Charles Oliveira to Fight Michael Chandler in Five-Round Co-Main Event at UFC 309

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Charles Oliveira has locked in his next opponent.

The 34-year-old Brazilian professional mixed martial artist (34-10) will fight Michael Chandler in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden, UFC president Dana White told Barstool Sports on Friday night.

The UFC had not yet announced a main event for that card, but an announcement was expected soon.

Chandler (23-8) was originally slated to fight Conor McGregor.

The news does not necessarily mean Chandler will not fight McGregor (22-6), whom he coached against on “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2023. The two were supposed to fight in June, but McGregor was forced to pull out of the bout because of a toe injury. It was the first time McGregor had ever pulled out of a

McGregor has claimed on social media he wanted to fight in 2024, even posting video of him training recently, but the UFC has publicly stated he would not fight until 2025.

“Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled [on social media] and officially dipped,” McGregor wrote on X on Friday night, adding that he was drug tested earlier in the day.

He went on to write: “Give me my f—ing date!”

Chandler, a former lightweight champion in Bellator MMA, has not fought since a submission loss to Dustin Poirier in 2022, mostly because he elected to wait on a fight with McGregor.

The bout at UFC 309 will be a rematch of a vacant championship bout that took place in 2021.

Chandler hurt Oliveira with punches in the opening round of the fight before suffering a TKO loss to Oliveira in the second round. Oliveira went on to defend the belt twice before losing it to current champion Islam Makhachev.

Carlos Alcaraz to Play Against Ben Shelton in Exhibition Event at Madison Square Garden

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Alcaraz is hitting the Garden…

The 21-year-old Spanish tennis star will play an exhibition event at Madison Square Garden on December 4.

Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, will play against USA’s Ben Shelton.

Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro, Americans coming off career-best Grand Slam runs at the US Open, will play each other in an exhibition event.

The lineup for The Garden Cup was announced on Thursday.

It marks the first tennis event since 2018 at MSG, home to the NBA‘s New York Knicks and NHL‘s New York Rangers.

Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon this season but bowed out last month in the second round of the US Open, which he won in 2022 for his first Grand Slam trophy.

Shelton’s best showing at a major was his semifinal appearance in New York last year; he lost to fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the third round this time.

Xander Zayas Defeats Patrick Teixeira by Unanimous Decision

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Xander Zayas is proving he’s a contender…

The 21-year-old Puerto Rican professional boxer, touted as a contender since he was a teenager, dominated Patrick Teixeira in a unanimous decision victory on Saturday night in New York City to remain undefeated as a junior middleweight prospect.

Zayas (19-0, 12 KOs) also helped establish his boxing future in a different way at Hulu Theater inside Madison Square Garden. The native of San Juan was fighting on the weekend of the Puerto Rico Day Parade, a tradition for fighters from the island to be stars of the show at the Garden. Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad are among those who’ve made this tradition memorable.

Zayas, who signed with Top Rank when he was 16 and made his pro debut six weeks after his 17th birthday, marched forward from the start with attacks to the body.

He landed 10 body punches in the second round and another nine in the third, while Teixeira managed just three during those six minutes. That put Zayas in full control, and by the end of the fight, he had landed 76 body punches to 12 for Teixeira.

Zayas’ overall advantage in punches landed was 204-63, and he was threatening from start to finish.

But Teixeira (34-5, 25 KOs), who held the WBO junior middleweight world championship in 2021, stood tough and made it to the final bell.

Zayas moved his attack upstairs in Round 8 and snapped Teixeira’s head back several times with hooks and uppercuts. By the end of the ninth, the face of the 33-year-old Brazilian was bloody, and he was in survival mode, moving away from Zayas and throwing little offense back at the young fighter. Teixeira’s movement and toughness enabled him to make it to the end.

Two of the three judges scored every round for Zayas, while the third gave Teixeira one round.

“Thank you to the people of Puerto Rico,” Zayas said afterward. “Since I’m 5 years old, I’ve been dreaming about this.”

Sal Vulcano’s Stand-Up Special “Terrified” to Debut Globally on YouTube in Late May

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Sal Vulcano is terrified… And he’s ready to make you laugh!

The 47-year-old part-Puerto Rican and part-Cuban American comedian has revealed plans to debut his hour-long stand-up special, Terrified, globally on YouTube via 800 Pound Gorilla at 8:00 a.m. PT on May 31st.

While it’s unclear what all Vulcano discusses in his special, it’s said to offer a fresh perspective on his hysterical real-life experiences.

Filmed at the historic Vic Theatre in Chicago, the special is executive produced by comedian Ari Shaffir.

Vulcano is best known for co-creating, executive producing and starring in TBS’ hidden camera comedy show Impractical Jokers, one of the most recognized and long-standing comedy shows of all time, which is currently in its 10th season and in syndication with 13 international versions.

While on tour with the Jokers over the last decade or so, the group has sold over a million tickets, selling out London’s O2 Arena and Radio City Music Hall in New York City seven times apiece, in addition to Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden.

In recent years, Vulcano’s audience as a solo comedian has shown tremendous growth.

He’s coming off of a solo national stand-up tour, which saw him sell out shows in 60 markets at notable venues such as The Beacon Theatre, The Ryman, The Wiltern, The Wilbur and The Vic.

Vulcano’s “Everything’s Fine” theater tour, spanning 28 cities in its first leg, goes on sale next week. Presale tickets can be purchased here.

Also behind No Presh Podcast Network, Vulcano co-hosts the hit podcasts Hey Babe! and Taste Buds with comics Chris Distefano and Joe DeRosa, respectively. Both routinely rotate in the top comedy podcast lists.

From 2019 to 2022, Vulcano starred in and executive produced game show The Misery Index alongside Jameela Jamil, the Jokers, and Grandma’s House Entertainment for TBS.

Other acting credits include Office Race, What We Do in the Shadows, Bones, MacGyver and 12 Monkeys.

Carin León Announces Boca Chueca Tour 2024

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Carin León is hittin’ the road…

The 34-year-old Mexican music star will launch his Boca Chueca Tour 2024 this fall.

The tour is set to kick off September 27 in Reading, Pa.

Promoted by AEG Presents in partnership with CMN, the trek will hit major cities across North America and Europe, including one night at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, two nights at the United Center in Chicago and his debut performance at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Following the North American leg, the Sonora-born artist will head to Europe, with confirmed dates in Madrid, London, Amsterdam and Paris.

“Embarking on this tour is an exhilarating opportunity to share my new music with fans throughout North America and Europe alike,” the “Primera Cita” singer said in a statement. “Taking my songs and the vibrant essence of Música Mexicana to a global stage is truly an honor.”

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today.

His country-tinged, soulful regional Mexican sound has also played a big role in globalizing música mexicana.

The Boca Chueca tour announcement comes on the heels of León’s debut at Coachella, where he gave a riveting performance that included surprise guests such as Mau y Ricky and Molotov. He’s set to make his debut at Stagecoach Festival on Friday, April 26. He’ll also be the opening act for The Rolling Stones show in Glendale, Calif., on May 7 at State Farm Stadium.

For more information on the tour and the complete list of dates, click here.

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Nate Diaz Protégé Chris Avila to Fight Former UFC Champion Anthony Pettis in Boxing Match

Posted on April 13, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Chris Avila is preparing to battle a former UFC champion in the boxing ring…

The 31-year-old mixed martial artist and Nate Diaz protégé will battle Anthony Pettis, once a UFC lightweight titleholder, on the undercard of Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal later this summer.

The event will take place on June 1 at The Forum in Inglewood, California, per ESPN. The bout is contracted for six rounds at 175 pounds.

Pettis, 37, made his pro boxing debut in April 2023, a majority decision victory over boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. The Milwaukee native is coming off a unanimous decision win over fellow former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at Karate Combat in December 2023. Pettis, who last fought in MMA for PFL in 2022, held the UFC lightweight belt from 2013 to 2015.

Avila, 31, is 5-1 as a pro boxer and has had success in the influencer space of the genre. The Stockton, California, native owns boxing wins over MMA fighters Jeremy Stephens and Anthony Taylor, as well as influencers Paul Bamba and Mikhail “Dr. Mike” Varshavski. Avila is a longtime training partner of Diaz’s out of Nick Diaz Academy.

Diaz and Masvidal fought for the UFC’s symbolic BMF in 2019 at New York’s Madison Square Garden, with Masvidal winning via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) due to a Diaz cut. The two have harbored bad blood since before that bout.

Nate Diaz to Fight Jorge Masvidal in 10-Round Boxing Match This June

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Nate Diaz is sidestepping the Octagon for the boxing ring…

In a rematch of a marquee UFC headliner, the 38-year-old half Mexican American mixed martial artist and boxer will fight Jorge Masvidal again, this time in a boxing ring on June 1 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

The two fought in MMA in the UFC 244 main event on November 2, 2019 at Madison Square Garden, for the mythical BMF title. Masvidal won that bout via TKO (doctor’s stoppage).

Diaz vs. Masvidal is contracted for 10 rounds at 175 pounds.

The event, distributed by Fanmio, will be dubbed “Last Man Standing.” A multicity promotional tour is being planned.

Diaz and Masvidal, two of the UFC’s biggest stars of this era, have since departed the promotion, Diaz as a free agent and Masvidal via retirement.

The UFC approved Masvidal to take this fight, as he is still under contract. Diaz and Masvidal have been involved in three of the top 10 UFC pay-per-view events of all time.

Diaz made his pro boxing debut last August in a decision loss to YouTuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul. Diaz went into that bout with an arm injury.

This will be Masvidal’s return to competition after retiring in April 2023 following a UFC loss to Gilbert Burns.

Masvidal beat Diaz in the fourth round at UFC 244 when the ringside physician halted the bout because of a Diaz cut. That is an impetus for the rematch. There is unfinished business; Masvidal wants to remove all doubt, while Diaz is out for revenge.

“Nate’s a dead man walking,” Masvidal said in a statement. “I can’t wait to prove that last time was no fluke. He got saved by the referee. Now we are boxing, which he says is his forte, but he’s got no shot at beating me. I’m not going to give him an inch in that ring to even breathe. If he thought our MMA match was bad, this is going to be much worse. I’m going to drown him. I want to put away any talk that him and I are the same, or that the referee saved the day. All of that talk ends June 1. Violence and throwing hands are in both of our bloods but as I proved before, I’m a far superior athlete and I’m a meaner fighter. When June 1 comes I’ll put all unanswered questions to rest, live for the world to see.”

Fanmio has distributed big combat sports events before, including Floyd Mayweather vs. Logan Paul in 2021.

“When we started our journey into boxing, we wanted to bring only the most entertaining fights together that would help transcend the world of combat sports,” Solomon Engel, Fanmio CEO, said in a statement. “Being able to put together the Diaz vs. Masvidal rematch in the boxing ring is in line with that vision. These guys are the original and true BMFs, have continuously sold out arenas and sold millions of pay-per-views. June 1 gives each the opportunity to write a new chapter in their storied history, settle their score and show the world who will be the last man standing.”

Amanda Serrano to Fight Nina Meinke in Puerto Rico This March

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Amanda Serrano is ready to battle in her homeland…

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican professional boxer, mixed martial artist and professional wrestler, the boxing unified women’s featherweight champion, will headline a fight in Puerto Rico early next year — with Jake Paul in the co-main event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) has announced.

Serrano will defend her belts against Germany’s Nina Meinke on March 2 in San Juan. Paul will compete against an opponent yet to be named in the co-headliner. And 17-year-old Javon “Wanna” Walton, an up-and-coming Hollywood star who has a role in the hit show Euphoria, will make his professional boxing debut on the card.

Serrano vs. Meinke is contracted for 12 three-minute rounds. It will be Serrano’s second straight bout competing over three-minute rounds, which is the men’s standard in boxing and is not regularly used for women. Serrano relinquished her WBC women’s featherweight title earlier this month because the sanctioning body would not let her defend the belt in bouts with three-minute rounds.

Serrano (46-2-1, 30 KOs) has won four straight since falling in a close loss to Katie Taylor at Madison Square Garden in April 2022. “The Real Deal” successfully defended her titles against Danila Ramos on October 27. Serrano will be fighting in Puerto Rico for the first time since becoming undisputed champ.

Meinke (18-3, 4 KOs) has won six straight and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Laura Ledezma in October. She has never competed outside of Europe.

Paul (8-1, 5 KOs), a 26-year-old YouTuber-turned-prizefighter, just fought December 15, beating Andre August with a huge uppercut knockout in the first round. The fight in Puerto Rico will represent another lower-profile bout as he gains experience and seasoning en route to what he and his team hopes is a future shot at a boxing world championship.

Also on the card, WBO junior flyweight champion Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez will make his third title defense and 21-year-old Serrano protégé Krystal Rosado will compete in her third pro fight. Both also hail from Puerto Rico.

Mariah Carey Makes Special Visit to the White House

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Mariah Carey is in the (White) House…

The 54-year-old half-Venezuelan American Grammy-winning superstar made a special visit to see the president and vice president of the United States.

As shared on Instagram this Wednesday (December 20), the vocalist recently swung by the White House in Washington, D.C., to meet with President Joe Biden and his second in command, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Carey’s 12-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe, whom she shares with ex Nick Cannon, also got to visit the Oval Office and chat with the leaders of the nation.

While there, Carey posed for photos with both Biden and Harris, as well as with her kids in front of the White House’s impressive Christmas decorations.

“Last week I had the pleasure of meeting President Biden & Vice President Harris at the White House to ring in the holiday season!” the singer captioned the pictures, which the White House also shared on its official account. “While there, we got to see all the festive decor and spread some cheer! 🎄❄️☃️”

And what does an international superstar wear to greet the POTUS and VP? A sequined tweed suit jacket and dress, complete with pink trimming and matching heels.

Later, Carey and the president jointly posted a video of their first meeting, both of them professing “I’m a fan” to the other while shaking hands.

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The hitmaker is fresh off the finale of her Merry Christmas One and All! Tour, which wrapped with a special show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande joined Carey onstage to perform “Oh Santa!,” marking the trio’s first time performing the remix live since releasing it in 2020.

Carey also just claimed her 13th week atop the Billboard Hot 100 with her evergreen holiday smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

The track also scored a record-breaking 16th week atop the Billboard Global 200 earlier this week.

Xander Zayas Defeats Jorge Fortea to Set Up Bout Against Patrick Teixeira

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Xander Zayas’ impressive ring performance helps set up his next fight…

The 21-year-old Puerto Rican boxer took only five rounds to dispatch 14-year veteran Jorge Fortea in front of an adoring crowd on Saturday at Dodge City Center near Miami.

Although it probably felt a lot longer to Fortea.

Zayas (18-0, 12 KOs) earned a knockout stoppage at 1:37 of the fifth round after a crushing left hook to Fortea’s body. The body shot brought a merciful end to the junior middleweight bout, which Zayas dominated from start to finish with vicious body combinations and power shots along the ropes. He landed 27 total body shots on Fortea, two of which forced Fortea to take a knee, once in the first and again in the fifth.

The impressive showcase by Zayas sets up a bout on February 16 against Patrick Teixeira, the No. 2-ranked junior middleweight by the WBO.

“We knew he liked to keep his elbows out,” Zayas said of Fortea. “It was just a matter of time since we got him in the first round. After that, he kind of went into survival mode. February 16, [Madison Square Garden], Patrick Teixeira, you’re next!”

In total, Zayas landed 285 punches to 144 for Fortea. Both of Fortea’s eyes were badly swollen by the third. It was the Spanish fighter’s first loss since he suffered a knockout against Anthony Fowler in March 2021.

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