Miesha “Cupcake” Tate Announces Retirement 

In what was a historic night at Madison Square Garden UFC205 is an event that people will be talking about for quite sometime.

It was a night where we saw successful title defenses from both Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Tyron Woodley, Conor McGregor made history by becoming the UFC’s very first two division champion.

November 12th, 2016 was also the night we saw one of the greatest in women’s mixed martial arts take her final bow. The former Bantamweight champion Miesha “Cupcake” Tate announced in her post fight interview that she is retiring.

Last night she lost to Raquel Pennington via unanimous decision. When asked if the retirement was brought on by the result she replied with

Yes I tried but I couldn’t pull it out of me. I just don’t have it in me anymore

Tate couched Pennington on The Ultimate Fighter season 18 and after the fight the teacher and student shared a beautiful moment.
Whether or not you’re a fan of Miesha Tate there’s no denying the contributions she brought to the world of WMMA. A former Strikeforce and UFC champion with a record of (18-6) cupcake or as the old school fans know her “Takedown” deserves respect.
Thank you Meisha. The Octagon will miss you.

UFC Veteran Leslie Smith announces She Has A Tumor And Can’t Afford Treatment 

In the world of combat sports more often then not we see our favorite fighters on the sidelines due to injury. As fight fans we know that every time a man or woman steps foot in the cage they are risking life and limbs for our entertainment and for the love of the game.

What some people may forget though is that these tremendous athletes are humans too. Yeah sure some of them may look super human, but they are human no less.

Many people know  Leslie Smith as the girl who’s ear exploded in a fight against Jessica Eye back in November 2014. Despite the shape her ear was in “the peacemaker” wanted to continue against doctors orders but that wasn’t the case.

Aside from that though smith is a decorated fighter in her own right. She’s traded blows with the likes of Raquel Prnnington, Jessamyn Duke, Rin Naki, Jennifer Maia and she was even Chris Cyborg’s first opponent in the UFC.

Today the UFC vet who’s been fighting since 2008 (8-7-1) gave us some disheartening news via MMA LIVE on AXS TV 

“I have a tumor on my stomach. But, I don’t have a way to get that fixed. I don’t have a way to get that taken off because it’s not a fight related issue.

As we know by now, fighters are covered under a medical insurance policy upon signing with the organization. However, it should be noted that the UFC’s current insurance plan for fighters works more as a form of liability insurance that covers the combatants for injuries suffered during fights or training. This is not the kind of medical insurance that an employer would typically provide in the United States, that covers the general health of an individual and in most cases, their families as well

We here at WNB would like to extended our well wishes to Leslie smith. She will be in our prayers. To see Leslie’s announcement skip to the 2:21 mark of the video

 

Breaking News: Jon Jones Out Of UFC 200

It what is being called the biggest card in the UFC to date, it seems that it’s taken a major hit.

The anticipated rematch between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title is now off due to the USADA flagging him for a possible dopping violation.

The UFC has issued this statement on the situation.

The UFC organization was notified tonight that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has informed Jon Jones of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation stemming from an out-of-competition sample collection on June 16, 2016.
USADA, the independent administrator of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, will handle the results management and appropriate adjudication of this case. It is important to note that, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, there is a full fair legal review process that is afforded to all athletes before any sanctions are imposed.
However, because Jones was scheduled to compete against Daniel Cormier this coming Saturday, July 9 in Las Vegas, there is insufficient time for a full review before the scheduled bout and therefore the fight has been removed from the fight card. As a result, the three-round heavyweight bout between Brock Lesnar and Mark Hunt will become the UFC 200 main event.
Consistent with all previous potential anti-doping violations, additional information or UFC statements will be provided at the appropriate time as the process moves forward.
Ticket refunds available upon request at primary point of purchase.

Does this news surprise you or did you see this coming? Weigh in on the comment section below.

Lucha Underground: The Gender bender of professional wrestling 

Lucha Underground is what we like to call the unconventional side of professional wrestling. It takes two elements (Horror movies & wrestling) throws them together and produces in our minds is the best promotion out there.

They don’t shy away from violence, and they always deliver bell to bell action. In a day and age where women’s wrestling is ever changing Lucha underground takes that to a whole other level.

In the past we’ve seen Evalise battle for the Lucha Underground heavyweight title, we’ve seen Catrina being barried alive, we’ve seen sexy star vs Prntingon (a man triple her size) and let’s not forget the suicide dive from Taya off a steel cage

Lucha Underground has created a trend for breaking gender norms and that carried over to the May 4th episode. It was a match between Sexy Star and Mariposa. It wasn’t just any match though, it was a no más match (I quit match) and an Aztec medallion was up for grabs.

This match was an all out war (that you can view here http://youtu.be/V9MLmHnmIr0)

These two put their bodies on the line in ways we have never seen. At one point in the match Mariposa took a chair shot to the groin (yep you read that right). During the match sexy star was bleeding like a stuck pig. They even battled from the top of the rafters leaving everyone on the edge of their seats.

There was of course run ins from Marty the moth and Mac. While watching the match it seemed that Mariposa was closing in on a victory. Sexy star wouldn’t quit though. She even shouted explcits at Mariposa, creating an epic television moment. Ultimately sexy star got Mariposa to utter the words “No más” earning her not only a victory but an Aztec medallion for her troubles.

If you haven’t watched the match you need to do so. The match has already made headlines not just in the world of professional wrestling but in the world of business as well. Forbes.Com did a piece on this match praising sexy star of her accomplishments inside the ring.

Forbes went on to say

As arguably the strongest female character in the wrestling business today, Sexy Star is a marketing goldmine for Lucha Underground. With a recognizable mask which could become a stable of her character just as it has for Mysterio, a catchy name that stays true to her lucha background and a genuine appeal to men, women and children, Sexy Star has the potential to be a top merchandise seller and one of the few wrestlers outside WWE who can transcend wrestling into mainstream media.

Sexy Star had this to say about the groundbreaking match.

“My match against Mariposa has been one of the best things that have ever happened to me because it allowed me to make it clear to everyone what true women wrestling is. It’s not scratching each other followed by glamorous poses,We are not two beautiful women pulling each other’s hair. A real female match is a match between to gladiators, two warriors who are ready for anything and who are willing to leave their blood splattered in the ring if it’s necessary. In a true female match, participants defend their dignity with their moves, high flying action, hits, chairs and whatever else might be need, because when two women truly want to win, they are willing to risk it all, including their lives.”

“For decades, due to poor representation, female wrestlers have been expected to step into the ring to show off their bodies and model. It feels great to know that the public is clear that my fight with Mariposa was not that, That fight demonstrated that the public has been living in a fog. Thanks to Lucha Underground and their belief in women and their power, we have been allowed the platform we deserve and we the women have made sure to defend our space and value within the company at all costs, even blood. That match was only a little sample of the type of fight women who truly love lucha and defend their dignity with much more than a nice body and pretty face are capable of.

Forbes continued to praise Sexy Star by saying

While it would be easy for Sexy Star to rest on her laurels now that she has become one of the elite talents in Lucha Underground, her match against Mariposa proved she is one of the most gifted performers in the company. Sexy Star is a proficient wrestler, but it is her ability to tell a convincing story in the ring and get the fans emotionally invested that separates her from other performers.

With every great star, there will be doubters, though. Wrestling pundits have been critical at times of intergender matches in Lucha Underground, but Sexy Star has truly embodied what it means to be a powerful and strong woman by throwing gender norms out the window. There is a fundamental change in the world with women finally getting the respect and recognition they deserve, and Sexy Star is the perfect representation of that movement in wrestling.
Sexy Star’s character and storylines are also prime examples of Lucha Underground not trying to be WWE or anything else we’ve ever seen in wrestling. Interngender matches and violent battles between two female athletes—and the stories that justify them—are just some of the reasons the brand has built such a hardcore and devoted following.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Don’t sleep on Lucha underground. They have proven time and time again that they are one of if not the best promotion out there. If you call yourself a professional wrestling fan then you need to be watching Lucha, and they way they respect women’s wrestling is only the beginning.

Breaking news: Samoe Joe defeats Finn Balór becoming the new NXT champion 

 WWE has reported that Samoe Joe has dethroned the demon Finn Balór end at an NXT live event in Lowell Mass ending his record setting reign of 292 days.

The Now that we have a new NXT champion there’s two main questions. What’s next for the monster in his path of distruction now that he has gold around his waist? And what is next for the former champion Balór?

Our best bet is that the Demon is heading to the main roster. It would definitely keep the momentum Raw has had in the last few weeks going. Perhaps the most obvious scenario would be the inception of the Bullet Club and or Balór club (which ever they decide to call it)

All the pieces are already aligned. Styles is number 1 contender for the WWE world heavyweight title, Gallows and Anderson have made their presence known in the last two weeks, the only thing missing is Finn.

What do you guys think? Will we see a new formation of the Bullet club? Will Balór debut on Raw? Or perhaps Payback? Let us know in the comments below.

AJ styles is finally coming to WWE 

 AJ Styles is finally coming to WWE, according to PWInsider. Styles is set to begin his run with WWE this week as he will be at the Royal Rumble on Sunday, RAW in Miami and then the SmackDown tapings in Tampa 

It’s official: Jedrzejczyk and Gadelha to coach TUF23 

  
The Ultimate Fighter Team Joanna vs. Team Claudia will kick-off on FS1 on Wednesday, April 20 with a two-hour season premiere airing at 10 p.m. ET as 32 competitors fight for one of 16 slots – eight in each weight class – available to be coached by two of the sport’s best. The season will continue with 11 one-hour shows Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET. The series is the highest rated and most watched original program since the network’s inception in August 2013.

Poland’s first UFC champion, Jedrzejczyk (11-0, fighting out of Olsztyn, Poland) stormed onto the scene in 2014 with her first Octagon appearance. Since then, she’s gone on to win five straight, won the strawweight title, cemented her place on the top pound-for-pound list and is widely considered as one of the best strikers in the sport. She’ll now lend her expertise to the next generation of athletes who hope to follow in her footsteps and one day wear UFC gold themselves. 

Gadelha (13-1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) trains at the renowned Nova Uniao gym, home to former champions Jose Aldo & Renan Barao. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist hopes to get another crack at current strawweight champion, Jedrzejczyk, who provided Gadelha with the only blemish on her record – a three-round split decision loss in late 2014. Their contrasting styles should provide for an entertaining season between the two teams. The Brazilian’s comfort zone is on the canvas and will provide a stark contrast to the Pole’s highly skilled striking attack brings a completely different skillset to the show. 

The series culminates on live on FS1 Friday, July 8 in Las Vegas as part of International Fight Week and will be headlined by Jedrzejczyk and Gadelha in a championship

Source: UFC.com

Sting To Be Inducted Into The 2016 Hall of Fame

In announcement via WWE.com the first inductee of the 2016 Hall of Fame was named and it’s none other than the icon STING!

“We are truly honored to have Sting take his rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame,” said WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, Paul Levesque. “His contributions to our industry are unprecedented, and we look forward to celebrating his incredible career with fans all over the world.”

The 2016 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Saturday, April 2, the night before WrestleMania 32, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas at 6:30 p.m. local time. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT.

 

Sting commented on his WWE HOF induction”

Ronda Rousey breaks her silence 

  Yesterday on ESPN.com an interview with former battemweight champion Ronda Rousey was released. The interview was conducted by Romana Shelburne and it will also be available  in the latest issue of ESPN Magazine on newsstands today.

This is the fist public interview since Rousey’s devistating TKO lost against Holy Holm at UFC193 and luckily we’ve got the answers we’ve been waiting for.

Is Rousey done? No. Rousey said “I have to come back I have to beat this chick: I don’t know if I’m going to get my teeth knocked loose or break my jaw or split my lip open again I don’t care I have to fu****** do it” 

But how long will it be before we see   The Rowdy one back in the cage? That remains unknown but she went on record saying “it’ll probably take 3-6 months before I can eat an apple again let alone take contact” in the interview the former champion also admitted to being “really fu***** sad about the loss. She stated that early into the first round Holm landed a hammer fist that left her loopy and she never fully recovered. Rousey said after the round was over she didn’t even wait for her corner to give her the bucket and she just spat the blood on the floor.

She continued by saying “that fight was a really poor representation of myself, I feel really embarrassed I wasn’t even Fu***** there” when asked about the backlash she’s been receiving she said she hasn’t even turned on her phone but could guess that “people are saying I’m a failure and I got what I deserved” 

So what’s next for Ronda Rousey? Here is what she had to say: “I guess it’s all going to be determined by what happens in the rematch,” “Everything is going to be determined by that. Either I’ll win and keep going or I won’t and I’ll be done with everything.”

You can check out the full interview here  http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/page/espnwrousey/in-exclusive-interview-ronda-rousey-says-not-losing-holly-holm

 so there you have it folks. This interview cleared up a lot of things but also left things hanging in the balance. I guess one fact remains: only time will tell 

John Cena set to host new reality TV show: American Grit 

  When it was announced that John Cena would be taking some time off from WWE, some rejoiced while others were bummed. The question remained why? Was it an injury? Exhaustion? Personal issues?

Well now thanks to a tweet from the man himself we have the answer. “This just in I’m honored to host the new reality competition series #AmericanGrit – guiding 16 men & women as we work together to face a variety of military and survival-themed challenges. Coming soon to FOX!” 

 This is some exciting news. Cena has always showed his love and respect for the military so em announcement like this hardly comes as a surprise.

It’ll be interesting to see how the show plays out and if the show can do well based on just Cena’s star power alone, more over if the WWE will gain a new audience because of the show. Either way it’s a smart business move.