Category: MMA

Everyone is welcome back.
Following a crucial home victory over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, led by star midfielder Ryan Gauld, the Vancouver Whitecaps will look to maintain their positive momentum this weekend when they travel to their former temporary home at Rio Tinto Stadium to face Real Salt Lake.
Salt Lake currently sits fifth in the West with 37 points after 25 games, so they have some breathing room over the Whitecaps in seventh place. However, if the Whitecaps can make a dent on the road, it will go a long way toward cementing their playoff hopes.
Salt Lake most recently defeated the Sounders 2-1 at Lumen Field, but prior to that, they were defeated 4-1 at home by league-leading LAFC, so their form has been inconsistent.
Most Whitecaps fans will recognize Zac MacMath in goal, but Vancouver must be wary of the Venezuelan duo of Sergio Cordova and Jefferson Savarino, who have done the majority of the attacking damage for RSL this season.

Real Salt Lake’s Zac MacMath during a game against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on July 30, 2022 in San Jose, California.

Image courtesy of John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images.

In most statistical categories, Salt Lake is a pretty average MLS team, according to the numbers. They, like Vancouver, don’t have a lot of the ball (only 46% on average), so it’ll be interesting to see who takes the lead in this one, especially if Seb Berhalter and Alessandro Schopf start again for Vancouver.
Brian White and Javain Brown are both listed as doubtful for Vancouver due to injuries. I’ll keep you posted if I learn anything new.
Brian White will make the trip, but I would be surprised if he starts in Salt Lake.

Now for the rules and standings:

Predictions will be considered ‘valid’ if they are posted HERE (or, more precisely, in the appropriate match thread) before the lineup is officially announced, which is usually about an hour before kickoff.

You get 1 point for each player you correctly predict will be in the starting XI. You get 4 extra points if you correctly predict all 11 starters.
You get 5 points for correctly guessing Win/Lose/Draw; this is increased to 10 points if you also predict the correct score-line along with the result.
All of this means that predicting the Starting XI, Final Score, and Winner correctly will earn you 25 points!
The contestant’s lowest two scores from that period will be deducted from the cumulative standings at the end of each half.

Malo Gusto is reportedly wanted by Barcelona and Manchester United, but Olympique Lyon will not sell the teenager. Barcelona and Manchester United have set their sights on Olympique Lyon prospect Malo Gusto as they continue their search for a new right-back, according to French publication L’Equipe. Gusto rose through Lyon’s youth ranks before breaking into the first team last year. So far, the 19-year-old right-back has made 40 appearances for Les Gones, recording six assists. He has also played five times for France’s Under-21 national team, scoring once. Gusto is highly regarded at Lyon, and his recent performances have sparked interest in his services from two of the world’s most powerful clubs, Barcelona and Manchester United. Barcelona is looking for a new right-sided full-back after Dani Alves was released and Sergino Dest is expected to be sold. Sergi Roberto is now Xavi’s only option in the position. The Catalans attempted to sign Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea, but the veteran defender turned them down and signed a new contract with the Blues, leaving Barcelona looking for other options. Getty Images embed code A move for Villarreal’s Juan Foyth is in the works, but his €42 million release clause would make the deal difficult. Barcelona is also interested in Thomas Meunier of Borussia Dortmund and Hector Bellerin of Arsenal. Gusto is the most recent addition to their list of potential right-back replacements. Manchester United are also looking for a new right-back, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka has fallen out of favor and will be allowed to leave this summer. Diogo Dalot is currently the position’s first choice, but he has struggled to perform consistently. As a result, a new player is urgently required, especially after their disastrous start to the new season. Manchester United is considering a move for Barcelona’s Sergino Dest. At the same time, they share a number of transfer targets with the Catalans, including Meunier and now Malo Gusto. While Barcelona and Manchester United are certain to be interested in the 19-year-old teenager, Lyon have no intention of selling their young prospect this summer. With his contract expiring in two years, the French club may be considering extending it. So, unless the two clubs come up with an offer that is too good to refuse, Lyon may decide to keep Gusto.

LeBron James’ decision to re-sign with the Lakers on a two-year, $97.1 million ($140 million AUD) contract extension was not without complications, according to reports. Despite signing an extension with the Lakers, James has been “privately adamant” that the Lakers must improve their current roster — and trade for Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, according to The Athletic. James and Irving were teammates in Cleveland for four years, winning a championship together in 2016. Order ‘An Evening with Shaquille O’Neal’ PPV – an uncensored interview live on stage in Australia on Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel on August 25th at 7PM AEST. Shaquille O’Neal in Concert | 00:26 Irving chose to sign a one-year deal with Brooklyn for $36.9 million at the end of June, just days before his Nets teammate Kevin Durant requested a trade. Irving’s future in Brooklyn has been called into question following his refusal to comply with local COVID-19 vaccine ordinances, which kept him out of home games last season. After New York Mayor Eric Adams announced relaxed vaccine mandates in March, the All-Star guard was able to return as a full-time player. In 29 games, Irving averaged 27.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from deep. LeBron signed a massive contract extension with the Lakers. Photographer: Getty Images The Lakers already have a point guard in Russell Westbrook, who signed a four-year, $47.1 million contract extension with the team at the end of June. The former league MVP is in the final year of a five-year, $206 million deal. Following a historically poor offensive debut with the Lakers before they were eliminated from playoff contention in April, Westbrook has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the NBA offseason. Darvin Ham, the new Lakers coach, has expressed confidence in Westbrook and believes he can work with the point guard in Los Angeles. Since James’ arrival in 2018, the Lakers’ roster has been in flux, with the 37-year-old reportedly having a heavy hand in roster construction. Last season, Los Angeles finished 31-48 after injuries limited their Big 3 – James, Westbrook, and Anthony Davis – to just 21 games together. James’ contract extension keeps him with the Lakers through at least the 2023-24 season, with a player option for 2024-25. He told The Athletic earlier this year that he intends to play his final NBA season with his eldest son, Bronny James.

Chelsea FC Women lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Lyon in the first Women’s International Champions Cup match.

Temperatures were rising in Portland, Oregon, as the Blues took the field for the WICC double header last night. This was Chelsea’s second pre-season fixture following a behind-closed-doors game against Norweigan top-flight side, Arna-Bjornar. Magda Eriksson led the team out at Providence Park, with Kadeisha Buchanan, a new Blue and former Lyon defender, starting and three other summer additions on the bench. Chelsea had a strong start and took the lead in the eighth minute thanks to Sam Kerr, who latched onto Erin Cuthbert’s perfectly placed pass before chipping the ball over the goalkeeper. Emma Hayes’ team kept up the pressure, with Pernille Harder’s attempt flashing just wide. The pressure was upheld by the Blues with a duo of corners conceded by Lyon within a matter of minutes. Guro Reiten stepped up for both with her second attempt picking out Kerr, who was unfortunate not to direct a glancing header into the bottom corner. In the first half, three minutes of extra time were added, with Cuthbert receiving a yellow card for a late challenge just before the halftime whistle. Lauren James received the ball in the box from Kerr and curled into the top left corner to double our lead in the 50th minute. Just seven minutes later, Kerr broke free to play out to Harder, who was perfectly positioned in front of the goal but couldn’t find the back of the net, dragging her effort wide. Following a trio of Lyon subs, Hayes made a quadruple change for the Blues with 30 minutes left. The cast includes Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Millie Bright, Eve Perisset, and Sophie Ingle. Hayes’ team continued to press for more, with two more attempts coming just past the 70-minute mark. Cuthbert first muscled past three Lyon defenders in the box to get a solid shot on goal, which was saved, before Perisset’s free-kick was touched over at the back post by Buchanan. Both teams made their final changes, with Bethany England and Jess Carter taking the field. Following the changes, Lyon’s momentum began to shift in the final quarter, with Linsey Horan scoring with an impressive free kick in the 76th minute. Signe Bruun then scored a late equalizer in the 88th minute, setting up a penalty shootout. Penalties Perisset took the first – a high straight down the middle score of 0-1 Horan scores Lyon’s first goal, hitting the left-hand side post 0-1 Cuthbert takes the field next and misses 0-1 by sending the ball high. Malard is up next, with a score of bottom left. 1-1Nouwen for Chelsea – discreetly shoots into the bottom right corner Bruun scores for Lyon, firing into the left side. 2-2Cayman – sent it to the top right corner, just out of Musovic’s reach. 3-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2 Benyahia converted the game-winning penalty, sending Lyon to the final, where they will face Monterrey on Saturday, who defeated the Portland Thorns 3-2 on penalties. The Blues will play the defending WICC champions, Portland Thorns, in the final match of our tournament on Saturday. Chelsea (4-1-4-1): Musovic, Charles (Carter 73), Eriksson (cap) (Bright 59), Buchanan, Mjelde (Perisset 59), Cuthbert, Harder (Nouwen 88), Fleming (Ingle 59), Reiten (Svitkova 88), James (Rytting Kaneryd 59), Kerr (England 73). Olympique Lyonnais (3-3-1-3): Endler, Cayman, Mbock (Marques 60), Henry (Jaurena 25), Morroni, Damaris (Benyahia 60), Horan, Dabritz (Van de Donk 46), Cascarino (Bruun 46), Le Sommer.D (Bahlouli 63), Bacha (Malard 46). Referee Simon, Natalie Crowd 10,779

Sheffield United vs. Sunderland – Football League World Championship

Sheffield United defeated 10-man Sunderland 2-1 under the Bramall Lane floodlights this evening. Despite having a man advantage for nearly an hour due to Dan Neil’s red card in the first half, Paul Heckingbottom’s side had to work hard for the points. Sunderland had been impressive from the start, buoyed by a vocal North East crowd. They started on the front foot, going toe-to-toe with a Bramall Lane side that doesn’t give much away, making the red card a little more difficult to swallow. Early on, Alex Neil’s side came within inches of getting Ross Stewart into goal-scoring positions, with the towering striker also shooting wide of Wes Foderingham’s right-hand post. Sheffield United’s threat was insignificant in comparison. Rhian Brewster had shots on and off target, and Oliver Norwood drove the ball into the brave Luke O’Nien’s head. Soon after the half-hour mark, the busy, yet classy, James McAtee put Neil under pressure, winning the ball off the Sunderland midfielder and racing through on goal. His reaction was to pull the Manchester City loanee back, earning himself a red card. Anel Ahmedhodzic headed Sheffield United into the lead from a Norwood corner two phases later, his first goal in the red and white. Goals change games, and combining them with a man advantage was always going to give Paul Heckingbottom’s side the invitation they needed to play on their home turf. Following the break, Ahmedhodzic was at the heart of the action, combining with Norwood and Sander Berge to break into the box before crossing for Max Lowe to open his Sheffield United account with a simple finish. Neil’s reaction was a triple change, which worked immediately. Stewart threaded Lynden Gooch on goal after Jay Matete put pressure on a John Egan ball into midfield. His finish was as cool as you like, lifted over Foderingham. Sunderland’s compact shape and young legs had given them a sniff in a game that appeared to be over. They had to endure some tense moments, however, as O’Nien got away with a poor challenge on McAtee and Anthony Patterson saw a Berge shot deflect up onto his post. Patterson kept Sunderland alive in stoppage time, making saves from Norwood, Oli McBurnie, and Egan, but there was no point snatched from the jaws of defeat. Sunderland deserves credit for fighting hard in a place where points are notoriously difficult to come by. It’s a useful habit to have for Sheffield United. Sheffield United defeated Sunderland 2-1. Source

Stoke City fans are ecstatic after learning that contract extensions have been triggered for both Nick Powell and Mario Vrancic, who have committed their futures to the Potters for another year. The club has confirmed that the pair will join Jacob Brown, Jordan Thompson, and Phil Jagielka in extending their contracts at the bet365 Stadium. Talks with captain Joe Allen are ongoing as he considers his club future in a World Cup year, amid interest from first-team Swansea. Vrancic joined as a free agent last summer after leaving Norwich, where he was instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League twice. The 32-year-old playmaker made a strong start and ended up playing more minutes than in his previous three seasons at Carrow Road, where he was a fan favorite. Stoke City’s first-year scholar is catching the eye with a goal streak in the promotion race. READ ALSO: Nick Powell and Mario Vrancic have signed new contracts at Stoke City. Powell, 28, has had a frustrating season that has been hampered by three serious injuries: two quad issues and a cracked fibula. As a result, he has only made 14 league starts and has only completed 90 minutes five times. He was named player of the season in 2020/21, when he made 38 starts, the most in his career, and he will need to demonstrate his fitness and durability in the coming months if he is to be the team’s talisman. This is what some Potters fans had to say about the transfer news on social media… @DannyPenfold: Excellent work. Powell is the best player on the team, but Vrancic can contribute when needed. @Ticker147: Things we really enjoy seeing. We needed two big players last year and will need them again this year! @scfcjase: Beautiful work. @wh0syourmoneyon: YES, MY DAY HAS BEEN MADE. @Spence Wright24: Powell is fantastic news; Vrancic faltered, but if he can regain his pre-Christmas form, we’ll be golden. @JakeTB95: Get another player who plays the same position as Powell so that we are not so reliant on him and have a solid backup. @T W 1863: There are no complaints from me. King, @StokeGeorge. @johnsharrock71: I’m not sure about Vrancic’s influence after Christmas. I would have probably let him go. Powell would have preferred a two-year contract. Do you approve of Stoke City’s contract decisions? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below…

MADRID, 16 AUGUST: Real Madrid’s Spanish league opener on Monday came at the perfect time.
Luka Modric was brought down by a defender just outside the penalty area as David Alaba prepared to enter the game from the sideline.
The foul in the 75th minute came just in time for Alaba to come off the bench and score on his first touch, propelling Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory over promoted Almera.
According to the defender, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti told him exactly what to do.
“Before I even started playing, he told me, ‘Take this free kick, you’re going to score,'” Alaba explained. “And then, after scoring, he said, ‘See, I told you.'”
After speaking with the coach, Alaba dashed from the bench to the free kick spot, where he curled a well-struck shot that went over the wall and into the net.
Almera, the Saudi-owned club promoted after seven consecutive seasons in the second division, had opened the scoring with Largie Ramazani six minutes in. The young Belgian forward got in behind the Madrid defenders before beating goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Madrid had been pressing since conceding, and Lucas Vázquez equalized from close range after a 61st-minute assist by Karim Benzema, who is coming off his best season ever but struggled to find the target on Sunday. Just before halftime, Vázquez had a goal disallowed for offside.
New signees Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni made their Madrid debuts as starters, while Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Eden Hazard came on in the second half.
Due to injuries, Ancelotti was unable to rely on defender Dani Carvajal and forward Rodrygo.
Girona vs. Valencia
Gennaro Gattuso made his debut as Valencia coach with a 1-0 victory over promoted Girona in a game in which his team was a man down for most of the second half.
Carlos Soler converted a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time, and the hosts held on despite Eray Comert’s red card shortly after halftime at Mestalla Stadium.
Gattuso succeeded José Bordalás, who was fired despite leading Valencia to the Copa del Rey final in his first season in charge. Valencia finished ninth in the league last season, and club owner Peter Lim, a Singaporean businessman, continues to face criticism from fans over his policies. The club fired president Anil Murthy in May after private conversations were leaked, casting a negative light on the club’s leadership.
Girona, who returned to the first division after a three-year absence, struggled despite having a man advantage and finished with only one shot on goal.
Real Sociedad vs Cádiz
Takefusa Kubo made the most of his Real Sociedad debut, scoring in the team’s 1-0 win over Cádiz.
After stints with Mallorca, Villarreal, and Getafe, the 21-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder is back on loan from Real Madrid for another season.
In the 24th minute, Kubo received a nice pass from Mikel Merino behind the Cádiz defender and scored with a shot from inside the area.
During the majority of the game at the Nuevo Mirandilla Stadium, Sociedad was in command. It only missed out on a bigger win due to a strong performance by Cádiz goalkeeper Jeremas Ledesma.
Cádiz narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing just above the drop zone. (AP)

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West Ham United are interested in signing Hans Vanaken from Club Brugge, which could jeopardize Sheffield United’s chances of keeping Sander Berge. According to The Evening Standard, West Ham are attempting to sign a player from Vanaken, a Belgian club. While this may not seem significant to Sheffield United, it may have an impact on the club’s bid to keep Berge. That’s because, as Sheffield United News previously reported, Brugge are said to be very interested in signing Berge from United this summer, and are even said to be considering paying him around £100,000 per week to do so. Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto courtesy of Getty Images Of course, United have so far turned down offers from Belgian clubs for Berge. The Blades hold high regard for the Norwegian, and in an ideal world, United would want the £35 million release clause in Berge’s contract. A bid of around £25 million, however, is thought to be sufficient to entice the board. 7 Footballers Who Rarely Played West Ham’s bid for Vanaken would provide Brugge with additional funds to pursue Berge. The sale of Charles de Ketelaere to AC Milan has already provided the Belgian club with significant funds. Furthermore, Vanaken is a midfielder, which would undoubtedly encourage Brugge to make a stronger push for Berge. Our Opinion: Concerns about Berge are growing. United Airlines Paul Heckingbottom has already stated that the club will only accept the £35 million clause for Berge. But, with two weeks or so left in the window and Berge in excellent form, the Blades appear to be destined to keep Berge. Certain clubs’ interest appears to be growing, and there’s even talk this morning of AC Milan checking in on his availability. If United does lose Sander, it would be better to do it now rather than on deadline day. United will have players lined up to replace him, but getting someone with Berge’s ability for half or less of what we sell for will be difficult. Photographer: Stu Forster/Getty Images Do you have anything to say about this article?
Lee has been a lifelong Sheffield United fan and freelance writer for the last five years, covering Premier League, Championship, and European football.

Steel City native with a passion for football, analysis, and creating engaging fan discussion points.

The lightweight fight between Oziel Rodriguez and Pablo Sabori headlines another action-packed Naciones card. On Friday night, Oziel Rodriguez and Pablo Sabori will compete in an all-Mexican lightweight bout in Saltillo.
This is a’make or break’ fight for Rodriguez. He has three losses in his previous five fights and now faces Sabori, who is unbeaten in his last four and looking to establish himself as a dangerous force at lightweight.
Everything you need to know about Rodriguez vs. Sabori is right here.
Date and time of the fight between Rodriguez and Sabori
Friday, August 19th
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. BST
Cagewalks for the main event (approximately): 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST
The event will begin at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST, with the main event cagewalks beginning at 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. BST. Because of the length of the undercard fights, these times may change. Is Rodriguez vs. Sabori available on DAZN? The game will be broadcast live on DAZN in over 200 countries around the world. Subscriptions are available here. If you live in Argentina, Chile, or Colombia, you must first download the DAZN app from the Apple App Store or the Android Google Play store and then sign up from there, rather than through a web browser. What devices are DAZN compatible with? DAZN is accessible via web browser at DAZN.com (except in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia), and there are apps for all of the following TV and streaming devices: Mobile Phones TVs and Streaming Media Players Video Game Consoles iPhone and iPad Fire TV from Amazon The PlayStation 4 Android smartphones and tablets Fire TV Stick from Amazon The PlayStation 5 Fire tablet from Amazon XBox One Android TV S | Apple TV XBox Series X Chromecast by Google Smartcast, LG Smart TV Panasonic Smart Television Samsung Smart Television Sony Smart Television Where is the fight between Rodriguez and Sabori? The fight will take place at Saltillo’s Centro de Convenciones de Canacintra. Oziel Rodriguez’s biography and record Mexican nationality Birthday: June 29, 1993 N/A in height Availability: N/A Total number of fights: 13 7-6-0 record Pablo Sabori’s discography and biography Mexican nationality Birthday: March 7, 1992 Height: 5′ 8″ Length: 70″ Total number of fights: 19 12-6-1 record Boxing match between Rodriguez and Sabori Pablo Sabori vs. Oziel Rodriguez; Lightweight Ivan Hernandez-Flores vs. Paulino Siller; Flyweight Fernando Gonzalez Trevino vs. Heriberto Tovar; Welterweight

Daniel Cormier just can’t seem to shake the perception that he brings bias to UFC commentary.
Cormier has been dogged by accusations that he has sided with one fighter over another, or that he simply wants certain fighters to lose. Phil Hawes went so far as to confront DC about perceived favoritism, and Cormier has had to deal with Sean O’Malley suggesting he has a jealousy problem or something.
So all of this random negativity may explain why Cormier went a little too far in his Twitter response to a typical Darren Till s—tpost.
“What a fight, Charles vs. Islam,” Till wrote. “Just don’t let DC make any comments.”
Islam Makhachev trains with Cormier at American Kickboxing Academy, and Islam’s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is a close friend of DC’s. The suggestion that Daniel Cormier couldn’t be objective as a commentator was too much for him, and he vented on social media.
“Darren “I’m expecting more from you,” he wrote. “I’ve started fights with several teammates. And, to be honest, my commentary has no effect on the judges or anything else. My team is frequently irritated with me because they believe I am too focused in the wrong direction. “Be better, Till!”

Darren I’m expecting more from you. I’ve started fights with several teammates. And, to be honest, my commentary has no effect on the judges or anything else. My team is frequently irritated with me because they believe I am too focused in the wrong direction. Till, you must improve! August 13, 2022 — Daniel Cormier (@dc mma)

Till immediately retreated, writing “I was joking; I only said it to get likes and retweets.” “I hope to see you commenting there.”
“I can’t remember who I was talking to,” Cormier replied. “I apologize for being drunk lol.”

I can’t remember who I was talking to. I apologize for being drunk lol— Daniel Cormier (@dc mma) August 13, 2022

While this is a welcome change from how Twitter feuds usually escalate, what is Daniel Cormier doing allowing such trivialities to irritate him? In contrast, Dominick Cruz, DC’s commentary partner, slammed Cormier’s booth work, saying he doesn’t study enough before fights. And Cormier stood up for Cruz!

I just wish people would stop twisting Dominic’s words, man. It’s frustrating because we’re friends, and I know you heard him tell me he loves me at the end of our interview yesterday. That photo was impossible to forge. twitter.com/yYUUBI4gym August 11, 2022 — Daniel Cormier (@dc mma)

Still no word on how Cormier took this public bashing from Michael Bisping for suggesting Ode Osbourne was beating Tyson Nam at UFC San Diego. Cormier can still be heard in the background trying to get the last word in after Nam sparked Osbourne and knocked him out.

Daniel Cormier is doing an excellent job of spreading his name and opinions via his YouTube channel and social media accounts. He’s getting solid views and engagement, but that comes with a price: as they say, you ain’t nobody until you got haters.
So if he wants to keep stacking those numbers, he better get a thicker skin and accept the fact that some days he’s gonna be the Dude Who Said Something Wrong On The Internet. Maybe he can speak to Joe Rogan about it for tips on how to handle it, if anyone’s the G.O.A.T. in that category, it’s Joe.