Top 2016 Sports Stories

Top+2016+Sports+Stories

Max Becker, Jacob Hernandez, and Daniel Vargas

Conor McGregor becomes first dual-weight champion in UFC History. .

For the first time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s storied history, there is a fighter who holds the championship belt at two weight classes simultaneously. Irish fighter Conor McGregor delivered perhaps one of the most iconic knockouts in modern history whilst fighting for the Featherweight belt, stopping long-time champion Jose Aldo in a mere 13 seconds. Instead of defending his belt, he jumped up not one, but two weight classes to challenge Nate Diaz at welterweight, producing one of the greatest rivalries the UFC has ever seen. Following his two fights with Diaz, Conor McGregor challenged Eddie Alvarez for the Lightweight belt at UFC 205. What followed was an absolute dismantling of Alvarez, who was knocked down 5 times in 7 minutes before the referee ended the fight early into the second round. McGregor will now be enjoying a 10-month break from the UFC to celebrate his first child being born.

DenveBroncos win Super Bowl 50

The National Football League’s 50th annual Superbowl was played on February 7th, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.  The showdown featured the Carolina Panthers, who at the time boasted the best record at 15-1, as well as the reigning regular season MVP in quarterback Cam Newton, facing off against the Denver Broncos, led by Peyton Manning and the most intimidating defense in the league. The game was a mostly defensive affair, with the final score ending 24-10 in favor of the Denver Broncos. The Halftime show consisted of Coldplay, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and Mark Ronson. Denver Linebacker Von Miller was named Super Bowl MVP after his game-sealing forced fumble, and following the game Peyton Manning announced the retirement to his Hall Of Fame career.

Colombian Plane Crash kills 71

A plane crash carrying 77 passengers including the crew crashed on the November 28th. On the plane was the professional soccer Chapecoense Real soccer team. The plane crash killed 71 on board, with three of the survivors being from the soccer team. The plane was heading to a tournament in Medellin, Columbia. The investigation of the crash is still on going.

Colin Kaepernick Anthem Protest Controversy

Colin Kaepernick caused controversy after taking a knee during “The Star-Spangled Banner”. He did it to protest the police brutality and social injustices going on the USA. Instead, people asked if he was undervaluing the sacrifices of those who have served in the military. Kaepernick replied, “I love America. I love people. That’s why I’m doing this. I want to help make America better. I think having these conversations helps everybody have a better understanding of where everybody is coming from.” With other players from other teams joining in his protest, the controversy continues.

Chicago Cubs Win 2016 World Series

The 2016 Chicago Cubs finally snapped the “Curse of the Billy Goat” and beat the Cleveland Indians in a 7 Game World Series. The Cubs got off to a bad start, and had to overcome a 3-1 series deficit, eventually winning 4 games in a row to seal the victory. It was the clubs first World Series win in 108 years.