Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For May 29, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
- Kavanagh calls for the 3Arena to be opened up
- Saint-Denis says knockout is key for Poirier
- The all-female promotion is back up and running
John Kavanagh Calls For The 3Arena To Upgrade Capacity
The press conference for UFC 303 and the return of Conor McGregor is shaping up to be a huge moment in the MMA calendar.
On Monday, The Mac and Michael Chandler will arrive at the 3Arena in Dublin and if there were any doubts as to whether "The Notorious" has still got the backing of the Irish fans, those questions are soon to be answered.
Tickets went on sale this morning for the event and were free but limited to just two per purchase but that didn't stop them from selling out in minutes.
The seating plan for the event shows that as usual for these kinds of occasions, they were only planning to use a part of the full arena.
McGregor's own coach, John Kavanagh, said on social media that they should open up the building to accommodate for more seats in order to completely pack out the building for another iconic press conference.
Benoît Saint Denis Says Dustin Poirier Can Only Win Via Knockout Against Someone As Well-Rounded As Islam Makhachev
Dustin Poirier earned his shot at the lightweight title following an incredible win at UFC 299 where he was forced to face some real adversity.
Benoît Saint Denis certainly put "The Diamond" through the ringer before he was stopped in the second round, showcasing his aggression from the very start.
Poirier weathered the storm and let his striking, specifically his boxing and power, do the talking on that night in Miami.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Saint Denis said that this will be the same for Poirier this weekend at UFC 302.
In his mind, he believes that the challenger and his former opponent will only be able to pull off the upset if he is able to stop Islam Makhachev with his strikes.
Dustin Poirier is very composed and experienced fighter and I do believe he has the boxing at his side but Makhachev is very well rounded and I do believe he has to watch my fight against Poirier as well as Dustin's fight with Oliveira. Everybody knows what the game plan is gonna be. It's gonna be Makhachev trying to submit Poirier and Poirier trying to knock out Makhachev, with Makhachev having a bit more options. Makhachev can knock out or submit Poirier but I see Poirier only having the knockout win. Decision-wise, I also see Makhachev having the physicality to dominate the fight if it goes long.
Invicta FC Is Back On June 28 After 8-Month Hiatus And Concerning Reports
Having not hosted an event since last October, reports were suggesting that Invicta FC was coming to an unfortunate end.
The all-female promotion has had an incredible impact on the sport by providing an excellent place for fighters to build up experience and prove themselves.
Despite the concerns for fans, Invicta FC isn't going anywhere, as was announced by the promotion's President Shannon Knapp during a recent appearance on Sirius XM.
Knapp announced that the promotion will be returning home to Kansas City on June 28 where former UFC fighter Talita Bernardo will be defending her bantamweight title against Olga Rubin in the main event.
Read more on the story here.
For more MMA news, check out:
- 'It's Over For The Diamond' - Fans React As Islam Makhachev Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov Will Return To His Corner At UFC 302
- Date Revealed For Undisputed Champion Oleksandr Usyk's Rematch With Tyson Fury
- Sean O'Malley & Coach On Why Ian Garry vs Michael 'Venom' Page At UFC 303 Will Be A 'Boring' Affair