UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been informed by prosecutors that he won’t face charges regarding a sexual assault claim during an NBA finals game in Florida last June. The BBC reports that the 35-year-old Irishman was accused of forcibly engaging with a woman in a VIP bathroom at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

The Allegations and Denials

The unnamed accuser claimed McGregor acted violently and alleged that arena security contributed to the incident by trapping her in the restroom. McGregor vehemently denied the accusation, and his lawyer expressed satisfaction that the case has now been dropped.

Official Confirmation of Case Closure

A spokesperson for the state attorney’s office confirmed to the BBC that the case has been officially closed, bringing an end to the legal proceedings. McGregor’s lawyer, Barbara Llanes, stated that after a thorough investigation, including video reviews and eyewitness interviews, authorities concluded that there is no basis for pursuing a case against her client.

The Incident: NBA Finals Game 4

The incident took place during Game 4 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. A letter obtained by the BBC last year, allegedly from the woman’s lawyer, detailed her forced entry into a men’s bathroom by NBA and Miami Heat security guards, leading to the reported sexual assault by McGregor.

McGregor’s Reaction and Legal Standpoint

Barbara Llanes conveyed McGregor and his family’s relief at the case’s closure, emphasizing that the authorities’ decision aligns with McGregor’s account of the evening. The Irishman, who suffered a broken leg in July 2021, is now eyeing a return to the UFC, with a potential bout against Michael Chandler in 2024 after re-entering the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool.

*Disclaimer: The information presented is based on available details at the time of writing and may be subject to updates.*

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McGregor joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2013 and just two years later won the UFC Interim Featherweight Championship, beating Chad Mendes via TKO. A Featherweight Championship unification bout quickly followed, and McGregor did not mess about, knocking out José Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship and winning the “Performance of the Night” bonus into the bargain. At the time, it was the fastest knockout in a title bout in UFC history and McGregor was quickly making his mark on the UFC.

In 2016, McGregor bounced back from his first UFC loss to become the first man to hold titles in two different weight classes. Having stopped Eddie Alvarez in the second round, McGregor held both the UFC Lightweight Championship and the UFC Featherweight Championship simultaneously. There was a lot of talk of the ‘luck of the Irish’ but there was nothing lucky about the performances of McGregor. He was at the top of his game and if you are feeling confident about your chances of winning, why not try the casino games at Casumo? The slots are where you need to get lucky but the live table games require skill and you could follow in the footsteps of McGregor and win big money if successful.

McGregor took time away from UFC following his UFC Lightweight Championship victory, including a boxing event with Floyd Mayweather Jr. McGregor was ultimately stripped of his lightweight title due to inactivity but returned in 2018, in what was billed as being the biggest fight in the history of the UFC. McGregor lost in the fourth round and announced his retirement in 2019. McGregor came out of retirement in 2020 and quickly defeated Donald Cerrone in a welterweight bout before talks of retirement resumed. The Irishman was back in 2021 and suffered a technical knockout defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier before losing to the same man for the third time in his career, having suffered a broken tibia.

It was an awful leg break and McGregor has been working hard to overcome the injury. It may be the injury rather than his ability that holds McGregor back from claiming the UFC Lightweight Championship again. UFC owner, Dana White, believes McGregor will make a return to the octagon in 2022 and it could come at UFC 276. The event is confirmed to take place on July 2 in Las Vegas but having lost three of his last four fights and suffered the broken leg, it could prove to be a tough night at the office for McGregor.

However, a potential clash with current lightweight title holder Charles Oliveira has been rumoured and it would hand McGregor the opportunity to win the title immediately on his return to action. McGregor released a video after being in surgery where he talked about the successful operation on his leg and how he plans to build back. The UFC lightweight division is stacked with some of the best fighters in the world right now, with Oliveira being the pick of the bunch. It would take an incredible effort for McGregor to come back from a broken leg and beat Oliveira on his return but you would be brave to bet against Notorious, whatever the situation.

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UFC superstar Conor McGregor took to Twitter on Sunday in high praise of WBC champion Tyson Fury and former champion Deontay Wilder following their classic trilogy bout in Las Vegas, before throwing shade at rival Dustin Poirier.

A back and forth affair, saw both men pick themselves up off the canvas numerous times, with Fury knocking down Wilder in third.

Before Wilder viciously came back knocking down the champion twice in round 4.

Fury overcame adversity once more, knocking down Wilder in round 10 before catching Wilder on the ropes with a picture-perfect KO in the 11th round to retain his WBC belt and finishing off what has been an all-time great rivalry.

McGregor posted on Twitter with a couple of tweets, praising both fighters for their ”honourable showing” calling them both winners.

The Irishman said;

“Great fight that”, both warriors, both winners. Hard to not be impressed with Deontay there. Against the much larger man and almost got it done. Great fight. Fair play both men there, very enjoyable fights they have had together. Respect.”

Great fight that. Both warriors, both winners. Hard to not be impressed with Deontay there. Against the much larger man and almost got it done. Great fight. 40lb’s in weight difference is A LOT. Fair play both men there, very enjoyable fights they have had together. Respect.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 10, 2021

He went on to further congratulate both fighters and their partners on the iconic match-up;

Congrats Tyson and Paris. Me and Dee are so happy for you and the kids. Congrats Deontay and Telli also. Was great meeting you guys recently. A real proud showing that was, and could have went either way. Amazing! Happy Sunday now today with the cheddar and the memory’s God bless

Congrats Tyson and Paris. Me and Dee are so happy for you and the kids. Congrats Deontay and Telli also. Was great meeting you guys recently. A real proud showing that was, and could have went either way. Amazing! Happy Sunday now today with the cheddar and the memory’s God bless

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 10, 2021

However, McGregor did manage to take a sly swipe at long-time rival Dustin Poirier after his celebration during the pair’s own trilogy bout at UFC 264, which saw McGregor lose via doctor’s stoppage after a horrific leg break.

The tweet read;

“Their skill levels are unique but very close”, he continued. “A great heavyweight trilogy that was. I love when it gets set for certain and both have an honourable showing. Not the fam in the ring fake celebrating after a freak injury etc etc. You know the gig, God bless the real in this world.”

Their skill levels are unique but very close. A great heavyweight trilogy that was. I love when it gets set for certain and both have an honorable showing. Not the fam in the ring fake celebrating after a freak injury etc etc you know the gig, God bless the real in this world.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 10, 2021

Conor McGregor Praises Fury-Wilder Trilogy Bout

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Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz rejuvenated their long-lasting feud after a series of back and forth tweets between the rivals took over MMA Twitter last night. Their two fights in 2016 were some of the greatest in UFC history.

Diaz defeated the two-weight world champion back at UFC 196 via submission in March 2016, with McGregor avenging his loss to Diaz at UFC 202 with a majority decision victory in August 2016.

Both men have lost their last two fights, with McGregor breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July.

Nate Diaz lost to Leon Edwards back in June that saw him outclassed before stunning the British fighter in the closing minutes in what was almost a shock victory for the Stockton native upon his return to the octagon after his loss to Jorge Masvidal back in 2019.

However, last night, the pair were involved in a mouthwatering piece of trash talk after the Irishman reignited the feud after tweeting a photo of the two facing off prior to their second fight, with the caption ”Now add 30lb of muscle on to me and say ‘ding, ding’ in a Dublin accent.

After the post, Diaz responded by questioning McGregors motivation to trash talk after back-to-back losses and a broken leg sustained against Dustin Poirier.

Below is the back-and-forth between the pair. As Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz rejuvenate feud on Twitter

Conor McGregor

Now add 30lbs of muscle on to me and say ding ding in a Dublin accent. pic.twitter.com/ZvWN9vHvri

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

Bruh u can’t walk or fight right now why u talkin shit?

we talk later pic.twitter.com/WJXyljjD5s

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

Who can’t? Come thru and see you little skinny fool you be smacked up and rolled up you bum. Calis mine.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

Nah bitch u should’ve learned how to not break ur leg when I checked ur shit and u crutched outta the fight with me
And how u gonna fight me when u can’t run for your life this time wit ur broken ass you lost the last fight and ran for the hills just like kabob ur a pussy too

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

That means I’m the double triple champ of this whole shit fuck all you pussies ..

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

Ps you jumped ship on your country bitch go home don’t you got any friends

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

Into the belly when I get ya

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

Little cockroach Diaz brother.
It’s 3 on the street grab the heat. pic.twitter.com/Cvbp2PEJBt

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

He fled the cage and I boxed his whole family around. And nobody finished me mate. I broke MY leg. No one or nothing else done anything to me. And anyway. Don’t worry bout them. I’m here in Cali months doing what I want. It’s 3 on the street now mate fuck your little sport.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

It’s just business remember your the sports man I showed Uguys this street shit I fought both your teams out the cage before any of Uguys realized the real fight game sporty lil bitches

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

I ended this guys career lol what happened to him get him back here u need some help and why u just throw ur friends away shithead pic.twitter.com/wepc2qc7ph

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Fuck you

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

It’s none of that hitting arms and commentary screaming with me.
It’s silence and holes in the head. pic.twitter.com/QFB9OghB8Q

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

I’ll fight you in 4 years when your healed up

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

Bones heal. Blunt force trauma to the brain? Not so much. #seeyouwheneveriwant pic.twitter.com/rlDbWUFmQ4

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Conor McGregor

“You taking everything I worked for motherfucker” hahahaja well then work harder you little cockroach #foreverrich #bye pic.twitter.com/6aLHJQWVH6

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 31, 2021

Nate Diaz

And you dead pic.twitter.com/qnfBG5VfyD

— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) September 1, 2021

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Betting companies Paddy Power and Ladbrokes have made The Notorious even money, while Poirier is the 5/6 odds-on favourite to defeat the Irishman once again on Saturday.

Ladbrokes predict that this fight for all the marbles will not go the distance at 3/10 odds.

The Diamond is predicted to defeat McGregor by knockout at 5/4 odds.

If either McGregor or Poirier wins this fight, they will go on to face current Lightweight champion and Brazilian submission artist Charles Olivera later on this year to capture the gold.

The Irishman has not won a Lightweight bout since his victory over Eddie Alvarez win he captured the title and became duel weight world champion back in 2016.

Fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier since that night at Madison Square Garden, losing both by submission and knockout.

Head of PR at Ladbrokes Nicola McGeady said:

”There isn’t the same amount of support for McGregor in the betting as there once was, but the odds suggest this fight will be very close”.

Face-to-face once again! @DustinPoirier and @TheNotoriousMMA get up close and personal before the trilogy is decided on Saturday.

Who ya got?#UFC264 | Saturday | BT Sport Box Office pic.twitter.com/22yyREeG85

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) July 9, 2021

Betting:

Conor McGregor: EVS

Dustin Poirier: 5/6

Fight to go the distance:

Yes: 5/2

No: 3/10

Method of Victory:

McGregor by KO/TKO/Submission: 11/8

Poirier by KO/TKO/Submission: 5/4

McGregor by decision: 6/1

Poirier by decision: 5/1

Draw: 50/1

Betting Methods

You can look through all fights on UFC 264’s card with match preview’s, predictions and betting odd’s here: UFC 264 – Poirier vs McGregor 3 -Preview, Predictions and Betting.

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Just weeks following Conor McGregor’s defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier, the Irishman took to Instagram with a caption that raised more than a few eyebrows: “No more mr nice guy.”

McGregor was unusually respectful in the build up to previous two fights, but it now appears that he’s now reverted back to his old ways having engaged in several mind games leading up to the upcoming trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. Everyone knows that an online casino list is very important and so will the betting on this fight, early betting suggests that Mcgregor will be 2/1.

“Dustin’s going out on a stretcher, that’s my prediction,” McGregor responded when asked how he sees the fight going by BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani.

That’s just one example of McGregor’s mind games leading up to the fight this weekend against Poirier who has been relatively quiet in comparison.

As we’ve seen in the past, McGregor has no problem with bringing up his opponent’s family members.

His controversial comments about Khabib Nurmagomedov’s wife leading up to their fight left many wondering if he overstepped the mark, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing Dustin Poirier’s wife into the equation. McGregor took to social media on Tuesday and posted a screenshot of an alleged message request from Poirier’s wife, Jolie. Naturally, there was mixed reaction to this.

pic.twitter.com/kdI3GStMeL

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) JULY 6, 2021

Despite the fight taking place in just two days, the trash talking/mind games is likely just starting. The pre-fight press conference is set to take place tonight at 1:00am Irish time, so we can expect to see verbal exchanges between the two fighters given their soured relationship since the last fight.

The press conference can be watched live on the UFC’s official YouTube channel for those interested in viewing.

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After McGregor was shockingly dispatched by the Diamond in the second round of their rematch back in January, the Irishman has a lot to prove coming into this fight, which is one of the biggest trilogy match-ups in UFC history.

In the Welterweight Division, Stephen ”Wonderboy” Thompson will face off against number four ranked Gilbert Burns.

While Bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley will try to continue his form with a win over newcomer Kris Moutinho.

Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor

Back in January, Mcgregors return to the octagon was meant to be a monumental occasion for the Irishman. Signed to a fight with a man he already humiliated back in 2014, most assumed he would repeat his feat and stop Dustin in the first round, dust himself off and set up the rematch with Khabib.

Wrong! Not only was Conor stopped, but he looked void of ideas, respect and one-dimensional in his approach. From the start of the first round, McGregor was neutralised with Poirier’s debilitating calf kicks, limiting his mobility and from doing so, took away McGregor’s power and fluidity that he is synonymous with.

This is the first time since his iconic 2016 fighting season since McGregor has competed more than once. Logging a mere 40 seconds in 40 months prior to his second bout with Poirier.

With his second fight in one year coming up, and with the same opponent. Should a fully re-focused and re-energised McGregor appear, Poirier will be in trouble.

Dustin on the other hand is a great spot coming into this fight, confident, knowing what he did to McGregor last time will be an advantage. He was able to withstand that left hand that knocked him out in 2014, but that was at Featherweight and neither man is the same fighter they were 7 years ago.

Since his defeat to McGregor all those years ago, Dustin has been on an incredible run of the Lightweight Division, boasting a 7-1 record, only losing to Khabib. He is by far the best Lightweight on the planet as it stands.

Many questions about both fighters will be answered come Sunday morning but with everything on the line for McGregor, if he loses two fights in a row for the first time in his career, his time as an elite fighter will be over.

Conor McGregor on Dustin Poirier III: 'He's a dead body that's getting took out on a stretcher'https://t.co/ZkRRo3Xiha pic.twitter.com/sUti5jEPNg

— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) July 8, 2021

Last 5 Fights:

Dustin Poirier: WWLWW

Conor McGregor: LWLWW

Prediction: Dustin Poirier by 3rd Round TKO

Betting: 

McGregor: EVS

Poirier: 4/5

Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson

Two of the best Welterweight contenders will meet in the octagon on Saturday night to lay claim to the next title shot. With the fight being labelled ”Jiu-Jitsu vs Karate”.

Burns is coming into this fight after getting his first title shot in February against champion Kamaru Usman. The teammates turned rivals had a competitive bout before ”The Nigerian Nightmare” composed himself and showed why he is the pound for pound best fighter in the world, stopping Burns in the thrid-round.

He faces a veteran in Stephen Thompson, who is also hoping to get that shot at gold. Wonderboy came close on two occasions during his duology with former champion Tyron Woodley in 2016 and 2017 but came away empty-handed.

His form after them two brawls saw the riddle that is Wonderboy saw him outclass Jorge Masvidal before losing to Darren Till by decision and then being knocked out cold by Anthony Pettis.

The 38-year-old looked as if his time was up, but has come back with wins over Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal to re-establish himself as a main contender in the stacked 170-pound division.

Wonderboy is the only man in the top 5 who has not challenged Usman yet, a win over Burns will earn him a spot closer to what would surely be his last chance at capturing UFC gold.

A win for either man will earn them a shot, and with contenders coming and going at Welterweight. This fight could set up a Hollywood finish for the end of the year.

Check out #StephenThompson is Happy to Fight Someone Ranked Above Himself | #UFC264 https://t.co/9SeIGL2GXF #UFC pic.twitter.com/zozaXr0ROo

— Azelle MMA (@AzelleMMA) July 7, 2021

Last 5 Fights:

Gilbert Burns: LWWWW

Stephen Thompson: WWLLW

Prediction: Stephen Thompson by Decision

Betting:

Burns: 6/5

Thompson: 4/6

Tai Tuivasa vs. Greg Hardy

The Heavyweight Divison in the UFC is returning to its former glory as of late and with Australian brawler, Tai Tuivasa returning after his TKO win over Harry Hunsucker back in March. He will face the American footballer turned mixed martial artist to boost his way up the rankings.

Tuivasa started off his UFC career with a 100% record, before hitting a purple patch of three defeats by finish, decision and submission. Coming back after a year on the sidelines and winning his next two fights.

Hardy on the other hand looks out of his depth at times. Losing his last fight by TKO to Marcin Tybura in a mediocre affair. A win over Tuivasa will grant him higher opposition in the future.

Last 5 Fights

Tai Tuivasa: WWLLL

Greg Hardy: LWWLNC

Prediction: Tai Tuivasa by First Round KO

Betting:

Tuivasa: 8/11

Hardy: 11/10

Irene Aldana vs. Yana Kunitskaya

Top 10 Bantamweight challengers Irene Aldana will face off against Russian wrestler Yana Kunitskaya to skyrocket up the rankings.

Number 6 ranked Aldana will hope to get back to winning ways after being outmuscled by former champion Holly Holm back in October of last year.

The Mexican came into the fight winning 5 of her 6 bouts, mostly by decision and with a rare KO.

Russian Kunitskaya is on a two-fight win streak, both by decision. She looked unstoppable in both of those wins. Deservedly rising up the rankings and a win over Aldana should put her in the top 5.

Last 5 Fights:

Irene Aldana: LWWLW

Yana Kunitskaya: WWLWW

Prediction: Yana Kunitskaya by Decision

Betting:

Aldana: 4/5

Kunitskaya: EVS

Sean O’Malley vs. Kris Moutinho

The hype around ”Sugar” Sean O’Malley since his appearance on season 2 of Dana White’s Contender Series was almost McGregor like at times.

After redeeming his first-ever career loss in August 2020 against Marlon Vera due to his own issues, he rebounded nicely against Thomas Almeida with a stunning KO finish in March.

The 26-year-old has obtained four bonus’s in his last four fights, he could be the next big thing.

Kris Moutinho is an unknown fighter, boasting a 9-4 record, and winning his last 2 fights by stoppage.

This is a fight where O’Malley should come out with the victory in stunning fashion, except for a walk-off finish.

Last 5 Fights:

Sean O’Malley: WLWWW

Kris Moutinho: WWLLW

Prediction: Sean O’Malley by First Round KO

Betting:

O’Malley: 1/9

Moutinho: 11/2

Carlos Condit vs. Max Griffin

Former Welterweight contender Carlos Condit is seen as the dark horse of the division. Competing in the George St.Pierre era and now in the present day, he is a withered veteran who has seen his fair share of defeats.

The 37-year-old ”Natural Born Killer” is coming off a two-fight win streak, after losing his prior five fights, three of those losses by submission. He is on the way out and should consider retirement if he loses his next fight.

Similar to Condit, Max Griffin is on a two-fight win streak, with his last fight in March, winning by KO in the first round.

Last 5 Fights:

Carlos Condit: WWLLL

Max Griffin: WWLLW

Prediction: Max Griffin by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Condit: 6/4

Griffin: 8/15

Niko Price vs. Michel Pereira

This could be one of the main contenders for Fight of the Night with both fighters known for their ruthless and brawl to the wall approach to their fighting styles.

Price is coming off a controversial No Contest result vs Donald Cerrone back in September off last year. Never gaining a consistent run of wins since 2016.

Pereira is coming off a two-fight win streak against average opposition. He is more entertaining with his theatrics in the octagon rather than his actual fighting skill, with cartwheels, flips and handstands implemented into his game.

While Price has earned a Performance of the Night bonus in four of his last five victories.

Whatever the result is, it should be an extremely entertaining fight to watch.

Last 5 Fights:

Niko Price: NCLWLW

Michel Pereira: WWLLW

Prediction: Michel Pereira by Unanimous Decision

Betting:

Price: 5/4

Pereira: 8/13

Trevin Giles vs. Dricus Du Plessis

Middleweight challengers Trevin Giles and Dricus Du Plessis will square off in the octagon after their original bout was cancelled back in March due to visa issues.

After making his UFC debut in 2017, Giles has a 5-2 record with the company and is currently on a 3-fight win streak. He is an athletic specimen with great power and is well-developed in all disciplines.

Du Plessis on the other hand is coming off a victory in his UFC victory over Markus Perez by a first-round KO.

Where this fight could be won is experience. Giles has gone the full three rounds of each of his last nine bouts, while the 27-year-old Du Plessis is yet to go the distance in his career as of yet.

Last 5 Fights:

Trevin Giles: WWWLL

Dricus Du Plessis: WWWLW

Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Giles: 10/11

Du Plessis: 5/6

Ryan Hall vs. Ilia Topuria

Virginia native Ryan Hall will return to the octagon after over two years out of the octagon. He will go into this fight on an incredible eight-fight win streak after his debut professional loss all the way back in 2006.

Extended absences in the octagon usually mean’s a defeat is imminent, but with Hall’s intense wrestling game he could prevail here.

However, he faces off against a rising star in the 145-pound division in llia Topuria who hold a 9-0 professional record. Winning his last two fights under the UFC umbrella.

Last 5 Fights:

Ryan Hall: WWWWW

Illia Topuria: WWWWW

Prediction: llia Topuria by First Round Submission

Betting:

Hall: 15/8

Topuria: 2/5

Jennifer Maia vs. Jessica Eye

Both fighters are former Flyweight title challengers for current champion Valentina Shevchenko’s, losing both title fights in dominating fashion.

The two fighters have done well to stay in contention after their most recent defeats. Although Maia did submit challenger Joanne Calderwood prior to her loss to Shevchenko.

Jessica Eye’s last fight was back in January at UFC 257 where she was outclassed by Calderwood and before that lost on the judge’s scorecards to Cynthia Calvillo.

This matchup is between two Top 10 Flyweights in a division that had talent but has been overshadowed by Shevchenko’s dominance.

Last 5 Fights:

Jennifer Maia: LWLWW

Jessica Eye: LLWLW

Prediction: Jennifer Maia by 3rd Round TKO

Betting:

Maia: 1/2

Eye: 13/8

Omari Akhmedov vs. Brad Tavares

Veteran Middleweight’s Omari Akhmedov and Brad Tavares will go head-to-head on Saturday.

Akhmedov has been on a good run of form before his six-fight unbeaten streak was halted by a decision loss to Chris Weidman. The 33-year-old Russian brute defeated British fighter Tom Breese in his last bout.

Tavares has been seen as one of the many gate-keepers of the Middleweight division. Losing to current champion Israel Adesanya and a devastating KO loss to Edmen Shahbazyan in 2019.

He took two years off and returned with a unanimous decision at UFC 257 in January but looks the shell off the fighter he once was.

Last 5 Fights:

Omari Akhmedov: WLWWW

Brad Tavares: WLLWW

Prediction: Omari Akhmedov by Split Decision

Betting:

Akhmedov: 5/4

Tavares: 4/7

Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Jerome Rivera

Flyweights are set to face-off against one another as Kazakhstan’s Zhalgas Zhumagulov will meet American Jerome Rivera.

After coming off four impressive victories outside of the UFC he signed with the company, since then he has gone 0-2 by decision. He fought hard in both encounters and was unlucky to not get the nod on both occasions.

Rivera came into the UFC with a unanimous decision victory over Luis Rodriguez during the 2020 Contender Series. Since then, he has lost his last 3.

The fight is too close to call, but the closer the fight, the better it is.

Last 5 Fights:

Zhalgas Zhumagulov: LLWWW

Jerome Rivera: LLLWW

Prediction: Jerome Rivera by 2nd Round Stoppage

Betting:

Zhumagulov: 2/7

Rivera: 5/2

Hu Yaozong vs. Alen Amedovski

Saturday’s highly anticipated card will kick off with the Middleweight clash between Hu Yaozong vs Alen Amedovski on the Preliminary Card on ESPN+.

Both fighters are coming into this fight still looking for their first victory in the UFC, coming off losing efforts in their last bouts.

Yaozong is only 3-2 as a professional, and at the age of 26 he still has a lot to improve on, however, he has not been able to get his feet off the ground in the promotion.

33-year-old Macedonian Alen Amedovski started his career with an impressive 8-0 record, since signing with the UFC, Amedovski has lost his last two but did enjoy 8 knockouts in a row.

Whoever loses, will get their marching orders and be cut from the company, so it is a winner take all fight.

Last 5 Fights: 

Hu Yaozong: LLWWW

Alen Amedovski: LLWWW

Prediction: Alen Amedovski by First Round KO

Betting:

Yaozong: 11/10

Amedovski: 8/11

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IMMAF’s 2021 Youth MMA Championships for 12 to 18-year-old’s will take place in Bulgaria at the EFE Marinela from July 29th to August 1st.

The former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion’s coach and Irish Mixed-Martial Arts Association president John Kavanagh broke the news to the kids.

The moment the Elite Irish Cadet MMA Team found out from IMMAA President @coach_kavanagh that @thenotoriousmma has offered to pay the full price of each Cadet athlete and their coaches trip to the @immafed Youth World Championships #IMMAA #MMAIreland #IrishMMA #IMMAF pic.twitter.com/3yBxzisi2b

— IMMAA (@IMMAAOnline) June 26, 2021

McGregor will cover the entry fees ad pay for the flights and accommodation of the 27 youths and 20 coaches that are travelling so that they can take part in the tournament.

‘The Notorious’ sent the kids a message after the announcement: “Wishing the Irish squad the very best of luck in their quest at the world championships this year! From the fighters to the coaches, I know the future of our fighting nation is in excellent hands! Fight with the pride of the Emerald Isle, team! We are all with you! Good luck!”

The group cannot qualify for any funding to represent Ireland as MMA is not yet officially recognised as a sport in this country.

Families had already started fundraising to ease the financial cost of the trip for the competitors and their coaches.

McGregor’s pledge eases the worries of those involved and allows those that deserve to go to the World Championships to travel.

IMMAF President Kerrith Brown said to the IMMAF website that “it’s fantastic news for all the athletes, coaches and the Irish MMA community that Conor has shown his passion for the sport in this way and is helping pave the way for the next ‘Conor’.

We at IMMAF are appreciative of Conor’s support of grassroots athlete development and his demonstration of support for John Kavanagh’s work in the MMA community, as President of the Irish Mixed Martial Arts Association.

The value of this endorsement extends beyond the money in terms of the focus and sense of purpose it gives to the team. This is what IMMAF is all about, working in communities to deliver value from MMA for social good.”

The full list of youth athletes travelling to Bulgaria can be seen here.

The post Conor McGregor To Sponsor Irish Youth MMA Team appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

McGregor (32) will have the chance to redeem his loss to Poirier (32) at UFC 257 after his shocking 2nd Round knockout in January.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is currently retired from the sport, boasting a 29-0 record and has defeated both McGregor and Poirier via submission.

Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor 3!

Your #UFC264 poster has just dropped! pic.twitter.com/nNbSYQ1zOx

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) May 23, 2021

When asked about how he sees the third fight panning out, the Russian gave a plain sailing prediction;

”It is the same thing (as the previous fights)” Khabib told UFC Russia in a recent interview.

”If it’s the first round (for a finish), I’d back Conor. From the second and further, then Dustin (wins). ”

Nurmagomedov gave up his lightweight title after defeating Justin Gaethje last October.

Due to the death of his father, He wanted to take time away from the sport.

A potential return to the octagon is still unlikely for the Dagestan fighter.

However, coach Javier Mendez has admitted that Khabib has missed fighting and will not return unless his mother gives her blessing.

Mendez told Betway Insider “You know when we went to the last fight and his cousin Abubakar was to fight, he just got all energised, and he said, ‘I miss this feeling.’ 

“What I do know is his mother’s bond and his mother’s wishes are extremely important to him, and if he did ever decide, it would have to be his mother and him talking, and his mother would have to give him her blessing”.

Since then, Brazilian Charles Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler to claim the lightweight belt at UFC 262 back in May.

The winner of Poirier-McGregor 3 will be the number one contender for the Lightweight title.

The post Khabib makes Poirier-McGregor Trilogy Prediction appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira had stern words for Conor McGregor during a post-fight press conference last night.

The Brazilian claimed the vacant UFC lightweight championship last night after a two round war with Michael Chandler which seen Oliveira overcome adversity and TKO his opponent at the start of the second round. Many UFC fans love to play online casinos australia that provides lots of entertainment.

Conor McGregor took to Twitter to congratulate – and taunt Oliveira simultaneously – shortly after the fight ended, tweeting: “Congrats to Olivera on becoming the 11th UFC lightweight champion. Wonder who Twelve is…”

Oliveira didn’t take kindly to McGregor’s input and responded to the Irishman, saying through an interpreter: “Conor, worry about Dustin. Afterwards, we’ll talk about it.

“Conor, since you’re so tough: First of all, you beat Dustin and then come over to Brazil and I’ll put you on your ass.

“First, he has to pass Dustin. He’s just one of these guys that talks a lot. He’s gotta beat Dustin first.”

McGregor is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in a trilogy fight on on July 10th. The winner of which will likely face Oliveira for the UFC lightweight title. Which should be as entertaining as best online casinos ca where you can play for hours.

McGregor has won the lightweight championship previously, defeating Eddie Alvarez in one of his most polished performances in 2016, becoming the ‘champ champ’ in the process.

He was later stripped of the title due to inactivity but he did challenge (now retired) Khabib Nurmagomedov for the championship in 2018, a bout which he lost in the fourth round.

Will McGregor be next in line to challenge for Charles Oliveira’s title? Or will that privilege go to Dustin Poirier?

Let’s settle it in the Octagon… #UFC264: @DustinPoirier vs @TheNotoriousMMA 3

Pre-register for tickets: https://t.co/Hy57WJ5MQ3 pic.twitter.com/6VwrQbmqRx

— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2021

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