Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev will face Dillon Danis in a freestyle wrestling match on 13 June, following his controversial title defeat by Sean Strickland at UFC 328.
The 32-year-old recently suffered the first loss of his professional career when he dropped a razor-thin split decision to the American.
Instead of an immediate return to the octagon, the Chechen-born fighter is temporarily stepping onto the wrestling mat.
He will headline the Real American Freestyle (RAF) 10 event at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.
His opponent will be controversial grappling specialist and Conor McGregor’s former training partner, Danis.
Rematch demands follow title loss
The wrestling exhibition comes amid swirling speculation about the former titleholder’s mixed martial arts future.
UFC president Dana White initially indicated the defeated champion planned to abandon the 185lb division to move up to light-heavyweight.
However, his management team has since clarified that regaining the middleweight crown remains their absolute priority.
The rematch with Sean Strickland is the only fight that Khamzat wants, he is obsessed with it. That’s the only fight he will accept right now.
His brother, Artur, confirmed the camp is targeting a second bout with Strickland at the promotion’s upcoming Abu Dhabi event in October.
Tsarukyan and Ferguson feature on undercard
The upcoming RAF 10 wrestling card will also feature several other high-profile mixed martial artists.
Arman Tsarukyan, a close teammate of the headline act, is scheduled to grapple with veteran UFC lightweight Tony Ferguson.
Meanwhile, highly-rated featherweight prospect Aaron Pico will take on Lance Palmer earlier in the evening.
The shift to wrestling offers a brief reset for the former champion following a deeply acrimonious build-up to UFC 328.
Pre-fight tensions between the middleweight rivals culminated in a physical altercation at the press conference and forced organisers to accommodate them in separate hotels.
Oleksandr Usyk has been granted permission by the World Boxing Association to defend his heavyweight title against Rico Verhoeven in Egypt on 23 May.
The unified champion is scheduled to face the former Glory kickboxing titleholder in a highly anticipated crossover bout staged at the pyramids of Giza.
While the World Boxing Council had already sanctioned the contest, uncertainty remained over whether the 39-year-old’s WBA and IBF belts would also be involved.
Unusual stipulations for unranked challenger
The WBA has now clarified that the fight will officially count as a successful defence should the undefeated Ukrainian emerge victorious.
However, the title itself will not be at stake for Verhoeven, as he is currently not ranked by the sanctioning body.
If the champion were to lose, the WBA championship committee would then review his status and determine the next course of action regarding the heavyweight championship.
BBC Sport has contacted the International Boxing Federation to establish whether they will adopt a similar stance for their championship belt.
A clash of combat sport eras
The sanctioning body also confirmed that the Dutch kickboxer would become eligible to enter their heavyweight rankings if he manages to pull off a monumental upset.
Verhoeven carries a fearsome reputation in the kickboxing world, but the 37-year-old has only competed in one professional boxing match, which took place over a decade ago in 2014.
In stark contrast, his opponent boasts a flawless 24-0 professional record and is a two-time undisputed heavyweight king.
Champion defends crossover bout
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist recently pushed back against criticism regarding the unconventional matchup.
Having already vanquished top-tier rivals including Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Joshua on two occasions, the former undisputed cruiserweight champion stated he should be allowed to dictate his own career path.
Double Olympic champion Katie Archibald has announced her surprise retirement from track cycling at the age of 32 to pursue a career in nursing.
The current world and European champion steps away from the velodrome despite having already been selected for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in her home city of Glasgow.
Leaving the sport at the peak of her powers, the decorated athlete transitions to healthcare following a remarkable 13-year career on the international stage.
She amassed an astonishing 51 medals across world, European, Commonwealth, and Olympic events to secure her place as one of Britain’s most successful competitors.
A record-breaking track career
The endurance specialist’s illustrious trophy cabinet includes two Olympic golds, an Olympic silver, seven world championships, and a record-breaking 21 European titles.
Having initially taken up the sport for social reasons, she followed her older brother John into professional racing relatively late in her teenage years.
Her senior competitive debut in 2013 saw the Scottish star claim the European team pursuit title alongside legendary teammates Laura Kenny, Dani Rowe, and Elinor Barker.
Despite achieving global dominance, she regards her first major individual medal – a bronze in the points race at Glasgow 2014 – as a definitive career highlight.
Another deeply personal triumph arrived a decade later when she secured madison gold alongside Neah Evans at the 2024 UCI Nations Cup.
Debating a legendary sporting legacy
This unexpected departure inevitably prompts comparisons between the track phenomenon and other legendary Scottish sportswomen.
Arsenal midfielder Kim Little boasts a Women’s Champions League crown, while rower Katherine Grainger secured one Olympic gold and six world titles during a stellar career.
On the ice, Eve Muirhead skipped Great Britain to Olympic curling glory, matching the world-class achievements of swimmer Hannah Miley and boxer Hannah Rankin.
However, fellow Olympic medallist Evans believes the sheer volume of silverware sets her former riding partner apart from these sporting icons.
“It is completely justified that she is being talked about as the most successful Scottish female athlete,” Evans told BBC Scotland.
“She will be cringing and going ‘no, no, no this is not why I did it’.”
“It is so difficult because you are talking across different sports and generations, but I think one of her things is the sheer volume of medals she has won over many years.”
Tiger Woods has reportedly returned to the United States from a Swiss rehabilitation facility on the eve of the 2026 PGA Championship following his arrest in March.
The 50-year-old was involved in a rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, earlier this year and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.
Following the incident, the 15-time major champion released a statement confirming he would step away from competitive golf to focus on his recovery.
He subsequently travelled to a clinic in Zurich in April to undergo intensive physical and psychological treatment.
Private jet returns to Florida
Reports now indicate that the legendary golfer’s private aircraft departed Switzerland on Wednesday and touched down at Palm Beach International Airport.
While it remains unconfirmed if the former world number one was on board the flight, it is widely believed he has returned to his home state.
Sources previously suggested that the American was responding well to a 90-day pain management programme that did not rely on addictive opioids.
However, it was also noted that the veteran was free to leave the European facility whenever he wished.
Absence from PGA Championship
Despite his apparent return to American soil, the four-time tournament winner will not feature at the PGA Championship when it begins at Aronimink Golf Club on Thursday.
The golfing icon last lifted the Wanamaker Trophy 19 years ago in 2007 and missed the cut during his most recent appearance at the event in 2024.
Before his March crash, it was widely expected that he was preparing to make a competitive return at the Masters.
Focus on lasting recovery
When announcing his hiatus from the sport, the Florida resident emphasised the need to prioritise his long-term well-being.
I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.
This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.
He remains eligible to compete at both the US Open and the US Senior Open later this summer, though his participation remains highly uncertain.
England put their record 37-game winning streak on the line against France in Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam decider in Bordeaux amid mounting concerns over their defensive frailties.
John Mitchell’s side have secured four consecutive Grand Slams but arrive at this year’s finale having conceded 76 points across the tournament.
At this exact stage last year, the reigning champions had leaked just 29 points before securing a thrilling 43-42 victory over the French.
Defensive vulnerabilities were particularly evident in recent outings against Wales and Italy, with those nations scoring nine tries combined.
Mounting injuries force positional changes
The current defensive instability can be heavily attributed to severe squad disruption and an ever-growing absentee list.
The head coach was already navigating the tournament without four World Cup winners due to pregnancy before an injury crisis decimated his forward pack.
Nine forwards who featured in the previous global final were unavailable for last weekend’s trip to Parma.
This severe shortage of recognised locks forced 19-year-old back-rower Haineala Lutui and flanker Abi Burton to deputise in the second row.
“We are going through a lot of changes and the players are still learning and growing,” Mitchell said ahead of the final clash.
“I am trying to explain to the younger players how important learning new positions is, and they are only growing.”
Statistical drop poses major threat in Bordeaux
Integrating new personnel into Sarah Hunter’s defensive system has inevitably caused teething problems for the world champions.
Thirty different players have taken the field during this campaign, including five debutants earning their first international caps.
Underlying statistics highlight a stark drop in defensive dominance compared to previous campaigns.
Missed tackles have increased by an average of 3.45 per game, while dominant hits have plummeted from 12.4 to just 5.5 per match.
These frailties offer significant hope to a potent French attack that ruthlessly dismantled Scotland with a 69-point haul last weekend.
“We have conceded more points than probably we wanted to,” acknowledged Burton ahead of the crucial trip to France.
“Naturally when there is change, there will be more knowledge in some places than the others, so it is about bringing everyone up to speed.”
United States captain Jim Furyk hopes to include Tiger Woods in his backroom staff for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, despite the golfing icon’s recent arrest and ongoing recovery.
Woods is currently receiving treatment in Switzerland following a car crash near his Florida home in March that led to a driving under the influence (DUI) charge.
Authorities found the former world number one in possession of prescription hydrocodone pills, which he uses for pain management after enduring numerous career-threatening operations.
Respecting the road to recovery
The newly appointed US skipper revealed he has deliberately delayed contacting his former team-mate out of respect for his rehabilitation process.
“We haven’t spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family and I know maybe a road to health, I haven’t reached out but I will.”
“Definitely. We’ll see where that role may fall.”
Invaluable experience for Team USA
Furyk previously led the American side during their heavy defeat at Le Golf National in 2018 and has served alongside the 15-time major champion as a vice-captain on multiple occasions.
“I will say I enjoyed serving – I use that word serving – as a vice-captain with him a number of times. I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience.”
The prospect of integrating the legendary competitor into an advisory capacity is seen as a crucial step in America’s bid to reclaim the famous golden trophy.
Europe will look to capitalise on home advantage in Ireland, having convincingly won the last two editions of the biennial competition.
Former wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the England men’s national team ahead of their upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
The 36-year-old will take on the groundbreaking role in Ben Stokes’ set-up next month.
This move marks a watershed moment, representing the most senior female coaching appointment in the history of the major England men’s side.
She temporarily steps in for previous fielding consultant Carl Hopkinson, who is currently involved with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
A history of breaking barriers
The 2017 World Cup winner is no stranger to shattering glass ceilings within the sport.
She previously made history by becoming the first woman to play first-grade men’s cricket in Australia when she took the gloves for Northern Districts.
The celebrated player also joined the Sussex men’s coaching staff in 2021 to assist their wicketkeepers.
During this winter, the experienced specialist worked as an assistant coach for the England Lions in Australia under Andrew Flintoff.
Earning global recognition
Widely regarded as an exceptional talent during her playing days, her technical skills garnered immense praise from elite peers.
“The best wicketkeeper in the world.”
That was the ultimate compliment paid by Australian great Adam Gilchrist.
The legendary wicketkeeper famously stressed that his assessment of her ability was made entirely without reference to gender.
Focusing on the New Zealand series
During the upcoming three-match series against the Black Caps, she will work closely with wicketkeepers Jamie Smith and James Rew.
Her extensive international experience is expected to provide invaluable insights as the national side prepares for a crucial overseas test.
Rory McIlroy has cut short a practice round ahead of the PGA Championship due to an ongoing toe blister, though the four-time major champion insists he is fit to compete.
The Northern Irishman was forced to abandon his preparations at Aronimink on Tuesday as he continues to battle the unconventional injury.
It follows a visible limp at the Truist Championship earlier this month, where the golfer first revealed the extent of the problem.
Frustrating foot problem
Speaking at his previous tournament, the former world number one explained the precise nature of the painful issue.
Yeah, I’ve got a blister on my pinky toe. But it’s underneath my nail. So I can’t really get to it.
Despite the physical setback, he remains determined to secure a third PGA Championship title this week.
Echoes of St Andrews absence
The current scare evokes memories of a much more severe injury that forced him to withdraw from The Open Championship in 2015.
Nearly a decade ago, the Ryder Cup star ruptured an ankle ligament while playing football with friends in Northern Ireland.
That freak incident remains the only time in a professional career spanning almost 20 years that he has missed one of golf’s four premium events.
Following widespread criticism at the time, he delivered a defiant response defending his right to a normal life off the course.
I’m not going to stop doing what I do. I enjoy having that normality in my life, something that I’ve done since I was a kid, and I won’t stop doing that.
He explained that the severe ankle sprain occurred simply because his left boot became stuck in the turf during a casual kickabout.
It can happen walking off a tee box. It can happen falling off a curb on the side of the street. It can happen doing anything.
Missing the 2015 tournament at his favourite venue ultimately provided a profound shift in perspective for the global sports star.