Issue 138

February 2016

Things we hear, things we see, things we know.

Fox hunt mega bucks extension

Despite agreeing a seven-year, $700 million broadcast deal in 2011, industry insiders say the Fox network is so happy with the content provided by the UFC it wants to renew their contract for $3 billion. However, sources added, parent company Zuffa was holding out for $4 billion after a big year of ratings and PPV buys.

Couture tried for Fedor fight 

According to posts on Fedor Emelianenko’s social media fan page, UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture attempted a trial training camp late in 2015 to see if he could step in to face ‘The Last Emperor’ on his big return in Japan on New Year’s Eve. Fedor was matched-up with “only option available” Jaideep Singh at Rizin instead.

McGregor at the movies

Fresh from his UFC 194 title victory, Conor McGregor could be the latest Octagon star to hit the silver screen. He is rumored to have been offered a featured part in Vin Diesel’s action flick XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, which is in pre-production. Is he about to become even more ‘Notorious’ than ever before?

Dillashaw: Faber beef ‘not really there’

Urijah Faber has made no secret about his desire to fight TJ Dillashaw, 

but according to the former Team Alpha Male man, any animosity is being fabricated to ensure a grudge match is made. Dillashaw says: “He’s pumping something up that’s not really there.”