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Conor McGregor Reveals Real Reason He’s Not Fighting

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With Dana White confirming the fight card for the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 event, scheduled to take place at The White House, a couple of glaring omissions have raised eyebrows.

Dana White has revealed a stacked card for the event, including Ciryl Gane taking on Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title, in what will be the latter’s first foray into the glamour division, as well as Ilia Topuria‘s highly anticipated return after stepping away from the Octagon for personal reasons. The lightweight king will face off against Justin Gaethje, who won the interim title in January after getting the better of Paddy Pimblett.

Despite the exciting line-up, however, a number of names which were expected to be included are missing.

Big Absences From UFC White House Card

One of the names includes former heavyweight champion, and the man often talked about as the promotion’s greatest ever, Jon Jones. Despite retiring last summer, Bones has constantly been rumoured to return to MMA, and some deemed UFC White House to be the perfect place for that to happen. However, it seems that return is on hold for now.

Another name fans were clamouring for is that of Conor McGregor. The Irishman hasn’t been seen in action for five years now, since back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier, the second of which resulted in a horrendous leg break.

He himself has often spoken about his return to the UFC, but a number of issues, including drug and alcohol problems and a number of police incidents, have derailed any return. This, alongside a cancelled bout with Michael Chandler due to a toe injury, has left many fans restless, with most giving up on the prospect of ever seeing The Notorious in action again.

Conor McGregor's Deleted Tweet After Dana White Finalises UFC White House Card is Eye-Opening

However, the former featherweight and lightweight champion spoke to Smash Cast and explained why he believes he isn’t on the card for the June event.

Conor McGregor Explains His UFC White House Absence

He said: “They don’t usually put me on UFC 200, or 300, or the Sphere. They usually put me on UFC 201, or 301, like a double sale.

“The White House is gonna hit no matter what, who gives a f*** who we put on it. And then wheel McGregor out for the second one so we double our economic take.”

It’s hard to argue with the Irishman’s opinion. It is a given that the UFC Freedom 250 event will be a hit. Because of this, Dana White, the UFC president, probably deems a return for such a pull to be wasted here, when he knows it won’t dramatically affect the interest.

McGregor went on to say: “In this current climate, we’re all cattle. All these fighters, we’re all cattle. I just happen to be free-range. I’m like Wagyu walking around the f****** farm.”

Again, it is difficult to argue with the idea that fighters are used if and when they are needed to help make the promotion as much money as possible.

This does offer hope that McGregor’s return isn’t too far away.

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Beer, Pimms, and Strawberries and Cream Prices Emerge

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A breakdown of prices has been revealed for classic food and drink items at Wimbledon this year, including the iconic punnet of strawberries and cream, and a glass of Pimms.

Strawberries and cream are the delicacy most synonymous with Wimbledon, and are believed to have been served at the tournament as early as the Victorian era, when they were only available in the country for a few weeks in summer.

The price of this seasonal snack has always remained affordable, but has risen this year by 15p to £2.85.

The classic treat was held at £2.50 for 14 years between 2010 and 2024, rising to £2.70 last year before another slight increase for 2026.

Wimbledon strawberries Toby Melville via Reuters

Another British classic strongly associated with Wimbledon is Pimms, a gin-based liquor usually topped with lemonade and filled with fruit and herbs such as strawberries, cucumber, oranges, lemon, and fresh mint.

The summer garden party staple was first served at Wimbledon in 1971 when the tournament opened its first Pimms dedicated bar, and every year well over 80,000 pints are drunk by spectators.

This year, one glass will reportedly set you back £13.45, up £1.20 from last year, meaning a combo of the two Wimbledon classics will cost £16.30.

Price jumps are happening across the beverage menu too, with a pint of Wimbledon’s lager sponsor, Stella, reported at £8.95, up 10p from last year.

Wimbledon Pimms Susan Mullane via Reuters

Champagne drinkers are not safe from inflation either, with a mini bottle of Lanson Le Rose rising by £1.50 to £31.35, while a full-sized bottle is priced at a whopping £102, up £1.10 from the previous year. However, the price of a refillable bottle of Evian water will remain unchanged at £5.

Wimbledon Spokesperson Explains Pricing


Emma Raducanu


How Much Emma Raducanu Will Earn From Wimbledon This Year Despite Withdrawing Through Injury

The Brit had to withdraw from the Grand Slam the night before it was set to get underway.

A spokesperson for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) told The Sun: “Food and drink inflation continues to be a challenge nationwide, and we are not immune.

“However, we pride ourselves on creating a menu that utilises British, seasonal produce to keep costs to a minimum wherever possible, and offering a variety of food and drink to help ensure there is an option for every budget.”

Wimbledon tennis ball Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

To limit your spending, Wimbledon also allows spectators to bring their own drinks, with each person restricted to the equivalent of either one bottle of wine or Champagne (750ml), two cans of beer/lager (500ml each), or two cans of premixed aperitifs.

The tournament runs from the 29th of June, through to the 12th of July, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in SW19.

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Iran Release Emotional Statement After Their 2026 World Cup Exit

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Iran’s World Cup campaign has come to an end with a stinging statement aimed at the treatment they endured throughout their time at the tournament.

A 1-1 draw with Egypt on Saturday, in which a late Iran goal was controversially disallowed following a lengthy VAR review, wasn’t enough to send Iran through to the knockout stages, finishing in ninth place in the third-place table and missing out on goal difference.

It ends a World Cup campaign overshadowed by logistical issues and ongoing tensions stemming from Iran’s conflict with the United States, with the team forced to base themselves in Mexico rather than their original Arizona location.

After the switch of training bases, strict restrictions on how long they could stay in the US for led to the Iran Football Federation making a complaint to FIFA.

Iran’s Federation Hits Out in Farewell Statement

Iran's national team at the World Cup REUTERS/Matthew Childs

As the squad prepared to head home, the Iranian federation released a statement thanking the media for their coverage of the situation, while making clear their frustrations with how they’d been treated throughout the tournament. They said, per RTE:


Iran sing national anthem


What FIFA ‘Forced’ Iran to Do After World Cup Opener as Infantino Visits Dressing Room

Iran played their first game at the 2026 World Cup in the United States of America, but were given clear instructions after the whistle.

“Thank you for your professionalism, your support, and for covering not only our team’s sporting journey, but also the unfair and unsportsmanlike treatment our delegation experienced during our stay. Your commitment to reporting the facts accurately and with integrity meant a great deal to us.”

The federation also praised the people of Mexico, adding: “We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Mexico, especially the beautiful city of Tijuana and its kind and warm-hearted residents. You welcomed us with generosity and genuine hospitality that made us feel at home. For all of us, leaving Tijuana is truly difficult.

“The memories we created here, the friendships we built, and the affection we received will remain forever in the hearts of every member of the Iran National Football Team.

“We will always be grateful to the great and generous people of Mexico, as well as to the Government of Mexico, for their hospitality and respect.”

It’s not the first gesture of gratitude Iran has shown during their stay. After their group games in Los Angeles and Seattle, handwritten notes were left in their dressing rooms thanking each host city for its hospitality.

Mehdi Taremi Calls World Cup a “Disaster”

Iran's Mehdi Taremi

Iranian captain Mehdi Taremi had some scathing words for FIFA and the Trump Administration after the Egypt game, branding the experience a “disaster” and revealing logistical staff had been unable to secure visas throughout the tournament. “We don’t have our logistic people here – they don’t have a visa. How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana?


Iran


Iran’s Taremi Makes Stunning Claims About FIFA and USA After World Cup Draw v Egypt

While Iran has remained respectful throughout the tournament, their captain couldn’t bottle up his real feelings for much longer.

“It’s not fair. Our opinion is, it’s not fair. Is it fair for FIFA? OK, good to them. But it’s not fair. Who wants to help us?

Much like the notes that were left, Taremi was keen to praise the hospitality shown by their hosts in Mexico, insisting the issues lay solely with the tournament’s organisation rather than the people who welcomed them throughout their stay.

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Liverpool Now Planning Talks With ‘One of World’s Best Wingers’

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Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their attempt to replace Mohamed Salah this summer, but may now have found a solution to the setback.

The Reds were hoping to make 19-year-old RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande their statement signing this summer. However, it now looks as though the winger’s preference would be to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.

Liverpool had shown a willingness of proposing a €100million package for the teenager, but Leipzig were hoping for €130million if they can’t lure Diomande to a new deal.

Paris is believed to be the Ivorian’s preferred destination if he is to leave Leipzig this summer and GIVEMESPORT understands that Liverpool have now accepted that they will have to seek alternatives, which they may have already found.


Andoni Iraola


£112m Star ‘Excited’ as Liverpool Move to Sign Him, He’s Better Than Diomande

Liverpool are making some ambitious moves for Andoni Iraola in the summer transfer window

Liverpool plan talks with Barcola

Bradley Barcola France Action Images

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Liverpool are “planning new contacts” with PSG winger Bradley Barcola.

Moretto said before last season concluded that the Reds had a three-man shortlist to replace Salah, including Barcola and Diomande, while Bayern Munich star Michael Olise was deemed “almost an impossible dream”.

Barcola would likely cost less than the proposed figure Leipzig are demanding for Diomande while, in an interesting twist, his gametime in Paris could be reduced as a result of the potential arrival of the Ivorian.

The 23-year-old joined PSG from Lyon almost three years ago and has gone from strength to strength in the French capital.

Last season saw the winger make 49 appearances across all competitions as PSG lifted the Champions League for a second consecutive season, netting 13 goals and registering seven assists. He has also gotten his World Cup off to a positive start, scoring and assisting once for France.

England World Cup Quiz

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Barcola is a suitable Diomande alternative

Bradley Barcola France Action Images

Although Diomande registered better numbers in front of goal last season with 23 goal contributions in 36 appearances, and is four years Barcola’s junior, the Frenchman is still one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.

Described as “one of the world’s best wingers”, the 23-year-old is arguably underappreciated in Paris considering the wealth of attacking talent they have with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Boasting blistering pace and skill, Barcola could prove to be an extremely useful addition for new boss Andoni Iraola. At 23, the Frenchman still boasts plenty of potential but has already lifted an array of silverware with PSG and is expected to go far in the World Cup with France. His versatility also means he can fit on either flank.

The winger has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes and isn’t expected to cost as much as Diomande, especially if the Ivorian’s destination is Paris.

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