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Will Olympic Gold Medalist Amit Elor Switch to MMA?

The US-born Amit Elor made history in the most recent Summer Olympic Games. In the 2024 Olympics hosted in…

The US-born Amit Elor made history in the most recent Summer Olympic Games. In the 2024 Olympics hosted in Paris, France, Elor earned the title of the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal at just the age of 20.

Amit Elor

Former Olympic Medalist and UFC title contender Sara McMann coached the young athlete to impressive success. The Olympic silver medalist McMann knows the struggles of being an Olympic-level wrestler and an MMA fighter. If you are inspired by athletes’ journeys from the Olympics to MMA, then make sure to check out gates of olympus for more.

Speaking in an interview on the success of Amit Elor, McMann said:

“I know she’s had a lot of different struggles when it comes to wrestling with some of her ups and downs, so the fact that she persisted and I got to look back and see that quality of human as the person who carries the torch for the sport I love and the country I love. I’m like a proud momma.”

After earning her gold medal, Amit Elor thanked McMann for her incredible guidance, she explained:

“I’ve been through my highs and lows and I have to say Sara’s a big reason for me being successful today and for healing my relationship with wrestling and loving the journey and staying positive. She’s been such a great influence on me.”

Amit Elor began wrestling at the incredibly young age of 4, inspired by watching her older brother’s practices. She quickly showed promise in the sport, winning multiple high school tournaments and a California Interscholastic Federation state championship during her freshman year.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Amit Elor dominated her competition. She won the gold medal in the women’s freestyle 68kg category, outscoring her opponents 31-2 over four matches and not conceding a single point in her last three bouts.

Olympic wrestler and UFC world champion Daniel Cormier said that it is only a matter of time until Amit Elor becomes a UFC fighter. He is confident that she will take gold in the UFC as well. He said:

“She’s going to fight. She’s going to be a fighter. For as good as she is in wrestling, she does really well in judo, she does tremendous in jiu-jitsu. If she does start doing [MMA] competitively, they’re going to be in trouble.

“I love when great wrestlers come into mixed martial arts, but I’m always for them doing it after they’re done chasing their Olympic dreams. You don’t get to do that again. If you have an opportunity to be the best in the world, you chase that as long as you can and then you go do something different. I don’t think it should be coming earlier than needed.

“You go and wrestle as long as you need to wrestle, and then you come to try and make the money as the UFC fighter.”

There are several UFC fighters who began their careers in the Olympics. These include such figures as Henry Cejudo and Ronda Rousey, among others. Henry Cejudo is one of the most accomplished Olympians to compete in the UFC. He won a gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Cejudo went on to become a two-division UFC champion, holding both the flyweight and bantamweight titles.

Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She became the first female UFC champion and a pioneer for women’s MMA, defending the bantamweight title six times.

The aforementioned Sara McMann won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She challenged for the UFC women’s bantamweight title in 2014 but lost to Ronda Rousey.

Daniel Cormier represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Though he didn’t medal, Cormier placed 4th in 2004. He later became a two-division UFC champion, holding both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles.

Yoel Romero won a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics representing Cuba. He had a successful UFC career as a middleweight contender, known for his athleticism. Similarly, Hector Lombard competed in judo at the 2000 Sydney Olympics for Cuba. He had a notable MMA career, becoming the Bellator middleweight champion before joining the UFC.

Will Amit Elor jump into MMA later on? If she does, the UFC title better tread lightly because she is a real threat.

Imane Khelif: JK Rowling Purges Tweets and Goes Dark Following Legal Action from Olympian: Updated

JK Rowling has recently been involved in a controversy surrounding Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif was hounded on…

JK Rowling has recently been involved in a controversy surrounding Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif. Khelif was hounded on social media over a false story accusing her of being a man competing as a woman.

JK Rowling and Imane Khelif

This situation escalated after Rowling made comments on social media regarding Khelif’s gender, incorrectly identifying her as a man. Khelif, who won a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has faced scrutiny over her gender identity due to past disqualifications from the International Boxing Association (IBA). The IBA is largely not considered a reputable organization due to corruption. The IBA never specified what they tested for. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) supported her right to compete, affirming her eligibility as a female athlete.

Imane Khelif was born a woman and competes as a woman. No test had ever said that she was intersex, had XY chromosomes, or had increased testosterone. The IBA never claimed such things. It was misinformation aimed at a minority woman. Being LGBTQ in Algeria could land a citizen in prison.

Following these events, Khelif filed a cyberbullying lawsuit in France, naming JK Rowling, Elon Musk, and others, accusing them of promoting online harassment against her. The backlash spurred the lawsuit and misinformation spread about her gender identity, which Khelif claims has caused her significant distress.

In response to the lawsuit and the surrounding controversy, JK Rowling has reportedly deleted numerous tweets related to Khelif and has gone silent on her social media platform X, formerly Twitter. This silence is notable given Rowling’s typically very active presence on the platform, especially regarding issues related to gender and transgender people.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, and while it is uncertain if billionaires JK Rowling or Elon Musk will face prosecution due to jurisdictional issues, the lawsuit highlights the broader debate over gender identity in sports and the impact of public figures’ comments on social media. JK Rowling was never censored, she is facing the consequences of the thoughts she published publicly. Elon Musk also spread misinformation on a platform where he largely controls the spread of information.

Chael Sonnen explained the controversy:

The claim that the boxer submitted a genetic test that came back with an XY chromosome—indicating that she is biologically male—is simply not true. The IBA, which initiated this whole controversy, never said such a test was done. They only mentioned that they found something, which was then appealed.

The IOC, which sees the IBA as insignificant in the broader sports world, reviewed the appeal. The IBA is relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of sports, and they never claimed that the test involved genetics or chromosomes. Everything else—this entire narrative—was fabricated by outlets and spread across the internet.

He added:

Alleging that this Algerian boxer had a test showing she had the XY chromosome, which would indicate biological maleness. But this is simply not true. The test never happened. The IBA never claimed such a test was done.

But if you care about the truth and the reality, I’ve just laid it out for you.

Update from JK Rowling

Rowling just Tweeted moments ago mocking and smearing the Algerian athlete. Many people on social media were happy to admit they were wrong due to misinformation. Instead, Rowling continues personal attacks:

“It’s important to highlight that launching a PR campaign and applying layers of thick makeup requires far more time and effort than simply making DNA test results public.”

Michael Bisping Shuts Down Jake Paul’s Olympic Hopes: No ‘Cherry-Picking’

Michael Bisping has some reservations regarding Jake Paul’s Olympic ambitions. After the United States failed to secure a boxing…

Michael Bisping has some reservations regarding Jake Paul’s Olympic ambitions.

After the United States failed to secure a boxing medal at this year’s Summer Games in Paris, ‘The Problem Child’ declared that he would enter the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and end America’s drought.

By the time the next Olympics rolls around, it will have been 20 years since Deontay Wilderer brought home a bronze medal in the heavyweight division. You’d have to go back another 20 years to find its last gold medal victory which came courtesy of former WBO champion Ray Mercer at the 1988 games in Seoul.

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If Paul manages to fight his way through the Olympic trials and make the podium in four years, he will stand alongside some of boxing’s biggest names.

“Fair enough, the man wants to go and compete in the Olympics, and you know what, I’ve actually got a lot of respect for him,” Bisping said via his YouTube channel. “Jake Paul is kind of doing it the opposite way around because he’s very famous, he’s had a lot of professional boxing fights, and he’s going to go to the amateurs. But the guy that just won the Olympic gold medal has actually had four professional boxing bouts as well.

“Now, if Jake Paul were to win the Olympics, I mean, that would be incredible, and he would join the likes of the great Muhammad Ali, the GOAT George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Mark Breland—the list goes on and on” (h/t MMA News).

jake paul will be in for a rude awakening at the Olympics

However, Bisping made it clear that competing in the Olympics will be unlike any of the professional bouts Paul has competed in thus far. With the tournament format, Paul will be deprived of advantages like cutting weight and cherry-picking past-their-prime opponents.

“For Jake Paul, if you did go and fight in the Olympics, well, first of all, it wouldn’t be his promotion, would it? So he wouldn’t be able to cherry-pick opponents; he wouldn’t be able to take people that are way past their sell-by date, like Mike Tyson. If he goes to the Olympics, a lot of things will change, that’s for sure. Number one, he wouldn’t be able to cut weight because, in the Olympics, you’re going to have to box every few days.

“It wouldn’t be his promotion, so everything’s not going to be centered around him. There wouldn’t be a massive payday on display; he will be doing it literally to represent his country, to test himself, and potentially to become an Olympic gold medalist.”

Paul is currently scheduled to square off with ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson on Friday, November 15 at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Last month, he earned a sixth-round TKO against the BKFC’s ‘King of Violence’ Mike Perry in Miami. Overall, Paul is 10-1 with seven of his victories coming by way of knockout.

Former UFC Champion Reacts To Jake Paul Making Olympics 2028 Gold Medal Prediction: ‘He Wouldn’t Be Able To Cherry Pick Opponents…’

Michael Bisping recently expressed his reservations about Jake Paul’s ambitions to compete in boxing at the 2028 Olympics. In the latest episode of his podcast, “The Problem Child” voiced his frustration with the underwhelming performance of American boxers at the Paris Olympics. He stated that the setback has ignited his desire to throw his hat […]

Continue Reading Former UFC Champion Reacts To Jake Paul Making Olympics 2028 Gold Medal Prediction: ‘He Wouldn’t Be Able To Cherry Pick Opponents…’ at MMA News.

Michael Bisping recently expressed his reservations about Jake Paul’s ambitions to compete in boxing at the 2028 Olympics.

In the latest episode of his podcast, “The Problem Child” voiced his frustration with the underwhelming performance of American boxers at the Paris Olympics. He stated that the setback has ignited his desire to throw his hat into the ring for the upcoming Summer Games in Los Angeles, United States, four years from now.

“I’m going to enter the 2028 Olympics for boxing in Los Angeles,” Paul said. “I’m sick and tired of waiting around, waiting for another gold for Team U.S.A. … I probably just added a couple more years on to my boxing career because of that, but Los Angeles, United States, sick as f**k.

Paul’s quest for a gold medal is fueled by the fact that the U.S. has not claimed a boxing medal in the heavyweight division since Deontay Wilder secured a bronze in 2008. The last time an American heavyweight struck gold was when Ray Mercer triumphed in 1988 against Tommy Morrison.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the influencer boxing scene, boasting a 10-1 career record, highlighted by a TKO victory over Mike Perry on June 20. However, of his 11 bouts, six have been against opponents with five or fewer professional boxing matches under their belts, including notable retired MMA stars like Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Ben Askren.

Paul usually competes at around 200 pounds, placing him in the heavyweight division should he ever qualify for the Olympics. However, the road ahead will be long and challenging. To even reach the Olympic trials, American boxers must meet six stringent eligibility requirements and secure a top-two finish in a qualifier tournament within an Olympic weight category.

“The Count” insists that making it to the Olympics is no small feat, and Paul won’t have the advantages he enjoyed under his own banner, Most Valuable Promotions…

Bisping Doubts Paul Can Handle Rigors Of Olympic Boxing Standards

During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Bisping responded to Paul’s ambitions of competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics. The former UFC middleweight champion acknowledged the success and fame “The Problem Child” has achieved in his professional boxing career but pointed out that to contend in such elite sporting events, Paul would need to measure up to some of the greatest boxers of all time.

“Fair enough, the man wants to go and compete in the Olympics, and you know what, I’ve actually got a lot of respect for him,” Bisping said. “Jake Paul is kind of doing it the opposite way around because he’s very famous, he’s had a lot of professional boxing fights, and he’s going to go to the amateurs. But the guy that just won the Olympic gold medal has actually had four professional boxing bouts as well. Now, if Jake Paul were to win the Olympics, I mean, that would be incredible, and he would join the likes of the great Muhammad Ali, the GOAT George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Oscar De La Hoya, Lennox Lewis, Pernell Whitaker, Mark Breland—the list goes on and on.”

However, the UFC Hall of Famer went on to highlight that the real test for Paul in competing at the Olympics isn’t just about his skill in the ring. The true challenge will be stepping outside the comfort of his own promotions, enduring the grind of fighting day after day, and managing the rigorous weight cuts required to qualify for the competition.

“For Jake Paul, if you did go and fight in the Olympics, well, first of all, it wouldn’t be his promotion, would it? So he wouldn’t be able to cherry-pick opponents; he wouldn’t be able to take people that are way past their sell-by date, like Mike Tyson. If he goes to the Olympics, a lot of things will change, that’s for sure. Number one, he wouldn’t be able to cut weight because, in the Olympics, you’re going to have to box every few days. It wouldn’t be his promotion, so everything’s not going to be centered around him. There wouldn’t be a massive payday on display; he will be doing it literally to represent his country, to test himself, and potentially to become an Olympic gold medalist.”

Paul is scheduled to take on former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking the first-ever combat sports event to stream live on Netflix.

“The Problem Child” has faced significant criticism for consistently choosing opponents much older than himself, particularly in this matchup with “Iron Mike”, who is a staggering 31 years his senior.

Read More: Former UFC Champion Feels Alex Pereira vs. Jake Paul Not A Foregone Conclusion: ‘I Don’t Think It’s An Unwinnable Fight For Jake’

Continue Reading Former UFC Champion Reacts To Jake Paul Making Olympics 2028 Gold Medal Prediction: ‘He Wouldn’t Be Able To Cherry Pick Opponents…’ at MMA News.

Jake Paul looking to Box in the Olympics: ‘Gold medal, you’re mine’

Now eleven fights deep into his professional boxing career, the polarizing, Jake Paul has confirmed plan to make a…

Now eleven fights deep into his professional boxing career, the polarizing, Jake Paul has confirmed plan to make a somewhat surprising outing in an amateur format – in the form of a trip to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California – in search of a gold medal win.

Paul, who most recently featured against former UFC welterweight challenger, and BFKC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) star, Mike Perry, turned in an impressive win over the Michigan striker, courtesy of a sixth round knockout win.

Expected to return and take on former world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson before the end of the year, Paul also called for a matchup alongside current UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira next to boot.

Jake Paul plans Olympic Games move in 2028

And amid this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, France – Ohio native, Paul has suggested he make a spectacular appearance at the next edition of the summer games, in Los Angeles – vowing to take home the gold medal.

Jake Paul wants 'Tougher challenge' than Conor McGregor

“I’m going to enter the 2028 Olympics for boxing in Los Angeles,” Jake Paul said on his YouTube channel. “I’m sick and tired of waiting for another gold medal for Team USA. I’m not retiring. I probably just added a couple of years onto my boxing career because of that. Gold medal, you’re mine, brother.”

“Being a world champion is first and foremost, and second is a gold medal,” Jake Paul continued.

Over the course of his professional boxing career, Paul has taken home notable wins over the likes of Nate Diaz, as well as former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva – and has knocked out former mixed martial arts titleholders, Tyron Woodley, as well as Ben Askren during their rivalries.

In his sole professional loss, Paul lost his ‘0’ in a split decision defeat against Tommy Fury back in February of last year in Saudi Arabia.

Imane Khelif Shines Amid Controversy, Claims Olympic Gold Medal

Algeria’s Imane Khelif is an Olympic champion. The 25-year-old Khelif defeated China’s Yang Liu 5-0 in the women’s 66kg…

Algeria’s Imane Khelif is an Olympic champion.

The 25-year-old Khelif defeated China’s Yang Liu 5-0 in the women’s 66kg finals on Friday in Paris. It was a dominant run for Khelif who dispatched three opponents en route to her first-ever Olympic gold medal.

“I’m very happy. For eight years, this has been my dream and I’m now the Olympic champion and gold medallist,” Khelif said after the win. “I’ve worked for eight years, no sleep, eight years tired. Now I’m Olympic champion…

“I want to thank all the people who have come to support me. All the people from Algeria and all the people at my base. I want to thank all the team, my coach. Thank you so much” (h/t MMA Junkie).

Unfortunately, Khelif found herself competing against much more than her opponents inside the ring throughout the Summer Games.

Following her 46-second TKO win over Angela Carino of Italy, rumors spread that Khelif was a biological male after it was revealed that the International Boxing Association had disqualified her from competing at the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi.

Khelif along with one other boxer, Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, allegedly failed a gender test resulting in the IBA’s dismissal of both fighters, though the type of test administered was never disclosed by the organization which is run by Russian president Umar Kremlev.

Still, the news spread like wildfire prompting practically everyone under the sun to call for Khelif to be DQ’d from the remainder of the Olympics.

Fortunately, the truth prevailed as both International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and high-ranking officials from Algeria all confirmed that Khelif was born a woman and has identified as such for her entire life. It was also pointed out that in Khelif’s home country, being transgender is illegal, and any procedures associated with the transition from one gender to another are strictly prohibited.

Several Celebrities Walk Back their initial comments on Imane Khelif

After spreading a slew of misinformation, athletes and celebrities including two-time UFC champion Israel Adesanya, WWE Superstar Logan Paul, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields all walked back their comments, admitting that they had reacted to the initial reports hastily.

Instead of allowing the controversy to consume her, Khelif opted to use it as fuel, believing that her success would feel even greater in the face of such hate.

“They are enemies of my success,” she said. “That is what I call them. That also gives my success a special taste because of these attacks.”