By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
Play-Off Hopes Alive After Stunning URC Run
Connacht travel to Hive Stadium knowing only a win will keep their URC play-off hopes alive after a remarkable late-season surge under Stuart Lancaster.
BKT United Rugby Championship Friday, 15 May Kick-off: 7.45pm Irish time Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Live: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
Connacht sit 9th in the URC table, just one point outside the top eight. A win in Edinburgh is essential if they are to keep alive their hopes of knockout rugby and Champions Cup qualification.
Final-Day Drama as Connacht Chase the Top Eight
Friday night at Hive Stadium feels like one of the biggest Connacht Rugby games in years.
A packed travelling support is expected in Edinburgh. The URC table is unbelievably tight. Champions Cup qualification remains alive. Knockout rugby is still possible. And after looking dead and buried earlier in the season, Connacht suddenly arrive in Scotland as arguably the form team in the entire league.
The equation is straightforward enough.
Win first. Then hope results elsewhere fall into place.
Connacht head into the final round of the BKT United Rugby Championship sitting 9th on 49 points, just a single point outside the top eight. Cardiff Rugby and Ulster Rugby both sit on 50, while Munster are on 51 ahead of their huge clash with the Lions.
It is one of the tightest URC finishes in years. Just two points separate the top three teams in the competition, while only a bonus-point win separates 4th place from 9th. Five teams are battling for four remaining play-off spots, and across the league almost every game on Friday night carries massive consequences.
For Connacht, though, none of it matters unless they beat Edinburgh.
7Wins in last 8 URC games
1Point outside the top eight
5Points from 4th to 9th
-5Connacht handicap after market move
From Nearly Out to One of the Form Teams in the URC
What makes Connacht’s current position remarkable is how unlikely it looked only a few months ago.
At the beginning of 2026, the play-offs genuinely seemed gone. Performances were inconsistent, away form was poor, injuries were mounting, and the season looked like it was drifting towards a disappointing mid-table finish.
Instead, Stuart Lancaster’s side have completely transformed their campaign.
Connacht arrive in Edinburgh having won seven of their last eight URC matches, a run that has reignited belief throughout the province and dragged them back into the race for knockout rugby.
| Date | Opposition | Venue | Result | For | Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 March 2026 | Scarlets | Dexcom Stadium | Won | 31 | 14 |
| 20 March 2026 | Ulster | Aviva Stadium | Won | 26 | 19 |
| 28 March 2026 | Ospreys | Dexcom Stadium | Won | 21 | 14 |
| 18 April 2026 | DHL Stormers | DHL Stadium | Won | 33 | 24 |
| 25 April 2026 | Lions | Ellis Park | Lost | 21 | 33 |
| 9 May 2026 | Munster | Dexcom Stadium | Won | 26 | 7 |
That late-season surge has completely changed the mood around the club. The away win over the DHL Stormers in Cape Town was arguably Connacht’s standout performance under Lancaster so far, while last weekend’s dismantling of Munster felt like a statement that this side now genuinely belongs in the play-off conversation.
More importantly, Connacht suddenly look balanced. Earlier in the season there were times they looked loose defensively and vulnerable physically. Over the last two months, though, they have become much harder to break down.
Cian Prendergast has emerged as one of the best back-row forwards in the league, Shamus Hurley-Langton continues to produce massive defensive shifts, while Sean Jansen’s carrying and breakdown work has become central to Connacht’s pack.
Behind them, Ben Murphy has brought calm control at scrum-half, while Bundee Aki’s influence and leadership have grown enormously during the run-in.
There is now a genuine sense that Lancaster’s systems are finally fully bedding in.
Hive Stadium Has Historically Been a Problem
Despite Connacht’s form, travelling to Edinburgh is still one of the tougher assignments in the URC.
Connacht have won just once in their last nine trips to Scotland in the competition — a 37-26 win over Edinburgh back in October 2020.
Recent meetings between the sides show how difficult this fixture has been:
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 October 2020 | Edinburgh v Connacht | Murrayfield | 26-37 |
| 13 March 2021 | Connacht v Edinburgh | Dexcom Stadium | 14-15 |
| 4 March 2022 | Edinburgh v Connacht | Hive Stadium | 56-8 |
| 25 March 2023 | Connacht v Edinburgh | Dexcom Stadium | 41-26 |
| 11 November 2023 | Edinburgh v Connacht | Hive Stadium | 25-22 |
| 10 May 2025 | Connacht v Edinburgh | Dexcom Stadium | 21-31 |
Connacht’s only victory in the last five meetings came in Galway in March 2023. That 56-8 defeat at Hive Stadium in 2022 still stands out as one of Connacht’s worst URC performances in recent memory.
Edinburgh themselves also arrive in strong form, winning four consecutive URC games heading into Friday night.
Markets Swing Heavily Towards Connacht
One of the most interesting developments this week has been the reaction from bookmakers following the team announcements.
Connacht initially opened as only slight favourites at around -1, but the line quickly moved to -5 , and now after Edinburgh named a notably young side there is even a feeling in some markets that the handicap could move further before kick-off depending on late money and confidence around Connacht’s selection.
That is a huge shift for an away side travelling to Scotland and highlights how strongly people now rate Connacht’s current form.
It also reflects the make-up of the Edinburgh squad. The Scots have named a side with an average age of just 25, while seven players in the matchday 23 are aged 21 or under. Fifteen members of the squad came through Edinburgh’s academy system.
That youth gives Edinburgh energy and enthusiasm, but also inexperience in a high-pressure game against a side fighting for its season.
Edinburgh’s “Change The Game” Night Adds Emotion
Friday’s match is Edinburgh Rugby’s annual “Change The Game” fixture, with the club hoping to raise a landmark £70,000 for official charity partner It’s Good 2 Give.
That should create an excellent atmosphere at Hive Stadium, especially with Connacht supporters expected to travel in big numbers.
Sean Everitt’s side have made four changes, with Magnus Bradbury returning at number 8, Marshall Sykes coming into the second row, Tom Dodd starting at blindside flanker, and Piers O’Conor coming into midfield.
Grant Gilchrist misses out through injury after suffering a finger issue last weekend against Dragons RFC.
Even with the youthful selection, Edinburgh remain dangerous at home and have already beaten strong sides there this season.
Mikey Yarr’s Potential Debut Adds a Brilliant Storyline
One of the standout inclusions in Connacht’s squad is academy hooker Mikey Yarr, who could make his senior debut from the bench.
Yarr is a player highly regarded throughout Irish rugby circles. The former Blackrock College player represented Ireland U20s across two separate seasons, something relatively uncommon at that level, but his progress was badly interrupted by a serious injury around the Junior World Cup that kept him sidelined until November.
Since returning, there has been huge positivity around his performances in training.
By all accounts, Yarr has been ripping it up over the last few months and now finds himself potentially one substitution away from a senior debut in one of Connacht’s most important matches in recent seasons.
It is the kind of storyline rugby supporters love. A young academy player battling back from injury. Knockout rugby on the line. A huge away crowd. Massive pressure. And possibly a first cap in Scotland.
Lancaster Keeps Changes Minimal
Connacht make just three changes from the side that demolished Munster last weekend.
Injuries to Dylan Tierney-Martin and Darragh Murray force Eoin de Buitléar and Joe Joyce into the starting pack, while British & Irish Lion Finlay Bealham returns at tighthead prop.
Otherwise, Lancaster sticks with continuity and momentum.
Connacht Rugby Team
15. Sam Gilbert
14. Shane Jennings
13. Harry West
12. Bundee Aki
11. Shayne Bolton
10. Josh Ioane
9. Ben Murphy
1. Billy Bohan
2. Eoin de Buitléar
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Joyce
5. Josh Murphy
6. Cian Prendergast (C)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Sean Jansen
Replacements: Mikey Yarr*, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, David O’Connor, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, Jack Carty, Seán Naughton.
The bench could be hugely important. Jack Carty’s experience may become critical in a tight final quarter, while Paul Boyle and Sam Illo offer major impact against a young Edinburgh pack.
Final Weekend Chaos Across the URC
The wider URC picture only adds to the drama.
- Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers are separated by one point at the top.
- Leinster still have a chance of finishing top two.
- Munster host the Lions in a huge play-off clash.
- Cardiff, Ulster and Connacht are separated by a single point.
- Two home quarter-final spots remain up for grabs.
- Champions Cup qualification remains completely open.
This is exactly what the URC wants its final weekend to look like: meaningful rugby everywhere.
Prediction
Connacht are arriving at exactly the right time.
Seven wins from eight matches. Confidence restored. Physicality improved. A settled spine through the team. Genuine momentum behind them.
Edinburgh’s young squad will bring energy and emotion, especially at home, but Connacht now look like a side that understands how it wants to play.
The biggest question is whether they can finally handle the pressure of expectation away from home in a game everyone expects them to win.
If they produce anything close to the intensity they showed against Munster, they should have enough quality and experience to edge it.
Prediction: Edinburgh Rugby 19-28 Connacht Rugby
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As we count down to the first college football game of the 2026 season, we continue our new series: The records of each top CFB program in the West against all the others in the region.
Some schools have met many times over the years, while others are beginning new rivalries in the wake of recent realignment.
For each opponent in the table below, we provide the total games played, wins, losses, ties, winning percentage, first year played, and most recent contest.
We continue with Colorado, which has played 449 games vs. regional foes, winning 243, losing 197, with 9 ties for a winning percentage of .549.
The Buffaloes have recorded the most wins (69) and played the most games (93) against Colorado State. CU has lost the most games (36) against Utah.
Here is a breakdown of Colorado’s records vs. the region’s teams.
Colorado Football Wins vs. the Top Programs in the West
| Opponent | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Ties | Win % | First Game | Most Recent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 66.7 | 11/29/1958 | 09/10/2022 |
| Arizona | 28 | 17 | 11 | 0 | 60.7 | 11/26/1931 | 11/01/2025 |
| ASU | 15 | 4 | 11 | 0 | 26.7 | 09/16/2006 | 11/22/2025 |
| BYU | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 60.7 | 10/07/1923 | 09/27/2025 |
| Cal | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 41.7 | 09/28/1968 | 10/15/2022 |
| Colorado State | 93 | 69 | 22 | 2 | 75.3 | 11/02/1893 | 09/14/2024 |
| Fresno State | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 66.7 | 09/25/1965 | 09/15/2012 |
| Hawai’i | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 40.0 | 01/01/1925 | 09/03/2015 |
| New Mexico | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 66.7 | 11/06/1909 | 09/24/1977 |
| New Mexico State | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | 09/10/2005 | 09/10/2005 |
| Oregon | 25 | 9 | 16 | 0 | 36.0 | 10/15/1949 | 09/23/2023 |
| Oregon State | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 42.9 | 09/26/1931 | 11/04/2023 |
| San Diego State | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | 09/07/2002 | 11/28/2020 |
| San Jose State | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | 09/20/1952 | 09/08/2001 |
| Stanford | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 46.2 | 11/24/1904 | 10/13/2023 |
| UCLA | 19 | 5 | 14 | 0 | 26.3 | 09/13/1980 | 10/28/2023 |
| USC | 17 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 00.0 | 11/12/1927 | 09/30/2023 |
| UTEP | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.0 | 12/29/2004 | 12/29/2004 |
| Utah | 72 | 33 | 36 | 3 | 47.9 | 10/03/1903 | 10/25/2025 |
| Utah State | 18 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 63.9 | 10/05/1912 | 09/19/1998 |
| Washington | 21 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 35.7 | 11/25/1915 | 11/19/2022 |
| WSU | 14 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 42.9 | 09/19/1981 | 11/17/2023 |
| Wyoming | 28 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 91.1 | 11/05/1900 | 09/20/2025 |
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs will return for pre-season after being suspended by the club in April, the Irish Premiership side has confirmed.
The 28-year-old did not feature in the final games of the season after being investigated and suspended over a disciplinary matter.
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In a statement on 20 April, Bangor said the club were “unable to provide further details” while an investigation took place.
However, the club said on Monday that an internal review has been completed and Arthurs will be available for the start of pre-season.
The forward has been part of the Bangor squad as they earned promotions through the divisions in recent seasons, initially playing for the club in the Ballymena & Provincial League, and culminating in their return to the top tier of Irish League football for the 2025-26 season.
Arthurs sits second in the all-time scoring charts for the club and the new campaign will be his ninth year with the north Down outfit.
Lee Feeney’s side finished their first campaign back in the Irish Premiership in 10th place.
Fifa has been blamed for the travel chaos afflicting World Cup 2026, with Uruguay slating the governing body after they experienced trouble arriving in Miami for their opening game against Saudi Arabia this evening.
On the eve of the game, the Uruguayan plane didn’t have clearance to fly from Cancun, where the team have been based, to the US, which left the squad stuck at the hotel until a solution was found, with the Uruguayan FA pinning the blame on Fifa, who in turn claimed it was an issue with the airline.
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has also criticised Fifa for the impact that his nation’s war with the US has had on preparations for their first game against New Zealand tonight, having been forced to move their base to Mexico, visa issues plaguing members of their delegation and travelling fans being stripped of match tickets. “I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” said Taremi. “This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is that football brings about peace. I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has.”
As England continue to build up to Wednesday’s game with Croatia, Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of teammate Jude Bellingham, claiming external criticism is way off the mark. “I know a lot gets written in the media and I really find it hard to read sometimes because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field,” said Henderson. “And what he gives us is just something really special, he really gives us the X-factor in our team. We all know what he can do, and how much we all love him inside the camp, and I suppose that’s the main thing.”
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Sweden’s deadly duo Isak and Gyokeres both off the mark in win over Tunisia
One of the big challenges for successive Sweden managers has been how to get the best out of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres on the same pitch, at the same time. Graham Potter’s solution against Tunisia was to play a 3-5-2 formation in which his star strikers were paired together, and it paid off with a 5-1 win in which both players got on the scoresheet – as Brighton’s Yasin Ayari scored two belters from range against his mother’s country.
The forward pair were helped by some poor Tunisian defending and goalkeeping, and there remain some question marks over their link-up play. At one point during the second half, Gyokeres should have played Isak through on goal but the Arsenal striker dallied and when he eventually passed, Isak was offside. Gyokeres’s goal might technically have been an Isak assist, but Isak was trying to score himself and the ball only ran to his strike partner when he lost control under pressure.
So perhaps there is still something to work on to develop a thriving partnership in which they are as happy to pass to one another as to take on the shot. But for Potter and Sweden, just seeing their star duo play together is a huge boost after Isak’s season of injuries. Group F rivals Netherlands and Japan will be wary of the threat Sweden pose.
Luke Baker15 June 2026 09:11
Jordan Henderson defends England teammate Jude Bellingham: ‘We all love him’
As England continue to build up to Wednesday’s game with Croatia, Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of teammate Jude Bellingham, claiming external criticism of the Real Madrid midfielder is way off the mark.
It has been suggested that one of the reasons Thomas Tuchel wanted veteran Henderson in his World Cup squad was his good relationship with Bellingham, who has developed a reputation externally as something of a tricky character.
“I know a lot gets written in the media and I really find it hard to read sometimes because I just know how big an influence Jude is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field,” said Henderson.
“And what he gives us is just something really special, he really gives us the X-factor in our team.
“I do think a lot of the media and the stuff that gets written isn’t all true to be honest, or a lot of it is actually untrue. But we all know what he can do, and how much we all love him inside the camp, and I suppose that’s the main thing.”
Luke Baker15 June 2026 08:58
The unwanted Premier League reality exposed by Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne’s World Cup showdown
For two ageing greats who contested an epic rivalry over years, the World Cup could provide a last duel. Not Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – or not definitely, anyway, given the number of results required to ensure that Portugal actually do meet Argentina in the Kansas City quarter-final – but Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
They have met in the Community Shield, the Champions League and the Carabao Cup but theirs is primarily a Premier League battle. Now for the north-west of the United States not the north-west of England. They meet in Seattle as captains of Belgium and Egypt and arguably the Premier League’s two best players of the last decade.
There are cases for Harry Kane and Virgil van Dijk, one for Erling Haaland that is based on a much briefer stay in the division, but De Bruyne and Salah allied creativity with class, assists with goals, medals with magnificence, individual exploits with collective achievement.
Richard Jolly analyses a final showdown between two Premier League greats:
Luke Baker15 June 2026 08:54
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticises Fifa over impact of USA war at World Cup
Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has criticised Fifa, with his team is having a challenging World Cup experience amid the multifold disruptions created by their nation’s war with the US.
The Iranians arrived in the Los Angeles area on Sunday from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of their clash with New Zealand this evening, while visa issues have plagued members of their delegation and travelling fans have been stripped of match tickets.
“I have felt the tension from the first moment we arrived at this World Cup,” said Taremi. “This kind of tension, it undermines that joy and it undermines the message of Fifa and our people, which is that football brings about peace. I feel like this World Cup could have provided a better atmosphere than it has.”
Luke Baker15 June 2026 08:50
Uruguay blame Fifa after flight chaos hurts plans for World Cup opener
Uruguay’s national team have blamed Fifa after a chaotic start to their World Cup campaign following the delay to their travel from their Mexico base to Miami for their first match.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have travelled to Cancun for final preparations before getting their World Cup underway against Saudi Arabia on Monday but the squad were left waiting as their prepared plane didn’t have clearance to fly to the US. The problem facing the team was reportedly due to issues with paperwork for the aircraft which meant it had not been approved to take the route from Cancun to Miami.
The Uruguayan FA maintained Fifa was responsible, while adding in a statement: “Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4.15pm.”
A Fifa statement read: “Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team’s departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed. The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused.”
Luke Baker15 June 2026 08:38
Amad started Ivory Coast’s World Cup opening game against Ecuador on the bench – but the Manchester United star would go on to steal the show in Philadelphia
Amad came off the bench to score a last-minute winner to get Ivory Coast’s World Cup off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Ecuador. In an entertaining game at the Philadelphia Stadium, the Manchester United star found himself on the bench with Yan Diomande given the nod to start on the right.
But nine minutes into the second-half, Amad was introduced in place of Bazoumana Toure and he went on to show his boss Emerse Fae why he no doubt believes he should be starting.
However, before that, Amad could only watch on as Sebastian Beccacece’s side twice hit the crossbar in the opening 45 minutes before Enner Valencia struck the outside of the post at the start of the second half.
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But just when it looked like both sides were going to be forced to settle for a point, Amad finally broke the deadlock in the 90th minute.
The United winger steered the ball inside the post from the edge of the box after a strong run and cross from Wilfried Singo.
And speaking post-match, Amda said: “We needed that. We came here to make history. We still have two more matches ahead of us, and we need to approach them with the same mentality and try to win them.
“We had to stay focused. We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuadorian players – they’re physically very strong. They caused us problems, of course, but we stayed composed and remained focused.”
While team-mate Diomande admitted: “We fought hard, we succeeded, and we’re all delighted. It’s always a pleasure to represent your country.
“It’s tough and it’s stressful because we’re representing nearly 33 million people. We’re playing for our families, our friends, our loved ones, and in this kind of competition we all want to give it our all.
“We want to win every match. We want to make our mark on history, and that’s what we’re all trying to do together.”
And Ecuador coach Beccacece reflected: “In the second half, we made the necessary adjustments and were in control enough to secure at least a draw.
“We put in a tremendous effort against a strong opponent. The final result wasn’t what we wanted, but it’s just the beginning, and we have to keep working.”
Dana White has seriously teased the shock signing of Tyson Fury to Zuffa Boxing in what would be a seismic development for the sport.
Fury, who is set to finally share the ring with long-time rival Anthony Joshua in November, made a surprise appearance at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday night, wearing a cap emblazoned with the slogan “Donald Trump for Prime Minister.”
The former two-time world heavyweight champion hinted that he had big news, saying: “I think I’m going to let Dana do the speaking, let him do the announcement. It’s a massive, massive, massive announcement.”
He then added there was “100 percent potential” that he would be fighting under the Zuffa promotion for the bout with Joshua, which will be among the biggest fights in British boxing history.
After the conclusion of the event, which saw Justin Gaethje stun Ilia Topuria to claim undisputed lightweight gold, White made it appear that confirmation of Fury’s deal with Zuffa was imminent.
Probed on whether Fury had signed with Zuffa, White said: “We’ll make an announcement soon.”
The UFC president was then pressed on whether that was a yes, to which he replied: “Listen, let me reiterate. Judge me 1 January 2027 on what we’ve done this year on boxing.
“I keep talking about all these other guys talking a lot of smack – I haven’t said anything about any of these guys. I’m in my lane, I’m doing my thing.
“Just sit back and watch. We’ll make an announcement soon.”
White stated last month that he was set to be the promoter for Fury vs Joshua, something both Eddie Hearn and Queensberry’s Frank Warren denied.
However, Fury’s new relationship with White will fuel speculation surrounding that claim, with the UFC president’s venture continuing to shake up the sport.
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Fury would follow the likes of compatriot Conor Benn in signing with Zuffa, who stunningly ditched Hearn to join forces with his very public rival in February, despite Hearn having supported Benn during a years-long drug-test saga.
He was sat next to Benn, along with two-time IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, at the landmark White House fight card.
With four signings already in place, Heart of Midlothian will make up to six more by the time the summer window closes and there will very likely also be one or two departures. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
A striker and centre-half are Hibernian’s priorities in the summer transfer window. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Cove Rangers hope to continue to take young Aberdeen players on loan next season. (Press & Journal), external
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes, who is poised to join Rangers, did not reject the Ibrox club as has been claimed in 2017 but instead turned down the switch from Aberdeen because of a late shift by then chairman Dave King during contract talks. (Daily Record), external
Hearts are unlikely to turn to two former Tynecastle stalwarts – Falkirk’s John McGlynn and Dundee’s Steven Pressley – as a replacement should head coach McInnes join Rangers – but could still shop again in the Scottish market. (Daily Record), external
Luke Graham of Dundee tops Rangers’ wishlist once McInnes takes over. (Daily Record), external
Sports
Man United transfer news LIVE: Ederson medical, Mateus Fernandes boost, multiple moves edge closer
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the latest Manchester United transfer news. The Reds are closing in on their first deal with Ederson set to be unveiled as a United player once a medical is completed.
The Brazilian will be one of at least two midfield signings, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes looking a real possibility. However, United also face competition from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
Stick with us throughout the day for all the latest!
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., UNITED STATES; Alex Pereira walks out prior to his fight against Ciryl Gane (not pictured) during UFC Freedom 250 at White House South Lawn. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images The imagery alone — the Octagon set against the backdrop of the American presidency — is enough to command global attention.
UFC Freedom 250, a reported $60 million project, was destined to be labeled a sideshow the moment the venue was announced — the White House South Lawn in Washington. It is a surreal juxtaposition: the polished, historic lawn of the American presidency serving as the stage for the raw, chaotic violence of MMA, with the UFC as the sport’s gold standard.
But to dismiss the event as merely a political stunt or a corporate play would be to ignore the reality of what took place inside the cage on Sunday night. When the lights went down, and the doors closed as President Donald Trump took it all in, the venue became secondary. What remained was a fight card that, venue aside, anchored itself as one of the most significant in the promotion’s history. Seven fights with seven KO/TKOs were a first in promotional history.
The skepticism surrounding this event was understandable. When combat sports collide with high-profile political settings, the optics often feel more like a performance than a competition. However, this event defied that narrative. The card was anchored by two high-stakes title fights that demanded to be taken seriously.
With Ilia Topuria — undefeated with 10 first-round finishes — putting his lightweight gold on the line against the relentless Justin Gaethje, a fighter known for his historic run of 15 bonuses in 15 fights, the card was built on substance.
Add in a heavyweight interim title collision between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, with undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall awaiting the winner, and the venue became an afterthought. These are the elite of the elite. When champions of this caliber step through the door, the venue does not change the stakes of the belt or the quality of the competition.
The genius — and the calculated risk — of UFC Freedom 250 lies in its promoter. CEO Dana White has never been one to shy away from breaking tradition, and this event serves as the ultimate “Next Frontier” for the brand.
White understands that in the modern attention economy, curiosity is a currency as valuable as gate receipts. By choosing the White House, he ensured that millions of casual viewers who have never watched a UFC event would stop, stare and tune in via Paramount+.
White is not just a matchmaker; he is a brand architect who thrives on friction. He knew the venue would be polarized, and he knew the coverage would be intense.
By weaponizing that polarization, he expanded the UFC’s footprint into the cultural mainstream in a way that a standard pay-per-view never could. This card wasn’t just about capturing the die-hard MMA fan; it was about capturing the viewer who was watching only because of the absurdity of the location.
The card, however, was not just a branding exercise — it delivered inside the cage. The action began with three straight knockouts. Middleweight Bo Nickal secured a TKO against Kyle Daukaus after Diego Lopes made quick work of Steve Garcia with ground-and-pound in Round 2 of their featherweight fight.
At lightweight, Mauricio Ruffy finished Michael Chandler with strikes just before Round 1 ended in a one-sided fight to the jubilation of the crowd surrounding The Ellipse, a park across from the White House.
The performance earned compliments from President Trump, who sat front row with White. At heavyweight, Josh Hokit delivered a dominant performance over former UFC interim heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis, securing a second-round TKO to keep his undefeated record intact. Meanwhile, former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley secured a TKO over Aiemann Zahabi to remain in the bantamweight title hunt, earning his second straight win.
In the main and co-main events, chaos reigned. Topuria’s undefeated run ended in a doctor’s stoppage between the fourth and fifth rounds, crowning Gaethje the new lightweight champion. In the co-main, Pereira suffered a vicious TKO loss in the second round, Gane halting Pereira’s bid to become a three-division titleholder.
So, was UFC Freedom 250 a spectacle or a legitimate sporting event?
The answer is that it was both, and that is precisely the point. The UFC has reached a level of maturity where it no longer needs the shelter of traditional arenas to be seen as a professional organization. It has become a global cultural juggernaut that can force the world to adapt to its environment, rather than the other way around.
If this event is viewed as a success, it raises a question: What is the next frontier? If the White House is not off-limits, then perhaps nowhere is. UFC Freedom 250 will be remembered not for where it happened, but for the fact that the nearly 33-year-old organization had grown so large that the venue became an afterthought.
–Zain Bando, Field Level Media
For those unfamiliar with Shinneock Hills, why is it known as such a quality U.S. Open test? What does it demand from players and what are you watching for as soon as the tournament gets underway?
Colgan: As someone who played there in nonstop 35 mph winds a few weeks ago, I can answer this question from memory. What makes Shinnecock great is that there is nowhere to miss. The greens and fairways might be large, but the actual spaces that allow you to safely advance your ball are minuscule. When the course is playing firm and fast (which it will be), spin control and land movement will be at a premium. In other words, it’s freaking impossible in the best of conditions … and only a player with an otherworldly sense of accuracy and confidence will be able to survive a U.S. Open.
Melton: Having never stepped on property, I can’t give a very nuanced breakdown on why Shinnecock is great, but from the stories I’ve heard I can say this: It’s damn hard. Perfect for a U.S. Open.
Hirsh: James you played? How rude of you not to invite Zephyr and I.
;)
Getty Images
The last time the tournament was played here, in 2018, Brooks Koepka beat Tommy Fleetwood by one to win his second straight U.S. Open. The leaderboard that year was stacked, too — guys like DJ, Reed, Finau, Hatton, Xander and Rose all finished in the top 10. Any learnings we can take from that tournament as we head into this week?
Colgan: Yeah, the lesson is that there probably won’t be a fluke winner here. Only the biggest of big dawgs will be in contention.
Melton: Famous last words, Jimmy. I hope you are correct! And for what we can expect? I’ll say it again: It’s gonna play hard.
Hirsh: My learning is that, amazing, all but two of those guys are legit contenders. Fleetwood is now a PGA Tour winner, Reed is in good form, albeit he’s played only the PGA since the Masters. Rose is having one of the best seasons of his career. Hatton and Schauffele need no explanation. The only question marks would be DJ and Koepka with his injury.
LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau hasn’t made a major cut this season. Does that change this week? Where does Bryson finish, and who are you picking for low LIV player?
Colgan: I don’t love how DeChambeau’s bomb-and-gauge strategy sets up for Shinnecock, especially after McIlroy and Scheffler indicated the wider-than-usual fairways have set up to make it extra penal on those who miss the fairway. I think Bryson is a shoe-in to make the cut, but I’m more skeptical on his odds at a third U.S. Open victory here given the setup.
Melton: I think he makes the cut, but I don’t think he’ll be a serious contender on the weekend. You’ve got to be firing on all cylinders to compete at a U.S. Open, and this year he just hasn’t been in that sort of form.
Sports
Ciryl Gane scores brutal TKO of Alex Pereira to claim interim heavyweight crown at UFC White House
Ciryl Gane kept the UFC Freedom 250 knockout parade going on Sunday, stopping former two-division champion Alex Pereira in the second round in what was a brilliant performance to win the interim heavyweight championship for the second time in his career.
Pereira immediately opened with a big head kick, sending an early message to Gane. Pereira also worked some low calf kicks as Gane tried to close the distance with jabs that weren’t connecting. Gane instead switched to leg kicks and front kicks to try and change the pace of the fight. Gane then shot for the first takedown attempt of the fight, which Pereira easily shrugged off.
Gane continued to pick up his offense, mixing in various shots, including his jab finally working to set up the straight left hand. Both men continued to land some good leg kicks before another head kick attempt from Pereira missed by inches, but a big Pereira right hand landed moments later to close the round.
Be sure to keep up with all the action on Sunday with our live coverage of UFC Freedom 250, including round-by-round scoring and updated fight results throughout the night!
Gane continued to fire kicks and then landed a big counter jab that dropped Pereira. Gane followed up with heavy shots and elbows as Pereira looked for a desperation takedown, but somehow Pereira survived.
Gane continued to bring the assault to Pereira, putting him on wobbly legs over and over as referee Herb Dean seemed close to stopping the fight.
As Pereira stumbled back into the Octagon fence, Gane fired more big shots. This time, as Pereira slumped against the Octagon wall, Dean jumped in to halt the fight at the 1:27 mark of Round 2.
The performance was arguably the best of Gane’s career, as he took on a legend and looked to be the better man from the early moments of the fight with a more dynamic attack.
“We worked on it, we did a really great job with my team,” Gane said after the win. “I’m really proud of myself and my team. … We knew that was possible to do. We knew that.”
Gane is now positioned for a rematch with heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. In Gane’s first fight with Aspinall, he was performing tremendously before the fight was halted after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes, leaving Aspinall sidelined ever since.
“We will see,” Gane said of a rematch. “Next, let’s do it in Paris in September.”
For Pereira, his attempt to win UFC gold in a third division came up short in brutal fashion.
“This was the risk, you know? If I hadn’t taken a risk every time I fought, I wouldn’t be here today,” Pereira said before addressing whether his future was at heavyweight or a return to light heavyweight. “… I don’t know, we’re going to sit down and look at it. The same way we lost at middleweight, we’re going to sit down with my team and talk about it.”
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