Snoop Dogg congratulates Sean O’Malley on title win – “The Sugar Show starts now”
Sean O’Malley made history at UFC 292. The 28-year-old Montana native dethroned Aljamain Sterling via a stunning second-round knockout to claim the bantamweight title. Against all betting odds, O’Malley ended the ‘Funk Master’s nine-fight unbeaten streak and prevented his fourth consecutive title defense. Given his incredible performance against such a dangerous opponent, ‘Suga’ was unsurprisingly showered with praise from several high-profile individuals. Among his most notable admirers was none other than rapper Snoop Dogg. The American musical icon, known to be a dedicated MMA fan, wasted no time congratulating O’Malley for his achievement. Soon after ‘Suga’ got his hand raised, the iconic rapper took to Instagram to post an old video of O’Malley from his Dana White’s Contender Series days. He wrote: “I knew he was a Dogg the first time I seen him swing let the Suga show begin. @sugasean @danawhite.” Snoop Dogg later followed up by posting a video on his Twitter handle, thanking O’Malley for securing a big wager payout for him. Giving Sean O’Malley his flowers, he said: “Great f**king win champ. The ‘Suga Show’ starts now. You made me some money last night nephew.” Sean O’Malley and Ryan Garcia go back and forth on social media after ‘Suga’ outlines boxing plans It seems there is no love lost between Sean O’Malley and Ryan Garcia. After O’Malley’s title win against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292, the 28-year-old outlined some ambitious plans for his future. It appears ‘Suga’ has boxing on his mind. At the UFC 292 post-fight press conference, O’Malley expressed his desire to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in the boxing ring. Speaking to reporters, Sean O’Malley promised to knock out ‘Tank’ in the squared circle someday. While O’Malley is widely known to possess some of the best striking skills in the UFC, former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia doesn’t think he can hold his own against a professional boxer. Warning ‘Suga’ about getting knocked out in the boxing ring, he tweeted: “SUGA Sean. You are good and all. But stop talking about this, “I’m going to box stuff.” You’ll just get knocked out.” Not one to take insults sitting back, Sean O’Malley fired back. Referencing Garcia’s last seventh-round knockout loss against Davis, he wrote: “Like you did or different?”
Aljamain Sterling reflects on title loss to Sean O’Malley – “All feels like a bad, bad dream”
Aljamain Sterling is still processing his title loss against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. The ‘Funk Master’ recently reacted to Alexander Volkanovski’s statement regarding the outcome of Sterling vs. O’Malley and claimed the loss still felt like a nightmare. O’Malley defeated Sterling via second-round knockout to claim the 135-pound title and end the ‘Funk Master’s incredible nine-fight unbeaten streak. It’s well-known that Sterling intended to move up to the featherweight division and face ‘The Great’ after his fourth title defense. Unfortunately, in light of how the former bantamweight champion lost his title, Volkanovski recently dismissed that possibility. The featherweight king also pointed out that if Aljamain Sterling had won, he could’ve replaced Ilia Topuria as his next opponent. Reacting to a Twitter post quoting Alexander Volkanovski from a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Aljamain Sterling wrote: “This all still feels like a bad, bad dream. Unfortunately, it’s not. This sport is really something…. I’m just gonna let it fuel me. I’ll be back.” In the aftermath of UFC 292, Sterling expressed his desire for an immediate rematch. Given how Sean O’Malley managed to secure a knockout victory, Sterling also admitted he wasn’t prepared to face a champion as dominant as Volkanovski. With ‘Suga’ calling for a rematch against Marlon Vera, it remains to be seen who the ‘Funk Master’ fights next. Aljamain Sterling on the one mistake that cost him the fight against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292 Aljamain Sterling is undoubtedly among the greatest bantamweight champions the UFC has ever seen. With the most wins, most consecutive title defenses, and longest win streak in divisional history, the ‘Funk Master’ is the most dominant 135-pound champion ever. Unfortunately, even the best stumble. In the second round of his fight against Sean O’Malley, Sterling shot an overextended left hand. However, ‘Suga’ saw it coming and countered with a hard right that sent Sterling crashing to the canvas. A follow-up barrage of shots by O’Malley forced the referee to step in and end the contest at round two’s 51-second mark. In the UFC 292 post-fight presser, Aljamain Sterling remained humble in defeat. Outlining the one mistake he shouldn’t have made, the ‘Funk Master’ said: “He stayed disciplined to his game plan, and I kind of let trying to be a little bit more of an exciting style for the fans play a factor. We’ve seen the [Israel Adesanya]-Yoel Romero fight. We’ve seen bad fights before, where it’s like not much happens because no one wants to make that grave mistake. I made the mistake, Sean capitalized. I paid for it.” Watch the full video below:
Former UFC title challenger OUT of his fight at upcoming UFC 293 Sydney PPV
The UFC 293 pay-per-view event has taken another hit. Former flyweight title challenger Kai Kara-France has been forced to pull out of his highly anticipated bout against Manel Kape due to a medical issue. As a high-profile regional fighter, the New Zealand native was among the biggest names competing on the Sydney card. Unfortunately, it seems Kara-France suffered a concussion while training, and after consulting medical professionals, ‘Don’t Blink’ has decided to pull out of his UFC 293 bout. Taking to social media to announce the unfortunate news, Kai Kara-France apologized to fight fans and stated: “I just wanted to come on here and give you guys an update. Unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from my next fight in Sydney, Australia at UFC 293. I suffered a concussion over the weekend in training. I’ve been speaking to my coaches, my team, and my family, they all think it’s the right decision to put my health first.” He continued: “I just want to say sorry to all the friends and family that bought tickets, flights, accommodation… I’m gutted I won’t be a part of this card. It’s been a tough week with my second son being born as well as me pulling out of this fight. Mixed emotions. Frustrated…I appreciate the ongoing support and we’ll be back soon. Much love.” UFC 293 updates: Kai Kara-France to be replaced by newcomer Felipe Dos Santos Manel Kape will compete at UFC 293 as scheduled. After Kai Kara-France pulled out of his bout against Kape, the UFC has reportedly decided to replace him with newcomer Felipe Dos Santos. As per an initial report by MMA Fighting, the Brazilian has agreed to step in on short notice. Dos Santos was initially slated to face Luciano Pereira at Dana White’s Contender Series but Pereira was forced to withdraw due to medical concerns. While both sides have agreed to fight at UFC 293, contracts have yet to be signed. Felipe Dos Santos is a teammate of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at Chute Boxe Diego Lima. He is 7-0 as a professional fighter with one no-contest on his record. He last defeated Hugo Paiva via unanimous decision under the LFA banner in November 2022. Meanwhile, Manel Kape is on a three-fight winning streak. After joining the UFC in February 2021, he lost two consecutive fights against Alexandre Pantoja and Matheus Nicolau. After that, Kape went on to defeat Ode Osbourne, Zhalgas Zhumagulov, and David Dvorak. While the No.10-ranked flyweight was undoubtedly looking forward to facing a top-five-ranked opponent, he must settle for welcoming a newcomer to the UFC.
Top UFC bantamweights react to Sean O’Malley’s bantamweight title win at UFC 292
Sean O’Malley is the new UFC bantamweight champion. The 28-year-old recently defeated Aljamain Sterling at UFC 292 via second-round knockout to secure the 135-pound strap. After a close first round, Sterling was ahead on the judges’ scorecards. However, in the second round, O’Malley capitalized on Sterling rushing in with a left hand and landed a cracking right hand that sent the ‘Funk Master’ crashing to the canvas. ‘Suga’ followed up with a barrage of shots that ended the contest after 51 seconds into the second screen. Needless to say, many had differing opinions on Sean O’Malley winning the belt and took to Twitter to share their thoughts. Aljamain Sterling’s close friend and training partner Merab Dvalishvili wrote: “Another f**king early stoppage! I pray that me or my teammates don’t have Marc Goddard in the cage again. We are FIGHTERS… let us fight till the end.” O’Malley’s longtime rival and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo wrote: “Congratulations pu**y @SugaSeanMMA. How can you say you’re the best in the world when you’re not even the best in our city? @danawhite can’t give him ‘Chito’ because he sucks and if you give him Merat, he’s only going to wrestle. Let’s run it in PHX.” Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan wrote: “Our rematch have to happen sooner or later.” Marlon Vera, who Sean O’Malley called out after his win, wrote: “Send me contract ok?” Snoop Dogg on Sean O’Malley becoming the new UFC bantamweight champion Rapper Snoop Dogg recently weighed in on Sean O’Malley winning the UFC bantamweight championship. The American music icon is well-known for his love for MMA and is often seen enjoying UFC events live. Reacting to O’Malley’s incredible second-round knockout victory, Snoop Dogg took to Instagram and shared an old video of ‘Suga’ from his Dana White’s Contender Series days. Praising O’Malley for his title-winning performance at UFC 292, the rapper wrote: “I knew he was a Dogg the first time I seen him swing let the Suga show begin. @sugasean @danawhite.” After Sean O’Malley got the 135-pound strap wrapped around his waist, he called out Marlon Vera for a rematch. Proposing a fight at UFC 296 in December, O’Malley pointed at ‘Chito’ and expressed his intention to defend his title against the Ecuadorian. They last fought at UFC 252 in 2020. Vera beat O’Malley via first-round knockout.
NBA superstar hails new UFC champ Sean O’Malley – “Suga Sean really a different beast”
Kevin Durant was all praise for Sean O’Malley after ‘Suga’s title win last weekend. The 28-year-old Montana native defeated Aljamain Sterling via an incredible second-round knockout at UFC 282 in Boston. While neither fighter committed too much early on in the fight, Sterling was able to secure a clinch and land some punches before the bell rang. The ‘Funk Master’ won the first round on all three judges’ scorecards. In the second round, Sterling rushed in with a left hand, looking for O’Malley’s face. However, ‘Suga’ was looking for that opening and countered with a cracking overhand right to drop Sterling to the canvas. Sean O’Malley followed up with a barrage of shots that forced the referee to step in and stop the contest 51 seconds into the second round. O’Malley handed Sterling his first loss since 2017, ending the ‘Funk Master’s nine-fight win streak. He is now the second Dana White’s Contender Series alum to win UFC gold. After his win, many notable sports personalities praised O’Malley for his performance. Among them was Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, who took to Twitter and wrote: “Suga Sean really a different beast. Salute that man.” Marlon Vera calls for title rematch against Sean O’Malley after UFC 292 Marlon Vera wants to run it back with the new UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley after the UFC 292 event. ‘Chito’ remains the only fighter to hand O’Malley a professional MMA loss. They last faced each other at UFC 252 in August 2020, where Vera secured a first-round knockout over ‘Suga.’ After Sean O’Malley got the 135-pound belt wrapped around his waist, he called out Marlon Vera for a rematch at UFC 296 in December. Considering Vera also picked up a unanimous decision victory against Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, the Ecuadorian was keen to accept the callout. Taking to Twitter, Marlon Vera urged the UFC to book the matchup and wrote: “Send me contract, ok.” He followed up with another tweet claiming to fight for the undisputed bantamweight title soon and wrote: “Fighting for a world title very soon.” Given how top bantamweight contenders Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen are currently sidelined with injuries, a Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera matchup seems quite likely. It remains to be seen who O’Malley’s first title defense will be.
Jorge Masvidal on only condition he will allow transgender fighters to compete in his promotion
Jorge Masvidal isn’t on board with transgender athletes competing against cisgender women. The former UFC star recently dismissed the notion of transgender MMA fighters going up against cisgender women in the cage and claimed he’d never let it happen in his promotion. The subject of allowing biologically male fighters to compete against cisgender women is a hot debate within the MMA community. The discussion mostly revolves around biological male athletes having the advantages of higher muscle mass, greater bone density, and a larger overall frame compared to women. While hormonal therapy and gender reassignment procedures significantly reduce these disparities, it’s not an exact science. Today, it’s largely believed that transgender athletes have a physiological advantage over biological female athletes even after undergoing treatment. In a recent interview with Charly Arnolt, Jorge Masvidal reiterated these points and stated: “In my many years of my pro career, 28 years being on the mat, I’ve seen what happens when men and women spar and do both full speed. It’s a different kind of strength, it’s a different ligament strength. The testosterone, the bone density, or our density, like how we could take a hit to give a hit. Women, I would never.” However, Jorge Masvidal is open to letting transgender fighters compete against other transgender fighters. Alternatively, if women want to fight men if they think they can. He continued: “I would rather bankrupt the company than ever let a man fight a woman unless the woman wanted to go into the men’s division because she was like the greatest woman of ever… A trans women fighter, there’s no problem as long as you fought another trans.” Watch the full interview below: Jorge Masvidal slams LGBTQIA+ activist and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe Jorge Masvidal recently lambasted American soccer player and outspoken LGBTQIA+ activist Megan Rapinoe for advocating trans-inclusion in sports. Rapinoe recently caused an uproar after missing a deciding penalty against Sweden in a Round of 16 elimination game at the women’s world cup in Australia, leading to Team USA’s unfortunate exit. The highly decorated soccer player also infamously refused to lend her voice for the national anthem before a game. While several players on the team joined her in refusing to sing, the retiring 38-year-old bore the brunt of all subsequent criticism. It’s no secret that Jorge Masvidal is a dedicated Republican and is a close associate of Donald Trump. Given his politically conservative inclination, it’s unsurprising that he had nothing nice to say about Megan Rapinoe. In the same interview with Charly Arnolt, he said: “I think you need help. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Maybe just to hear the other side of the coin, because America is the greatest experiment ever.” Addressing Rapinoe’s pro-transgender activism, he continued: “She’s probably somebody that either doesn’t understand how actual science works or doesn’t care for women to have records, it’s just not fair.”
How, when, and where to watch UFC 292; find out all the details below
The highly anticipated UFC 292 event is right around the corner. The pay-per-view is set to go down on August 19 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The event promises fireworks to MMA fans, with two title fights scheduled on the stacked fight card. In the main event, bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling will look to secure his fourth consecutive title defense against Sean O’Malley. The ‘Funk Master’ is on an incredible nine-fight unbeaten streak and last beat Henry Cejudo via split decision at UFC 288. Meanwhile, ‘Suga’ is coming off an extremely controversial split decision win against former champion Petr Yan. In the co-main event, women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang will go up against Amanda Lemos. This will be her first title defense after winning the belt against Carla Esparza at UFC 281. Both fighters are currently on a two-fight win streak. Fight fans can catch all the thrilling UFC 292 action on the UFC Fight Pass or ESPN+ streaming platforms. The pay-per-view will cost $79.99 for current subscribers and $124.98 for new subscribers in the USA and Canada. For Indian fans, the main card bouts will air on the Sony Ten 2 channel. Alternatively, they can be live-streamed on the Sony Liv app. The UFC 292 main card will begin at 10 PM ET on Saturday, August 19 for American viewers and 7:30 AM IST on Sunday, August 20 for Indian fans. UFC 292 main event: Israel Adesanya on Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O’Malley Israel Adesanya recently weighed in on the UFC 292 main event between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O’Malley. While he’s aware that Sterling is the betting favorite, he expects the fight to be a close contest. There is no love lost between Sterling and O’Malley and the two mercurial bantamweights have been firing brutal shots at each other on social media over the past few weeks. Their fight is touted to be a classic striker vs. grappler affair, with ‘Suga’ testing his striking skills against one of the most decorated bantamweight champions in UFC history. In a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Israel Adesanya discussed the two UFC 292 headliners. While he recognized Sterling’s wrestling mastery, Adesanya was full of praise for O’Malley’s underrated grappling ability. He said: “They can both strike and they can both grapple. I like Sean’s flow, his work, the way he fights, the way he moves… Same with Aljamain, the way he sticks to people… once he catches you, boom, you have a muscle-ninja turtle on your back.” Predicting Sean O’Malley to emerge victorious, he continued: “I’m gonna go Sean, official pick, I’m gonna go Sean with this one. Sometimes you just feel like it’s time, it’s destiny.” Watch the full video below:
BREAKING: Daniel Rodriguez tests positive for banned substance; out of Noche UFC
Daniel Rodriguez will no longer be competing at Noche UFC on September 16 in Las Vegas. ‘D-Rod’ was booked to face Santiago Ponzinibbio in a welterweight barnburner. However, the 36-year-old tested positive for Ostarine, a banned substance, in an out-of-competition USADA drug test. He has now been pulled from the card and will undergo further investigation. While Rodriguez has accepted the results, he maintains his innocence and claims to have never used any PEDs knowingly. He further speculated that the small amount of Ostarine came into his system via contaminated dietary supplements. Notably, USADA only suspends athletes for Ostarine if the levels are above 1 nanogram per milliliter. Moreover, the fighters must prove that the substance entered their system through a tainted supplement. Rodriguez will likely have a hearing before the Nevada State Athletic Commission to be able to compete in Las Vegas. Daniel Rodriguez issued a lengthy and heartfelt statement on social media. Outlining his side of the story, he wrote: “Following a communication from USADA today, I wanted to clarify the current situation to the media, my supporters, and everybody involved in the sport of mixed martial arts. Today I was notified that an out-of-competition sample that I provided to USADA was positive for an extremely low level of Ostarine. First and foremost, I want to clarify that I did not intentionally use Ostarine, nor have I ever knowingly used any prohibited substance in my career. I rarely take any form of supplements and have always strived to care for my body in natural ways.” He continued: “I strongly believe that a supplement contaminant is the reason for my low-level positive, and am actively working with my Manager, USADA, and The UFC on reviewing and testing the supplements I took prior to my test. While I am extremely disappointed in this development and am now unable to fight on September 16th, I am looking forward to finding a definitive explanation for my low-level positive test. I am ready to fully cooperate with the USADA.” As of now, the UFC hasn’t found a replacement for Santiago Ponzinibbio and his bout against Daniel Rodriguez stands canceled.
Ian Garry calls out Neil Magny on social media for “Apparently beating his son up” ahead of UFC 292
Ian Garry isn’t pleased with Neil Magny seemingly “beating his son up” ahead of UFC 292. The fast-rising middleweight contender recently sounded off on ‘The Haitian Sensation’ for promising to beat him like he beat his son for disciplinary purposes. While Garry was initially booked to face Geoff Neal this weekend, an injury forced Neal out of the bout. Magny soon stepped in to replace the injured fighter on short notice. Given that the Irishman had previously called out Magny, the matchup was an easy setup. In a recent media day interview, Neil Magny discussed his upcoming challenge. Confident about showing Ian Garry levels, the middleweight top-15 “gatekeeper” claimed he’s prepared to teach ‘The Future’ a lesson, just like he teaches his son when necessary. He said: “There’s a whoopin’ you give your son to teach him life a little bit. Being a father, I’ve become quite accustomed to that kind of whopping. That’s the kind of whopping I’m looking forward to giving on Saturday.” Shocked at Magny’s admission of handing out corporal punishment to his child, Ian Garry lambasted his next opponent and promised to beat him up for it. Sharing his stunned reaction, Garry uploaded a video captioned: “Beating your child is not cool to brag about at a press conference.” In the video, Ian Garry lifted his toddler up and said: “Oh my goodness, I would never whoop your ass… Do you want me to beat him up? I’ll beat him up because apparently, he beat his son up.” Ian Garry promises a “beautiful, spectacular” finish against Neil Magny at UFC 292 Ian Garry is raring to fight Neil Magny and prove he deserves to be a top-15 ranked middleweight contender. The Irishman recently claimed he’s planning to secure a finish against Magny and deliver the promised fireworks to the fans. Garry is undeniably among the most exciting middleweight contenders in the UFC currently. The undefeated Irishman is on an incredible 12-fight win streak and will be looking to extend his perfect record. While he was excited about proving himself against a higher-ranked opponent like Geoff Neal, Garry wants to entertain fans by going for a finish against Neil Magny. After recently declaring that he’s “carrying” the UFC 292 card, it’s unsurprising to see Ian Garry express his frustration about losing his original opponent. At the recent UFC 292 media day, he said: “Look, I’m upset with the change of opponent because I wanted to finish Geoff Neal the way I knew I was gonna finish him…Now I’ve got another guy, No. 11 in the world. I’m still gonna go out there and finish him and still do it in a beautiful, spectacular fashion. But I feel like the fans are being robbed of something that they were excited about.” Watch the full video below:
Conor McGregor issues warning to Michael Chandler seemingly confirming his return to the octagon against ‘Iron’
Conor McGregor is seemingly raring to make his long-awaited return to action. The Irishman recently issued an ominous warning to the former Bellator lightweight champion and promised to destroy Chandler in the cage. McGregor has been on the sidelines since July 2021, when he fractured his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. After surgery and extensive physical rehabilitation, ‘The Notorious’ is ready to compete again. Earlier this year, it was announced that McGregor would make his return after more than two years against Chandler. The two explosive strikers also went up against each other as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31. While many questioned whether Conor McGregor could replicate his pre-injury form, the Irishman recently clarified that he’s fully recovered and chomping at the bits to fight again. In a recent tweet, McGregor claimed he has “steel” in his limbs and wrote: “I’ve industrial steel in my leg now, and I’ve long natural steel in the shoulders and elbows and knuckles of the fist. I’m over 3/4 steel. And steel crushes iron. Crushes the little bones in ‘Iron’s face. Out with the iron you little Bosu ball motivational speakin’ handbag.” Canelo Alvarez on a potential boxing match against Conor McGregor Canelo Alvarez recently weighed in on a potential fight against Conor McGregor and addressed callouts from the Irishman. The 168-pound undisputed boxing champion is undoubtedly among the greatest pugilists of our time and has one of the most incredible resumes in the sport. The Mexican star is currently slated to face undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo next month. Ahead of their fight, the two undisputed boxing champions held their first press conference. During the event, Alvarez was asked about fighting Conor McGregor in the future. Dismissing any possibility of that matchup taking place anytime soon, Canelo Alvarez said: “He’s crazy. Conor? Yeah, maybe after I retire.” Watch the video below: While Canelo Alvarez is a 63-fight veteran of the sport, Conor McGregor has competed in the boxing ring once. The Irishman’s sole outing came against Floyd Mayweather, a historic bout in its own right, where he lost via tenth-round TKO. While it’s highly unlikely that the two combat sports superstars go up against each other in the boxing ring anytime soon, stranger things have happened in the world of combat sports. Meanwhile, McGregor is expected to face Michael Chandler before the year ends.