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Everything You Need To Know Before The 2026 FIFA World Cup Begins

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Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A general view of the FIFA World Cup Trophy on display during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at American Dream. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn ImagesJun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; A general view of the FIFA World Cup Trophy on display during the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at American Dream. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

It has been an undeniably strange buildup to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But in four short days, the tournament will finally begin in 16 cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. And like it or not, after swearing once again that you’re going to boycott FIFA and its questionable ways, you’re going to be eating up every second of it.

But first, you’ll need to play catch-up on what you’ve missed. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with seven frequently asked questions about the return of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Who is in the 2026 World Cup?

With 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup is the largest in the tournament’s history, up from 32 teams between 1998 and 2022. All of the usual suspects are here. Well, except for Italy. (It’s a long story.) There’s also a lot of less familiar faces and even four newcomers: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.

What is the format?

Just as they have been since 1986, teams are drawn into groups of four and will play a three-match round robin. But this time, the single-elimination knockout phase that follows will double in size to 32 teams. All 12 teams that finish first or second will advance to the bracket, as well as the eight best third-place finishers.

Who is going to win this thing?

France and Spain are oddsmakers’ favorites, with England close behind. In other words, France and Spain have the two best teams, and the sportsbooks know English people will bet with their hearts instead of their minds. Brazil, Argentina and Portugal follow close behind. History suggests the value is with Brazil and Argentina; Germany, the 2014 champs, are the only European nation ever to win a World Cup hosted in the Americas.

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Do the Americans have a chance?

What do you call “a chance”? They probably won’t win, but it’s not absurd to try. If you’re going to think of it like American sports, Team USA is stronger relative to the field than 1985 Villanova or 2014 UConn was during their respective March Madness title runs. But the modern NCAA Tournament has been played more than 40 times. This will only be the 12th World Cup played with more than 16 entrants, and only the 23rd total.

Who is this Lamine Yamal guy?

Spain’s 18-year-old FC Barcelona prodigy is the most hyped teenage World Cup talent since a 17-year-old Pele led Brazil to its first World Cup title in 1958. In the 2025-26 season, Yamal scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more to help Barca to its 29th La Liga title. He already has 101 career appearances in the Spanish top flight, and will already be making his second major international tournament appearance after he helped Spain win Euro 2024.

Wait, Messi and Ronaldo are still around?

Oct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesOct 14, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on against Puerto Rico during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only are the former La Liga rivals still competing for their national teams, but they are still producing on the international stage despite moving on to lesser club leagues like MLS and the Saudi Pro League. The 38-year-old Messi led all of South American qualifying with eight goals, while the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal’s qualifying effort with five.

Where Should I Watch?

Given FIFA’s … erm, capitalistic … ticket pricing scheme, the overwhelming majority of ordinary fans will choose to watch the games at home rather than in person. But there is some good news on that front: Of the 104 World Cup matches, 70 will be available on over-the-air Fox TV for English speakers, and 92 will be broadcast over Telemundo’s Spanish-speaking airwaves. So if you are looking for an excuse to buy a digital TV antenna, this is it.

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The Vikings’ Emergency QB Plan Slips Away

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J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell at the New York Giants in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and head coach Kevin O’Connell hug before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Back in rookie minicamp, the Vikings welcomed a veteran passer to town in an effort to keep the pigskin spinnin’. Cooper Rush has been a pro for a long time, leading to some attention about him going out for a cluster of practices meant for the NFL’s newest employees.

Kevin O’Connell demonstrated some good self awareness on the matter. In fact, he made jokes about hoping that Rush didn’t hang up the phone due to being asked about coming to the Twin Cities for an unusual arrangement.

Part of O’Connell’s hope was to build a communication avenue should there be a need for an emergency passer. Pursuing that initial plan may now need to occur at the front office level since Rush is no longer unemployed.

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Look at what ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in the update: “With Atlanta QB Tua Tagovailoa dealing with a tight back and Michael Penix still not practicing due to a knee injury, the Falcons are signing veteran quarterback Cooper Rush, per sources.”

The Vikings’ Emergency QB Plan

The Falcons are being led by Kevin Stefanski. If that name sounds familiar, then that’s for good reason. Coach Stefanski got his start in the NFL with the Vikings, rising up to being the offensive coordinator before getting stolen away to be the head coach of the Browns.

— READ MORE: Kevin O’Connell Distills Quarterback Debate Down to Single Word
— READ MORE: Vikings Rookies to Look Out for in Training Camp
— READ MORE: Nolan Teasley Makes First Move By Handing Out $96 Million Extension

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Stefanski is now in Atlanta to work alongside a pair of southpaw passers. Most notably, there’s Michael Penix Jr.. He’s the quarterback who got chosen at No. 8 in the same draft where J.J. McCarthy went at No. 10. Part of what made that decision wild (other than the move being a huge reach) was that Kirk Cousins had just been signed to a monstrous contract. Atlanta created a mess and is still digesting the consequences.

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Sep 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski congratulates quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) for his touchdown run against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Otherwise, there’s Tua Tavogailoa in town to battle for the starting spot.

Upon first glance, employing these two quarterbacks would appear to leave little room for a third passer. The issue is that both are working through injury, albeit of a different severity.

Marc Raimondi (ESPN) with an update on Penix: “Penix said it might be another four weeks to get cleared or maybe earlier, depending on how his body feels during camp.” Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is inching closer. Schefter sent a quick word on the matter: “Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski said QB Tua Tagovailoa ‘will be out there sooner rather than later.’”

So, the pivot is toward Cooper Rush. He’ll quickly learn his assignment while allowing for Atlanta to function in training camp practices.

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Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa in 2025
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) walks on the field after the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Minnesota’s passer depth chart is pretty stuffed. Check out how most view things:

  • QB1 Kyler Murray
  • QB2 J.J. McCarthy
  • QB3 Carson Wentz
  • QB4 Max Brosmer

Of those options, Max Brosmer is the most insecure in his roster spot. What’s somewhat ironic is that the firmest assignment belongs to Carson Wentz. He’s close to assured of being the emergency quarterback. Where there’s room for some debate is who secures the top spot.

What threatens things is the ever-present danger of injury. The 2023 season was undermined largely by shuffling through four quarterbacks. Something similar could be said of the 2025 season due to the three different quarterbacks who were needed last year. Minnesota’s approach has been to hope for the best while planning for the worst.

In Cooper Rush, the Vikings felt as though they had a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option sitting in free agency. Leaving him there, in free agency, meant allowing for some risk of losing him. Minnesota will need to look elsewhere for a veteran shepherd for their complex scheme if injury runs amok on the QB room yet again.

J.J. McCarthy throws a pass against the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back and delivers a first-quarter throw at U.S. Bank Stadium, Jan 4, 2026, in Minneapolis against the Green Bay Packers. The snapshot captured McCarthy operating within the structure of the offense early, as Minnesota looked to establish rhythm and tempo during a high-stakes divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Cooper Rush, 32, has played in 42 NFL games dating back to 2017.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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I never walk without my Motocaddy. Here’s how they just made it better

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King Alexander & Daniel King win Tote Galway Plate

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King Alexander (20/1) won the Tote Galway Plate at Ballybrit on Wednesday afternoon,

Trained by Willie Mullins, the Daniel King-ridden eight-year-old gave the Closutton trainer his third victory in the Grade 3 feature.

In a race where big-priced horses filled the first three spots, Paul Nolan’s Conyers Hill (25/1), the mount of Aldan O’Sullivan, was second, with Gorgeous Tom (25/1), from the Waterford stable of Henry de Bromhead, third at 25/1.

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There was only a half-length and three-quarters-of-a-length respectively between the first three finishers in the €270,000 Wednesday feature.

Willie Mullins treble

The win completed a treble for Mullins this evening, having earlier won the maiden hurdle and the mares’ handicap hurdle.

The champion trainer began the day with the victory of Mr Hollywood (2/1 favourite) in the opening Tote Guaranteed 50k Placepot Maiden Hurdle.

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The gelded bay son of Iquitos, last seen when finishing third in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot last month, came late on the stands’ side under Brian Hayes as the six-year-old beat Emmet Mullins’ Jeroboam Machin (10/1) and Donagh Meyler by half-a-length. Another Willie Mullins-prepared runner, Al Arrivee (3/1), the mount of Patrick Mullins, was two-and-a-half lengths further back to complete a Mullins family trifecta.

Mullins had brought up a double on the evening when the impressive French-bred Venusienne took the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten by SP Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle for rider Harry Cobden. The daughter of Capital Stud’s Authorized had a two-and-a-half length advantage over the Joseph O’Brien-trained Fratas (2/1f) at the winning line, with Emesteraye (16/1) third.

Berkshire is Mighty in Handicap Hurdle

Mighty Berkshire (15/2) was a popular victor in the Tote.ie Money-Back 2nd Every Race Handicap Hurdle for owner/jockey Declan Queally. The Waterford handler’s runner was only contesting his second handicap, and the addition of new headgear seemed to help the six-year-old bay gelding. Owned by the Man About Dog Syndicate, comprising members from counties in Munster, Mighty Berkshire won by a length-and-a-quarter from Noel Meade’s Golden Temple (5/1), with Macshadow Des Crai third at 14/1 under Jack Kennedy.

Birthday winner for Dermot Weld

Abbotsford (7/4 favourite), owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms, gave Dermot Weld a birthday present when winning the Visit Tote26 On Course (Q.R.) Maiden over one mile four furlongs and 43 yards.

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The three-year-old son of Frankel, who was gelded since finishing runner-up at Cork last May, was an easy seven-and-a-half length winner for amateur jockey Finny Maguire, son of former top National Hunt rider, Adrian.

Joey Sheridan and Minella Rockett (10/1) came late in the Tote Every Day Is A Money-Back Day Handicap to get a neck advantage over Johnny Soda (11/2) at the line, to deny Ado McGuinness another winner at Galway this week. Krasimir (15/2) was a head back in a tight finish to the 1 mile 123 yards race.

The final race of Galway Plate Day, the Bet With Tote.ie On Racing & Sports Handicap went the way of Cock And Bull (7/2jf) for Sam Coen and Emmet Mullins.

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Duleep Trophy 2026: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named East Zone vice-captain led by Ishan Kishan

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India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another milestone to his rapidly rising career after being appointed vice-captain of the East Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy 2026. Fresh from winning the Player of the Series award during India’s tour of Zimbabwe, Sooryavanshi will serve as deputy to Ishan Kishan, who has been named captain of the East Zone side for the prestigious red-ball tournament beginning on August 23 in Bengaluru.

The vice-captaincy marks another major achievement for the youngster, who made his international debut during India’s tour of England earlier this month. Following a string of impressive performances for India and in domestic cricket, Sooryavanshi has now been entrusted with a leadership role in one of India’s premier domestic tournaments.

He is expected to open the batting alongside experienced Bengal opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who returns as the most seasoned player in the squad with more than 100 first-class appearances.

Ishan Kishan to lead experienced East Zone squad

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will captain an East Zone side that blends experienced international cricketers with emerging talent. Veteran India pacer Mohammed Shami returns to the domestic circuit after missing international action since the 2025 Champions Trophy final. The 35-year-old featured for Bengal in the 2025-26 domestic season and also played 13 matches for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.

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The squad also includes India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed, Jharkhand batter Virat Singh, wicketkeeper Kumar Kushagra, and spin all-rounder Anukul Roy, who impressed during India A’s successful tri-series campaign in Sri Lanka earlier this year.

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Riyan Parag, Akash Deep miss out

East Zone will be without two prominent names, Riyan Parag and Akash Deep, both of whom continue their rehabilitation after undergoing surgeries. Parag is recovering from right shoulder surgery, while Akash Deep remains sidelined following back surgery. Neither player was considered for selection as they continue their recovery programmes.

East Zone Squad for Duleep Trophy 2026

Full Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sudip Gharami, Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suraj Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (vice-captain), Virat Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Shikhar Mohan, Subranshu Senapati, Abhijit Sarkar, Anukul Roy and Denish Das.

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Standbyes: Ayush Loharuka, Sridam Paul, Sambit S Baral, Sharandeep Singh and Swastik Samal.

The Duleep Trophy, one of India’s premier first-class competitions, gets underway in Bengaluru on August 23.

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Former NBA champion has Magic, other teams finishing ahead of Sixers

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The Philadelphia 76ers figure to be at or near the top of the Eastern Conference after a busy offseason that brought in Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and a slew of others to join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe on a talented roster. The Sixers now have one of the best rosters in the league and should be contending for a title in the upcoming season.

That doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park. The East is tough with a number of teams that have the talent to reach the finals. The New York Knicks are the defending champs. The Detroit Pistons won 60 games. The Indiana Pacers are getting Tyrese Haliburton back from injury. The Miami Heat have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. The Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard and so on, and so on.

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With that being said, the Sixers should still be at the top of the East. However, when asking former champion Jason Williams, he isn’t buying the Sixers:

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The Knicks are going to be better. Miami is going to be better. Orlando Magic will finish higher than the Sixers…Atlanta will finish higher.

Please be advised that the clip below contains language that some might consider offensive.

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This simple putting fix had me reading greens like a pro

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MLB Highlights (July 29)

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MLB Highlights (July 29)

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FIFA private investor plans spark backlash, UEFA fury

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FIFA said Tuesday it plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions through the creation of a semi-private subsidiary. The decision marks a dramatic attempt to reshape the commercial landscape of global football, while opening a new front in a long-running battle with Europe for control over the massive wealth generated by the sport.

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Sir Clive Lloyd pays tribute to ‘greatest all-round cricketer’ Sir Garfield Sobers at funeral

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Sir Garfield Sobers was called the “greatest all-round cricketer the world has ever known” by former team-mate Sir Clive Lloyd at the legendary West Indies player’s state funeral in Barbados.

Lloyd described all-rounder Sobers, who died aged 89 on 17 July, as “a man who lived in the hearts and minds of Caribbean people and who became a source of inspiration to millions throughout the world”.

An entertaining left-handed batter and bowler of seam and spin, Sobers played 93 Tests between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs and taking 235 wickets.

The funeral was staged at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, the principle ground in Barbados and home to a pavilion named after Sobers.

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Lloyd and fellow West Indies legends Brian Lara and Desmond Haynes were among those who spoke at the state service of thanksgiving, which was also attended by Barbados president Jeffrey Bostic, prime minister Mia Mottley and Barbadian music superstar Rihanna.

West Indies Test captain Roston Chase, who comes from Barbados, vice-captain Jomel Warrican and the current side’s Barbadian players were also in attendance, having completed a Test victory over Pakistan on Monday, winning by 90 runs inside four days in Trinidad.

“Sir Garfield Sobers was not merely the outstanding cricketer of his generation,” Lloyd added. “He brought to the beautiful game a rare combination of brilliance, imagination, courage and joy.”

Sobers’ coffin was draped in the flag of Barbados and set off from the Parliament Buildings in Bridgetown on a gun carriage for a formal procession through the nation’s capital.

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On arrival at the stadium, the carriage passed through a guard of honour of raised cricket bats.

“This is not a sad moment,” Lara said of his mentor. “This is a moment for us to celebrate and I hope you feel the same. Today we celebrate the remarkable life of the greatest all-round cricketer.

“We celebrate a man who gave so much to his family, to Barbados, to the West Indies and all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Sobers scored 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958 – an effort which stood as the record Test score for 36 years.

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He was also named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of the 20th century.

During his stint at Nottinghamshire in 1968, Sobers became the first player to hit a six off all six balls in an over in a first-class match.

Mottley described Sobers as “a man who if he had not achieved any of those great feats on the cricket field would have been immortalised by his community as a good man and a great man”.

Reverend Canon Guy Hewitt read out a message from King Charles during the service.

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“History is distinguished with sporting champions whose records have rightly commanded respect across generations,” the message read. “There have been far fewer however whose name along brings a smile to people’s faces across Barbados, the Caribbean and the Commonwealth.

“Sir Garfield Sobers belongs very firmly in the latter category. I send my deepest sympathies to Sir Garry’s family as they come to terms with this great loss.”

Sobers’ body lay in state at the Barbados parliament on Monday and at the Kensington Oval on Tuesday, with national dignitaries and members of the public able to pay their respects.

He will be laid to rest at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in the south of Barbados.

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The Inner Circle 24: “This is always my bread and butter”

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Malaysian-American flyweight Muay Thai standout Johan Ghazali is not looking for a technical chess match at The Inner Circle 24 on Friday, July 31. “Jojo” is looking for exactly the kind of fight Ramadan Ondash brings, and he has been here before.

Ghazali carries eight ONE Championship victories into Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok this Friday.

He has since navigated the pressures and setbacks that come with competing at the global level, including a unanimous decision loss to Shimon Yoshinari at ONE SAMURAI 1 in April.

He sees in Ondash a reflection of his own trajectory at an earlier stage, and that perspective shapes exactly how confident he is about the outcome.

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The Rentap Muay Thai and Superbon Training Camp athlete told ONE Championship:

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“He knows this fight will be the biggest one yet for him. He has to get past me. I’m ready for a fighter of his style and his caliber. I love this type of brawl-style fight. This is always my bread and butter.”

He continued:

“I see Ramadan as a version of myself from two to three years ago in terms of an experience standpoint. I have the experience now, and I’m a little more mature than him heading into this fight.”

Johan Ghazali plans to keep Ramadan Ondash guessing

Johan Ghazali’s game plan extends beyond simply outlasting Ondash in a physical exchange.

The Malaysian-American is aware that a one-dimensional approach against a versatile, aggressive opponent gives away the element of surprise.

He intends to use every tool in his arsenal to stay unpredictable throughout.

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“I’m gonna do it in my favor in the ways that I’ve learned through experience from fighting good fighters. I’ll use all of my advantages to keep him guessing, and I don’t want to be reliant on just one thing,” “Jojo” told the promotion.

Fans can watch the flyweight clash live by purchasing The Inner Circle at live.onefc.com.