Conor McGregor will end his five-year absence from mixed martial arts to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on 11 July in Las Vegas.
The highly anticipated welterweight bout takes place at the T-Mobile Arena just three days before the Dubliner celebrates his 38th birthday.
It marks the first time the former dual-weight champion has competed since suffering a devastating leg break against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
A scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler was scrapped last year after the controversial star sustained a broken toe on short notice.
A rematch more than a decade in the making
The July showdown will serve as a compelling sequel 13 years after the pair first collided inside the Octagon.
The Irish phenomenon secured a unanimous decision victory over the Hawaiian during the early stages of their respective promotional tenures in 2013.
Since that initial encounter, his 34-year-old opponent went on to claim the featherweight championship and establish himself as a divisional great.
The respected veteran recently held the symbolic Baddest Motherf***** title before suffering a comprehensive defeat to Charles Oliveira in March.
Supporting cast and surrounding controversy
The Las Vegas card also features strong British interest in the lightweight co-main event.
Liverpool standout Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to test his skills against surging French contender Benoit Saint-Denis.
For the main event attraction, the return to competition comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny outside the cage.
A civil-court jury found the former featherweight and lightweight titleholder liable for sexual assault in 2024, an allegation he vehemently continues to deny.
Historic summer for the promotion
This blockbuster announcement follows plans for an unprecedented promotional spectacle earlier in the summer schedule.
The premier mixed martial arts organisation is set to host a fight card at the White House on 14 June to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell will undergo surgery on his left elbow on Tuesday but is expected to return to action later this season.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner requires the procedure to remove loose bodies from the joint.
His latest setback was discovered on Thursday, forcing the left-hander to be scratched from a scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels.
This comes after a difficult season debut last weekend, where he conceded four earned runs in three innings having previously battled left shoulder fatigue.
Quicker recovery anticipated
Despite the surgical intervention, the reigning World Series champions remain optimistic about his prognosis.
“It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a lot quicker recovery, so we’re encouraged about that.”
Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the 33-year-old might undergo a minimally invasive procedure similar to the one recently performed on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Skubal was able to resume light throwing activities just over a week after his operation earlier in the year.
“I think just with the MRI, the scans and everything, we feel good about getting back to play sooner than later.”
Mounting pitching concerns
The veteran pitcher missed the majority of the 2025 regular season due to previous shoulder issues, limiting him to just 11 starts.
However, he returned to form during the playoffs, securing a 3-2 postseason record as he helped guide the franchise to a second consecutive championship.
This latest medical setback adds to a growing list of pitching absences for the Dodgers.
Closer Edwin Diaz underwent a similar elbow operation in April, while starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is currently sidelined with back spasms.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon was sensationally pulled midway through the first period of Game 6 against the Montreal Canadiens after conceding three goals on just three shots.
The starting netminder was replaced by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen barely 10 minutes into the opening frame of the elimination match on Saturday night.
Head coach Lindy Ruff had kept his selection a tightly guarded secret following the team’s morning skate.
The swift change was ultimately prompted after Jake Evans extended the visitors’ advantage to 3-1 with his second goal of the postseason.
Frantic first period
The Eastern Conference semifinal tie had actually started perfectly for the hosts when Rasmus Dahlin fired them ahead merely 32 seconds after the puck drop.
However, the Canadian outfit responded ruthlessly with quickfire strikes from Ivan Demidov and Arber Xhekaj.
Following the goaltending substitution, Jason Zucker immediately reduced the deficit to 3-2 with a crucial power-play conversion.
Goaltending woes continue
This quick hook followed a similarly difficult outing for the primary shot-stopper in Game 5.
During that 6-3 defeat, he allowed five goals before eventually making way for his Finnish deputy.
Prior to this high-pressure fixture, the ousted starter boasted a solid 2.25 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage during the playoffs.
In contrast, Luukkonen entered the contest with less convincing post-season statistics, holding a 4.20 average across four previous appearances.
Four-time Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers has agreed a new one-year contract worth up to $25m (£19.7m) to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The veteran quarterback is expected to earn a base salary of around $22m, supplemented by performance-based incentives.
He has already arrived in Pennsylvania and will report to the team’s voluntary organised team activities (OTAs) on Monday.
Reunion with familiar face McCarthy
The decision secures a reunion with newly appointed Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who replaced Mike Tomlin earlier this year.
The pair previously spent 13 highly successful seasons together at the Green Bay Packers, establishing a formidable partnership in the NFC North.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t [want him back],” McCarthy noted at his introductory press conference.
“I was able to sit back and watch the games, watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
U-turn on retirement plans
This impending agreement follows weeks of procedural manoeuvring, with the franchise placing an unrestricted free agent tender on the 42-year-old to protect their compensatory draft picks.
Pittsburgh also moved to reinforce their depth under centre by selecting Penn State prospect Drew Allar in the third round of the recent NFL Draft.
The future Hall of Famer had previously indicated that his initial 2025 campaign with the Steelers would likely be his final year in professional football.
“I played 20 fricking years, it’s been a long run and no better place to finish than in one of the cornerstone franchises of the NFL,” Rodgers stated last summer.
However, despite turning 43 in December, the prolific signal-caller revealed late last season that his body felt remarkably youthful, eventually prompting this latest contract extension.
Napoleon Solo held off a late challenge from Iron Honor to win the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, securing his first victory of the year in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
The 7-1 shot took the lead near the top of the stretch and finished one and a quarter lengths ahead of the runner-up.
Chip Honcho secured third place in a wide-open field of 14 contenders.
Derby winner absence creates historic odds
With Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo held out of the race, the betting market was left unusually fractured.
Unbeaten colt Taj Mahal started as the 9-2 favourite, representing the longest odds for a top choice since the race moved to its current distance in 1925.
Trainer Brittany Russell’s highly fancied entrant broke quickly to lead the first quarter-mile in 22.66 seconds before fading in the crucial closing stages.
Morning line favourite Iron Honor also saw his odds drift to an 8-1 shot by the time the horses entered the starting gate.
A subdued atmosphere away from Pimlico
This year’s prestigious event was temporarily relocated to Maryland’s Laurel Park while its traditional home at Pimlico undergoes extensive rebuilding work.
Known historically for its rowdy infield crowds and live music, the latest edition featured a significantly more subdued atmosphere.
Organisers capped attendance at just 4,800 spectators, providing a stark contrast to the usual throngs of racing enthusiasts.
England will put their 37-match winning streak on the line against a rejuvenated France in Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations title decider in Bordeaux.
The defending champions have swept aside their first four opponents with an imposing average winning margin of 41 points.
However, head coach John Mitchell is managing a severely depleted squad ahead of this critical fixture at the Stade Atlantique.
Injury crisis tests squad depth
The Red Roses are currently missing several pivotal figures due to an untimely combination of injuries and pregnancies.
Experienced stars including Emily Scarratt, Abby Dow, and Natasha Hunt are all unavailable for the grand finale.
This unprecedented absentee list has forced significant reshuffles across the pitch, particularly within the forward pack.
Delaney Burns has returned from the international wilderness to start in the second row, earning her first caps since 2023.
Leaky defence meets French power
While the English attack remains devastatingly effective, their defensive line has shown uncharacteristic frailties during this tournament campaign.
Both Italy and Wales managed to secure try-scoring bonus points against the usually impenetrable world number one side.
Mitchell insists that conceding points is simply a byproduct of an aggressive and evolving playing style.
“We’ll just keep scoring more. It’s our new identity, it’s the way that we’re evolving our game.”
The head coach added that fixing these defensive issues remains a relatively straightforward task.
France pose severe physical threat
The French hosts are perfectly equipped to exploit any lingering vulnerabilities in the visiting defensive line.
Teani Feleu has transitioned from number eight to the midfield, bringing immense physicality to the direct running channels.
She will be orchestrated by sharp fly-half Carla Arbez, who has consistently impressed with her incisive tactical kicking.
If the visitors are to secure an eighth successive championship, they must first survive a ferocious physical assault.
Wales welcome Italy to Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday in desperate search of their first victory of the Women’s Six Nations campaign to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon.
Despite demonstrating remarkable resilience against the tournament’s heavyweights, Sean Lynn’s team have yet to register a win this season.
The hosts currently sit at the bottom of the table and face serious pressure to salvage pride in front of a passionate home crowd.
Conversely, their opponents arrive in the Welsh capital buoyed by a championship victory already safely secured.
The Azzurri recently became the first team in nearly a decade to cross the whitewash five times against England, injecting immense confidence into their ranks.
Record finish in sight for the visitors
A triumph in Cardiff could see the touring side claim third place overall, marking their most successful championship finish in seven years.
However, that historic placement also relies on Ireland failing to defeat Scotland in Dublin earlier on Super Sunday.
Later in the afternoon, England and France will bring the curtain down on the tournament when they contest a winner-takes-all clash for the Grand Slam in Bordeaux.
Singleton returns as Fedrighi bows out
The home side have made just one alteration to their starting XV, with winger Seren Singleton preferred to Hannah Dallavalle.
The returning back made her debut against Scotland in the opening round and featured against both France and England before missing the clash with Ireland.
Meanwhile, the Italian management have opted for four starting changes to their lineup for this crucial encounter.
Francesca Granzotto gets the nod out wide, while Gaia Maris reclaims her familiar spot in the front row.
The fixture will be a highly emotional occasion for Valeria Fedrighi, who is retiring from international rugby following an illustrious career.
The veteran lock steps away from the sport having amassed 72 caps across 10 Six Nations campaigns and three World Cups.
Coaches demand physicality and focus
The Welsh head coach emphasised the need for a complete performance to end a difficult campaign on a positive note.
“We have made real strides with our performance in each game and we know we have to do that again in the final game.”
Lynn acknowledged that while progress is evident, his squad must maintain unbroken concentration for the entire contest.
“We know we have moved the dial with our performances, but we have to be an 80-minute team at Test match level.”
In the opposition camp, Alessandra Frangipani expects a gruelling forward battle against a robust home pack.
“It won’t be an easy challenge because we know Wales are a very intense team, especially in the set-pieces like the scrum, lineout, and drive, where they know how to put opponents under significant pressure.”
The Italian lock remains highly confident that the visitors can handle the anticipated physical onslaught.
“We certainly expect a very physical game, especially up front, but we have all the cards in hand to try and put them in difficulty.”
Juventus have intensified their efforts to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Italian giants are determined to secure the 31-year-old Portugal international, attempting to beat rival suitors Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to his signature.
Reports in Italy suggest the experienced playmaker is set to depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the current campaign.
Securing the multiple-time Premier League winner would represent a major coup for the Turin club as they look to rebuild their midfield structure.
Barcelona track Chelsea forward
Elsewhere, La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are maintaining a strong interest in Chelsea attacker Joao Pedro.
Sporting director Deco reportedly attended the FA Cup final to personally scout the 24-year-old Brazil international.
However, the West London club remain deeply reluctant to sanction a sale for their versatile forward.
Coventry explore ambitious Wijnaldum deal
Premier League newcomers Coventry City are exploring a surprise move for former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
The 35-year-old Dutch veteran will be available as a free agent when his current contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq expires this summer.
In other domestic news, Everton are actively monitoring Burnley winger Loum Tchaouna to bolster their attacking options.
The 22-year-old attacker has previously represented the France Under-21 team and fits the wide profile desired by the Merseyside club.
European clubs weigh up summer options
Leeds United are open to allowing Wilfried Gnonto to depart, with German side SC Freiburg expressing strong interest in the Italy forward.
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni remains heavily linked with a switch to Spain, although the 27-year-old is prepared to stay at the San Siro if a deal collapses.
Juventus are also reportedly willing to give Aston Villa loanee Douglas Luiz another chance to impress in Turin unless a permanent buyer can be found for the Brazilian.
Finally, Bayern Munich are considering Atalanta forward Charles De Ketelaere as a fallback option should their primary pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon prove unsuccessful.