Tag: Noche UFC

Merab Dvalishvili On After Becoming A UFC Champion: ‘If I Die, I Don’t Care’

Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on what it would mean to him if he were to finally capture UFC gold. “The Machine” has the opportunity to make his dream a reality this Saturday night as he challenges UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306, set to take place […]

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili On After Becoming A UFC Champion: ‘If I Die, I Don’t Care’ at MMA News.

Merab Dvalishvili recently shared his thoughts on what it would mean to him if he were to finally capture UFC gold.

“The Machine” has the opportunity to make his dream a reality this Saturday night as he challenges UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley in the main event of Noche UFC 306, set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With a remarkable 10-fight winning streak under his belt, Dvalishvili has been relentlessly pushing for a long-overdue title opportunity. However, O’Malley chose to defend his belt against Marlon Vera at UFC 299 this past March, successfully avenging the only blemish on his otherwise stellar UFC record.

The 33-year-old Georgian enters the bout riding high after a commanding unanimous decision victory over former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 in February. Dvalishvili’s unbeaten streak boasts decisive wins over elite competition, including former champions Petr Yan and José Aldo, as well as a host of other top-tier opponents.

Dvalishvili has undeniably toiled tirelessly for his long-awaited title shot, and now he’s primed to prove his mettle on one of the sport’s grandest stages. ‘The Machine’ is more determined than ever to clinch the 135-pound belt…

Dvalishvili Says He’ll Feel ‘Relieved’ After Dethroning O’Malley At Noche UFC 306

During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, “The Machine” gave his insights into the upcoming title clash with O’Malley at Noche UFC 306.

Dvalishvili opened up about the significance of becoming a UFC champion, a status he says he has diligently worked towards throughout his career.

“We [fighters] have just one dream: to become UFC champion,” Dvalishvili said. “After that, I’m really, truly telling you, if I die, I don’t care. I cannot even imagine [having the belt put on me], man. I just want to feel the reality. I am doing everything for that. I don’t wanna even dream about it.”

Dvalishvili also mentioned that he’s uncertain about his plans following a potential title victory this weekend, but he’s certain it would lift a significant weight off his shoulders. He expressed a desire to show that even an ordinary person can achieve their dreams through unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.

“I don’t know what I’m gonna say, I don’t know what I’m gonna do, but I know one thing for sure: I will be so happy, so relieved, and I know I will do lots of great things with the gold and with the UFC belt,” Dvalishvili continued. “I want to travel the world, and I wanna show the people I’m just a normal guy, a small guy, but I’m hardworking, and if I work hard and I got this belt, you guys can get everything too. Just work hard and just chase your dream. Believe in yourself.”

While Dvalishvili is projected to be the toughest challenge for “Suga” so far, achieving victory won’t be a walk in the park. O’Malley, an elite-level striker, presents a formidable threat with his heavy hands, which could effectively counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling-heavy style.

Continue Reading Merab Dvalishvili On After Becoming A UFC Champion: ‘If I Die, I Don’t Care’ at MMA News.

‘Maybe That $20 Million Wasn’t So Well Spent…’ – Fans React To Dana White Hologram At The Sphere For Noche UFC 306

The UFC has attempted to go above and beyond to make Noche UFC (UFC 306) an event for the ages that will no one will forget in a hurry. From the moment that Dana White started hyping the event up as a once in a lifetime spectacle, there have been high expectations for the first […]

Continue Reading ‘Maybe That $20 Million Wasn’t So Well Spent…’ – Fans React To Dana White Hologram At The Sphere For Noche UFC 306 at MMA News.

The UFC has attempted to go above and beyond to make Noche UFC (UFC 306) an event for the ages that will no one will forget in a hurry.

From the moment that Dana White started hyping the event up as a once in a lifetime spectacle, there have been high expectations for the first combat sports event that will be taking place inside the Sphere.

Details of what fans inside the building and those watching from home will experience have certainly helped to shed some light on what exactly will be different on September 14. That being said, by the UFC CEO’s own admission, there are some things that everyone is going to have to wait and see to find out whether it works or not.

One thing that fans who are in attendance this Saturday can expect is a greeting from the boss himself, as well as several fighters, via the use of holograms in the lobby of the Sphere.

A press release provided more information on this additional feature for the fans.

“Top names from the UFC roster will appear in life-size, volumetric 4K in Proto machines for fans to interact with in the lobby of  Sphere. UFC CEO Dana White will also appear in hologram form. It is the first time Proto holograms have been used in the world of MMA. It will give fans an unprecedented selfie experience with their heroes. It is also the first time Proto will be used inside Sphere.”

MMA Fans React To Dana White & UFC Fighter Holograms For UFC 306

There has been some criticism regarding UFC 306, even if the event sounds like it’s going to be fairly unique and distinct from regular PPV cards.

The promotion has certainly spent a lot of money to deliver that, largely thanks to the backing of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, which is sponsoring the event as part of Riyadh Season.

Fans on social media reacted to the news that, going along with all of the new bells and whistles that have been added for Saturday night, holograms are now in on the act also.

“If no one slips in a ‘Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi-you’re my only hope.’ Opportunity lost.”

“Maybe that $20 million for production wasn’t so well spent…”

“Tickets to UFC Noche: $3,000 UFC Noche Fighter Merch: $250 Food and Drinks at the Sphere: $450 Having hologram Dana White scream at you that Jon Jones is the P4P number 1 as soon as you enter the Sphere: PRICELESS!”

“A hologram of Dana White and Jon Jones hugging probably”

“ah yes, the star of the show”

“Cringe lmaoooo”

Continue Reading ‘Maybe That $20 Million Wasn’t So Well Spent…’ – Fans React To Dana White Hologram At The Sphere For Noche UFC 306 at MMA News.

‘Next question’: Dana White denies UFC 306 Fighters’ bonus request

'Next question': Dana White denies UFC 306 Fighters' bonus requestAppearing to stay true to his word, UFC CEO, Dana White refused to be drawn on calls to once…

'Next question': Dana White denies UFC 306 Fighters' bonus request

Appearing to stay true to his word, UFC CEO, Dana White refused to be drawn on calls to once more increase post-fight bonus pay ahead of this weekend’s Noche UFC event — after the long-time promotional president insisted he would not make any more increases following July’s infamous trip to Manchester in the early hours.

Set to return to the United States this weekend following a recent trip ‘Downunder’ for their next flagship card, the organization hosts a Noche UFC event during Mexican Independence Day weekend — with a massive championship fight doubleheader featuring at the Las Vegas Sphere.

omalley noche

In the night’s headliner, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley returns in a championship grudge fight against surging number one ranked divisional contender, Merab Dvalishvili in the pair’s heated showdown for gold.

Dana White shuts down request to increase Noche UFC bonus pay

And in the night’s co-main event, flyweight stars, Alexa Grasso meets with the returning ex-champion, Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy title fight — following a pair of prior showdowns last year for the 125lbs crown.

grasso noche

And during last night’s press conference, despite vigorous chanting from both fighters and attending fans alike ahead of Noche UFC — promotional boss, White refused to be drawn on calls to increase post-fight bonuses — asking for the “next question” to be presented.

Earlier this summer, the long-time promotional leader insisted he would never increase post-fight bonuses in the future following in his opinion, a measly performance from fighters during the UFC 304 card in Manchester — which took place in the early hours of the morning.

““I think tonight showed that we should not up [the post-fight bonuses],” Dana White told assembled media after UFC 304. “Upping them doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t make anybody fight any harder. It doesn’t change anything. I’m not doing this again ever. Ever.”

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“Today was the last day that I’m doing that,” Dana White continued. “I’m not saying that in the future, the bonuses couldn’t get up, but I’m not going to be at a press conference and have [people] say, ‘$200,000, $300,000,’ f*cking never again, never again.”

Noche UFC 306 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili, Grasso vs. Shevchenko, & More

Noche UFC (UFC 306) is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for Saturday’s lineup. The upcoming pay-per-view takes place Saturday, September 14, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at […]

Continue Reading Noche UFC 306 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili, Grasso vs. Shevchenko, & More at MMA News.

Noche UFC (UFC 306) is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for Saturday’s lineup.

The upcoming pay-per-view takes place Saturday, September 14, at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.

Topping the lineup will be reigning UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley, who is tasked with getting the better of the surging Merab Dvalishvili if he’s to record a second successful title defense and stall the Georgian’s bid to exact revenge for his teammate Aljamain Sterling’s loss to “Sugar” last year.

Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see Alexa Grasso making a defense of her flyweight gold at the Mexican Independence Day celebration for the second straight year. After her Noche UFC headline rematch with Valentina Shevchenko ended in a draw in 2023, the pair will complete their trilogy inside the Sphere after coaching opposite one another on this year’s edition of The Ultimate Fighter.

Also set to make the walk on Saturday night will be the likes of featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes, former 135-pound title challenger Irene Aldana, and highly touted youngster Raul Rosas Jr.

Ahead of the event, you can get some help from the group of experts at MMA News by checking out their predictions for the Noche UFC 306 main card here.

Noche UFC 306: O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili Betting Odds

Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC 306 (as of 9/13), courtesy of DraftKings.

Main Card:

  • Sean O’Malley (-125) vs. Merab Dvalishvili (+105)
  • Alexa Grasso (-130) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (+110)
  • Brian Ortega (+164) vs. Diego Lopes (-198)
  • Daniel Zellhuber (-230) vs. Esteban Ribovics (+190)
  • Ronaldo Rodriguez (-155) vs. Ode’ Osbourne (+130)

Preliminary Card:

  • Irena Aldana (-115) vs. Norma Dumont (-105)
  • Manuel Torres (-135) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (+114)
  • Yazmin Jauregui (-520) vs. Ketlen Souza (+390)
  • Edgar Cháirez (+195) vs. Joshua Van (-238)
  • Raul Rosas Jr. (-1000) vs. Aoriqileng (+650)

Continue Reading Noche UFC 306 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For O’Malley vs. Dvalishvili, Grasso vs. Shevchenko, & More at MMA News.

Israel Adesanya Predicts How Sean O’Malley Will Fare Against ‘Khabib-esque Mauler’ Merab Dvalishvili 

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is high on the striking of Sean O’Malley, and he thinks Merab Dvalishvili will be in trouble if he finds himself in front of it for too long. The promotion stages its second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day this weekend, with the unique Sphere venue in Las […]

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Predicts How Sean O’Malley Will Fare Against ‘Khabib-esque Mauler’ Merab Dvalishvili  at MMA News.

Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is high on the striking of Sean O’Malley, and he thinks Merab Dvalishvili will be in trouble if he finds himself in front of it for too long.

The promotion stages its second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day this weekend, with the unique Sphere venue in Las Vegas playing host to Noche UFC (UFC 306) on Sept. 14.

Two pieces of gold will be on the line, with O’Malley’s second defense of the bantamweight title set to follow the trilogy fight between flyweight elites Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko.

Not many main events this year have split opinions and predictions quite like O’Malley’s upcoming showdown with Dvalishvili. And the latest to reveal which side of the fence they sit on is no stranger to the positions of both champion and challenger…

Adesanya Backs O’Malley To Meet Dvalishvili’s Takedowns With KO Blow

During a video recently uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya broke down and predicted the major matchups set to unfold inside the Sphere on Saturday night.

“The Last Stylebender” paid close attention to the headliner, assessing how the champ will handle a smothering grappling style from the challenger that he branded similar to that of the great Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Despite high praise for Dvalishvili, however, Adesanya is backing O’Malley to find the knockout blow as the Georgian enters range in pursuit of a takedown.

“Aljo (Aljamain Sterling) couldn’t get him down, and Aljo trains with Merab. I’m sure Merab might get him down, but Sean will probably get back up. And if he (Dvalishvili) doesn’t get him down, he’s in trouble,” Adesanya said. “Styles make fights. Merab’s style is not Aljamain’s style. When we trained together, he had a different pace, cardio, and different energy as well. … Sean can fight. I’ve seen him in round four, round five look clean. But Merab is like, Khabib-esque. He’s a mauler.

“While Sean’s finding his groove, Merab’s gonna put it on him and just try to take him down. If he gets him down, it’ll be just when Sean gets tired,” Adesanya continued. “When you know someone is coming for a takedown constantly, you can find it, you can find the shot, and Sean can find the shot. … Yeah, I’m gonna go Sean by TKO.”

O’Malley will look to prove Adesanya’s prediction correct come fight night in Las Vegas by sending Dvalishvili to the same fate as teammate Sterling fell to in August 2023.

In doing so, “Sugar” would move closer to his ultimate ambitions on MMA’s biggest stage, which includes a shot at two-division glory up at featherweight and a place in the GOAT conversation.

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Predicts How Sean O’Malley Will Fare Against ‘Khabib-esque Mauler’ Merab Dvalishvili  at MMA News.

Jorge Masvidal Gives Ominous Prediction for UFC 306: “It’s going to be f**king amazing.”

Jorge Masvidal Gives Ominous Prediction for UFC 306: "It’s going to be f**king amazing."Jorge Masvidal expects great things out of the UFC’s highly anticipated debut at Sphere in Las Vegas. On September…

Jorge Masvidal Gives Ominous Prediction for UFC 306: "It’s going to be f**king amazing."

Jorge Masvidal expects great things out of the UFC’s highly anticipated debut at Sphere in Las Vegas.

On September 14, the UFC is set to present a combat sports event like no other alongside two massive world title clashes. In the co-main event of the evening, Valentina Shevchenko will look to reclaim the flyweight women’s title when he meets the division’s reigning queen, Alexa Grasso. Their trilogy fight comes one year removed from a controversial split draw in their rematch at last year’s Noche UFC event.

Jorge Masvidal on Noche UFC

Then in the UFC 306 headliner, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley puts his bantamweight gold for the second time in 2024 when he squares off with the division’s top-ranked contender, Merab Dvalishvili.

Having already seen an event inside Sphere first-hand, two-time welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal expects this weekend’s once-in-a-lifetime card to deliver something truly special.

Jorge Masvidal on Noche UFC

“I don’t know if it’ll [the venue] impact the way they fight so much,” Masvidal told Kevin Iole. “It’s going to be an experience, though, because I’ve been in there [the Sphere] for a 3D show, and it was amazing. It was mind-blowing—the graphics, the stuff—but obviously, they’re not doing that now. But I still think they’ll play a lot of the graphics on their projectors and stuff, so it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I really wish I could have made it to this event. The card is stacked from top to bottom with a lot of up-and-coming talent. It’s going to be f*cking amazing, maybe even some future world champions on this card right here. So I think it’s a great, great card, man” (h/t MMA News).

Jorge Masvidal excited for UFC 306 main event

Masvidal also shared his excitement for the long-awaited clash between O’Malley and ‘The Machine,’ suggesting that ‘Sugar’ could end things early, but it’ll ultimately come down to whoever keeps it “more real” inside the Octagon.

“The main event is one that I’ll be watching closely, brother. I’ll be watching the main event 100%. I’m a big fan of both of them. I love Merab’s style—just coming forward, does not give a f*ck, does not know how to get tired. This guy just has an unbelievable gas tank, is pretty good at wrestling, and now he’s mixing it up better, where he’s throwing punches and getting right to it.

“But Sean is a sniper—one shot, one kill type of guy. Great athlete with great distance, great timing, and the longer arms, so it’s going to be a battle. I think whoever can keep it more real is obviously going to win, but it’s going to be a battle no matter what. I think it’s going to end up being a really good fight, or maybe I can see Sean maybe catching him early too—you never know.”

Jorge Masvidal on Noche UFC