5 Exciting Things About The Melbourne Cup 2022

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Australia’s most celebrated horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup, will crown the best galloper a few days from now. Besides the coaches, trainers and runners, racing fans, establishments, and other stakeholders are preparing for a few days of unforgettable celebrations.    

With an AUD$8 million prize pot, Melbourne Cup is Australia’s wealthiest handicap race. According to Victoria Racing Club’s track records and attendees, hundreds of thousands of spectators converge at the Flemington Racecourse annually for several days of fanfare. Others can watch the action live via sports television channels or online streaming platforms.   

Below are a few primary reasons why the event deserves the title, the race that stops the nation. 

  • The spectacular races 

Several races are included in the Spring Racing Carnival held from September to November. The famed Flemington Racecourse hosts four prominent competitions, including the Melbourne Cup race. Besides the big event on 01 November, fans are also treated to other turf competitions and celebrations, namely, Victoria Derby Day, Oaks Day, and Champions Stakes Day.   

  • Victoria Derby Day (29 October): The Flemington Racecourse hosts four races that make up the Carnival, which opens on the last Saturday of October this year. This 2,500-meter race is a competition for three-year-olds with an AUD$2 million prize pot. As the perfect pre-opening ceremony for the Cup, the twenty-four runners that make up the Melbourne Cup final field will be announced hours after Derby Day. 
  • Melbourne Cup Day (01 November): The Carnival’s main attraction and Australia’s second wealthiest race happens every first Tuesday of November. Thoroughbreds will battle it to win the AUD$4.4 million and 18-carat gold trophy. 
  • Victoria Racing Club Oaks Day (03 November): Three-year-old fillies compete on a 2,500-metre course for this Group 1 race. Prizemoney is more than AUD$1 million, attracting spectators and punters alike. This event, also called Kennedy Oaks or Crown Oaks Day, also features a day of music and fashion this year.  
  • Stakes Day (05 November): Closing the Spring Racing Carnival are two exciting Group 1 races in Australia’s premiere racecourse: the VRC Champions Stakes and the VRC Sprint Classic. Each of these sprint competitions carries an AUD$2 million prize purse.

It’s best to keep track of the important dates to make sure you don’t miss out on the exciting events.

  • The betting frenzy

Betting is a national pastime in Australia. The country’s gambling sector, which includes horse race wagering, netted at least AUD$225 billion in gambling revenues in 2019.  

Proceeds from the Melbourne Cup likely contribute a significant portion, considering that the Cup is the biggest one-day betting event in the country. Individuals spend an average of AUD$179 for the race, AUD$91 for entertainment, and AUD$88 for punting.   

Try your luck on lower-stake games first to increase your chances of picking the right horse. At the same time, access replay videos and other valuable information thru  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqgmNBQDpoUIZPNB6CkUHg and similar channels. 

Keep updated with the race developments and, most importantly, the ever-changing order of entry before the final field is announced. For instance, as of 27 October, Caulfield Cup 2022 winner and race frontrunner Durston has withdrawn from the race for medical reasons.  

  • The unforgettable celebrations 

The Carnival is Australia’s prestigious horse racing event. And it’s only fitting that Melbourne Cup Day is a holiday in the city. On race days, crowds gather at Flemington to witness the race and participate in the celebrations. The live audience can also bet on their favorite runner, so heed the tips above and read a useful betting guide for beginners.

Marquees will dot the grounds where ticketholders are treated to sumptuous food and overflowing cocktail. Attendees will also be treated to live entertainment featuring local bands and musicians.   

Besides the Melbourne Cup Day happening on 01 November at 3 PM, punters and non-punters look forward to participating in several other events, in and out of the racecourse. Even residents outside of Melbourne join in the fanfare and celebrate in their homes, offices, or town centers. For instance, multiple venues across Australia’s capital, Canberra City, are preparing for the Cup Day celebrations in style.  

  • The opulent fashion 

Fashion is also a significant element in the Melbourne Cup celebrations. Racegoers are expected to dress their best according to the day’s theme. Cocktail dresses and fancy hats are a must for women, while men must look dapper in tailored suits for a shot to win prizes reserved for the best-dressed list. 

Derby Day is a black-and-white affair, while the Melbourne Cup focuses on colorful and bold patterns. Oaks Day, also known as ladies’ day, is about floral designs and pastel hues. Blue cornflower, yellow, and pink rose typically adorn these clothing ensembles.   

  • The star power 

Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth’s wife, will appear on this year’s Derby Day stage. Athletes, Hollywood stars, and royal members have graced the Spring Racing Carnival for years.

Usain Bolt showed up twice, in 2017 and 2019, claiming that the Melbourne Cup is one of his favorite events. Lindsay Lohan and Lady Kitty Spencer also appeared in the same year. Derby Day and Oaks Day also hosted celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker, Liz Hurley, and Eva Longoria, to name a few. 

Even the late Queen Elizabeth II, a known horse lover, took a shot at winning the Melbourne Cup. In 1997, Her Majesty fielded Arabian Story and finished sixth place. 

Final thoughts 

The Melbourne Cup race may be the highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival, but there are other reasons to join in on the fun. Every year, organizers try their hardest to uniquely showcase Australia’s culture more than just celebrating the country’s best thoroughbreds. And with activities that appeal to everyone, participating in these festivities is an experience you don’t want to miss.  

Top Reasons behind the Popularity of Cricket Betting

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Why Is Cricket Betting Attracting More People?

 

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is fun and exciting and draws millions of fans during international matches and tournaments. 

 

Today, people from different countries love to bet on cricket. Its popularity is growing by leaps and bounds with each passing day. Additionally, top cricket betting sites record massive footfalls during test and ODI series. 

 

What makes cricket such a popular option to bet on? Let’s find out!

 

100+ Countries Play Cricket

 

The ICC has 108 member countries. Most of them are eligible to play tests and one-day matches. Several teams like England, Australia, India, South Africa, and Pakistan have made their mark in the international rankings. 

 

Additionally, many upcoming countries are joining the list. You can see new teams like Ireland, Afghanistan, and Tanzania featured in the list of top players. 

 

All these teams have millions of fans and followers worldwide. Many among them love to wager on the game to try their luck. As a result, the activity is gaining more traction as the days go by.

 

Several Betting Options

 

Cricket allows you to place your bets on different options. You may wager on:

 

  • Outcomes of the matches
  • Man of the match
  • Best bowler
  • Highest player scores

 

Additionally, you may try to guess the number of sixes or fours the players may hit during a game. It is also possible to wager on when the first wicket will fall and who will score the first four. 

 

Your choices are countless, and you can always find something to suit your preferences.

 

Top Tournaments

 

Cricket is perhaps the only sport with so many matches and tournaments happening all year. You can always find something to try your luck on, whether it’s January or December. Moreover, you can wager on top tournaments that draw international teams. The list includes the ICC World Cup, Indian Premier League, T20 World Cup, and more. 

 

Additionally, you may find games happening in your local region. There may even be simultaneous matches in different places at the same time. Therefore, it pampers you with choices, and you never need to feel bored.

 

Quick and Awesome Earnings

 

A single ODI tournament can have a payout of millions of dollars. Think of what you may be able to win when you bet on international tournaments like the World Cup. Cricket betting gives you an opportunity to earn a quick payout. You can receive thousands of dollars by correctly guessing the outcome of a single match. 

 

Best of all, you may become a millionaire in a quick time wagering on different games. No other sport gives you such a chance to earn handsomely.

 

Simple Rules

 

Cricket is a simple game. The rules are easy, and the game is not difficult to follow. You can learn to enjoy the matches in no time and even give your expert opinions. As a result, anyone can learn to wager on the sport in a short time. You don’t have to worry about complex rules or learning complicated strategies. 

So, it is an excellent option for casual gamblers. Additionally, people who want to take it seriously can develop their skills and experience fast. They can also learn from experts who present their odds.

 

 

The Rise of Online Sportsbooks

 

Today, you don’t need to look around for people to place your bets. You can get online and research the best sportsbook to wager your funds. 

 

Most importantly, many sportsbooks are available globally and have very few restrictions. For example, you can access sports betting in India through offshore websites. Gambling is illegal in the country, but it has no restrictions on online betting. 

 

So, the sport can be a good choice for gamblers who live in areas where gambling is not legal.

Moreover, most people use a mobile phone today. It helps them access several services using a mobile browser and apps. Even sports betting are available on Android and iOS apps. They let you wager on several sports, including cricket. 

 

Great Offers

 

Most sportsbooks offer attractive bonuses and rewards for new gamblers. They can get a matching percentage when they put funds into their accounts. As a result, people can bet using funds earned as rewards. They may need to spend less from their own pockets. It is another advantage of choosing a popular sport to try your luck.

 

Final Thoughts

Cricket betting is growing more popular as it is a very popular sport. Several countries host teams that have countless fans and followers. It is also getting famous for wide wagering options and best returns.

6 Ways Hemp Can Impact Your Fitness Activities

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Weed from sativa seeds can get you energized for a workout. Professional athletes also use CBD for muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and better sleep. The plant helps them feel better before, during, and after their training session. Would you like to hop on the bandwagon?

 

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the impact of cannabis on your mind and body. Existing research and anecdotes suggest various perks of using it before and after exercise, though.

 

Let’s investigate six ways cannabis chemicals might boost fitness activities.

 

Hemp, Cannabis, CBD

It’s hard to get active as an adult, but natural supplements can facilitate the grind. Popular options include omega-3 fish oil, green tea extracts, and as of late, hemp.

 

When discussing hemp, cannabis, and exercise, we mainly focus on the plant’s second-best-known cannabinoid: CBD.

 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active chemical found in hemp and marijuana. It’s been in the limelight of medical research because it interacts with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

The ECS regulates many processes: pain and stress responses, appetite, and sleep. CBD helps restore equilibrium, making you feel balanced and pain-free.

 

Here are six ways it could support your fitness.

 

Anxiety Relief

Some people experience anxiety before hitting the gym or joining a class. As a result, they struggle to show up, stick around, and have fun while exercising. The mindset is a cornerstone of fitness, and CBD might help turn it around.

 

The chemical has well-reported soothing effects spanning your physical and psychological state. It may ease anxiety and muscle tension, letting you bring your A-game to each sweat sesh.

 

Sharper Focus

Whether lifting weights or learning martial arts, a sharp focus improves the quality of your training. That’s another area where CBD and working out go well together.

 

This chemical is a potentially valuable focus aid. People report experiencing more mental clarity upon consumption, especially if they generally struggle with brain fog or anxiety.

 

CBD might calm your mind and help you stay in the moment. You focus on the physical task, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy yourself while in the ‘zone.’

 

Reduced Soreness

Training leaves you limber, but you start getting stiff as the delayed-onset muscle soreness settles in. Rest and stretching do the trick in time, but why not speed up the recovery?

 

When taken post-workout, CBD reduces muscle pain and tension. You still need to avoid high-intensity training, but rest day walks, jogs, and yoga are on the table once more.

 

If using CBD for muscle recovery, you might consume it or apply it topically. The former reduces overall soreness, while the latter soothes achy areas like pecs and quads.

 

Less Inflammation

Long and strenuous exercise can increase inflammation, raising the risk of injury and joint pain. Research suggests CBD might soothe the body’s acute inflammatory response and its adverse effects.

 

Paired with walks and anti-inflammatory foods, weed after your workout may make training safer and less painful.

 

Better Appetite

A well-rounded post-workout meal fuels the muscles and helps them heal. Some people experience a lack of appetite or nausea upon overexertion, though.

 

People who consume CBD report a reduction in nausea. While it doesn’t give you the munchies like THC, it could combat secondary reasons you might struggle to eat.

 

Deeper Sleep

Consuming CBD after a workout can aid the top aspect of recovery: sleep. Rest is essential for letting your body repair itself after strenuous activity. You find yourself too achy and tired to keep training when it’s broken or cut short.

 

CBD might increase the duration of deep sleep. It creates a well-rounded and sustainable fitness regimen that feels good.

 

Hemp and Exercise: Safety Tips

You can only train as much as your body’s recovery systems allow. Cannabidiol removes some restrictions and makes training less painful and more productive. Are there any downsides to using it?

 

Not if you get it pure. Stick to reputable manufacturers to avoid contaminated products. Also, get low-THC or CBD-only products to prevent intoxication.

 

Consult with your physician if using any other medication to avoid harmful interactions. Stop taking CBD if you experience nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, or diarrhea.

 

Consume the chemical in a safe environment first. Once you see how it feels, try an at-home workout under its influence. Do some calisthenic moves or yoga on a soft surface before taking it to the field or gym.

 

If passionate about exercise, skip blunts and consider alternative consumption methods. Smoking can reduce your aerobic activity and hinder your fitness goals. Oils and edibles are just as effective and keep your lungs safe.

 

Get Fit With Weed

A puff might help you get in the zone, and CBD post-workout may get you back to the gym or on the field faster. Why refuse natural assistance? The chemical is generally low-risk and can aid newbies and seasoned exercisers. Take it slow, listen to your body, and reap its benefits.

 

While CBD remains unregulated, we suggest buying seeds and growing marijuana or hemp to keep your fitness journey safe.

The most dangerous sports in 2022

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In principle, in almost every sport, you can get injured, but we do not call all of them dangerous. And in general, the concept of “danger” is highly extensible. What would be very dangerous for one would be commonplace for another? However, statistics show that some sports hobbies are too risky. As a rule, this risk is always reflected in the health of athletes. If you like entertainment but don’t want to take risks – there is a great way to have fun without leaving your home – you can play best casino slot games. In this ranking, we want to identify the most dangerous sports that can lead to significant injuries. 

 

Base jumping

Injury rate: Average of 25 athlete fatalities per year

 

Base jumping is similar to skydiving, as people are actually skydiving there. However, instead of jumping from a plane, they do so from tall buildings. As the name suggests, they jump from one stationary object to another.

 

This sport originated in the late 1970s, and athletes play it for the adrenaline rush. According to reports, the injury rate is 0.2-0.4% per jump. That is, according to statistics, one in sixty participants will be mortally wounded.

 

In addition, many people get injured due to a malfunction of the wingsuit. And that’s not to mention the fact that they hit hard with different parts of the body or the dome during the jump. Most base jumpers suffer from ankle sprains/fractures, mild concussions, or bruised knees. In general, it is more dangerous than traditional skydiving.

 

Luge

Injury rate: average 407 injuries per year

 

Luge can be different: on the ice, on the track, or on the road. Among them the most dangerous descent on the ice. This sport is based on gravity, where the athlete will lie on a longboard and roll on it at a decent speed. If you are wondering why sledding is included in the ranking of the most dangerous sports, then do not rush to conclusions.

 

It is important to understand that the board accelerates to a speed of 140 km / h. That is, any loss of balance leads to a very heavy fall. Although there have been few deaths to date, it nevertheless results in serious injury to athletes.

 

Compared to the skeleton, the sled is much more dangerous. For example, in 2010, on the opening day of the Winter Olympic Games held in Canada, luge athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili died. Also, statistics say that literally, every competition ends with a series of serious and minor injuries.

 

Gymnastics

Injury rate: 100,000 injuries per year

 

As we all know, gymnastics is about balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance. In this sport, literally, all the muscles of the body are used. Some of the very common injuries prevalent in this sport are wrist fractures, cartilage damage, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Even minor injuries later become a big problem, resulting in a decrease in bone density.

 

To date, one death has been recorded from this sport. Gymnast Julissa D’Anne Gomez crashed while ski jumping, paralyzing her legs. Unfortunately, she eventually died due to her injury.

 

Race

Horses, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and so on. All this is dangerous to varying degrees and often very traumatic. When it comes to horse racing, injuries have the same impact on horses as they do on people. If damage to equipment is half the trouble, then injuring an animal is already bad. Imagine this statistic – an average of ten horses die every week.

 

Looking at supercars or motorcycle racing becomes generally scary. They go up to 200+ mph. The speed at this limit is literally deadly. The slightest mistake in management is the risk of injuring not only yourself but also the surrounding riders.

 

Of course, some safety measures are used, but car accidents still happen. In addition, over forty deaths have been recorded in sports in just two decades. In addition, statistics are faced with almost 220 accidents every year.

 

Surfing big waves

Injury rate: 2.2 injured for every 1,000 people

 

This is a common surf statistic that works with strong ocean currents. Sometimes such entertainment leads to serious injury and sometimes even death.

A fall from a large wave of approximately 6.2 to 15.5 m is serious damage, and few people go back to land without any injuries after that. Consequently, common injuries are dislocations, sprains, and fractures of the legs, arms, forearms, and even the back.

5 Storylines going into UFC 278

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With UFC 278 around the corner, this PPV card is layered with many big names as well as many sleepers as well. Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards look to look up for a second time, this time with the UFC Welterweight Championship on the line. Luke Rockhold makes his return to the UFC Octagon for the first time in just over 3 years and takes on the devastating knockout artist Paulo Costa. On top of that you add elite bantamweight action with Jose Aldo taking on the rising Merab Dvalishvili who’s looking to make his win streak 8 on Saturday. In the Prelims we have undefeated Heavyweight Alexander Romanov looking to become 17-0 and secure his 6th straight win in the UFC. Let’s take a look at some of the top storylines going into UFC 278

  • How can Kamaru Usman add to his legacy?

Kamaru Usman has been on a path of destruction since entering the UFC, going on a 15-fight win streak, not counting the 2 wins he picked up on The Ultimate Fighter. With a win this Saturday, he can tie the legendary Anderson Silva for first place in UFC history with a win streak of 16. To answer the question of how Usman can add to his legacy this weekend starts with getting the win. If he gets the win this Saturday, he can have a legitimate claim of being the greatest Welterweight of all time. GSP certainly still is at the top of that conversation, but Usman getting a win makes that conversation much tougher. If Usman is able to get the finish over Edwards, that would mean he would have 4 finishes in 6 title defenses, all while only having 2 finishes leading into his championship fight. This would show the incredible growth that he has made as a champion, even further proving his dominance and legitimizing his spot as #1 Pound-for-Pound fighter in the world. 

 

  • Can Leon Edwards make adjustments from fight #1 

The last time Leon Edwards lost a fight was 7 years ago, to his opponent Saturday Kamaru Usman. Since that time, Leon has won 9 fights in a row, all while having bad luck getting fights scheduled during the Covid Era. During that time the southpaw has polished up his clinch work all while becoming one of the most technical strikers in the division. His ability to mix it up in close with elbows as well as work you from a distance is what makes him so dangerous. But when you have someone who is as gifted of a wrestler as Kamaru, what can Leon do to change the outcome of the fight this time. The obvious start to the answer is better takedown defense than the last fight. Usman had over 10 minutes of ground control time and that’s not including the clinch control time. If Edwards wants to win this fight, he needs to address this and try to change the game plan. Coming forward and putting the pressure on Usman would seem to be the most ideal strategy. When a wrestler is on their back foot they don’t have the same success on their takedowns as well as it makes it harder for them to cut off the cage. The second key would be to use those clinches early to damage Usman. We have seen that Kamaru has been rocked at times in his UFC career, so if Leon can put Usman on the back foot and use that pressure to land the cleaner strikes in the exchanges, he can change the outcome from the last time these two met. 

  • Will Luke Rockhold be able to get his first win in 5 years?

 

Luke Rockhold finally makes his Octagon return after 3 years and welcoming him back is the man with 11 knockout wins, Paulo Costa. Luke is 4 years removed from his last title opportunity vs Yoel Romero in 2018 and is 7 years removed from being a champion in 2015. That being said, after losing 3 of his last 4 fights by KO, he took some time to allow his body to heal and make the right decision regarding his future. His return is one that has made a lot of noise and his comments during fight week didn’t make it any quieter. The only issue is that he is facing a devastating striker in Paulo Costa. Say what you want to about him, his weight, or his online tactics, but you have to respect the man as a striker and a finisher. Luke can come back and win a fight versus Paulo but the path to victory is tough. He’s going to have to weather the early storm and pressure of Paulo while trying to land his own. Although Rockhold isn’t known best for his wrestling, this fight would be an ideal opportunity to show his octagon experience and fight IQ and take Costa down and try to wear on his gas tank. For Paulo, the path seems to land one punch clean on Rockhold, and you’re walking away with your win bonus. For Luke, the chin is suspect and although the skills are there for the former champion, it may seem that he is over the hill on his career and will be a marquee name for the UFC. But he can go there Saturday and put Costa’s lights out cold, & that is why we watch. 

  • Is Jose Aldo still elite?

 

When it comes to career longevity, Jose Aldo has to be one of the guys at the top of the list in the UFC. 14 years after his WEC debut in 2008, the former UFC Champion is on a 3 fight win streak after losing his initial bout at 135 lbs. Marlon Vera, Pedro Munoz, and Rob Font are 3 of the toughest bantamweights in this division and he was able to pick up wins consecutively on all 3. Now he faces a dangerous grappler in Merab Dvalishvili. Merab comes into this fight averaging 7 takedowns a fight which is an absolutely absurd number. He ranks #1 all-time in the UFC Bantamweight division with 63 takedowns. That number all-time enough to be ahead of former champion Rafael Dos Anjos and just behind guys like Colby Covington and Damian Maia. Aldo will have a tough challenge on his hand but one thing we know about him is that his takedown defense is one of the best of all time. During his time at featherweight, he had the 3rd best takedown defense of all time at 91%. During his 4 fights at 135lbs, he has only been taken down twice and he only spent 50 seconds being on the bottom in his last 3 fights. This fight will be a true test to see if Aldo is still elite, or if Merab is going to take that torch. 

 

  • Can Alexander Romanov continue his unbeaten streak

 

Undefeated Heavyweight Alexander Romanov is going to the Prelim Headliner, a spot usually reserved for someone who the UFC wants eyes on since it is the last fight for free before the PPV gets started. Romanov has been dominant since his time in the UFC winning 6 in a row in the promotion. He faces off against his toughest challenger yet, Marcin Tybura whose only loss in his last 6 fights is to #8 ranked Heavyweight Alexander Volkov. Romanov is a dominant submission fighter who loves to take his opponents down and wreak havoc. He even tends to throw his coach as a celebration after his wins as well. Romanov has yet to have met his match and his unrelenting pressure and ability to get his opponents on their back has been nothing short of spectacular. If Tybura is able to keep this fight standing, he has a chance of winning, but if Romanov gets this fight to the mat, I’m betting that the fight is over and Romanov walks out 17-0. 

 

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Why Shane Burgos signing with the PFL is a win for All Fighters

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When Shane Burgos signed with the PFL, it seemed like it was going to be just another UFC fighter crossing over to “MMA’s League”. But Shane Burgos makes for a unique case for multiple reasons, and for those reasons, his signing with the PFL could open doors for many more fighters in the future. The reason that Shane Burgos is a unique case because he is still in his prime, he was a ranked UFC contender, and he’s coming off a win streak with a chance to make more money. 

Shane Burgos entered the UFC at 7-0 with all of his wins coming by finish. He was still very young at 25 years old and had an extensive amateur career in which he was also undefeated. He was able to secure 4 “Fight of the Night” bonuses during his 11 fights in the UFC and has only taken losses to top ranked opponents. Add to that experience with the fact that he is only 31 years old in the prime of his career makes him a very dangerous contender in the upcoming PFL Season.

For Shane to leave on a win, in the prime of his career makes him different from guys like Rory MacDonald and Anthony Pettis. For both of those guys, they have already either fought for UFC gold or became UFC Champions in their tenure with the UFC. For guys like the 2021 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Antonio Carlos Jr. and 2022 Playoff Contender Chris Wade, they were cut by the UFC and didn’t even have a chance to negotiate contracts with them. By going to the PFL, Shane opens the door for more contenders in the UFC to maximize their pay by going to the PFL and other promotions. 

The PFL presents a unique opportunity with their season style format and the million dollar tournament. Having fights lined up for you as well as the opportunity to fight for a million dollars is something that many fighters under the current PFL banner has touted as one of the biggest benefits of being signed to the PFL. They have a big platform on ESPN and ESPN+ as well as they bring a very unique perspective on the sport of MMA. They also have the opportunity to make superfights and marquee matchups with the more names that come on over. Shane Burgos vs Anthony Pettis? Sign me up. 

Now why is this a win for all fighters? For a long time, the UFC has been the main stage for fighters to build their name on and make the most amount of money. Bellator has taken a few fighters such as Benson Henderson and others, but Shane is one of the first in the modern era to be in his position and do what he did.

This also allows the opportunity for other fighters to test free agency and look at the potential other doors that could be open and be a better opportunity. Shane speaks about having to go home and look at his two daughters and when it’s all said and done, this is a career for many people, so when a door that is opened financially for one fighter, that door will remain open again when the opportunity arises.

 

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10 Tips for Your Offseason Training

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While it may not feel like it, the off season can be just as critical to success as the regular season itself. Even though you may not be competing, the off season presents the perfect opportunity to up your game, so we’ve rounded up 10 tips to help you take your off season training to the next level. What are you waiting for? Grab your sports guard and get training!

  • Review your past performance.

Assuming that you are planning to compete competitively in the upcoming season, the off season marks the perfect time to review your past performance and identify any weaknesses. Review your recent competitions and practices to see if you can identify any patterns in your activity. Looking them over with your personal coach or trainer (if you have one) will allow you to get an outside opinion and see your performance with new eyes.

  • Set goals for your training.

During the off season, you need more concrete training goals than a vague aim of staying in shape. Based on your performance review, identify a couple goals that could help improve your performance: building your strength, improving your stamina, increasing your speed, enhancing your balance, increasing your flexibility, and so on. Then design an off-season training regimen that is specifically created to help you work on these goals. Make sure that you set some measurements for yourself to keep track of your progress, too.

 

  • Consult with an expert.

If you don’t normally work with a coach or personal trainer one-on-one, then the off season is a great time to change that. Getting personalized help from an expert, even if just for a few weeks or months, can give you the boost you need to take your training to the next level. If you feel like you’ve plateaued on your own, then ask your fellow athletes for recommendations for trainers who they trust, and book a few sessions to see how it goes.

  • Do something different.

Many athletes are understandably hesitant to try a new exercise or workout during the regular season. What if it doesn’t help their performance or, even worse, impacts their performance negatively? That’s why the off season is the perfect time to experiment with a new training regimen that you wouldn’t want to risk when you’re regularly competing. If you feel like you got into a training rut during the season, now is the perfect time to try to snap yourself out of it.

  • Perfect your form.

The off season is a great time to get technical and really focus on the small details. Go back to basics and really focus on your form, whether that’s on a deadlift or a tennis serve. Take things slow and focus on doing them right instead of fast. Even minute changes in your form can significantly enhance your performance during the season, especially once you practice them so often they become second nature.

  • Focus on active recovery.

Yes, the off season is all about recovery, but that doesn’t mean that you should hang up your moldable mouth guard for good and spend your days only sitting on the couch. Instead, focus on active recovery, such as yoga, that will strengthen your body and improve balance and flexibility without exhausting you physically the way the season does. You should include a couple of low-intensity days each week for active recovery to make it a regular part of your training schedule.

  • Stay consistent with workouts.

During the off season, many athletes (especially aspiring pros in high school or college) tend to slack off and do less and less training as their break wears on. It can be especially hard to keep going in winter, when the days are shorter and the weather is colder, which can make it difficult or even impossible to train outside. That’s why it’s so important to make a schedule and stick with it: Having a plan ahead of time will encourage you to stay consistent instead of skipping your workouts often.

  • Prioritize function, not aesthetics.

It’s tempting to take the off season to slim down, bulk up, or otherwise embark on a training regimen that will help you achieve peak beach body. However, if you’re serious about your sport, then you should use the off season to focus on function over aesthetics. For instance, big muscles will do you no good — and may even hinder your performance — if you’re an endurance athlete who needs to be able to go the distance during the season.

 

  • Upgrade your gear.

The off season is also the ideal time to upgrade your gear and get used to it before the season starts, such as breaking in new shoes and customizing a new boil and bite mouthguard. Examine all of your gear for damage it has sustained during the off season. Repair it if you can. If it can’t be salvaged, then toss it and replace it. Make sure to take your new gear out for practice runs before the season starts so you can get used to it and adjust your playing style as needed.

  • Don’t forget to rest.

While it’s true that you shouldn’t spend the entire offseason loafing around, most athletes like to take between two and four weeks completely off from scheduled training. They may do some light workouts as they feel like it, but they mostly spend this time resting their bodies, as well as de-stressing mentally after the pressure of the season. Make sure that you set aside some time at the beginning of your off season to decompress — then dive back into your offseason training.

 

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5 Takeaways from UFC Vegas 31

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All eyes were on the prodigy from Dagestan, Islam Makhachev. With Khabib retiring sooner than expected, expectations for Islam quickly rose. Coming in at 19-1, his record was evident of how good he was as a fighter, but we haven’t been able to see him get tested yet. Taking this fight against Thiago Moises wasn’t the test that we wanted, but we were still able to see how he would fare in the environment of a 5 round fight. And what we saw was the dominance that we would expect from a student and brother of Khabib. He was able to dominate the ground game for almost all 3 rounds and in the 4th, he was able to slip in a beautiful rear naked choke. Many other great wins came from this card including the return of Meisha Tate. Let’s take a look at the top takeaways from this weekend’s card. 

 

  1. Islam Makhachev needs a real opponent 

 

This is no disrespect to Drew Dober and Thiago Moises who are both great fighters. But the time for Islam to take that next step is now. No longer can this man be ducked or denied from anyone not in the top 3. He absolutely dominated his last two fights winning every round of both of them until he finished them with a submission. Islam has shown that he has the talent to be able to beat who you put in front of him handily. Dan Hooker, Tony Ferguson, or Michael Chandler need to be next for him. If Conor wasn’t out for a year I would put him in that list too but Islam deserves someone way sooner. With Islam facing one of these guys, we can now see a true test of what this man is really about. At 20-1 his record is nearly flawless and once he gets a real test in a top contender, we can truly see how ready he is to fill the shoes of Khabib. 

 

2. Meisha Tate is back, but for how long?

 

After taking a hiatus in her career, Meisha Tate returned to get a TKO win in the 3rd over the retiring Marion Reneau. The first two rounds were slow but Tate was able to get control and use her wrestling that we’ve known to come from her. She won this fight, but now we have talks of her facing off against Holly Holm. While she was able to beat Holly the first time, Holly has developed into one of the most well rounded fighters there is, and if Amanda Nunez wasn’t reigning terror over the flyweight and bantamweight division, we could very likely be talking about Holly Holm being one of the greatest female athletes in UFC history. Tate can very much focus on utilizing her wrestling and trying to take Holly down, but it will be much harder with the gap on the feet being that large. We will see if Tate is able to come back and make a solid run here in the UFC for her second stint. 

 

3. Amanda Lemos is the next rising star in the Women’s Strawweight division

 

With her 35 second win, Amanda Lemos secured the second fastest knockout in the Strawweight division. Somehow, this didn’t earn her a performance bonus but it definitely did earn her some respect in the eyes of fans and matchmakers. With two straight knockout wins in the first round, she’s becoming one of very few women who can put your lights out with one shot. That kind of power in this division makes you stand out immensely and having Wallid Ismail cut your promos makes you stand out even that much more. 

 

4. Rodolfo Viera seems to have figured things out 

 

In his last fight, Viera was able to get the back of his opponent, and in one of the most strange occurrences in UFC history, completely gassed out 3 minutes into the fight. It almost seemed like an adrenaline dump which could have been what it was. This cost him the fight and also his undefeated record. Viera hired a sports psychologist to work on breaking through that mental barrier. In this fight, Viera came out much more patient and seemed to have understood how to flow in the octagon much better. For someone who’s touted “ The Blackbelt Hunter” he decided to use his jab beautifully for the first two rounds before taking Dustin Stoltzfus down and winning via Rear Naked Choke. After his win emotions clearly poured out from this guy who seemed to have battle through a lot mentally to be able to make it through this fight. For someone who’s as talented as Viera, I hope this is a sign that we’re turning the page on him and he’s able to take that next step to get closer to competing at the top of the division. 

 

5. The least talked about UFC Cards are the best

 

Although there’s nothing like star power on an UFC card, last Saturday’s fight card showed that even without the big names, the promotion can still put on banger cards. There were only 2 decisions on the whole card, none of them being on the main card. A main card with finish after finish absolutely delivered and for sure left fans very happy. 5 KO/TKO’s, 2 Rear Naked Chokes, 1 Kimura and a partridge in a pear tree was the formula for an amazing UFC Card. Dana White agreed, handing out 4 Performance of the Night awards AND a Fight of the Night award which means 6 people walked out $50,000 richer and potentially their life changed. Hopefully we can continue to see the great UFC cards in the future but one with an 80% finish rate will certainly be tough to beat. 

 

You can follow Johnathan on Twitter @ThreePieceCombo

*****

 

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5 Takeaways from McGregor’s Loss, More in UFC 264

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With McGregor breaking his tibia at the end of the first round, the Poirier-McGregor trilogy came to an end. After a dominant first round, Dustin Poirier seemed like he was on his way to another win but then the unfortunate injury cut things short. The series goes to Poirier and now he’s on his way to fight Charles Oliveira for the undisputed UFC Lightweight Championship. The rest of the card was loaded with fighters taking the next step in their UFC career. Let’s take a look at the top takeaways from this weekend’s card

 

  1. There seems to be one more chapter left in the Poirier McGregor Series

 

Although he was winning the first round handily, Dustin Poirier wasn’t able to put the finishing stamp on this fight. With the lack of closure on this fight and the continuation of the trash talk and bad blood, it seems like these guys are destined to throw down in the octagon once more. When it comes to how their paths will intersect again, that’s a much tougher question to answer. Dustin will be on his way to fighting Charles Oliveira for the belt. On the other hand Conor has to recover from this injury and now is coming in 3-4 for his last 7 MMA fights. Conor truthfully is 2-3 wins away from legitimately challenging for UFC Gold once again. But this is Conor McGregor, and he tends to get what he wants. If Dustin Poirier becomes champion and pulls a Kamaru Usman and calls out the money fight with Conor McGregor, we could see this fight again. If not in that manner, we can see this fight in 2-3 years after Dustin might be past his title reign and at 34-35, these guys will still be in great competitive shape. If Dustin fails to win the belt, maybe that’s the next fight for him since it would get him probably the most money out of any fight. Regardless, this rivalry seems far from over and I feel we are bound to see these two grace the octagon once again.

 

2. Gilbert Burns is one (small) step closer to a shot at UFC Gold

 

Gilbert Burns was able to solve the puzzle of Wonderboy Thompson in the co-main event of the card, and regardless of Dana White wanting to tout his win as a “boring” one, this sets him one step closer to a rematch with Kamaru Usman. Burns was able to rock Usman in the first round of their first encounter and on his account he claimed to get over-excited chasing the finish. That lead to his ultimate demise, but not without showing he does have the ability to put the champ in danger. Stephen Thompson has some of the best takedown defense and his wide karate stance and unique usage of kicks makes him a hard puzzle to figure out. Burns was able to close the distance and rely on his ground game expertise in route to tying a personal best 3 takedowns. With this win, he shouldn’t need more than another win or two to be able to challenge Usman once again.

 

3. Sean O’ Malley has to fight a top Bantamweight next 

 

Sean O’Malley and Kris Moutinho put on an absolute show to start off the pay-per-view card. The Sugar Show was in full effect with O’Malley showboating in between strikes and hitting at a near record clip. He landed 230 significant strikes before Herb Dean saw enough. But Kris Moutinho raised his stock just as much in this fight, if not more. He continued to walk O’Malley down even after getting dropped at the end of the first round. He would’ve made it to the scorecards if Dean didn’t waive the fight off but it was more than likely for his own good. This fight showed us that O’Malley is leaps and bounds ahead of someone who is a newcomer and is worthy of a top bantamweight to fight next. Whether it’s Cody Garbrandt, Dominick Cruz, Petr Yan, or “Fob Ront” (His own personal twist on Rob Font) is still yet to be seen 

 

4. Tai Tuivasa is evidence of building your own star 

 

Tai Tuivasa has become beloved by fans because of his famous post fight “shoey”. When he stepped into the arena during his walkout, the crowd erupted for one of the biggest pops of the night. Tai is proof that you can build your own star in the UFC. He’s been interactive with fans on social media and shows the awesome personality he has on top of being a great Heavyweight. It’s in the best interest of the UFC for more of their fighters to understand how to build fandom behind your name. Of course winning will always be number one, but if you’re able to create a community of fans in the UFC, you will have unbound support throughout your career. 

 

5. Michel Periera is our next exciting fighter rising up the ranks

 

Periera’s fight vs Niko Price was a fight between two of the most exciting, spontaneous fighters there. With this win, he has won 4 of his 6 UFC fights, 5 of 6 if you don’t count his DQ loss vs Diego Sanchez which he was winning handily. He’s proven to be able to do it on the ground and standing up, and his unique style makes him a hard person to imitate in training. With some good competition under his belt like Niko Price and Khaos Williams, it seems like now is the time to put him up against an upper echelon guy in this division. Two guys I feel would be great learning matchups for him would be Carlos Condit, who’s coming off of a loss now or Geoff Neal who is on a slight skid. One thing’s for sure for Periera, his unique fighting style and showmanship in the ring will make him a name to remember.

 

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Five Takeaways from the McGregor-Poirier Presser

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Leading up to potentially the biggest fight in UFC history, Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier took two completely different approaches going into the press conference. Conor came in as the Conor we knew when he made his phenomenal run, making quirky remarks, waging psychological warfare, and guaranteeing victory. On the other hand, Dustin kept everything strictly business, not biting at any bait thrown out by McGregor or paying any mind to the pro-Conor crowd. But he did not have a lack of confidence or focus coming in. This led to a perfect balance of two fighters on the opposite ends of the spectrum going right at each other. Let’s take a look at some of the top takeaways from the press conference 

 

  1. Dustin delivered the best line of the Press conference

Before I can deliver the line in a way that was as powerful as how Dustin said it, some context is needed. For the first 15 minutes of the press conference, McGregor would continually attack Dustin while Dustin would remain calm. After these continual attacks, one media member asked Conor why he went from being kind in the buildup to the last fight to now flipping the switch end being aggressive, as to which Dustin answered

 

 “Because he got knocked the f#%k out… Not McGregor Fast, McGregor sleep” 

 

This comment got the biggest pop of the night and left Conor unable to say anything. Dustin picked his shot perfectly and delivered exactly what needed to be delivered without overdoing it. He kept quiet for most of the time but when he spoke, it was worth listening to.. 

 

  1. Conor has no lack of volume on the Mic

 

It was very evident that from the start of the press conference, we were going to see the McGregor of old. The psychological warfare, the head games, the non stop verbal shots, it was all there for Conor. Every time a question was asked to Dustin, Conor would interject and trash Dustin in whichever way he could. Conor seemed to have prepared a myriad of one liners to try and get into Dustin’s head. From personal attacks to his wife to just saying he sees a dead man, there was no shortage of the verbal ammunition McGregor had prepared.

 

(Catch a preview of the fight with Alex Donno’s Five Rounds sponsored by Quarterdeck)

 

 

  1. Dustin was unaffected by the trash talk

The biggest growth for “The Diamond” from the first fight might be his mental growth. Undoubtedly his skills in the octagon have taken leaps and bounds but for Dustin, the mental edge that he brings into every fight is one that is rarely seen. He famously says 

“ A fight isn’t a fight until there’s something to overcome” 

In this press conference, Conor would continually cut Dustin off, talk trash to him, get the crowd riled up and even try to make things personal by bringing up his wife. At the end of all of it, Dustin was completely unphased by any of it, smiling away. When one reporter asked both guys if they respect each other, Conor gave his classic “ I don’t give a fook” while Dustin said yes I respect Conor and everything he’s done. At that moment the world knew that the pressure from early in his career has made The Diamond unbreakable. 

 

  1. Conor’s losses have affected his luster 

When Conor McGregor was going to face Jose Aldo for the UFC Featherweight championship, he was the winner of 15 straight. That type of winning against top level competition was nearly unheard of and the way he was knocking people out left and right touted his left hand “The Kiss of Death”. Even going into the Khabib fight he was the winner of 18 of his last 19 in the UFC so the star still shined. But now being 3-3 in his last 6 with his only win since 2016 being a win over a past-prime Cowboy Cerrone, that threat and mystique of Conor is no longer there. Of course he is still the sport’s biggest star, but is he still the top of the competitive mountain? Absolutely not. He got knocked out by Dustin Poirier and  choked out by Khabib and Nate Diaz. Those losses take away the invincibility factor and make his words have less meaning. Athletes now understand it’s what’s done inside the Octagon that really counts, and Conor can only affect you if you buy into what he says. 

 

  1. Dustin won the Press Conference 

When it came down to it, we saw what we thought we would see with both guys. Conor came out constantly attacking Dustin and on the other hand Dustin would let most of it slide. But when it came to delivering the KO punch, Dustin delivered it perfectly, getting the biggest reaction from a Pro-McGregor Crowd. Add that on to the unphased mentality of Dustin Poirier and it was clear that McGregor was unable to get into Dustin’s head. Conversely, the small lines that Dustin did say would shut Conor up completely, taking him out of his element and looking starved for a comeback. Of course we will see how it plays out in the octagon but when it came to the verbal warfare, tally this win down for Dustin Poirier.

 

You can follow Johnathan on Twitter @ThreePieceCombo