Ticket Sales for McGregor and Cerrone

In January, one of the main events in the world of MMA should be a duel with the participation of Conor McGregor. Former UFC champion in two weight categories will make the long-awaited return to the octagon and try to rehabilitate for a devastating defeat from Khabib Nurmagomedov.

True, it will be extremely difficult for him to do this. His opponent will be the lanky Donald Cerrone, and the fight will be held in a welterweight unusual for him. All these factors have caused a huge spectator interest in the UFC 246 tournament, in the main battle of which the Irish and the American will meet. According to Yahoo! Sports, tickets for the show were sold out in just three minutes, and UFC 246 revenue was $ 10 million.

Thus, the tournament promises to be one of the most profitable in the history of promotion among those that took place in Las Vegas. In its history, the Absolute Fighting Championship has only sold tickets for more than $ 10 million in this city only three times, with McGregor participating in the main battle twice. First, a similar stir caused his battle with Jose Aldo, and then with Khabib Nurmagomedov. In addition, this bar was able to conquer the UFC 200 show.

Earlier, Dana White stated that Khabib Nurmagomedov himself could visit the UFC 246 show, but the champion’s father hastened to refute this information. He stated that his son had no reason to go to Las Vegas, adding that he himself still does not have an American visa.

Habib himself continues to prepare for the battle with Tony Ferguson, but does not forget to lead social networks. First, he published a photo with his father, calling him the “pillar of life”, and then invited fans to choose the owner of the best hairstyle. The third number of the UFC featherweight rating Zabit Magomedsharipov appeared as a rival to Nurmagomedov.

As for Cerrone, the Cowboy managed to share his expectations from the battle with McGregor, and also assured that he did not intend to give up without a fight. He rather harshly answered the rumors that appeared on the network about the contractual nature of the fight, assuring that he would fight to the end.

"Damn two, I will not bow ... People say:" I heard you were paid to fall. " I would not agree to this for all the money in the world. In this case, I can’t look at myself in the mirror. That will never happen. I'd rather fight for free than charge for the loss. That's not mine. I’m going to fight to the last effort, as always, ”MMAFighting quotes Cerrone.

New opponents of Makhachev and Tukhugov

If Nurmagomedov already knows the name of the future enemy, then his teammate Islam Makhachev remains in the dark. The last time the domestic lightweight entered the cage in September and intends to return in the spring. According to his manager, Rizvan Magomedov, the option to speak at the UFC 248 tournament, scheduled for March 7, is currently being considered.

However, adjustments to these plans can be made by Kevin Lee, who once again challenged Makhachev. Athletes for a long time exchanged taunts both in the press and on social networks and have repeatedly expressed a desire to solve all issues in the octagon. Recently, the American made another attempt and again challenged the Russian.

“Dana White, let's do this fight in April at a tournament in Brooklyn. Islam Makhachev, what is holding you back? I'm ready for a fight, ”Lee wrote on his Instagram page.

Later, Magomedov confirmed that Lee was seen as a possible opponent, and Makhachev urged the UFC to send him a contract for the fight. However, he stated that he was ready to hold it at any time.

Given the fact that the leadership of the Absolute Fighting Championship very often satisfies the wishes of athletes, this battle may be officially announced in the near future. So the American himself believes.

“There is a history of conflict between us. They say that this is an improved version of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ready to sign a contract for a duel with Makhachev. I am waiting for his decision. The outcome of the meeting? Knockout. I would like to hold it at the same tournament where Habib is fighting Tony, ”Lee said in an interview with The Schmo on YouTube.

Meanwhile, another Nurmagomedov teammate already recognized the name of the vis-a-vis. In his sixth match under the auspices of the UFC, Zubair Tukhugov will fight with Kevin Aguilar. It will take place on January 22 at a show in New Zealand Auckland.

An American, nicknamed the Death Angel, got into the promotion through the Dana White's Contender Series, in which he defeated Joey Gomez with a split decision. Subsequently, he spoke three more times, but only twice left the cell in the status of a triumph. In June 2019, he lost to Danny Ige, after which he took a long pause.

It is worth noting that at the time of the tournament in Auckland, Tukhugov’s unbeaten run in MMA will be three years and three months. The last time he got the upper hand in October 2015, when a split decision was stronger than Philip Nover. Subsequently, he lost to Renato Moikano, served a disqualification for using illegal drugs, and, after returning, drew a duel with Leron Murphy.

Fight Emelianenko with Kadyrov

Alexander Emelianenko continues to be in the spotlight. After the sensational battle with Mikhail Koklyaev, he received many challenges, including from Olympic boxing champion Rakhim Chakhkiev and the famous representative of mixed martial arts Magomed Ismailov. Subsequently, the number of possible opponents of the scandalous fighter was replenished by the head of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov.

“In the sports world, fashion has begun - everyone and sundry are summoned to fight Alexander Emelianenko. He also decided to do this, but has not yet decided what sport. To myself I will say simply: I am determined to teach a small lesson in skill to our friend. And at the same time I will try so that he is not long and boring. What will be the considerations? Boxing or MMA? ”Kadyrov stated on Instagram.

The initiative of this fight was supported by the Boxing Federation of Russia, responsible for organizing the previous fight with the participation of Emelianenko. Secretary General Umar Kremlev expressed his willingness to provide a venue for the event and noted that Kadyrov would be much more comfortable fighting according to the rules of the oldest martial arts.

“It will be very interesting, I support this initiative,” admitted Kremlin24 to Sport24.

Emelianenko himself also responded to Kadyrov’s call: “The flash mob“ call Emelianenko to the battle ”reached my friend Ramzan. Akhmat Strength! ” Thus, he recalled the time when he trained at the Chechen fight club and played at the World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WCFA).

But if initially the idea of ​​a possible meeting between Emelianenko and Kadyrov looked like a utopia, then later it began to take on more real outlines. The head of Chechnya did not limit himself to calling through social networks, but hastened to turn to a vis-a-vis through the media, noting that he intends to discuss the details of the future battle soon.

“I also consider myself a failed athlete, I go in for sports and have no doubt that I will win. I definitely don’t want to lose, ”RIA Novosti quoted Kadyrov as saying.

At the same time, ex-Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko believes that Kadyrov has every chance to beat Emelianenko.

“Ramzan is constantly training. There will be a different weight category, in addition, Alexander is a professional athlete. But still, I know that Kadyrov and Emelianenko were engaged together, sparing, know each other, therefore both have chances to win, ”Shlemenko expressed his opinion.

However, he hastened to declare that he was not sure of the possibility of organizing this confrontation.

“I think it's such an easy joke. After all, everyone calls Alexander Emelianenko. If the fight takes place, it will attract great interest. This has never happened before the president of the republic went out to fight. It would be a very rated event, ”concluded Shlemenko.