Retirement might not be in the cards for Max Scherzer after all.  Scherzer, the Toronto Blue Jays...

<p>Retirement might not be in the cards for Max Scherzer after all.</p><p>Scherzer, the Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher in Saturday's Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, hinted afterward he's keeping the door open for a return next season.</p><p>"I think I'll give a full answer on that later, but I will say this: I just don't see how that's the last pitch I've ever thrown," Scherzer told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1984857800221344049">TSN</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scherzer, 41, has played in the majors since 2008, prompting some to wonder if he would retire following his 18th season and the Blue Jays' first World Series appearance in 32 years.</p><p>He performed well in Game 7, recording three strikeouts and allowing one earned run and one walk across 4 1/3 innings. Scherzer left the field <a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1984798849249005919">to a standing ovation</a> from Blue Jays fans at Rogers Centre.</p><p>"I thought Max was really good," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said, according to <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/max-scherzer-reveals-retirement-plans-after-world-series-loss-to-dodgers-10977687">Newsweek's Gabe Smallson</a>. "I thought he was exactly what we thought he would be in a big game."</p><p>The Dodgers went on to stun the Blue Jays with a 5-4 victory in 11 innings, capturing their second straight World Series title.</p><p>Scherzer is regarded as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He's an eight-time MLB All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a two-time World Series champion.</p><p>Scherzer joined the Blue Jays in January, signing a one-year, $15.5-million contract.</p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 01: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays walks back to the dugout after being relieved in the fifth inning during Game Seven of the 2025 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Saturday, November 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Scherzer hints at playing in 2026: Not 'the last pitch I've ever thrown'

Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis is in limbo.  Most Valuable Promotions is looking into the po...

<p>Jake Paul vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis is in limbo.</p><p>Most Valuable Promotions is looking into the possibility of postponing its Nov. 14 event at Kaseya Center in Miami - currently headlined by an exhibition bout between Paul and Davis - to December, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ringmagazine/status/1984758746409508887">The Ring's Mike Coppinger</a>.</p><p>Dec. 12 and 19 are two dates being considered if the event is indeed rescheduled.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The development comes days after a civil lawsuit was filed against Davis, the WBA lightweight champion, in Miami-Dade County over an alleged domestic incident. Ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel accused Davis of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping, and intentional infliction of emotional distress after an incident at a nightclub.</p><p>Most Valuable Promotions said in a statement earlier Saturday that it was investigating the allegations against Davis.</p><p>"Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on Oct. 30th, 2025," the statement <a href="https://x.com/MostVpromotions/status/1984708729150062949">read</a>.</p><p>"At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved.</p><p>"We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consulted with the appropriate parties. Until then, we will not be commenting further."</p><p>Representatives for Paul have begun seeking potential replacement opponents for December, sources told <a href="https://www.si.com/boxing/jake-paul-seeking-replacement-gervonta-davis-fight-ryan-garcia">Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix</a>. They reportedly made an offer to Ryan Garcia and have also discussed matchups against Anthony Joshua and undisputed super middleweight champion Terence Crawford.</p><p>Davis, 30, is one of the biggest stars in boxing, though his career has been plagued by legal troubles. He has faced other charges related to domestic violence and fleeing the scene of a car accident in the past. Davis was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and three years of probation after a hit-and-run in 2023.</p><p>Undefeated in the ring, Davis is coming off a majority draw against Lamont Roach Jr. in March. He holds a 30-0-1 professional record with 28 knockout wins.</p><p>Paul, a YouTube star turned prizefighter, earned a decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in his most recent outing in June. Paul is 12-1 as a pro, though the exhibition match against Davis wouldn't have counted toward his record.</p><p>The co-main event of the Nov. 14 card is a trilogy bout between former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Jake Paul looks on ahead of his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at Honda Center on June 28, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Report: Paul-Davis in jeopardy, Nov. 14 event could be postponed

WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia are closing in on a deal for a fight in t...

<p>WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia are closing in on a deal for a fight in the first quarter of 2026, sources told <a href="https://x.com/MikeCoppinger/status/1984741997861847418">The Ring's Mike Coppinger</a>.</p><p>A specific date hasn't been set.</p><p>Barrios is coming off a majority draw against Manny Pacquiao last July in which he retained his 147-pound title for the second time. Barrios, 30, is seeking his first win since May 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garcia, one of the biggest stars in boxing, came up short in his last outing, dropping a unanimous decision to Rolly Romero in May at a blockbuster event in New York's Times Square. The 27-year-old holds a 1-2 (1 NC) record in his past four appearances.</p><p>Garcia, who previously held the WBC interim lightweight championship, will look to capture his first full world title against Barrios.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Ryan Garcia throws a punch at Rolly Romero during a fight for the WBA Welterweight title in Times Square on May 02, 2025 in New York City.

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Report: Barrios-Garcia title fight in works for early 2026

Netflix is looking into holding a boxing event in 2026 that would feature a rematch between Floyd...

<p>Netflix is looking into holding a boxing event in 2026 that would feature a rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, sources told <a href="https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/floyd-mayweather-manny-pacquiao-rematch-netflix-2026">The Ring's Mike Coppinger</a>.</p><p>It's unclear whether it would be a professional bout or an exhibition match.</p><p>Two of the greatest boxers of their era, Mayweather and Pacquiao met in a long-awaited championship fight in 2015. Mayweather won by unanimous decision. The bout generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys and a $72.2-million gate at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pacquiao came out of retirement in July, fighting Mario Barrios to a majority draw in a WBC welterweight title bout. The 46-year-old Filipino announced earlier in October that he planned to return to the ring Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, though an opponent was still to be determined.</p><p>Mayweather retired from pro boxing in 2017 following a knockout win over UFC star Conor McGregor that lifted his record to 50-0. However, the 48-year-old has competed in several exhibition bouts since then, most recently dominating John Gotti III in August 2024. It was announced in September that Mayweather would square off with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in an exhibition next spring.</p><p>Netflix has been involved in three boxing events to date: Jake Paul versus Tyson in November 2024, Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano 3 in July, and Terence Crawford versus Canelo Álvarez in September. The streaming giant will also host the Nov. 14 exhibition match between Paul and Gervonta "Tank" Davis.</p>

Floyd Mayweather Jr. exchange punches with Manny Pacquiao during their welterweight unification championship bout, May 2, 2015 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision. AFP PHOTO / JOHN GURZINKSI

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Report: Netflix exploring Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch

Jon Jones and Alex Pereira appear to share a mutual interest in squaring off at the White House. ...

<p>Jon Jones and Alex Pereira appear to share a mutual interest in squaring off at the White House.</p><p>On Saturday, Pereira, the UFC light heavyweight champion, posted a video on Instagram of him watching the UFC 321 heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, which was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3378037" href="https://thescore.com/news/3378037">ruled a no-contest</a> after an eye poke to Aspinall. In the caption, Pereira vowed to "make the heavyweight division great again" and teased a superfight with Jones.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQPxqtWiWwr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQPxqtWiWwr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQPxqtWiWwr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Alex "Poatan" Pereira (@alexpoatanpereira)</a></p>
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<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Jones, a former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, quickly responded to Pereira's callout. Jones retired from MMA earlier this year, but within weeks, he said he planned to fight again. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Alex, I'd be down to bring the highest skill level to the White House," Jones <a href="https://x.com/JonnyBones/status/1982221392126136359">wrote</a> on X. "I appreciate the respect you showed, let's dance."</p><p>The UFC's event at the White House is tentatively planned for June 14, according to President Donald Trump, though the promotion has yet to confirm a date. UFC CEO Dana White has said he won't begin putting the fight card together until early next year.</p><p>Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title at UFC 320 earlier this month, finishing Magomed Ankalaev with an 80-second TKO. "Poatan" dropped the belt to Ankalaev in a unanimous decision defeat at UFC 313 in March.</p><p>"It's something that interests me," Pereira said earlier this month of competing at the White House. "I think I'll focus on this."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Jon Jones and Alex Pereira attend the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Jones, Pereira call for UFC White House fight: 'Let's dance'

Tom Aspinall retained the UFC heavyweight title Saturday after his fight against Ciryl Gane ended...

<p>Tom Aspinall retained the UFC heavyweight title Saturday after his fight against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest.</p><p>Gane accidentally poked Aspinall in both eyes, forcing a stoppage at 4:35 of the first round after Aspinall told cageside doctors he couldn't see. The bout served as the main event of UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane was ruled a No Contest after Aspinall could not continue from an eye poke.<br><br>Aspinall retains his heavyweight title. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC321?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC321</a> <a href="https://t.co/jM2mK1rvdl">pic.twitter.com/jM2mK1rvdl</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1982190100923490611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>During his postfight interview, Aspinall expressed frustration with the fans in attendance.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I just got f-----g poked knuckle deep in the eyeball," Aspinall said. "What the f--k? Why are you booing? What am I supposed to do about it? I didn't do the f-----g poke. I can't see."</p><p>He added: "This is bullshit. The fight was just getting going. Complete bullshit. I'm pissed off."</p><p>Aspinall-Gane is the second UFC title fight ever to be ruled a no-contest and the first to immediately end in a no-contest at the event. Jon Jones' heavyweight title win over Daniel Cormier in July 2017 was later overturned after Jones failed a drug test.</p><p>UFC CEO Dana White said at the postfight press conference that the promotion plans to book a rematch.</p><p>Saturday's main event was competitive up until the premature finish, with Gane outlanding Aspinall 30-27 in total strikes. Aspinall went 0-for-1 in takedown attempts.</p><p>Gane apologized for the unintentional foul.</p><p>"I feel sorry," Gane said. "I'm very sorry about that, for the crowd, for the fans. I'm sorry for Tom Aspinall. I'm sorry for myself. We put a lot of energy into this fight, so I'm really disappointed. But this is the sport. This is life."</p><p>Despite not winning, Aspinall defended the title for the first time since being promoted to undisputed champion earlier this year when Jon Jones retired. The 32-year-old Englishman is now riding a four-fight unbeaten streak. His only UFC loss came in 2022 after he suffered a knee injury 15 seconds into the fight.</p><p>Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion, challenged for the undisputed title for the third time, after losing to Francis Ngannou in 2022 and Jones in 2023. The 35-year-old Frenchman is unbeaten in his last three Octagon appearances.</p>

Britain's Tom Aspinall reacts after being hit in the eye while fighting France's Ciryl Gane during their UFC heavyweight title bout at UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi early on October 26, 2025.

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Aspinall-Gane ends in no-contest due to eye poke

Mackenzie Dern is a UFC champion.  Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (48-47, 4...

<p>Mackenzie Dern is a UFC champion.</p><p>Dern defeated Virna Jandiroba via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to capture the vacant strawweight title in the UFC 321 co-main event Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><p>"It feels amazing," Dern said in her postfight interview. "I can't believe this."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dern, one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners to compete in the UFC, relied on her striking to win the fight, landing the heavier shots throughout the bout. Dern outlanded Jandiroba 118-106 in significant strikes and 249-208 in total strikes.</p><p>Zhang Weili vacated the 115-pound title in pursuit of a second belt, leading the UFC to book the fight between Dern and Jandiroba. The Chinese fighter is scheduled to challenge women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322 on Nov. 15.</p><p>Dern and Jandiroba were ranked No. 5 and No. 1 in the strawweight division, respectively, coming in. They previously fought in December 2022, with Dern also earning a unanimous decision in that bout.</p><p>Jandiroba was competitive with Dern in Saturday's rematch, using control on the ground to somewhat neutralize her opponent's advantage on the feet. Jandiroba completed nine of 17 takedowns and compiled 9:07 of control time, while Dern went 2-for-8 in takedowns. Neither woman attempted a submission. In the end, Dern's heavy punches were the difference-maker and enough to sway the judges.</p><p>"It wasn't the fight I expected," Dern said. "I thought that it was gonna be a little bit easier, honestly, just because I beat Virna the last time. She came out really tough. I knew she would get the takedowns."</p><p>With the victory, Dern is riding a three-fight winning streak. The 32-year-old hasn't lost since facing Amanda Lemos in February 2024.</p><p>Jandiroba, a 37-year-old Brazilian, saw her five-fight winning streak come to an end and suffered her first loss since October 2021.</p>

TOPSHOT - Brazilian-American Mackenzie Dern reacts after defeating Brazil's Virna Jandiroba during their strawweight bout at UFC 321 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi early on October 26, 2025.

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Dern beats Jandiroba for vacant UFC strawweight title

Quillan Salkilld landed one of the scariest knockouts of the year at UFC 321.  The lightweight pr...

<p>Quillan Salkilld landed one of the scariest knockouts of the year at UFC 321.</p><p>The lightweight prospect crumpled Nasrat Haqparast with a vicious head kick midway through the first round of the featured preliminary bout Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">QUILLAN SALKILLD! 🤯<br><br>10 Days Notice and you do that??? <br><br>The man from Perth gets it done in the first with a stunning head kick KO!<br><br>Take a bow! 🙌🙌🙌🙌<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC321?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC321</a> <a href="https://t.co/2wX478c8qD">pic.twitter.com/2wX478c8qD</a></p>— ESPN Australia &amp; NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNAusNZ/status/1982143092003078171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Salkilld, a 25-year-old from Australia, improved to 3-0 in the UFC with two first-round knockouts.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Haqparast, a 15-bout Octagon veteran, saw his five-fight winning streak come to an end. The 30-year-old suffered his first loss since February 2022.</p>

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 25: (L-R) Quillan Salkilld of Australia kicks Nasrat Haqparast of Germany in a lightweight fight during the UFC 321 event at Etihad Arena on October 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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Watch: Salkilld delivers KO of the Year candidate at UFC 321

Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback Kirk Cousins will start Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, sou...

<p>Atlanta Falcons backup quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/14947" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/14947">Kirk Cousins</a> will start Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1982275737135522005">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199749" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199749">Michael Penix Jr.</a> suffered a bone bruise in his left knee during last week's 20-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Penix was considered day-to-day. Penix was limited in practice earlier this week and listed Friday as questionable for Sunday's game.</p><p>"I'm really confident in our backup," Morris said Friday of Cousins, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cousins was the Falcons' starting quarterback until Week 16 last season when the team benched him in favor of Penix, a rookie at the time. The 37-year-old Cousins particularly struggled in the second half of the campaign after injuring his elbow and shoulder, throwing nine interceptions in a five-week stretch. Atlanta finished the season with an 8-9 record, failing to make the playoffs.</p><p>Penix, 25, has thrown for 1,408 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. The Falcons hold a 3-3 record and sit third in the NFC South.</p>

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 19: Kirk Cousins #18 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up before a NFL game between the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers on October 19, 2025 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

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Report: Falcons' Cousins to start vs. Dolphins

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 321 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event...

<p><em>theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 321 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</em></p><h3>Heavyweight championship</h3><p><strong>Tom Aspinall (15-3)</strong><br><strong>vs.<br>Ciryl Gane (13-2)</strong></p><p>The Tom Aspinall era is here.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Aspinall is stepping into the Octagon for the first time since Jon Jones retired from MMA and the UFC elevated the Englishman to undisputed heavyweight champion. Now he's looking to hold off Ciryl Gane and firmly cement himself as the baddest man on the planet.</p><p>A heavy -400 favorite, Aspinall's significant edge in the grappling department will guide him to victory in his first title defense. He has great takedowns, top control, and submissions, and Gane has shown deficiencies in those areas before, namely against Jones and Francis Ngannou.</p><p>In the stand-up department, it's a much closer matchup. Aspinall has devastating power in his fists and is coming off three consecutive knockout wins, while Gane is a very tactical striker, thanks to his Muay Thai background. If Aspinall doesn't get the fight to the mat, it wouldn't be too shocking if Gane is able to steal a few rounds on the feet.</p><p>That said, I'm confident Aspinall can get hold of his opponent and lock up an early submission. He hasn't gone past the first round since 2021, so let's go with that.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Aspinall, first-round submission</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/cropped_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807000/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242925807.jpg?ts=1761311452 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Strawweight championship</h3><p><strong>Virna Jandiroba (22-3)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Mackenzie Dern (15-5)</strong></p><p>With Zhang Weili leaving the strawweight division to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the women's flyweight title, a new 115-pound champion will be crowned when Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern square off in a rematch.</p><p>Dern defeated Jandiroba when they met almost five years ago, but I suspect we'll see a fairly different fight. Jandiroba is an impressive 6-1 since that loss, beating the likes of Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos to cement herself as the top strawweight in the promotion behind Zhang. She excels on the ground, but she's well-rounded and very consistent overall.</p><p>Dern, on the other hand, is one of the most decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu artists to compete in the UFC. Her ability to lock up slick submissions has carried her to a title shot, but her striking is still lacking a bit. Dern would beat Jandiroba in a grappling match, but with all facets of MMA in play, I like Jandiroba to edge out a tight victory.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Jandiroba, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/cropped_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807051/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243010546.jpg?ts=1761336709 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight bout</h3><p><strong>Umar Nurmagomedov (18-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Mario Bautista (16-2)</strong></p><p>Umar Nurmagomedov didn't come out on top when he faced Merab Dvalishvili for the title in January, but he got pretty close. That's enough for me to believe he's the second-best bantamweight in the UFC and that he beats anyone in the division not named Dvalishvili. Expect a dominant performance from Nurmagomedov as he rebounds from the first loss of his career - and potentially locks up another title shot.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Nurmagomedov, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/cropped_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807053/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243010059.jpg?ts=1761336773 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Heavyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Alexander Volkov (38-11)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Jailton Almeida (22-3)</strong></p><p>This is the toughest fight to call on the main card, and I'm really intrigued to see how it plays out. Alexander Volkov feels like the better fighter, but Jailton Almeida's jiu-jitsu is a nightmare matchup for him. The bout will largely come down to whether Volkov can keep it standing. He's shown iffy takedown defense in the past, so I'll take Almeida to grind out the biggest win of his career.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Almeida, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/cropped_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807054/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243009581.jpg?ts=1761336834 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>Aleksandar Rakic (14-5)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Azamat Murzakanov (15-0)</strong></p><p>Aleksandar Rakic hasn't won a fight since 2021, so I'll take the surging Azamat Murzakanov in this one.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Murzakanov, second-round TKO</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/cropped_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807055/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242925473.jpg?ts=1761336837 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure>

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UFC 321 predictions: Will Gane play spoiler vs. Aspinall?

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday for a heavyweight title fight, as...

<p>The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday for a heavyweight title fight, as Etihad Arena plays host to UFC 321. In the main event, Tom Aspinall will defend his belt for the first time against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. In the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern will throw down for the vacant strawweight championship.</p><p>Here are some of the best bets for UFC 321.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-321&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375584">Check out all of the markets available for UFC 321 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>👊 <a href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=8ac1424e-a946-478b-874b-aa96bc9367fa&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=4&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=3&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-321%2Fevent%2F63a822a9-d8d2-4925-b8fd-e2d8a8f8ca8a&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375584">Favorite bet: Tom Aspinall wins inside the distance (-300)</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/cropped_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/w220xh124_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/w320xh180_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/w640xh360_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/w768xh432_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/601256/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1788709638.jpg?ts=1699904942 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Don't count on this fight reaching the judges' scorecards. Aspinall's previous three wins ended in 60, 69, and 73 seconds, respectively, and he's only made it past the first round once in the last nine and a half years. Although Gane's extensive Muay Thai background could make him a tougher matchup and potentially drag the Englishman into deeper waters, Aspinall's significant edge in the grappling department makes me believe he'll have no problem finding a finish - whether in the first or fifth round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>👊 <a href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=9549490f-0e6f-4a40-8b40-38f6e3965979&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=23&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=10&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-321&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375584">Best underdog bet: Virna Jandiroba (+130) def. Mackenzie Dern</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/cropped_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807010/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242789201.jpg?ts=1761318420 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I was a bit surprised to see Jandiroba listed as the underdog here. Sure, Dern is the more popular fighter of the two, but Jandiroba has proven to be the second-best strawweight on paper (after the soon-to-be former champ Zhang Weili) with wins over the likes of Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos. She also has better striking than Dern and, in my opinion, enough of a ground game to prevent the Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace from tapping her out. I like Jandiroba to win a competitive fight.</p><h3>👊 <a href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=f1fdadf4-187b-4670-9366-95ab6ea908e6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=47&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=20&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-321%2Fevent%2F302901f7-c816-441e-aa3c-47eca6d36b0d&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375584">Best prop bet: Valter Walker wins by submission (+135)</a>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/cropped_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807011/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167211459.jpg?ts=1761318582 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Death, taxes, and ... Valter Walker winning by heel hook? At least that's what the heavyweight prospect's recent record shows. Walker, the brother of UFC light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker, is 3-1 in the UFC, with all three wins coming via heel hook. This guy is a wizard on the ground, and until he wins a fight in a different fashion, I'll back him to keep the submission train rolling.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👉 <a href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-321&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375584">Check out all of the markets available for UFC 321 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>Main card</h3><ul>
<li>Tom Aspinall (-400) vs. Ciryl Gane (+300)</li>
<li>Mackenzie Dern (-155) vs. Virna Jandiroba (+130)</li>
<li>Umar Nurmagomedov (-750) vs. Mario Bautista (+475)</li>
<li>Jailton Almeida (-195) vs. Alexander Volkov (+165)</li>
<li>Aleksandar Rakic (-110) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (-110)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card</h3><ul>
<li>Quillan Salkillo (-115) vs. Nasrat Haqparast (-105)</li>
<li>Ikram Aliskerov (-240) vs. JunYong Park (+195)</li>
<li>Ludovit Klein (-140) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (+120)</li>
<li>Valter Walker (-450) vs. Louie Sutherland (+325)</li>
<li>Jose Miguel Delgado (-150) vs. Nathaniel Wood (+125)</li>
<li>Hamdy Abdelwahab (-575) vs. Chris Barnett (+390)</li>
<li>Azat Maksum (-550) vs. Mitch Raposo (+375)</li>
<li>Jaqueline Amorim (-500) vs. Mizuki Inoue (+350)</li>
</ul>

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UFC 321 bets: Will Aspinall finish Gane?

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane made weight Friday before they square off in...

<p>UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane made weight Friday before they square off in the UFC 321 main event Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><p>Aspinall and Gane weighed in at 255 and 247.5 pounds, respectively.</p><p>Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern were also on the mark ahead of their vacant strawweight title fight in the co-main event. They both came in at 115 pounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here are the UFC 321 weigh-in results.</p><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 2 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Tom Aspinall (255) vs. Ciryl Gane (247.5)</li>
<li>Virna Jandiroba (115) vs. Mackenzie Dern (115)</li>
<li>Umar Nurmagomedov (136) vs. Mario Bautista (135.5)</li>
<li>Alexander Volkov (261.5) vs. Jailton Almeida (237)</li>
<li>Aleksandar Rakic (205) vs. Azamat Murzakanov (205.5)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 10 a.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Quillan Salkillo (155.5)</li>
<li>Ikram Aliskerov (185.5) vs. JunYong Park (185.5)</li>
<li>Ludovit Klein (156) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (155.5)</li>
<li>Valter Walker (244) vs. Louie Sutherland (264.5)</li>
<li>Nathaniel Wood (146) vs. Jose Miguel Delgado (147)*</li>
<li>Hamdy Abdelwahab (265) vs. Chris Barnett (261)</li>
<li>Azat Maksum (129)** vs. Mitch Raposo (125.5)</li>
<li>Jaqueline Amorim (116) vs. Mizuki Inoue (115)</li>
</ul><p><em>* Misses featherweight limit by 1 pound, forfeits 20% of purse</em></p><p><em>** Misses flyweight limit by 3 pounds, forfeits 30% of purse</em></p>

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 24: Tom Aspinall of England poses on the scale during the UFC 321 official weigh-ins at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island on October 24, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

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UFC 321 weigh-in results: Aspinall, Gane cleared for title fight

UFC 321 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Tom Aspinall defends the heavyweight title for the...

<p>UFC 321 is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Tom Aspinall defends the heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane. In the co-headliner, Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern vie for the vacant strawweight belt.</p><p>Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Is there more pressure on Aspinall or Gane?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/cropped_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759507/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188809136.jpg?ts=1733633402 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The narrative going into UFC 321 is that there's a ton of pressure on Aspinall, which is fair. After all, this is the guy who spent the better part of two years calling out Jon Jones and accusing the all-time great of ducking him, only to finally be promoted to heavyweight champion earlier this year when Jones retired. Aspinall finally has a chance to begin his own run as the baddest man on the planet - and back up everything he said about Jones - with a big win over Gane. Wouldn't it be a bit ironic - and soul-crushing - if he goes out there and gets starched in two minutes?</p><p>That said, there might be even more pressure on Gane. The 35-year-old Frenchman has challenged for the undisputed title twice before, losing to Jones and Francis Ngannou in lopsided fashion. This could very well be his final opportunity to win gold in the Octagon, especially considering his most recent win - a split decision over Alexander Volkov last December - was highly, highly controversial.</p><p>Even if Aspinall loses this weekend, he has time to work his way back into the title picture. Gane may not have that same luxury.</p><h3>What will the strawweight division look like without Zhang Weili?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/cropped_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w220xh124_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w320xh180_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w640xh360_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w768xh432_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751178/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2162685172.jpg?ts=1729633960 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>We're entering a new era in the UFC strawweight division.</p><p>With Zhang Weili set to vacate the title and move up to flyweight for a superfight against Valentina Shevchenko, the promotion will crown a new champion: either Jandiroba or Dern.</p><p>It's been a while since the strawweight title didn't go through Handan, China. Zhang reclaimed the title in 2022 and rattled off three defenses, cementing herself as one of the most dominant champions in the promotion. The rest of the division has kind of felt like an afterthought, so it might seem empty without Zhang around. And neither Jandiroba nor Dern will find it easy to convince MMA fans that they're suddenly the best in the world at 115 pounds.</p><p>That said, this isn't the first time this has happened nor will it be the last. It's becoming more and more common for fighters to vacate their titles - especially if they are going after a second one - so we will have to get used to it. Plus, Jandiroba and Dern have both earned this opportunity. Jandiroba is on the best streak of her career, having beaten former title challengers Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos in her two most recent fights. Dern has won two in a row, including a main-event victory over Amanda Ribas, and even holds a win over Jandiroba from way back in 2020.</p><p>The strawweight division won't be the same without Zhang, but sometimes, a little refresh can be a good thing. And hey, Zhang can always come back if flyweight doesn't work out.</p><h3>Is Nurmagomedov fighting for another title shot?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/cropped_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w220xh124_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w320xh180_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w640xh360_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w768xh432_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/806777/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2242628286.jpg?ts=1761169695 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Umar Nurmagomedov is back for the first time since challenging Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title in January. The bout resulted in his first career loss, so, in that sense, it was a disappointment. But Nurmagomedov put on the kind of performance that made it really, really seem like he's the clear-cut No. 2 in the division - and that he'd be seeing Dvalishvili again someday.</p><p>That <em>someday</em> could come quickly if Nurmagomedov gets past Mario Bautista on Saturday.</p><p>With Dvalishvili doing everything humanly possible to clean out the 135-pound division in record speed, he's already having to resort to rematches. He's scheduled to face Petr Yan at UFC 323 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas, where he'll become the first champion to defend his title four times in a calendar year. After that, there aren't many options. Sean O'Malley and Cory Sandhagen already got their chance. Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Aiemann Zahabi all likely need at least one more win. This leaves Nurmagomedov as the most likely candidate.</p><p>If Nurmagomedov beats Bautista and Dvalishvili retains his title against Yan, nothing will make more sense than a rematch between those two.</p>

Tom Aspinall during the Heavyweight fight at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday July 27, 2024.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 321

Former UFC star Dustin Poirier has had a difficult time accepting the fact he's retired.  Poirier...

<p>Former UFC star Dustin Poirier has had a difficult time accepting the fact he's retired.</p><p>Poirier ended his legendary career in July after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in his home state of Louisiana. Poirier, 36, had fought professionally since 2009.</p><p>"It's harder than I thought it would be," Poirier told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRaoMZ3VM4s">MMA Fighting's Mike Heck</a>. "I thought it would be a relief when I finally put the gloves down, and I don't have this weight on my back or this cloud over my head of getting better or what's next ... that's been like that in my mind for 20 years. I thought it would be a relief and an exhale, and life would begin in a different way. But it kind of hasn't yet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Maybe I'm still processing, maybe it's gonna take more time than I expected. But when you do something for this long and dedicate your life to it, every day I was waking up with a fire under me, trying to be a better fighter."</p><p>Poirier put together a tremendous resume in his 14 years in the Octagon, capturing an interim lightweight title, beating the likes of Holloway, Conor McGregor (twice), Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje, and earning a record 10 Fight of the Night bonuses. He was ranked in the top 10 of the lightweight division for years and is considered one of the greatest fighters to never win an undisputed title.</p><p>"I miss it more than I thought I would," Poirier said. "I'm still processing it all. I think day by day, time heals all, but I'm just hoping I get into a better flow. I've been just really trying to keep my mind busy, staying busy doing things so I don't have time to sit around. But god, I gotta tell you, the days are long. The days are long when I'm not waking up, training, coming home, training again, doing road work. It's a way of life. It's not just a sport I competed in. It was the way I lived my life."</p><p>Despite his urge to keep competing, Poirier said it's very unlikely he will return to MMA, noting that his wife and family prefer he stay retired.</p><p>"It was such a perfect send-off," Poirier said of his retirement fight in New Orleans. "I'd be doing myself a disservice by coming back. Never say never, but it would take the perfect circumstances and everything for me to ever put a pair of gloves back on and fight somebody."</p>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Dustin Poirier prepares to face Max Holloway in 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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Poirier: Retirement 'harder than I thought it would be'

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels won't play Monday against the Kansas City Chiefs...

<p>Washington Commanders quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199756" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199756">Jayden Daniels</a> won't play Monday against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a low-grade hamstring strain, sources told <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1981037640687170004">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Daniels suffered the injury in the third quarter of Sunday's 44-22 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.</p><p>As a result, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/55285" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/55285">Marcus Mariota</a> will reportedly be the Commanders' starting quarterback at Arrowhead Stadium.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, missed two games earlier this season due to a knee injury. The 24-year-old has scored eight touchdowns and thrown for 1,031 yards so far this year.</p><p>Mariota tallied three touchdowns and 363 yards in his two starts this season. Washington went 1-1 in those games. The 31-year-old replaced Daniels in last weekend's tilt against Dallas and threw a pick-6 to DaRon Bland on his first drive.</p>

Football: Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels (5) in action, looks on vs Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.Green Bay, WI 9/19/2025CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco

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Report: Commanders' Daniels out for MNF vs. Chiefs

Brendan Allen inserted himself into the middleweight title picture with an upset win over Reinier...

<p>Brendan Allen inserted himself into the middleweight title picture with an upset win over Reinier de Ridder.</p><p>Allen used his grappling to overwhelm De Ridder en route to a TKO victory in the UFC Vancouver main event Saturday night at Rogers Arena. De Ridder was visibly exhausted at the end of the fourth round and retired in his corner. Announcer Joe Martinez said De Ridder couldn't continue.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT'S OVER 😱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCVancouver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCVancouver</a><br><br>The fight is waved off as Brendan Allen beats Reinier de Ridder! <a href="https://t.co/tfepppLw71">pic.twitter.com/tfepppLw71</a></p>— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/UFCEurope/status/1979734348422062568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It felt great to do exactly what I said I would do," Allen said in his postfight interview. "I'm a different monster."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Allen handed De Ridder, a former ONE Championship two-division titleholder, his first loss in the UFC. De Ridder had been a breakthrough star over the last year, recording four wins - including a decision over former champ Robert Whittaker - since debuting last November. Many believed De Ridder would receive a title shot against champion Khamzat Chimaev had he won Saturday.</p><p>But instead, Allen made the most of a short-notice opportunity and halted De Ridder's momentum. Allen is once again a contender in the 185-pound division after earning his second straight win and further removing himself from a recent two-fight skid that made fans question his place in the division. After this latest victory, Allen could very well crack into the top five, as he was ranked No. 9 and De Ridder No. 4 heading into Saturday's main event.</p><p>Allen agreed to face De Ridder just over a month ago, replacing Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez.</p><p>"This was three-and-a-half weeks of training," Allen said. "I did this off the couch. ... When my head's clear and we're on, I'm the best in the world."</p><p>Allen said he hopes to fight Chimaev for the title next but is also open to matchups against former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.</p><p>"Chimaev, you want a good grappler? You want someone who's young and hungry? Come get it, baby," Allen said. "If not, Dricus, where you at? I've been trying to get you for a minute. And if not, Sean, it's time to run it back, baby."</p><p>De Ridder had a strong start in the fight, controlling Allen on the ground for most of the first round. He attempted an arm-triangle choke, got into full mount multiple times, and softened Allen up with strikes.</p><p>De Ridder got on top of Allen again early in the second round, but this time, Allen reversed the position and then spent the rest of the frame on top. The same thing happened in the third. De Ridder secured a takedown, took Allen's back, and attempted a rear-naked choke. But Allen defended it, reversed the position again, and punished De Ridder with ground-and-pound, including heavy elbows.</p><p>In the fourth round, Allen immediately landed a high-amplitude takedown, clearly recognizing a path to victory. He continued to smother De Ridder, officially recording 4:56 of control time in that stanza alone. At the end of the round, De Ridder slowly got up and walked to his corner, but he didn't answer the bell for the fifth.</p>

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 18: Brendan Allen prepares to face Reinier de Ridder of The Netherlands in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on October 18, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Allen wins UFC Vancouver main event after De Ridder retires on stool

MMA rivals Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are set to meet in a boxing match on the undercard of...

<p>MMA rivals Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are set to meet in a boxing match on the undercard of Jake Paul versus Gervonta "Tank" Davis on Nov. 14 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Most Valuable Promotions announced Thursday.</p><p>The bout will be contested as a six-round heavyweight fight. The event will stream live on Netflix.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP4BlV3DoY_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DP4BlV3DoY_/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Silva and Weidman squared off twice in the UFC in 2013. Weidman famously knocked out Silva in the first fight, ending the Brazilian's historic 2,457-day middleweight title reign. Five months later, Weidman successfully defended the belt in the rematch after Silva suffered a gruesome broken leg.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I am super excited to embark on another battle against Chris," Silva said in a press release. "We have a history, and on Friday, Nov. 14, live only on Netflix, we're putting another stamp on our chapter together. It will be a spectacle for the fans."</p><p>Silva, 50, retired from MMA in 2020 but has since competed in three boxing matches, beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Tito Ortiz in 2021 and losing to Paul in 2022. Weidman, 41, will be making his professional boxing debut. He retired from MMA in January but was briefly scheduled to rematch Luke Rockhold in the Global Fight League (GFL) before the promotion canceled all of its events indefinitely.</p><p>"I'm undefeated in boxing, and it's gonna stay that way. ... I'm the original spider killer," Weidman said in the release.</p><p>Silva is one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, having held the UFC middleweight title from 2006-13. He owns numerous Octagon records, including the most successful title defenses in middleweight history (10) and the most finishes in title fights (9). Silva was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2023.</p><p>Weidman defended the UFC middleweight championship three times between 2013-15, also earning wins over Lyoto Machida and Vitor Belfort. He dropped the title to Rockhold at UFC 194 and then went 3-7 in his last 10 appearances in the promotion, including a nasty leg break of his own in 2021.</p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 29: UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman and former middleweight champion Anderson Silva face off for the media during the UFC 168: Weidman v SIlva 2 Press Tour at Copacabana Palace on September 29, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Silva-Weidman boxing match set for Paul-Davis card

Ian Machado Garry believes Leon Edwards will lose to Carlos Prates in devastating fashion at UFC ...

<p>Ian Machado Garry believes Leon Edwards will lose to Carlos Prates in devastating fashion at UFC 322.</p><p>"I think (Prates is) gonna absolutely starch Leon," Garry told "<a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1978192513694654621">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>" on Tuesday. "I've been saying this for a long time: I think (Edwards) should be retired. And we might see that."</p><p>Edwards, a former welterweight champion, is looking to bounce back from a two-fight skid when he faces Prates on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The 34-year-old Englishman dropped the title to Belal Muhammad in July 2024 and then suffered the first stoppage loss of his career - a fourth-round submission - against Sean Brady at UFC London in March.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garry, one of the division's top contenders, said he's surprised Edwards agreed to fight Prates, who has earned knockouts in all five of his UFC victories.</p><p>"(Edwards has) been shouting and screaming about wanting to fight a striker for so long, and now he's got his opportunity, and I think he's gonna absolutely get punched around," Garry said.</p><p>Garry has had beef with Edwards since being kicked out of his gym, Team Renegade in Birmingham, England, two years ago. Edwards said Garry's behavior didn't align with the gym's culture, while Garry claimed that Edwards' coach didn't want him around because he viewed him as a "threat."</p><p>There was a time Garry was eager to fight Edwards, but he said Tuesday he doesn't care if it ever happens.</p><p>"I have no interest ever for him to ever earn any money off me doing all the hard work of being the more interesting fighter. ... If he was willing to fight me for all or nothing, I'd fight him in a heartbeat," Garry said. "Because I'd make sure he'd leave there absolutely punched around, unconscious, and then leave with no benefit."</p><p>He added: "I'm gonna have a Brazil flag on my shoulders come Nov. 15, cheering Carlos Prates on, watching him spark Leon Edwards unconscious."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Ian Machado Garry of Ireland enters the Octagon in a welterweight bout during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Garry predicts Edwards gets KO'd by Prates: 'He should be retired'

Welterweight contender Sean Brady is set to fight Michael Morales at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madiso...

<p>Welterweight contender Sean Brady is set to fight Michael Morales at UFC 322 on Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York, he announced Monday on "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YMaMdkNMMY">The BradyBagz Show</a>."</p><p>Brady-Morales is the third marquee welterweight bout set for the card, in addition to the main event between champion Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, as well as Leon Edwards versus Carlos Prates.</p><p>Brady, ranked No. 2 in the division, is coming off the biggest win of his career, a submission of Edwards at UFC London in March. The 32-year-old Philadelphia native is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 18-1 as a professional.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Morales, the No. 8-ranked welterweight, is one of the hottest up-and-comers in the division. Most recently, the 26-year-old Ecuadorian knocked out former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the first round of a UFC Fight Night main event in May. Morales holds a 6-0 record in the UFC and an 18-0 record as a pro.</p><p>UFC 322 will also feature a women's flyweight title bout between Valentina Shevchenko and former strawweight champion Zhang Weili, who's moving up to 125 pounds for the first time in the Octagon.</p>

Sean Brady following the welterweight bout against Leon Edwards during UFC Fight Night at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday March 22, 2025.

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Brady says he's fighting Morales at UFC 322

Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira dazzled in his return to the Octagon, submitting Mat...

<p>Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira dazzled in his return to the Octagon, submitting Mateusz Gamrot with a rear-naked choke in the UFC Rio de Janeiro main event Saturday night.</p><p>The finish came at the 2:48 mark of the second round at Farmasi Arena in Oliveira's home country of Brazil.</p><p>"I'm trying to hold back the tears right now," Oliveira said in his postfight interview. "This is all for you guys. It's not about money, fame, status, or anything. Screw it, this is Brazil."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Oliveira is back in the win column after suffering a devastating knockout loss to current champ Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in June. Some thought it was ill-advised for Oliveira to return so soon after such a defeat, but the 35-year-old put on a flawless performance against Gamrot, silencing his doubters in the process.</p><p>After the win, Oliveira said he wants to fight Max Holloway for the BMF title next. They've fought once before, in a UFC main event in 2015. Holloway won via first-round TKO after Oliveira suffered a freak injury. They've both put together Hall of Fame-worthy careers since that meeting, and a rematch would be big business for the promotion.</p><p>"Hey (UFC chief business officer) Hunter (Campbell), Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, BMF, let's make that happen," Oliveira said.</p><p>Oliveira is now tied with Neil Magny for the second-most wins in UFC history (24), three behind Jim Miller. "Do Bronx" also extended several of his own UFC records, including most finishes (21) and most submissions (17).</p><p>In the first round of Saturday's main event, Gamrot was the first to engage in the grappling department, scoring a takedown 40 seconds in. But Oliveira quickly proved he had the edge on the ground, throwing up several submission attempts off his back. Oliveira eventually returned to his feet, then got on top of Gamrot and took his back. He attempted to sink in a rear-naked choke, but Gamrot defended it.</p><p>Oliveira aggressively attacked on the feet at the start of the second round, landing solid punches, including a left hook. Gamrot connected with a few shots of his own. Oliveira scored a takedown midway through the frame and took Gamrot's back again. He applied another rear-naked choke, and although it appeared to be across Gamrot's jaw and not under his chin, Oliveira's tight squeeze forced the tap.</p><p>Oliveira fought in Brazil for the first time since March 2020, when he submitted Kevin Lee in an empty arena in Brasilia just days after large gatherings were banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saturday's bout was Oliveira's second main event in his home country and his first time competing in front of a Brazilian crowd since 2019.</p><p>Oliveira, who's ranked No. 4 in the lightweight division, has now alternated wins and losses in his past seven Octagon appearances. He held the 155-pound title from 2021-22 until Islam Makhachev took over the division, but he's largely remained in contention since.</p><p>Gamrot suffered the first stoppage loss of his career. The 34-year-old Pole is 1-2 in his last three outings.</p><p>Gamrot, the eighth-ranked lightweight in the promotion, accepted the matchup with Oliveira on two-and-a-half weeks' notice after Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to an injury.</p><p> </p>

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - OCTOBER 11: Charles Oliveira of Brazil reacts after a victory against Mateusz Gamrot of Poland in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Farmasi Arena on October 11, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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Oliveira submits Gamrot in UFC Rio main event

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