Check out these photos from the PFL: Battle of the Giants ceremonial weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs ahead of the pay-per-view event (ESPN+, DAZN) taking place at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Photos courtesy of PFL)
MMA
Battle of the Giants ceremonial weigh-ins, faceoffs photo gallery
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Football
Football gossip: Guehi, Palmer, Wirtz, Amorim
Newcastle keen to sign Marc Guehi in January, Chelsea will rebuff all offers for Cole Palmer and Manchester City to battle Bayern Munich for Florian Wirtz.
Newcastle are ready to make a renewed attempt to sign England and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, 24, in January for around £80m. (Teamtalk), external
Chelsea will not entertain offers for attacking midfielder Cole Palmer, 22, with the England international linked with a return to former club Manchester City. (Football Insider), external
Manchester City are also showing serious interest in Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, 21, but face competition from Bayern Munich. (Sky Germany via Sky Sports), external
French champions Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid are also keen on Wirtz, with Leverkusen preferring to court offers from outside Germany. (Goal), external
Manchester United are interested in hiring 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim, who has a release clause that becomes active in 2025. (Florian Plettenberg), external
Bayern Munich’s German winger Leroy Sane, 28, is not interested in a move to Newcastle United. (CaughtOffside), external
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was prepared to leave the club last summer before the Red Devils offered the Portuguese midfielder, 30, a “massive” new contract. (ESPN), external
Arsenal’s Spanish boss Mikel Arteta, 42, suggests he would be open to managing England in the future. (Guardian), external
Neither Eddie Howe nor Graham Potter were interviewed for the England job before Thomas Tuchel was appointed, raising question marks over the Football Association’s claim that 10 coaches were approached. (Telegraph – subscription required), external
Tottenham are closely monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s 20-year-old English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens with a potential deal in mind. (Football Insider), external
Liverpool are set to rival Borussia Dortmund for the signature of Red Star Belgrade and Serbia midfielder Andrija Maksimovic, 17. (CaughtOffside), external
Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign Republic of Ireland Under-17 forward Michael Noonan, 16, from St Patrick’s Athletic. (Fabrizio Romano), external
New York City’s 20-year-old Argentine winger Julian Fernandez would like to play for Liverpool in the future, despite his club being owned by the City Football Group, Manchester City’s owners. (Express), external
MMA
Robelis Despaigne vows improvement in wrestling ahead of UFC return
Wrestling. That’s what caused Robelis Despaigne to suffer his first professional defeat in MMA.
The Olympic karate bronze medalist got his momentum halted in May when Waldo Cortes-Acosta handed him his first loss. Despaigne (5-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who entered the promotion earlier this year with a ton of hype, was beaten in a unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 56 and was heavily criticized by many for his defensive wrestling or better yet, lack thereof.
Now, five months later, the Cuban knockout artist promises he addressed that deficiency ahead of his return at UFC Fight Night 245.
“Oh, we’ve put in so much work (in the wrestling),” Despaigne told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We’ve dedicated a lot of time to it, almost 50-50. Wrestling involves a different distance, and different type of cardio. It’s completely different, so we’ve dedicated a lot of time to it. I’ve received a ton of support from the fighters at American Top Team. It’s almost a family, and they’ve helped me out a ton.”
Following his dominant defeat, Despaigne attended part of his training camp at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Fla., which he describes as very formative in his MMA journey.
“We’re in collaboration with American Top Team,” Despaigne explained. “I go and train there because I have more training partners my size. It’s been very satisfactory. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve had many trainings and sparring with great athletes, and it’s benefited me a ton.”
Despaigne returns to the octagon this Saturday in the opening bout of UFC Fight Night 245. He takes on Austen Lane (12-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC) in an exciting heavyweight clash. Despaigne understands some of the criticism surrounding his potential, but he also feels a lot of it is not coming from the right place.
“The critics are normal, it’s a normal thing,” Despaigne said. “Sometimes I win, and I even get criticism, so that’s a part of the sport. You just have to take the constructive criticism, and everything else, the ones that are aimed to destroy, those I don’t pay attention to.”
Despaigne is looking to pick up a first-round finish in his return to the octagon. He sees Lane as a dangerous opponent, given they’re both in must-win situations.
“We’re coming out with everything,” Despaine said. “I’m coming from a loss, he’s coming from a loss, and we’re going to try to win at all costs. I’m going to give it my all, and I’m ready for it.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 245.
Check out the Hablemos MMA YouTube channel for Spanish-language videos and interviews with MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
MMA
Tom Aspinall believes it’s ‘50/50’ between him and Francis Ngannou: ‘Francis is a scary man’
Tom Aspinall has a lot of respect for Francis Ngannou.
This Saturday, Ngannou makes his long-awaited return to MMA when he faces Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL: Battle of the Giants. It will be Ngannou’s first MMA fight since 2022 when he successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in his final fight with the promotion. Since then, Aspinall has made quite the impression on the UFC’s heavyweight division, winning the interim heavyweight belt and then defending his interim title back in July.
Currently, Aspinall hopes to finally have a title unification bout with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones after Jones defends his belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November, but with Ngannou’s return to the sport, fans are now also interested in how a hypothetical fight between he and Aspinall might look. And addressing that question on his YouTube channel recently, Aspinall believes it’s close.
“That’s a good fight! That’s a great fight,” Aspinall said. “I’ve always been a big fan of Francis. I love his story, love what he’s all about. I think it’s a 50/50 fight, to be honest. Francis is a scary man. But I think technically I would take the edge. But I think that’s a great fight.”
Of course it’s exceedingly unlikely Aspinall and Ngannou will ever meet in the cage as the UFC almost never agrees to co-promote fights. However, there is a different superfight Aspinall might be able to get if Ngannou or a unified heavyweight title fight doesn’t manifest: light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
“Poatan” has been teasing a move up to heavyweight this year and if he finally does decided to make the jump, Aspinall is more than happy to welcome him in a champ vs. champ fight.
“I like the idea of that,” Aspinall said. “It’s up to Alex. He’s doing massive things at light heavyweight, he’s obviously done massive things at middleweight as well. So that’s completely up to him. If he wants to come and test the waters at heavyweight, sign me up. I’m up for it.”
Whether or not that will happen is still up in the air, but for the time being, Aspinall is simply waiting. The interim champion is set to serve as the backup fighter for the Jones vs. Miocic fight at UFC 309 next month and revealed that plans are already in motion for what comes next if his services are not needed then.
“I’m just training to be the backup fighter right now,” Aspinall said. “I’m getting myself fight. Do I think it’s going to happen? Probably not. But I’ll be ready for it if it does. And we just spoke to the UFC, we’ve got some plans in place. I can’t reveal them right now because they’re top secret but there is big news coming soon.”
MMA
Tom Aspinall believes it’s ‘50/50’ between him and Francis Ngannou: ‘Francis is a scary man’
Tom Aspinall has a lot of respect for Francis Ngannou.
This Saturday, Ngannou makes his long-awaited return to MMA when he faces Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL: Battle of the Giants. It will be Ngannou’s first MMA fight since 2022 when he successfully defended the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in his final fight with the promotion. Since then, Aspinall has made quite the impression on the UFC’s heavyweight division, winning the interim heavyweight belt and then defending his interim title back in July.
Currently, Aspinall hopes to finally have a title unification bout with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones after Jones defends his belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November, but with Ngannou’s return to the sport, fans are now also interested in how a hypothetical fight between he and Aspinall might look. And addressing that question on his YouTube channel recently, Aspinall believes it’s close.
“That’s a good fight! That’s a great fight,” Aspinall said. “I’ve always been a big fan of Francis. I love his story, love what he’s all about. I think it’s a 50/50 fight, to be honest. Francis is a scary man. But I think technically I would take the edge. But I think that’s a great fight.”
Of course it’s exceedingly unlikely Aspinall and Ngannou will ever meet in the cage as the UFC almost never agrees to co-promote fights. However, there is a different superfight Aspinall might be able to get if Ngannou or a unified heavyweight title fight doesn’t manifest: light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
“Poatan” has been teasing a move up to heavyweight this year and if he finally does decided to make the jump, Aspinall is more than happy to welcome him in a champ vs. champ fight.
“I like the idea of that,” Aspinall said. “It’s up to Alex. He’s doing massive things at light heavyweight, he’s obviously done massive things at middleweight as well. So that’s completely up to him. If he wants to come and test the waters at heavyweight, sign me up. I’m up for it.”
Whether or not that will happen is still up in the air, but for the time being, Aspinall is simply waiting. The interim champion is set to serve as the backup fighter for the Jones vs. Miocic fight at UFC 309 next month and revealed that plans are already in motion for what comes next if his services are not needed then.
“I’m just training to be the backup fighter right now,” Aspinall said. “I’m getting myself fight. Do I think it’s going to happen? Probably not. But I’ll be ready for it if it does. And we just spoke to the UFC, we’ve got some plans in place. I can’t reveal them right now because they’re top secret but there is big news coming soon.”
MMA
ONE Championship announces Sage Northcutt’s release from promotion
More than eight months after voicing frustration with the promotion, Sage Northcutt has been granted his ONE Championship release.
After signing with the company in 2019, Northcutt (12-3) has only competed twice under the ONE Championship record, going 1-1. The loss was a brutal one, as he suffered a violent 29-second knockout against Cosmo Alexandre in May 2019 that caused multiple facial fractures and led to extensive surgery and a nearly four-year layoff.
He picked up his lone promotional win in May 2023 with a 39-second heel hook finish, and was scheduled to face Shinya Aoki at January’s ONE 165 event in Tokyo. The fight was called off late in the game, and Northcutt took issue with the “completely inaccurate” portrayal of what unfolded that led to the bout being canceled.
It’s been largely silent since then, but on Friday, ONE Championship issued a statement on its official website announcing the UFC veteran had received a “mutually agreed” upon release from his promotional contract.
“ONE Championship and Sage Northcutt have mutually agreed to his release from the organization,” the statement read. “ONE wishes Northcutt the best in his future endeavors.”
It didn’t take long for Northcutt, 28, to react to the news with glee and positivity about his future.
“Excited for 2025 and looking forward to having some big fights!” Northcutt wrote on Instagram.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Football
2024 College Football, NFL odds: Best bets for Bama-Tennessee, Seahawks-Falcons
The last two weeks have not been fun.
A 13-5 start has morphed into a 14-14 season record and that’s just not going to cut it.
Here’s hoping for a much-needed turnaround this weekend.
I’ve got three college bets and two NFL wagers this weekend. Remember, this space isn’t the place for a million picks or five-team parlays. These will always be the games I love the most. Let’s go to work.
2024 Record: (14-14, -1.3 units)
No. 6 Miami (-5, O/U 60.5) @ Louisville
This is one of two college favorites I’m buying low on this week. The appetite to bet Miami has decreased after the Canes failed to cover against Virginia Tech and Cal, both games they could’ve lost. But I don’t trust Louisville’s defense at all. If Miami quarterback Cam Ward protects the football, this could easily be a double-digit win for the ACC’s most talented team.
PICK: Miami (-5) to win by more than 5 points
No. 24 Michigan (-4, O/U 44.5) @ No. 22 Illinois
I’m still not sure what happened to Illinois in the second half against Purdue. The Illini blew a 27-3 lead and escaped with a 50-49 overtime win. Is it more important how they started or how they finished? Eh. At the end of the day, I’m not laying points with Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines on the road. And I’m not buying the excitement for another new quarterback at Michigan. I-L-L…
PICK: Illinois (+4) to lose by fewer than 4 points, or win outright
No. 7 Alabama (-3, O/U 57) @ No. 11 Tennessee
I never quite bought into the Tennessee hype. It’s amazing what happens when you enter conference play, isn’t it? Granted, Tennessee and Alabama have both dealt with issues over the last couple of weeks, but I believe Alabama’s ceiling is higher. And let’s not forget the Tide have a marquee win over Georgia, while Tennessee’s best win came against an OU team that can’t score.
PICK: Alabama (-3) to win by more than 3 points
Seahawks @ Falcons (-3, O/U 51)
The Seahawks are a polarizing team right now. Rookie head coach Mike Macdonald kicked off his head coaching career with three wins, then lost the next three games. Now what? Well, I like that Seattle played last Thursday night, which gave their front seven much needed time to recover. I also think Seattle’s offense can go blow for blow with Kirk Cousins. Take the points.
PICK: Seahawks (+3) to lose by fewer than 3 points, or win outright
Dolphins @ Colts (-3, O/U 43.5)
Am I crazy for liking the Colts more with Joe Flacco? It’s sounding like Anthony Richardson will lace ‘em up under center, so be ready for that rollercoaster. Meanwhile, the Fish should be able to run the ball on the Indianapolis front. Mike McDaniel’s offense has had two weeks to prepare, and I don’t believe the Colts can limit all of Miami’s weapons for four quarters.
PICK: Dolphins (+3) to lose by fewer than 3 points, or win outright
Sam Panayotovich is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and BetQL Network. He previously worked for WGN Radio, NBC Sports and VSiN. Follow him on Twitter @spshoot.
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