by on April 5, 2016

UFC Returns to New York City

 

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Recently, the New York State Assembly finally lifted the state’s 19 year ban on mixed martial arts. Now, the UFC is eager to put on a show that will be one of the biggest events in company history at the famous Madison Square Garden.  The first match in New York City won’t likely be until November, so the UFC has some time to decide on who will get this awesome opportunity. There are a ton of intriguing options, so today we look at the top 3 options UFC could book for it’s anticipated New York debut.

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey

Despite Rousey suffering her first UFC defeat against Holm, she is still UFC’s most marketable female fighter, with a hosting stint on Saturday Night Live and a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover appearance as proof of her ongoing popularity. She is slated to make a return to the sport in November, and it could very well be against Bantamweight Champion, Miesha Tate.  Tate has already lost twice to Rousey, once back in Strikeforce and then again in the UFC in 2013. This fight would have the potential to draw a massive crowd to MSG and on pay-per-view, especially since it could possibly be Rousey’s first fight since losing to Holm at UFC 193.  With the Women’s Bantamweight Title on the line and Rousey’s return, this would sure make a hot ticket.

Conor McGregor vs Frankie Edgar

Conor McGregor is one of the most dominating fighters in UFC and a matchup with a talented fighter like Frankie Edgar to defend his Featherweight title would be sure to draw a sell-out crowd at Madison Square Garden. Edgar has a great combination of speed and footwork to make the fight extremely entertaining. McGregor versus Edgar has long been discussed by fans as a potential blockbuster fight, and New York’s large Irish population coupled with Edgar’s roots in New Jersey would make it an easy sell for the UFC.

Jon Jones vs. Anthony Johnson or Daniel Cormier

What would be better than having Jon Jones, a native New Yorker fight at the UFC’s first event in the Empire State?  This would be an awesome selection. Jones will be taking on Daniel Cormier at UFC 197 on April 23. A match that everyone will be watching as Jones looks to recapture the Light Heavyweight Title. If he defeats Cormier it would seem that Anthony Johnson would be the next in line to take on Jones. However, if Cormier ends up beating Jones, it would not be out of question to book the trilogy at Madison Square Garden. Either way, there would be an intriguing matchup for Jones.

These were just a few possible match ups for one biggest events in UFC history.  To check out the rest of possibilities for the New York City showdown, please read this article.

Filed Under: UFC Tagged With: , , , , , ,
by on April 5, 2015

New York City FC Collaborates with Alcohoot

Ralph CotranNew York City Football Club, is the newest sports team to join the legendary NY sports family, and play in Yankee stadium for the foreseeable future. The newest Major League franchise has taken US soccer by storm, and are expected to play at least three seasons. NYC FC’s roster has been stacked to the nines with well known players such David Villa, Andrew Jacobson and Sebastian Velasquez.  Along with others, these players will be competing with other Major League teams, making this the 21st addition to MLS. 

Not long after their arrival, NYC FC announced their collaboration with Alcohoot- a smartphone app that acts as a breathalyzer in order to help people check their blood alcohol content (BAC)  before driving or engaging in dangerous activities. During the FC matches, Alcohoot will be showcasing “last call” reminders to people in the stadium in order to promote responsible drinking and remind everyone to not drive if they have been consuming large amounts of alcohol. This initiative is meant to remind sports fans to act responsibly after a long day of drinking. NYC FC’s President, Tom Glick,  is proud of this partnership and believes that it will be a great way to reach out to large quantities of people at once, especially during a weak moment they might be experiencing. 

The collaboration between Alcohoot and NYC FC will go even further in setting up booths at soccer matches and remind fans to plan accordingly when getting home. Alcohoot success has also been recognized by the tech industry, and was the receiver of the 2014 Red Dot Award for Product Design. The device has been registered and approved by the FDA and will continue to improve its technology in order to promote safety through mobile devices. 

For more information visit: http://www.kten.com/story/28665543/alcohoot-kicks-off-new-partnership-with-new-york-city-football-club

Filed Under: Alcohoot, New York City Football Club, Responsible drinking, Soccer Tagged With: , , , , , ,
by on March 11, 2015

Chelsea v PSG : An Agressive Match to Date

Ralph CotranJosé Mourinho, the manager for Chelsea, has announced that his team members will not be awarded a bonus during the Champions League playoffs unless they take home the Champions League trophy this upcoming June. After his return to Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho restructured his team’s salaries and the per match bonus give aways. Although these payouts are by no means on the low end scale, Chelsea’s manager wonders whether money is an adequate incentive to motivate his players to do better. 

Mourinho believes that unless the team comes out victorious in the finals, they are not deserving of team bonuses, given that they already get paid very well. In a recent interview regarding this matter he was quoted:  “If we take the club into quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals but we don’t win the competition, we are doing a very good job for the club financially but I don’t think we should get extra money if we don’t win the last prize. Every player at the high level has enough money in salaries and I think everyone plays to win.” Mourinho states that the pride and success that comes with each win should override the desire to incentivize players with large bonuses. The love and passion the players have for the game should be enough encouragement to try their hardest and win each match. 

The Champions League has been a time of reflection for the Chelsea coach and his team, and as they close on the first part of CL, Jose believes that Paris Saint-Germain is one of the most aggressive teams they have played thus far. On the game against PSG, Mourinho voiced a real disappointment stating that the game was more about foul calls and aggressive interaction among the players and much less about soccer. 

Filed Under: Chelsea, Ralph Cotran - Soccer, Soccer, Syracuse Tagged With: , , ,