Tag: UFC 306

Tom Brady’s Role in Sparking Dana White’s Vision for UFC 306 at the Sphere

Tom Brady Dana WHite UFCTom Brady, NFL all-time great, played a piece in the UFC booking the Las Vegas Sphere for its UFC…

Tom Brady Dana WHite UFC

Tom Brady, NFL all-time great, played a piece in the UFC booking the Las Vegas Sphere for its UFC 306 event. UFC president Dana White was on the fence about this until a phone call from Tom Brady convinced him.

Tom Brady and Dana White

September 14 the UFC will host Noche UFC, a Mexican Independence Day Celebration live from the Las Vegas Sphere. It will be headlined by Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili and Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko. A stacked event with two title matches for UFC 306.

However, the UFC was originally not interested in hosting an event at The Sphere. According to Dana White, he saw a U2 concert there with his friend Tom Brady, notable for his NFL career, and then changed his mind. In an interview, he said:

“Had Tom Brady not called me and asked me to go to U2 with him, I would have never even gone to the Sphere, and would have never seen it … Every day, when I wake up, crazy s**t goes down, and we have to deal with it on the fly, and it always leads to something bigger, or some other storyline, or something crazy that goes on.”

The reason they were hesitant to book at the Sphere was because of a prior bad relationship with the company MGM. Dana White explained:

“Like, look at this thing that happened with UFC Noche. The way that this played out is we’ve been treated like absolute s**t for the last 20 years by the MGM, and because of that, they allowed (Al) Haymon, God bless him, to slide in and steal that date after I had it and I flipped out. 

Tom Brady Dana White

Football star Tom Brady is certainly a long-time fan of the UFC and a friend of Dana White. When all-time great Jon Jones was making his heavyweight debut, Tom Brady sent him a message and said:

“Hey, Jon. I wanted to say welcome back to the main stage. It’s great to see the GOAT doing what he does best and doing what he’s meant to do. So I thought seven titles was a lot, you’ve doubled it, man! I know tonight’s not gonna be easy, Ciryl Gane standing on the other side of that octagon, he’s a bad man. It’s gonna be an incredible fight, Dana knows how to put on a great show, as always, and I wouldn’t miss this one for the world.”

Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’

UFC bantamweight Marlon Vera can see former opponent Sean O’Malley stopping Merab Dvalishvili early when they square off at the Sphere. O’Malley, the reigning 135-pound champion, is currently gearing up for his second defense of the title since winning it from Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in Boston last August. “Sugar” got his divisional rule […]

Continue Reading Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’ at MMA News.

UFC bantamweight Marlon Vera can see former opponent Sean O’Malley stopping Merab Dvalishvili early when they square off at the Sphere.

O’Malley, the reigning 135-pound champion, is currently gearing up for his second defense of the title since winning it from Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 in Boston last August. “Sugar” got his divisional rule underway in emphatic style this past March, dominantly outpointing “Chito” in their headlining rematch at UFC 299 in Miami.

Vera will be the first to return to action, battling Deiveson Figueiredo this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The champ, meanwhile, is slated to put his gold on the line opposite Dvalishvili in the main event of UFC 306/Noche UFC.

O’Malley will look to stall the Georgian challenger’s title ambitions inside the unique surroundings of the Sphere on September 14. And should he connect with a shot early, Vera thinks he has a good chance of doing so…

Vera: O’Malley Could Finish Dvalishvili ‘If He Catches Him Early’

During his appearance at media day ahead of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night, Vera looked ahead to his opportunity to revive his title ambitions and commented on the next championship bout set for the 135-pound division.

After laying some heavy praise on his most recent opponent, the Ecuadorian gave a dismissive take on Dvalishvili, highlighting the knockdown he suffered opposite Henry Cejudo this past February as evidence he can be knocked out.

“(O’Malley’s) a great fighter. I would be more worried about Merab’s chin,” Vera said. “He’s been dropped by everybody. I mean, if you get dropped by Henry Cejudo, good lord. F*ck, that’s a f*cking four-foot motherf*cker right there. If he (O’Malley) catches him early, the fight could be over.”

O’Malley has shared a similar prediction, vowing to repeat the feat he achieved opposite Dvalishvili’s teammate in 2023 to deliver a statement-making second successful defense in Las Vegas this fall.

Continue Reading Marlon Vera Questions Merab Dvalishvili’s Chin Ahead Of Sean O’Malley Title Fight: ‘If You’re Getting Dropped By Cejudo…’ at MMA News.

VIDEO: Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili Go Back & Forth While Face To Face For UFC 306 Promo

The lead-up to Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306/Noche UFC headliner at the Sphere in September looks set to be a heated one. Mixed martial arts’ premier organization will stage its second celebration of Mexican Independence Day on September 14. Las Vegas is once again the host venue, but the Octagon will be in […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili Go Back & Forth While Face To Face For UFC 306 Promo at MMA News.

The lead-up to Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 306/Noche UFC headliner at the Sphere in September looks set to be a heated one.

Mixed martial arts’ premier organization will stage its second celebration of Mexican Independence Day on September 14. Las Vegas is once again the host venue, but the Octagon will be in significantly different surroundings this time around.

Instead of the T-Mobile Arena, the 2024 edition of Noche UFC will take place inside the unique Sphere venue. For months now, UFC CEO Dana White has promised a sporting spectacle like nothing seen before.

Tasked with delivering on that with blockbuster action inside the cage are headliners O’Malley and Dvalishvili, who will collide with the former’s bantamweight championship on the line in the main event.

The pair have long gone back and forth over their matchup, and that trend shows no sign of waning as UFC 306 approaches…

O’Malley, Dvalishvili Trade Barbs Over Coach Altercation

“Sugar” and his Georgian challenger recently shared the same space to complete a promotional shoot for the highly anticipated Sphere show.

Unsurprisingly, things threatened to boil over. And as O’Malley and Dvalishvili exchanged words, their fellow UFC 306 fighter Alexa Grasso reveled in the tension…

The point of discussion appeared to surround an altercation between Dvalishvili and O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch back in May. The incident also involved Aljamain Sterling, who had accused the trainer of heckling him from the corner during his title defeat to “Sugar” last August.

“I will smash O’Malley inside the cage and then smash his coach outside of the cage,” Dvalishvili said.

O’Malley told his upcoming opponent to follow through on his threats.

“If you have a problem with him, you can take it up with him. He’ll fight you. If that’s what you want. After the fight, you should definitely try to smack his face. You should definitely try that. That would be funny. You should try that.”

When Dvalishvili said he was hoping to catch up with Welch on the streets, O’Malley once again welcomed that possiblity.

“You could street fight him. I’d love to see that. You want to die? Is that what you’re saying? He’ll kill you.”

Continue Reading VIDEO: Sean O’Malley & Merab Dvalishvili Go Back & Forth While Face To Face For UFC 306 Promo at MMA News.

Video – Sean O’Malley warns Merab Dvalishvili in Noche UFC face off: ‘Do you wanna die?’

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'Officially slated to finally share the Octagon after months of speculation later this annum, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley…

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'

Officially slated to finally share the Octagon after months of speculation later this annum, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley had some words of warning for Merab Dvalishvili – who took issue with the Montana striker’s head coach, former fighter, Tim Welch.

O’Malley, the incumbent undisputed bantamweight titleholder, returns to the Octagon in September Noche UFC, taking on the surging Georgian grappling challenger, Dvalishvili in a high-profile Las Vegas Sphere card in Nevada.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

Most recently headlining UFC 298 earlier this year in Miami, Dana White’s Contender Series product, O’Malley turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera – avenging his sole professional loss.

Winning the bantamweight crown last summer, O’Malley made short work of Dvalishvili’s close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling with a second round knockout win Boston.

43992474322

Sean O’Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili

In the midst of a stunning unbeaten run, this year to boot, Tbilisi contender, Dvalishvili turned in a dominant decision win over former two-weight champion, Henry Cejudo.

And finally booking a title grudge fight at the Las Vegas Sphere, O’Malley and Dvalishvili flapped gums at each other during a promotional face-off for Noche UFC – with the former claiming his head coach, Welch would “kill” the latter if they ever wanted to settle their differences.

“If you have a problem with him (Tim Welch), you can take it up with him,” Sean O’Malley told Merab Dvalishvili. “He’ll fight you, if that’s what you want. You want to die? That’s what you’re saying? He’ll kill you.”

Merab Dvalishvili set to serve as backup to UFC 299 title fight main event already cutting weight
Mandatory Credit: Media News Group – Los Angles Daily News

Engaging a long-standing rivalry with O’Malley and his coach Welch amid the champion’s victory over his training partner, Sterling, Dvalishvili claimed he would defeat the Montana striker before targeting Welch outside the Octagon. 

As a result, Welch would fire back at the Georgian – mocking his stature and claiming he had “punted” footballs bigger than Dvalishvili. 

Who wins at Noche UFC: Sean O’Malley or Merab Dvalishvili?

Video – Sean O’Malley warns Merab Dvalishvili in Noche UFC face off: ‘Do you wanna die?’

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'Officially slated to finally share the Octagon after months of speculation later this annum, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley…

Video - Sean O'Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili in face off: 'Do you wanna die?'

Officially slated to finally share the Octagon after months of speculation later this annum, undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley had some words of warning for Merab Dvalishvili – who took issue with the Montana striker’s head coach, former fighter, Tim Welch.

O’Malley, the incumbent undisputed bantamweight titleholder, returns to the Octagon in September Noche UFC, taking on the surging Georgian grappling challenger, Dvalishvili in a high-profile Las Vegas Sphere card in Nevada.

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili Sphere

Most recently headlining UFC 298 earlier this year in Miami, Dana White’s Contender Series product, O’Malley turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Marlon Vera – avenging his sole professional loss.

Winning the bantamweight crown last summer, O’Malley made short work of Dvalishvili’s close friend and training partner, Aljamain Sterling with a second round knockout win Boston.

43992474322

Sean O’Malley issues warning to Merab Dvalishvili

In the midst of a stunning unbeaten run, this year to boot, Tbilisi contender, Dvalishvili turned in a dominant decision win over former two-weight champion, Henry Cejudo.

And finally booking a title grudge fight at the Las Vegas Sphere, O’Malley and Dvalishvili flapped gums at each other during a promotional face-off for Noche UFC – with the former claiming his head coach, Welch would “kill” the latter if they ever wanted to settle their differences.

“If you have a problem with him (Tim Welch), you can take it up with him,” Sean O’Malley told Merab Dvalishvili. “He’ll fight you, if that’s what you want. You want to die? That’s what you’re saying? He’ll kill you.”

Merab Dvalishvili set to serve as backup to UFC 299 title fight main event already cutting weight
Mandatory Credit: Media News Group – Los Angles Daily News

Engaging a long-standing rivalry with O’Malley and his coach Welch amid the champion’s victory over his training partner, Sterling, Dvalishvili claimed he would defeat the Montana striker before targeting Welch outside the Octagon. 

As a result, Welch would fire back at the Georgian – mocking his stature and claiming he had “punted” footballs bigger than Dvalishvili. 

Who wins at Noche UFC: Sean O’Malley or Merab Dvalishvili?

MMA News Today: Video Shows Paddy Pimblett Reacting Backstage To ‘Most Boring Champion’ Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Crowning, Turki Alalshikh Says UFC’s Sphere Card ‘Will Eat’ Canelo Match On Sept. 14, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 30, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Paddy Pimblett Posts Reaction To UFC 304 Main Event, Belal Muhammad Becoming Champion A video posted on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel gives fight fans a behind the scenes […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: Video Shows Paddy Pimblett Reacting Backstage To ‘Most Boring Champion’ Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Crowning, Turki Alalshikh Says UFC’s Sphere Card ‘Will Eat’ Canelo Match On Sept. 14, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 30, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Pimblett scolds Muhammad after title win
  • Alalshikh gives strong prediction for UFC vs. Canelo
  • Sonnen points out that Aspinall is finishing big guys with ease

Paddy Pimblett Posts Reaction To UFC 304 Main Event, Belal Muhammad Becoming Champion

A video posted on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel gives fight fans a behind the scenes look at his fight night experience this past weekend.

“The Baddy” delivered one of the performances of the night at UFC 304 in Manchester when he submitted King Green in the first round to earn a lightweight ranking.

The main event, however, did not end on such good terms for the UK fighters and fans as Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards to become the welterweight champion.

In the video, Pimblett is seen reacting to the official decision before going on to label Muhammad as the “most boring champion ever.”

Turki Alalshikh Not Worried About Saudi-Backed UFC 306 Going Up Against Canelo Álvarez

It’s incredibly rare to see any major sporting events going up against the UFC, but that is exactly what Canelo Álvarez will look to do on September 14 with his fight against Edgar Berlanga.

Alvarez has a track record for fighting on Mexican Independence Day, but he missed out on this last year after the UFC booked the T-Mobile Arena for the first Noche UFC card.

The MMA leader will instead be hosting UFC 306 this year at the Sphere, which is being built up to be an event like no other.

Part of the reason that both events are going head-to-head in Las Vegas is because UFC 306 is being sponsored by Riyadh Season and the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, which has allowed the UFC to go big on this particular card, meaning Álvarez could run the T-Mobile on this occasion.

Speaking to ESPN, Turki Alalshikh gave a short response to how he believes the Saudi-backed Sphere event will compete with Álvarez.

“We will eat him,”

Chael Sonnen Says Tom Aspinall Is Doing Something That Even Mike Tyson Struggled With

Tom Aspinall’s incredible ability to end fights early on means that he has unbelievably low amounts of Octagon time despite being a world champion.

The interim heavyweight champ has said it himself that he wants opponents to test him in deeper waters but nobody can take him there.

Following his one-minute finish over Curtis Blaydes this past weekend, Chael Sonnen was full of praise for the Brit in a recent YouTube video.

He compared Aspinall to arguably the greatest knockout artist combat sports has ever seen and said that he is even capable of finishing fights in ways that Mike Tyson couldn’t even accomplish.

“Mike Tyson had a hard time putting down the heavyweights that were 240, 250, 260 [pounds]. These are the guys that Tom is touching one time; this is shocking power. Tom is getting guys out of here so quickly. I don’t love the reality that in three years, Tom has been in the ring for about three minutes, but the other side of it is, what are you going to do? How are you going to stop him?”

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: Video Shows Paddy Pimblett Reacting Backstage To ‘Most Boring Champion’ Belal Muhammad’s UFC 304 Crowning, Turki Alalshikh Says UFC’s Sphere Card ‘Will Eat’ Canelo Match On Sept. 14, & More at MMA News.