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UFC Lost $30m Hosting Freedom 250 at White House

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Just under two months on from UFC Freedom 250 hosted at the White House, UFC’s owners have revealed how much money was ultimately lost due to the costs of hosting the once-in-a-lifetime event.

Due to the overall costs of the event, and the fact that no tickets were released for sale, the hierarchy of the UFC expected a significant loss in profits, but the company still managed to achieve overall growth during the second quarter of 2026.

On Monday, the 3rd of August, TKO Group Holdings released its finances for the second quarter of the year, which included what was expected to be heavy losses from UFC Freedom 250 in spite of the money they were able to regain through sponsors and many other partnerships with the UFC brand.

Statements Released About UFC’s Finances

Dana White Amber Searls via Imagn Images

A brief statement was also released by the company, which read: “With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher than normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory.”

TKO’s chief financial officer also revealed the total costs and losses of hosting a UFC event at the White House: “As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and, therefore, did not record any live events revenue.

“Given the events profile, which as anticipated, resulted in an approximate $30 million loss, our margins at UFC as well as on a consolidated basis were meaningfully impacted.”

Prior to the event taking place, many expected the UFC to lose around $60 million. However, the final losses were cut and lessened by the various sponsorships and partnerships that the UFC managed to attract and benefit from.

UFC’s Revenue Increased Despite White House Losses

UFC Freedom 250 Per Haljestam via Imagn Images

Despite the hefty losses, TKO reported that the UFC’s revenue increased by 29% year over year, and that the company increased its revenues from $119.8 million to $535.7 million for the second quater of 2026, including an increase in media rights revenue, heavily provided by a brand-new deal with broadcast and production company Paramount.

As expected, the one-time event at the White House would cause a significant loss to the profits and finances of the UFC. However, the recent financial update from TKO has revealed that the $30 million cost of hosting the event would not affect and damage the company and its finances over the long-term future.

With the UFC in safe hands financially for the foreseeable future, the owners and producers can afford to take risks such as the event in Washington and, despite losses, can be regarded as a success.

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Tony Bellew Struggles to Answer First Question on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

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Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew is no stranger to high-pressure moments, but one of his most memorable challenges came far away from the boxing ring on quiz television show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.

Appearing on the celebrity edition of the ITV quiz show to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Bellew found himself caught out by the very first question of the game.

Worth just £100, it proved far more difficult than many viewers might have expected.

First Quiz Question Stumps Tony Bellew

Host Jeremy Clarkson asked Bellew which of four options was a term meaning to socialise with other people, particularly those considered influential or important. The choices were Digestive, Shortbread, Ginger Nut, and Hobnob.

While all four of the answers are well-known biscuit names, “hobnob” also has a second meaning. As a verb, it refers to spending time or mingling with influential people, often at social gatherings, networking events, or celebrity functions.

Bellew admitted he had never heard the expression and looked genuinely puzzled. Sensing his uncertainty, Clarkson stepped in with a subtle nudge in the right direction.

The presenter, who has occasionally offered gentle hints to contestants when the situation allows, discreetly guided Bellew towards the correct answer. Trusting the advice, Bellew selected Hobnob and safely moved on to the next question.

The shaky start quickly became little more than a footnote. Once he settled into the game, Bellew built an impressive run, answering question after question correctly. By the end of his appearance, he had reached the £64,000 mark, securing a substantial donation for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Reflecting on his experience, Bellew joked that some of the higher-value questions felt easier than the opening £100 question. In particular, he quipped that a question about the film Ocean’s Eleven was far less challenging than the one that had initially left him scratching his head.

Tony Bellew on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Viewers also enjoyed the chemistry between Bellew and Clarkson throughout the episode. Their easy-going exchanges prompted plenty of positive reactions, with many describing them as an unexpectedly entertaining pairing. Others praised Bellew for his humility, good humour, and willingness to laugh at himself after such an awkward beginning.

Although his appearance started with an unexpected stumble, Bellew ultimately turned it into a successful and memorable performance. His quiz show journey served as a reminder that even elite athletes can be caught out by the simplest questions – and that recovering from an early setback can often make for the most enjoyable story of all.

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How FIFA Presidential Elections Work

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The FIFA presidential election determines who holds the most influential role in world football. Held at the annual FIFA Congress, the election shapes the future direction of the sport, deciding who will lead the governing body, how international tournaments are structured, as well as overseeing FIFA’s commercial revenues and its 211 member associations.

Long gone are the days of decades-long tenures, with modern elections enforcing nomination thresholds and strict term limits, as FIFA looks to present a transparent structure to a watching world.

However, FIFA’s failed attempts to create a commercial entity that would’ve seen stakes in the World Cup sold off to private investors has shaken confidence in current president Gianni Infantino.

Football federations, such as UEFA, have lost their trust in the president, whilst longstanding allies have abandoned a potentially sinking ship. Infantino’s re-election no longer feels like a certainty, with attention now turning towards this crucial vote.

But how does the presidential voting process work and is there a chance that FIFA could be about to elect a new president?

How do FIFA Presidential Elections Work?

Gianni Infantino and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo

The electoral process effectively lasts one year, from one FIFA Congress to the next. Anyone wishing to put themselves forward as a presidential candidate needs to meet two criteria.

How to Qualify as a Presidential Candidate

Firstly, the candidate needs to have “played an active role in association football” in at least two of the previous five years.

Secondly, they must secure support from five member associations by the set deadline, which falls on November 18 in 2026. Crucially, member associations can only back one candidate.

The Election Process

The president is elected by secret ballot, with each of the 211 member associations able to cast a vote. Each vote carries the same power, so the smallest nations will have as much weight to their vote as the most powerful countries. Rounds of voting take place until a majority is established for one candidate. However, if a candidate receives more than two thirds of the vote in the first round, they will become the next FIFA president.

If there is only one candidate standing for election, they can be sworn in without the need for a secret ballot.

When are the FIFA Presidential Elections?

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hands the World Cup trophy to Spain's Rodri ahead of the trophy lift REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

The presidential election is held every four years, taking place at the FIFA Congress after the most recent edition of the World Cup.

Unusually, the two previous elections were held in 2019 and 2023, with Infantino standing unopposed on both occasions. The current president then had the overwhelming support of the member associations, with his terms of office approved by the process of acclamation.

2016 was the last time a vote was held to elect a new president. Infantino beat four other candidates to FIFA’s executive seat, succeeding Sepp Blatter. He was up against Prince Ali bin Hussein, Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Jerome Champagne, and Tokyo Sexwale. A second round of voting was required to determine a majority, beating pre-vote favourite Sheikh Salman to the role.

Could Gianni Infantino Be Replaced?

FIFA president Gianni Infantino REUTERS/Henry Romero

Prior to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scandal, it was expected that Infantino would run unopposed to secure a third and final term as president. He was first elected in 2016 to complete the remaining term of Sepp Blatter, meaning that Infantino’s first official term only began in 2019. His second term will conclude in 2027, meaning that if he is reelected for his third and final term, he could be in office until 2031.

But this controversy has shaken confidence in the Swiss administrator, increasing the chance of a bid to unseat him. If he were to be unseated, it would be the first time that this has happened to a FIFA president since 1974. Sir Stanley Rous lost the confidence of the member associations, losing his seat to Joao Havelange. The Brazilian went on to become FIFA’s second-longest serving president in history.

Previous FIFA Presidents

Sepp Blatter REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Since FIFA was founded in 1904, there have been nine elected leaders and one interim leader. The 20th century was dominated by European leaders, with Jules Rimet completing the longest tenure at 33 years and initiating the World Cup during his reign.

Havelange changed the FIFA dynamic when he became the first non-European to become president in 1974. The governing body’s only interim president was instated in 2015, with Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou temporarily holding the role following Blatter’s resignation due to corruption allegations.

President

Term Dates

Nation

Robert Guerin

1904–1906

France

Daniel Burley Woolfall

1906–1918

England

Jules Rimet

1921–1954

France

Rodolphe Seeldrayers

1954–1955

Belgium

Arthur Drewry

1955–1961

England

Sir Stanley Rous

1961-1974

England

Joao Havelange

1974–1998

Brazil

Sepp Blatter

1998-2015

Switzerland

Issa Hayatou (Interim)

2015–2016

Cameroon

Gianni Infantino

2016-present

Switzerland/Italy

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Manchester United Consider U-Turn on Third Midfielder Signing

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Manchester United have been linked with signing a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, but they could be about to make a U-turn on their decision.

The Red Devils have already strengthened significantly in the middle of the park as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.

Youri Tielemans has arrived from Aston Villa after United activated his release clause, while they’ve also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea.

Despite the double midfield signing, United were reportedly in the market to sign a third player in the middle of the park.

Manchester United also need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch if they want to compete on all fronts next season. It’ll be interesting to see what position they prioritise next.

Man Utd plan possible U-turn

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026) via Reuters

According to a report from The Athletic, it was anticipated that Manchester United would look to sign a third midfielder during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the United hierarchy are considering whether to put that money into other positions, particularly with Mason Mount being one of their best performers during pre-season.

It’s claimed that it is now not certain that another player arrives in midfield, with United plotting a potential U-turn.

United could look to put that money into signing a new left back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall a player under consideration.

The two additional midfielders signed in the summer window could be enough, but they will be desperately hoping they don’t suffer any serious injuries.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

United could kill two birds with one stone

myles lewis-skelly arsenal

Manchester United could kill two birds with one stone when it comes to the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

As mentioned, United have been in the market for both a midfielder and a left back. If they sign a player capable of playing both, then it could be perfect.

Reports have suggested that United are interested in signing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who does fit into that category.

The English youngster predominantly played left-back during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but he’s also slotted into midfield as well.

Whether they can poach him from the Gunners remains to be seen, but it could be the idea of signing this summer.

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