Tom Aspinall will defend the undisputed heavyweight championship for the first time against Ciryl...

<p>Tom Aspinall will defend the undisputed heavyweight championship for the first time against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.</p><p>Aspinall was recently promoted from interim heavyweight champion after Jon Jones retired and relinquished his belt. His fight versus Gane will serve as the main event.</p><p>Aspinall has been out of action since defending the interim belt against Curtis Blaydes last summer. He finished Blaydes in the first round, giving the Englishman three consecutive victories within the first 90 seconds of a bout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gane is coming off a controversial win over Alexander Volkov in December 2024. He won by split decision, but many observers - including White - believed Volkov should've been awarded the victory.</p><p>Gane will fight for the undisputed title for the third time in six fights. He lost to Francis Ngannou as the interim champion in January 2022, and lost to Jones when the title was vacant in March 2023.</p><p>The UFC tried for months to book a title unification bout between Aspinall and Jones, but the latter retired instead. White said that Jones agreed to face Aspinall before changing his mind and ending his career.</p>

Tom Aspinall becomes heavyweight champion after beating Curtis Blaydes during the Heavyweight bout at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Sunday July 28, 2024.

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Aspinall's 1st undisputed title defense comes vs. Gane at UFC 321

Max Holloway spoiled Dustin Poirier's retirement fight Saturday, taking a unanimous decision to r...

<p>Max Holloway spoiled Dustin Poirier's retirement fight Saturday, taking a unanimous decision to retain the BMF belt in the main event in New Orleans.</p><p>The judges scored the bout 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. Holloway avenged two previous losses to Poirier by taking the trilogy encounter.</p><p>The lightweights fought in front of a raucous crowd that was firmly behind Poirier, a Louisiana native. Poirier announced months ago that this would be the final fight of his legendary career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Holloway and Poirier rocked each other early in the fight, with Holloway scoring a knockdown in the first round and Poirier returning the favor in the second. Poirier went for his notorious guillotine submission after decking Holloway, but "Blessed" escaped and eventually wobbled his way to the stool for Round 3.</p><p>Holloway outlanded Poirier throughout the final three rounds, landing numerous combinations as opposed to the single strikes that Poirier offered. Holloway pointed to the ground in the final 10 seconds of the fifth round to propose an impromptu slugfest, just as he did at UFC 300 when he knocked out Justin Gaethje. Poirier obliged, and both landed shots as the final horn sounded.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FOREVER LINKED 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/BlessedMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlessedMMA</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/DustinPoirier?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DustinPoirier</a> go the distance at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC318?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC318</a>! <a href="https://t.co/j2o03hFE3G">pic.twitter.com/j2o03hFE3G</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1946801215506874685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Poirier wrapped up his career with a 30-10 (1 NC) record. The 36-year-old recorded signature wins over the likes of Holloway, Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, and Anthony Pettis. He captured the interim lightweight championship in the second Holloway meeting. He fought for the undisputed 155-pound championship three times and the BMF title twice.</p><p>Holloway, meanwhile, bounced back from the first knockout loss of his career. Ilia Topuria, now the lightweight king, stopped him last October in a featherweight title fight. Holloway is 27-8 and has featherweight and BMF title defenses under his belt.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier talk after the BMF championship bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Holloway retires Poirier, keeps BMF belt at UFC 318

Paulo Costa defeated Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision to lock down just his second win in the ...

<p>Paulo Costa defeated Roman Kopylov by unanimous decision to lock down just his second win in the last five years Saturday at UFC 318 in New Orleans.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.</p><p>"The Eraser" rebounded from losses to Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker. His only other win in this decade came against Luke Rockhold in 2022, a fight that marked Rockhold's final bout in the UFC. Costa picked up his first ranked victory since beating Yoel Romero in August 2019.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Costa controlled nearly all 15 minutes against Kopylov. He kicked Kopylov's legs and body early and often, keeping his explosive opponent at bay. He hit Kopylov with a straight right hand in the first round to send the Russian's mouthpiece flying, marking the highlight of the affair.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">STRAIGHT RIGHT SETS UP THE KNOCKDOWN 😤<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC318?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC318</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BorrachinhaMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorrachinhaMMA</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/4vDdech2rr">pic.twitter.com/4vDdech2rr</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1946784219499278499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Costa called out Khamzat Chimaev in his postfight interview, renewing a feud that was supposed to result in a fight in 2023. Costa had to withdraw from that matchup because of an infection in his elbow that required surgery.</p><p>Chimaev is scheduled to face Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight championship in August at UFC 319.</p><p>Costa entered the UFC 318 co-main event ranked 13th, one spot ahead of Kopylov.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Paulo Costa of Brazil punches Roman Kopylov of Russia in a middleweight bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Costa dissects Kopylov, calls to fight Chimaev

Former two-division Bellator champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire notched his first win in the Octa...

<p>Former two-division Bellator champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire notched his first win in the Octagon with a unanimous decision against Dan Ige on Saturday at UFC 318 in New Orleans.</p><p>All three judges gave Freire the first two rounds while awarding the final one to Ige in the featherweight contest.</p><p>Freire was making his second appearance in the UFC. He lost to Yair Rodriguez in his debut in April, spoiling a highly anticipated move to the promotion after a decorated run in Bellator.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Freire used takedowns to claim the opening stanza, which featured only 13 significant strikes between the two fighters. The Brazilian hurt Ige in the second round and tried to force a stoppage, but Ige warded him off and pushed the battle into the third round. Overall, Freire struggled to pull the trigger for long stretches despite managing to come out on top.</p><p>Ige entered the matchup ranked 11th in the featherweight division, putting Freire in line to join the top 15 in the updated rankings.</p><p>The 38-year-old Freire previously held the featherweight and lightweight titles while fighting in Bellator.</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire of Brazil punches Dan Ige in a featherweight bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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'Pitbull' defeats Ige to pick up 1st win in UFC

Forward Ryan Reaves revealed Friday that a fractured relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs le...

<p>Forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1101">Ryan Reaves</a> revealed Friday that a fractured relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs led him to seek a fresh start elsewhere, ultimately resulting in a trade to the San Jose Sharks.</p><p>"I think there was just a lack of trust very early in the season," Reaves <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQddqtMWQOM">said</a>. "It just looked like (if) I had one bad game, I was out of the lineup for four, five, six, seven, eight, nine games. I'd come back in, have a good game, but taken right back out. I just really could never gain any momentum with my game, couldn't really gain any traction."</p><p>The Leafs dealt the veteran enforcer in exchange for defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13803">Henry Thrun</a> on Thursday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Reaves signed a three-year contract worth $1.35 million per season with Toronto in 2023. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving brought in the 6-foot-2, 225-pound winger to provide a physical presence but waived and demoted the 38-year-old to the AHL in March to clear cap space.</p><p>"I told (Treliving) at the end of the year, I just thought that this wasn't, obviously, a good fit," Reaves said. "I'm assuming he probably thought the same after putting me on waivers and sending me to the minors, and just thought it was kind of time to part ways."</p><p>Reaves scored all four of his goals with the Leafs during his debut campaign. A knee injury took him out for a stretch in 2023 before the team began making him a frequent healthy scratch. Reaves said he eventually felt targeted by the Leafs' fan base.</p><p>"I started the season two years ago very well, and then things just started going really wrong for me, and all of a sudden this whole city wanted me out of there," Reaves said.</p><p>Despite the unheralded departure, Reaves called the Leafs a "first-class organization" and lauded the way the club treats its players.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 24: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on November 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Reaves: 'Lack of trust' led to Leafs departure

The UFC booked two marquee bouts for its upcoming Shanghai card, announcing Wednesday a Johnny Wa...

<p>The UFC booked two marquee bouts for its upcoming Shanghai card, announcing Wednesday a Johnny Walker-Zhang Mingyang battle and a Brian Ortega-Aljamain Sterling tilt.</p><p>Walker and Zhang will headline the card, with the latter competing in his home country. Zhang has been climbing the light heavyweight ranks and retired Anthony Smith with a first-round knockout in April in his most recent appearance.</p><p>Walker is on a two-fight skid, though he won three straight before that. He's ranked 12th in the weight class, with Zhang close behind at 14th.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ortega and Sterling will meet in the co-main event. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, is fighting at featherweight for the third time since moving up from bantamweight. He's coming off a decision loss to Movsar Evloev, which followed a decision win over Calvin Kattar.</p><p>Ortega remains in the 145-pound division despite previously laying out a plan to jump to lightweight. He's also coming off a loss, as he dropped a decision to Diego Lopes his last time out. He's 2-4 in his previous six fights, but two of those losses were title fights, and one was stopped early because of an injury.</p><p>Oretga is ranked sixth in the weight class, and Sterling sits ninth.</p><p>UFC Shanghai is scheduled for Aug. 23. A heavyweight matchup between No. 3 Sergei Pavlovich and No. 6 Waldo Cortes-Acosta is among the other scheduled bouts.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 12: Aljamain Sterling poses on the scale during the UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Walker-Zhang, Ortega-Sterling co-headline UFC Shanghai

The Boston Celtics are listening as teams throw out trade offers for standout guards Jaylen Brown...

<p>The Boston Celtics are listening as teams throw out trade offers for standout guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/32925" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/32925">Derrick White</a>, reports <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1937715383785464189">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Both players are attached to significant contracts at a time when Boston is shedding salary to lower its luxury tax bill. The Celtics have already saved an estimated $180 million in tax penalties by trading <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/383" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/383">Jrue Holiday</a> to the Portland Trail Blazers and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44888" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44888">Kristaps Porzingis</a> to the Atlanta Hawks, getting beneath the second spending apron, per <a href="https://x.com/BobbyMarks42/status/1937644911958085666">ESPN's Bobby Marks</a>.</p><p>Brown has been a core piece for the Celtics, who drafted him third overall in 2016. The 28-year-old has made four All-Star teams and won the 2024 Finals MVP award after helping Boston win its first championship since 2008. Brown signed a five-year contract worth over $285 million after winning the title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>White has spent three-and-a-half seasons with the Celtics, who acquired him in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. The 31-year-old has been one of their top role players, averaging a career-best 16.4 points per game this season. He's entering the first campaign of a four-year, $118-million extension.</p><p>Despite the recent selloff, Boston greatly values Brown and White and could wind up resisting trade overtures, according to Charania.</p><p>The Celtics face an uncertain road going into next season. They had the second-best record in the Eastern Conference this year but could miss top scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52651" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52651">Jayson Tatum</a> for most - if not all - of the 2025-26 campaign as he recovers from a torn Achilles. Holiday and Porzingis were also integral components of their championship squad.</p>

Boston, MA - May 5: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0), center Al Horford, guard Jaylen Brown and guard Derrick White talk in the fourth quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinal at TD Garden.

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Report: Celtics listening to interest for Brown, White

Dana White doesn't believe Tom Aspinall's presence in the heavyweight division had anything to do...

<p>Dana White doesn't believe Tom Aspinall's presence in the heavyweight division had anything to do with Jon Jones retiring with the championship.</p><p>"I said it a million times, I'll say it again: He's never ducked anybody," the UFC CEO told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa7Tasi_hTQ">Oscar Willis of The Mac Life</a> on Sunday.</p><p>White announced Saturday at the UFC Baku postfight press conference that Jones had officially ended his career, leaving a unification bout with Aspinall, the interim champion, on the table.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jones, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3302817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3302817">confirmed his retirement</a> shortly after White's revelation, had spent months downplaying a potential fight with Aspinall despite rabid fan interest. Aspinall, a 32-year-old Englishman, has finished every opponent he's had in the UFC within two rounds while trying to build his case as an all-time great.</p><p>"I think the reality is, whatever changed his mind with this fight - I don't know, you'd have to ask him that," White said of Jones. "But he's (37) years old, I don't know."</p><p>White had been adamant that Jones and Aspinall would fight up until Jones retired. The longtime promoter said at one point during the lengthy saga that he was "100%" sure the tilt would take place in 2025.</p><p>"We had the fight done," White said. "You saw me talking about it very confidently that this fight was going to happen, and then (Jones) changed his mind."</p><p>Jones elevated himself to UFC royalty by reigning over the light heavyweight division for years before moving up to heavyweight. He captured the vacant belt against Ciryl Gane in 2023 before defending it once against Stipe Miocic in 2024. His debut at heavyweight came shortly after Francis Ngannou, the champion at the time, parted ways with the UFC.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Jon Jones of the United States of America walks to the octagon before facing Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31611438/related

Dana White: Jones not ducking Aspinall by retiring

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500-million extension, sour...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500-million extension, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1909097481302061151">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>The development comes several weeks after Guerrero's self-imposed extension deadline, which he set for the beginning of spring training. The Blue Jays <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3251507" href="https://thescore.com/news/3251507">reportedly</a> made their first baseman an offer in late March, but a gap between the two sides persisted.</p><p>It will take another few days to finalize the contract, as the agreement is pending a physical and the Blue Jays are in the middle of a road trip, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1909359556485841362">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Guerrero was on track to become a free agent at season's end. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3224245" href="https://thescore.com/news/3224245">noted</a> in February that he'd meet with all 30 teams if he hit the open market.</p><p>His deal with the Blue Jays features no deferrals, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1909097475597643862">Davidi</a>. It also doesn't include any opt outs, per <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1909209407675654160">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. The $500-million contract is the second-richest in MLB in terms of present value, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>'s $765-million pact with the New York Mets, which was signed over the winter.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>'s $700-million agreement is currently valued at approximately $437.8 million because of deferrals, per <a href="https://x.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1909101278526906840">Nicholson-Smith</a>.</p><p>The Blue Jays signed Guerrero as an international free agent in 2015, and he ascended into baseball's top prospect before debuting with Toronto in 2019 as a 20-year-old. He's accrued 17.0 fWAR over his seven-year career while slashing .287/.362/.498 and belting 160 home runs.</p><p>His best year came in 2021 when he finished runner-up as the American League's most valuable player. He set career highs across the board that season, including 48 homers and 111 runs batted in.</p><p>The Blue Jays have made the playoffs three times with Guerrero in the fold but lost the wild-card round each time.</p>

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of Toronto Blue Jays jogs off the field in the middle of the first inning against the Washington Nationals in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on March 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Report: Blue Jays, Guerrero agree to 14-year, $500M extension

Bryce Mitchell will fight at UFC 314 for the first time since publicly spewing pro-Hitler rhetori...

<p>Bryce Mitchell will fight at UFC 314 for the first time since publicly spewing pro-Hitler rhetoric, drawing surging featherweight Jean Silva at the Miami event on April 12, the promotion announced Wednesday.</p><p>Silva called for the Mitchell bout Saturday during his postfight interview after viciously knocking out Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Seattle. Silva is 4-0 in the UFC, picking up all four wins via knockout.</p><p>Mitchell made headlines at the end of January for praising Adolf Hitler as a "good guy" and denying the Holocaust. UFC CEO Dana White put Mitchell on blast in response to the comments but said he wouldn't cut ties with the fighter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"For all of you that hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television," White said at the time. "What do you want me to say about it? You know where I am with free speech. We're disgusted by it. I think he's literally one of the dumbest human beings."</p><p>Mitchell last competed in December, picking up a win over Kron Gracie. He's ranked 13th in the featherweight division with a 17-2 career record. His losses came against Josh Emmett, who knocked him out cold, and Ilia Topuria, who submitted him with an arm-triangle choke.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Bryce Mitchell of the United States looks on prior to a featherweight fight during UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Mitchell booked for UFC 314 in 1st fight since Hitler remarks

The Toronto Raptors and newly acquired wing Brandon Ingram agreed to a three-year, $120-million c...

<p>The Toronto Raptors and newly acquired wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44931" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44931">Brandon Ingram</a> agreed to a three-year, $120-million contract extension that includes a player option in 2027-28, his agents told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1889401042317480190">ESPN's Shams Charania and Bobby Marks</a>.</p><p>Ingram was a pending free agent. The Raptors landed him from the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline, sending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/52805" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/52805">Bruce Brown</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2041" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2041">Kelly Olynyk</a>, a 2026 first-round pick, and a second-rounder in 2031 the other way.</p><p>Ingram has yet to make his Raptors debut as he rehabs an ankle injury he suffered in December. The 27-year-old averaged 22.2 points for the Pelicans this season on 46.5% shooting from the field and 37.4% shooting from deep.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>An All-Star in 2020, Ingram owns career averages of 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.</p><p>Ingram and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96044" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96044">Scottie Barnes</a> are now positioned to start together on Toronto's wings long term. Barnes, still only 23, has emerged as a cornerstone for the Raptors since the franchise drafted him fourth overall in 2021 and is signed through 2029-30.</p><p>The Raptors also have guards <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93852" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93852">Immanuel Quickley</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69533" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69533">RJ Barrett</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110231" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110231">Gradey Dick</a> under team control for at least two more seasons. All of them are 25 or younger.</p><p>Toronto is the midst of a rebuilding year, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference and six games back of the last play-in spot.</p>

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 21: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at the Paycom Center on April 21, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Raptors give Ingram 3-year, $120M extension

The Los Angeles Lakers struck a deal to acquire center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets f...

<p>The Los Angeles Lakers struck a deal to acquire center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102765" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102765">Mark Williams</a> from the Charlotte Hornets for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121679" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121679">Dalton Knecht</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69535" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69535">Cam Reddish</a>, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 unprotected first-rounder, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887369554042454044">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>The 7-foot Williams immediately restocks the Lakers with size after they gave up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> in the shocking blockbuster trade for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a>. </p><p>Williams, a third-year pro, is averaging 16 points and 9.8 rebounds this season. The Duke product entered the league as the 15th overall pick in the 2022 draft and has steadily increased his production. He's struggled with injuries, though, and has played in just 84 games over two-and-a-half seasons.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Still, Williams profiles as the type of lob threat Doncic thrived with on the Dallas Mavericks when running pick-and-roll actions. Williams also has a relationship with Lakers coach JJ Redick, who was something of a mentor at Duke, according to <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1887373448680267962">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.</p><p>The Lakers are shipping out Knecht, their first-round rookie who's averaging 9.4 points and shooting 35.8% from deep. The former Tennessee star started 12 games for L.A. and played over 20 minutes per contest.</p><p>Reddish struggled to carve out a role on the Lakers and is headed to his fifth team in six seasons.</p><p>The Lakers go into Thursday's trade deadline with a 29-19 record, good for fifth in the Western Conference. The Hornets are destined for the NBA lottery once again, as they rank near the bottom of the league with only 12 wins.</p>

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets plays against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Report: Lakers grab Williams from Hornets for Knecht, more

theScore's Alex Chippin subs in for Nick Baldwin and makes his picks for the UFC 311 main-card bo...

<p><em>theScore's Alex Chippin subs in for Nick Baldwin and makes his picks for the UFC 311 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event in Los Angeles.</em></p><h3>Lightweight championship</h3><p><strong>Islam Makhachev (26-1)<br>vs.<br>Renato Moicano (20-5-1)</strong></p><p>Moicano steps in to challenge the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound male fighter on a single day of notice after Arman Tsarukyan (who, for the record, I was going to pick) withdrew with a last-minute back injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A late shakeup sometimes helps the underdog, who can catch the favorite by surprise and generally has more to win with less to lose, but this will be a massive uphill battle for Moicano. He's entering the cage against a supremely more talented fighter, and he's going in without much of a game plan. In a skill-versus-skill competition, Makhachev should win every time.</p><p>Moicano may hold his own early, but he isn't the type of knockout artist who could land one on the chin and change the course of UFC history. His jiu-jitsu game is strong, but Makhachev is too good to submit. Makhachev should be able to put the Brazilian away once he gets a feel for the range and rhythm of the fight.</p><p>Moicano would be in tough against Makhachev at the best of times, and these - to be clear - are not the best of times.</p><p><strong>The pick:</strong> Makhachev, submission</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/cropped_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765898/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194403061.jpg?ts=1737142830 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight championship</h3><p><strong>Merab Dvalishvili (18-4)<br>vs.<br>Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0)</strong></p><p>This felt like a toss-up when the UFC teased it in September, but the vibes couldn't be worse for Dvalishvili heading into fight night.</p><p>For starters, the newly crowned champion openly campaigned against a Nurmagomedov tilt even though it was clearly going to happen - not a great way to inspire confidence. He's also jumping in four months after winning the title despite proclaiming his desire for a longer layoff. It elicits memories of his training partner, Aljamain Sterling, caving to promotional pressure and losing to Sean O'Malley on a three-month turnaround.</p><p>Even if vibes are overrated, it's difficult to see how Dvalishvili can gain an advantage in the cage. The wrestling prowess and insane cardio he uses to overwhelm opponents won't work on Nurmagomedov, who will happily live in that world. Dvalishvili will have to win kickboxing exchanges, but he's not a heavy hitter and his challenger has looked more polished on the feet, albeit against mostly lesser competition.</p><p><strong>The pick:</strong> Nurmagomedov, decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/cropped_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765935/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194403212.jpg?ts=1737142878 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Light heavyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1)<br>vs.<br>Jamahal Hill (12-2, 1NC)</strong></p><p>Besides the obvious stylistic differences, these two are a near-spitting image of each other. Both are coming off knockout losses to Alex Pereira. Both defeated Glover Teixeira to become champion. Both vacated the belt without defending it due to injury.</p><p>There isn't a ton of recent data to go off of, but the one thing we know about the enigmatic Prochazka is that he fights with his hands down. The one thing we know about the confident - perhaps closer to cocky - Hill is that he's got a lot of power in his hands.</p><p>You can figure out where this is going.</p><p><strong>The pick:</strong> Hill, TKO</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/cropped_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765937/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194403588.jpg?ts=1737142974 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Other main-card predictions:</strong> Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac by decision; Kevin Holland def. Reinier de Ridder by decision</p>

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UFC 311 predictions: Does Moicano stand a chance vs. Makhachev?

Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev made weight Friday for UFC 311, but challenger Arman Tsaruky...

<p>Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev made weight Friday for UFC 311, but challenger Arman Tsarukyan never reached the scale, withdrawing with a last-minute back injury.</p><p>Fellow lightweight Renato Moicano will instead <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3186093" href="https://thescore.com/news/3186093">face</a> Makhachev in the main event Saturday at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Moicano weighed in at 155 pounds before the UFC announced any changes. His original opponent, Beneil Dariush, also came in at 155 pounds but will no longer compete.</p><p>The co-headliners, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and challenger Umar Nurmagomedov, were on point as they stepped on the scale, making their title fight official.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the UFC 311 weigh-in results and the updated card:</p><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Islam Makhachev (154.5) vs. Renato Moicano (155)</li>
<li>Merab Dvalishvili (134) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135)</li>
<li>Jiri Prochazka (204.5) vs. Jamahal Hill (205.5)</li>
<li>Jailton Almeida (235) vs. Serghei Spivac (233)</li>
<li>Kevin Holland (183.5) vs. Reinier de Ridder (184.5)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Payton Talbott (135.5) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135.5)</li>
<li>Bogdan Guskov (205.5) vs. Billy Elekana (200)</li>
<li>Zachary Reese (185.5) vs. Azamat Bekoev (185.5)</li>
<li>Grant Dawson (156) vs. Diego Ferreira (156)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Karol Rosa (135.5) vs. Ailin Perez (135)</li>
<li>Rinya Nakamura (135.5) vs. Muin Gafurov (136)</li>
<li>Ricky Turcios (136) vs. Benardo Sopaj (135)</li>
<li>Tagir Ulanbekov (125.5) vs. Clayton Carpenter (125.5)</li>
</ul>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 16: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia is seen on stage during the UFC 311 press conference at Intuit Dome on January 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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UFC 311 weigh-in results: Tsarukyan absent, gives up title shot

The UFC is looking to book former welterweight champion Leon Edwards against rising contender Jac...

<p>The UFC is looking to book former welterweight champion Leon Edwards against rising contender Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of Fight Night in London on March 22, <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/1/12/24342521/leon-edwards-vs-jack-della-maddalena-targeted-for-ufc-london-main-event-in-march">MMA Fighting's Damon Martin</a> reports.</p><p>Edwards hasn't competed since dropping the 170-pound title to Belal Muhammad in July. He successfully defended the championship twice before giving it up, defeating Kamaru Usman in a trilogy bout and dispatching Colby Covington.</p><p>Della Maddalena has been out of action since March 2024 when he defeated Gilbert Burns with a third-round knockout. The result catapulted the Australian fighter into title contention but a broken arm delayed his return to the Octagon.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Edwards, 33, has become one of the UFC's marquee English fighters since he became champion with an all-time knockout of Usman in 2022. He's ranked No. 1 among contenders in the welterweight division, while his proposed opponent sits at No. 4.</p><p>Edwards had gone 13 consecutive bouts without a defeat prior to the Muhammad loss. Della Maddalena is on a 17-fight winning streak after beginning his professional career with back-to-back losses.</p><p> </p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Leon Edwards of Jamaica prepares to face Belal Muhammad in the UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Report: UFC eyes Edwards vs. Della Maddalena for London event

The Athletics and slugger Brent Rooker agreed to a five-year extension, the club announced Wednes...

<p>The Athletics and slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9582">Brent Rooker</a> agreed to a five-year extension, the club announced Wednesday.</p><p>The agreement is worth $60 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1876506318712066091">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>.</p><p>Rooker's deal reportedly contains a vesting option that can take the contract to $90 million over six years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The move halts trade speculation that followed the 30-year-old into the offseason. Rooker bashed 69 home runs over the past two seasons, making him a premier power threat and an intriguing trade chip for the typically frugal Athletics.</p><p>Rooker has blossomed with the A's after bouncing around the majors early in his career. He earned an All-Star selection in 2023 and a Silver Slugger award in 2024. A's general manager David Forst said in November that he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120050" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120050">wouldn't move</a> Rooker, who carried three years of arbitration eligibility.</p><p>An outfielder by trade, Rooker has settled in as the Athletics' everyday designated hitter.</p><p>The A's have had an unusually busy offseason, signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4775" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4775">Luis Severino</a> to a big-money contract in free agency before making other moves for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5726" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5726">Jeffrey Springs</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3741">Gio Urshela</a>.</p><p>The AL West club is looking to claw its way back into contention on the heels of three straight seasons with fewer than 70 wins. The A's will play the next three seasons in Sacramento while awaiting a stadium in Las Vegas, which will become their new permanent home.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 14: Oakland Athletics Designated Hitter Brent Rooker (25) rounds the bases after hitting a two run home run during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Philadelphia Phillies on July 14, 2024, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

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A's hand Rooker 5-year extension reportedly worth $60M

The Indianapolis Colts will keep head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard on t...

<p>The Indianapolis Colts will keep head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard on the heels of a tumultuous campaign that resulted in another missed postseason.</p><p>"I've been evaluating our entire operation, and I believe in Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen and our collective ability to make the improvements needed to take us to the next level in 2025," owner and CEO Jim Irsay said Sunday in a <a href="https://www.colts.com/news/letter-from-jim-irsay-to-fans-shane-steichen-chris-ballard-2025">letter</a> to Colts fans.</p><p>Indianapolis went 8-9 this season, finishing with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts fell short of the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, while this particular campaign incited scrutiny over the team's collective work ethic.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Indianapolis benched second-year quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188125" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188125">Anthony Richardson</a> for two games midway through the season, leading him to admit his commitment level was insufficient. Defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/116412" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/116412">Kenny Moore</a> and other players criticized the team at times during the season, calling out a lack of effort and expressing their desire for a culture change.</p><p>The Colts hired Steichen in 2023, tasking him with developing Richardson while leading the club back to contention. However, the former fourth overall pick has struggled to produce and stay on the field: Richardson missed the last two games of the season with a back injury and has played just 15 of a possible 34 contests since being drafted. He posted a paltry 47.7% completion rate this season, throwing for only eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions.</p><p>Ballard has held his position since 2017 and was believed to be on the hot seat entering the 2024 campaign. He's cycled through stopgap quarterbacks since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in the 2019 preseason, and has only one playoff appearance since then.</p>

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - JULY 26: Head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts speaks with General Manager Chris Ballard on the first day of the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp at Grand Park Sports Campus on July 26, 2023 in Westfield, Indiana.

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Colts retain Steichen, Ballard despite season of turmoil

The Tennessee Titans will pick first in the 2025 NFL Draft, while every other non-playoff team al...

<p>The Tennessee Titans will pick first in the 2025 NFL Draft, while every other non-playoff team also has a spot set in stone as the regular season wraps up.</p><p>Tennessee (3-14) clinched the No. 1 pick Sunday by losing to the Houston Texans and having the New England Patriots notch a fourth win by defeating the Buffalo Bills.</p><p>The Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants will select second and third, respectively. The Titans, Browns, and Giants all went 3-14, but Tennessee had the easiest schedule of the three.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Draft order is determined by team record, with strength of schedule acting as the tiebreaker.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Titans (3-14)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Browns (3-14)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Giants (3-14)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Patriots (4-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Jaguars (4-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Raiders (4-13)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Jets (5-12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Panthers (5-12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Saints (5-12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Bears (5-12)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>49ers (6-11)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Cowboys (7-10)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Dolphins (8-9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Colts (8-9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Falcons (8-9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>Cardinals (8-9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>Bengals (9-8)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18</td>
<td>Seahawks (10-7)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Titans have made the first overall selection twice in franchise history - first in 1973 when they selected defensive end John Matuszak, and second in 1978 when they drafted Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell.</p><p>The 2025 NFL Draft begins April 24 in Green Bay.</p>

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 25: The Tennessee Titans get their pick in during Day 1 of the NFL Draft on April 25, 2024 at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI.

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2025 NFL Draft order set for non-playoff teams

Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee...

<p>Orlando Magic center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45014" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45014">Moe Wagner</a> will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced Sunday.</p><p>Wagner suffered the injury in the opening quarter Saturday versus the Miami Heat, going down before the Magic pulled off a 22-point comeback in the fourth quarter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Orlando Magic center Moe Wagner was helped off the court after suffering what appears to be a left knee injury. Wagner is in the midst of his best season, averaging career-highs in points (13.3), rebounds (5.1) and 3-point percentage (.360) entering today. <a href="https://t.co/kOA3qRAKKg">pic.twitter.com/kOA3qRAKKg</a></p>— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/1870635596064145782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The German was having a career season before sustaining the knee injury, averaging 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 36% from deep. He ranked second in the NBA in points off the bench (372) and 15th in field-goal percentage (56.2%).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Magic hold an $11-million team option on Wagner for the 2025-26 season.</p><p>Wagner joins a growing list of injured Magic. His brother, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a>, is expected to miss at least two more weeks after suffering a torn oblique, and former All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102767" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102767">Paolo Banchero</a> has appeared in only five contests this season after also sustaining a torn oblique muscle.</p><p>The Magic are 18-12 and sit fourth in the Eastern Conference. They're set to play the Boston Celtics on Monday.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 10: Moritz Wagner #21 of the Orlando Magic walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Emirates Cup Quarterfinal at Fiserv Forum on December 10, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Magic's Moe Wagner out for season with torn ACL

Joaquin Buckley bloodied Colby Covington early and poured on plenty of offense, forcing a doctor'...

<p>Joaquin Buckley bloodied Colby Covington early and poured on plenty of offense, forcing a doctor's stoppage to win via TKO at the 4:42 mark of the third round in Saturday's main event at UFC Tampa.</p><p>Buckley won his fourth fight of the year and is now 6-0 since dropping to welterweight in 2023. He's poised to catapult up the UFC rankings after entering the cage ninth in the division, three spots behind his opponent.</p><p>Covington lost his second straight bout, failing to recover from the decision loss to Leon Edwards in a championship setting one year ago. The 36-year-old is 2-4 over his last six fights, though three were for the welterweight title.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Buckley asserted himself early in Tampa, landing damaging blows on the feet and stuffing a pair of takedown attempts in the first round. He sent Covington to the canvas at the end of the frame and stepped over the veteran after the horn sounded.</p><p>The St. Louis native found success with body shots and head strikes over the 14-plus minutes and opened the cut on Covington more and more as the fight progressed.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to a Doctor's Stoppage Joaquin Buckley wins by TKO.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCTampa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCTampa</a> <a href="https://t.co/rj6iEjNFkK">pic.twitter.com/rj6iEjNFkK</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1868179492981927966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Covington secured a takedown in the second round but couldn't inflict significant damage before Buckley got back to his feet. By the third round, the latter made it clear it would be his night.</p><p>Buckley called out Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and champion Belal Muhammad in his postfight interview.</p><p>He scored knockout victories this year over Covington, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque. "New Mansa" also earned a decision over Nursulton Ruziboev.</p><p>UFC Tampa marked the promotion's final event for 2024. Covington stepped in on short notice after Buckley's original opponent - Ian Machado Garry - agreed to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov a week earlier at UFC 310.</p>

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: (R-L) Joaquin Buckley punches Colby Covington in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Amalie Arena on December 14, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Buckley dismantles Covington, forces 3rd-round stoppage at UFC Tampa

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Alex Chippin

News Editor

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Matthew Washington

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