The Stand Up Guys #44

🎙️ The Stand Up Guys – Episode 44 The combat sports landscape is changing... and it's changing fast. On this episode of The Stand Up Guys, we take a deep dive into Zuffa Boxing and ask the question everyone seems to be asking: What exactly is the vision? Is Zuffa trying to build boxing's version of the UFC, or is it part of a much bigger strategy centered around Paramount+ and the future of live sports? We each come at the answer from a different direction as more pieces of the puzzle continue to fall into place. We also discuss Premier Boxing Champions' move to DAZN, a deal that places nearly every major traditional boxing promoter under one streaming platform. Does this remove one of boxing's biggest obstacles to making the fights fans actually want—or, as Patrick puts it, does boxing still have an unmatched ability to get in its own way? From there, we review UFC 329, where the fights somehow took a backseat to the nonstop gambling advertisements. From Polymarket to massive betting graphics, we ask whether sports betting has fundamentally changed the way fans watch—and argue about—combat sports. We also discuss what comes next for Conor McGregor following another disappointing setback and ask the bigger question: Who's the next crossover superstar? On the fight side, we break down Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell, relive Niall McGreevy's historic upset at RWS, and review another outstanding night of Muay Thai, including Jaradchai vs. Othman Rhouni. 🥊 Episode Includes: World Cup Updates England reaches the quarterfinals Vacation stories The Mother of All Clean Ups Zuffa Boxing Jose Valenzuela vs. Edwin De Los Santos Turki Alalshikh's reported ownership stake Shakur Stevenson signs with Zuffa What is Zuffa's long-term vision? PBC Joins DAZN Boxing's changing broadcast landscape Is DAZN now the true Global Home of Boxing? Will this finally make the biggest fights easier to make? UFC 329 Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint Denis Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor II Betting ads, Polymarket, and the unintended consequences of gambling becoming part of the broadcast Fight Reviews Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell RWS 200 Niall McGreevy's historic upset Jaradchai vs. Othman Rhouni 🎙️ One more thing: If you hear Edge coughing throughout the episode... yes, we noticed too. He refused to miss the show, toughed it out, and should be just fine. The show must go on. 🥊 No hot takes. Just honest conversation. Podcast Links Hello Mr. Azul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNBmDlSybpQ&list=RDwNBmDlSybpQ&start_radio=1 Morning Breath Inc. https://www.morningbreathinc.com/ Jose Valenzuela vs. Edwin De Los Santos (Highlights) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyPhml1BMGc UFC 329 (Highlights) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7FDVugmI5k Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell (Highlights) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZ2thhSA58 Tapaokaew vs. Niall McGreevy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQNxeLSdPgg One Friday Fights 161 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu0t_ISBVUQ