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What next in the UFC for Conor McGregor?

Looking ahead and over the next couple of years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will have some serious thinking to do. Especially when considering which opponents Conor McGregor should face.

Of course, the Irishman himself will undoubtedly have a large say in dictating which fights he fancies and which he doesn’t, although the UFC itself would also be wise to ensure that McGregor takes top billing at future events. Likewise, giving “The Notorious” chances to fight for titles will also be important, which means these two opponents must surely be top of their list.

Score to settle with Khabib

As an event that reached 2.4 million pay per view purchases, which is by far the biggest TV audience ever, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor was certainly a huge commercial success for the UFC. However, after a neck crank by Khabib forced McGregor into submission, it was also an event which ended in the controversy of a mass brawl. As reported by the Irish Times, the Russian fighter later issued a public apology for his part in the ugly post-fight scenes.

Many past events featuring “The Notorious” have usually seen the outspoken Irishman considered a firm favourite, although if McGregor were to get a rematch against Nurmagomedov at some point, UFC betting odds for the still unbeaten Russian would likely be in his favour. That said, both would inevitably be winners when it comes to the purse on offer, given that the UFC would almost certainly generate record revenues from a rematch.

Nevertheless, getting a rematch organized is complicated. It’s hard to imagine McGregor having any hesitations, although fighting for the lightweight championship title would be preferable. Khabib might be a little more hesitant, with other fighters like Tony Ferguson higher on his list of potential rivals. This could mean we don’t see a second duel between McGregor and Khabib until late in 2021 or even 2022.

First chance to fight Ferguson

Since 2015 one fight in particular has been regarded as a priority for the UFC. Efforts to get Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov together in the octagon have repeatedly failed. ESPN recently highlighted that the pair have been scheduled to fight on five separate occasions, although for a variety of different reasons, those planned bouts were cancelled all five times.

When the UFC attempt to plan this fight for a sixth time, much will depend upon the circumstances and the willingness of both Khabib and Ferguson. While current expectations and UFC betting tips from Paddy Power are leaning towards this fight eventually going ahead, Khabib may still reject the chance to fight Ferguson any time soon.

That could present an opportunity for McGregor, and although there wouldn’t be any title at stake, the chance to beat Ferguson would prove the Irishman is back to his best. As the two highest-ranked lightweight contenders, Ferguson against McGregor would potentially be a great fight, one that would deserve top billing, and earn either the right to challenge Khabib for his title at a later date.

Best possible outcome?

Fighting against either Ferguson or Khabib are the most appealing options for McGregor at present, favoured by his legion of fans around the world and even the UFC itself. Having a title to fight for would be even better for everyone concerned. 

This would indicate that the most practical outcome at present, practically speaking, would be the long-awaited fight between Khabib and Ferguson to come first, with McGregor waiting to challenge the winner of that bout and the opportunity to regain the lightweight title.

2020 Dublin Horse Show Cancelled

The 2020 Dublin Horse Show is the latest major sporting event to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Monday evening’s statement from the RDS confirming cancellation of Ireland’s premier horse show, which was scheduled to take place from 15th to 19th July, stated:

“The health and safety of all of those who come together for the Dublin Horse Show has been a priority for the RDS in making this decision. This includes visitors from Ireland and from around the world, competitors, volunteers, trade exhibitors, RDS Members, staff, partners, contractors and suppliers”

The RDS Chief Executive Michael Duffy said he understood the obvious disappointment of people within the breeding industry to the Society’s decision, admitting:

“We understand that this will disappoint many members of the public and that it will have implications for many horse breeders and producers around the country. However, we trust that everyone will understand and support a decision made in the national interest.”

It has been announced that all tickets purchased by phone or online will be automatically refunded to accounts within 7-10 working days, while patrons who purchased through an outlet are requested to return to the point of sale.

Live Sporting Calendar for July 2020

It is looking ever so likely now that many major events will not go ahead this year. The government have stated that mass gatherings are “unlikely” to go ahead in Ireland in 2020. This will almost certainly rule out the GAA championships. However, some events will  potentially take place worldwide and I will take a look at live sport set for July below.

John Deere Classic: PGA Tour – The John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour is set to go ahead in July at present. Dylan Frittelli won the event last season. The South African scooped over 1 million dollars in prize money.

Newmarket July Festival: Horse Racing – If horse racing is to go ahead in the UK it will likely be behind closed doors. No announcement has been made as of yet but this festival attracts all the big horses from the big stables. If it goes ahead or not as of yet I am not so sure. It is due to take place from 9-11th of July.

Summer X Games – Extreme Sports – As of now the Summer X Games are going ahead. They will take place from the 16th to the 19th of July in Minneapolis. Events include skateboarding, bmx biking and moto x.

Austrian Grand Prix – Formula One – It is likely that the Austrian Grand Prix will go ahead after after Austria have eased their restrictions in recent days. This will likely be a race where no spectators are present. It is due to take place from July 3rd to July 5th.

British Grand Prix – Formula One- The British GP organisers have said they can host two races if required over the summer. These will likely be without spectators also. It is pencilled in for July 19th at the moment.

Major League Baseball All-Star Game – Baseball – At the moment this is likely to go ahead. The USA have yet to lift restrictions. But Trump is eager to get everything back to work and return to some sort of normality. The Major League Baseball All-Star is meant to take place on July 14th.

Anthony Joshua v Kubrat Pulev: Boxing – The fight between the pair was originally set for June but due to the virus it was postponed. Pulev has posted on his social media stating the fight will go ahead at the end of July.

Reigning champions Ireland invited to FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona

Ireland is among the 22 nations invited to compete at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final at Barcelona Polo Club in October.

Under changes approved by the FEI Board, the 22 teams are 10 from Europe, three from North America, two from South America, two from the Middle East, two from Asia/Australasia, one apiece from Africa and Eurasia, plus the host nation Spain.

The rules revision means that all 10 teams in Europe Division 1, including champions Ireland, are guaranteed a place in the 2020 FEI Nations Cup Final, where usually only the top seven teams from Europe Division 1 would qualify.

The qualification system for some divisions (listed below) will be based on the Longines Rankings, using the combined points of each National Federations’ four best Athletes on the Longines Ranking published one month prior to the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final:

South America: 2 teams via Longines Ranking.
Asia/Australasia: 2 teams via Longines Ranking.
Africa: 1 team via Longines Ranking.
Eurasia: 1 team via Longines Ranking.

The October final in Barcelona is totally dependent on what happens with the Covid-19 pandemic, with the FEI optimistic about hosting the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final.

It has also been confirmed that there will be no promotion and relegation this year in Europe’s top division, meaning Division 1 will start with the same 10 teams for the 2021 season.

Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes at Naas in August attracts 563 entries

Horse Racing Ireland has announced a record high 563 entries for the Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, the inaugural running of which is scheduled for Naas Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday August 3, 2020.

The new race, aimed at the progeny of sires with a median of no more than €75,000 at last year’s yearling sales, has attracted 345 Irish-based entries, 217 from Britain and one from America, a colt owned by Stonestreet Stables, now in the care of Wesley Ward.

There are 289 colts and geldings, including Poetic Flare, winner of the opening two-year-old race of the season for Jim Bolger at Naas, and 274 fillies among those nominated.

In consultation with the race sponsors, Irish EBF and Ballyhane Stud, HRI has committed to examine increasing the €200,000 prize fund and to investigate the staging of a consolation race on the same day for those horses not making the final field in the feature race. This would give owners and trainers with entries an additional opportunity to avail of valuable prize money.

In the light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation the first forfeit stage will be deferred from April 22 to an unconfirmed later date that will be announced when there is a clearer indication of the resumption of racing and dates for the breeze-up sales.

Joe Foley, owner of Ballyhane Stud, which sponsors the race, was delighted with the level of entries, stating:

“I was delighted with the response to the race and a big thank you goes to all the owners and trainers who have entered two-year-olds, especially to the 81 Ballyhane Stud sired entries, who are in with a chance to win the €50,000 bonus if they win the race. It’s going to be a very exciting race at Naas and the huge prize money will be something to look forward to in these uncertain times.”

British Horseracing suspension now extended until May

The suspension of British racing, which was due to finish at the end of April, is now being extended until May after a decision by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority.

Racing stopped on March 18th before the British government introduced the current lockdown measures to protect essential emergency services and the health and safety of the public.

The BHA has not set a new date for ending the suspension but plans are in place so that the sport is ready to resume as soon as is possible.

The British Horse Racing Authority has been working with trainers, racecourses and other participants to develop a phased plan for resumption which will allow the sport to transition back to its normal fixture list later in the year.

The BHA is now aiming for a resumption in May, but that is dependent on permission from the British government. It is being assumed that the resumption of racing would be behind closed doors only, at a point when the safety of participants can be assured and the pressure on the health service allows. Tough biosecurity measures would be in place to keep any risks to a minimum.

Tour de France new start date – Saturday 29th August

Tour de France 2020 has a new start date of Saturday 29th August, lets hope they will be able to run the race then

In a statement, organisers said: “Following the President’s address on Monday evening, where large-scale events were banned in France until mid-July as a part of the fight against the spread of Covid-19, the organisers of the Tour de France, in agreement with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), have decided to postpone the Tour de France to Saturday 29th August to Sunday 20th September 2020.

“Initially scheduled to take place from the 27th June to the 19th July, the Tour de France will follow the same route, with no changes, from Nice to Paris.

“The women’s event, La Course by le Tour de France avec FDJ, which was initially scheduled to take place on the 19th July on the Champs Elysées, will also be postponed to a date that is still to be determined, but it will take place during the Tour de France 2020.”

Players, Results and How to Watch PDC Home Tour Darts

Everyone is looking for live sport so we have the Players, Results and How to Watch PDC Home Tour Darts which launches this Friday. 

Darts fans will be able to watch PDC stars across 32 consecutive nights of live darts action as the PDC Home Tour launches this Friday.

Elite level darts will be brought from the living rooms of the pros to fans worldwide through live video calls, with players set to make history as part of the PDC’s first ever home-staged event.

All Tour Card Holders have been given the opportunity to take part in the PDC Home Tour, which will see four players in action every night.

A nightly league format will see all four competitors play each other once in matches played over the best of nine legs, with a winner crowned each night.

Following the conclusion of the initial 32 nights of league phase action, the 32 group winners will advance to the second phase of the competition.

With each night’s action commencing at 1930 BST, darts commentator Dan Dawson will be on hand to talk through proceedings, which will also include live score graphics on screen.

The 16 players who will compete across the first four nights of PDC Home Tour will be announced on Wednesday via the PDC’s official website and social media channels.

All PDC Home Tour action will be broadcast live on PDCTV for free to all registered PDCTV users.

The action will also be shown live through a series of bookmakers’ websites.

The PDC Home Tour has been introduced following the success of ‘Darts At Home’, which saw nine PDC players, including Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, competing live on the PDC’s Facebook page and YouTube channel across two nights of mini-league action.

A popular concept among players and fans alike, ‘Darts At Home’ was featured on Sky Sports News as darts was highlighted as one of a small number of sports to broadcast live action during the current situation.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn commented: “Firstly, I would like to thank all our incredible NHS staff who continue to save lives in the most difficult circumstances, we all owe an immense amount of gratitude to our key workers.

“It gives me great excitement that we are able to deliver live darts to fans in these unprecedented times.

“We’ve spent the last few weeks planning and looking at what is possible, and I’m delighted to be able to present a concept which gives all Tour Card Holders the opportunity to take part.

“The PDC Home Tour will provide a regular supply of live sport to fans, showcasing the talent and unique characters of our players to both existing and new audiences.

“The event will also give players a chance to play competitive darts in this down period in preparation for the return to normal action, whenever that may be.”

Leinster Rugby players launch #ShaveGrowOrMo

The Leinster Rugby players have today launched a campaign aimed at raising funds for frontline workers to help them in their fight against COVID-19 and to also help their two charity partners who have seen income from fundraising initiatives decline hugely during the crisis.

Feed The Heroes is a group of volunteers working to provide HSE and front line workers with food and sustenance at a time when their time and their resources are stretched. Their efforts so far have raised over €900,000 in donations and over 55,000 meals have been served to the frontline heroes fighting COVID-19.

Down Syndrome Centre and MS Ireland are the two charity partners working with Leinster Rugby and both organisations have been impacted by the loss of income from fundraising initiatives over the last few weeks and months.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Leinster Rugby prop Ed Byrne outlined that the players wanted to show their appreciation for those on the frontlines and working for the HSE in particular.


“We are very aware from talking to people like our own club doctor, Prof John Ryan, of the amazing work going on in our hospitals, in nursing homes, care centres and also by Gardaí and emergency services who have been putting themselves in harms’ way to help protect the rest of us. We just wanted to do something to show our appreciation for those efforts.


“Obviously it is difficult in the current climate to do much given we are all in isolation but we saw how positively the Leinster Rugby family rallied around a few years ago when we helped out Kurt McQuilkin and his family and we thought we might do something similar.


“Our two charity partners, Down Syndrome Centre and MS Ireland, are charities that we as players helped select and we have enjoyed working with them and meeting them over that time and we know they are feeling the impact too. We just wanted to do something as a playing group.


“It’s not much but hopefully supporters at home can get involved too and can play their part and if they can, make a donation too. It’s a hard time for everyone but in particular for those on the frontlines and hopefully this small gesture will help keep them going and feed them over the coming weeks and months.”

Leinster and Ireland scrum half Luke McGrath also outlined the impact on the two charity partners.


“We have visited both Down Syndrome Centre and MS Ireland over the two seasons working with them and we have seen the amazing work that they do, people really rely on them so again, we are just trying to do something that helps them to keep on helping those in our society that need it the most.


“It’s the same with Feed The Heroes and it’s something we spoke about as players. We have all seen in the media the heroic work of all those working in the HSE and on the frontlines and we have heard their stories. It is hard not to be hugely proud of them and their extraordinary selfless work. If we can help keep a few more of them fed and help them as they set about another day’s work, then great.  


“We appreciate that this a difficult time for all but every little bit helps and hopefully we can have some fun while doing it too.”

The mechanic for the initiative is very simple and there will also be prizes raffled at the end with all those that donate eligible for the draw.

The Leinster Rugby players, using the hashtag #ShaveGrowOrMo, will shave their heads or start growing their hair or a moustache and in doing so will also make a contribution to the GoFundMe page that has been set up especially for the cause. Their progress in growing hair or shaving their heads will also be posted across social media channels for supporters to engage with them and hopefully join in!

The target is €10,000 and 50% of the funds raised will go towards feedtheheroes.com with the other 50% split equally between the two charity partners.

There will also be spot prizes for those that donate and take part with every donation entered into a draw at the end for:

  • A signed Leinster Rugby jersey
  • Attend a Leinster Rugby training session for an exclusive meet and greet with the players
  • Premium tickets for you and your family for a game staged at Aviva Stadium next season

Johnny Glynn – Back on Track but with a Different Career

As some of you may know, Johnny Glynn – known as Galway’s central cog – has been recently struck by the coronavirus and left in poor health for a couple of weeks. However, he is now reportedly back and in full health – but it seems like he feels the need for a change.

If Johnny Glynn is your favorite hurler, then you may want to keep a close eye on the Tribesmen odds for sports betting, as the 26-year-old attacker seems to be looking forward to the timely end of his career, in favor of a selector role!

Early Start

Naturally, Glynn didn’t suddenly decide to end his hurling career and become a selector. In fact, he’s already been one – for the New York’s Exiles – over last year’s winter.

It was after his Championship loss versus Dublin, in June last year, when he agreed to the role of selector with Gerry Fox, the boss/manager of Exiles.

Even though Glynn wasn’t removed from his team’s sport events for the summer, both him and O’Neill – manager of Galway – seem happy/pleased that the chapter is now done.

His History

Johnny Glynn has been New York-based since the year of 2015, where he played until 2016. Then, he started to commute between New York and Galway so that he could hurl for the latter, mainly between 2017-2019.

His last appearance was, as mentioned, in last June’s Championship, when the Tribesmen saw a defeat against Dublin, at Parnell Park. This also marked the team’s exit from the Championship.

Looking back, Glynn says that he might not have left Galway, especially given that he had to change/apply for visas on and on. But now that’s he’s about to get the green card, the hassle will soon be over. Overall, he’s content with this decision.

Future Plans

Right before the current global situation, New York was in the process of preparing for a clash with Galway, apparently. Glynn said that Connacht SFC and Galway would engage in a series of challenge games – specifically with Newtown Blues and Salthill-Knocknacarra – and that he was more than just excited for the matches.

On top of that, he was also optimistic that his team would still get on the Tailteann Cup even if they lost to Galway – but now, with the pandemic, they can’t tell anymore.

The Bottom Line

With a fortunate return from quarantine/self-isolation, Glynn is now in full health and ready to return to the world of sports – but as a selector, and not a hurler. While he said he was quite afraid for his health, he also mentioned that he was more terrified of giving the virus to someone else, before knowing that he had it!

All in all, he and his fiancée now feel much better – and he’s ready to tackle, or at least look into, his and his team’s plans for the future.

Therefore, if you’re a hurling enthusiast and like to bet on sports, you may want to check Glynn and his new team!

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