Las Vegas News: Las Vegas, Nevada Combat Sports Casino News Media Man

Las Vegas: News

Las Vegas, Nevada

WWE.com WrestleMania

Casino, Gaming and Hotel Stocks

Markets/Trades

September 22, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.80 -0.14 -0.39%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $129.52 +0.84 +0.65%

Las Vegas Sands $53.87 +0.66 +1.24%

Boyd Gaming Corporation $83.30 Flat

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $25.56 -0.84 -3.18%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. $60.76 -0.23 -0.38%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. $44.53 -0.35 -0.78%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. $19.09 -0.12 -0.62%

Light & Wonder, Inc. $87.28 -0.94 -1.07%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) $176.60 +0.20% +0.36

News

MGM CEO says Dubai casino approval still pending as 2028 resort construction advances

MGM Resorts International has yet to receive approval to operate a casino at its upcoming $2.5 billion integrated resort in Dubai, CEO Bill Hornbuckle said, despite earlier expectations that a decision would have been made by now.

“I thought by now, Abu Dhabi would have ruled on what they were doing,” Hornbuckle said during a recent industry conference, referring to the anticipated regulatory green light. “There’s a lot of dialogue around that.”

The resort, currently under construction on a 25-acre artificial island near Jumeirah Beach and the Burj Al Arab, is being developed in partnership with the government-owned Wasl group. It will feature MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria-branded hotels, along with a 250,000-square-foot podium that has been purpose-built to accommodate a casino should regulatory conditions allow.

While a federal gaming regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), was established in recent years to oversee commercial gambling activities across the UAE, the final decision to authorize casino operations remains with the rulers of individual emirates.

Hornbuckle noted that the company is still waiting on an official directive from Dubai’s leadership. “We don’t have permission yet from the ruler of Dubai to go forward,” he said. “I don’t know when we’ll hear, but I do believe this ... If this gets a casino, and I believe it will over time, we think it’s a massive opportunity.”

MGM submitted its license application to the GCGRA in September 2024. Any future approval would likely involve both federal coordination and local consent. The GCGRA is currently chaired by Jim Murren, MGM’s former CEO.

Meanwhile, competition in the UAE's nascent casino sector is heating up. Wynn Resorts is preparing to open the country’s first casino at its upcoming property in Ras Al Khaimah.

Scheduled for a 2027 launch, the resort on Al Marjan Island will likely be the UAE’s only licensed casino at the time of opening, according to Wynn CEO Craig Billings. He said last month that he anticipates it will be “the first and only casino in the country.”

Wynn has also expanded its footprint in Ras Al Khaimah by acquiring an additional 70 acres of land, raising speculation of a potential second property in the emirate. Analysts estimate that the UAE gaming market could generate annual revenues of up to $8 billion, while Wynn has projected figures closer to $5 billion.

Despite Wynn’s confidence in securing a dominant position, sources cited by Arabian Gulf Business Insight suggest that other operators may eventually receive licenses, casting doubt on the prospect of a long-term monopoly.

News

Lead Up ...

Casino, Gaming and Hotel Stocks

Markets/Trades

September 16, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.36 -0.28 -0.79%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $120.68 -2.17 -1.77%

Las Vegas Sands $51.86 -1.23 -2.32%

Boyd Gaming Corporation $82.15 -1.32 -1.58%

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $25.58 -0.32 -1.24%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. $59.71 -1.37 - 2.24%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. $45.45 -0.100 -0.22%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. $18.92 +0.090 +0.48%

Light & Wonder, Inc. $88.69 -1.74 -1.92%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) $174.84 -2.91 -1.64%

Lead Up

24 hours ago approx

Markets/Trades

September 15, 2025

New York, USA

MGM Resorts International $35.64 +1.09 Today +3.15%

Wynn Resorts Ltd $122.85 +1.40 Today +1.15%

Las Vegas Sands $53.09 -0.41 -0.77%

Boyd Gaming Corporation 83.47-1.03 -1.22%

Caesars Entertainment, Inc. 25.90 +0.81 +3.23%

Red Rock Resorts, Inc. 61.08 -0.01 -0.02%

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 45.55 +0.34+ 0.75%

PENN Entertainment, Inc. 18.83 -0.78 -3.98%

Light & Wonder, Inc. 90.43 +1.36 + 1.53%

News Bonus

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) 177.75 -0.07 -0.04%

Gaming, Hotels, Casinos, Entertainment And Business: U.S and World

August 2025

AC casinos turn a profit in 2nd quarter

New Jersey

Atlantic City casinos were more profitable in the second quarter of this year, with gross operating profits of $179.8 million, up 5.9%. Six of the nine casinos saw their profits decline from what they were in the second quarter last year … Borgata had an operating profit of $63.0 million, up 16%. Hard Rock had a $33.3 million profit, down 6.1%. Ocean Casino had $26.8 million, up nearly 67.9%; Tropicana $14.8 million, down 35.4%, and Caesars had a $12.6 million, down 13.9%. Harrah’s had $11.8 million profit, down 24.5%; Resorts $9.8 million…The Golden Nugget $5.1 million profit, down 20.1%; and Bally’s $2.3 million, down 14.7%.

News

Labor Day weekend to bring traffic congestion

Nevada (Las Vegas)

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and with it droves of visitors will jam Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and Southern California for one last hurrah of the season. Higher than normal traffic volume on I-15 northbound from Southern California into Southern Nevada should be expected Friday as Californians make their way into the area for the long weekend. Las Vegas is among the top Labor Day destinations, according to AAA…Gas prices remain cheaper than last year.

News

Powerball jackpot climbs to estimated $750 million

Lottery

The Powerball jackpot is expected to climb to $750 million for Monday's drawing, a prize that ranks as the 10th largest in the lottery's history. Monday's drawing has an estimated cash value of $338.6 million.

News

Government collects US$1 billion in gaming tax revenue in July

Asia (Macau)

The Macau government’s revenue from gaming taxes in July was approximately $1.01 billion…For the first seven months of the year combined, the government’s revenue from gaming taxes reached $6.64 billion, up 3.4%. Total government revenue for the period was $7.87 billion, with gaming tax accounting for 86.3% of the total.

News

Grand Prix-related construction to start Sept. 8

Nevada (Las Vegas)

Road work for the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit will begin the week of Sept. 8, organizers said. The 11-week project aims to minimize disruption to the Las Vegas Strip…The 3.8-mile circuit winds through the heart of Las Vegas, incorporating major thoroughfares including Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, and Harmon and Sands avenues. Crews will also work on Flamingo Road, Audrie Street, Winnick Avenue and Rochelle Avenue.

News

Casino News/Pop Culture/Culture/Entertainment

Casino: def

1. a building or room used for social amusements; specifically : one used for gambling.

2. or less commonly casino : a card game in which cards are won.

News

Gambling Den: def

Definitions of gambling den. noun. a public building in which a variety of games of chance can be played (operated as a business) synonyms: gambling hell, gambling house, gaming house.

News

Gaming Flashback

Brand Spotlight

UFC Slot Game

The UFC Slot Game has garnered attention for blending the excitement of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with the thrill of casino gaming. Here's an overview based on recent developments and reviews:

Development and Release: Games Global, in partnership with UFC, has announced plans to produce UFC-themed slot titles. The first game in this series, "UFC Gold Blitz Extreme," was developed by Fortune Factory Studios and launched globally on July 25, 2024, following an exclusive soft launch in May. This signifies a three-year exclusive partnership aimed at creating unique, UFC-branded digital slots for fans worldwide.

Game Features: "UFC Gold Blitz Extreme" includes several engaging features such as:

Cash Collect and Gold Blitz features which can award one of four jackpots.

Wild symbols for increased winning chances, and a free spins round with a progressive multiplier.

The game's RTP is approximately 96.25%, offering high volatility for those seeking significant wins.

Thematic Elements: The slots feature UFC fighters like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Zhang Weili, and Amanda Nunes, bringing the intensity of the Octagon into the gaming experience. The incorporation of fighter likenesses and MMA symbols ensures an immersive experience for fans.

Availability: These games are intended to be accessible through local betting platforms in regions where iGaming is regulated. In the U.S., these include states like Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Fan Engagement: The partnership between Games Global and UFC is seen as a strategic move to engage UFC's extensive fanbase, which numbers over 700 million globally, through innovative gaming experiences.

Previous UFC Slot Games: Before this latest collaboration, Endemol Games had also created an official UFC slot game, featuring real-life images of UFC fighters and exclusive UFC fight footage, emphasizing the popularity of such themed slots among fans.

These developments highlight a growing trend of integrating popular sports themes into casino games, offering fans new ways to interact with their favorite sports outside of live events. (Grok)

News

WWE Slot Game

Several WWE-themed slot games are available online, offering wrestling fans an exciting gaming experience with familiar characters and themes. Here are some notable options based on current information:

WWE Legends: Link & Win

Developer: All41 Studios and Microgaming Features: A 5-reel, 25-payline slot with high volatility and a 96.4% RTP. It includes iconic WWE stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, Macho Man Randy Savage, and Booker T. Key features include the Link & Win respin round triggered by 6+ coin symbols, offering multipliers, jackpots (Mini: 50x, Minor: 100x, Major: 1,000x), and special features. Free spins with giant 3x3 symbols on the middle reels and an optional HyperSpins feature for respinning individual reels enhance gameplay.

Videos of wrestlers’ signature moves accompany wins, adding nostalgia.

Betting Range: $0.10 to $20 per spin, suitable for casual players but potentially limiting for high rollers.

Maximum win is 20,000x your wager.

Availability: Playable on desktop and mobile at casinos like PartyCasino and Genting Casino. A demo version is available at Casino Guru for free play.

WWE Clash of the Wilds

Developer: All41 Studios

Features: A 5-reel, 3-row slot with 40 paylines, medium to high volatility, and a 96% RTP.

It features current WWE stars like John Cena, Charlotte Flair, Roman Reigns, and Bianca Belair. The wild symbol (a championship belt) substitutes for other symbols and can trigger free spins with features like wild blocks, multipliers, nudging wilds, sticky wilds, or a ladder match, depending on the reel.

Potential wins reach up to 10,000x your bet. Betting Range: Minimum bet of $0.20, maximum of $25.

Payment options include debit/credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, and Bitcoin.

Availability: Available at VegasSlotsOnline and Prime Slots, with over 16,000 free games offered on the former.

Other Wrestling-Themed Slots

Lucha Legends: A Microgaming slot with a lucha libre theme, featuring 5 reels, 25 paylines, and Super Wilds with 2x or 3x multipliers.

It includes luchadors like Burro and Martio, with a Power Up Mode for enhanced wins.

Hulkamania: Based on Hulk Hogan, this slot offers bonus games like Big Fight and Arm Wrestling, triggered by championship belts or arm-wrestling symbols.

Andre the Giant: A 5-reel, 25-payline slot celebrating the wrestling legend, also by Microgaming.

Where to Play:

Free Play: Sites like VegasSlotsOnline and Casino Guru offer demo modes for WWE Clash of the Wilds and WWE Legends, respectively, requiring no download.

Real Money: Trusted casinos like Genting Casino, PartyCasino and Prime Slots provide these games with bonuses (e.g., deposit matches up to $50-$100).

Always check for free credit offers or no-deposit bonuses to try games risk-free.

E-Wallets: Many platforms support secure payments via e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill) for fast, encrypted transactions.

Tips:

Check the RTP and volatility to match your risk preference (e.g., high volatility for bigger but less frequent wins).

Explore free demos to understand gameplay before betting real money.

Look for casino promotions, but review wagering requirements (e.g., 30x-60x bonus amount).

For the best experience, visit reputable sites like those mentioned or check Microgaming’s recommended casinos for secure gameplay.

News

Best Quotes (Media Man Group)

"Everything is a gamble"

"Spin to win"

"Bet with your head, not over it"

News

Casino News Flashback: Las Vegas

Economic Challenges: Las Vegas is facing a tourism slump, with hotel occupancy dropping nearly 15% in June and 17% in early July 2025 compared to last year, the steepest decline among major U.S. tourism markets. Hotel revenue per room (RevPAR) fell 29% to $102.75, and 13.2% fewer international travelers visited in June. This has led to layoffs, particularly among casino dealers, with resorts like Fontainebleau and Resorts World cutting staff due to reduced foot traffic. Automation, such as electronic table games, is also reducing the need for dealers, impacting job stability in the industry.

Hard Rock Las Vegas Progress: The transformation of The Mirage into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas is on track for a late 2027 opening. Construction began after The Mirage closed on July 17, 2024, with the project staying on budget despite economic uncertainties. The development has expanded, adding more rooms (675 total), a 50% larger pool complex, and two spas.

Tropicana Demolition: The Tropicana’s hotel towers are set to be imploded in early October 2025 to make way for a planned Oakland Athletics ballpark, driving up room rates at nearby properties.

Treasure Island Partnership: Treasure Island has partnered with Accor, a major hospitality company, to join its Handwritten Collection later in 2025. This makes TI the largest Accor-affiliate hotel globally and its first in Las Vegas, leveraging Accor’s marketing and loyalty programs.

UNO Social Club: Palms Casino Resort opened the first-ever UNO Social Club in July 2025, a promotional event featuring themed rooms and exclusive game variants. While not a gambling venue, it’s a unique attraction, with more clubs planned nationwide.

Crime and Fraud Incidents: A former NBA player, Marcus Morris Sr., was arrested for allegedly defrauding Strip casinos of over $250K, facing charges of writing bad checks. Separately, Gilbert Arenas and five others were charged with running illegal high-stakes poker games in Las Vegas.

Jackpot Wins: A woman hit a nearly $600K jackpot on a $5 bet at a Las Vegas slot machine, and a couple won $1.1M at Palms Casino during a food truck convention.

New Developments and Renovations: The Rio is undergoing a major renovation to become “an icon reborn,” led by executive Patrick Miller. The Suncoast is adding a state-of-the-art bingo room, part of a broader renovation set to finish in Q1 2026. M Resort in Henderson unveiled the first phase of a $206M expansion.

Tax Concerns: Casino owner Derek Stevens criticized the new “Big Beautiful Bill,” arguing it will hurt Las Vegas resorts, reduce tourism, and cost local jobs. (Grok)

Best Quotes Of The Day

"The house always wins"

Las Vegas Casino News

July 2025

Gaming Revenue Declines: The Las Vegas Strip saw a 3.9% drop in gaming revenue for May 2025, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines, with casinos winning $713.7 million compared to $742 million in May 2024. Statewide, gaming revenue fell 2.2% to $1.29 billion, and downtown Las Vegas experienced an 11.3% decrease. However, areas like North Las Vegas (+6.5%), Laughlin (+17%), and Mesquite (+9.7%) saw gains.

Resorts World Leadership Change: Resorts World Las Vegas appointed Tom McMahon as senior vice president of slot operations and marketing. McMahon, with prior roles at Wynn Resorts, Bellagio, and Venetian/Palazzo, aims to strengthen the casino’s position on the Strip.

Rio Rewards Program Revamp: Rio Las Vegas is revamping its player rewards program starting July 1, offering increased free play, tier matching, and complimentary entertainment tickets to attract new members amid ongoing renovations

.Eastside Cannery Land Sale: The shuttered Eastside Cannery’s land was sold for $45 million using an AI tool called “Marcus,” marking a notable use of technology in real estate. The casino remains closed with no reopening date announced

.Palms Casino Management Change: Stephen Thayer, general manager of Palms Casino Resort, left after less than a year. No official reason was provided, but the news was first reported by Vital Vegas.

Hard Rock Hotel Update: The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, under construction at the former Mirage site, adjusted plans to include 675 rooms (up from 603) in its Guitar Hotel, with Hard Rock denying cost-cutting allegations.

Entertainment News: Dolly Parton announced a six-show residency, “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas,” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from December 4-13, 2025.

Regulatory Actions: The Nevada Gaming Commission fined Lovelock’s Off the Rails Casino $10,000 for accounting violations and approved licensing for IGT’s return to Las Vegas under Apollo Global Management

.Tourism and Conventions: Las Vegas visitor numbers dropped 6.5% in May, but convention attendance rose 10.7%, boosting midweek hotel occupancy to 79.3%.

News

WWE WrestleMania 42 DetailsDate:

Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026

Location: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada (Las Vegas area)

Event Type: Two-night professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event

Promotion: WWE, featuring wrestlers from Raw and SmackDown brand divisions

Significance: The 42nd annual WrestleMania, WWE's flagship event, often compared to the Super Bowl of sports entertainment.

Marks the third WrestleMania in the Las Vegas area (after WrestleMania IX in 1993 and WrestleMania 41 in 2025).

Second consecutive WrestleMania at Allegiant Stadium, a rare occurrence in WWE history (previously happened with WrestleMania IV and V in Atlantic City, 1988-

1989).Background:Originally announced for April 11-12, 2026, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on February 21, 2025, during SmackDown.In May 2025, WWE changed plans, relocating the event to Las Vegas due to the financial success of WrestleMania 41, which drew 124,693 fans and set records for gate, merchandise, and hospitality.New Orleans will instead host Money in the Bank 2026 and a future WrestleMania.Broadcast:

Available on traditional PPV worldwide.

Livestreaming on Peacock (U.S.), Netflix (most international markets), and WWE Network (select territories with pre-existing contracts).

Additional Events:Las Vegas will host related events, including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, NXT Stand & Deliver, the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and WWE World (a multi-day interactive fan experience with Fanatics Events).

Tickets:Priority Passes available through On Location, offering premium seating, Superstar meet-and-greets, and exclusive experiences.

Deposits can be placed to secure access before general sales.

WWE WrestleMania 41

Pro Wrestling

WWE

WrestleMania 41

Allegiant Stadium
Paradise, Vegas, Nevada

Saturday April 19, 2025

Roman Reigns vs CM Punk vs Seth Rollins

WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Gunther vs Jey Uso

WWE Women’s Championship
Tiffany Stratton vs Charlotte Flair

Naomi vs Jade Cargill

WWE United States Championship
LA Knight vs Jacob Fatu

El Grande Americano vs Rey Mysterio

WWE World Tag Team Championships
War Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)

WrestleMania 41

Sunday April 20, 2025

Undisputed WWE Championship
Cody Rhodes vs John Cena

WWE Women’s World Championship
IYO SKY vs Bianca Belair vs Rhea Ripley

Logan Paul vs AJ Styles

WWE Intercontinental Championship
Bron Breakker vs Dominik Mysterio vs Finn Balor vs Penta

Sin City Street Fight
Damian Priest vs Drew McIntyre

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships
Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez vs Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

*card subject to change

Media Man: So pumped for this years WrestlingMania. Can we say The Netflix Era and Triple H Era!

UFC Returns To Vegas

UFC.com

Noche UFC aka UFC 306

Combat Sports

UFC Noche aka UFC 306

The Sphere
Las Vegas, Nevada

September 13, 2024

Video Highlights

Dana White Post-Fight Press
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKNLWJXHP18

UFC 306: Post-Fight Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDNl6M0WeVQ

Diego Lopes Post-Fight Press Conference | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oapas9F-bec&t=3s

MEXICO TODAY AND TOMORROW – Chapter Six | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9HpN4_tZb4

Directed by Paul Trillo, Studio: Factory Fifteen The final chapter envisions a future Mexico—a city and civilization evolving from its rich lineage, as its people propel their culture forward into eternity. Chris O’Reilly, Co-Founder & ECD of Nexus Studios, remarks: “The Sphere is the most exciting screen in the world to be creating stories for right now. It’s been an incredible journey collaborating with the visionary Carlos López Estrada and a host of exceptionally talented directors, designers, VFX artists, and technical teams to bring this project to life. This venue pushes the boundaries of immersive storytelling, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the innovation and creativity that have gone 25 into making this a reality.” (Credit: UFC)

FIGHTERS & HEROES – Chapter Five | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dB5h_kGj48

Directed by Shynola, Studio: Nexus Studios. Spanning from the origins of Mexico's history to the present, iconic figures—from ancient leaders to modern sports heroes—embody the relentless spirit that defines the nation’s identity. Shynola, Director at Nexus Studios, shared: “Crafting a film for Sphere is truly unlike anything we’ve made before. The screen fills your field of vision, which means it has a filmic language all its own unique to this venue. That’s been both a challenge and a lot of fun: thinking about shots, composition, lighting, and movement in new ways to play with and fully utilize this incredible screen so the audience has the best experience. Sphere has given us a special opportunity to tell the story in a new, astounding way. It’s breath-taking." (Credit: UFC)

BATTLE FOR INDEPENDENCE – Chapter Four | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2VwMxZspaQ

Directed by Diego Huacuja, Studio: BASA Estudios. At a defining moment in history, Mexico stands against centuries of colonial oppression, as the fight for independence shatters the chains and reshapes the future. Diego Huacuja, Director at BASA, highlights the artistic inspiration: “As a Mexican director, this project has been a unique challenge, particularly from a pictorial perspective. Inspired by the greatest muralist artists of Mexico—Diego Rivera, Juan O'Gorman, and David Alfaro Siqueiros—we symbolized 11 years of struggle for independence through an epic animated piece serving as an ode to the entire movement for Mexican independence.” (Credit: UFC)

RITUALS & TRADITIONS – Chapter Three | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo9-QYBcsms

Directed by Paul Nicholls, Studio: Factory Fifteen. Through the rituals and traditions of Mexico's earliest civilizations, the essence of the ancestors lives on, immortalized in customs that endure across generations. Paul Nichols of Factory Fifteen describes the creative process: “This project blended the fascinating research of Mexican rituals and traditions with the creation of an epic fantasy world for UFC306 inside The Sphere. It perfectly showcases our detail-oriented maximalist style—beginning with a single flame drawing back through a ritualistic cave and culminating in a striking symbol of Mexico: a colossal skull. We aimed to leave the audience utterly awestruck.” (Credit: UFC)

EARLY CIVILIZATIONS – Chapter Two | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9wJt3MW69o

Directed by Saad Moosajee, Co-produced by Analog Studios Saad Moosajee, a Brooklyn-based artist renowned for his multidisciplinary approach to animation and visual effects, transports viewers to the beginnings of Mexican civilization. In the dawn of what we now call Mexico, the first settlers forge a legacy of resilience, igniting a fighting spirit that will shape the nation for centuries to come. (Credit: UFC)

IN THE BEGINNING – Chapter One | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYAgJRyh0W8

Directed by Joe Sill and Brian Tang, Studio: Impossible Objects. Three decades since the world first witnessed a new era of combat, we gather where echoes of warriors past resonate through time, honoring Mexico’s enduring legacy. Joe Sill, Director at Impossible Objects, emphasizes the collaboration: “This film was an incredible collaborative opportunity to merge the universes of Mexico’s culture, UFC’s history, and Impossible Object’s love of world-building into one unprecedented experience. Seeing this inside the epic showcase of the Sphere is a breath-taking view into what the future of storytelling may hold, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.” (Credit: UFC)

A Love Letter To Mexico | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWoPknJquiM

Merab Dvalishvili Octagon Interview | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3SsQXDulA8

Valentina Shevchenko Octagon Interview | UFC 306
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJsJvF5eaq4

UFC Official YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube/ufc

Media Man Ed: Strong thumbs up. We largely agree with many of Dana White's comments and quotes on the event, such as "The Sphere is the star". It was a historic happening with world class production and a real buzz in the air, whether you were there in person, viewing from a club in Sin City Sydney, Australia, somewhere in the Middle East or other. The sports and sports business world was buzzing. In a way like say pro wrestling at the highest level, the on the mat action is part of the equation. It's all about the experience and sports entertainment elements to a large degree. We popped big time for the wins by Dvalishvili, Shevchenko and Lopes.

More middleweights and heavyweights will have a chance to shine at upcoming UFC major events. UFC may just win an Emmy and/or a range of big event production awards for this world class event. Congratulations to those both in the around the Octagon who helped make it a mega success. Credit where credit is due in our estimation.

Media Man summary: Strong thumbs up. World class production. Very entertaining.

Results, Review And Event Lead Up, History and Overview

Merab Dvalishvili def Sean O’Malley by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

Valentina Shevchenko def Alexa Grasso by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Diego Lopes def Brian Ortega by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Esteban Ribovics def Daniel Zellhuber by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Ronaldo Rodríguez defs Ode Osbourne by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-27)

Norma Dumont def Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ignacio Bahamondes def Manuel Torres by TKO (strikes) at 4:02 of Round 1

Ketlen Souza def Yazmin Jauregui by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 1

Joshua Van def Edgar Chairez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Raul Rosas Jr. def Aoriqileng by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The Card

Sean O'Malley vs Merab Dvalishvili

Alexa Grasso vs Valentina Shevchenko

Brian Ortega vs Diego Lopes

Daniel Zellhuber vs Esteban Ribovics

Ronaldo Rodríguez vs Ode Osbourne

Prelims:

Irene Aldana vs Norma Dumont

Ignacio Bahamondes vs Manuel Torres

Yazmin Jauregui vs Ketlen Souza#

Edgar Chairez vs Joshua Van

First Prelim:

Raul Rosas Jr. vs Aoriqileng

News

UFC News via Grok

Sean O'Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC Men's Bantamweight Championship. This fight was highly anticipated, with O'Malley defending his title against Dvalishvili, who was on a 10-fight winning streak.

Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy for the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship. This bout aimed to settle the score after Grasso submitted Shevchenko in their first meeting and they fought to a draw in their rematch.

Other Main Card Fights:
Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopes at featherweight. Ortega, known for his submission skills, faced the up-and-coming Lopes, setting the stage for a potential title contention if Lopes won.
Daniel Zellhuber vs. Esteban Ribovics in a lightweight bout.
Ronaldo Rodríguez vs. Ode Osbourne at flyweight.

Preliminary Card Highlights:
Included fights like Manuel Torres vs. Ignacio Bahamondes, which was highlighted as one of Dana White's 'If you don't know, now you know' fights, indicating potential for an exciting or breakout performance.

Event Significance: This event was not only about the fights but also marked as the first live sporting event at The Sphere in Las Vegas, showcasing UFC's innovation in event presentation. The card was celebrated for its alignment with Mexican Independence Day, featuring a fight kit symbolizing national pride.

Broadcast and Viewing: The event was available live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, with prelims starting at 7:30 pm ET and the main card at 10 pm ET, marking the first 1080p TV broadcast of a UFC event in ESPN history.

This card was designed to be a spectacle, combining high-stakes championship fights with cultural celebration, all within a groundbreaking venue, The Sphere, making UFC 306 a landmark event in UFC history. (Grok)

UFC Noche News via Grok

UFC Noche is an event that has been highlighted for its unique setting and significant matchups, particularly UFC 306, which took place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 14, 2024. Here's what you need to know based on the information available up to that date:

Event Significance: UFC Noche at UFC 306 was not just another fight night; it was described as a once-in-a-lifetime immersive sporting event, emphasizing its unique venue, The Sphere, which adds a layer of spectacle to the traditional UFC fight card.

Main Event: The main event featured Sean O'Malley defending his bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili. This fight was highly anticipated due to O'Malley's rising star status and Dvalishvili's impressive winning streak.

Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso, the UFC women's flyweight champion, was set to face Valentina Shevchenko in what would be their third encounter. Grasso previously submitted Shevchenko to win the title and later fought to a split draw in their rematch.

Cultural Celebration: The event coincides with Mexican Independence Day, adding cultural significance, especially with fighters like Alexa Grasso representing Mexico.

Fight Card Highlights:

The card included other notable fights like Irene Aldana vs. Norma Dumont, showcasing a diverse range of talents and styles within the UFC.

There was also mention of Brian Ortega preparing to move up in weight but facing challenges with the weight cut, indicating a potential shift in his career trajectory.

Public and Media Sentiment: From X posts, there's excitement around the event, with fans and commentators discussing the fights, the venue's uniqueness, and the overall atmosphere of the event.
The use of terms like "steel cage match with an LED exterior" humorously captures the innovative setting of The Sphere.

Outcome: Given the date and time provided, the outcomes of these fights would be known by now, but for the sake of this summary, let's focus on the anticipation and setup rather than results, as per your instructions.

UFC Noche, especially UFC 306, was not just about the fights but about creating a memorable experience through its venue, the cultural timing, and the high-stakes matchups, particularly in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions. This event underscores UFC's strategy to blend sports entertainment with cultural and technological innovation. (Grok)

News

Mexican Independence Day News via Grok

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th every year, commemorating the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1810. Here are some key points about this significant celebration:

El Grito de Dolores: The celebration typically begins on the evening of September 15th with "El Grito," a reenactment of the famous cry for independence by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest who called for the end of Spanish rule in the early morning of September 16, 1810. This event takes place in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and is also reenacted by the President of Mexico from the National Palace in Mexico City.

Celebrations: The festivities include fireworks, parades, parties, and patriotic events. The Mexican flag is prominently displayed, and there are often military parades, especially in larger cities.

Food and Drink: Traditional Mexican foods like chiles en nogada (which represent the colors of the Mexican flag), mole, tamales, and traditional drinks like atole or tequila are commonly enjoyed during this time.

Cultural Significance: Unlike Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, Mexican Independence Day is a celebration of the country's independence from Spain, marking a pivotal moment in Mexican history and national identity.

Parades and Festivities: The day of September 16th itself is filled with parades, music, dancing, and cultural performances. Schools, towns, and cities organize events to celebrate this national holiday.

If you're interested in how this year's celebrations might differ due to recent events or changes, or if there are any special events planned for 2024, I'd need to check more recent sources. Would you like me to look that up for you? (Grok)

Media Man: Much respect to all the men and women fighters in the Octagon.

UFC 307

UFC Vegas 93: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira

Saturday, June 15, 2024

Apex. Las Vegas

Main card

Flyweight: Alex Perez (+150) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-185)

Middleweight: Antonio Trocoli (+625) vs. Ikram Aliserov (-1000)

Featherweight: Timmy Cuamba (-200) vs. Lucas Almeida (+165)

Bantamweight: Douglas Silva de Andrade (+105) vs. Miles Johns (-125)

Flyweight: Asu Almabayev (-500) vs. Jose Johnson (+375)

Prelims Bantamweight: Brady Hiestand (+150) vs. Garrett Armfield (-185)

Flyweight: Tagir Ulanbekov (-225) vs. Joshua Van (+180)

Flyweight: Jimmy Flick (+340) vs. Nate Maness (-450)

Welterweight: Josh Quinlan (-125) vs. Adam Fugitt (+105)

Women's flyweight: Carli Judice (+155) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (-190)

Featherweight: Jeka Saragih (-300) vs. Westin Wilson (+240)

Women's strawweight: Josefine Knutsson (-225) vs. Julia Polastri (+185)

Featherweight: Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (+150) vs. Melquizael Costa (-185)

News

UFC 303: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Saturday, June 29, 2024

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada

Main card Lightweight: Conor McGregor (-105) vs. Michael Chandler (-115)

Light heavyweight: Jamahal Hill vs. Carlos Ulberg

Women's bantamweight: Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson

Middleweight: Joe Pyfer vs. Marc-Andre Barriault

Welterweight: Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page

Prelims Featherweight: Cub Swanson vs. Andre Fili Bantamweight: Ricky Simon vs. Vinicius Oliveira

Featherweight: Charles Jourdain vs. Jean Silva

Bantamweight: Payton Talbott vs. Yanis Ghemmouri

Prelims Women's strawweight: Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs. Gillian Robertson

Heavyweight: Andrei Arlovski vs. Martin Buday

Flyweight: Rei Tsuruya vs. Carlos Hernandez

*more details to become available as fight dates become closer

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The well hyped "Iron" Mike Tyson vs Jake "The Problem Child" Paul boxing match to be broadcast globally via Netflix will now take occur on Friday, November 15th after requiring a reschedule due to a recent Tyson medical issue.

The mega combat sports event will happen live from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the already announced Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano co-main event rematch.

The decision to reschedule was announced last week following Tyson suffering what was called ulcer complications after boarding a flight. It was stated that Tyson’s doctors instructed him to take it lighter on training for a period of time that caused concern, and rightly so, due to the timeframe in which the July 20th fight was originally set to take place.

The bout between the 58-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul was first announced in early-March. It will be Tyson’s first fight of any kind since a November 2020 exhibition boxing bout with Roy Jones Jr. which was preceded by a 15-year-gap of inactivity.

Jake's brother, Paul, had offered to sub (take the place) for Tyson a few weeks ago, and that winner would have to change their surname. The brainchild of "The Maverick" aka "Prime Heel" in hardcore pro wrestling circles, never materialized, but the Paul's always have an ace or two up their sleeves. Logan Paul is set to be high up on the WWE SummerSlam card on August 3 in Cleveland, Ohio. ..IO, right Mr Pat McAfee of WWE Raw fame and sports broadcasting and podcasting mastermind.

The upcoming match is forecast to be the biggest broadcast boxing match in modern history.

Netflix Boxing Undercard:

Katie Taylor vs. Amando Serrano (super lightweight title fight)

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Darren Till (cruiserweight)

Ashton Slyve vs. Floyd Schofield (lightweight)

*information correct at time of publication

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Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions Partner on Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, a Global Live Sports Event To Stream Exclusively on Netflix on Saturday July 20 (Media Man Int) *date amended to November 15, 2024
https://mediamanint.com/articles/netflix_and.html

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