Combate Global Set To Be Most-Watched MMA Brand In North America

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May 12, 2022

Caroline “Taz Gallardo dodges a leg kick to strike Camila Rivarola in their recent Combate Global women's bout in Miami. (Scott Hirano/Combate Global)

By George A. Willis

First he was the co-creator of the of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Now Campbell McLaren is making his MMA Hispanic sports and media franchise into the biggest in North America.

Today the UFC is one of the most successful franchises in sports history and Combate Global seems to be tracing the same upward trajectory.

McLaren’s Combate Global is an MMA (mixed martial arts) powerhouse that features young men and women fighters from North and South America. “We want to be the most-watched MMA organization in North America,” McLaren told Zenger as Combate Global presents its fifth card of the year on Friday (May 13) in Miami.

He knows that’s a bold claim, but it’s based on simple math. Univision, already a network partner with Combate Global, in January, completed a $4.8 billion merger with Televisa to combine their Spanish-language media and production in the U.S. and Mexico. In a news release, TelevisaUnivision Inc. said the company can reach more than 60 percent of TV audiences in both the U.S. and Mexico.

McLaren said Combate Global is already attracting 500,000 viewers each week through its current partnerships with Univision and Paramount+ but predicts an enormous increase once the Combate debuts on Televisa next month, promoted by a multi-million dollar marketing campaign.

“When you combine the potential we have with Televisa and Mexico with what we’re doing with Univision and Paramount+ we’re going to have in the neighborhood of 2.5 to 3 million people watching every Friday night in North America,” McLaren said. “That’s a real number.”

**Combate Global founder Campbell McLaren (Scott Hirano/Combate Global)**

Combate Global fights are typical of those being featured Friday in Miami. The five-bout card is headlined by an all-Mexican bantamweight (135 pounds) matchup between Max “Steel” Gonzalez (3-1) of Mexico City and Alex Osuna (3-1) of Guadalajara.

In a women’s matchup at straw weight (115 pounds) Caroline “Taz” Gallardo (6-4) of Chicago, Ill. via Santiago Chile faces Stephanie Page (6-3) of Brest, France, while Patrick “The Leech” Lehane (4-1) of Cork, Ireland battles Gabriel Morales (3-2) of Deerfield Beach, Fla., in a men’s featherweight (145) bout.

Also, Jordan “Bull” Beltran (12-7) of Colima, Mexico, challenges Samuel “The Alley Cat” Alvarez (6-5) of Manteca, Cali., at lightweight (155 pounds), and Naomi Sibel Tataroglu (2-3) of Oranjestad, Aruba, face Deisy Alejandra Orozco Guzman (2-5) of Tlatenango, ZA, Mexico at straw weight.

McLaren called Osuna someone who is “experienced beyond his experience” and has multiple skills compared to most young fighters who normally need seasoning.

“Axel is a more well-rounded guy,” McLaren said. “I like him a lot. I think what you’ll see in our headline event is Alex is a guy that can do a lot fighting a guy that’s very hard to knockout.”

Combate Global’s mantra of featuring upcoming fighters has proven successful as style and format have trumped name recognition. Fans are following the brand as much as the fighters.

“Some people go for very wide distribution,” McLaren said. “MMA is often sold around the world like a deli. People ask for two pounds of baloney, but they don’t ask for the brand. We’re trying to sell Combate as Combate. Our brand is very fast-moving, very young fighters, very aggressive fighters with a lot more finishes.”

While initially focusing on Hispanic fighters Combate Global is adding networks in France and Spain and recruiting fighters from all over the world like Lehane from Ireland. “This is my first fight for Combate Global at my natural weight class of 145 pounds,” Lehane said. “My previous bouts were at 155, so I’m looking to make a big statement here, put on a clinical performance, and stake a claim for a run at the 145-pound gold. I’m so excited for all the fight fans back home to be able to tune in live via Facebook Live ippv. My whole country is behind me.”

**Patrick “The Leech” Lehane delivers a right cross to the head of Issac Ruelas in their recent bout on Combate Global (Scott Hirano/Combate Global)**

Combate Global should benefit from a multi-million marketing campaign being put together by TelevisaUnivision or TUDN. Taking a cue from soccer, McLaren wants to promote country vs. country rivalries. Women also will be marketed just as heavily as the men based on viewership data that show 51 percent of the Univision audience is female.

“I think it speaks to the changes in society as women take charge of their own lives and break down traditional gender roles,” McLaren said. “It’s made Combate women great role models.”

This is the fifth of 30 shows planned for this year with 10 to be held live on European time, so “Spanish and French fans can see Combate in their prime time,” McLaren said.

It’s all part of the plan to make Combate Global the most-watched MMA program in North America.

“We’re already doing 70 percent of UFC ratings in the U.S.,” McLaren said. “Once we get on Televisa and get promoted there, we’re going to blow past everybody in North America.”

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VIDEO: Urine Trouble: TikToker Tells How Pool Bar Drinkers Wee In The Water

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Birmingham Times

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May 12, 2022

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Woman explains why tourists should avoid swim-up bars in her hotel in Cabo, Mexico. (@twofoodpiggies/Zenger)

By James King

A shocking video is advising people to avoid poolside bars claiming swimmers simply wee in the water instead of getting out to use the loo.

The video was shared by young Canadian woman Whitney who files on TikTok under the name @twofoodpiggies.

She had recorded footage at a VIP swimming pool bar at her hotel in Cabo, Mexico, last month (April).

She quickly clocked up close to 4 million views and almost 3,000 comments.

She claims to have spoken to drinkers at the bar who admitted to urinating in the pool because they couldn’t be bothered to go to the toilet.

Some online commentators noted that that is particularly worrying for anybody who might knock back numerous glasses of beer.

She did not appear to have recorded any of the people that she referenced that admitted urinating in the pool but urged her followers to “avoid the pool with the swim-up bar”.

Nevertheless, it caused a heated debate online about hygiene issues, even though the swimming pool was chlorinated.

She continued: “Vacation pro tip: Do not hang out in the pool where the swim-up bar is.

“There was literally intoxicated guests admitting that they were peeing in the pool here.”

She also captioned the video: “One girl didn’t understand why some people were leaving the pool to use the washroom.”

**Woman explains why tourists should avoid swim-up bars in her hotel in Cabo, Mexico. (@twofoodpiggies/Zenger)**

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is the US national public health agency, peeing in a pool neutralises chlorine needed to kill germs and can also cause a chemical reaction with the urine to create chloramines that irritate the skin and can cause breathing difficulties.

Nearly half of adults pee in pools, according to one study by the Water Quality & Health Council from 2019.

Despite the fear of bacteria urine is actually sterile when it exits the body, however, once it’s left the body, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria although the chlorine in the simple is designed to prevent this.

Some joked that at least it was better than weeing in the sea where they might attract sharks, and in fact a study by National Geographic researchers found that there was actually no truth that urine seemed to attract sharks.

Others mentioned that some symbols have a special dye designed to go black when somebody urinates on the water as a result of a chemical reaction between the die and the urine – however, that did not seem to be the case at the hotel pool with the bar.

Generally peeing in the ocean is apparently more acceptable to most people however given the fact that there are public toilets at hotels around swimming pools and also along those beaches, it is still regarded as antisocial, and most people will not readily admit to it.

But despite that, Ryan Lochte, who is a professional US swimmer and 12 time Olympic medallist once said: “I think there’s just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go.”

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Tiger Feet: British Wildlife Photographer Plans To Run Everest Marathon In A Tiger Suit

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Birmingham Times

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May 12, 2022

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A wildlife photographer plans to run the Everest marathon this month – in a TIGER suit. (Paul Goldstein/Zenger)

By Anamarija Brnjarchevska

A wildlife photographer plans to run the Everest marathon this month – in a tiger suit.

Wimbledon-based conservationist Paul Goldstein, 59, feels an affinity with the endangered animal, having already run an amazing nineteen charity marathons in the distinctive outfit. This will be his last.

With its starting point at 5,364m above sea level, the Everest Marathon is considered to be one of the highest and toughest races in the world. Paul has to trek for ten days with the tiger suit just to get to the start.

TV presenter and campaigner Chris Packham is helping send off his friend ahead of the 29 May event in Nepal.

He explains: “Why on Earth would a man in his late-fifties be wanting to do this? Well, because during the course of his marathon running life, he’s raised thousands and thousands of pounds for tiger conservation.

“This needs to be a roaring success; it’s going to be his last marathon, so please give as generously as you can in these difficult times.

“It’s not a stunt at all, it’s a mission. He’s a man on a mission that deserves to succeed for the benefit of this species.”

**A wildlife photographer plans to run the Everest marathon this month – in a TIGER suit. (Paul Goldstein/Zenger)**

TV presenter Simon Reeve adds: “I need you to get behind him, we need you to get your money out and give him a lot of dosh.”

Paul Goldstein will be raising funds for the Worth More Alive charity. He says: “’Chris knows what this has taken from me, but he also has the burning passion and desire to see this species removed from the endangered list – a Herculean task.

“When I struggle on the mountain, I will think of those baby cubs I saw recently, (the first time in 23 years I have seen them this young), but also, I will think of the ones slaughtered for the depraved nonsense of ‘traditional’ medicine.

“So many people have been so generous and I have no intention of letting any of them down. Many have doubted my sanity, Chris has not, he understands, but then again, he has never shied away from a struggle and I salute him for this.

“I’m in my late fifties, running a marathon, at 17,500 feet, in a nine-foot-tall tiger suit: What could go wrong?”

Donation page: https://exodus.enthuse.com/cf/worth-more-alive

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVqHoSA1CQs

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Millions Of Brits Dream Of Living The French Lifestyle Because Of The Bakeries, Landmarks And Cheese

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Birmingham Times

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May 12, 2022

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Millions of Brits dream of living the French lifestyle because of the bakeries, landmarks - and cheese. (Jon Mills/Zenger)

By Anamarija Brnjarchevska

Millions of Brits dream of living the French lifestyle because of the bakeries, landmarks – and cheese.

A study of 2,000 adults discovered four in 10 feel the French way of life seems better than the British, and 24% fantasize about experiencing it.

More than a fifth (21%) would consider moving across the channel, with 15% having a spell living in the country in the past.

Visiting the cafes and coffee shops is the top reason for wanting to live in France, followed by the bakeries, croissants and pastries.

Other reasons to feature in the top 30 list included visiting the Alps, castles and beaches, as well as immersing themselves in art galleries, eating brioche and learning the language.

It also emerged Brits consider the French lifestyle to be relaxed (44%), cultured (42%) and sociable (39%).

But 42% think France is a ‘foodie country’, with croissants (35%), champagne (27%) and brioche (20%) named the best items to come out of the country.

St Pierre Bakery commissioned the study and created a quiz allowing people to find out how French their lifestyle is – https://stpierrebakery.co.uk/blog/how-french-are-you/

Founder Paul Baker said: “It’s clear that whatever the British perception of the French lifestyle is, we certainly dream of living it.

“We automatically think of pastries, coffee, wine and cheese, and that’s just the food and drink.”

The study also found 28% of adults have taken inspiration from the French lifestyle, when it comes to their cooking (46%), interest in artwork (43%) and their taste in films and TV (41%).

While a third believe pop culture, including shows like ‘Emily in Paris’, have given them an idea of what living in France would be like.

When it comes to the language, 26% already speak French, while another 14% are currently learning.

And many are already enjoying foods which originated across the channel, with baguettes (44%), brie (29%) and brioche (25%) among the most popular.

Ratatouille (16%) and soufflé (11%) are also top choices, according to the research, carried out via OnePoll.

A waiter serves customers on the terrace at Bar du Marche in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement as cafes and restaurants across France re-open for the first time in over 6 months on May 19, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images)

It’s not just food Brits have taken inspiration from as they believe 23% of everyday vocabulary originates from France.

Among the words and phrases the nation believe have French origin are cliché (47%), baguette (46%) and chauffeur (45%).

Yet in a list of more than 40 words local to France, 5% said they didn’t recognize any words as being French.

Paul Baker, of St Pierre Bakery [https://stpierrebakery.co.uk/], added: “Travel has been a challenge for all of us lately and our taste-buds have missed world travel, too. That’s part of why Brits are increasingly seeking out and enjoying new flavors.

“The fact that a quarter of us believe that if we embraced the French lifestyle, we’d be more willing to try new food and drink says it all.

**General view of the Chateau de Versailles on April 20, 2021 in Versailles, France. The Restoration started in Autumn 2017. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)**

“Great food makes great memories and that’s important wherever you are in the world.

“We are inspired by France and want to help bring a little taste of the French lifestyle to Brits with our authentic brioche, to help make everyday that little bit more magnifique.”

The poll was commissioned to celebrate St Pierre’s National Brioche Day which takes place on May 14.

TOP 30 REASONS BRITS WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN FRANCE

1. Visiting cafes/coffee shops
2. Visiting bakeries
3. Croissants/pastries
4. Baguettes
5. Dining out
6. Drinking French wine
7. Visiting France’s landmarks e.g. the Louvre, Pompidou
8. Eating French cheese
9. Visiting the French Riviera
10. Visiting French castles
11. Visiting France’s beaches
12. The architecture
13. Visiting the Alps
14. The history
15. Discovering hidden gems
16. Visiting wineries
17. Speaking / Learning the French language
18. Shopping
19. Brioche bread
20. Art galleries
21. Meeting and socializing with locals
22. Cityscapes
23. Hearing the French language being spoken
24. Learning to cook French foods
25. Visiting Michelin star restaurants
26. French fashion
27. Trying new French foods e.g. snails
28. The public transport system
29. Skiing
30. Paris Fashion Week

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VIDEO: Having A Four-Legged Friend Improves Quality Of Life, According To Report

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Birmingham Times

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May 12, 2022

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Dog owners are ‘happier’ than those without a four-legged companion, according to a report. (Jon Mills/Zenger)

By Anamarija Brnjarchevska

Dog owners are ‘happier’ than those without a four-legged companion, according to a report.

Those with a dog have 69% more meaningful interactions in terms of one-to-ones which boost their overall mood in a given month compared to those without a pet.

The study of 2,004 adults also found dog owners benefit from the simple act of walking their canine chum, as 31% feel less lonely when they go for a stroll with their pet.

But that’s not where the benefits of having a dog end – four-legged friends have a huge positive impact on those with disabilities too.

Dog owners with disabilities have almost four times as many meaningful conversations a month than disabled people without dogs – 11 compared to three interactions.

And 81% of disabled dog owners attributed their social interactions and connections to their pooch.

The study was commissioned by MORE THAN Insurance [https://www.morethan.com/pet-insurance/dogs-for-good/] and UK Charity Dogs for Good to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9 to 15), which is focusing on loneliness.

The insurance provider and charity have joined forces with TV presenter, Lorraine Kelly, and her border terrier, Angus, to highlight the positive impact dogs have on curbing loneliness.

In a video, Lorraine takes viewers on her favorite dog walk, capturing the number of people who stopped, smiled, and chatted to her and her beloved pooch.

**Dog owners are ‘happier’ than those without a four-legged companion, according to a report. (Jon Mills/Zenger)**

Lorraine said: “My dog has been instrumental in improving my mental health and just taking Angus out for a walk is great exercise, it helps me mentally and it means I meet lots of people on our walks.

“I didn’t know many people when I first moved from Scotland but taking Angus out was the best way to make friends in my new home.

“Dogs truly are such a valuable part of so many of our lives, and the work of Dogs for Good clearly makes a huge difference to many people with disabilities.”

The study also found that 52% of dog owners with disabilities have developed deeper, longer-lasting friendships with someone they met when out for a walk.

While only 5% of disabled adults who don’t own a dog have established similar relationships.

A further four in five disabled dog owners said interacting with new people helps relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.

And 81% find it easier to make new acquaintances when accompanied by their hound.

In comparison, 50% of non-dog owners said they rarely interact with new people, according to the OnePoll research.

James Loder, Director at MORE THAN insurance, said: “The physical and mental benefits of dog ownership speak for themselves.

“Dog owners have more opportunities for social interaction and our research shows we also make far more meaningful connections thanks to our four-legged friends.

“We want to shine a spotlight on our relationship with dogs.

“So that more people can benefit from this, particularly those with disabilities whose lives can be impacted even more substantially by establishing a strong relationship with dogs and fully harnessing the benefits they can bring.”

“This is something Dogs for Good help with, by providing disabled people and families with assistance dogs and expert advice, and we’re proud to support them.”

Peter Gorbing, CEO of Dogs for Good, added: “We know how hard it can be for some people to experience social interactions regularly, particularly those with disabilities who may be more susceptible to social isolation.

“Dog ownership presents opportunities for social interactions that have long-term positive benefits on the lives of owners – both physically and mentally.

“Our work is focussed on assisting disabled people to live more independently at home, enabling them to play an active role in their wider community if they wish.

“Creating opportunities for greater social interaction is an important part of that process —and what better way to do that than by having a four-legged companion by your side.”

If you are a dog owner, Dogs for Good wants to hear about your own social interactions while taking your canine friend for a walk. Go to https://www.dogsforgood.org/smile/ to share yours.