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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at UFC’s Sean Strickland problem ahead of their first on-the-road Fight Night. Considering how Strickland always ramps up hateful commentary ahead of his fights, and how Dana White is staunchly supporting “free speech” among UFC athletes, is there a solution? We also discuss the twists and turns in the Golden Boy lawsuit, the Zuffa Boxing belt, and the WBC championship necklace. We analyze comments on the importance of Rousey vs. Carano, and weigh in on Marquel Martin’s astute observations. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 229 Outline

* Do we have any updates in the UFC antitrust cases?

* There has been some discussion on social media that Rousey vs Carano is not that big a fight, or would not have been a big fight in the past. Do you agree with this?

* Eddie Hearn and Dana White have been going back and forth about Zuffa Boxing. Do you have any thoughts on their feud?

* Matchroom and DAZN announced an extension on their deal. Is this good news for Matchroom?

* Zuffa Boxing revealed their diamond encrusted belt yesterday. What did you think of it?

* WBC also revealed a $40K diamond encrusted necklace. What are your thoughts on that?

* Marquel Martin, who acted in an advisory position to Francis Ngannou, has moved on to getting his NFL agent license and had some sharp comments about working in the MMA space. What did you think of his statements?

* Sean Strickland has made the headlines again, even bleeding into mainstream news, with incendiary comments about Bad Bunny, about women’s MMA, and women in general. Backlash has been mounting against Paramount and Toyota with calls to remove him from UFC’s roster. What are your thoughts on the situation?

* Dana White was asked about the situation and he had this to say: “If you get your feelings hurt that bad you shouldn’t ask these questions when you know the response you’ll get from Strickland. I don’t tell any human what to say or think, there’s no leashes”. Do you think his approach is bad for UFC given how new their relationship with Paramount is?

* Graham Boylan gave an interview where he discussed managing/developing fighters while simultaneously promoting them via his Cage Warriors. Did anything stand out to you?

* Are there any new updates with the Golden Boy lawsuit?

* Listener question from Eric Hamidi: Can PFL differentiate themselves and not be a walled garden by partnering with Rizin?

*Golden Boy’s reply in support of restraining order*

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at UFC antitrust updates regarding a third party vendor to review discovery, and how UFC seemed to dodge a major bullet in the spoliation of required evidence. We also discuss Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano from a business perspective, whether UFC should be worried about the White House card not delivering, how MVP ended up with the fight, and how Ronda and Gina likely got out of their previous contracts. We also analyze Vergil Ortiz’ formal opposition to Golden Boy’s restraining order, and we answer some listener questions. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 228 Outline

* Do we have any new updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Were you surprised that Ali Abdel-Aziz now wants you to include him in your antitrust filing tweets?

* The big news today is the announcement of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano in a featherweight MMA bout for Netflix, promoted by MVP. What do you think of this fight?

* Do you think it will outshine the WH card?

* Should Dana and company be worried?

* How did Ronda and Gina end up out of their contracts since both still had fights on them?

* Do you think Ronda is still tied to TKO in any capacity via WWE?

* Ronda said that they were in talks with Dana White last year for this match but couldn’t make it happen. Does that sound like it came down to money?

* With MVP promoting, how big a purse do you think these women are getting?

* Dana White has been making lots of comments about competitors for Zuffa Boxing. Was there anything he said that could possibly be pointed to for Revival Act changes?

* Is there any hope this bill gets rejected?

* Max Kellerman said he wanted Zuffa Boxing to introduce the BMF belt. What are your thoughts on that?

* What in the world is going on with Casey Wasserman and Ari Emanuel?

* Are there any new updates in Golden Boy’s lawsuit?

* Emilio Destifano from Twitter asks: From your “Deep Dive Into Congress...” episode: Could the plaintiffs have allowed defendants to sneak in that particular clause which essentially guts any Ali Act restrictions in order to expose that tactic, in hopes it gets shot down sooner rather than later?

* Emilio also asked this question from that episode: Could Zuffa Boxing have pushed added healthcare regs in order to not only price out competition of other promoters, but to have more control over fighters I.E. more leverage/opportunity to deny fighters? Just demand “testing” until they are able to secure a favorable result?

* Eric Hamidi also had a question: Do you or John find it funny, ironic, or hypocritical that TKO staff and supporters talk about them revolutionizing boxing & it needs to be back on TV and yet, their first events are at the Apex on Paramount+?

*Vergil Ortiz opposition to Golden Boy restraining order*

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at major UFC antitrust updates regarding Dominance MMA’s “revolt” and failure to cooperate with agreed upon discovery measures. We also discuss Zuffa Boxing’s ability to ignore current Ali Act protections regarding the creation of their own belt, as well as Stepen Espinoza’s comments on the promotion in a recent interview. We also weigh in on the suit Golden Boy filed against Rick Mirigian and what their future looks like amid obvious financial struggles. In our final segment, we answer listener questions from Eric Hamidi. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 227 Outline

* We had some happenings in the UFC antitrust case. First, tell us about filing to hold third party Dominance MMA in contempt?

* There was a hearing yesterday. Do we know what happened?

* What happens next?

* TKO answered questions from Ilhan Omar last month during a hearing about the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. Did anything stand out to you?

* Zuffa Boxing announced a title fight between Jai Opetaia and Brandon Glanton for their inaugural belt, well before the Revival Act has passed. What do you make of this?

* Stephen Espinoza gave an interview where he was asked about Zuffa Boxing. Did he say anything that caught your attention?

* Golden Boy just sued Vergil Ortiz’ manager, Rick Mirigian for $10M. What do you make of that suit?

* It seems that Golden Boy is in serious trouble financially. What kind of future do they have in your opinion?

* Social media influencer Adin Ross claims Dana White may pay him $6M a year to cover UFC. What do you make of that?

* We had a listener question from Eric Hamidi who asked: Is this the only provision in the original Ali Act that prevents promoters from having their own championship belts?Excerpt states: “No officer or employee of a sanctioning organization may receive any compensation, gift, or benefit, directly or indirectly, from a promoter, boxer, or manager.”

* Eric also asks if you’ve heard the same rumors Fred Garvin has, that democratic senators have been contacting people involved with boxing regarding the Revival Act, and how they (dem. senators) don’t support the proposed changes.

*Plaintiffs’ request for Dominance MMA to be held in contempt, Golden Boy v. Rick Mirigian, answers to questions posed by Ilhan Omar for the official record*

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at Zuffa Boxing’s lofty goal of becoming a $20B third arm of TKO’s combat sports empire and how that can be achieved. We also discuss Floyd Mayweather’s legal complaint in detail and whether we think it will be settled. We review the WBC’s latest failings and include Mauricio Sulaiman’s social media faux pas along with those. But in our introductory segment, we walk down Memory Lane with a discussion of the classic movie Taxi Driver which celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 8th. John is a certified cinema nerd, so this was a rare treat for him. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 226 Outline

* Taxi Driver 50th anniversary chat

* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Now that we have Floyd Mayweather’s lawsuit available to look at, what are your initial thoughts after looking it over?

* Does the complaint say how much he did make in his career and how much is unaccountable?

* Is there a reason they are suing Showtime and Espinoza and not Al Haymon?

* Stephen Espinoza seems unbothered by the accusations against him. Do you think he should be worried?

* Do you think it will be settled?

* The sanctioning organizations, specifically the WBC, are under fire again, with Shakur Stevenson declining to pay $100K in fees. What’s going on that we should know about?

* Do you think Mauricio Sulaiman is handling things correctly considering his social media behavior (liking derogatory/demeaning posts about Shakur)?

* An interview was conducted with Mark Shapiro and Ari Emanuel where they discussed the value of UFC and WWE being $20B/each. Do you agree with that valuation?

* Shapiro said there are still ways they can cut costs from UFC and WWE. Are you surprised by that and do you have any ideas how they could possibly achieve that?

* They said they will be announcing some international deals soon. What might those be?

* They also discussed their goal of bringing Zuffa Boxing to that point. Do you think it’s possible, and how fast could they get it to that value?

* Nakisa Bidarian noted in an interview that he felt Zuffa Boxing would be successful thanks to them playing the long game. Thoughts on that?

*Floyd Mayweather’s lawsuit complaint PDF*

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at both days of the UFC antitrust spoliation hearing. It’s our comprehensive review of Dana White’s testimony, Tracy Long’s, Hunter Campbell’s, and the two assistants tasked with setting up phones, social media and clouds for UFC executives. We discuss Judge Boulware’s interactions, the believability of testimony, possible remedies if UFC is found to have malice with missing discovery and what comes next. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 225 Outline

* What stood out most to you from Day 1 proceedings?

* What were the most significant things revealed on Day 1?

* Do you think people should fully invest in the idea that Dana White is no longer part of contract negotiations and matchmaking?

* On the first day’s proceedings, Michael Dell Angelo seemed to irritate the judge on a couple occasions. Is that an accurate statement?

* What was Tracy Long’s demeanor?

* Do you believe the story of Ari Emanuel’s relative stealing crucial evidence?

* What were the most significant things revealed on Day 2?

* Personal assistants and tech advisors to the UFC were brought in to testify about the setting up of phones, social media, etc. Did you find their testimony particularly impactful?

* Were you surprised by anything Hunter Campbell said?

* Do you feel like he was in cleanup mode after Dana’s testimony?

* Judge Boulware stated that the UFC’s failure to produce these messages, phones, et al were sanctionable offenses. What would be the most likely sanction?

* What’s next for UFC; did Boulware issue any orders?

*Chart Exhibit of Missing Data from Employee Devices*

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit heynottheface.substack.com

SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at boxing’s sanctioning organizations: how they’ve grievously injured themselves, how they lack transparency, how they could do better to protect boxers, and if they’re even worth saving. We also discuss Max Kellerman’s lip service to Dana White’s promoting ability and whe…

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the possible measures UFC might try now that Judge Boulware and the Ninth Circuit have ruled against their emergency motions from last week. We also examine some of the things revealed in Thomas Hauser’s sprawling article about Zuffa Boxing, including the contracts and …

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the desperate maneuvering the UFC has done to stop Judge Boulware’s demand for six-and-a-half years of missing messages. We go over the risks the UFC faces if the Ninth Circuit doesn’t rule in their favor, the risks to the Plaintiffs if they do, and more. We also discus…

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SUPPORT EXPANDING THE ALI ACT

In today’s episode, we’re looking at the new amendments introduced to the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act bill at the Education and Workforce Committee meeting. We go step by step through all the changes and what they mean for boxing from the top tier all the way down to the club level. We also talk about the emergency ABC meeting that happened right after the committee meeting. There’s also some very significant antitrust updates you won’t want to miss. There’s a lot more, so make sure to follow along with our outline as you listen:

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Episode 221 Outline

* Are there any updates to the UFC antitrust cases?

* Can you explain what took place yesterday in the Education and Workforce Committee?

* What changes were made to the UBO section of the bill?

* Let’s go to Sec 4 Industry Standards. What changes did they introduce for Medical Examinations?

* What did they change about the Insurance coverage?

* Did they change the purse minimums?

* What did they add into the bill about the number of titles?

* What changes did they introduce regarding drug testing?

* What is the concern for club shows from these last few changes?

* The effective date was also changed. What does it say now?

* What were the amendments that Ilhan Omar read off during the hearing?

* Is this the end of it or will there be more changes before they vote on it?

* So what happens next? What is the process before it becomes law, and do you think it will become law?

* You reported that the ABC had an emergency meeting, what was that about?

* So what is the ABC going to do about their concerns over the bill?

* What impact would these changes have to the bill and the industry?

* Do you think this bill is better or worse than it was before?

* What’s your greatest concern about the bill?

* What amendments would you like to see introduced?

* For those that oppose the bill or certain parts of it what do you suggest they do?PDFs of the antitrust case filings & PDFs of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act amendments