Latest news with #ONE
GMA Network
16 hours ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
Joshua Pacio goes for ONE flyweight world title at ONE 173
ONE strawweight world champion Joshua Pacio of Lions Nation MMA will attempt to become the first two-division champion in Philippine mixed martial arts history when he takes on ONE flyweight world champion Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE 173 on November 16 at Ariaka Arena in Tokyo. Pacio, 29, is coming off his biggest win to date following a second-round technical knockout over ex-UFC fighter and former world champion Jarred Brooks last February. Already touted by some as the Philippine MMA Greatest of All Time, Pacio previously expressed interest in campaigning a higher weight class. Yuya Wakamatsu, meanwhile, is on a four-fight winning streak including a win in a rematch over Pacio's teammate Danny Kingad, whom he lost to in the first fight in 2018. His streak also includes a round one stoppage over former world champion Adriano Moraes, whom he also lost to in 2022. Denice Zamboanga will defend her women's ONE atomweight world title on the same card against Ayaka Miura. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Ben Askren released from hospital, delivers tearful video message on ride home
Update #4- GOING HOME Ben Askren is finally home. An MMA and wrestling legend, Askren revealed he was released from the hospital Tuesday nearly two months after he entered due to a severe case of pneumonia. Askren underwent a double lung transplant four weeks ago. "Day 59, I'm out with my beautiful wife supporter," Askren said. "Man, that was a long journey, and it's not over because I still can't really walk. I've got to reteach myself to do that, among many other things. I guess I can make light of it because it was me, and I don't really remember it. ... I don't remember 35 days of this journey. I think surgery was 24 or 25 days ago. It was hard. It was hard. "I said this already in one of the videos, but the support you guys gave me, whether it was starting a GoFundMe, whether it was helping my kids and wife get through it, I had friends come from all over the country to hang out for a couple days. It meant so much. It was so great to just have all the support and all the love. Hopefully I'm not in this situation again for a really, really, really, really long time. I plan on living a while. Thank you guys again for all the positive comments online, everything. It means so much. Love you guys." Askren, 40, recently revealed he died four times as he battled for his life. He lost 50 pounds in 45 days and was not aware for nearly half of that time. Askren said when he became conscious, he read through all of the supportive messages and felt as if he had attended his own funeral. He was on a ventilator prior to his transplant procedure. It's still unclear how Askren ended up being hospitalized, though he and his wife Amy have indicated they might reveal more details as time progresses. The news drew widespread reaction from the combat sports world, with numerous athletes, wrestlers, and the UFC publicly expressing thoughts and prayers for the former ONE and Bellator champion. The UFC's June 14 broadcast featured a segment wishing Askren well. A T-shirt fundraiser has been launched to help with Askren's medical bills, as well as his mission to help support high-level athletes. After his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. last month, Jake Paul used his post-fight interview time to express support for Askren and raise awareness about his life-changing situation. Dana White was asked and confirmed that he donated $10,000 to Askren's GoFundMe. Askren retired from MMA in 2019 but returned for a one-off boxing bout vs. Paul in 2021. Widely considered one of the greatest amateur wrestlers in U.S. history, Askren remains heavily involved with the wrestling community and recently joined Hulk Hogan's Real American Freestyle.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Reinier de Ridder ready to step in for Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 if necessary
ABU DHABI – Reinier de Ridder plans on keeping a busy schedule if things fall into place for him. De Ridder (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) takes on former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) in the UFC on ABC 9 main event July 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. De Ridder hopes to outbid the winner of Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho in the UFC Paris headliner on Sept. 6. "I'm leaning towards Imavov in that one just because he's so complete, so relaxed in there," De Ridder told MMA Junkie. "He seems to be very much in control, but hopefully it's just a boring fight, and nobody wants to watch, nothing happens. That will be ideal." The former two-division ONE champion has finished all three of his UFC opponents and knows he'll likely need one more definitive performance to cement his spot as No. 1 contender. "Hopefully if I can do well, it all depends on how the fight goes," De Ridder said. "Like a win is not enough. I need to finish him. I need to finish him early, hopefully spectacularly, and as I said, we all hope Imavov and Borralho is boring, goes five rounds, nothing happens. That would be perfect, or maybe Khamzat pulls out last minute and they give me a call. We'll see." Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) challenges middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the UFC 319 main event on Aug. 16 from United Center in Chicago. Entering his fifth fight in less than a year, De Ridder wants to keep the ball rolling and will be ready to fill in for Chimaev if he withdraws – but would rather not weigh in as a backup. "I'll be ready to fight again, or as I said, I might be ready to step in last minute if necessary," De Ridder said. "So, we'll see what happens. Weighing in is the hardest part, so hopefully not weighing in at all. We'll see."
Libya Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Libya Observer
Japanese shipping giant launches first operations in Libya
Japanese shipping company Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched its first maritime service to Libya through the Misrata Free Zone port, as part of its strategy to expand operations across North Africa. ONE is one of the world's largest ocean freight companies, and its arrival marks a key development in Libya's maritime logistics. In a statement, the Misrata Free Zone described the move as a sign of the port's growing importance as a logistical hub in the Mediterranean. The zone attributed the achievement to its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and digital systems, streamlined customs services, and a favorable investment environment. Economy Tagged: Misrata free zone Ocean Network Express
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Business
- Libya Review
Japanese Shipping Company Launches Operations to Libya
Ocean Network Express (ONE), one of the world's largest Japanese shipping companies, has launched its first maritime operations to Libya through the Misrata Free Zone Port. The move marks a significant step in the company's strategy to expand its network across North Africa and the Mediterranean. In a statement on its official Facebook page, the Misrata Free Zone highlighted that the start of shipping operations by the Japanese company underscores the growing appeal of the zone as a key logistics hub in the Mediterranean. The port's strategic location, combined with advanced infrastructure and digital systems, has positioned Misrata as a leading player in regional maritime transport. The addition of this global shipping line to the list of operators through Misrata is seen as a strong endorsement of the port's competitive edge. The free zone offers streamlined customs services, modern logistics facilities, and an investor-friendly environment designed to attract major international companies. The Japanese company, known for its vast global fleet and integrated shipping services, is expected to enhance Libya's connectivity with global markets, boosting trade opportunities and providing faster and more efficient shipping routes for goods. The Misrata Free Zone has increasingly gained prominence as a logistics and trade gateway due to its proximity to European and African markets. The collaboration is anticipated to bring more traffic to the port, supporting Libya's efforts to revive its maritime trade sector. Union of Marine Transport Shipping Agencies has been appointed as the local shipping agent for the Japanese company in Libya, ensuring smooth operational management and support for the new maritime services. Tags: Free ZoneJapanlibyaMisrata
