Jai Opetaia defended his ****** les with a nasty ninth round standing knockout over Noel Mikaelyan but the bigger moment may have come just a few minutes later when he stared down David Benavidez in hopes of setting up a showdown between them next year.
As the top cruiserweight in the sport, it was no surprise tha Opetaia got the job done on Saturday as he chipped away at Mikaelyan until he finally got the finish. But then Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and the two fighters showed nothing but respect and agreed it's time for them to meet in the ring for real.
"He's done a lot for the sport," Opetaia said about Benavidez. "What better fight to make. Let's get it on."
For his part, Benavidez was quick to accept that challenge with hopes that he can add yet another ****** le to his resume in the near future.
"There can only be one monster in this division," Benavidez said. "I'm the person they call when you've got to kill the boogeyman."

#opetaia #ring #noel

Las Vegas Raiders RB Mike Washington Jr. has "earned more opportunities" moving forward but still needs to mature as a player, according to head coach Klint Kubiak.
SOURCE: Paul Gutierrez - Raiders.com
Why it Matters: Washington had a strong preseason, and the rookie looks ready to contribute if the opportunity arises. While it remains to be seen if he can carve out value while playing behind Ashton Jeanty, Washington has become a must-own handcuff and a starting option if Jeanty were to miss time.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Washington Jr. praised by head coach

#vegas

The Philadelphia Eagles issued their second official injury report of the week on Thursday in advance of their Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders.
The Eagles listed two players under LIMITED PARTICIPATION: Jonathan Greenard and Eli Stowers.
The Eagles are said to be determining Greenard's availability based on how he fares in practice this week. Two days of him being limited doesn't necessarily preclude him from playing … but they'd probably like to see him get at least one full session in before he suits up. So, we'll see how things go for Friday's final injury report.
Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard said he does not know if he will play Sunday (“That’s up to (the coaches)”)

He called his pec injury “one of them freak things” that happened while working out.

“Thank God I didn’t need surgery.”

“Obviously it's not 100 (percent), but in a…
"We're close, I know that."

Asked #Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard if he will play Sunday against the Commanders and he said that will be a coaches decision.

Greenard said his pec injury came from lifting weights and was a "freak injury" pic.twitter.com/GxKWpgo2aM

#Eagles #injury

There isn't much optimism for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026, especially from a national perspective. While they have a new head coach, people see a team that lost 14 games last season and 11 of their final 12 games, including nine straight to end the season. They have the same skill players and defense, mostly.
As such, in ESPN's Football Power Index, they are expected to struggle again.
They are projected to win 4.9 games, with a best-case scenario of 7-10. They are given a 1.4% chance of making the playoffs and 0.1% chance of winning the NFC West. They have the hardest strength of schedule.
Looking at their schedule, it is tough to find wins. They are underdogs in every game, and they are underdogs by at least a touchdown in their first 11. They play in arguably the league's best division, with the other three teams all legitimate ******* le contenders.
They have good skill players and the promise of an improved offense, but the defense is largely the same with the same defensive coordinator. That defense allowed 37 or more points six times over their final nine games.

#same #season #nine

In their first official injury report of the 2026 season, the Patriots don't have many names. One stands out.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson did not practice, due to an ankle injury.
It happened nearly two weeks ago, when Henderson slipped on the turf at practice. He hasn't practiced since then.
If Henderson, a second-round pick in 2025, can't go, it will mean more work for Rhamondre Stevenson. Corey Kiner is the only other tailback on the 53-man roster; Hassan Haskins and Lan Larison (that's a lot of alliteration from anxious anchors placed in powerful posts) are on the practice squad.
Also not practicing on Sunday were defensive tackle Christian Barmore (knee) and offensive lineman Ben Brown (knee).

#henderson #practice #treveyon #corey

Florida football came into the season opener against Florida Atlantic relatively healthy. While Saturday night's result was ideal, the Gators are now dealing with a few injury concerns to follow heading into Week 2.
Wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. suffered an unconfirmed injury during the game, while defensive backs J'Vari Flowers and Bryce Thornton also appeared to be shaken up at different points. Thornton seemed to injure his wrist after a big hit in the first half. Their statuses moving forward remain unclear. Head coach Jon Sumrall is expected to provide additional information after further evaluation.
The Gators were also without a number of key players before kickoff. Wide receiver Davian Groce, offensive lineman Eagan Boyer, defensive lineman Stive-Bentley Keumajio-Yondju, safety Eric Parks and running back Kelvin Jimenez were not dressed for the opener, according to reports from Gainesville. Before Saturday's matchup, Jimenez was listed as out.
The extent of Singleton's injury will be the most significant storyline as the Gators turn their attention to Campbell.
Follow us GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

#gators #injury #receiver

DENVER (AP) — Brett Sullivan's two-out, two-run single capped Colorado's 11th-inning comeback, and the Rockies beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 on Wednesday.
The loss was a blow to Baltimore in its battle for the final AL wild-card spot. The Orioles (69-71) went 6-3 on their trip out West, but they dropped the final two against the Rockies and fell two games behind Cleveland, which played later Wednesday, for the last playoff berth.
Baltimore took a 5-3 lead in the 11th on RBI singles by Samuel Basallo and Blaze Alexander, who finished with three hits, but Colorado rallied against Grant Wolfram (6-3). TJ Rumfield drove in Connor Norby before Wolfram struck out Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen.
Adael Amador hit a ground-rule double to left. Sullivan then blooped a 3-2 sinker into left, and Amador easily beat the throw home.
The Orioles squandered Trevor Rogers' career-high 11 strikeouts when Colorado tied it with two outs in the ninth off Andrew Kittredge. That temporarily avenged Monday night's loss, when Colton Cowser reached over the center field wall to rob Jake McCarthy of a two-out, two-run homer with Kittredge on the mound.

#loss

Quincy referred to today's start for Gavin Williams as "season defining." If this game is defining the rest of the season, we'll be looking at another playoff berth for Cleveland.
The Toronto Blue Jays rolled into Cleveland with an opener for Game 1 of the three game series. Gavin Williams, coming off of his worst start of the season, came back tonight to throw one of the best starts of the season. In the fifth inning, Gavin gave up a single and a walk. A throwing error by the catcher and a wild pitch by Gavin allowed the only run, unearned, to score under Gavin's watch. Otherwise, the Big Rig was lights out. Gavin threw a career high 13 strikeouts to the Blue Jays and only gave up two hits and a walk in his 7.0 innings of work.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Hunter Gaddis pitched the eighth, striking out one, and Matt Festa closed it out having only given up one hit.
The Cleveland Guardians scored six runs on eight hits and every run was scored via the home run ball. In the bottom of the fifth, down one, Angel Martínez drew a walk. With one out, after committing an error that gave the Blue Jays the lead, Patrick Bailey sent a fly ball to center for a two run homer.

#season #walk

ONE Championship returns to U.S. primetime when ONE Fight Night 47: Stamp vs. Flores on Prime Video airs live from Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, September 4.
Nine action-packed matchups across Muay Thai, MMA, and submission grappling wrap up the world's largest martial arts organization's triple-header weekend, which opens with The Inner Circle 29 and ONE Friday Fights 169.
From a former multi-sport ONE World Champion looking to make a statement to a pair of hungry newcomers making their promotional debuts, here are five reasons fans should circle this stacked card.
The only three-sport ONE World Champion returns to action in the main event of ONE Fight Night 47, chasing a second straight win after recovering from an injury sustained months after she made history by capturing atomweight MMA gold.
In her last outing at The Inner Circle 20, Stamp Fairtex edged Cynthia Flores via split decision for a 15th win under the ONE spotlight. It was far from her usual dominant self after a tough opening round, but the Thai megastar, who also held the ONE Muay Thai and Kickboxing World ***** les at atomweight, tapped into her world-class striking pedigree to turn the tide and get her hand raised.

#flores #Friday

Pitt Schedule Breakdown 2026: Easiest, Toughest Games During College Football Season originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After an 8-5 finish and bowl game loss in 2025, Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi and the Panthers are hoping to make a leap in 2026.
Defensively, Narduzzi will rely on leadership from team captains Braylan Lovelace and Cruce Brookins to re-establish the physical identity that has long defined Pittsburgh football. The real intrigue, however, lies on offense. Mason Heintschel is now the unquestioned starter at quarterback, and he will be working with a few versatile perimeter weapons.
While the ACC is certainly not the strongest conference in the country, it is still filled with talented teams, meaning the Panthers will have to show up every week.
Here is a complete breakdown of Pitt's 2026 schedule, including the team's toughest and easiest games.

#schedule #games

Who is going to be punting the ball for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026?
The head-to-head Vikings roster battle sees a pair of players competing for a single spot. Veteran Johnny Hekker is the favorite as somebody who has accomplished a lot in his years. Rookie Brett Thorson is trying to prove capable of holding down the job. Who is going to get the nod?
To begin, consider some the favorite's basic stats from the 2025 season:
Johnny Hekker: 46.8 Y/P, 40.3 NY/P, 7 TBs (9%), and 22 IN20 (28.2%)
Put simply, those numbers are quite poor. Gone are the days, perhaps, where Hekker was an annual All Pro at punter. He won the award four times for the first team and two times for the second team, getting all of these distinctions between 2013 and 2018. In the NFL, that's a lifetime ago.

#team

Ty Simpson was a first-round pick for a reason. He's athletic, throws with good accuracy and can operate a pro-style offense, which are primary reasons the Los Angeles Rams drafted him 13th overall.
He showed a little bit of everything on one play during Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers, hitting Brennan Presley for an 11-yard touchdown to give the Rams a 10-7 lead.
Simpson felt quick pressure from the Chargers defense and escaped to his left. While on the run, he kept his eyes up and found Presley streaking across the field, hitting him with a perfect throw. And he was able to make an accurate throw because he squared his shoulders.
Simpson started the game 13-for-15 for 83 yards and one touchdown, putting together a handful of quality drives as the Rams' starting quarterback against the Chargers. This was by far his best throw, and it was perhaps his best of the preseason so far.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Watch: Ty Simpson makes spectacular throw on the run for a TD

#Rams #throw #game #touchdown

Barcelona will play their first home league match of the season at the Camp Nou as they host Athletic Club on Thursday in a midweek game.
Date: Thursday, 27th August.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona.
FC Barcelona are poised to hand a highly anticipated club debut to marquee summer signing Rodri, who has successfully completed consecutive training sessions following a minor back operation and will likely feature from the bench.

#Athletic #rodri

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 7: Cody Rhodes in the ring during SmackDown at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 7, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Wade/WWE via Getty Images)
The card for WWE Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta is almost filled and despite the fact that there are no championship matches scheduled yet, we still seemingly have our main event in place. Cody Rhodes will take on Randy Orton in a match that seems like it should be for a ****** le. Let's talk wrestling.
Detail
Info
Event

#august #main

Timing is everything in the Coach of the Year Award and the betting market reflects that, but there are seismic shifts, and surprises, each season. The head coach tends to get credit for things that happen under his watch even if he had little to do with it — like Drake Maye's development under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel, making it possible that someone down the oddsboard takes it.
The Jaguars went from four wins to four losses, but that wasn't quite as impressive as the Patriots going from 4-13 to 14-3.
Most seasons, Dave Canales taking the Panthers to a NFC South ***** le would have been enough to get him this personal consolation prize.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL season
If the vote happens after the Super Bowl, Mike Macdonald definitely takes it, winning the championship with a team predicted to finish last in the NFC West.

#coach #season #takes #timing

Looks like Dillon Brooks may very well get 50 Cent to come see the Phoenix Suns play.
Last season, Brooks talked about wanting the hip-hop artist to attend "a couple of games." Brooks said he listens to 50 Cent pregame.
"It gets me going, that's my guy," Brooks said after scoring 25 points in 24 minutes of Phoenix's 132-108 win Dec. 23 over the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Dillon Brooks said he's going to try to get 50 Cent to come to a "couple of" Suns game.

Listened to the rapper pregame before scoring a game-high 25 points in 132-108 win over Lakers.

"That's my guy." #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/oWwn21dbVN
"Need to see him at a couple of games," Brooks added. "I'm going to find a way to message him and make him come to one of our games."

#brooks #Lakers

The quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders was already an interesting one going into the preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Watson's postgame comments certainly made things more interesting following his lackluster second-half performance, in which he completed just 5 of 12 passes for 36 yards and an interception.
Watson was asked about the boos from the Cleveland crowd, and he didn't hold back when sharing his thoughts. He said, "I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do with the performance. It's a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it's a disrespectful thing." He also pointed out that he feels like he gets more support from opposing crowds on the road than he gets from the home crowd in Cleveland. He even referenced the fans who cheered when he tore his Achilles back in 2024.
While it is clear that Watson does not appreciate the response he is receiving from fans, there are larger issues that he may not be able to handle: the pressure that comes with being the quarterback of this team.
His response to the fans this week will likely only increase that response in the final preseason game. If he earns the starting job for Week 1, the boos from Cleveland fans are likely to continue. Would it be irresponsible of the coaching staff to subject the rest of the roster to an extremely hostile environment?
The Browns' offense is filled with young, exciting talent who deserve a chance to develop on this team without the pressure and criticism that comes along with having Watson as the starting quarterback.

#watson #cleveland #preseason #performance

Western Boone head coach Justin Pelley is open to playing anybody that will make his team better at the end of the season.
So while he was disappointed in his team's 42-20 loss to Class 3A No.6 Tri-West, he also saw some good things that will help his team down the road.
"We could schedule a lot of people the first two weeks, and playing them is a measuring stick for us," Pelley said. "We figure out where we are. We did some good things tonight and they are pretty good. Give (Jack) Sorgi credit, give their staff credit, they are well coached. But I like where we are. Obviously, we have to do some things better but I see the potential in our kids."
Some of that potential comes from the mental makeup of the team.
Tri-West jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, and it could have been easy for the Stars to fold right there.

#team #pelley #playing

After a tame first half for his standards, 5-star Tennessee football commit David Gabriel Georges took over in the second half of Baylor's TSSAA football season opener.
Georges scored three touchdowns in the second half and totaled 250 total yards in the Red Raiders' 38-20 victory over Brentwood Academy on Aug. 20 in Chattanooga.
According to the ESPN broadcast, Georges compiled 172 rushing yards and 78 receiving yards in the first game of his senior season.
DGG showed his customary balance throughout the game, starting with an early first-quarter run where he left his feet after making contact with a Brentwood Academy defender but continued on for an 8-yard carry.
WEEK 1 PICKS: TSSAA football predictions for top Week 1 games include Brentwood Academy vs Baylor

#brentwood #yards

Lazio have reportedly secured the services of Croatian defender Josip Sutalo after reaching a full accord with Ajax.
This has been an eventful day for the Biancocelesti, who were supposed to complete the signing of Senegalese striker Bamba Dieng on a free transfer, but the deal has been called off due to a failed medical. But while Claudio Lotito and Angelo Fabiani are back to square one on the attacking front, they have apparently solved their defensive dilemma.
According to multiple sources in the Italian media, including Gianluca Di Marzio, Fabrizio Romano, and Damiano Er Faina, Lazio and Ajax have reached a final agreement on Sutalo's transfer. The 26-year-old will join the Italian capital side on an initial loan for €3 million with an option to buy set at €7.5 million, while the Amsterdam-based giants would receive a 10% cut in case of a future resale.
Sutalo is a Dynamo Zagreb youth product who climbed his way up the ranks to become a stalwart for both club and country. In 2023, he earned a €20 million move to Ajax and went on to make 108 appearances for the Dutch club.
The Croatian international will join a centre-back department that includes Oliver Provstgaard and fellow new signing Danilho Doekhi, while Alessio Romagnoli's fate remains undecided, and Patric and Samuel Gigot are dealing with career-threatening long-term injuries.

#ajax #million

TORONTO (AP) — Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell sat out the fourth quarter of Tuesday night's 101-95 win at Toronto because she was overheated, coach Stephanie White said.
The WNBA's second-leading scorer, Mitchell had eight points in the span of less than a minute late in the third quarter to reach 29 points for the game. She then went to the locker room and did not return to the floor at steamy Scotiabank Arena.
"This is two games in a row where we played in really, really hot environments," White said. "All indications are right now that she was just overheated."
Mitchell scored 20 points in 36 minutes on Sunday as the Fever needed overtime to win 95-91 at Atlanta.
Last October, Mitchell was sent to a hospital to receive fluids after going to the floor with leg cramps in the third quarter of a 107-98 overtime loss to Las Vegas in the decisive Game 5 of the WNBA semifinal series.

#quarter #Third

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews said: "I like Yunus a lot. I've seen his development at close quarters, even going back to when I was set-piece coach.
"I really like him as a young man. He came over here not speaking much English, and he's a really popular member of the squad because he's all in on Brentford.
"I have a lot of time for him. I'm delighted to get him tied down long term to allow him to go out and continue his development.
"It is really important that Yunus continues his development by playing first-team football in an environment that we think will be good for him and beneficial for his game.
"We really saw the benefits of him going out and playing regularly for Oxford last season. The easiest thing would be to keep him in and around our squad but, for him, it's important that he goes and takes the next step in his development.

#development #important #playing

Pro Bowl TE Darren Waller adds wrinkle to Panthers' offense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Seven seasons into a run of Carolina Panthers tight ends failing to eclipse a mediocre receiving milestone, general manager Dan Morgan reached out and signed impatient veteran Darren Waller.
Can the former Pro Bowler add an extra offensive wrinkle for quarterback Bryce Young to exploit?
Greg Olsen, who compiled 597 receiving yards in 2019, remains the last organizational tight end to collect at least 500 yards during a season.
Morgan declared last spring during the offseason training activities (OTAs) that he remained confident in the top three returning tight ends after not adding to the room during the NFL Draft or via free agency. Three weeks into training camp, the Panthers' brass reversed course.

#tight #darren #sporting #ends

The Jets had a bit of a scare during Monday's practice.
Star running back Breece Hall was forced to leave the session early as he went down untouched while running after pulling in a swing pass in the open field.
Hall walked off slowly alongside trainers to the medical tent.
Head coach Aaron Glenn revealed later Monday morning that the 25-year-old strained his groin, and is set to undergo further evaluation.
The initial belief, though, is that the injury isn't believed to be serious.

#hall #running #scare

PITTSBURGH — Red Sox' designated hitter Masataka Yoshida suffered a strained left hamstring Saturday night and was forced to leave the team's game with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After the game, a 4-0 shutout win over the Pirates, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said the team was unsure of the severity of the injury, but added: "I think he's going to be down for some time."
Yoshida said he felt some pain as he approached second base. He said he had experienced a hamstring strain while playing in ****** an and required him to miss "about a month."
"I haven't done any testing so we'll figure it out," he said.
With Nick Sogard at first and one out in the top of the third inning, Yoshida, batting leadoff, pulled a double into the right field corner. But as Yoshida approached second base, he seemed to stutter step and slid into the bag awkwardly.

#second

Jamal Musiala came off the bench for Bayern Munich in the second half of the Telekom Cup on Saturday. He scored a goal in front of the Bayern ultras in the 81st minute but was unable to finish the match. He was subbed out in the 88th minute after spending some time laying on the pitch, surrounded by physios from both teams. He was able to walk off the pitch on his own but appeared to be a bit dazed as he came off.
After the match, Bayern's sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed that Musiala is doing fine and added "The most important thing is that he's doing well" (as recorded by iMiaSanMia)
Musiala broke his leg in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and was unable to return to play until January of this year. Many hoped this season would be his chance to get back to his dominant level of play. Hopefully this incident does not cause a further setback for him.
Sign up for a user account and get:
New, improved notifications system!

#musiala #unable #jamal

DETROIT — A blister affected Chicago White Sox starter Davis Martin in Thursday's outing that ended with an ejection.
A day later, the right-hander landed on the 15-day injured list with the blister on his right middle finger.
"We decided that there's a good chunk of skin gone, how that's going to affect me throwing the baseball?" Martin said Friday afternoon. "A lot of questions popped up where it made sense to put me on the IL and get it taken care of."
Martin's IL stint was one of several moves announced by the American League Central-leading Sox ahead of a big three-game series against the second-place Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. The Sox brought up pitchers José Urquidy and Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte and optioned right-hander Tanner McDougal to Charlotte.
Chicago baseball report: Cubs pen could get a shot in the arm, while Brenton Doyle fits in well with White Sox

#Baseball

There's been some nasty weather in the forecast all day for metro Atlanta. It's been threatening and threatening and threatening to roll in and finally it's close enough to where the grounds crew at Truist Park has gone ahead and put the tarp on the field ahead of Tuesday's contest between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets.
We'll have more for y'all once the details come in but for now, anticipate that tonight's game won't be starting on time.

#we 'll

The Professional Footballers' ****** ociation (PFA) has started legal proceedings against the English Football League (EFL) over changes to salary caps in League One.
In May, the EFL announced that Squad Cost Rules (SCR) would replace the current Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) financial framework from 2026-27.
In League One the changes would reduce the percentage of turnover that clubs could spend on wages from 60% to 50%.
Teams relegated from the Championship are permitted to spend 65% of turnover on wages in their first season in the third tier, down from 75%.
Manager pay has also been incorporated into the new framework and clubs are also restricted to spending no more than 50% of injection of cash from owners on wages.

#turnover

You've probably never seen this one before. It's likely you won't see it again.
In a fiasco during Monday's game between Toronto and Boston that left everyone befuddled, Boston was awarded a very confusing run after two Sox baserunners and apparently some Toronto defenders forgot the out count.
When it was all said and done, the Red Sox were awarded a run despite the third-base runner's failure to tag up before heading home. Umpires on the field didn't even know how to explain it.
Let's start from the beginning.
With one out, runners on the corners and the Blue Jays holding a 2-0 seventh-inning lead, Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela hit a deep fly ball that was caught for an out in center field.

#toronto #center #umpires #jays