Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight strikers Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa will square off TONIGHT (Sat., May 16, 2026) inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada for UFC Vegas 117.

Hopefully, Allen vs. Costa doesn’t get entirely lost in the Rousey vs. Carano hubbub, because this is an awesome main event! Allen climbed into the rankings by winning his first nine UFC fights, introducing him to elite competition like Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev. Though he’s come up short three times now against Top Five-level competition, Allen has been within inches of victory and proven himself a world-class Featherweight.

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Costa is in the midst of his own rise. The Brazilian picked up four excellent wins in 2025 and then started this year strong as well, spin kicking Dan Ige into oblivion a few months ago. Now ranked at No. 12, Costa remains a dark horse contender who could really break into the title mix if able to extend his current win streak to seven at Allen’s expense.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:

Allen vs. Costa Betting Odds

• Arnold Allen victory: -154

• Arnold Allen via TKO/KO/DQ: +380

• Arnold Allen via submission: +1400

• Arnold Allen via decision: +170

• Melquizael Costa victory: +120

• Melquizael Costa via TKO/KO/DQ: +600

• Melquizael Costa via submission: +650

• Melquizael Costa via decision: +330

How Allen Wins

Allen is one of Featherweight’s finest boxers. He moves very well on the outside, stabbing at opponents with that famous Tristar jab and blitzing in behind his left hand counter. The Southpaw kicks well at distance too, making him a well-rounded striker despite his boxing aptitude. As he demonstrated against Evloev, Allen is an excellent defensive wrestler with a very sneaky guillotine choke.

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Stylistically, this fight is similar to Allen’s 2024 matchup versus Giga Chikadze. Allen may like to box on the outside, but he doesn’t want to spend all night getting blasted by kicks — we just saw how badly that can end for boxers in Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates! As such, he has to pressure more and try to extend combinations, because that’s the kind of exchange that will allow his more fluid punching to shine.

How to close range against a fellow leftie? Allen has to double up on the jab to close forward, but he has to do so without getting his leg kicked to bits. The key there is to feint and false start often, as well as hide real jabs between non-committal shoulder pumps and arm-only jabs. The goal is to draw out Costa’s low kick and then press forward as he recovers his stance.

Running along on the outside and kicking often is an exhausting style, particularly over five rounds. Allen should quicken the fatigue process by targeting the body with his punches and trying to catch kicks for easy takedowns, which can prove very tiring.

How Costa Wins

Costa, still just 29 years of age, has come a long way technically in a short time. His striking style exemplifies the “all the way or all the way out” style of Muay Thai, as Costa does his best work while blasting kicks at distance or in the clinch with knees and elbows. In the pocket, Costa is good for a quick counter punch, but his boxing tends to falter when forced to trade for longer periods.

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Costa has also grown into a solid wrestler, and like Allen, that guillotine choke is nasty.

Typically, Costa is fighting Orthodox opposition, meaning he’s able to play the left hand-left kick double threat quite easily. Against a fellow Southpaw, the dynamic changes quite a bit, and Costa will want to really focus his left leg on chopping down Allen’s lead calf. We just saw Jean Silva find great success in kicking Allen during his pivots, which can be very damaging and limit movement quickly.

If Allen’s lead leg is too injured to close distance, he’s in for a rough night. Costa has a wide variety of kicks in his arsenal, and he should use those threats to hide the low kick. Naked calf kicks aren’t likely to land for “The Dalmatian,” but he’ll find better accuracy if hiding them behind the threat of front kicks or marching knees.

Aside from taking apart the lead leg, Costa should occasionally look to stand his ground and clinch. If he lets Allen run into him then breaks with a knee or elbow, that will help discourage Allen’s pressure and leave him stranded at the kicking range more often.

Allen vs. Costa Prediction

If you’re a fan of technical and violent kickboxing, this fight is going to rule. It may end up more of a slow burn than crazy brawl, but these two are likely to make continual tactical adjustments across five rounds, which is how you end up with momentum swings and competitive scraps. Slow burn or not, I’m expecting blood to be shed from both athletes.

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Ultimately, I see this fight going to the cards and being consistently competitive for 25 full minutes. The outcome will depend on where the fight mostly takes place, at long range or more in the pocket. As the fight wears on, I expect that Allen’s more efficient boxing style while wear Costa down a bit, allowing the English standout to capture enough of the second half of the fight to sway the judges.

Prediction: Allen via decision

ESPN college basketball broadcaster Jay Bilas said that the NCAA’s decision to expand the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments to 76 teams was unnecessary.

Bilas, 62, said that while he is indifferent to the NCAA’s decision to expand, no one was clamoring for it.

“I don’t want to say I don’t care, but I’m not bothered by it. It’s not a decision I would have chosen for the NCAA because — I’m not one of those ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ guys, because nobody ever says, ‘if it’s not broke, don’t improve it or or don’t maintain it.’ But I don’t think it was necessary,” Bilas told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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Sports broadcaster Jay Bilas plays golf during the first practice round at the ACC Celebrity Golf Championship 2025 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., on July 9, 2025. (David Calvert/Getty Images for American Century Investments)

“Nobody was clamoring to see a .500 team from a major conference making the tournament.”

Bilas noted that had the tournament been expanded for this past season’s tournament, there would have been .500 teams in the tournament.

In the new expanded tournament, the first two days of the tournament would look drastically different. On that Tuesday and Wednesday, there would be 12 games played between 24 teams due to the eight added at-large bids. The games would be played at two different sites.

Bilas said it might be “a little bit confusing” for the average fan to fill out their bracket. He called the added play-in games “inconsequential.”

“The overwhelming majority of fans don’t think the tournament starts until the first Thursday of the 64-team bracket,” Bilas said.

NCAA TOURNAMENTS EXPAND TO 76 TEAMS: NEW FORMAT, REVENUE BOOM, AND ADDITIONAL GAMES AHEAD

ESPN analyst Jay Bilas stands courtside before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Florida Atlantic Owls at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Dec. 5, 2023. (Porter Binks/Getty Images)

“People still watch the games and especially the basketball nerds like me will watch religiously, but for most fans, they’re kind of — I don’t want to say inconsequential, but they are.”

Bilas did say that the teams who win the play-in games will be rewarded financially for them.

“What it does is give a bunch of teams a chance to win an NCAA tournament game. Even though most fans won’t give them credit for it, they’ll get money credit. They’ll get an NCAA tournament unit and be able to say, ‘Hey, we won an NCAA tournament game, even though it was against a team with the exact same seed,’” Bilas said.

“It’s fine. I don’t think it’s as big a deal as some are making out of it,” Bilas continued.  “Money is a good reason to do something. I’m cool with that.”

UConn head coach Danny Hurley was among the coaches who were concerned tournament expansion could devalue the regular season. Bilas said he understands Hurley’s point and agrees.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

ESPN College GameDay host Jay Bilas prepares to broadcast ahead of the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., on Feb. 1, 2025. (Lance King/Getty Images)

“I understand it, and I think it does a little bit. So, the argument about who’s in, who’s out is diminished. Now, if we’re going to have .500 teams out of major conferences that make the tournament now, do I think that’s good? No, I don’t,” Bilas said.

“But it’s not that big of a deal. Most of those teams are going to be out by the first weekend anyway. You may have somebody that puts it together at the end of the year and is better than their record, but I think that horse is already out of the barn.”

American Century Tournament

Bilas will be playing in the American Century Tournament July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.

The tournament has raised more than $8 million for regional and national charities. American Century Investments donates 40% of its profits to the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and activates fundraising at the tournament to drive direct donations to Stowers each year.

Bilas said he was invited six or seven years ago and called it the equivalent of a PGA Tour player getting invited to the Masters.

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ESPN basketball analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas looks on during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., on Oct. 19, 2012. (Lance King/Getty Images)

“When I got invited six, seven years ago and I was thrilled. I just couldn’t believe I would get to do it. And  they’ve been they must have a very low bar, but they’ve invited me back ever since. And to me, getting that invitation has got to be the equivalent of a PGA tour player getting invited to the Masters. So, you get the invitation, you’re like, “Oh, my God, I can’t believe they invited me back again.” And it’s an automatic yes,” Bilas said.

“It’s just a thrill. And it’s equally thrilling once you’re there cause it’s a beautiful setting in Lake Tahoe at the Edgewood Resort. The weather’s always spectacular. Seventy thousand people are there in shorts and sundresses and just enjoying seeing some of their favorite celebs.”

Bilas said he loves competing in the tournament, but called the atmosphere what makes it special. He credited CEO Justin Thomas for being so welcoming and creating a family environment that everyone loves, on top of the tournament’s remarkable charitable work. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

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TNT Tropang 5G’s Roger Pogoy during a game vs NLEX Road Warriors in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s locals didn’t have the best showing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.

But when it mattered most, they showed up in TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal win over the top-seeded NLEX on Saturday at Ynares Sports Center.

Leading that charge was Roger Pogoy, who got the starting nod for the first time this conference.

“We just needed to step up like this. It can’t all be Bol (Bol),” said Pogoy in Filipino. “All of our games in the elimination looked like he did all the work, so in this one, we all worked together.”

Pogoy finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals as TNT completed the upset of NLEX, which was armed with a twice-to-beat-advantage.

Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro also chipped in 20 and 14 points, respectively, in the win.

The TNT locals perfectly complemented Bol Bol, who once again delivered a monster double-double of 35 points and 13 rebounds.

Coach Chot Reyes was among the first to praise Pogoy’s effort.

“We couldn’t start Roger before because we were managing his minutes,” said Reyes. “Aside from Roger’s scoring ability, he’s really our main defender.”

Pogoy and company take on Meralco in a best-of-seven series in the semifinals starting Wednesday at the same venue.

The Minnesota Vikings released their 2026 schedule on Thursday night, on tap for nine true home games, seven on the road, and one at a neutral site (Mexico City). With that in the books, it’s time to glance at the “easy” games on the schedule.

A handful of games should favor Minnesota on paper.

We say easy loosely because good teams can pop up out of nowhere, but from a May standpoint, here’s the list.

Home Matchups Give the Vikings a Clear Path to Wins

The cakewalk sections of the 2026 docket, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = easiest game).

5. Week 7 — vs. Colts

This game makes the cut to start the list because it is at home — plain and simple.

The Vikings’ defense will be familiar with Daniel Jones; they saw him in practice for two months during the 2024 season. The Colts have a decent roster, not a dream team.

Minnesota has also had luck against Indianapolis as of late, even orchestrating the largest comeback in NFL history against the franchise in 2022. The Colts’ defense ranked 16th in the league last year per EPA/Play, so the Vikings will not face an overly daunting test in Week 7.

4. Week 4 — vs. Dolphins

This team’s roster stinks. Its best wide receiver is arguably Jalen Tolbert or Parker Washington. You have to be pretty damn deep into fantasy football to know who those guys are. Miami has been conducting a fire sale over the last several months. It’s probably not a serious contender in 2026 unless Malik Willis becomes an All-Pro-caliber asset.

At home, Minnesota should trash Miami.

SI.com’s Gilbert Manzano gave the Dolphins’ an ‘F’ grade this offseason: “Miami Dolphins: F. Notable moves: TE Greg Dulcich (one year, $3.25 million), CB Lonnie Johnson Jr. (one year, $1.48 million), edge David Ojabo (contract n/a), G Jamaree Salyer (one year, $1.4 million), WR Jalen Tolbert (contract n/a), QB Malik Willis (three years, $67.5 million).”

“Clearly, the Dolphins are in rebuild mode and have their eyes on 2027. The team needed a fresh start, and there was no need to add Willis, who now has to play for a team that said goodbye to wide receivers Waddle and Tyreek Hill this offseason. It would have been better if this team had fully committed to the rebuild and taken its lumps with a veteran quarterback who would have commanded a lot less money than Willis.”

3. Week 13 — vs. Panthers

Another home contest, the Panthers will visit U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time with fans in attendance. Carolina and Minnesota did battle in 2020, but that was the pandemic season, and no fans were allowed.

Last season, the Panthers’ defense ranked 23rd in the NFL per EPA/Play. The group is not scary. The offense checked in at No. 26 per the same metric. Carolina made the postseason because of poor competition in the NFC South.

The Vikings should win this one, almost no matter what.

Not everyone agrees, though. A to Z Sports‘ Kole Noble predicted a Panthers dub on Thursday, explaining, “Headline: Tetairoa McMillan fourth-down catch sets up game-winning field goal. This game will be a defensive chess match between Ejiro Evero and Brian Flores.”

“The tight game lasts deep into the final quarter until the Panthers pull off a fourth-down conversion when Young connects downfield with McMillan to set up the game-winning field goal. Score Prediction: Panthers win 13-10 (5-7).”

2. Week 12 — vs. Falcons

Will this contest feature Tua Tagovailoa as the Falcons’ quarterback? Will this contest feature Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons’ quarterback? Nobody knows.

If it’s Tagovailoa, you can circle it as the “Brian Flores Revenge Game.” A couple of summers ago, out of nowhere, Tagovailoa called Flores a “terrible person” on a random podcast. Flores will remember the unnecessary dig and make sure Tagovailoa knows how terrible his pass rush can be.

Minnesota also needs revenge here because the Falcons’ defense embarrassed the Vikings’ offense in 2025.

1. Week 17 — at Jets

Unless the Jets are forced to sign a free agent outsider 6-7 months from now, the Vikings will face Geno Smith, Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook, or Bailey Zappe at quarterback. That should not be a difficult test. Weather could be a factor in this game, but generally speaking, the Vikings are battle-tested in the elements from games in Green Bay and Chicago.

The Jets were one of the NFL’s worst teams last year, and despite a pretty formidable defense, they’re not on track to be a playoff team in 2026. This one should be a win unless Jets coach Aaron Glenn fully reverses his fortune.

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A clash for the WBC lightweight title, which became vacant following Shakur Stevenson’s victory over Teofimo Lopez, has reportedly been confirmed.

Stevenson moved up to 140lbs and became a four-weight world champion in January, producing a dominant performance to unanimously outpoint Lopez for the WBO strap.

The American had previously made three successful WBC title defences at 135lbs, but was ultimately stripped of the belt shortly after defeating ‘The Takeover’.

As a result, the vacant title is set to be contested by Lamont Roach and William Zepeda, who has not fought since his unanimous decision defeat to Stevenson last July.

Back then, Zepeda maintained a typically high punch output but was convincingly outclassed by the generational talent in his first attempt at world honours.

Roach, meanwhile, is coming off back-to-back draws against Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis, who was considered fortunate to retain his WBA title in March 2025.

After a failed attempt to rematch Davis, the American then entered another lightweight outing, this time against Cruz in December, when far less controversy surrounded their majority draw.

Having remained unbeaten since 2019, Roach is now set to face Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title, as reported by BoxingScene’s Lance Pugmire on social media.

“The WBC vacant lightweight title will be decided by Lamont Roach and William Zepeda [on August 1] on DAZN in Las Vegas. Told that effort is to take it to [Mandalay Bay Resort].”

Confirmed by @boxingscene: The WBC vacant lightweight title will be decided by @OneOf1x Lamont Roach Jnr and William Zepeda Aug. 1 on @DAZNBoxing @boxingontnt in Las Vegas. Told that effort is to take it to @MandalayBay.

— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) May 15, 2026

Zepeda and Roach are ranked No.1 and No.2 by the WBC, respectively, while the sanctioning body’s ‘interim’ lightweight title is currently held by unbeaten Cuban Jadier Herrera.

In January, soon after the 2025 season ended, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning had foot surgery. The recovery limited Manning in Spring Camp. Details of the extent of the injury and recovery timeline have been guareded. Would Manning be ready this fall? We now know the answer is yes.

Manning has been officially medically cleared. That means the UT QB can participate in summer workouts and will be fully when fall camp starts in a few months.

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UT officials School officials called the procedure “minor” and said it was a “preventative measure to address a previous injury.” But that was the only information made public. Many fans have been concerned Manning hasn’t been getting enough reps and feared a slow start to the 2026 season.

If the Horns have title aspirations this season, a they cant’ afford a slow start against one of the toughest schedules in college football.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is one of eight players shortlisted for the Player of the Season award.

Manchester United fans are desperate to see captain Bruno Fernandes win the Player of the Season award, insisting he is the standout candidate on the list of nominees.

Eight players have been shortlisted for the 2025/26 award with Fernandes named alongside Arsenal trio Gabriel, David Raya and Declan Rice, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Antoine Semenyo, Brentford’s Igor Thiago and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Fernandes has made 33 Premier League appearances this season, registering eight goals and 19 assists, but supporters have been keen to stress his influence goes far beyond the numbers.

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Fernandes has been the driving force behind United’s return to the top three, stepping up in key moments and often being the player United rely on to create chances and make things happen.

Many supporters described the nomination as overdue recognition for Fernandes after several seasons consistently delivering for the club during difficult periods.

Lifetime supporter James Flemming, 71, said Fernandes’ influence is impossible to ignore.

“You can see the difference when he’s not in the team,” he said. “His leadership, his goals and assists, he’s central to everything.”

Aryan Anand, 18, said Fernandes’ importance becomes even clearer when he is not on the team.

“If you take him out of the team his impact is clearly seen,” he said. “I just think the numbers he’s been putting up, he’s brought us to third place, brought us back into Europe. I think he deserves it.”

He added: “He embraces what it means to be the captain of United: Leadership, vocal, everything that a captain should be for this club.”

“He’s not selfish, he creates everything and leads the team,” said United fan Adejumo Oluwaseun. “Every player listens to him. He has that leadership quality.”

Nana Agyemang, 43, said Fernandes’ impact on the side could not be matched by any other nominee.

“I don’t think there’s any player who can compare to Bruno. Look at the way he has led the United team, I think he deserves the award more than any player.”

Jonathan, 22, said Fernandes has repeatedly proven himself during difficult periods for the club.

“He’s one of the best midfielders I’ve seen,” he said. “Even when things were difficult at the beginning of the season, he’s really taken that captain role and proven himself.”

United fans insist Fernandes’ all-round impact and leadership make him the standout candidate for the award.

With the winner to be announced next week, many supporters believe Bruno has done what it takes to receive the individual recognition they feel he has deserved for years.