Bo Nickal likes how he matches up with Shara Magomedov.

Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) earned his most impressive octagon finish to date when he knocked out Armen Petrosyan with a double backfist at UFC 308 in October.

Nickal was impressed with the finish, but thinks “Bullet” is an easy stylistic matchup for him.

“I would like to fight him, but it’s not a tough fight, and I would have to go to Abu Dhabi,” Nickal said of Magomedov on his YouTube channel. “I would have to go to Saudi (Arabia), which – I would do it, but I think it’s not a tough fight.

“And also, the UFC probably doesn’t want that right now. Maybe they would. Maybe they don’t give a crap: Go over to Saudi, make a quick check, 90 seconds, call it a day, fly back.”

However, based on Magomedov’s opposition in the UFC so far, standout wrestler Nickal doesn’t see them crossing paths.

“I don’t know. It would be fun though,” Nickal continued. “I think they’re just going to keep putting him against strikers, but we’ll see.”

Nickal (6-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) returns to action Nov. 16 when he takes on Paul Craig (17-8-1 MMA, 9-8-1 UFC) in a middleweight bout on the UFC 309 main card at Madison Square Garden. He is once again a massive betting favorite, this time -1000 according to DraftKings.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.

As the NFL regular season reaches the midpoint, it is time to review the All-22 coaches’ tape to see which players are playing at an elite level. With All-Pro recognition viewed as the ultimate compliment in the locker room, it is the perfect time to release my midseason All-22 team. Here is my squad: 

OFFENSE

Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens

The two-time MVP could win the award in back-to-back years if he maintains a torrid pace that could lead him to shatter his career bests in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns and passer rating. Though nine games, Jackson completes 68.2% of his passes with a 20:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He leads the league with a 120.7 passer rating, adding 505 rushing yards and scores to his resume. Considering how opponents have been unable to slow down the Ravens’ offensive attack with Jackson teaming with Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews and new addition Diontae Johnson, the league is ready to etch Jackson’s name onto the MVP Award for the third time in his seven-year career. 

Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens

The former NFL rushing champion is on the verge of claiming his third crown with 1,000-plus rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in half a season. Henry has five 100-yard games and a robust 6.3 yards per rush attempt average, reflecting his dominance as an RB1 for the Ravens. With the team poised to shift to a more run-centric approach with the playoffs on the horizon, the 30-year-old runner could top the 2,000-yard mark for the second time in his career. 

Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles 

The backward hurdling specialist has been as good as advertised as a multifaceted playmaker for the Eagles. Barkley has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards in eight games, displaying the big-play potential as a runner and receiver on the perimeter. Given his strong production and jaw-dropping highlights, the Eagles’ RB1 slides into the FLEX position on the midseason All-22 list. 

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The spectacular route runner operates like Picasso on the grass, creating masterpieces on the way toward snagging passes from Sam Darnold. With Kevin O’Connell willing to showcase Jefferson’s unique skills in a creative passing game that enables the All-Pro to paint outside the lines, it is not surprising to see the Vikings’ No. 1 receiver at the top of the list in big plays (15 catches of 20 yards or more) and receiving yards (783) in just eight games. 

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals’ WR1 bullies defenders on the perimeter with a rugged playing style that showcases his superior strength and power. Operating as a “one-man show” with Tee Higgins sidelined with an injury, Chase has posted impressive numbers despite facing cloud coverage and double-team tactics at every turn. Given his consistency amid the team’s struggles, the fourth-year pro deserves a spot on this list. 

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Rookies are not supposed to dominate the league from Day 1, but Bowers is the exception to the rule. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder leads tight ends in receptions (57), receiving yards (580) and yards after catch (300), exhibiting soft hands and explosive running skills on the perimeter. Moreover, Bowers has emerged as the Raiders’ clutch offensive performer, as evidenced by his 28 first downs as the team’s No. 1 option in the passing game.

Trent Williams, OT, San Francisco 49ers

The perennial All-Pro continues to bully edge rushers at his advanced age (36) while showing no signs of slowing down as a blue-chip player. Williams’ toughness, tenacity and technique make him the gold standard for edge blockers around the league. 

Joe Thuney, OG, Kansas City Chiefs 

Despite the Chiefs’ offensive struggles, the offensive line has played well in front of Patrick Mahomes. The Pro Bowler has done his part with stellar protection (88.0 pass-blocking grade, per PFF) at the line of scrimmage, with zero penalties and sacks allowed through eight games. 

Frank Ragnow, C, Detroit Lions 

As the key to the Lions’ punishing running game, Ragnow earns high marks for his dominance at the point of attack. The relentless mauler mashes defenders in the run game, displaying the violence and finishing skills that reflect the gritty playing style demanded by Dan Campbell and the Lions’ coaching staff. 

Trey Smith, OG, Kansas City Chiefs 

The fourth-year pro is part of a unit that keeps Patrick Mahomes protected in a bubble within the pocket. Smith is a bodyguard at the point of attack, utilizing his size, strength, and power to stonewall pass rushers in their tracks. Though his technique is not always pretty or textbook, the rugged interior blocker does the job with minimal mistakes in crucial moments. 

Penei Sewell, OT, Detroit Lions 

The superstar mauler of the Lions deserves a spot on the list after easily pummeling edge defenders for eight straight games. Sewell’s dominance on the edges enables the Lions’ running backs to scoot around the corner on off-tackle runs against light boxes. With the heavy-handed boxer delivering punishing body blows to pass rushers racing around the corner, Jared Goff has performed at an MVP level for the NFC’s top heavyweight. 

DEFENSE

Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals’ designated defensive playmaker is a fanatical pass rusher with a nonstop motor and polished technique. Hendrickson has finished with at least ten sacks in four of his last five seasons, with 11 in 2024 through nine games. As the eighth-year pro continues to come up with counters to the complex tactics opponents attempt to throw at him to neutralize his impact, the football world gains a greater appreciation for his disruptive dominance off the edge. 

Dexter Lawrence, DT, New York Giants 

The extra-extra-large defensive tackle has emerged as one of the league’s best pass rushers. Despite being cast as a run-stopping nose tackle, Lawrence is on the verge of surpassing double-digit sacks for the first time in his career, displaying an unstoppable pass-rush approach that blends finesse and physicality to overwhelm blockers at the line of scrimmage. As a 340-pound pass rusher with impressive skill, the Giants’ interior pass rusher is a game-changer. 

Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

Do not be fooled by the All-Pro’s meager production at the season’s midpoint. Jones remains a destructive force in the middle of a Chiefs’ defense that has keyed their three-peat run. Though the monstrous defense can align anywhere on the frontline to exploit a vulnerable blocker, the Chiefs are at their best when Jones wreaks havoc from his traditional defensive tackle spot. 

T.J. Watt, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers

No one impacts the game more than Watt from the edges. The All-Pro is at it again in 2024 with 6.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries through eight games. Watt’s uncanny knack for delivering a game-changing play earned him the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, leading to a second trophy at season’s end if he maintains his current playmaking pace. 

Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Warner’s midseason highlight reel features four forced fumbles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss and a sack to complement his 66 tackles as the 49ers’ designated defensive playmaker. The All-Pro is a big play specialist with the instincts, awareness, and range to dominate the game as a sideline-to-sideline defender. With defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen building the game plan around Warner’s disruptive talents, the 49ers’ star linebacker has entered the discussion as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. 

Bobby Wagner, LB, Washington Commanders

The six-time All-Pro is no longer the dominant playmaker he once was in Seattle, but he deserves a spot on this list due to his ability to change the Commanders’ culture as a leader and big-play specialist. Wagner leads the team with 76 tackles with two sacks, six tackles for loss, and an interception, displaying superb instincts and awareness as a “see ball, get ball” defender. As the Commanders continue to climb the ranks as an emerging title contender, Wagner should get more attention as the seasoned leader of the league’s hottest team. 

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Baltimore Ravens

The playmaking veteran has re-emerged as a ball-hawking specialist for the Ravens. Despite the unit’s failures, Humphrey has impressed on the island with four interceptions and nine defensed through eight games. The eighth-year pro’s instincts, awareness, and ball skills continue to stand out as he thrives as a versatile secondary defender. As the Ravens work to fix their defensive woes, the team can rely on Humphrey to make big plays when the situation arises. 

Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City Chiefs 

Despite taking on more responsibilities as the Chiefs’ No. 1 corner, McDuffie has continued to flourish in coverage. The third-year pro has routinely blanketed receivers on the perimeter with sticky coverage in the Chiefs’ man-heavy scheme. Though McDuffie lacks an interception on his 2024 stat sheet, the versatile coverage specialist has excelled as the team’s CB1. 

Patrick Surtain, CB, Denver Broncos

The playmaking cover corner remains one of the best in the business on the island. Surtain challenges receivers utilizing various techniques to maintain proper leverage down the field. With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph willing to dial up exotic pressures from anywhere on the field, the Broncos’ CB1 deserves extra credit for his work as a one-on-one specialist on the perimeter. 

Xavier McKinney, S, Green Bay Packers 

Every defensive coordinator in the league is looking for a deep safety with centerfielder-like range and ball skills. McKinney fits the bill as a ball-hawking defender with the skills to make Jeff Hafley Xs and Os come to life. With six interceptions in nine games, the sticky-fingered defender, the ultra-aggressive play caller, needed to spark the turnover obsession in Green Bay. 

Kerby Joseph, S, Detroit Lions

The NFL’s co-leader in interceptions (6) has helped the Lions’ defense ascend to an elite level. Joseph’s ball-hawking ways have enhanced the man-heavy tactics employed by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. As the Lions’ perimeter corners force more tight window throws, the third-year pro has feasted on tipped passes and overthrows in his area. 

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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Jon Jones is set to wear his first pair of custom fight shorts when he returns to the octagon.

Jones defends the UFC heavyweight title for the first time in the main event of UFC 309 against former champ Stipe Miocic. The event is set for Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Ahead of Jones’ first octagon appearance in nearly two years, “Bones” is preparing to wear new custom fight shorts, courtesy of Venum, the UFC’s official fight kit and fight week apparel partner. Check out photos of the shorts below.

Jones’ shorts feature a pair of lions, as well as the lettering of Jones’ Philippians 4:13 tattoo.

The two-division title winner adds his name to the growing list of fighters to receive special custom fight shorts, which includes Alex Pereira, Dustin Poirier, and Max Holloway.

The 37-year-old captured the heavyweight championship with a quick guillotine submission win against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Now he defends his belt against Miocic, who is returning to action for the first time since 2021.

Chael Sonnen thinks Ilia Topuria has the potential to become a bigger star than Conor McGregor.

After knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title, Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) became the first fighter to knock out Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) in the UFC 308 main event.

Undefeated Topuria has already amassed millions of followers on social media, and had soccer superstar Sergio Ramos travel to Abu Dhabi to support him for his title fight against Holloway. His rise to stardom has the UFC eyeing a debut event in Spain in 2025.

If Topuria continues his dominance in the octagon, Sonnen says the sky is the limit for “El Matador.”

“He’s got the Prime Minister of Spain watching his fights and having people filming,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “He’s got the biggest actresses, the most successful athletes – which are football (players) in Spain – coming and watching him live.

“The guy never misses. It turns out he’s as good as he said. I mean, it’s going to be a short period – he’s not here now, but it’s a short period of time. At this trajectory, believe this or not, he’s going to pass Conor McGregor.”

Topuria and McGregor have already taken numerous shots at each other. Topuria once longed for a fight with McGregor, but has recently changed his tune, saying that “The Notorious” wouldn’t be worthy to fight him.

As it stands, it will be difficult for any fighter to outdo McGregor’s popularity, as the former UFC dual-champion is responsible for eight out of the UFC’s 10 highest-selling pay-per-views.

Aston Villa boss Robert de Pauw said he knows clubs “cut off the head of the manager” if results do not meet expectations.

De Pauw, who was appointed in June after Carla Ward stepped down at the end of last season, is still searching for his first win in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Villa sit 10th in the table with two points after six games – their worst start to a WSL campaign.

“It’s also football and a performance-driven company. So yeah, they cut off the head of the manager,” De Pauw said.

The Dutchman has overseen just one competitive win – a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace the Women’s League Cup – during his seven games in charge at Villa.

However, his side have pushed reigning champions Chelsea and leaders Manchester City close in the league, losing both games by just one goal.

“If the performance drops and the results don’t come, then you know what happens,” De Pauw added.

“I try to stay unattached to that because I know I can look myself in the mirror and the staff can look themselves in the mirror, that we do everything about it.

“We know we work hard and we leave no stone unturned before every game.”

De Pauw, who is new to the league after leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season, said he has spoken to experienced players like Jordan Nobbs about the difficulties of the WSL.

“I speak a lot with them because they know this league better than than most.

“Jordan knows it better than everybody, and she says it will come. So I trust also that it will come, but it has to come soon.”

Villa will hope to end their winless run on Sunday when they travel to Manchester United, who are unbeaten in the league this season.

“That’s the next step we have got to take, to take something from the game and not only rattle the cage, but bring the cage home and bring the points home,” De Pauw said.

Welcome to the latest edition of Missed Fists where we shine a light on fights from across the globe that may have been overlooked in these hectic times where it seems like there’s an MMA show every other day.

Apologies, but I’m going to need all of you to put your UFC Vegas 100 party planning aside for a moment so you can check out this week’s latest randomness from the fighting world, namely Yatcha Club being at it again.

(Big thanks as always to @Barrelelapierna for their weekly lists of the best KOs and submissions, and to @Grabaka_Hitman for uploading many of the clips you see here. Give them a follow and chip in on Patreon if you can.)

If you’re not familiar with Yatcha Club, its whole gimmick is putting on fights in the most off-beat places you can imagine. Children’s play areas, underground tunnels, parking garages, you name it, the club has probably thrown two dudes in it to punch and kick each other.

In their latest experiment, fighters Chung Soo Lee and Kris Kirsch made their way over to a wading pool to do battle and the results are just about what you’d expect.

Going for a takedown in this setting is incredibly smart. If you’re the one being taken down, doing anything besides immediately trying to get up off your back is incredibly not smart. Because of, you know, the whole being submerged in water thing.

Once Kirsch is down, Lee doesn’t even have to do much other than sloppily grapple as his opponent tries not to swallow a gallon of water. The only strategy to even consider in this fight is making sure you’re on top and then pushing the other guy down until they tap or drown. Like, bro, why are you even going for ground-and-pound there?

Let’s toss this concept in the “never again” pile.

Watch the whole fight below and more from Yatcha Club on their YouTube channel.

Damien Anderson vs. Gabriel Wanderley
Richard Mayol vs. Dallas Dodd
Artur Minev vs. Cristobal Ibanez

With whatever that was out of the way, let’s retreat to the comfy confines of UFC Fight Pass, where human beings were KO’ing and submitting each other the old-fashioned way.

At Fury FC 98 in Houston, Damien Anderson scored a heel hook submission that would make Ryan Hall proud, winning a tangle of limbs to force the tap from Gabriel Wanderley.

Not going to lie, this may have just been an excuse to mention Ryan Hall. Get well and fight again soon, sir.

Richard Mayol (not to be confused with British comedy legend and Drop Dead Fred star Rik Mayall, may he rest in peace) kicks off a cavalcade of right hand knockouts with this precision shot to the temple of Dallas Dodd.

You can pinpoint the exact moment where Dodd’s body shuts down and were it not for the cage wall stopping him, he would have fallen flat back into a nice nap instead of having to absorb that extra shot.

Earlier on the card, Artur Minev needed just 28 seconds to queue up his right hand to blister Cristobal Ibanez.

Stuffs the shot, immediately corners his opponent, and then ends him. Cold efficiency from the Ukrainian lightweight, who improves to 4-0 as a pro.

Stefano Paterno vs. Jorge Bueno
Konstantinos Ntelis vs. Simone Patrizi

Over at Cage Warriors 179 in Rome, the top 2 fights of the night delivered with-you guessed it-a pair of powerful right hand knockouts.

Stefano Paterno continued his recent hot streak, cracking Jorge Bueno for a stylish walk-off finish.

That’s six straight wins for Paterno, including three wins inside the distance since returning to Cage Warriors. At 29, the Italian’s best days are still ahead of him.

Greece’s Konstantinos Ntelis made sure it was a short night at the office as he caught an advancing Simone Patrizi with an absolute hammer that Patrizi stepped directly into.

There’s your “When Your Legs Don’t Work Like They Used To Before” KO of the Week.

Mauricio Partida vs. Brandon Uruchurtu

Zipping over to Lux Fight League 47 in Mexico City, we go from lower limb shutdown to total body shutdown.

Mauricio Partida refused to let Brandon Uruchurtu just chill against the fence, so when he saw an opening to strike, he took it and then some. That’s a monster knee up the middle and Uruchurtu doesn’t just go down in pain, he appears to freeze up completely. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if he cracked a rib there.

Emily Ducote vs. Yulia Ostroverkhova
Victoria Leonardo vs. Amanda Torres
Shanna Young vs. Pamela Boveda
Magdalena Czaban vs. Jessica Hope Holmes

Hopefully you tuned in live on CBS, but in case you didn’t, Invicta FC has you covered with all the highlights from its latest show in Kansas City, Kan. It was a big night for recently released UFC vets, with Emily Ducote, Victoria Leonardo, and Shanna Young all picking up impressive finishes.

Of the three, I’m happiest for Leonardo, who was coming off of two rough knockout losses to Wang Cong and Natalia Silva. During her UFC run, Leonardo developed a reputation for being on the wrong end of spectacular highlights, so for her to get back in the win column and score her first finish since 2020, that’s got to be sweet.

Just two fights into her pro career, atomweight Magdalena Czaban has a submission win she can crow about after locking in this nasty guillotine.

If the UFC ever gets serious about implementing the 115-pound division, Czaban is one to keep an eye on.

Emin Huseynov vs. Olzhas Zhakypbekuly

Let’s end today’s globe-trotting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where Olzhas Zhakypbekuly ended up with his face in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Whatever Emin Huseynov had done prior to this, he had Zhakypbekuly biting hard on a fake before launching into his spin kick. Zhakypbekuly gets low, gets his hands up, and still ends up eating all of that one. That can’t feel good.

Full Alash Pride fights are available to watch for free on their YouTube channel.

If you know of a recent fight or event that you think may have been overlooked, or a promotion that could use some attention, please let us know on X — @AlexanderKLee — using the hashtag #MissedFists.