a factor in any event that takes place there.
Rodrigo Del Campo González posted the key details of the UFC’s plans for Mexico on X where he pointed out that this would be the second time that the promotion has hosted two events in Mexico in the same year.

The last time around, in 2015, Cain Velasquez defended his heavyweight title against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 188 whilst later on in the year, Neil Magny and Kelvin Gastelum headlined a Fight Night event in Monterrey which failed to become a regular destination for the promotion for a variety of reasons.

WWE’s Triple H Admits Envy Over Dana White’s Noche UFC Production

WWE's Triple H Admits Envy Over Dana White’s Noche UFC ProductionTriple H is envious of what Dana White accomplished at Noche UFC. Last month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship delivered…

WWE's Triple H Admits Envy Over Dana White’s Noche UFC Production

Triple H is envious of what Dana White accomplished at Noche UFC.

Last month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship delivered on its promise to produce an event unlike anything combat sports fans had ever seen before. The promotion’s card inside the already iconic Sphere in Las Vegas was a spectacle that had everyone, including the WWE’s Chief Content Officer, swooning.

“When I see what Dana is doing and they’re just crushing it and I see stuff at The Sphere and I look at that production and I’m like, ‘I wanna do that.’ It’s just like a lot of fun,” Triple H said during a press conference following WWE Bad Blood on October 5. “Man, it’s amazing to watch them do what they do, at the level they do it, and there’s nothing like that in the world” (h/t Sportskeeda).

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Though the budget for the event exceeded $20 million, Noche UFC brought in a record-breaking $22 million gate, breaking the $17 million record set by Conor McGregor’s clash with Eddie Alvarez in November 2016.

It also eclipsed the company’s previous records for highest-grossing merchandise sales and highest-grossing sales for VIP experiences. It also generated more sponsorship dollars than any other event in UFC history.

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Noche UFC fails to close the show with a bang

As much as a spectacle as the evening was, the action inside the Octagon left a lot to be desired. Particularly in the case of the co-main and main events. Both Valentina Shevchenko and Merab Dvalishvili deployed a wrestle-heavy attack against their opponents en route to a pair of uneventful world title victories.

Their performances were dominant, but not exactly fan-friendly which left the UFC CEO a bit frustrated.

“You can control how much you spend on the production of an event, but you can’t control the fights,” White said of the lackluster title fights during the post-fight press conference.

Jon Anik Outlines ‘Silver Lining’ For The UFC After Sean O’Malley’s Title Loss

Play-by-play commentator Jon Anik thinks one recent revelation may have boosted the UFC’s spirits following the unseating of Sean O’Malley from the bantamweight throne. O’Malley’s reign came to an emphatic halt at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili earlier this month when the pair headlined the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view event inside the Sphere. The […]

Continue Reading Jon Anik Outlines ‘Silver Lining’ For The UFC After Sean O’Malley’s Title Loss at MMA News.

Play-by-play commentator Jon Anik thinks one recent revelation may have boosted the UFC’s spirits following the unseating of Sean O’Malley from the bantamweight throne.

O’Malley’s reign came to an emphatic halt at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili earlier this month when the pair headlined the UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view event inside the Sphere.

The Georgian challenger closed out the Mexican Independence Day celebration by utilizing his renowned cardio and grappling prowess en route to a convincing unanimous decision triumph over “Suga.”

That result saw O’Malley’s divisional rule end in his second defense, six months on from his first opposite Marlon “Chito” Vera in Miami. In the eyes of some, “The Machine” played spoiler for the UFC’s plan to ascend O’Malley to superstar status.

Anik, however, has explained why the organization may not be as down on the Montana native’s loss as many would expect…

Anik: UFC Avoided Possible Interim Title Scenario With O’Malley Defeat

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck, Anik reflected on the UFC’s debut event inside the Sphere on September 14, paying particular attention to the result that closed out the show.

Anik appeared to acknowledge that Dvalishvili’s win was perhaps not the outcome favored by the promotion at the time. But with the revelation regarding “Suga’s” injury — a torn labrum that requires surgery — the commentator suggested that the title changing hands could be a blessing in disguise for the UFC.

“I think the good news if you’re looking for a silver lining for the UFC is that had Sean won this fight, maybe this hip injury would have had to be repaired anyway, right?” Anik said. “And then you wonder if you need an interim champion. So I think right now, your new champion is pretty durable and willing to take on all challengers.

“And a murderers’ row, of course, awaits Sean O’Malley with the Cory Sandhagens of all the world and everybody else,” Anik continued. “There are a lot of dream-type matchups at ’35 for fight fans, right? Even Sean O’Malley and Dominick Cruz makes some semblance of sense right now. So there’s a lot of different fights at ’35 that make a lot of sense.”

It remains to be seen when O’Malley will have his chance to bounce back inside the cage, with the former champ himself giving timelines ranging from eight months to a full one-year layoff.

But throughout his stint on the sidelines, it would appear that fans are set to see plenty more social media posts claiming victory over Dvalishvili — and alongside that, plenty of X community notes…

Continue Reading Jon Anik Outlines ‘Silver Lining’ For The UFC After Sean O’Malley’s Title Loss at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili delivers savage response to Sean O’Malley’s ‘Still the champ’ claim: ‘Hard to be a dad these days’

Merab Dvalishvili delivers savage response to Sean O'Malley’s ‘Still the champ’ claim: ‘Hard to be a dad these days'Taking umbrage with claims from Sean O’Malley that he actually should’ve won at Noche UFC, new champion, Merab Dvalishvili…

Merab Dvalishvili delivers savage response to Sean O'Malley’s ‘Still the champ’ claim: ‘Hard to be a dad these days'

Taking umbrage with claims from Sean O’Malley that he actually should’ve won at Noche UFC, new champion, Merab Dvalishvili has referred to the Montana striker as his son after lodging a unanimous decision win over him to clinch the crown at the first time of trying.

Dvalishvili, the newly-minted undisputed bantamweight titleholder, headlined his first flagship event under the banner of the promotion over the course of last weekend at the Las Vegas Sphere against the undisputed, O’Malley — wrestling and grappling his way to a unanimous judging (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) victory.

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And embarking on a tirade on social media overnight, Contender Series alum, O’Malley claimed he had rewatched his fight with Merab Dvalishvili, maintaining he had won rounds one, three, and five — and thus, should’ve been awarded a decision win, insisting he is still the undisputed titleholder.

“I’M BACKKKK,” Sean O’Malley posted on his Instagram account. “AND STILL. Rewatch the fight. 1,3,5 I won. You have to beat the champ to be the champ. God if feels GOOOOOD!! Thank you guys. Can’t wait to defend my belt again.”

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“Round 1, I won that round 100%!!” Sean O’Malley posted on his official X account.

“Round 2, def lost. Took very little damage tho.”

“Round 3 was closer than round 1 in my opinion. My round. Up 2-1 going into round 4.”

“Round 4 Merab’s round for sure. 2-2 going into the 5th.”

“Round 5 I won. I am the champ. God is good. 1,3,5 round I won. Defending belt against Umar in Vegas June/July.”

“UNDEFEATED!!!”

“AND STILL!!!”

Team Khabib issues warning after Merab Dvalishvili’s silence on Umar Nurmagomedov

“Whether you hate me or love me, rewatch that fight, turn the commentary off and tell me I did not win that fight…” Sean O’Malley posted. “I’m the champ, I won! I’m the champ, where’s my belt!”

Merab Dvalishvili mocks Sean O’Malley claim to undisputed title

Responding to O’Malley’s claims, Tbilisi favorite, Dvalishvili referred to his arch-rival as his son — after claiming he would welcome all comers to the crown including Umar Nurmagomedov, and former undisputed flyweight titleholder, Deiveson Figueiredo.

It’s hard to be a dad these days,” Merab Dvalishvili posted on his official Instagram account, accompanied by him kissing a pillow with Sean O’Malley’s emblazoned on it.

Sean O’Malley claims he actually beat Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC: ‘Where’s my belt’

Sean O'Malley claims he actually beat Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC: 'Where's my belt'Despite suffering a one-sided unanimous decision defeat against arch-rival, Merab Dvalishvili over the course of last weekend in the…

Sean O'Malley claims he actually beat Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC: 'Where's my belt'

Despite suffering a one-sided unanimous decision defeat against arch-rival, Merab Dvalishvili over the course of last weekend in the main event of Noche UFC, former divisional titleholder, Sean O’Malley has boldy claimed that upon rewatching, he should have been awarded a decision win over the Georgian.

O’Malley, a former undisputed bantamweight champion, headlined the promotion’s monumental event at the Las Vegas Sphere over the course of last weekend, suffering a unanimous judging (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) loss against Tbilisi grappling and wrestling ace, Dvalishvili in the pair’s grudge title fight.

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And initially claiming he had come up short despite promising a devastating knockout win over the Serra-Longo MMA staple, O’Malley has done a complete 180, claiming he had watched his fight with Dvalishvili round-by-round — gifting himself a decision win, before claiming he should receive his title again — and defend it against Umar Nurmagomedov in the summer of next year.

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“I’M BACKKKK,” Sean O’Malley posted on his Instagram account. “AND STILL. Rewatch the fight. 1,3,5 I won. You have to beat the champ to be the champ. God if feels GOOOOOD!! Thank you guys. Can’t wait to defend my belt again.”

“Round 1, I won that round 100%!!” Sean O’Malley posted on his official X account.

“Round 2, def lost. Took very little damage tho.”

“Round 3 was closer than round 1 in my opinion. My round. Up 2-1 going into round 4.”

“Round 4 Merab’s round for sure. 2-2 going into the 5th.”

“Round 5 I won. I am the champ. God is good. 1,3,5 round I won. Defending belt against Umar in Vegas June/July.”

“UNDEFEATED!!!”

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“AND STILL!!!”

Sean O’Malley declares himself champion, argues case for win

Furthermore, Montana striker, O’Malley called fo himself to be reinstated as the undisputed bantamweight gold holder, declaring himself as the championship holder once more.

“Whether you hate me or love me, rewatch that fight, turn the commentary off and tell me I did not win that fight…” Sean O’Malley posted. “I’m the champ, I won! I’m the champ, where’s my belt!”

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Bemoans Sean O’Malley’s Lack Of ‘Killer Instinct’ After Hurting Merab Dvalishvili

UFC welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page believes Sean O’Malley failed to capitalize on an opening at the end of his recent title loss. O’Malley saw his reign as bantamweight kingpin come to an emphatic end at this past weekend’s UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view, which he headlined alongside Merab Dvalishvili inside Las Vegas’ Sphere. Having […]

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Bemoans Sean O’Malley’s Lack Of ‘Killer Instinct’ After Hurting Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page believes Sean O’Malley failed to capitalize on an opening at the end of his recent title loss.

O’Malley saw his reign as bantamweight kingpin come to an emphatic end at this past weekend’s UFC 306 (Noche UFC) pay-per-view, which he headlined alongside Merab Dvalishvili inside Las Vegas’ Sphere.

Having unseated Aljamain Sterling from the throne last year and dominated Marlon Vera in his first defense this past March, “Suga” was unable to repeat the feat against “The Machine,” who put in a dominant performance across five rounds to take the decision.

While predictions of a Dvalishvili win were common in the lead-up, many appeared to expect a more competitive display from O’Malley. And one of his UFC peers thinks he let opportunities to change the tide in the fight slip by.

Page Visibly Frustrated At O’Malley’s Striking Approach At UFC 306

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Page reacted to the two championship headliners that went down inside the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

The former Bellator title challenger and current UFC welterweight contender broke down the action, paying particularly close attention to how O’Malley approached things in his favored realm on the feet.

“MVP” shared plenty of advice that might have been useful to the defending champ throughout the bout’s duration, but he appeared especially puzzled by what he witnessed after O’Malley hurt Dvalishvili to the body late on in the final round.

“He should be tagging his leg even now. Tag his leg, land a jab, tag his body, land a jab,” Page said while watching O’Malley’s work in round five. “You can’t just do one (attack), you’ve got to go again! I think he’s just too tired. … Teep him, kick him. Now hands as well, you need to mix it all up.

“Look, how do you throw one shot and then let him move?! It don’t make sense,” Page continued, just before O’Malley hurt Dvalishvili to the body. “Oh! No! Why would you do that (spinning kick)! … Yes, go again, go again. Look, (Dvalishvili’s) desperate now. This is where he was gonna catch him but I think he’s left it too late. … What are you doing, man?! Bro, you’ve got to have a bit more killer instinct, man.”

While those close to O’Malley suggested he looked off, “Suga” has dismissed any and all excuses and simply admitted he was beaten on the night.

He’ll now focus on his recovery as he looks toward surgery on a torn labrum in the coming weeks. Beyond that, the now-former champ seems to be targeting a comeback in the second half of 2025.

Continue Reading Michael ‘Venom’ Page Bemoans Sean O’Malley’s Lack Of ‘Killer Instinct’ After Hurting Merab Dvalishvili at MMA News.