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The retired Boxer Floyd Mayeweather participated in another exhibition match, comfortably defeating reality TV personality and MMA fighter Aaron Chalmers over the course of eight rounds. No judges were present, and the outcome was announced at the end of the fight. The fight was the main event of a pay-per-view show from London's O2 Arena. However, many visitors to the location noticed empty spaces and shared pictures of them on social media. The event didn't draw the level of interest the organizers had anticipated, so tickets were reduced in the days before the fight. There were valid explanations for the lower-than-anticipated turnout, according to Mayweather. “We did this in one month - not even four weeks. I think the tickets should've went on sale a lot faster. My new team is still learning. I have got to take my hat off to them, it's not their fault. It's just when we fight in the US, as soon as we announce the fight, tickets are on sale," Mayweather said to Give Me Sport. “Here, we announced the fight and the tickets didn't go on sale until a week or two weeks later. I don't point fingers. We work together as a team. When you buy tickets over here, you don't really want to spend money. In America we don't mind spending money.” After defeating UFC star Conor McGregor in a cross-sport match, Mayweather left the sport in 2017 with a flawless 50-0 record. The following year, Mayweather flew to Japan to start his exhibition tour in order to easily take out kickboxing champion Tenshin Nasukawa. Mayweather has participated in a number of exhibitions since being paid well for that performance. The Mayweather vs. Logan Paul exhibition in 2021 was the fight that garnered the most media coverage and pay-per-view revenue.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a world-renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company that has become increasingly popular over the years. Despite its widespread success and notoriety, there are still many interesting and unknown facts about the UFC that many fans are unaware of. In this article, we will discuss 10 of the most surprising facts about the UFC. 1. The UFC almost didn't exist The UFC almost didn't exist due to strict regulations and opposition from politicians and media figures. In 1996, Senator John McCain famously referred to the sport as "human cockfighting" and called for it to be banned. However, after implementing rule changes and safety measures, the UFC was able to overcome this opposition and continue to grow. 2. It was initially marketed as a "style vs. style" tournament When the UFC first began in 1993, it was marketed as a tournament where fighters from different martial arts backgrounds could compete against each other to determine the best fighting style. However, as the sport evolved, fighters began to incorporate techniques from multiple disciplines, leading to the birth of modern MMA. 3. The first UFC event had no weight classes or time limits The first UFC event, held in Denver, Colorado in 1993, had no weight classes or time limits. This led to some incredibly mismatched fights, with smaller fighters being pitted against much larger opponents. In later events, weight classes and time limits were implemented to promote fairness and safety. 4. The UFC was once banned in several US states As previously mentioned, the UFC faced a lot of opposition in its early years, and as a result, it was banned in several US states. However, after implementing rule changes and working to improve the sport's image, the bans were lifted, and the UFC was able to expand to other parts of the world. 5. The UFC has had a controversial history with drug testing Like many sports, the UFC has had a controversial history with drug testing. In the past, there were accusations of widespread steroid use among fighters, and the UFC was criticized for not doing enough to combat the issue. However, in recent years, the UFC has implemented more rigorous drug testing protocols to ensure a level playing field. 6. The Octagon was originally a trademarked term The UFC's famous Octagon was initially a trademarked term, meaning that no other MMA promotion company could use a similar structure. However, after the UFC's patent expired, other companies began to use similar cages in their events. 7. The UFC was once owned by casino owners From 2001 to 2016, the UFC was owned by Zuffa LLC, a company primarily owned by casino owners Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta. The Fertitta brothers were instrumental in turning the UFC into the global powerhouse it is today, investing heavily in the sport and promoting it aggressively. 8. The UFC has had several celebrity owners In 2016, the UFC was sold to a group of investors for over $4 billion, including several celebrity owners such as actor Mark Wahlberg, musician Adam Levine, and talk show host Conan O'Brien. 9. The UFC has had some high-profile crossover fights Over the years, the UFC has had several high-profile crossover fights, where MMA fighters have taken on boxers or other athletes from different sports. One of the most notable examples was the 2017 fight between UFC fighter Conor McGregor and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. 10. The UFC has its own video game franchise In addition to its live events and television broadcasts, the UFC has also developed its own video game franchise, allowing fans to simulate their own MMA fights and play as their favorite UFC fighters. In conclusion, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has a rich and complex history filled with fascinating and surprising facts. From its origins as a "style vs. style" tournament to its current status as a global sports powerhouse, the UFC has had to overcome numerous challenges and controversies to get to where it is today. Despite facing opposition from politicians, media figures, and even some of its own fans, the UFC has continued to evolve and grow, attracting new audiences and expanding its reach around the world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these 10 unknown facts about the UFC offer a glimpse into the organization's past, present, and future. For more articles like this, follow our website fight.tv

Punch up in Paris: Dan Azeez vs Thomas Faure confirmed for March 11 On March 11, British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Dan Azeez (18-0, 12KO) will face European titleholder Thomas Faure (21-4-1, 2KO) in Paris, in what is shaping up to be a highly-anticipated bout. The fight will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, giving fans across the globe the chance to witness two of boxing’s finest in action. Azeez, a 33-year-old South Londoner, has been steadily climbing the ranks since his professional debut in March 2018. He began his career on the small hall circuit, fighting in venues such as the Brentwood Centre and York Hall, before landing a coveted TV slot on the Dillian Whyte vs Oscar Rivas event at the O2 Arena. Since then, he has collected a string of impressive victories, including his first title - the Southern Area light-heavyweight belt - which he won in his ninth fight against Charlie Duffield in 2019. The following year, he added the English strap to his collection with a points win over unbeaten Lawrence Osueke, before taking on Hosea Burton - cousin of Tyson Fury - in November 2021, and emerging victorious with a seventh-round stoppage. This career-defining win saw him crowned with the Lonsdale belt, completing the trinity of domestic honours - Southern Area, English, British. In his last fight in December, he defeated former world champion Rocky Fielding to add the Commonwealth strap to his increasing hoard. Now, he is set to take on the next natural step up to European level, and will be facing Faure in Paris. Faure, a Frenchman, is a more experienced fighter, having spent five years longer in the pro ranks and fought eight more bouts. As the defending champion on his home turf, he will represent a formidable challenge for Azeez, who will be taking on the unfamiliar role of challenger. However, Azeez has demonstrated time and time again that he is more than up to the task, having won all four titles he has challenged for and defended each one, except for the Southern Area belt. This upcoming bout will be Azeez’s fifth title defence, and marks his next step towards the pinnacle of world titles. It promises to be an exciting and closely-fought contest, with both fighters bringing their A-game to the ring. Boxing fans across the world will be tuning in to witness this highly-anticipated bout, and to see who emerges victorious.

Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, a former world champion boxer, made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he was arrested in the Los Angeles area on Monday. Diaz was taken into custody by the Claremont Police Department on a charge of misdemeanor child neglect just before 7 PM. While the exact details of the allegations against Diaz have not been made clear, it is deeply concerning and upsetting to hear about any sort of neglect or abuse involving a child. It is important to remember that these are just allegations at this point, and Diaz is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The news of Diaz’s arrest has come as a shock to many in the boxing community, especially given his successful career as a fighter. The 30-year-old boasts an impressive 32-3-1 pro record and famously won the IBF super featherweight title back in 2020. Diaz’s most recent fight was against Devin Haney in 2021, which he unfortunately lost. Prior to that, he was in talks for a match with Ryan Garcia, but those negotiations ultimately fell through. It remains to be seen how this arrest and the subsequent charges will impact Diaz’s boxing career moving forward. The sport of boxing has had its fair share of scandals and controversies over the years, and this latest development is a reminder that athletes are not immune to legal troubles outside of the ring. We can only hope that the allegations against Diaz are fully investigated and that justice is served, whatever that may entail. In the meantime, it is important for everyone to remember that the welfare and safety of children should always be a top priority, both in and out of the sports world.

Conor Benn, the British welterweight boxer, has released a lengthy statement in which he claims lab errors caused his two positive drugs tests, and not any banned substance. In the statement, he also insists that it was not his idea to blame his failed drugs tests on high egg consumption. Benn, who still faces the possibility of a two-year ban pending the outcome of a separate investigation by UK Anti-Doping, claims that there was never a banned substance in his system. His defence was geared towards discrediting fundamental flaws in the testing procedures at an unnamed laboratory. Benn believes that lab errors caused him to test positive not once but twice, and that the substance was ‘never’ in his system. He did not name the laboratory where he alleges the mishandling of his samples occurred. Benn’s legal team had previously sought to get him off the hook by arguing against irregularities in the laboratory testing of his samples. The World Boxing Council (WBC) recently permitted Benn to return to their rankings in a verdict that was met with incredulity after their investigation found ‘there was no conclusive evidence’ Benn deliberately ingested clomifene. The WBC’s findings went on to say that the fighter’s high consumption of eggs ‘raised a reasonable explanation’ for how the testosterone-boosting substance got into separate samples collected by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association in July and September. However, Benn has now issued a statement in which he claims eggs were never part of his defence. He claims that it was in fact the WBC’s own experts who put forward that egg contamination was most likely based on a study of his diet and nutrition. Benn said: 'In my defence to the WBC and the 270-page report provided to them, at no point did I indicate that I failed any VADA tests because of contaminated eggs. As part of its lengthy investigation, the WBC instructed its own experts to review my supplements and diet, and they concluded that egg contamination was the most likely cause. Those experts have seen this issue arise in elite athletes across other sports, and I have no reason to question their analysis when it concludes that I am not a cheat. ‘However, I feel like the WBC statement did a disservice to my defence which was based upon a comprehensive scientific review of the testing procedures, which set out a number of reasons why we believed the results were completely unreliable and proved beyond any reasonable doubt that I am innocent.’ Benn also called attention to a major breach of his rights as an athlete when he claimed that his scientist was not allowed to be in the room when the test results came through. He believes that had it been necessary to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on this case to prove his innocence, that alone would have meant the test results were dismissed. Despite Benn’s assertions, and indeed the contribution of the WBC’s own experts, he still faces the possibility of a two-year ban from boxing pending the outcome of UK Anti-Doping’s separate investigation.

The boxing world is abuzz with the news that Alberto Puello and Rolly Romero are set to meet on May 13 in a highly anticipated main event for the WBA super lightweight title. Showtime has announced that the 12-round fight will be part of a three-bout broadcast, but the venue for the event is yet to be decided. Romero, who boasts an impressive record of 14-1 with 12 knockouts, will be coming into this fight after a long hiatus since his last fight against Gervonta Davis in May 2021. The fight ended in a knockout in the sixth round, but Romero is determined to make a comeback in the ring and claim the WBA super lightweight title. Puello, on the other hand, is coming off a win over Uzbekistan’s Batyr Akhmedov in August 2021 to claim the WBA super lightweight title. He will be making his first defense of the title against Romero, who will be a formidable opponent. In addition to the main event, the co-feature will see Gary Antuanne Russell take on Kent Cruz in a highly anticipated junior welterweight bout. Russell is an undefeated contender, with a record of 16-0 with 16 knockouts. He will be facing Cruz, who has fought to two eight-round draws in his last two fights. The opener of the broadcast will feature a battle between Cuban contender Rances Barthelemy and Omar Juarez in another junior welterweight bout. Barthelemy will be looking to bounce back from his last fight against Russell, which ended in a controversial sixth-round stoppage. The May 13 event promises to be a thrilling night of boxing, with some of the sport’s most talented fighters taking to the ring to prove their worth. Fans are eagerly anticipating the main event between Puello and Romero, which is sure to be a highly contested fight for the WBA super lightweight title. The location for the event is yet to be confirmed, but with the COVID-19 pandemic still impacting the world, it is likely that the fight will take place in a location that adheres to strict safety protocols. Overall, the May 13 event promises to be a night of thrilling boxing action, with some of the sport’s most talented fighters taking to the ring to prove their worth. Boxing fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see who comes out on top in these highly anticipated bouts.

British YouTuber and musician KSI is set to return to the boxing ring on May 13th, 2023, and reports suggest that his opponent could be ex-professional boxer Joe Fournier. KSI’s promotional company, Misfits Boxing, is hosting the event, and Fournier has been in talks to face KSI for some time now [2]. Fournier, who is 40 years old, was initially considered as a potential opponent for KSI in January 2023, after Dillon Danis dropped out of their scheduled bout. However, KSI went on to face Faze Temperrr instead. Now, it seems that KSI and Fournier will finally face off in what is sure to be an exciting match. KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, has gained significant popularity through his YouTube channel and music career, but he has also made a name for himself in the boxing world. He has an overall record of 5-0-1, with wins against Joe Weller, Logan Paul, and Faze Temperrr. KSI has shown a lot of skill in the ring and has proved himself to be a formidable opponent. On the other hand, Joe Fournier is an experienced boxer who has had 14 professional fights and has won all of them. He has also competed in the World Series of Boxing and represented the British Lionhearts. Despite not being a household name, Fournier has made a name for himself in the boxing world and has expressed his desire to fight KSI. While there are many speculations about the outcome of the match, one thing is for sure – both KSI and Fournier are determined to come out on top. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the two fighters face off in the ring and to witness an exciting match on May 13th. In conclusion, it seems that KSI and Joe Fournier are set to face off in the boxing ring in May 2023. While KSI has a unbeaten record of 5-0-1, Fournier has more experience and a flawless record of 14-0. It will be interesting to see how the match plays out, and fans are sure to be in for an exciting night of boxing.

Sinead Kavanagh is making waves in the MMA world once again, as she sets her sights on a rematch with Cris Cyborg. The Irish fighter, who recently won her second straight fight at Bellator 291, is hoping to face the former UFC champion in Dublin. Kavanagh previously faced Cyborg back in 2017, where she suffered a tough loss via unanimous decision. However, the 34-year-old believes that she has grown as a fighter since then and is now better equipped to handle Cyborg's power and aggression. In her recent back-to-back victories over Leah McCourt and Janay Harding, Kavanagh displayed her striking prowess and showed that she is a force to be reckoned with in the Bellator featherweight division. With a record of 9-5, including four knockouts, Kavanagh is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. “That’s two great f*cking wins,” Kavanagh told MMA Junkie and other reporters following Bellator 291. “I put on a show both times, fought on one leg. … I’m ready. I want Cyborg in Dublin. That’s what I want. That’s what I want for the fans, as well.” She continued, “Fight the best in Ireland, Sinead Kavanagh.” However, a rematch with Cyborg would undoubtedly be Kavanagh's toughest test yet. Cyborg, who currently holds the Bellator featherweight title, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. With a record of 26-2, including 20 knockouts, Cyborg is a dominant force in the division. The fight between McCourt and Cat Zingano at Bellator 293 on March 31 is considered to become a possible No. 1 contender matchup, but Kavanagh believes she deserves to get that first opportunity. She is determined to face it once again before that, but Kavanagh intends to run things back with Cyborg in Ireland, so this could be a bit of a wait. “I done a good 15 minutes there, good strikes, my power was there,” Kavanagh said. “I do want Cyborg, I do want her in Dublin, but that’s in September. That’s too long of a wait. I want to fight, then her in September.” Despite the odds, Kavanagh is confident in her abilities and believes that a rematch with Cyborg would be a great opportunity to prove herself. The Irish fighter has been vocal about her desire to fight in front of her hometown crowd in Dublin, and a rematch with Cyborg would undoubtedly be a huge draw for Irish MMA fans. Bellator has yet to announce any official plans for a rematch between Kavanagh and Cyborg. However, with Kavanagh's recent performances and her desire to face off against one of the greatest fighters of all time, it wouldn't be surprising to see this matchup materialize shortly. Regardless of what happens next for Kavanagh, it's clear that she has firmly established herself as a top contender in the Bellator featherweight division. With her striking skills and unwavering determination, the Irish fighter is sure to continue making waves in the MMA world for years to come.

In a recent post-fight press conference at UFC Vegas 70, UFC President Dana White hinted at a potential rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. While White expressed his openness to the idea, he also stated that it was unlikely to happen next for either fighter. Alexander Volknovski and Islam Makhachev got involved in a super fight that fans will never forget. Dana White applauded the UFC 284 main event competitors for showing they were deserving of the infrequent champion-versus-champion confrontation that takes place within the organization. Volkanovski has consistently demanded a rematch right away following the bout, claiming that Makhachev should have been given the nod instead because the Russian won by unanimous decision. White doesn't appear to be against the notion, but he quickly puts a stop to any immediate action because Volkanovski's comeback to 145 pounds is eagerly anticipated by the newly UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez. “You know what my thoughts are on that when you make a super fight, could you possibly have a better f****** result than we did on that fight? Right? “When the entire world is arguing over who won, that’s a super fight and it delivers right? The only thing that could possibly be better than that is the guy who’s fighting for the interim title comes out looking incredible, too. So, now you got Yair versus Volkanovski.” While Rodriguez defeated Josh Emmett to claim the interim title in the UFC 284 co-main event, he contributed to securing a future matchup with Volkanovski. Makhachev, meanwhile, is getting ready to observe Ramadan, which takes place from March 22 through April 21. As a result, his next bout will probably be postponed until the second half of 2023. When Beneil Dariush takes on former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in May, this battle has the makings of a future No. 1 contender. White made it obvious that he just hadn't secured any bouts at lightweight or featherweight, but the victor could certainly hold Makhachev's interest in his next title defense. Both fighters have proven themselves to be elite talents in their respective divisions, and a rematch between them would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event for fans of the sport. However, with their sights set on new challenges, it seems unlikely that we'll see them face off in the Octagon anytime soon. Nevertheless, the possibility of a rematch between Makhachev and Volkanovski remains an exciting prospect for MMA fans. As both fighters continue to cement their legacies in their respective divisions, it will be interesting to see how their paths continue to cross in the future.

Conor McGregor's whisky company, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, has been named the official whisky partner of PFL Europe, which will make its debut in March. All four PFL Europe tournaments will be sponsored by Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey as part of a collaboration that encompasses event branding, broadcast advertising, fan engagement, and consumer incentives. PFL Europe will offer 32 mixed martial artists the chance to battle for $100,000 across four weight divisions. Also, fighters will contend for a seat on the PFL World Roster, which comes with a $1 million season prize for the victor. "The Professional Fighters League is excited to partner with Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey for the inaugural PFL Europe season which kicks off on March 25th in Newcastle." "The PFL and Proper No. Twelve both look forward to delivering fans the opportunity to experience the best European MMA fighters compete in the PFL's true sport season format with scheduled events in 2023 also to be staged live from Berlin, Paris, and Dublin. More Than A Fight." Conor McGregor hasn't yet shared his thoughts on the collaboration, though. Conor McGregor launched Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey in 2018, and as a result, the brand is frequently linked to him. While being the biggest name in mixed martial arts contributed to the brand's legitimacy, "The Notorious" and his financial associates left the project in 2021 after allegedly selling their majority stake to Proximo Spirits for $600 million.

Adrien Broner, a former four-division champion, and BLK Prime, a new addition to the boxing scene, have broken their agreement. On Sunday, Broner posted on his Instagram account that he and BLK Prime have mutually agreed to part ways and that he is now a free agent. The news brings an end to an erratic four-month tenure for Broner and BLK Prime, which was highlighted by a cancelled concert in which three Broner opponents fell out for a variety of reasons. Broner (34-4-1, 24 KOs) was scheduled to fight Michael Williams Jr. on Saturday to headline a pay-per-view event at Atlanta's Gateway Center Arena, but the match was cancelled after Williams cracked his jaw during sparring. BLK Prime said in a press release on February 17 that the Broner event would be delayed and that a new opponent would be revealed; however, those plans will now have to be abandoned entirely. Hank Lundy had to withdraw from the Broner fight because he was facing a ban from the California State Athletic Commission. Williams was Lundy's replacement opponent. Lundy was a stand-in opponent for Ivan Redkach, who had to back out of his scheduled match with Adrien Broner due to his conflict with promoter Joe DeGuardia. Three Broner fights would take place over the course of a year, according to a BLK Prime announcement from last October. During the course of the agreement, Broner was expected to get eight figures. “Good afternoon, yall. It's a great Sunday. I'm just going to come out and let everybody know. Me and BLK Prime have decided to part ways,” Broner said on social media Sunday. There is no bad blood. They just couldn't deliver everything that I needed at this point of my career. " "Right now I am in tip-top shape. I got myself in shape. I dropped all of my vices. I'm not clubbing. I'm not drinking. I'm ready to fight, so hit me up man. Hit me up. AB is a free agent man. Let's do this. Like I said, I am ready to fight today anybody. Anybody can get it. The can man is back.” Broner last fought in February 2021, winning a unanimous decision over Jovanie Santiago. He had not fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao by majority decision in January 2019. Since July 2017, the 33-year-old Broner has fought four times and has a 1-2-1 record.

UFC President Dana White has always been known for his no-nonsense attitude and his candid approach to speaking his mind. And in a recent interview, White was asked about allegations made against former UFC champion Conor McGregor. McGregor, who is a coach on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter" opposite Michael Chandler, and that the two will go one-on-one at some point this year. The Irishman was accused of kicking fighters off the show for no apparent reason. But when asked about the allegations, White simply responded with: “I have no idea,” White said. “Who gives a s***.” Recently, McGregor was accused of getting his comrade Loik Radzhabov removed from TUF 31 in favor of his personal choice, according to UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns. Daniel Rubenstein, a well-known MMA management, also charged McGregor with removing three of his athletes from the event: Ken Cross, Mitch Ramirez, and Brandon Jenkins. Dana White tackled the TUF 31 unconfirmed reports concerning Conor McGregor at the UFC Vegas 70 post-fight press conference: “You’re trying to get guys to commit to coach and to do the coaching commitment, especially when you live in Ireland, you know what I mean? Yeah, Conor’s going to get some things that he wants,” White explained. While some may see White's response as dismissive or disrespectful, others view it as a refreshing take on the situation. After all, McGregor has a reputation for being a brash and sometimes controversial figure in the world of MMA. And as White himself noted in the interview that everybody knows what Conor is like. White asserted that if any of the contestants were truly ousted from TUF 31, they would find something planned for them: “Nobody lost an opportunity here. If there were guys that were booked to do that, we’ll do something with them. It’s not just like, hey, see you later, pal, good luck to you. You know? Have a good life, we’ll figure it out, We’ll take care of these guys.” But what does this all mean for the sport of MMA? Some argue that McGregor's behavior sets a bad example for up-and-coming fighters and sends the message that it's okay to treat others poorly. Others, however, believe that McGregor's personality is part of what makes him such a popular and exciting figure in the sport. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, there's no denying that Conor McGregor is one of the most talked-about and controversial figures in MMA today. Whether he's kicking fighters off a reality show or trash-talking his opponents, McGregor always seems to be in the headlines. And while Dana White's response may have been a bit blunt, it's clear that he's not letting the drama surrounding McGregor distract from what's important: the sport itself. So, whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying that Conor McGregor is a force to be reckoned with in the world of MMA.