Islam Makhachev will make the first defence of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Saturday, 15 August.

The pound-for-pound number one claimed the 170lb strap by dominating Jack Della Maddalena last November.

That victory followed the 34-year-old relinquishing his lightweight crown after a record-breaking four successful title defences.

He now faces an intriguing test against a divisive challenger boasting just one professional defeat on his record.

Machado Garry seeks major upset in Philadelphia

The Irishman rebounded from a narrow points loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov with impressive victories over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates.

Those consecutive wins ensure the 28-year-old enters his first undisputed championship opportunity brimming with confidence.

UK fight fans can watch the main card live on TNT Sports from 02:00 BST on Sunday morning, while US viewers can stream the action on Paramount+.

Dern defends strawweight crown in co-main event

The co-main event sees women’s strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern defending her newly upgraded belt against Gillian Robertson.

Dern originally captured the interim title by outpointing Virna Jandiroba last October.

The grappling specialist was recently elevated to undisputed champion after Zhilei Zhang vacated the throne to move up in weight.

UFC 330 Main Card

England have recalled Surrey pair Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence to their 16-man squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley on 19 August.

The upcoming three-match series marks a new era for the national side following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes and the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum.

Joe Root will lead the team for the first time since his reappointment in July, supported by interim coach Marcus Trescothick.

Stephen Fleming is set to take permanent charge later this year when the side faces South Africa in December.

Lawrence rewarded for prolific domestic form

The 29-year-old batter earns his return to the international setup after an outstanding County Championship campaign.

He has amassed 788 runs at an average of 65.66 in Division One this season, including five centuries across 13 innings.

The right-hander is expected to bat at number six, filling the middle-order void left by the legendary former captain.

While he provides part-time off-spin, having taken nine domestic wickets this season, he represents a distinct shift in style from the dynamic all-rounder he replaces.

Pope returns as injured Bethell misses out

Former vice-captain Pope finds his way back into the fold after being dropped during the recent series against New Zealand.

The talented stroke-maker previously lost his place at number three to Jacob Bethell during the Ashes following a sustained dip in form.

However, Bethell will miss the entirety of the Pakistan series after suffering a knee injury during the white-ball tour of India in July.

Jordan Cox is now set to slot in at number three for the hosts, having made his red-ball debut at the Oval against the Black Caps.

Selectors balance youth and experience

Men’s national selector Marcus North emphasised the need to blend emerging talent with seasoned professionals against a dangerous touring side.

“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order.”
“Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at three in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”

Essex seamer Sam Cook has also earned a recall to the 16-man group for the first time since last summer.

The full squad features a robust bowling attack, including the returning Jofra Archer alongside Gus Atkinson and Shoaib Bashir.

England squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan:

LIV Golf has secured crucial backing from an unnamed lead investor to ensure the breakaway circuit’s survival beyond the current season following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian funding.

Chief executive Scott O’Neil announced the financial lifeline on Wednesday ahead of this week’s tournament at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.

The exact identity of the financial backer and the precise monetary figure remain undisclosed.

However, the organisation hopes to finalise terms in the coming weeks before officially closing the transaction in September.

Players to become majority owners

O’Neil is reportedly seeking between $250m and $300m to maintain operations.

This search for capital was triggered after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April that it would cease financing the venture.

The PIF had previously spent more than $5bn bankrolling the controversial tour over the past five seasons.

Under the newly proposed structure, competing golfers will become the majority equity holders in the enterprise.

The league’s chief executive highlighted that this player-owned model represents a first for a major global sports league.

“LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the league’s next era, driven by and for the players.” Scott O’Neil

Format changes and future schedule

Alongside structural adjustments, athletes will regain their full name, image, and likeness commercial rights.

Competitors will also be granted permission to participate in other global tours, marking a significant shift from previous exclusivity constraints.

“[It] gives the League the foundation to keep growing the game worldwide. In the meantime, our focus is on delivering a great week for fans and players at Bedminster and finishing the 2026 season strong.” Scott O’Neil

Looking ahead, the circuit plans to host 10 events in 2027.

This proposed schedule features five international team “majors” alongside five “signature events” staged in the United States.

Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau led a players-only meeting regarding the developments on Tuesday.

Uncertainty still surrounds the current campaign’s climax, as officials declined to confirm whether the scheduled individual and team championships will proceed in Michigan this August.

Ten-time world champion Brock Lesnar has announced his retirement from professional wrestling and combat sports following his final match at WWE SummerSlam.

The 49-year-old confirmed his decision to permanently step away during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday.

His announcement brings the curtain down on one of the most decorated and unique careers in modern sports history.

The former UFC heavyweight titleholder admitted he initially intended to bow out earlier this year at WrestleMania.

WrestleMania doubts and a final farewell

The South Dakota native removed his boots and gloves in the ring after taking a slam from Oba Femi at the flagship spring event.

However, he ultimately opted to return for one last Hell in a Cell appearance in Minneapolis last weekend.

“When Oba Femi slammed me at WrestleMania, I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore, I think I’m done,'” the veteran admitted.

“But the business called, and I still had some fuel in the tank.”

“Saturday, for Brock Lesnar, that’s it – that’s it for me in the squared circle and everything else.”

A multi-sport powerhouse

Before dominating sports entertainment, the powerful athlete won an NCAA Division I wrestling national championship for the University of Minnesota in 2000.

He quickly transitioned to the WWE roster, capturing his first world title by defeating Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2002.

“The Beast Incarnate” famously went on to conquer The Undertaker’s legendary 21-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania in 2014.

His athletic credentials also extended far beyond scripted competition into the legitimate fighting arena.

UFC glory and leaving a legacy

Transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2007, he remarkably won the UFC heavyweight championship in just his fourth professional bout against Randy Couture.

A brief foray into American football also saw him spend the 2004 pre-season with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings before being released.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the American expressed deep gratitude for a lifetime of athletic achievement.

“I was just a farm kid from South Dakota with a big dream, a big heart and a big ass chip on my shoulder,” he added.

“If kids just stay focused on work and putting time in, good things will happen.”

British heavyweight Moses Itauma will face Filip Hrgovic for the vacant IBF world title at London’s O2 Arena on 29 August.

The highly anticipated bout has been upgraded to championship status following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to relinquish the belt in June.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed that step-aside compensation was provided to original mandatory challenger Frank Sanchez.

The Cuban contender has agreed to delay his title opportunity and will now face the winner of the London showdown.

High expectations for British prodigy

Itauma has been widely tipped as the next major star of the premier weight class.

The Chatham fighter boasts a flawless professional record, securing 12 knockout victories in his 14 unbeaten outings.

He demonstrated his devastating power by stopping American Jermaine Franklin in March before dismantling compatriot Dillian Whyte in a single round.

“A lot of people have high expectations of him as I have, by the way,” Queensberry Promotions’ Warren told BBC Sport.
“This is a big moment for him. But I’m confident he can do it.”

Experienced Croatian stands in the way

Hrgovic presents a formidable challenge for the ascending young prospect.

The 34-year-old possesses immense amateur pedigree, having captured an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

He has accumulated 20 professional victories and most recently secured a ruthless third-round stoppage over Dave Allen in May.

“We know Hrgovic is going to come and give 100%, and 100% of him is hard work for anyone,” Warren added.

Future unification bouts loom

A triumph in August could propel the 21-year-old towards a blockbuster all-British unification clash next year.

WBO champion Daniel Dubois is currently scheduled to contest a rematch with Fabio Wardley in October following their initial encounter.

Should Itauma successfully navigate his upcoming tests, a mega-fight for two world titles could eventually take place at Wembley Stadium in 2027.

Securing the IBF strap this summer would immediately cement Itauma’s legacy as the second-youngest British boxer to win a professional world title in the modern era.

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed his desire to coach the national team in the future while expressing concern over Joe Root’s appointment as his successor.

The 35-year-old announced his shock retirement from international cricket in June during a home series defeat to New Zealand.

Speaking on a podcast, the former all-rounder confirmed he is currently undertaking his level three coaching badges to prepare for life after playing.

“I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach,” he stated.

“And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely.”

Surprise over Test captaincy succession

Following his sudden departure, the national side appointed seasoned batter Root as the permanent Test skipper.

The move bypasses Harry Brook, who had been promoted to vice-captain for the previous winter’s Ashes tour in Australia.

Stokes admitted he was surprised by the decision to overlook the young Yorkshireman for the permanent leadership role.

“I understood the reasoning but I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him?” added the former skipper.

“He’s vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain. What?”

Definitive retirement and recent struggles

England have endured a difficult period in the longest format, remaining without a Test series victory since late 2024.

Their recent 2-1 defeat by the touring Kiwis followed a heavy 4-1 Ashes loss on Australian soil.

Despite these struggles, the iconic match-winner emphatically rejected suggestions from former team-mate Jos Buttler that he could reverse his decision ahead of the 2027 Ashes.

Root, who previously led the team to a record 27 Test wins between 2017 and 2022, will now work alongside newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming.

The veteran batter steps back into a highly demanding position that previously prompted him to relinquish the role following a heavy defeat in April 2022.

Brazilian UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento has died at the age of 34 following a suspected heart attack in his sleep at his home.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed the tragic news regarding the veteran mixed martial artist in an official statement on Monday.

This morning, Monday, August 3, our beloved fighter and exemplary flyweight Allan Nascimento was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep.

Emergency medical personnel attempted to revive the athlete but were ultimately unsuccessful.

Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The sporting organisation has extended its deepest sympathies to the grieving family, friends, and team-mates of the popular combatant.

Respected career inside the octagon

Throughout a commendable professional journey, the talented grappler secured an impressive 22 victories across 29 competitive bouts.

His final appearance in the cage took place in Las Vegas this past June.

During that encounter, the South American fighter suffered a narrow split-decision defeat against American prospect Mitch Raposo.

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has questioned whether Anthony Joshua should continue fighting after surviving two knockdowns against Kristian Prenga last month.

The British superstar returned to action recently in his first bout since walking away from a devastating car crash that killed two of his best friends last Christmas.

Despite being dropped twice in a disastrous opening round, the resilient heavyweight recovered to stop his Albanian opponent in the second.

That dramatic comeback victory successfully set up a long-awaited domestic showdown against bitter rival Tyson Fury.

Lewis questions ring readiness

However, boxing legend Lewis harbours serious concerns about the current capabilities of the two-time world champion.

“Does he really belong in the ring right now?”

The 59-year-old told The Ring magazine that such a shaky performance against a heavy underdog raises significant red flags.

“A virtual novice put him on the ground twice in the first round.”
“Is that it, have we seen the last of him? It’s not like he’s his old self.”

Fury holds the upper hand

On the night before Joshua’s chaotic win, his upcoming opponent stopped Mariusz Wach in a far more routine warm-up fight.

Contracts for an all-British super-fight were signed earlier this year, although fans are still waiting for a confirmed date and venue.

Lewis believes the self-styled Gypsy King is now firmly in pole position to win a blockbuster contest that has been a decade in the making.

“I think Fury boxes to the level of his opposition.”
“He’s trying to keep sharp for Joshua, the right thing to do, and needed to have a tick-over fight.”

Financial motives drive belated clash

While the bout promises massive commercial success, the former undisputed heavyweight king feels the sporting prime of both men has passed.

He suggested that financial gains are now the primary catalyst for finalizing the legacy-defining matchup.

“Fury is closer but both are shadows of their former selves.”

Despite acknowledging their respective declines, Lewis fundamentally backs the undefeated lineal champion to emerge victorious.

“He boxed a YouTuber, now boxed a guy who knocked him down twice and next faces Fury? That’s a big step up.”