Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has admitted his desired title fight against Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen after being told UFC matchmakers want to take the division’s ruler in a different direction.
The Nigerian-American has been campaigning for a shot at the pound-for-pound king since Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-weight champion at UFC 322.
While the Dagestani titleholder has previously labelled Usman as the "hardest fight" available to him, the promotion appears hesitant to book the contest.
Both fighters are managed by Ali Abdelaziz, theoretically removing many of the logistical obstacles usually associated with high-profile championship bouts.
‘Hunter Campbell feels differently’
Despite the mutual interest between the athletes, Usman revealed that UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell has reservations about the matchup.
Speaking on the uncertainty surrounding the potential clash, Usman said: "Right now, honestly, I really don’t know."
"The Islam fight was obviously what I wanted and what I felt would have been great, not just for me, not just for Islam, but would have been great for the company."
The 36-year-old insists he remains honest about his abilities to compete at the elite level but acknowledged the hierarchy’s resistance.
"For some reason… we’ve had conversations, but Hunter Campbell feels differently and Hunter Campbell’s like, ‘ah, maybe not’," Usman explained.
"He wants to go a different way. We don’t know yet. They haven’t come out and said, ‘okay, Islam is going to get this guy’."
Rebuilding momentum
Usman is currently working to re-establish his dominance in the 170lb division following a turbulent period in his career.
The former champion secured a crucial decision victory over Joaquin Buckley last June to steady the ship.
That result snapped a three-fight losing streak which began when he surrendered his title to Britain’s Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
Despite recent setbacks, the "Nigerian Nightmare" remains one of the welterweight division’s most decorated competitors.
Between 2019 and 2022, he successfully defended the belt five times, recording victories over major contenders including Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns.
Two-time DP World Tour winner Andrea Pavan is recovering from surgery after suffering serious injuries when he reportedly fell down an elevator shaft in South Africa.
The 36-year-old Italian was forced to withdraw from the South African Open following the incident at his private accommodation.
Reports indicate Pavan plummeted several floors when the elevator doors opened despite the lift car not being present.
Although the injuries are described as serious and required hours of surgery, they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Status and recovery details
A spokesperson for the DP World Tour confirmed the golfer withdrew due to injury but cited medical confidentiality regarding further specifics.
Richie Ramsay replaced the Roman-born player in the field at Stellenbosch Golf Club as competition began for the $1.5m (£1.2m) prize fund.
Eurosport commentator Jaeck Pearson has since reported that Pavan remains in a stable condition following the procedure.
‘Freak accident’
Ryan French, who runs the Monday Q Info social media account, shared details of the incident on X.
“According to multiple people Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on the floor he was on but the car itself wasn’t there,” French wrote.
“He fell multiple floors and was badly injured. Although from the people I spoke with, the injuries don’t seem to be life-threatening, he was in surgery for hours.”
Tour context and recent form
Pavan turned professional in 2010 and claimed his maiden Tour success at the D+D Czech Masters eight years later.
He added a second title to his resume the following year by winning the BMW International Open.
The former Challenge Tour number one had recently shown promising form, finishing tied for ninth at the Bahrain Championship earlier this month.
However, he missed the cut at last week’s Qatar Masters prior to travelling to South Africa for this event.
Fast bowling consultant Tim Southee insists England head coach Brendon McCullum remains unfazed by scrutiny as the team approaches the business end of the T20 World Cup.
McCullum entered the tournament under significant pressure following a heavy 4-1 Ashes defeat.
However, England have silenced some critics by securing a semi-final spot with a match to spare.
Southee, a long-time friend and former team-mate of McCullum, believes the coach is showing no signs of strain.
Consistency key for ‘Baz’
The pair played together 170 times for New Zealand before reuniting in England’s backroom staff last May.
Southee maintains that the 42-year-old’s demeanour has not shifted despite recent outside noise.
“Baz is just Baz. I have known him, played a lot with him and get on with him very well.”
Tim Southee, England fast bowling consultant
Southee praised the former batter’s steadfast approach to leadership.
“But one thing with Brendon is he is the most consistent guy I have ever come across. Nothing really changes from him. He believes in what he believes in.”
According to the bowling coach, McCullum’s desire for team success remains his sole focus.
“He’s been very consistent with his behaviours and it’s been no different here. He just wants guys to do well, he wants the team to do well and that hasn’t changed since he was a player and now as a coach.”
Southee’s ‘disappointing’ Ashes absence
Southee faced his own questions earlier this year regarding a scheduling conflict during the Test series.
The 37-year-old departed after the first Test to fulfil a playing commitment in the United Arab Emirates ILT20 league.
The tournament dates were brought forward to early December, necessitating his exit.
“It was disappointing, I’d have loved to have been part of all five [Tests].”
Despite the clash, Southee relished the chance to work with the Test side.
“Being a Kiwi kid, having the opportunity to work with the England side during an Ashes series was awesome. It’s just a shame that the dates were changed for fulfilling a two-year contract with the ILT20.”
Archer finding top gear
England can seal top spot in their Super 8 group by beating New Zealand at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Friday.
Facing his former nation will be a “strange” experience for Southee, who represented the Kiwis 394 times.
However, his focus remains on the developing threat of Jofra Archer.
The fast bowler has recovered from a slow start to take eight wickets in his last four games.
Archer has been consistently clocking speeds exceeding 90mph, troubling batters with his raw pace.
“The good sign is that we’ve seen over the last few games he looks like he’s getting better and better so that bodes well for the next few games.”
Southee believes the paceman is peaking at exactly the right moment for England’s campaign.
“He’s obviously a class bowler.”
Veteran promoter Frank Warren has confirmed he is considering legal action against Saudi Arabian-owned Sela and American media giant TKO in a dispute potentially worth $1bn (£739m).
The Queensberry Promotions chief alleges that the two entities breached existing contracts by forming a rival outfit, Zuffa Boxing.
Sela is a Saudi state-owned entertainment company, while TKO Group Holdings owns both the UFC and WWE.
Warren claims the formation of the new promotional vehicle, fronted by UFC president Dana White, was conducted without his knowledge.
Contractual ‘difference of opinion’
It is understood that lawyers representing Queensberry have sent "letters before action" to the parties involved.
Reports suggest the alleged breach could result in lost earnings amounting to ten figures.
Despite the magnitude of the potential claim, the 72-year-old played down the personal animosity of the situation.
"It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course," Warren told BBC Sport.
"I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is and it will take its course."
In a statement, Sela expressed they were "disappointed" by the accusations and said they "reject them in their entirety".
Fury promotion changes hands
Tension appears to have stemmed from the organization of Tyson Fury’s upcoming return to the ring.
The former heavyweight champion has been promoted by Warren since mounting his comeback in 2018.
However, the Gypsy King’s fight in April on Netflix has been primarily organised by Sela and the streaming platform.
TKO executive Mark Shapiro has stated that promotional duties for the event will fall to Zuffa Boxing rather than Queensberry.
Zuffa makes waves
The launch of Zuffa Boxing has immediately disrupted the established order of British boxing.
Dana White’s new venture recently secured the signature of Conor Benn from Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
They have also signed IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who is set to defend his titles in March.
When asked if the legal dispute would impact future collaborations with Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, Warren insisted his focus remains on delivering events.
"We will do what we continue to do and that is put on great shows," said Warren.
"Boxing is not broken for us, it’s well and alive. We’re not babies, we get on with it."
The Rugby Football Union is expected to approve a radical new structure for English rugby on Friday that separates the Premiership from the rest of the pyramid and ends traditional promotion and relegation.
Expansion plans to replace relegation
The governing body’s council is set to rubber-stamp proposals that will see the top flight expand from 10 to 12 teams by 2030.
Further expansion remains possible if aspirational clubs can satisfy strict criteria regarding their operations both on and off the field.
This major shift could pave the way for former powerhouses such as Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish to return to the elite level.
All three historic sides went out of business during the tumultuous 2022-23 season but could re-enter the fold under this franchise-style model.
Barriers to entry
Under the current regulations, a mechanism for movement between the Premiership and the Championship technically exists via a play-off.
However, Ealing Trailfinders, who have consistently been the standout team in the second tier, have repeatedly failed to meet existing minimum standards regarding stadium capacity.
Consequently, there has been no relegation from the top tier since Saracens were demoted in 2020 following significant salary cap breaches.
The north Londoners were also the last team to gain promotion, returning immediately after winning the Championship in 2021.
New criteria for aspirational clubs
Under the proposed plans, ambitious clubs will still be able to apply for a place in the Premiership, but the requirements have evolved.
Applicants must meet a variety of revamped criteria covering financial sustainability and commercial viability alongside on-pitch potential.
Insiders within the English game expect this structure to collectively raise standards and make the sport a more attractive proposition for private investment.
“We are lifting the bar on what we want clubs to do across various areas,” a leading executive stated.
Sources suggest the application process remains open to ambitious Championship sides like Coventry, dormant giants such as Wasps – who plan to relaunch in Kent – or brand-new entities.
While second-tier clubs had previously rejected franchise-type models, leading figures insist the board has been consulted throughout and has endorsed the recommendation.
“It could be transformational for aspirational Championship clubs,” a senior source told the BBC.
Focus on sustainability
Bill Sweeney, the RFU chief executive, has previously emphasised the need to make the league a “thriving” environment for investors.
“Part of that will be a model whereby you qualify for an expansion league in the Premiership, but based on criteria around financial sustainability, fanbase and stadium, not just performance on the field of play,” Sweeney said last year.
The council meeting on Friday represents a pivotal moment for the future structure of the professional game in England.
Team GB’s winter athletes have called for improved year-round broadcasting of their sports after returning home from their most successful Winter Olympics in history.
The squad touched down at Gatwick Airport on Monday carrying a haul of three golds, one silver, and one bronze from the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Following record-breaking viewing figures, the delegation is urging broadcasters to make winter disciplines easier to watch between Olympic cycles.
The athletes fear that without consistent exposure, the momentum generated in Italy will dissipate before the 2030 Games in France.
Capitalising on record viewership
Public support surged during the fortnight of competition, with the BBC recording 83 million streams and 26.3 million television viewers.
The favourable European time zone helped drive numbers significantly higher than Beijing 2022, with 5.5 million people tuning into BBC One for the men’s curling final alone.
TNT Sports reported triple-digit percentage growth in viewing hours, while streaming platforms saw engagement exceed the previous Games within just three days.
However, the competitors believe this enthusiasm is being wasted during the four-year gap between events.
Brad Hall, who piloted the four-man bobsleigh, insists that accessibility is the primary hurdle for potential fans.
“It is about televising it,” said Hall.
“A lot of the time it is only put on a YouTube channel. It used to be on the BBC Red Button.”
“The more easily accessible it is, a lot more people will tune into it if it is available. It is an interesting sport, so if it is on TV people will watch it.”
Modernising the coverage
The athletes argue that new audiences recruited during Milano Cortina should not be forced to wait until 2030 to see the sports again.
Greg Cackett, a key member of the bobsleigh crew, believes a savvy digital approach could replicate the success of mainstream football coverage.
“Kids now all watch YouTube, hardly anyone is watching telly anymore,” said Cackett.
“The YouTube stream could be massive if you invest a bit more into it. You could have a studio with a host and a pundit doing what Ski Sunday or Match of the Day does to get people interested.”
Cackett emphasises that the narrative needs to move beyond novelty comparisons to showcase the elite nature of the competition.
“Tell people the characters, the rivalries. It could be so much more than it is,” he added.
“It seems that people are really on our side and really understand the scale of what winter athletes are achieving.”
Conor Benn will fight Regis Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 April.
The contest marks Benn’s first appearance since leaving Matchroom Boxing to join Zuffa Boxing, the new promotion led by UFC president Dana White.
The welterweight contender returns to the venue of his victory over Chris Eubank Jr to take on the two-time light-welterweight world champion.
A return to familiar ground
Benn expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the north London stadium where he believes he previously made history.
“April 11 can’t come soon enough, returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again, where I made history against Eubank Jr means everything to me,” said Benn.
“My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about.”
The 29-year-old insists he is ready for the challenge presented by the experienced American southpaw.
“Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no one! I’m fully locked in and ready to deliver another statement performance.”
Prograis looking to correct UK record
Prograis holds a professional record of 30 wins and three defeats, with 24 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
However, the New Orleans native has struggled on British soil previously, suffering world title losses to Josh Taylor in 2019 and Jack Catterall in 2024.
“Last time I fought in London, Conor Benn was on my undercard, so this is a full-circle moment for me,” said Prograis.
“But this circle will close with me teaching him a lesson on April 11.”
Prograis dismissed suggestions that weight issues would play a factor in the bout.
“He’s not fighting some weight-drained super middleweight. I am in shape and will bring home this victory.”
The bout serves as the chief support for Tyson Fury’s heavyweight clash with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The UFC will spend around $60m (£44.3m) on a unique event at the White House to mark 250 years of American independence, according to TKO Group Holdings chief Mark Shapiro.
The mixed martial arts promotion is scheduled to host the unprecedented show on 14 June as part of the celebrations for the United States’ semiquincentennial.
Plans for the spectacle were first announced by US President Donald Trump last year and have since been ratified by the organisation’s parent company.
‘Investment for the long term’
Despite the significant expenditure, the event is not designed to generate immediate profit for the sports entertainment giant.
Shapiro, TKO president and chief operating officer, described the venture as an exercise in “earned media” rather than a traditional revenue driver.
The company is currently collaborating with corporate partners with the aim of offsetting approximately $30m (£22.2m) of the total outlay.
“I want to be clear about something: we will not profit from the White House event independently. We will not be making money on America’s 250th anniversary.”
Mark Shapiro, TKO Group Holdings chief
Shapiro admitted the budget remains a “moving target” but insisted the organisation is confident of covering half the spend through sponsorship.
A monumental setting
While the full schedule remains under wraps, UFC president Dana White has outlined the logistical scale of hosting fights at the executive mansion.
Approximately 5,000 spectators are expected to be seated on the White House South Lawn for the historic card.
A further 80,000 fans are set to watch via screens at the Ellipse, a park located just south of the presidential residence in Washington DC.
Star-studded potential
President Trump, a close ally of White, has previously promised the event will feature the “biggest fights they’ve ever had”.
Although no bouts have been officially confirmed, several high-profile names have linked themselves to the card.
Former two-weight champion Conor McGregor and current heavyweight king Jon Jones are among those to have expressed interest in competing.
Other potential participants mentioned include light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev.