Ronda Rousey’s rapid submission victory over Gina Carano in California on Saturday has broken the record for the most-watched mixed martial arts event in United States history.
The groundbreaking live broadcast on Netflix peaked at 11.6 million domestic viewers, comfortably surpassing the previous high established in 2011.
Global viewership for the spectacle at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood reached an estimated 17 million, according to the streaming platform and Most Valuable Promotions.
A rapid conclusion for returning pioneers
The highly anticipated contest between the two trailblazers of women’s fighting concluded abruptly in just 17 seconds.
Stepping into the cage for the first time in a decade, the former Olympic judoka immediately took her opponent down before applying a signature armbar.
The 44-year-old tapped out almost instantly to prevent a serious injury, marking a sudden end to her first competitive appearance in 17 years.
Carano reflects on humbling defeat
Despite the devastatingly quick loss, the defeated veteran took to social media to describe the comeback as one of the greatest experiences of her life.
“My heart is heavy, I wanted to throw, battle, win, but I kicked when I should have moved and was down and done. If I hadn’t tapped she would’ve broken my arm, as it had begun to crackle.” Gina Carano
The pioneer added that words of encouragement from legendary champions Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez had helped to put the setback into perspective.
Context behind the historic card
Prior to the weekend’s event, the victor had last competed in 2016, suffering a devastating first-minute knockout at the hands of Amanda Nunes.
Her opponent had also experienced a prolonged absence, having not fought since suffering her sole previous career defeat against Cris Cyborg in 2009.
The historic fight card also featured high-profile victories for veteran combatants Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou.
Perry secured a stoppage win over Nate Diaz, while the former undisputed heavyweight champion delivered a spectacular first-round knockout against Philipe Lins.
South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow has announced his immediate retirement from rugby league at the age of 30 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The Australian international enjoyed a distinguished 10-year career, registering 178 National Rugby League appearances across stints with the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, and the Rabbitohs.
He also proudly represented Queensland 12 times in the intensely contested State of Origin arena.
Emotional announcement and medical advice
The 30-year-old forward was unable to speak during a club press conference on Wednesday, instead having a poignant written statement read aloud to the media.
“After extensive medical testing and consultations regarding ongoing symptoms, I have recently received a diagnosis relating to a nerve and neurological condition.”
The former Bronco explained that specialist reviews are still ongoing and doctors are continuing to assess his physical condition.
He has not been medically cleared to train or compete at the elite level, prompting his decision to step away to focus entirely on rehabilitation and treatment.
The devastating impact of Motor Neurone Disease
MND is a progressive condition that attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord, progressively weakening muscles and severely impacting essential functions like walking, talking, eating, and breathing.
While the exact causes remain unknown to scientists, the disease is believed to result from a combination of genetic traits and other biological or lifestyle factors.
The rugby league community has been deeply affected by MND in recent years, mourning the loss of former England half-back Rob Burrow and Queensland enforcer Carl Webb.
The wider sporting world has also suffered, with rugby union internationals Doddie Weir and Lewis Moody tragically facing the same debilitating illness.
Focusing on family and future privacy
“Over recent months, my symptoms have affected different parts of my everyday life.”
The experienced back-rower expressed profound gratitude to the Rabbitohs organisation, highlighting the crucial personal support provided to his family during this incredibly uncertain period.
He specifically requested privacy rather than sympathy as he navigates the complex medical challenges ahead.
“What I need right now isn’t sympathy or sadness. What I need is support, understanding and privacy while my family and I navigate this difficult time.”
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly praised the departing star, insisting the beloved team-mate will fight this illness with the exact same bravery and passion that defined his formidable playing career.
World number one darts player Luke Littler has received his MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
The 19-year-old was recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List following a remarkable period of dominance on the oche.
He attended an official investiture ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday to formally accept the prestigious accolade.
A stunning rise to darts dominance
The Warrington sensation has enjoyed an unprecedented trajectory since bursting onto the professional scene as a teenager.
He made history by claiming his first world championship at just 17 years and 347 days old, making him the youngest player ever to lift the title.
The back-to-back world champion reacted with humility when his royal recognition was initially announced last summer.
This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for.
To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible and it is a proud moment.
It’s unbelievable what I’ve done for my sport. I’m happy, my family is happy and I can’t wait to receive it.
Record-breaking success continues
After losing his debut Alexandra Palace final to great rival Luke Humphries in 2024, the English prodigy has proved completely unstoppable.
He joined legends Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson as only the fourth player in Professional Darts Corporation history to successfully defend the flagship crown.
The reigning Premier League champion amassed a staggering six televised ranking titles last season before retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy in January.
His momentum has not slowed in 2026, already securing the Winmau World Masters and a second consecutive UK Open title.
‘The Nuke’ returns to competitive action on Thursday evening as he targets a seventh nightly victory in the Premier League at Sheffield.
Other notable honourees
The Windsor Castle ceremony also saw several other prominent figures from sports and entertainment recognised by the Prince of Wales.
Comedian Matt Lucas received an OBE, while England footballer Ella Toone and rugby union star Sadia Kabeya were both awarded MBEs.
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck a blistering 93 off 38 balls to lead the Rajasthan Royals to a crucial Indian Premier League victory over the Lucknow Super Giants.
The Indian wonderkid smashed 10 sixes during a staggering innings that moves him back to the top of the tournament’s run-scoring charts.
A remarkable 88 of his 93 runs came from boundaries as he completely dominated the already-eliminated Super Giants bowling attack.
He appeared certain to register his second century of the campaign before mistiming a shot off Mohsin Khan straight to Abdul Samad in the deep.
India A selection follows white-ball omission
Earlier in the day, India selector Ajit Agarkar addressed the teenager’s omission from the national team’s one-day squad to face Afghanistan next month.
Despite growing calls for the prodigy to join the senior white-ball sides, he has instead been named in an India A squad to tour Sri Lanka after the franchise tournament concludes.
“We picked him for the India A team because he is young and immensely promising,” said Agarkar.
“The idea is to give these youngsters exposure. Yashasvi Jaiswal is already part of the ODI set-up as well. As impressive as he has been, there are others who have performed strongly too.”
“We are very excited about him and hopefully he can showcase his talent when he travels with the A team.”
Royals edge closer to knockout stages
The Royals’ scoring rate dropped significantly once the dynamic opener departed, but Dhruv Jurel stepped up with an unbeaten 53 off 38 deliveries to secure the win.
This vital victory elevates the franchise into fourth place in the league table.
It guarantees that a win against the Mumbai Indians in their final group match will seal their spot in the coveted knockout stages.
Marsh fireworks in vain for Super Giants
Earlier in the contest, Mitchell Marsh crunched 96 off 57 balls to continue his rich vein of form for the visitors.
The Australian all-rounder put on a commanding 109-run partnership for the first wicket alongside compatriot Josh Inglis, who contributed a rapid 60.
England fast bowler Jofra Archer proved to be the pick of the hosts’ attack, finishing with figures of 1-39 and executing a crucial run-out to dismiss Rishabh Pant.
Rugby’s multi-million-pound concussion lawsuit is on the verge of collapse after governing bodies applied to have the majority of cases struck out over a failure to provide medical records.
World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union claim lawyers representing former players have breached a court-mandated deadline to share vital information.
The ongoing legal dispute involves approximately 1,200 cases from former athletes across both the union and league codes.
Dispute over medical disclosure
Legal teams have repeatedly clashed over the collection and distribution of neurological test results since proceedings originally commenced in 2020.
A High Court judge ruled last December that compiling these extensive files was necessary, dismissing claims from the claimants’ representatives that the process was too costly and onerous.
“In view of the continued failure to comply with the unless order made by the court… the defendants have applied for a declaration that many of the claims are now struck out.”
A joint statement from the sport’s administrators expressed disappointment at the failure to follow the judicial directive despite repeated warnings.
Lawyers accuse authorities of delay tactics
Rylands Garth has promised to fiercely contest any attempt to remove individuals from the landmark legal action.
The firm representing the athletes accused administrators of deliberately stalling proceedings with unreasonable demands for documentation.
“The governing bodies want access to confidential information that is covered by legal privilege – they are not medical records.”
“The defendants have all the information they need and more – they are resorting to these tactics to delay the claimants their route to justice.”
Crucial July hearing looms
The claimants, including England World Cup winners Steve Thompson, Mark Regan and Phil Vickery, allege that inadequate safeguards led to their permanent neurological conditions.
The accused organisations, which also include the Rugby Football League, firmly deny all liability regarding the historic head impacts.
A pivotal court hearing is now scheduled for the end of July to determine the immediate future of the massive lawsuit.
A judge will rule whether to grant another paperwork extension or officially strike off those who lack complete medical files.
Thai teenager Panchaya Channoi has defeated Reanne Evans 6-2 to claim the Women’s World Snooker Championship title in Dongguan, China.
The 18-year-old comfortably outplayed the 12-time champion to secure the prestigious Mandy Fisher Trophy.
Evans was bidding for a record-extending 13th world crown but struggled to match the scoring power of her younger opponent.
Century breaks secure Thai victory
A stunning century break in the opening frame immediately set the tone for the newly crowned champion.
The Asian rising star remained firmly in control during the early stages to establish a 3-1 advantage.
Although the Englishwoman pulled a frame back to reduce the deficit, she was quickly punished by another outstanding display of break-building.
A magnificent clearance of 107 in the sixth frame restored a two-frame cushion before the teenager surged toward the finish line.
She claimed the seventh frame and sealed her historic triumph with a clinical break of 59 in the eighth.
Historic double marks new snooker era
This breakthrough victory ensures the prodigy becomes only the second competitor to achieve the world and Under-21 championship double.
She matches the remarkable feat accomplished by China’s Bai Yulu during the 2024 season.
The Dongguan success also makes her the third winner from Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of Mink Nutcharut and Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan.
Defeat marks the first time the 40-year-old veteran has ever lost a World Championship decider.
Widely regarded as the most successful competitor in the history of the women’s game, the English icon was playing in her first world final since 2019.
Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on 11 July, ending a five-year absence from the sport.
The Irishman has been sidelined since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
His comeback had been shrouded in doubt amid speculation over his promotional contract and a potential move to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
However, the UFC has now confirmed the 35-year-old will headline the T-Mobile Arena card this summer.
A decade in the making
The highly anticipated showdown serves as a rematch of their 2013 preliminary card clash.
The former two-weight world champion secured a unanimous decision victory over the Hawaiian on that occasion.
Both men have since forged legendary careers inside the cage.
The Notorious has climbed to 22 professional wins, while his opponent boasts a formidable 27-9 record.
Contrasting paths to the Octagon
The Las Vegas bout will take place in the welterweight division, presenting a fresh dynamic for the rematch.
Fighting at 170lbs presents a new challenge for the former featherweight champion, who has never competed above lightweight.
Conversely, the returning Dubliner has fought three times in the heavier weight class.
He previously secured notable welterweight victories over Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone.
Despite the size advantage, ring rust remains a significant question mark for the returning superstar.
A scheduled June 2024 bout against Michael Chandler was previously scrapped after the controversial striker suffered a broken toe.
Poirier weighs the odds
In stark contrast, the BMF titleholder has remained highly active during his rival’s five-year hiatus.
The 32-year-old has stepped into the cage eight times since 2021.
He has collected impressive stoppage wins against top contenders, including Justin Gaethje and Poirier himself.
Former interim lightweight champion Poirier, who shares extensive history with both main event stars, has been closely evaluating the matchup.
The Louisiana native highlighted the stark difference in recent cage time as a potentially decisive factor when the pair finally renew hostilities.
Elsewhere on the card, British favourite Paddy Pimblett will face French contender Benoit Saint-Denis in a lightweight co-main event.
Ryan Garcia will make the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against British challenger Conor Benn in Las Vegas on 12 September.
The 27-year-old champion revealed the blockbuster showdown during a television appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show in the United States.
This eagerly anticipated contest will pit the American titleholder against an opponent he claims to have a deeply personal rivalry with.
A bitter transatlantic feud
The Californian fighter explained that the animosity stems from an unprovoked physical altercation at an awards ceremony two years ago.
“He pressed up on me, grabbed me, so it’s a little personal.”
Confident of retaining his belt, the newly crowned champion promised a punishing night for his international rival.
“I’m going to really put a whopping on this man and we will send him back to the UK sipping on some tea.”
Contrasting paths to Las Vegas
The defending champion claimed his coveted belt in February by dethroning Mario Barrios with a wide unanimous decision.
During that impressive performance, the lightning-fast striker floored his opponent in the opening round to set the tone for a dominant victory.
Meanwhile, his upcoming opponent brings a formidable 25-1 professional record into this high-stakes desert encounter.
Benn building momentum
The British contender recently defeated former 140lb world champion Regis Prograis by unanimous decision in late April.
Prior to that victory, the explosive orthodox fighter engaged in two memorable stadium battles against domestic rival Chris Eubank Jnr.
Those consecutive main-event bouts saw him successfully avenge an initial defeat to win their spectacular 2025 rematch.