https://www.scmp.com/rss/503397/feed UFC 246 is an Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per0view set for January 18, 2020, headlined by Conor McGregor vs Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com UFC fans have been given hope that Conor McGregor might return to the octagon by the start of next year. In the meantime, the newly engaged 32-year-old Irish millionaire is enjoying his early semi-retirement. Having grown up with very little money, he has managed to become one of the richest MMA fighters in the world and he’s not frugal when it comes to spending his fortune. Besides the luxury cars that include a Lamborghini and a McLaren, and bagging the newest Patek Philippe watch, he owns a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3103304/conor-mcgregor-bought-kanye-wests-old-versace-robe-us3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3103304/conor-mcgregor-bought-kanye-wests-old-versace-robe-us3?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2020 06:00:07 +0000 Mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor has been questioned in France on suspicion of indecent exposure and attempted sexual assault, prosecutors said on September 12. The Irishman was detained and questioned by police after a complaint was received on Thursday, the prosecutor's office in Bastia, on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, said in a statement. Prosecutors said they had ordered further investigations after his interview and “as a result of the information gathered by the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3101335/mma-star-conor-mcgregor-arrested-corsica-over-alleged-sex-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3101335/mma-star-conor-mcgregor-arrested-corsica-over-alleged-sex-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Sep 2020 22:29:59 +0000 When mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor announced his engagement to Dee Devlin on August 8 this year, it was an early birthday surprise to the style icon. Devlin, who turned 33 the next day on August 9, has been the long-time girlfriend to “The Notorious” since 2008 and is mother to their two children. View this post on Instagram Words can't describe this! A post shared by Dee Devlin (@deedevlin1) on Dec 13, 2015 at 8:04pm PST But who is the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3098638/who-dee-devlin-high-school-drop-out-now-finally-engaged?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3098638/who-dee-devlin-high-school-drop-out-now-finally-engaged?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Aug 2020 22:30:06 +0000 Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone said he felt embarrassed after his first-round loss to Conor McGregor earlier this year. The 37-year-old Cerrone (36-14, one no contest), who is on a three-fight losing streak after losing to McGregor, Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson, will face Anthony Pettis (22-10) at UFC 249 in Florida on Sunday. “It’s not that I didn’t know I didn’t wanna be there, it’s just like I didn’t feel prepared,” Cerrone said at the UFC 249 virtual media day on Thursday, as reporters... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083475/ufc-donald-cerrone-embarrassed-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3083475/ufc-donald-cerrone-embarrassed-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2020 06:27:39 +0000 Donald Cerrone has opened up for the first time on the humiliation he felt in his 40-second defeat by Conor McGregor at UFC 246 in January. Former featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor (22-4) made quick work to finish “Cowboy” (36, 14, one no contest) via TKO by strikes at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, on what was his return to the Octagon following a 14-month lay-off. “No I didn’t [feel good],” Cerrone told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “Donald showed up, ‘Cowboy’ wasn’t there. The wrong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082166/ufc-donald-cerrone-admits-i-didnt-wanna-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3082166/ufc-donald-cerrone-admits-i-didnt-wanna-be?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Apr 2020 10:30:57 +0000 Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jon Jones are three of the top pound-for-pound athletes competing in mixed martial arts today. The pound-for-pound concept means ranking fighters according to talent, potential, accomplishments, recent level of competition, and victories. Pound-for-pound lists tend to create arguments, and this ranking will be no different. Conor McGregor is the first name on the list at No.15. The Irishman has only won one fight since 2016, but his level of competition... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3075938/how-do-ufc-stars-conor-mcgregor-khabib-nurmagomedov-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3075938/how-do-ufc-stars-conor-mcgregor-khabib-nurmagomedov-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:00:20 +0000 If all goes according to plan, sometime this year, we will witness the biggest UFC fight of all-time. UFC president Dana White confirmed Conor ‘The Notorious’ McGregor will get a chance to face the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 for the lightweight championship on April 18. All accounts are Nurmagomedov will dispatch Ferguson, and anyone betting against that line is probably drinking a bit too much of the El Cucuy’s tequila. Grab the popcorn, crack the beers, amass the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3048712/should-conor-mcgregor-stay-170-pounds-or-gear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3048712/should-conor-mcgregor-stay-170-pounds-or-gear?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Feb 2020 02:39:25 +0000 Video footage of UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya shows the Nigerian-New Zealander praising former double champion Conor McGregor’s win over Donald Cerrone in real-time. Adesanya, who some would argue has assumed the promotion’s new torch-bearer role into 2020, was impressed with the Irish welterweight’s first-round technical knockout last weekend. “He brought a lot of attention to the game at a time that it needed it. I’m about to do the same,” the 30-year-old (professional MMA record... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047416/ufc-israel-adesanya-thoroughly-impressed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047416/ufc-israel-adesanya-thoroughly-impressed?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:12:13 +0000 Conor McGregor’s flawless performance against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 last Sunday may have nudged him up a few places in the “GOAT” (greatest of all time) MMA rankings. But the Irishman made sure to acknowledge US president Donald Trump, who he believes is truly worthy of the “GOAT” status. “Phenomenal president. Quite possibly the USA [GOAT]. Most certainly one of them anyway, as he sits atop the shoulders of many amazing giants that came before him. No easy [feat],” McGregor (professional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047414/ufc-conor-mcgregor-calls-donald-trump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047414/ufc-conor-mcgregor-calls-donald-trump?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:03:57 +0000 Halfway through Dana White’s UFC 246 press conference last weekend, he laid it out in typical Dana White fashion. A reporter had been grilling him on who should step in if Khabib Nurmagomedov or Tony Ferguson drops out of UFC 249 on April 19 – Conor McGregor or Justin Gaethje? The question stemmed from who would be best suited to fight McGregor next and which would draw the most attention. White then pointed to a guy working a camera at the press conference at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046990/ufc-dana-white-needs-hit-pause-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046990/ufc-dana-white-needs-hit-pause-khabib-vs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jan 2020 03:00:13 +0000 Despite Jorge Masvidal saying he’s “moving on” from Conor McGregor, Kamaru Usman isn’t buying it. “Gamebred” and UFC welterweight champion Usman were both sitting cageside at UFC 246 to watch McGregor TKO Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds, seemingly ready for the Irishman to call them out. Former featherweight and lightweight champion McGregor didn’t single any future opponents out in his post-fight promo in the Octagon, though. And Masvidal got the impression McGregor doesn’t want to fight him – but... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047048/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-bum-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3047048/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-bum-jorge-masvidal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 12:00:39 +0000 Jorge Masvidal thinks a fight with Conor McGregor has been put on ice for now, but he’s confident he’s got a “formula to eliminate him”. “Gamebred” watched the Irishman’s 40-second destruction of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone up close from cageside at UFC 246 last weekend in Las Vegas, and said he picked up a few vital details. “I always just like to be a fly on the wall when certain competitors are fighting,” Masvidal told Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show. “I showed up to the Nate [Diaz vs Anthony Pettis]... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046992/jorge-masvidal-says-he-has-formula-eliminate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046992/jorge-masvidal-says-he-has-formula-eliminate?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:13:21 +0000 Jorge Masvidal appears to be moving on from Conor McGregor … for now. “Gamebred” was cageside at UFC 246 to watch the former featherweight and lightweight champion demolish Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at 170 pounds. He was hoping to goad McGregor into calling him out, but “The Notorious” simply said “all these mouthy fools can get it” – which Masvidal took as a sign that he isn’t interested, leaving him to focus on welterweight champ Kamaru Usman. “All I know is that he don’t want the fight, so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046982/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046982/ufc-jorge-masvidal-moving-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Jan 2020 06:28:32 +0000 Conor McGregor calls Floyd Mayweather “far from retired” after the boxing great posted a made-up fight poster of the pair under the caption “Mayweather McGregor 2” on Instagram. Mayweather (professional boxing record 50-0) has not fought professionally since his 10th-round TKO win over McGregor in 2017. The American announced his 2020 comeback last year and has a verbal agreement with UFC president Dana White over a combat sports-related project. “Yeah, he forgot to put McGregor Sports and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046842/ufc-conor-mcgregor-calls-floyd-mayweather-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046842/ufc-conor-mcgregor-calls-floyd-mayweather-far?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:46:42 +0000 Conor McGregor will not be waiting around for a rematch with incumbent UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov but insists the bout is “inevitable”. “The fight will happen ... it’s inevitable,” said the 31-year-old Irishman at a post-fight press conference with BT Sports after shocking the combat world with a 40-second TKO finish of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 on Sunday. McGregor’s (professional MMA record 22-4) successful comeback came after more than a year since his title fight loss to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046823/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046823/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-khabib-nurmagomedov?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Jan 2020 07:26:59 +0000 Conor McGregor is just a left hand, they said. He has nothing else to his game. Try pulling that fast one again now. The Irishman rightly took satisfaction in proving the doubters wrong as he dismantled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in just 40 seconds at UFC 246. Yes, Herb Dean stepped in as he rained down blows on a grounded and helpless Cerrone with that famous left fist. But it was the work before that that really earned the victory. The shot from the hip that broke Cerrone’s nose as the American... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046758/conor-mcgregor-proves-hes-more-just-left-hand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046758/conor-mcgregor-proves-hes-more-just-left-hand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 15:07:43 +0000 After Conor McGregor’s stunning win over Donald Cerrone on Saturday night, UFC president Dana White confirmed what everybody already knew. The Irishman is going to get another crack at Khabib Nurmagomedov – or face Tony Ferguson, if “El Cucuy” can win the lightweight title from the Russian in April. But he’s not entertaining any suggestion of making Khabib-McGregor II in Moscow, as McGregor again called for following his 40-second victory in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. “Nope, It ain’t happening... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046746/ufc-conor-mcgregor-blasts-dana-whites-refusal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046746/ufc-conor-mcgregor-blasts-dana-whites-refusal?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 12:18:00 +0000 Nate Diaz appeared to criticise Conor McGregor in a series of cryptic tweets on Saturday night, after “The Notorious” flattened Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. “Weak as f***,” tweeted Diaz. “This s*** is all fake.” McGregor’s return at UFC 246 was decisive, to say the least. And he seemed more than open to a long-awaited trilogy bout with Diaz, after splitting one win apiece at 170 pounds in 2016. “Nate has his own little thing, it’s a mad scene,” McGregor said, commenting on Diaz’s tweets,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046741/conor-mcgregor-responds-nate-diazs-ufc-246?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046741/conor-mcgregor-responds-nate-diazs-ufc-246?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 11:21:52 +0000 Danaa White famously said last year that Jorge Masvidal is “too big” for Conor McGregor when talk of making a fight between them came out. The UFC president also said this week he felt Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was too big for McGregor, and he doesn’t like the former featherweight and lightweight champion at 170 pounds at all. But he has totally changed his tune now, though, after seeing the Irishman flatten Cerrone in just 40 seconds at the T-Mobile Arena. “I was blown away,” White said at the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046736/ufc-246-dana-white-takes-back-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046736/ufc-246-dana-white-takes-back-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 10:49:50 +0000 Who Conor McGregor was going to call out next was on most people’s minds just as much as whether he would win his fight against Donald Cerrone. After steamrollering “Cowboy” in 40 seconds, the Irishman duly called out “fools” Kamaru Usman – the welterweight champion – and Jorge Masvidal, the No 1 contender to the 170-pounds title. Both were sitting cageside for the fight, Masvidal wearing a Versace robe similar to the outfit McGregor wore at the UFC Performance Institute workouts ahead of his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046729/conor-mcgregor-says-weird-jorge-masvidal-blew?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046729/conor-mcgregor-says-weird-jorge-masvidal-blew?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 09:36:23 +0000 Kamaru Usman claimed his Twitter account was hacked on Saturday night after several derogatory tweets were posted, directed at Conor McGregor. But the Irishman wasn’t buying it, to say the least. “I’d be sceptical of that,” he said at UFC 246 post-event press conference, after smashing Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds. “Because one came through early and it had all the hallmarks of that little f****** weasel, Ali [Abdelaziz, Usman’s manager]. “They give him control of the accounts. He had Frankie’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046728/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-doubts-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046728/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-doubts-kamaru-usman?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 09:07:08 +0000 All eyes were on UFC 246 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night where “Notorious” Conor McGregor was making his hugely anticipated return to the Octagon, and the spectacle didn’t disappoint as the Irishman burst back onto the UFC scene with a swift dismantling of fan favourite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Potential future opponents for McGregor were in attendance in Nevada, most notably Jorge Masvidal who made no secret of the fact he had a “vested interest” in the outcome of the main... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046716/mcgregor-vs-cerrone-social-media-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046716/mcgregor-vs-cerrone-social-media-reacts?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:47:58 +0000 There seemed to be a consensus among pundits and analysts heading into UFC 246’s headline event: Conor “The Notorious” McGregor was a slight favourite to win, but the longer the fight went on and flirted its way into the championship rounds, the more it would favour underdog Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. Apparently McGregor was listening as he made sure that never happened at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. When it comes to the actual fight, there isn’t much actual analysis one can draw from what ended... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046713/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-smashes-donald?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046713/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-smashes-donald?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 06:04:43 +0000 Conor McGregor promised we’d see the “old” Conor. And he duly delivered. The former featherweight and lightweight champion smoked Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone with a first round TKO in the main event of UFC 246 on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor rocked Cerrone with what seemed to be an accidental knee as “Cowboy” ducked a huge overhand left from the jump. McGregor then landed a series of well-placed shoulders to the head, and a kick flush on the American’s chin which... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046712/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-tkos-donald-cowboy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046712/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-tkos-donald-cowboy?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Jan 2020 05:38:02 +0000 There’s no doubt what the biggest sporting event of the weekend is. As much as many would think Liverpool vs Manchester United is the heavyweight contest, the biggest punch globally is at UFC 246 where Conor McGregor makes his long anticipated return to the Octagon. The Irishman takes on Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in Las Vegas and while the duo come in at welterweight there’s no doubting they are the real heavyweights of the weekend’s sporting calendar and the biggest event of the year so far. As... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046704/no-mma-tokyo-2020-olympics-must-chase-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046704/no-mma-tokyo-2020-olympics-must-chase-ufc?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 19:49:07 +0000 Conor McGregor looked in the best shape of his career as he and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone both tipped the scales at 170 pounds on Friday night. But UFC president Dana White is still not entirely convinced of McGregor’s prospects in the welterweight division. “Everybody in that division … I think Cowboy’s too big for him,” White told a media scrum after the ceremonial weigh-in at Park Theatre in Las Vegas. “Conor is not a 170 pounder. Conor was 145-pound champ.” White famously said last year that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046683/ufc-dana-white-doesnt-love-conor-mcgregor-170?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046683/ufc-dana-white-doesnt-love-conor-mcgregor-170?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 10:28:16 +0000 Conor McGregor has cut a different figure during fight week than the one everybody is used to seeing. No antics, no trash talking. He’s been on time (mostly) for his promotional duties – it’s all been a far cry from the heated build-up to his last fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018. But some are questioning whether the “new” Conor can drive big pay-per-view buy rates without being his usual loudmouth self. UFC president Dana White isn’t concerned at all, though. “All the stuff... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046673/ufc-246-dana-white-cool-seeing-happy-sane?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046673/ufc-246-dana-white-cool-seeing-happy-sane?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 08:45:33 +0000 Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone both weighed in at 170 pounds on the dot ahead of their UFC 246 main event. But “The Notorious” thinks “Cowboy” is looking drained and fatigued. Cerrone, who like McGregor normally competes at lightweight, had said during fight week that he was enjoying not having to cut weight for Saturday night’s welterweight clash at the T-Mobile Arena. But the American looked a lot leaner than the Irishman on stage at the Park Theatre for Friday night’s ceremonial weigh-in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046658/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-thinks-donald-cerrone?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046658/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-thinks-donald-cerrone?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:00:40 +0000 It’s no secret Conor McGregor has been putting on a charm offensive for UFC 246 fight week. There’s been no trash talking of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, ahead of Saturday night’s main event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The notoriously tardy Irishman has even been on time for media and promotional duties. Except for Friday night’s ceremonial weigh-ins – except this time he had a real excuse, it seemed. “I apologise I’m a little late,” McGregor told Joe Rogan on stage at Park Theatre, after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046657/conor-mcgregor-late-ufc-246-weigh-ins-he-has?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046657/conor-mcgregor-late-ufc-246-weigh-ins-he-has?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jan 2020 03:32:38 +0000 Reigning UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman says he does not “discriminate with the a** whooping” and is open to a future Conor McGregor bout. The 32-year-old Nigerian-American (professional MMA record 16-1), who successfully defended his welterweight title against contender Colby Covington in the promotion’s last event of 2019, is basking in his champ status after years of graft and forced call-outs. “You know I’m the champion. That’s it, plain and simple. I am the champion and they have to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046543/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-conor-mcgregor-can-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046543/ufc-kamaru-usman-says-conor-mcgregor-can-get?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:20:57 +0000 Jorge Masvidal may be angling for a mega-money fight with Conor McGregor, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to ignore the Irishman’s credentials. Former featherweight and lightweight McGregor returns to the UFC Octagon on Saturday night against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at welterweight, prompting questions of a run for a third division title. Masvidal, who is also seemingly in line for the next crack at 170-pounds champion Kamaru Usman, thinks “The Notorious” could definitely hang in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046529/ufc-246-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046529/ufc-246-jorge-masvidal-says-conor-mcgregor?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Jan 2020 07:36:36 +0000 This Saturday, Conor McGregor will return to the octagon for the first time since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018. After his underwhelming performance against the Russian fighter, some wondered whether McGregor would ever reach the same heights as those he reached in his initial run as an MMA superstar. Doubts grew even louder when he announced his retirement from the ring, and then later retracted the announcement. But ahead of his comeback fight against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3046362/lebron-james-inspired-conor-mcgregor-spend-his-millions-his?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3046362/lebron-james-inspired-conor-mcgregor-spend-his-millions-his?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 23:00:10 +0000 Donald Cerrone took issue with the media’s coverage of his upcoming UFC 246 bout with Irish superstar Conor McGregor and suggested his new calmer demeanour should be celebrated accordingly. “It’s just you media guys making [expletive] up,” said Cerrone (professional MMA record 36-13) at the UFC 246 pre-fight press conference in response to their lack of trash-talking leading up to the weekend. “Cowboy” was clearly tired of far-fetched fan and media theories such as a correlation between him... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046404/ufc-donald-cerrone-asks-conor-mcgregor-hug?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046404/ufc-donald-cerrone-asks-conor-mcgregor-hug?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 14:00:09 +0000 Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone may be trading blows on the weekend but they both came to an unusual agreement over animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The pair answered questions at their UFC 246 pre-fight press conference on Thursday before Irishman McGregor turned to Cerrone to compliment his jet-black, snakeskin suit. “That’s one hell of a coat, Donald, my god,” McGregor said, showing the inside of his suit jacket. “I gotta give credit where it’s... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046385/ufc-conor-mcgregor-and-donald-cerrone-joke?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046385/ufc-conor-mcgregor-and-donald-cerrone-joke?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:58:38 +0000 Conor McGregor said UFC president Dana White’s “outlandish comments” motivated him to change his 170-pound frame ahead of his fight against Donald Cerrone this weekend. “I feel I’ve reshaped my frame,” McGregor said at the UFC 246 pre-fight press conference when asked how he stays motivated to fight. “Dana made some outlandish comments, ‘one man’s too big’ and this, that and the other.” The 31-year-old McGregor (professional MMA record 21-4) has fought his career in the featherweight and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046373/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-dana-whites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046373/ufc-conor-mcgregor-says-dana-whites?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 08:06:01 +0000 Conor McGregor has hinted he may scratch his boxing itch at the UFC-run Zuffa Boxing upon its launch expected later this year. “Who knows, maybe I can kick-start Zuffa Boxing if we can get there,” said McGregor at the UFC 246 pre-fight press conference on Thursday, only days away from his mixed martial arts comeback bout against Donald Cerrone. The 31-year-old Irishman (professional MMA record 21-4) – who famously lost to undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather in a 2017 crossover fight – has three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046352/ufc-conor-mcgregor-negotiations-zuffa-boxing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046352/ufc-conor-mcgregor-negotiations-zuffa-boxing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Jan 2020 06:48:42 +0000 Conor McGregor has already set his 2020 “season” target of fighting three times, but he has a longer-term goal: to be a billionaire within four years. “I’m gonna hit a billy by 35 years of age. I’ll be a billionaire by the time I’m 35,” McGregor (professional MMA record 21-4) told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani ahead of his UFC 246 bout with Donald Cerrone. “I’m coming for that [Forbes] list. I was up there. I saw Floyd [Mayweather] was on the top of the decade and fair play to him. He’s just not so... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046276/ufc-conor-mcgregor-aims-be-billionaire-35?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046276/ufc-conor-mcgregor-aims-be-billionaire-35?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 14:18:45 +0000 Conor McGregor has opened the door to a potential rematch with Jose Aldo It took just 13 seconds for McGregor to knock out the Brazilian and cap off his rise to MMA superstardom by claiming the featherweight title in December 2015. The two fighters’ careers have gone in drastically different directions since, with Aldo having now dropped down to bantamweight, where he lost his debut by split decision against Marlon Moraes last month. “You never know, Aldo’s coming back at me. Maybe, if he wants... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046221/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-open-jose-aldo-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046221/ufc-246-conor-mcgregor-open-jose-aldo-rematch?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:34:29 +0000 Conor McGregor is sure he will avenge his infamous loss to Floyd Mayweather in their 2017 boxing crossover bout after revealing he was “messing around” before the fight. “Most certainly, I’d like to rematch Floyd,” McGregor (professional MMA record 21-4) told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani ahead of his UFC comeback against Donald Cerrone this weekend. “I had 10 weeks to prepare for the Floyd fight. Before that I was messing around again. Now I’m fully focused to we’ll see what happens.” The 31-year-old... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046209/conor-mcgregor-reveals-he-was-messing-around?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046209/conor-mcgregor-reveals-he-was-messing-around?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 08:48:11 +0000 Conor McGregor has said he denies the allegations of sex assaults made against him. The UFC star is being investigated over two incidents by Irish police, according to reports in The New York Times, and has finally broken his silence. “Look, just no, I can’t say anything about this. It just has to take place, right,” former two-weight champion McGregor told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, who then asked whether the claims “bother him”. “Would it bother you?” McGregor asked back. Helwani replied “yes” and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046171/ufcs-conor-mcgregor-denies-sex-assault?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046171/ufcs-conor-mcgregor-denies-sex-assault?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 06:07:30 +0000 Conor McGregor has revealed he and his team were “close” to signing a boxing bout offer with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. The Irish UFC star (professional MMA record 21-4), who will make his mixed martial arts comeback against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 this weekend, told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani he loves boxing and wants to fight for a world title in future. “We were actually close to signing Manny. Me and Manny, there’s been talks about the fight. There was an offer made on that … just... https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046155/conor-mcgregor-says-he-was-close-signing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3046155/conor-mcgregor-says-he-was-close-signing?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:21:12 +0000