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Milo has 201 articles published.

Manny Pacquiao Facebook Live Generates 5.5 Million Views

7 years ago in Asian Sports

Manny Pacquiao is very good at leveraging social media to reach his fans in his last fight against Jessie Vargas, he used Facebook Live to bring the fans inside the locker room for his pre-fight.

Not even PPV could bring you this close to an athlete pre-fight as most of the time you will be soaking on advertisements of pre-game analysis. Manny Pacquiao’s Facebook Live has generated more than 5.5 million at that time, that is more than any PPV buy ins.

Manny Pacuiao FB Live Wrap Hand
Manny Pacuiao FB Live Wrap Hand

How many more athletes would leverage this and provide its fans with a closer look at their big fights or game? Thank you Manny Pacquiao for being so social, your fans love it!

In case you missed the Facebook live, or want to relive it, watch his pre-game hand wrapping routine below —

UFC 207: Nunes vs Rousey – She’s Back

7 years ago in UFC

UFC 207 is 29 days away and one of the first promo video on the fight of Rousey and Nunes is here. Nice theme, Ronda Rousey is back and we hope this would be a spectacular show.

UFC 207 Nunes vs Rousey Promo Poster

UFC 207 Nunes vs Rousey She’s Back
UFC 207 Nunes vs Rousey She’s Back

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Turnaround for Bjorn Rebney now on the Side of the Fighters with MMAAA

7 years ago in UFC

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On Wednesday five UFC veterans have taken the first serious step to challenge the UFC and make lives better for its fighters by creating the fighters union Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Association (MMAAA).

When MMAAA was introduced Bjorn Rebney former President of Bellator was present with these comments — “What the association is going to achieve for the athletes is a settlement to address the past wrongs, driving up [the revenue split] to 50% up from 8%, and a benefits package that provides a safety net”.

This is a complete turnaround for Bjorn Rebney since he did not embody fighters welfare during this tenure as president of Bellator, he had a reputation for creating long-term contracts more punishing and restrictive than UFC.

Manager Jason Genet has this comments about Bjorn — “Bjorn created the most egregious working conditions ever to exist in combat sports. He forced fighters to sign with managers that would not question those contracts and punished those that did. He may be the most qualified to rid the sport of injustices that people like him ushered in or he will be the reason this fails. I will wait and see. None of my athletes will be involved.”

Not everyone is convinced of Rebney’s intention as former two division UFC champion Randy Couture said that Rebney’s motives are worth exploring. Couture has this comments — “I suspect that Bjorn is interested in creating an organization and being a promoter again and doing it with fighters, owned by fighters, sort of like what the Professional Bull Riders is. That’s my take on why Bjorn is involved here. It’s certainly more than just an advisor to fighters.”

Note that four of the five fighters leading this union are associated with Creative Artists Agency, a rival to WME/IMG who owns UFC. Is it possible that another group is going to be formed to compete against UFC. A group which already advocates fighter welfare, would split profits, provide healthcare is a big draw to get UFC fighters to move over or fighters to sign-up. Bjorn Rebney however denied these conspiracy theory and says they are all for the welfare of fighters.

Bjorn with his experience against the welfare of fighters would have a wealth of knowledge how the UFC organization is thinking and could be beneficial in negotiating terms with UFC and the success of MMAAA. It could also work against the success of MMAAA depending on the motive of Bjorn joining the union.

However this plays out our only concern is that fighters will be treated fairly and be given what is right for them.

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UFC Fighters Fight to Unionize and Get What is Right

7 years ago in UFC

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UFC has 500 fighters under contract and while the big headlines are Conor McGregor earning $40 million dollars on UFC 205 most of the fighters are underpaid, getting their ass beaten, live broke and do not have basic privileges. UFC is loaded and just recently been sold for $4.2 billion dollars making it the largest purchase in sporting history.

On Wednesday five UFC veterans introduced the Mixed Martial Arts Athlete Association whose purpose according to the group statement —

“The association’s sole concentration is to fight for the rights of MMA fighters and force UFC’s ownership to dramatically alter the company’s decade-plus outrageous treatment of its athletes.”

One of the five veteran fighters is former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre who says —

“UFC without fighters is only three letters of the alphabet, It’s time for us to make our voice heard and make change happen for the best of the UFC and fighters.”

Georges St-Pierre says that UFC and not the fighters is the biggest opponent there is —

“We’re all afraid, but it’s time to join up. It’s a fight for what is right and what is wrong. We should never be afraid to stand up for our virtues.”

The five UFC veterans to lead this initiative are St-Pierre, Cain Velasquez, TJ Dillashaw, Tim Kennedy and Donald Cerrone who are all calling for more money, and improved healthcare and other protections.

Most of the fighters are left alone for themselves and as St-Pierre adds —

“I know a lot of fighters want to remain anonymous, but I’m telling you guys, come see us. It’s time to stand together.”

Organizing a union was first started a few years ago but it didn’t gain any traction as these moves were seen to be desperate attempts of fighters past their prime, bitter and angry. On a side not, most unions are seen to be like that, an attempt by the company to squash it. An anti-trust lawsuit was filed in 2014 by a number of UFC veterans but again it didn’t progress much.

The UFC was still a growing entity and being a private company its financials and how it paid its fighters were never highlighted until the Fertitta family sold it for 4.2 billion dollars to the WME/IMG group that eyes started rolling.

What makes fighters angry is that UFC is making a lot of money and in 2015 they made $600 million dollars in revenue and 2/3 of that came from fights. UFC was pressured by media to disclose how much they were paying their fighters and the executives gave a general sports answer that is was industry standard like any major American sports like baseball, basketball and football. Contrary to earlier statements by Fertitta that they were giving half to figthers as told to ESPN in 2012; though it is believed they were only paying around 15% of their revenue to the sweat and blood of its fighters.

When the MMAAA was introduced on Wednesday, former Bellator president Bjorn Rebney was there and commented — “What the association is going to achieve for the athletes is a settlement to address the past wrongs, driving up [the revenue split] to 50% up from 8%, and a benefits package that provides a safety net”.

Aside from the 501c6 status, the structure of the MMAAA is still not clear and more information like investors, board members, will be learned.

The association wants the UFC to negotiate with them ideally before the UFC’s media rights are up for renewal in 2018 where they are being paid $115 million dollars annually. The UFC organization is pushing for $4.5 billion dollars over 10 years as per reported by the Sports Business Journal.

The success of the MMAAA will depend on the determination and patience of its founding members as this could take time to take off the ground. This process might be long but it will only benefit the fighters of the sport and could only help in developing talent.

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How does Conor McGregor Boxing License Impact UFC?

7 years ago in Basketball/UFC

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On Wednesay, Conor McGregor has been issued a boxing license by the California State Athletic Commission and people are now excited to see Conor step on a boxing ring and make a name for himself. He already became the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two divisions after defeating Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205 and would want to add opportunities and fan base.

What does this mean to UFC? This is mostly a payday move and fighters has been complaining that UFC who has recently been sold for $4 Billion dollars is a billion dollar business built upon the sweat and blood of its fighters, fighters who are not paid well. Conor McGregor is one of the rare highest paid fighters in UFC who netted $40 million dollars in UFC 205 but he did bring in the viewers as UFC 205 brought in the highest gate sales in history with $17.7 million dollars followed only by the $13.5 million dollars in 1999 Lenox Lewis vs Evander Holyfield. UFC 205 also brought in 1.9 million PPV buys the biggest in the company’s history. Mayweather netted $230 million dollars for his fight against Pacquiao with a PPV buys of 4 million viewers. The $40 million payday of Conor McGregor on the 1.9 million PPV buys seems spare change to old school boxing.

While UFC fighters know this, Conor McGregor is in a position to demand as per his latest statement toward UFC — “If you want to come at me, if you want me to stick around and help service that debt and continue to push the company, bring me on board, for real. “I need to be set for life for this. If you want me to be truly on on board, then I need to be all-in on this proper, as an owner, and have an equity stake in the company. That’s what I’m looking for.”

While the boxing license doesn’t immediately mean Conor McGregor is going to fight Floyd Mayweather because Conor McGregor is under contract with UFC and there are only three scenarios where Conor can get a shot:

1. UFC willingly allows Conor McGregor to enter the boxing ring
2. UFC cashes in big with a Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather right
3. Conor McGregor finds a way to get out of contract from UFC

The only likely scenario that will happen here is #2 wherein UFC will make lots of money off this fight which would still mean nothing for Conor McGregor because his primary objective is to get a $100 million dollar payday on a boxing fight.

Given this scenario there isn’t going to be an immediate impact for UFC as they control the cards and while Conor is their biggest fighter, a single loss by Conor to an upcoming rematch with Nate Diaz or another fighter could exponentially drop his ratings again while UFC remains afloat.

Long-term impact would mean that a lot of fighters would be demanding for higher earnings or looking for a crossover to boxing. The pressure it would bring to UFC from a growing number of fighters with higher demands would keep on increasing and sooner or later UFC will have to make changes to their structure.

Conor McGregor boxing license is more of a wake-up call for now, but not strong enough to deliver a knockout punch on the UFC negotiating table.

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Conor McGregor Gets California Boxing License

7 years ago in UFC

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Conor McGregor has been playing with the idea of fighting Mayweather in the boxing ring for several months now; but all of that had just been small talks and taunts until on Wednesday when McGregor has been issued a boxing license in the state of California.

According to the California State Athletic Commission executive officer Andy Foster — “He got a license today and a federal ID, He’s a California boxer now.”

The California State Athletic Commission issues around 1200 boxing license every year but none of them is newsworthy until McGregor who is the only fighter to hold titles in two divisions in UFC has gotten his. Conor McGregor is a huge name in UFC with a large fan base because of what he brings — spark, unfiltered loud mouth and most especially his fighting skills.

Andy Foster adds – “He’s qualified [as a boxer]. I’d love to see him fight in California. It just needs to be the right opponent. Certainly a high-level opponent. We’re happy to license him. We’re happy he’s a California fighter.”

His first boxing fight would probably be in California but expect to see him fight in other places as it is believed he is applying for licenses in other states.

McGregor hinted about a huge announcement after his last UFC fight at UFC 205 on Nov. 12 in New York after he defeated Eddie Alvarez, he however said he is going to be a father, but people still thinks he is keeping something more.

Conor is expanding his reach and options ad he has a knack for alienating organizations; he recently threatened to stay away from Las Vegas because of a dispute with the Nevada State Athletic Commission where he got fined $150,000 for throwing a water bottle at Nate Diaz.

After UFC 205 in New York, McGregor, who was stripped of the featherweight title last week, was outspoken in demanding an ownership stake in the UFC in return for the attention and revenue he has brought the company.

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BJJ Super Deals Coupon Code

7 years ago in Basketball
BJJ Super Deals Coupon and Discount Code
BJJ Super Deals Coupon and Discount Code

BJJ Super Deals is site dedicated for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructional and various closeout deals. Everyday the site will offer a single product that they will sell for a huge discount. Usually the discount for items can range between 30%-50% and you have the chance to buy the item for the next 24 hours.

Aside from the huge discount you can actually get an additional 20% off if you use the referral link below — http://bjjsuperdeals.refr.cc/sporati

Fantasy Football Week 13 Start Sit Advice

7 years ago in NFL

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Week 13 is going to be crucial for NFL Fantasy Owners because most of the leagues this is the end of the regular season and playoff will begin. While I have clinched the playoffs two weeks back, some fantasy team owners need Week 13 to make it to the playoffs.

Start the Following QB Players for NFL Week 13

Colin Kaepernick has surprisingly delivered the fantasy points and on Week 12 he even scored 39.5 fantasy points. His ability to pass and rush gives him a lot of options to pile up the points. In their game against the Miami Dolphins, Colin completed 29 of 46 passes for a total of 296 yards, had three touchdowns, and added 113 rushing yards on 10 carries. He will go up against the Chicago Bears who ranks 16th in the NFL in production allowed to opposing quarterbacks and 22nd in rushing yards against QB.

Philip Rivers has been on a 4 week streak of multiple touchdown passes and had a stellar game against a tough Texans defense where he completed 22 of 30 passes for 242 yards. Rivers and the Chargers will be playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have given up 20 passing TDs this season, 9th worst in the NFL.

Rivers fantasy numbers keep on climbing starting at 22.7 on Week 9, 23.04 on Week 10, Week 11 was Bye, he came and scored 25.68 fantasy points in Week 12 in our league.

Andrew Luck is a solid QB and based on injury reports for NFL Week 13 he should be back in form and could score in the mid 20s for fantasy owners. He is still 99% owned and owners should be confident to start him.

Sit the Following QB Players for NFL Week 13

Cam Newton who was the MVP for 2015 season has been disappointing and have only been scoring in the mid 20s to 10s on weekly basis. Fantasy apps has been recommending him in the top 5s but he has been my disappointing pick. I have benched him in favor of Marcus Mariota and the only reason I am starting him this week is because Marcus Mariota is on bye and there are no better QBs in our waiver wire.

Andy Dalton is not going to play in Week 13 because of hamstring injury. While he played in Week 12 he just completed 54 percent of his passes, with just a single touchdown and 14 rushing yards. Andy scored a good high 20s for me in one game but for the last three games he has just been scoring in low 10s.

Start the Following RB Players for NFL Week 13

Mark Ingram has just scored 7.30 points in Week 10 and 9 points on Week 11, but last week he exploded for 31.20 points with 14 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Ingram has had around 15 touches for the past six games and he will continue to explode in Week 13. Even if Mark Ingram goes against a tough Lions defense, we are trusting Mark Ingram to score productive fantasy points.

Thomas Rawls has just scored 3.8 points in Week 12 but the entire Seattle Seahawks has been disappointing. Expect the team to bounce back and Rawls to score a lot more points.

Sit the Following RB Players for NFL Week 13

Just like Cam Newton, Todd Gurley has been a huge disappointment this season. I think he was even drafted in the first or second round in our fantasy league but he just managed to give in the low 10s for fantasy owners.

Keep Todd Gurley on the bench.

Start the Following WR Players for NFL Week 13

Larry Fitzgerald has been a solid option for the Arizona Cardinals and while he hasn’t had a touchdown since Week 5, expect the Cardinals to keep on passing the ball to Larry. He caught all four of his targets for 53 yards on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks. He should have a strong performance against the Washington Redskins who ranks 7th for the least production allowed to opposing wide receivers.

Doug Baldwin is still the primary wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks and while he had a very bad Week 12 only scoring 6.9 fantasy points, it was his first game that Baldwin didn’t go for 85+ yards and the whole team didn’t play well. He is expected to come back for Week 13.

Davante Adams is going to have a strong game especially when Randall Cobb is not performing due to hamstring injury. Davante Adams scored 26.8 points in Week 12 and could still score a lot of fantasy points in Week 13.

Sit the Following WR Players for NFL Week 13

Randall Cobb hamstring injury has not helped his performance and in Week 12 he scored a measly 6.1 fantasy point. Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson are top options for Rodgers as such sit Randall Cobb.

Start the Following TE Players for NFL Week 13

Jimmy Graham had a bad Week 12 but so is the rest of the Seattle Seahawks. Like Doug Baldwin, start Jimmy Graham he should be able to provide in the upper 10s or low 20s for Week 13.

Eric Ebron had a very tough Week 12 scoring 0 fantasy points but should rebound against the New Orleans Saints who have allowed two touchdown to TEs in the past four games.

Sit the Following TE Players for NFL Week 13

Jason Witten has had sensational Week 8 by providing the touchdown win for the Cowboys against the Eagles followed by scoring 23.40 fantasy points in Week 9 against the Cleveland. Other than that he has been disappointing. There is no need to put him back to the starting lineup.

Start the Following Kicker Players for NFL Week 13

Adam Vinatieri had a miserable Week 12 scoring only 1 fantasy point but that is due to Andrew Luck injury and the Indiana Colts could not move the ball on offense. With Andrew Luck expected to play in Week 13, Vinatieri should be able to score a lot of points. He still ranks 11th with 8 points per game and has ranked higher prior to Week 12.

Sit the Following Kicker Players for NFL Week 13

Graham Gano has his extra point blocked and has missed two field goals this season. He only scored 2 fantasy points in Week 12 and against the Seahawks tough defense, Graham Gano would not be productive in Week 13.

Start the Following Defense/Special Teams for NFL Week 13

The Pittsburgh Steelers has silently been building up their defense and have been very productive on fantasy points. They have scored 30 fantasy points on Week 11, followed by 14 points on Week 12, and against the struggling New York Giants on Week 13, they should have a strong performance.

Sit the Following Defense/Special Teams for NFL Week 13

Arizona Cardinals started strong early in the season but their production has steadily decline every week. Scoring 13, 9 and 4 fantasy points in the last three weeks is enough to get this team to the bench for Week 13.

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