12 days ago
Ray Fisher became internationally recognizable as the technologically enhanced superhero Cyborg, but his career began far from the world of comic book blockbusters. The American actor developed his craft through theater before making the leap to major Hollywood productions. His upbringing, particularly the influence of his mother and grandmother, helped shape the values he later carried into his professional life. When Fisher encountered difficulties behind the scenes of Justice League, he chose to speak publicly about his experience. That decision became an important part of a career increasingly ****** ociated with both performance and workplace accountability.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Fisher grew up in Lawnside, New Jersey, in a large family raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. He has described both women as his real life superheroes, praising the determination and strength they demonstrated while he was growing up. His interest in acting became serious during high school, when encouragement from a teacher led him to audition for theatrical productions.
Fisher continued developing as a stage performer and eventually established himself in professional theater. One of his most demanding early roles was Muhammad Ali in the Off Broadway production Fetch Clay, Make Man. Preparing to portray the legendary boxer required substantial physical transformation as well as the ability to capture Ali's confidence and personality. The experience demonstrated the discipline Fisher could bring to a role before Hollywood audiences became familiar with him.
His major screen opportunity arrived when Zack Snyder selected him to play Victor Stone, better known as Cyborg, in the DC film universe. Fisher made a brief appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before receiving a much larger role in Justice League. Production changed significantly after Snyder left the project and Joss Whedon took over during post production. The theatrical version released in 2017 reduced much of Cyborg's original storyline.
In 2020, Fisher publicly accused Whedon of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior during the Justice League reshoots. WarnerMedia subsequently conducted an investigation after Fisher raised concerns involving the production. In December 2020, the company announced that the investigation had concluded and that remedial action had been taken, without publicly detailing what those measures involved.
#justice #became #hollywood #whedon
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Fisher grew up in Lawnside, New Jersey, in a large family raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. He has described both women as his real life superheroes, praising the determination and strength they demonstrated while he was growing up. His interest in acting became serious during high school, when encouragement from a teacher led him to audition for theatrical productions.
Fisher continued developing as a stage performer and eventually established himself in professional theater. One of his most demanding early roles was Muhammad Ali in the Off Broadway production Fetch Clay, Make Man. Preparing to portray the legendary boxer required substantial physical transformation as well as the ability to capture Ali's confidence and personality. The experience demonstrated the discipline Fisher could bring to a role before Hollywood audiences became familiar with him.
His major screen opportunity arrived when Zack Snyder selected him to play Victor Stone, better known as Cyborg, in the DC film universe. Fisher made a brief appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before receiving a much larger role in Justice League. Production changed significantly after Snyder left the project and Joss Whedon took over during post production. The theatrical version released in 2017 reduced much of Cyborg's original storyline.
In 2020, Fisher publicly accused Whedon of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior during the Justice League reshoots. WarnerMedia subsequently conducted an investigation after Fisher raised concerns involving the production. In December 2020, the company announced that the investigation had concluded and that remedial action had been taken, without publicly detailing what those measures involved.
#justice #became #hollywood #whedon
12 days ago
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent isn't known for holding back at the podium. His remarks have made headlines, and some economists seem to have had enough.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman argued (1) on Substack that Bessent's recent comments evoke another fiery speaker, former Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Saeed Al-Sahhaf — known more prominently in the West as "Baghdad Bob."
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
A single line on your car insurance policy could be inflating your premium by up to 30% — here's what to change
#scott
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent isn't known for holding back at the podium. His remarks have made headlines, and some economists seem to have had enough.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman argued (1) on Substack that Bessent's recent comments evoke another fiery speaker, former Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Saeed Al-Sahhaf — known more prominently in the West as "Baghdad Bob."
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
A single line on your car insurance policy could be inflating your premium by up to 30% — here's what to change
#scott
1 month ago
CAIRO (AP) — Saudi Arabia accused Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels overnight of trying to attack Islam's holiest city, prompting condemnation from countries in the region but no sign of military support. The kingdom, a key U.S. ally, declared Mecca a "red line" as it slid deeper into the new front of the Iran war.
With the world's biggest oil exporter under fire from the rebels backed by the Saudis' regional adversary, Tehran, the kingdom needs a safe outlet for its crude as well as military ******* istance. A path to either one remains unclear.
A crucial Saudi pipeline has reportedly been shut down for weeks after an attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The Yemen-based Houthis have been targeting infrastructure in the kingdom as well as its shipping on the Red Sea, where they have seized several islands on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. And Iran is still targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel.
The Houthis denied firing drones toward Mecca, about 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from Yemen's border. The Saudis said they intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered the airspace over the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
The attacks are the first test of a new defense pact among Saudi Arabia, NATO member Turkey and nuclear power Pakistan. But officials from Turkey and Pakistan told The ******* ociated Press they have not received a Saudi request for support in response to the Houthis' escalation.
#arabia #saudis #turkey
With the world's biggest oil exporter under fire from the rebels backed by the Saudis' regional adversary, Tehran, the kingdom needs a safe outlet for its crude as well as military ******* istance. A path to either one remains unclear.
A crucial Saudi pipeline has reportedly been shut down for weeks after an attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. The Yemen-based Houthis have been targeting infrastructure in the kingdom as well as its shipping on the Red Sea, where they have seized several islands on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. And Iran is still targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices remain above $100 a barrel.
The Houthis denied firing drones toward Mecca, about 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) from Yemen's border. The Saudis said they intercepted and destroyed the drone before it entered the airspace over the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
The attacks are the first test of a new defense pact among Saudi Arabia, NATO member Turkey and nuclear power Pakistan. But officials from Turkey and Pakistan told The ******* ociated Press they have not received a Saudi request for support in response to the Houthis' escalation.
#arabia #saudis #turkey
1 month ago
Canadian heavyweight icon George Chuvalo, potentially the toughest man to ever live, passed this weekend on his 89th birthday after a lengthy battle with dementia.
Chuvalo fought 93 times in 22 years as a professional, sharing the ring with icons like Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali without ever once hitting the canvas. A multiple-time national champion, he twice challenged for world **** les, falling short against Ernie Terrell in 1965 and the aforementioned Ali a year later. His career highlights include his 1965 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year against Patterson and a 1969 knockout of Jerry Quarry.
Deeply beloved in his home country, Chuvalo suffered unimaginable tragedy in his personal life, losing two children to heroin addiction while both a third and his wife committed suicide. Despite this, he remained by all accounts a delightful and gregarious figure, a prolific anti-drug advocate and namesake of a community center that supports LGBTQ and other youth in his hometown of Toronto.
Sadly, accumulated damage led to Chuvalo developing dementia, for which he received care in the final years of his life.
Though he never won a world **** le or punched his ticket to the Hall of Fame, Chuvalo deserves recognition for both his extraordinary durability and his status as a genuinely good man in a sport that, at times, can feel dishearteningly short on them. Rest easy, George.
#ever #dementia #years #World
Chuvalo fought 93 times in 22 years as a professional, sharing the ring with icons like Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Muhammad Ali without ever once hitting the canvas. A multiple-time national champion, he twice challenged for world **** les, falling short against Ernie Terrell in 1965 and the aforementioned Ali a year later. His career highlights include his 1965 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year against Patterson and a 1969 knockout of Jerry Quarry.
Deeply beloved in his home country, Chuvalo suffered unimaginable tragedy in his personal life, losing two children to heroin addiction while both a third and his wife committed suicide. Despite this, he remained by all accounts a delightful and gregarious figure, a prolific anti-drug advocate and namesake of a community center that supports LGBTQ and other youth in his hometown of Toronto.
Sadly, accumulated damage led to Chuvalo developing dementia, for which he received care in the final years of his life.
Though he never won a world **** le or punched his ticket to the Hall of Fame, Chuvalo deserves recognition for both his extraordinary durability and his status as a genuinely good man in a sport that, at times, can feel dishearteningly short on them. Rest easy, George.
#ever #dementia #years #World
1 month ago
England had "no plan" and were "out of control" in the face of Razaullah's stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
Razaullah, the 21-year-old batting at number nine on Test debut, clobbered 81 from 63 ****** at Edgbaston.
He shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 121 with Muhammad Abbas to drag the third Test into an unlikely fourth day, with England set 130 for victory.
Though England are heavy favourites to earn a 3-0 clean sweep, the carnage of the final session was an alarming spell as Joe Root begins his second spell as captain.
Root's tactics were often criticised in his first spell as skipper and there were further questions of the Yorkshireman when he stood in for former captain Ben Stokes earlier this summer.
#former
Razaullah, the 21-year-old batting at number nine on Test debut, clobbered 81 from 63 ****** at Edgbaston.
He shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 121 with Muhammad Abbas to drag the third Test into an unlikely fourth day, with England set 130 for victory.
Though England are heavy favourites to earn a 3-0 clean sweep, the carnage of the final session was an alarming spell as Joe Root begins his second spell as captain.
Root's tactics were often criticised in his first spell as skipper and there were further questions of the Yorkshireman when he stood in for former captain Ben Stokes earlier this summer.
#former
1 month ago
Shavkat Rakhmonov hasn't competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry, essentially on one leg, after dealing with knee injuries for nearly two years.
Rakhmonov was slated to fight then-champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December 2024, but Muhammd withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov, despite having a miniscus and ACL injury, remained on the card and faced Machado Garry in a No. 1 contender fight, winning a competitive decision.
In a rare interview, Rakhmonov discusses his injuries, and decision making, while also taking a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov and current welterweight champ Islam Makhachev.
"Well that's my problem, I couldn't fight," Rakhmonov told Alf Global. "If I had fought, I could've become champion, but that's how it turned out. I was injured. What can I do? We are only human. We are bound to make plenty of mistakes. …
"I actually shouldn't even have fought Ian Garry at all. With injuries like that, I shouldn't have fought at all, I just took a risk. That's the Kazakh way. Kazakhs are very daring. They're not afraid. If it had been some other Dagestani fighter like Khabib or Islam Makhachev, they definitely would've refused."
#fight #islam
Rakhmonov was slated to fight then-champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December 2024, but Muhammd withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov, despite having a miniscus and ACL injury, remained on the card and faced Machado Garry in a No. 1 contender fight, winning a competitive decision.
In a rare interview, Rakhmonov discusses his injuries, and decision making, while also taking a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov and current welterweight champ Islam Makhachev.
"Well that's my problem, I couldn't fight," Rakhmonov told Alf Global. "If I had fought, I could've become champion, but that's how it turned out. I was injured. What can I do? We are only human. We are bound to make plenty of mistakes. …
"I actually shouldn't even have fought Ian Garry at all. With injuries like that, I shouldn't have fought at all, I just took a risk. That's the Kazakh way. Kazakhs are very daring. They're not afraid. If it had been some other Dagestani fighter like Khabib or Islam Makhachev, they definitely would've refused."
#fight #islam
1 month ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS AFTERNOON (Sat., Sept. 5, 2026) with UFC Paris, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Accor Arena in Paris, France, featuring a special Octagon newcomer in the main event.
Salahdine Parnasse vs. Dan Hooker is our main event, going down in the Lightweight division. Parnasse is a long-time former KSW champion who made a big splash with his one and done appearance at MVP MMA. The reason he was done there was because UFC wanted to poach him out of that fledgling promotion before he drew too many serious mixed martial arts (MMA) fans over to it. Hooker comes into this one off two losses and looking very much like a sacrificial lamb. However, as last week taught us, -600 odds can be overcome.
The co-main is an all French affair, in the Featherweight division, with Fares Ziam meeting Axel Sola. Both of these guys are action fighters known for putting on a show. They should get the crowd roaring in Paris, even if it's not obvious to the locals whom they should be cheering for.
Rounding out the main card is Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev, Daniil Donchenko vs. Punahele Soriano, Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek and Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov. Page might be trying to fight out of his UFC contract here, which is the reason UFC has pared him with a big, rangy striker who can also make you quit on the ground.
The featured "Prelim" is Morgan Charriere vs. Felipe Lima. The undercard also boasts Mario Pinto vs. Ryan Spann, Oumar Sy vs. Modestas Bukauskas and Nathaniel Wood against late replacement Pavel Andrusca. Further down the card we have Michael Aljarouj vs. Fabia Sintes, Nora Cornolle vs. Klaudia Sygula, Matthieu Duclos vs. Lucas Felipe Dias and Delphine Benouaich vs. Sofia Montenegro to make up the numbers. Aljarouj does look like an intriguing prospect, though.
#Paris #main #Event
Salahdine Parnasse vs. Dan Hooker is our main event, going down in the Lightweight division. Parnasse is a long-time former KSW champion who made a big splash with his one and done appearance at MVP MMA. The reason he was done there was because UFC wanted to poach him out of that fledgling promotion before he drew too many serious mixed martial arts (MMA) fans over to it. Hooker comes into this one off two losses and looking very much like a sacrificial lamb. However, as last week taught us, -600 odds can be overcome.
The co-main is an all French affair, in the Featherweight division, with Fares Ziam meeting Axel Sola. Both of these guys are action fighters known for putting on a show. They should get the crowd roaring in Paris, even if it's not obvious to the locals whom they should be cheering for.
Rounding out the main card is Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev, Daniil Donchenko vs. Punahele Soriano, Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek and Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov. Page might be trying to fight out of his UFC contract here, which is the reason UFC has pared him with a big, rangy striker who can also make you quit on the ground.
The featured "Prelim" is Morgan Charriere vs. Felipe Lima. The undercard also boasts Mario Pinto vs. Ryan Spann, Oumar Sy vs. Modestas Bukauskas and Nathaniel Wood against late replacement Pavel Andrusca. Further down the card we have Michael Aljarouj vs. Fabia Sintes, Nora Cornolle vs. Klaudia Sygula, Matthieu Duclos vs. Lucas Felipe Dias and Delphine Benouaich vs. Sofia Montenegro to make up the numbers. Aljarouj does look like an intriguing prospect, though.
#Paris #main #Event
2 months ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the offseason determined to create more competition and depth along the edge. After watching Jack Pyburn throughout the preseason, they may eventually wonder whether they let one of their more intriguing young pass rushers get away too soon.
Tampa Bay waived Pyburn as part of its final roster cuts despite the undrafted rookie putting together one of the strongest preseasons on the team. Pyburn finished with four sacks, including two against the New York Jets and another two in the preseason finale against Jacksonville. His four sacks were tied for the most among edge defenders during the preseason. A numbers problem was always going to exist. The Buccaneers spent significant resources rebuilding the position, adding first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. and veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad to a group that already included Yaya Diaby, David Walker and Anthony Nelson. With only so many roster spots available, Tampa Bay was eventually going to have to make a difficult decision. The gamble was likely that he would clear waivers and potentially remain available to the organization. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs claimed him almost immediately, placing Pyburn on their 53-man roster and preventing Tampa Bay from bringing him back.
Preseason sacks don't automatically translate to the regular season, and Pyburn was often working against backups. Still, he did exactly what a young player is supposed to do with limited opportunities. Todd Bowles praised his work ethic and production after his two sack performance against New York, noting that Pyburn had taken advantage of the opportunities he received despite being buried behind a deep group of edge rushers, as Pyburn has a 21.4 percent pass rush productivity rate on true pass sets and a 23.8 percent win rate during the preseason.
The Buccaneers couldn't keep every promising edge defender, and their revamped group should be significantly deeper than it was a year ago. But if injuries strike or Pyburn develops into a contributor for Kansas City, this move will become much harder to defend. Tampa Bay spent the offseason searching for young players who could get after the quarterback. Pyburn showed legitimate signs of being one of them, and now the Buccaneers won't get the chance to find out what he could have become in their defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Did the Buccaneers make a mistake by waiving Jack Pyburn?
#buccaneers #preseason #sacks
Tampa Bay waived Pyburn as part of its final roster cuts despite the undrafted rookie putting together one of the strongest preseasons on the team. Pyburn finished with four sacks, including two against the New York Jets and another two in the preseason finale against Jacksonville. His four sacks were tied for the most among edge defenders during the preseason. A numbers problem was always going to exist. The Buccaneers spent significant resources rebuilding the position, adding first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. and veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad to a group that already included Yaya Diaby, David Walker and Anthony Nelson. With only so many roster spots available, Tampa Bay was eventually going to have to make a difficult decision. The gamble was likely that he would clear waivers and potentially remain available to the organization. Instead, the Kansas City Chiefs claimed him almost immediately, placing Pyburn on their 53-man roster and preventing Tampa Bay from bringing him back.
Preseason sacks don't automatically translate to the regular season, and Pyburn was often working against backups. Still, he did exactly what a young player is supposed to do with limited opportunities. Todd Bowles praised his work ethic and production after his two sack performance against New York, noting that Pyburn had taken advantage of the opportunities he received despite being buried behind a deep group of edge rushers, as Pyburn has a 21.4 percent pass rush productivity rate on true pass sets and a 23.8 percent win rate during the preseason.
The Buccaneers couldn't keep every promising edge defender, and their revamped group should be significantly deeper than it was a year ago. But if injuries strike or Pyburn develops into a contributor for Kansas City, this move will become much harder to defend. Tampa Bay spent the offseason searching for young players who could get after the quarterback. Pyburn showed legitimate signs of being one of them, and now the Buccaneers won't get the chance to find out what he could have become in their defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Did the Buccaneers make a mistake by waiving Jack Pyburn?
#buccaneers #preseason #sacks
2 months ago
One of the surprise decisions during roster cutdown day for the Jacksonville Jaguars was the team's decision to release cornerback Jabbar Muhammad.
Dating back to offseason programs, Muhammad was often a standout performer. This included coming away with a game-winning pass breakup in the preseason opener against New Orleans.
However, instead of rostering Muhammad, the Jaguars chose to keep Christian Braswell, who, at least defensively, didn't seem to stand out as frequently.
So what was the reasoning behind this decision? Well, as GM James Gladstone explained on Tuesday, Braswell's ability to contribute on special teams was a differentiator.
"I think there's tough dynamics with a lot of these decisions," Gladstone said. "Christian's been there, done that. Has a notable role on special teams come game day and you talk about actives versus inactives and what it is that is going to differentiate guys."
#muhammad #jacksonville
Dating back to offseason programs, Muhammad was often a standout performer. This included coming away with a game-winning pass breakup in the preseason opener against New Orleans.
However, instead of rostering Muhammad, the Jaguars chose to keep Christian Braswell, who, at least defensively, didn't seem to stand out as frequently.
So what was the reasoning behind this decision? Well, as GM James Gladstone explained on Tuesday, Braswell's ability to contribute on special teams was a differentiator.
"I think there's tough dynamics with a lot of these decisions," Gladstone said. "Christian's been there, done that. Has a notable role on special teams come game day and you talk about actives versus inactives and what it is that is going to differentiate guys."
#muhammad #jacksonville
2 months ago
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
Muhammad Mokaev followed Dana White's advice and 'became champion somewhere else': I would like to see Mokaev back in the mix if possible. Surely we've seen other ex-UFC fighters return from worse misbehaviors?
Restless Khamzat adds three top names to middleweight hit list for UFC return — 'I'm ready': Khamzat getting back into the cage before the end of 2026 would be great to see.
Sean O'Malley expects to leapfrog red-hot Song Yadong for next UFC ****** le shot — on one condition: I agree with O'Malley's potential matchmaking: Suga vs. Yan OR Yadong vs. Merab makes sense depending on who's holding gold. Odd man out gets Bautista?
#khamzat #midnight #mania #Monday
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.
Muhammad Mokaev followed Dana White's advice and 'became champion somewhere else': I would like to see Mokaev back in the mix if possible. Surely we've seen other ex-UFC fighters return from worse misbehaviors?
Restless Khamzat adds three top names to middleweight hit list for UFC return — 'I'm ready': Khamzat getting back into the cage before the end of 2026 would be great to see.
Sean O'Malley expects to leapfrog red-hot Song Yadong for next UFC ****** le shot — on one condition: I agree with O'Malley's potential matchmaking: Suga vs. Yan OR Yadong vs. Merab makes sense depending on who's holding gold. Odd man out gets Bautista?
#khamzat #midnight #mania #Monday
2 months ago
Croke Park's storied history contains some of Irish sport's most seminal moments.
Primarily a stadium for Gaelic games, there have been occasions when other sports graced the hallowed turf and on 19 July 1972, punches replaced points as Muhammad Ali took on Al 'Blue' Lewis.
When Katie Taylor makes her final career ringwalk on Saturday with the undisputed light-welterweight crown on offer against Flora Pili, 54 years will have passed since 'The Greatest' starred at the since redeveloped venue.
While Ali was the main attraction in 1972, it was Belfast's Paddy Maguire who boxed last on that balmy Wednesday evening, coming through on points against France's Guy Caudron.
"It's hard to believe it has taken so long for boxing to return to Croke Park," Maguire told BBC Sport NI.
#croke
Primarily a stadium for Gaelic games, there have been occasions when other sports graced the hallowed turf and on 19 July 1972, punches replaced points as Muhammad Ali took on Al 'Blue' Lewis.
When Katie Taylor makes her final career ringwalk on Saturday with the undisputed light-welterweight crown on offer against Flora Pili, 54 years will have passed since 'The Greatest' starred at the since redeveloped venue.
While Ali was the main attraction in 1972, it was Belfast's Paddy Maguire who boxed last on that balmy Wednesday evening, coming through on points against France's Guy Caudron.
"It's hard to believe it has taken so long for boxing to return to Croke Park," Maguire told BBC Sport NI.
#croke
2 months ago
Aug 30 (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei urged Muslim countries, particularly those in the Gulf, to unite against what he called their "real enemy" and said divisions among Muslims served the interests of their adversaries.
The message was published on Khamenei's Telegram account for Islamic Unity Week, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
It called for Muslim unity, cooperation in various fields and mutual defence, saying anyone who creates divisions among Muslims, "knowingly or unknowingly," helps Islam's enemies.
It asked whether Palestinians would have been left "so helpless" if Muslims had been united.
Khamenei has not been seen in public since being injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months ago that launched the Iran war, killing his father and previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
#supreme
The message was published on Khamenei's Telegram account for Islamic Unity Week, which marks the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
It called for Muslim unity, cooperation in various fields and mutual defence, saying anyone who creates divisions among Muslims, "knowingly or unknowingly," helps Islam's enemies.
It asked whether Palestinians would have been left "so helpless" if Muslims had been united.
Khamenei has not been seen in public since being injured in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes six months ago that launched the Iran war, killing his father and previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
#supreme
2 months ago
The Browns have started the process of setting their initial 53-man roster.
They announced 15 cuts from their training camp roster and one cut from injured reserve on Friday afternoon. All 32 teams need to get down to 53 players by Sunday afternoon's deadline.
Four of the players were released as vested veterans. Cornerbacks Tre Avery and Tyler Hall joined offensive tackle Tyre Phillips in getting dropped from the active roster while tight end Jack Stoll was released from injured reserve.
They also waived tight end Drew Biber, offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, punter Nik Constantinou, safety Christopher Edmonds, cornerback Nate Evans, defensive tackle Coziah Izzard, defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins, cornerback Jeremiah McClendon, offensive tacke Izavion Miller, defensive end Jamil Muhammad, wide receiver Ben Patterson, and tight end Jermaine Terry.
Cleveland has many more moves to make to hit the roster limit and there will likely be some immediate churning as other players shake free around the league in the coming days.
#reserve
They announced 15 cuts from their training camp roster and one cut from injured reserve on Friday afternoon. All 32 teams need to get down to 53 players by Sunday afternoon's deadline.
Four of the players were released as vested veterans. Cornerbacks Tre Avery and Tyler Hall joined offensive tackle Tyre Phillips in getting dropped from the active roster while tight end Jack Stoll was released from injured reserve.
They also waived tight end Drew Biber, offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers, punter Nik Constantinou, safety Christopher Edmonds, cornerback Nate Evans, defensive tackle Coziah Izzard, defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins, cornerback Jeremiah McClendon, offensive tacke Izavion Miller, defensive end Jamil Muhammad, wide receiver Ben Patterson, and tight end Jermaine Terry.
Cleveland has many more moves to make to hit the roster limit and there will likely be some immediate churning as other players shake free around the league in the coming days.
#reserve
2 months ago
Roster cutdown day is Sunday for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the rest of the NFL. The next day, teams will be able to submit waiver claims on recently released players.
Admittedly, given the construction of the Jaguars roster, there aren't many obvious positions where an addition could be made. So realistically, we may not see Jacksonville dabble on the waiver wire.
That said, GM James Gladstone has shown us repeatedly that he is always looking to make roster tweaks as he sees fit. Here are three positions that could potentially use a boost from the post-cutdown waiver wire.
We know who the top four cornerbacks are, and Jabbar Muhammad is likely to be the fifth on the depth chart. The Jaguars could go into the season with only five cornerbacks rostered, but that would leave them a bit thin at this position. Many teams will carry six cornerbacks on the 53-man.
As of now, Christian Braswell may be the front-runner for that sixth spot, but he's had an up-and-down training camp, which could lead to the Jaguars looking elsewhere.
#cornerbacks #many #positions
Admittedly, given the construction of the Jaguars roster, there aren't many obvious positions where an addition could be made. So realistically, we may not see Jacksonville dabble on the waiver wire.
That said, GM James Gladstone has shown us repeatedly that he is always looking to make roster tweaks as he sees fit. Here are three positions that could potentially use a boost from the post-cutdown waiver wire.
We know who the top four cornerbacks are, and Jabbar Muhammad is likely to be the fifth on the depth chart. The Jaguars could go into the season with only five cornerbacks rostered, but that would leave them a bit thin at this position. Many teams will carry six cornerbacks on the 53-man.
As of now, Christian Braswell may be the front-runner for that sixth spot, but he's had an up-and-down training camp, which could lead to the Jaguars looking elsewhere.
#cornerbacks #many #positions
2 months ago
Chris Braswell entered the NFL as a second-round pick expected to eventually become an important piece of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pass rush. Two years later, the former Alabama standout could be fighting to keep his place on the roster.
Pro Football Focus included Braswell among 10 NFL players currently on the roster bubble ahead of the 53-man cutdown deadline. PFF pointed to both his limited production and Tampa Bay's improved depth at edge rusher as reasons his future with the team has become uncertain. Through his first two seasons, Braswell has played just 618 defensive snaps. He has generated 35 pressures on 322 pass rushing opportunities while earning a 61.0 overall PFF grade. Those numbers haven't provided the type of development the Buccaneers hoped to see after selecting him 57th overall in 2024.
The Buccaneers selected Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round this year and signed veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, adding two more options to a room already featuring Yaya Diaby. Not to mention tenured man Anthony Nelson has also made a strong case this preseason with a 92.6 overall PFF grade, while David Walker, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, has already shown more in one preseason than Braswell has in two years having earned an 80.5 pass rush grade. Meanwhile, Braswell earned a 34.4 overall PFF grade in the opener before missing Tampa Bay's second preseason game. In the chances he has had, Braswell has consistently been swallowed by offensive tackles and shown little to no juice in comparison to the others in the OLB room. In fact, he recorded no stats against the New York Jets.
Moving on from a former second-round pick after only two seasons wouldn't be an easy decision, especially since Braswell is still entering his third year and remains on a cheap rookie deal, but draft status can only provide security for so long when other players are producing. Braswell should have one final opportunity against Jacksonville to show why Tampa Bay should continue investing in his development.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Chris Braswell makes PPF's roster bubble list
#buccaneers #overall #preseason
Pro Football Focus included Braswell among 10 NFL players currently on the roster bubble ahead of the 53-man cutdown deadline. PFF pointed to both his limited production and Tampa Bay's improved depth at edge rusher as reasons his future with the team has become uncertain. Through his first two seasons, Braswell has played just 618 defensive snaps. He has generated 35 pressures on 322 pass rushing opportunities while earning a 61.0 overall PFF grade. Those numbers haven't provided the type of development the Buccaneers hoped to see after selecting him 57th overall in 2024.
The Buccaneers selected Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round this year and signed veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad, adding two more options to a room already featuring Yaya Diaby. Not to mention tenured man Anthony Nelson has also made a strong case this preseason with a 92.6 overall PFF grade, while David Walker, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, has already shown more in one preseason than Braswell has in two years having earned an 80.5 pass rush grade. Meanwhile, Braswell earned a 34.4 overall PFF grade in the opener before missing Tampa Bay's second preseason game. In the chances he has had, Braswell has consistently been swallowed by offensive tackles and shown little to no juice in comparison to the others in the OLB room. In fact, he recorded no stats against the New York Jets.
Moving on from a former second-round pick after only two seasons wouldn't be an easy decision, especially since Braswell is still entering his third year and remains on a cheap rookie deal, but draft status can only provide security for so long when other players are producing. Braswell should have one final opportunity against Jacksonville to show why Tampa Bay should continue investing in his development.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Chris Braswell makes PPF's roster bubble list
#buccaneers #overall #preseason
2 months ago
Real American Freestyle is changing the schedule for two upcoming events.
Thursday, the wrestling promotion announced RAF 13 and RAF 14 will have new dates, while keeping the same location and venue.
RAF 13 was scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla. It will now take place a day earlier, on Friday, Sept. 18. RAF 13 is headlined by a matchup between former welterweight champions Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad. The event also features former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold vs. contender Joe Pyfer.
RAF 14 was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, and now moves to Friday, Oct. 23. RAF 14 is headlined by a match between UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: RAF 13, RAF 14 move to new dates, promotion announces
#saturday #scheduled #take
Thursday, the wrestling promotion announced RAF 13 and RAF 14 will have new dates, while keeping the same location and venue.
RAF 13 was scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla. It will now take place a day earlier, on Friday, Sept. 18. RAF 13 is headlined by a matchup between former welterweight champions Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad. The event also features former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold vs. contender Joe Pyfer.
RAF 14 was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, and now moves to Friday, Oct. 23. RAF 14 is headlined by a match between UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: RAF 13, RAF 14 move to new dates, promotion announces
#saturday #scheduled #take
2 months ago
A while back I wrote a story on the ferocious and nearly fatal rivalry between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. One of the highlights was getting to interview legendary sportswriter Jerry Izenberg, who covered both men and got to know them well over the years.
At some point well after both fighters had retired, Izenberg was working on a retrospective about their trilogy and so he reached out to Ali for an interview. They talked for a while, Izenberg told me, and then Ali asked if he was going to talk to Frazier next.
"I told him, 'Yeah, I'm going to call him as soon as I hang up with you,'" Izenberg said. "So Ali told me, 'Listen, when you talk to Joe, tell him I didn't mean any of that stuff back then. Tell him it was all just to sell tickets.'"
By "that stuff," of course, Ali meant years worth of relentless verbal abuse. It was way beyond the typical pro fighter trash talk. Ali had portrayed Frazier as an ignorant mule. He'd called him an "Uncle Tom." Frazier's kids got in fights at school because they heard classmates repeating things they'd heard Ali say about their father.
Ali's taunts reshaped public perception about Frazier in ways that hounded him for the rest of his life. The semi-fictionalized version of Frazier that Ali had aggressively marketed to the public and the press supplanted the real Frazier in many people's minds — and for a long, long time. Now here he was, years later, asking Izenberg to apologize on his behalf and let Frazier know it was all just business.
#frazier #izenberg #talk #tell
At some point well after both fighters had retired, Izenberg was working on a retrospective about their trilogy and so he reached out to Ali for an interview. They talked for a while, Izenberg told me, and then Ali asked if he was going to talk to Frazier next.
"I told him, 'Yeah, I'm going to call him as soon as I hang up with you,'" Izenberg said. "So Ali told me, 'Listen, when you talk to Joe, tell him I didn't mean any of that stuff back then. Tell him it was all just to sell tickets.'"
By "that stuff," of course, Ali meant years worth of relentless verbal abuse. It was way beyond the typical pro fighter trash talk. Ali had portrayed Frazier as an ignorant mule. He'd called him an "Uncle Tom." Frazier's kids got in fights at school because they heard classmates repeating things they'd heard Ali say about their father.
Ali's taunts reshaped public perception about Frazier in ways that hounded him for the rest of his life. The semi-fictionalized version of Frazier that Ali had aggressively marketed to the public and the press supplanted the real Frazier in many people's minds — and for a long, long time. Now here he was, years later, asking Izenberg to apologize on his behalf and let Frazier know it was all just business.
#frazier #izenberg #talk #tell
2 months ago
The New York Giants have a load of talent at pass rusher as they head into the 2026 NFL season. They've used three top-five draft picks at the position over the past five years, bringing in Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and Arvell Reese, and traded away a second-round pick several years ago to land Brian Burns.
Burns is the veteran Pro Bowl leader of the group, and Reese is the rookie. Thibodeaux has been the oft-injured guy who has become a bit of an afterthought, but don't sleep on him.
Carter? Well, he could be the best of the bunch. The former Penn State star who was compared to Micah Parsons coming out of college in 2025 is poised for greatness. Just ask him. That's his goal.
"I want to be the greatest of all time," Carter told The Athletic.
Not just the greatest Giant or the greatest linebacker. The greatest, period. Muhammad Ali great.
#they 've
Burns is the veteran Pro Bowl leader of the group, and Reese is the rookie. Thibodeaux has been the oft-injured guy who has become a bit of an afterthought, but don't sleep on him.
Carter? Well, he could be the best of the bunch. The former Penn State star who was compared to Micah Parsons coming out of college in 2025 is poised for greatness. Just ask him. That's his goal.
"I want to be the greatest of all time," Carter told The Athletic.
Not just the greatest Giant or the greatest linebacker. The greatest, period. Muhammad Ali great.
#they 've
2 months ago
Carlos Prates had a front-row seat to the action at UFC 330 in Philadelphia this past Saturday. With his sights firmly set on the victor, Prates watched intently as UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev defended his **** le against Ian Machado Garry.
In the end, it was Makhachev who walked away with a hard-fought unanimous decision to secure his first defense of the 170-pound **** le. The competitive affair left Brazil's Prates optimistic and excited to challenge the reigning pound-for-pound superstar Makhachev.
Speaking Tuesday's on "The Ariel Helwani Show," Prates revealed that he had a conversation with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell while in Philadelphia — and according to the top-ranked knockout artist, Prates is indeed next in line.
"I'm the next for the **** le. New contract. The next one for the **** le, let's go," Prates told Uncrowned.
"Eight fights [on the new contract]. ... I think [Michael Morales] is going to fight Belal Muhammad or somebody, another fighter. Maybe, I don't know, but another fight."
#title #next #contract
In the end, it was Makhachev who walked away with a hard-fought unanimous decision to secure his first defense of the 170-pound **** le. The competitive affair left Brazil's Prates optimistic and excited to challenge the reigning pound-for-pound superstar Makhachev.
Speaking Tuesday's on "The Ariel Helwani Show," Prates revealed that he had a conversation with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell while in Philadelphia — and according to the top-ranked knockout artist, Prates is indeed next in line.
"I'm the next for the **** le. New contract. The next one for the **** le, let's go," Prates told Uncrowned.
"Eight fights [on the new contract]. ... I think [Michael Morales] is going to fight Belal Muhammad or somebody, another fighter. Maybe, I don't know, but another fight."
#title #next #contract
2 months ago
Belal Muhammad agrees with Dana White that Ian Machado Garry lacked killer instinct at UFC 330.
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was criticized by the UFC boss for being too friendly in his ***** le loss to welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) in Saturday's main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. With one judge having the fight tied at two rounds a piece heading into Round 5, Muhammad expected Machado Garry to go for it more.
"What's with this hugging? You're down in the fifth round. You've got to have the killer instinct," Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. "You've got to for it. His face wasn't beat up. It was an Adesanya vs. Gastelum war where you're like, 'Let's do it.' You were losing. Mindset-wise, he needs to flip the switch. His mindset was we didn't get tapped, we got up from a couple of takedowns, those are wins for him, and he has to change that. Stock-wise, he's going to learn from it. He's going to get better from it, but this game is unforgiving.
"You go against Morales next. You get one-punched and get knocked out. That head kick that Islam landed on you in the second round, if it knocked you out, it changes everything else. You can't waste an opportunity. You can't waste a moment, and I felt like he definitely wasted moments there. The one sequence that I was like Islam has this fight – obviously when it came to the fifth round, and he took the back, I was like, 'Oh, it's over.' When he had the body triangle in, I knew he wasn't going to get out of that situation. For Islam, that was his checkmate moment."
Machado Garry earned his ***** le shot by defeating former welterweight champion Muhammad by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 265.
#muhammad #garry #fight #you 're
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was criticized by the UFC boss for being too friendly in his ***** le loss to welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) in Saturday's main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. With one judge having the fight tied at two rounds a piece heading into Round 5, Muhammad expected Machado Garry to go for it more.
"What's with this hugging? You're down in the fifth round. You've got to have the killer instinct," Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. "You've got to for it. His face wasn't beat up. It was an Adesanya vs. Gastelum war where you're like, 'Let's do it.' You were losing. Mindset-wise, he needs to flip the switch. His mindset was we didn't get tapped, we got up from a couple of takedowns, those are wins for him, and he has to change that. Stock-wise, he's going to learn from it. He's going to get better from it, but this game is unforgiving.
"You go against Morales next. You get one-punched and get knocked out. That head kick that Islam landed on you in the second round, if it knocked you out, it changes everything else. You can't waste an opportunity. You can't waste a moment, and I felt like he definitely wasted moments there. The one sequence that I was like Islam has this fight – obviously when it came to the fifth round, and he took the back, I was like, 'Oh, it's over.' When he had the body triangle in, I knew he wasn't going to get out of that situation. For Islam, that was his checkmate moment."
Machado Garry earned his ***** le shot by defeating former welterweight champion Muhammad by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 265.
#muhammad #garry #fight #you 're
2 months ago
The Chicago Bears had the most dominant victory of any team across the first week of the preseason with their 34-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Chicago started out slow in the first quarter, trailing 10-0, and partway through the second quarter including allowing quarterback Deshaun Watson to lead the Browns on a 10-play, 81-yard drive that took over six minutes off the clock. However, that was the last time Cleveland would score as Chicago's defense stiffened and the Bears offense got things going, scoring 34 unanswered points en route to a dominating win.
Here is a look at the good, bad and ugly from the Bears' preseason opening victory against the Browns:
Depth performances: Chicago has a lot of talented depth pieces on both sides of the ball that have a real chance of making an impact on the Bears this season. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad, who has been having a really good training camp, showed his physicality throughout the game. Wide receiver Kaden Davis had 88 receiving yards, which was the most of anyone in this game. Multiple players on the defensive line had a strong performance including Jamree Kromah and James Lynch. There has been concern that the Bears do not have enough depth on defense, but this game seemed to prove that Chicago has a lot more untapped talent than originally thought.
Case Keenum shines in third quarter: Keenum may be the third-string quarterback, but it is still important to see how he operates in the offense in the event Chicago ever needs him. He finished the day with a perfect quarterback rating, 90 percent completion percentage and two touchdowns. The veteran quarterback was in rhythm the entire time he was in the game and showed that if he ever needed to, he would have no problem operating this offense.
#bears #keenum
Chicago started out slow in the first quarter, trailing 10-0, and partway through the second quarter including allowing quarterback Deshaun Watson to lead the Browns on a 10-play, 81-yard drive that took over six minutes off the clock. However, that was the last time Cleveland would score as Chicago's defense stiffened and the Bears offense got things going, scoring 34 unanswered points en route to a dominating win.
Here is a look at the good, bad and ugly from the Bears' preseason opening victory against the Browns:
Depth performances: Chicago has a lot of talented depth pieces on both sides of the ball that have a real chance of making an impact on the Bears this season. Rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad, who has been having a really good training camp, showed his physicality throughout the game. Wide receiver Kaden Davis had 88 receiving yards, which was the most of anyone in this game. Multiple players on the defensive line had a strong performance including Jamree Kromah and James Lynch. There has been concern that the Bears do not have enough depth on defense, but this game seemed to prove that Chicago has a lot more untapped talent than originally thought.
Case Keenum shines in third quarter: Keenum may be the third-string quarterback, but it is still important to see how he operates in the offense in the event Chicago ever needs him. He finished the day with a perfect quarterback rating, 90 percent completion percentage and two touchdowns. The veteran quarterback was in rhythm the entire time he was in the game and showed that if he ever needed to, he would have no problem operating this offense.
#bears #keenum
2 months ago
This is the UFC 330 live blog for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, the welterweight championship main event Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
Islam Makhachev reigns as the No. 1-ranked fighter in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, while Garry is tied with Michael Morales for the No. 3 spot at 170 pounds in our Global Rankings.
Not only is Makhachev (28-1) looking to join Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, and Amanda Nunes as the only fighters in UFC history to successfully defend ****** les in two weight classes, he also goes for his 17th straight win, which put him in sole possession of the promotion's longest-ever win streak, passing the legendary Anderson Silva. Makhachev already holds the record for the most successful UFC lightweight ****** le defenses (4) and captured welterweight gold this past November with a dominant decision win over Jack Della Maddalena.
Garry (17-1) has long touted himself as a future UFC champion and the time is now for him to put his money where his mouth is. The brash Irishman won his first eight UFC fights before losing a decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov, but has bounced back with consecutive victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and top contender Carlos Prates. Though Garry is a live underdog, dethroning Makhachev would unquestionably send major ripples through the MMA world.
Check out the UFC 330 live blog for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry below.
#makhachev #garry #rankings #blog
Islam Makhachev reigns as the No. 1-ranked fighter in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, while Garry is tied with Michael Morales for the No. 3 spot at 170 pounds in our Global Rankings.
Not only is Makhachev (28-1) looking to join Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, and Amanda Nunes as the only fighters in UFC history to successfully defend ****** les in two weight classes, he also goes for his 17th straight win, which put him in sole possession of the promotion's longest-ever win streak, passing the legendary Anderson Silva. Makhachev already holds the record for the most successful UFC lightweight ****** le defenses (4) and captured welterweight gold this past November with a dominant decision win over Jack Della Maddalena.
Garry (17-1) has long touted himself as a future UFC champion and the time is now for him to put his money where his mouth is. The brash Irishman won his first eight UFC fights before losing a decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov, but has bounced back with consecutive victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and top contender Carlos Prates. Though Garry is a live underdog, dethroning Makhachev would unquestionably send major ripples through the MMA world.
Check out the UFC 330 live blog for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry below.
#makhachev #garry #rankings #blog
2 months ago
Pakistan have been handed a fitness concern ahead of their three-Test series against England after captain Babar Azam was forced to retire from a warm-up game following a blow to his hand.
Babar was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in pain after the blow and did not bat again in the practice match.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Pakistan Cricket Board said Babar's withdrawal was a precautionary measure following an ****** sment by the team doctor.
"Following an ****** sment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match," the PCB said in a media release.
Pakistan have, however, indicated that Babar is expected to return to practice before the first Test. The board said the Test captain will join the team's training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.
The development comes just two days before Pakistan's three-match Test series against England begins on August 19. Babar's fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days, with the 31-year-old a key figure in both Pakistan's batting line-up and their leadership group.
Babar was recently re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain and will be looking to build on a positive result from his first ****** ignment since returning to the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket victory in the second Test.
The England series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. England are currently seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.
Pakistan will hope the latest concern surrounding Babar proves to be minor, particularly with the series against England carrying importance for their World Test Championship campaign. The visitors have already received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury and being available for the series.
Babar's availability will nevertheless remain a key talking point as Pakistan enter the final phase of their preparations. His scheduled return to training on Monday should provide a clearer indication of whether the hand blow has any impact on his readiness for the opening Test at Headingley.
For now, Pakistan's team management will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain, while hoping the precautionary rest is enough for Babar to recover fully before the series gets underway.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah
England vs Pakistan Tes
Babar was batting on five for Pakistan against a Professional County Club Select XI when a rising delivery from England Under-19 pacer Manny Lumsden struck his bottom hand. The Pakistan batter was visibly in pain after the blow and did not bat again in the practice match.
The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the Pakistan Cricket Board said Babar's withdrawal was a precautionary measure following an ****** sment by the team doctor.
"Following an ****** sment by the team doctor and taking precautionary measures, Babar has been advised to take rest from the remainder of the practice match," the PCB said in a media release.
Pakistan have, however, indicated that Babar is expected to return to practice before the first Test. The board said the Test captain will join the team's training session at Headingley Cricket Ground on Monday, August 17.
The development comes just two days before Pakistan's three-match Test series against England begins on August 19. Babar's fitness will therefore be closely monitored in the coming days, with the 31-year-old a key figure in both Pakistan's batting line-up and their leadership group.
Babar was recently re-appointed as Pakistan's Test captain and will be looking to build on a positive result from his first ****** ignment since returning to the role. Pakistan drew their two-Test series in the West Indies 1-1, ending a run of eight consecutive overseas Test defeats with an eight-wicket victory in the second Test.
The England series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. England are currently seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 24.36, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22.
Pakistan will hope the latest concern surrounding Babar proves to be minor, particularly with the series against England carrying importance for their World Test Championship campaign. The visitors have already received a boost with Shan Masood returning from injury and being available for the series.
Babar's availability will nevertheless remain a key talking point as Pakistan enter the final phase of their preparations. His scheduled return to training on Monday should provide a clearer indication of whether the hand blow has any impact on his readiness for the opening Test at Headingley.
For now, Pakistan's team management will be keen to avoid taking any unnecessary risks with their captain, while hoping the precautionary rest is enough for Babar to recover fully before the series gets underway.
Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah
England vs Pakistan Tes
2 months ago
Demian Maia has made a career out of squeezing people's necks in a cage to earn two ******* le shots in the UFC, and now uses all that knowledge and skill in a new role as MMA coach. After being part of Charles Oliveira's camp for a one-sided victory over Max Holloway earlier this year, it's time for Ian Machado Garry to shock the world against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Garry challenges Makhachev in the main event of UFC 330, which goes down Saturday night in Philadelphia, and attempt to snap what would be a record-breaking 17th straight UFC victory. For Maia, it's a fascinating "puzzle at an extremely high level of fighting."
"You have a guy with elite wrestling — and why not say a level of jiu-jitsu mixed in with the wrestling of Sambo, at an exceptional level —, along with a champion's mindset," Maia told MMA Fighting. "He's going to fight another guy who also has tremendous tactical intelligence, a very high level of striking, exceptional distance control, and increasingly better jiu-jitsu."
Garry earned his shot by beating Carlos Prates and ex-champion Bella Muhammad in back-to-back fights, losing only once as a profession in a short-notice clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov. The welterweight Irishman has a long reach and height advantage over the champion, and Maia sees that as a potential key to victory.
"I think it's a very open fight," Maia said. "I think Ian has the size advantage. He's bigger and — and this is kind of obvious to say — the advantage in the striking. I think he has an advantage because that's his area. He's very technical, but he has distance control that very few guys have. We saw that in the Carlos Prates fight and in the MVP fight, which is an extremely difficult matchup, and in the fight with Belal, a former champion.
#advantage #makhachev
Garry challenges Makhachev in the main event of UFC 330, which goes down Saturday night in Philadelphia, and attempt to snap what would be a record-breaking 17th straight UFC victory. For Maia, it's a fascinating "puzzle at an extremely high level of fighting."
"You have a guy with elite wrestling — and why not say a level of jiu-jitsu mixed in with the wrestling of Sambo, at an exceptional level —, along with a champion's mindset," Maia told MMA Fighting. "He's going to fight another guy who also has tremendous tactical intelligence, a very high level of striking, exceptional distance control, and increasingly better jiu-jitsu."
Garry earned his shot by beating Carlos Prates and ex-champion Bella Muhammad in back-to-back fights, losing only once as a profession in a short-notice clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov. The welterweight Irishman has a long reach and height advantage over the champion, and Maia sees that as a potential key to victory.
"I think it's a very open fight," Maia said. "I think Ian has the size advantage. He's bigger and — and this is kind of obvious to say — the advantage in the striking. I think he has an advantage because that's his area. He's very technical, but he has distance control that very few guys have. We saw that in the Carlos Prates fight and in the MVP fight, which is an extremely difficult matchup, and in the fight with Belal, a former champion.
#advantage #makhachev
2 months ago
IanGarry says he had no intent of starting a feud with KhamzatChimaev.
Garry defeated BelalMuhammad last November, with ArmanTsarukyan finishing Dan Hooker inthe main event of the same card in Doha, Qatar. Chimaev, who was inTsarukyan's corner, then had an altercation with Garry backstage,which "The Future" recently revisited.
Garry shook hands with the entire team and also patted Chimaev onthe back. The latter then seemingly felt provoked and pushed Garrybefore security stepped in.
Garry recently shared his side of the story, claiming he had nomalicious intent when he was greeting Chimaev and his entire team.The Irishman also notes that Chimaev didn't immediately react whenhe patted him. Garry claims Chimaev was fired up only after peoplestepped in between them. He believes Chimaev would have gottenphysical when they were in proximity if he really wanted to.
"Me and Khamzat aren't boys," Garry told Full Send MMA. "When I goto a team and there's Arman Tsarukyan tying his shoelace, I saidcongrats to him, I said congrats to his other coach and congrats toone more. And I leave one guy out and I didn't see him. And I go,'Oh sh*t, sorry champ, how are you?' We were cool, we were fine atthat point. It was only when someone stepped in between us that itwas a problem. If he wanted to suplex me and put me on my skull, hewould have done it when I [leaned on him]. Go watch my bodylanguage again… In no way, shape, or form was it aggressive. It waspurely out of respect; there was no mal intent."
Chimaev (15-1) lost his middleweight **** le to SeanStrickland in a massive upset this past May. The Chechen-bornfighter is now rallying for a rematch against Strickland.Meanwhile, Garry (17-1) is scheduled to challenge IslamMakhachev (28-1) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight **** le in the mainevent of UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
#intent #team #recently
Garry defeated BelalMuhammad last November, with ArmanTsarukyan finishing Dan Hooker inthe main event of the same card in Doha, Qatar. Chimaev, who was inTsarukyan's corner, then had an altercation with Garry backstage,which "The Future" recently revisited.
Garry shook hands with the entire team and also patted Chimaev onthe back. The latter then seemingly felt provoked and pushed Garrybefore security stepped in.
Garry recently shared his side of the story, claiming he had nomalicious intent when he was greeting Chimaev and his entire team.The Irishman also notes that Chimaev didn't immediately react whenhe patted him. Garry claims Chimaev was fired up only after peoplestepped in between them. He believes Chimaev would have gottenphysical when they were in proximity if he really wanted to.
"Me and Khamzat aren't boys," Garry told Full Send MMA. "When I goto a team and there's Arman Tsarukyan tying his shoelace, I saidcongrats to him, I said congrats to his other coach and congrats toone more. And I leave one guy out and I didn't see him. And I go,'Oh sh*t, sorry champ, how are you?' We were cool, we were fine atthat point. It was only when someone stepped in between us that itwas a problem. If he wanted to suplex me and put me on my skull, hewould have done it when I [leaned on him]. Go watch my bodylanguage again… In no way, shape, or form was it aggressive. It waspurely out of respect; there was no mal intent."
Chimaev (15-1) lost his middleweight **** le to SeanStrickland in a massive upset this past May. The Chechen-bornfighter is now rallying for a rematch against Strickland.Meanwhile, Garry (17-1) is scheduled to challenge IslamMakhachev (28-1) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight **** le in the mainevent of UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
#intent #team #recently
2 months ago
The Chicago Bears and their fans should want to see one thing when they face the Cleveland Browns for their first preseason game this Saturday.
One thing, and one thing only.
I mean, sure, some clean offensive operation and maybe a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams in his lone drive (assuming he plays) would be welcome.
And it wouldn't hurt to see some of these interesting defensive rookies, like Dillon Thieneman, Malik Muhammad, and Jordan van den Berg make some splash plays that give us a glimpse of what they'll contribute to the Bears.
But to be honest, I don't care if we see anything of note on the football field on Saturday. In fact, I don't care if we see a single starter take a snap. (We will, most likely.)
#don 't #care #cleveland
One thing, and one thing only.
I mean, sure, some clean offensive operation and maybe a touchdown pass from Caleb Williams in his lone drive (assuming he plays) would be welcome.
And it wouldn't hurt to see some of these interesting defensive rookies, like Dillon Thieneman, Malik Muhammad, and Jordan van den Berg make some splash plays that give us a glimpse of what they'll contribute to the Bears.
But to be honest, I don't care if we see anything of note on the football field on Saturday. In fact, I don't care if we see a single starter take a snap. (We will, most likely.)
#don 't #care #cleveland
2 months ago
This weekend, pound-for-pound No 1 Islam Makhachev defends his welterweight ****** le against Ian Machado Garry in the main event of UFC 330.
The bout marks Makhachev's first defence of the belt, which he won by dominating and outpointing Jack Della Maddalena in November, after giving up the lightweight belt following a record-breaking four successful defences.
And the Russian, 34, faces an intriguing test against the divisive Machado Garry, 28, who enters the fight with just one professional loss to his name.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (Getty)
The Irishman bounced back from that narrow points defeat by Shavkat Rakhmonov with wins over ex-champ Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates, and he enters UFC 330 full of confidence.
#islam #pound #jack #della
The bout marks Makhachev's first defence of the belt, which he won by dominating and outpointing Jack Della Maddalena in November, after giving up the lightweight belt following a record-breaking four successful defences.
And the Russian, 34, faces an intriguing test against the divisive Machado Garry, 28, who enters the fight with just one professional loss to his name.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (Getty)
The Irishman bounced back from that narrow points defeat by Shavkat Rakhmonov with wins over ex-champ Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates, and he enters UFC 330 full of confidence.
#islam #pound #jack #della
2 months ago
Fighting Nerds teammates Jean Silvaand CaioBorralho seemingly disagree on how the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight ***** le fight willplay out.
IanGarry (17-1) is scheduled to challenge IslamMakhachev (28-1) for the 170-pound ***** le at UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Whilethe reigning champion is a massive betting favorite, many fightershave picked Garry to pull off an upset.
While Silva is backing Garry to come out on top, he admits thatsupporting the Irishman is challenging, likely referring to histeammate CarlosPrates' loss to "The Future" last year.
"I like Ian Garry, I prefer Ian Garry," Silva said in a recentinterview. "I have little problem for my team."
Meanwhile, Borralho shook his head in disagreement as Silva weighedin on the fight.
Garry has nine wins in the UFC and has only lost to ShavkatRakhmonov, who is currently sidelined as he recovers frominjury. The former Cage Warriors champion has beaten the likes of Prates, BelalMuhammad, Geoff Nealand NeilMagny.
Meanwhile, Makhachev is on a 16-fight winning streak, tied withAndersonSilva for the longest in UFC history. The Dagestani championdefended the lightweight ***** le four times before moving up towelterweight and dethroning JackDella Maddalena.
#fight #fighting #meanwhile #jean
IanGarry (17-1) is scheduled to challenge IslamMakhachev (28-1) for the 170-pound ***** le at UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Whilethe reigning champion is a massive betting favorite, many fightershave picked Garry to pull off an upset.
While Silva is backing Garry to come out on top, he admits thatsupporting the Irishman is challenging, likely referring to histeammate CarlosPrates' loss to "The Future" last year.
"I like Ian Garry, I prefer Ian Garry," Silva said in a recentinterview. "I have little problem for my team."
Meanwhile, Borralho shook his head in disagreement as Silva weighedin on the fight.
Garry has nine wins in the UFC and has only lost to ShavkatRakhmonov, who is currently sidelined as he recovers frominjury. The former Cage Warriors champion has beaten the likes of Prates, BelalMuhammad, Geoff Nealand NeilMagny.
Meanwhile, Makhachev is on a 16-fight winning streak, tied withAndersonSilva for the longest in UFC history. The Dagestani championdefended the lightweight ***** le four times before moving up towelterweight and dethroning JackDella Maddalena.
#fight #fighting #meanwhile #jean
2 months ago
Quillan Salkilld was given the chance to step up in the lightweight division at UFC Vegas 120, and he ended up stomping a longtime contender in the most unexpected way possible.
Facing grappling specialist Mateusz Gamrot in Saturday's main event at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Salkilld stifled Gamrot's attempts to dominate the fight on the ground before pulling off a stunning submission in the final minute of the opening round. It was just the second-time ever that Gamrot had been forced to tap and Salkilld's incredible feat sent social media into a frenzy.
MMA pundit Brendan Schaub called Salkilld "a MONSTER" and added that he "looked elite and ready for top 3 in the division." Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad agreed, stating, "155 has another contender."
That's six wins in six UFC appearances now for Salkilld, who has also finished his past four opponents.
Check out more social media reactions to his huge UFC Vegas 120 win below.
#vegas #Media
Facing grappling specialist Mateusz Gamrot in Saturday's main event at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Salkilld stifled Gamrot's attempts to dominate the fight on the ground before pulling off a stunning submission in the final minute of the opening round. It was just the second-time ever that Gamrot had been forced to tap and Salkilld's incredible feat sent social media into a frenzy.
MMA pundit Brendan Schaub called Salkilld "a MONSTER" and added that he "looked elite and ready for top 3 in the division." Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad agreed, stating, "155 has another contender."
That's six wins in six UFC appearances now for Salkilld, who has also finished his past four opponents.
Check out more social media reactions to his huge UFC Vegas 120 win below.
#vegas #Media
3 months ago
With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from July 2026: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie's Submission of the Month award for July.
At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.
Brandon Royval refuses to be anything short of exciting, and against Lone'er Kavanagh, he refused to lose in the process.
Royval (18-9 MMA, 8-5 UFC) submitted Kavanagh (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) with a rear-naked choke at 3:40 of Round 3. The best the flyweight division has to offer was on full display once again as Royval and Kavanagh showed off technical striking, speed, well-roundedness – and perhaps most importantly: the chaos factor.
Muhammad Ali's grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, got a step up in competition and got all twisted up.
#month #here
At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.
Brandon Royval refuses to be anything short of exciting, and against Lone'er Kavanagh, he refused to lose in the process.
Royval (18-9 MMA, 8-5 UFC) submitted Kavanagh (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) with a rear-naked choke at 3:40 of Round 3. The best the flyweight division has to offer was on full display once again as Royval and Kavanagh showed off technical striking, speed, well-roundedness – and perhaps most importantly: the chaos factor.
Muhammad Ali's grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, got a step up in competition and got all twisted up.
#month #here
