Prochazka won the title from Glover Teixeira in 2022 but was forced to vacate the belt after suffering an injury. Prochazka twice failed to regain the belt in losses to Alex Pereira, the only man to have defeated Prochazka in the UFC. Now that Pereira has vacated the belt to challenge for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Prochazka has a clear path back to the title.
Saturday represents Ulberg’s first chance at UFC gold. After suffering a knockout loss to Kennedy Nzechukwu in his UFC debut, it appeared Ulberg may have a lower ceiling than the hype that was behind him entering that night. Since that loss, Ulberg has rattled off nine wins, six by stoppage, and now finds himself on the verge of being UFC champion.
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC 327 live on Saturday night for no additional fee — every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with the price of your subscription! Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
Advertisement
In the co-main event, Paulo Costa returns to action in a light heavyweight fight against Azamat Murzakanov. Costa has struggled late in his career, posting a 2-4 record in his last six appearances. Costa, 34, is coming off an impressive win over Roman Kopylov last July. Murzakanov, meanwhile, is 16-0 so far in his career with 12 knockouts to his name. In fact, the Russian has scored three straight knockouts against an increasingly difficult set of opponents in Alonzo Menifield, Brendson Ribeiro and Aleksandr Rakic.
With so much happening on Saturday night, let’s look closer at the full fight card with the latest odds before we get to our staff predictions and picks for the PPV portion of the festivities that you can consider before hitting the sportsbooks.
Advertisement
UFC 327 fight card, odds
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook (Odds as of April 10)
Jiri Prochazka -118 vs. Carlos Ulberg -102, vacant light heavyweight title
Azamat Murzakanov -205 vs. Paulo Costa +170, light heavyweights
Curtis Blaydes -122 vs. Josh Hokit +102, heavyweights
Dominick Reyes -148 vs. Johnny Walker +124, light heavyweights
Nate Landwehr -112 vs. Cub Swanson -108, featherweights
Aaron Pico -285 vs. Patricio Pitbull +230, featherweights
Kevin Holland -112 vs. Randy Brown -108, welterweights
Mateusz Gamrot -205 vs. Esteban Ribovics +170, lightweights
Tatiana Suarez -148 vs. Loopy Godinez +124, women’s strawweights
Chris Padilla -162 vs. Marquel Mederos +136, lightweights
Kelvin Gastelum -278 vs. Vicente Luque +225, middleweights
Charles Radtke -180 vs. Francisco Prado +150, welterweights
UFC 327 predictions, picks
With such a massive main event on tap, the crew at CBS Sports went ahead with predictions and picks for the main card from Brian Campbell, Brent Brookhouse, Shakiel Mahjouri, Michael Mormile and Brandon Wise.
Prochazka vs. Ulberg
Prochazka TKO3
Prochazka KO2
Prochazka KO3
Ulberg KO2
Prochazka SUB4
Murzakanov vs. Costa
Murzakanov UD
Murzakanov TKO3
Murzakanov UD
Murzakanov KO3
Murzakanov UD
Blaydes vs. Hokit
Blaydes UD
Blaydes TKO3
Blaydes KO2
Blaydes KO2
Blaydes TKO3
Reyes vs. Walker
Walker KO1
Reyes KO1
Reyes KO1
Reyes KO2
Reyes KO1
Swanson vs. Landwehr
Swanson SUB3
Swanson TKO2
Swanson KO3
Swanson UD
Landwehr UD
Records to date
9-6
11-4
10-5
9-6
9-6
Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg predictions
Campbell: Let’s face it, Prochazka was built for danger. Words like patience and gameplans only water down what this exciting slugger brings to the table. And with nemesis Alex Pereira having moved up to heavyweight, the time is now for Prochazka to regain his 205-pound title. For as quick and powerful as Ulberg can be, the awkwardness of Prochazka should be enough to give him pause and freeze him. That’s the only opening Prochazka needs to land the big one and finish him off. As evidenced by his rally to finish Khalil Rountree Jr. in the final round last October after being picked apart for most of the fight, Prochazka’s ability to carry his cardio through chaos while dragging foes into the deep end of the pool is unique unto itself and the only man to beat him in the Octagon is no longer in this division.
Brookhouse: Prochazka is a throwback fighter in the sense that his style is unrefined and nearly as strange as his personality. He’s the kind of guy who used to litter MMA cards before everyone trained and refined their game to where a generally homogeneous way of fighting dominates fight cards, with small edges in techniques deciding most fights. For that reason, and the excitement his fights produce as a result, I never want to pick against Prochazka unless it’s against another throwback type of fighter — like Alex Pereira.
Mahjouri: Prochazka is never a safe bet, but that’s why we love him. He will probably get rocked, and we’ll watch with bated breath. But Prochazka has the sheer audacity to eat Ulberg’s punches, march forward and drag the technical striker into an inescapable hellstorm. Prochazka has only lost to Alex Pereira in the UFC — losses that age better with every accolade “Poatan” achieves. Until someone other than Pereira crushes my dreams, I’ll ride with Prochazka.
Advertisement
Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa predictions
Campbell: This is the type of big-name opponent the unbeaten Murzakanov needs to truly crack the title picture. Expect Costa, who has lost four of his last six bouts and is making his return to light heavyweight, to play his part as the perfect foil. Costa will be dangerous at times and his reputation for a sturdy chin should be enough to help him go the distance. But he’s simply outgunned in this matchup should he decide to go blow for blow with the powerful Murzakanov. Costa has historically only lost to the best of his division and Murzakanov is starting to look as if he fits that mold.
Brookhouse: One of Costa’s best qualities is his toughness. I don’t know if that toughness will hold up in moving to light heavyweight against a guy who has been ripping through established light heavyweights the way Murzakanov has. While Costa is good at making a fight ugly and willing to make his opponent wallow in the muck with him, he’s not the guy used to fighting at light heavyweight or the one who has actual career momentum, having gone 2-4 since 2020.
Mahjouri: Costa is nearly impossible to finish. That’s a valuable asset against a known knockout artist like Murzakanov. Costa is coming off an impressive win over Roman Kopylmov, where he fought with veteran composure. I don’t have enough information to support Costa as a light heavyweight. Murzakanov’s decision win over Dustin Jacoby wasn’t pretty, but at least I know he can win a 15-minute fight.
Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit predictions
Campbell: Is the colorful Hokit, an athletic heavyweight with power and a solid wrestling background, the type of newcomer that the division badly needs? Eventually, that could very well be true. But this feels like too much, too soon for the former NFL player in just his seventh pro fight and third walk to the Octagon since debuting in the UFC last November. The fact that the 35-year-old Blaydes has only lost to sluggers with fast hands makes this an interesting matchup given Hokit’s aggressive style and confidence in his technique. But those same heavyweights were named Francis Ngannou (twice), Derrick Lewis, Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. Hokit has yet to go the distance as a pro and has seen six of his eight fights end in the first round. Expect Blaydes to test Hokit’s gas tank over the full 15 minutes and rely on his wrestling and experience to humble the brash upstart.
Advertisement
Brookhouse: I could pick against Hokit on the fact that I don’t want to see his post-fight promo alone. Beyond personal taste, this feels as though it could be a case of too much, too soon for Hokit. Heavyweight isn’t currently a deep division, but Blaydes is one of the few men who has shown himself to be a reliable performer in the division, and his performances have been good enough that he holds the No. 5 spot in the heavyweight rankings. Hokit has skills, but he has only shown those skills in eight career fights, two in the UFC. And Blaydes is worlds better and more dangerous than Max Gimenis and Denzel Freeman, Hokit’s two UFC opponents. I side with the man who has proven himself dangerous against many of the best in the division over the man hoping to establish himself as on that level.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up on the field before kickoff, Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the Vikings prepare for a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Weekly, we track Minnesota Vikings-themed items that are false, outrageous, or just didn’t work out as the masses expected. We call them nopedy nopes.
Minnesota’s post-draft rumor cycle has produced a few theories that need quick cleanup.
This week’s edition covers leaguewide power rankings, a seismic trade, and the search for a new general manager.
Advertisement
Three Offseason Claims Need a Closer Look This Week
These are the post-draft nopedy nopes.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) celebrates with fans after the final whistle, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a win over the Arizona Cardinals with Cashman acknowledging the crowd after a strong defensive performance late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Nopedy Nope: Your Minnesota Vikings are the fifth-worst team in the business, says NFL.com.
Eric Edholm ranked all teams after the draft, and he slapped the Vikings at No. 28 on his list.
After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn’t offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic.
I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham, it’s a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver.
That’s brutal business for a team that had the NFL’s third-best defense last year, signed Kyler Murray in March, and has Justin Jefferson on the roster.
The Verdict: There’s just no way that Minnesota is the league’s fifth-worst team when it had the league’s third-best defense a season ago. Nopedy nope.
Advertisement
The Nopedy Nope: Jonathan Greenard would not be traded this offseason. Good teams don’t get rid of top-tier EDGE rushers.
Interim Vikings boss Rob Brzezinski pressed the button on the Greenard trade a week ago, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell were somber tonight in talking about the Greenard trade.”
And Brzezinski personally said about the swap, “This is not something we’re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we did the best thing for the organization moving forward. We have just spent so much money the last several years that it’s not sustainable for us to move forward. Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging. The value ends up being what the market will pay, you know.”
“Obviously, JG is a great player, and I’m sure people have a lot of opinions as far as what the appropriate value should be for him. All I can say is, considering everything we thought it was in the best interest of all parties. Again, people can judge whether or not it was fair or reasonable for a player of that caliber, and we understand that. But it’s what the market would pay, and ultimately, we thought it was best for all parties, and that’s why we decided to do it.”
Advertisement
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a defensive stop with teammates during game action, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings faced the Arizona Cardinals with Greenard bringing energy to Brian Flores’ defense in a momentum-swinging second quarter sequence. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
When the Greenard trade fodder kicked up, most scratched their heads, as serious playoff-contending teams hoard EDGE rushers. They don’t trade him. Ultimately, Greenard was too expensive at $100 million over four seasons, and Minnesota chose a deal that offered two 3rd-Rounders to replace him.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Greenard lasting longer than two seasons in the Twin Cities.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will make public the names of their general manager candidates.
The Vikings said they would begin a general manager search after the draft, and they weren’t kidding. It’s just that the process will be hush-hush.
Minnesota Vikings owners Leonard Wilf and Mark Wilf react on the sideline before kickoff, Oct. 2, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as the Vikings prepared to face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL International Series game showcasing the league’s global expansion efforts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders.
We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization.
Advertisement
Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.
This is a new phenomenon for the Vikings. GM and coach searches are not usually conducted behind closed doors.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on knowing Minnesota’s candidate pool for the next head boss.
The San Diego Padres are expected to come under new ownership soon.
On Saturday, the MLB franchise reached an agreement to sell a controlling interest in the team to an investor group led by Puerto Rican businessman José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones.
The family of late owner Peter Seidler, which makes up the Padres’ current ownership group, confirmed the deal. The decision to offload the team comes three years after Seidler’s death. John Seidler has served as the Padres’ chairman since his brother died.
Advertisement
The deal will not become official until it receives league approval. Last month, it was revealed that the Padres have a valuation of $3.9 billion. Although a sale price was not specified in the announcement, given the valuation, the transaction is expected to set a record for the highest price paid for an MLB franchise, surpassing Steve Cohen’s 2020 acquisition of the New York Mets for $2.42 billion.
San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, left, acknowledges the crowd after hitting a single, his 2000th career hit, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, July 7, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Other members of the investor group were not named. In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano “a unifying force” in San Diego and committed to building on the franchise’s foundation.
“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection and belonging. As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together. We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together. We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win. We are committed to showing up, listening and earning the trust of this community while building on the strong foundation established by the Seidler family.”
The group added that its commitment encompasses both on-field success and meaningful community impact.
A general view of Petco Park during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres on March 26, 2026, in San Diego, California.(Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“This is about more than baseball — it’s about boosting the pride, energy, and connection that define the Padres, investing in community, deepening belonging and ensuring this team remains accessible and endures for generations. We are all in — with the goal of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego.”
Peter Seidler joined the Padres’ ownership group in 2012 when John Moores sold the team for $800 million to a group headed by Ron Fowler. Seidler took over and immediately endeared himself to San Diego’s fans with his aggressive financial backing of general manager A.J. Preller.
Advertisement
The Padres have been a hot ticket for several years as San Diego’s only team in the four biggest North American sports leagues, ranking second in the MLB in attendance last season.
San Diego Padres players stand for the national anthem before Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on March 26, 2026.(Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Padres are off to a strong start, sitting second in the NL West at 19-13 entering Sunday afternoon’s finale of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The team has made the playoffs in four of the past six seasons.
Feliciano is on track to become the second Latino owner in baseball, joining Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno.
Advertisement
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
Ok, here we go! The players are just being introduced to the crowd by human Energizer bunny, MC Rob Walker.
Wu Yize is first up. A great reception for the Chinese star, who Rob describes as a “lean, mean potting machine”. The chants of “Wuuuuuuuuu” go up from the crowd.
Shaun Murphy is then introduced – roars from the crowd as he strolls down the steps looking relaxed.
Advertisement
The 2026 World Snooker Championship final is about to get underway.
(Reuters)
Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:13
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize format
So, how will this final work? We’re in for a treat, with a best-of-35 contest lined up over the next two days – 18 frames is the target for victory.
Here’s the session times:
Advertisement
1pm: Session one – 8 frames
7pm: Session two – 9 frames
1pm: Session three – 8 frames
7pm: Session four – 9 frames
Advertisement
Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:09
Mark Allen’s moment of heartbreak defines Crucible semi-final classic for the ages
In a semi-final that looked set to be remembered for the farcical scenes that led to the longest frame in Crucible history, Mark Allen produced a defining moment so heartbreaking that the 100-minute marathon became a mere footnote.
Allen had one foot and four-and-a-half toes in the World Snooker Championship final when he potted a spectacular long pink while leading Wu Yize 16-15 and landed perfectly on the final black. Black on its spot, cue ball perfectly positioned – it’s a simple pot that Allen makes 100 times out of 100. Except on this one, most important occasion.
Advertisement
Read Luke Baker’s full report from a semi-final of high drama:
Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:01
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize
What a final we have in store here. Shaun Murphy is already a world champion, having won the title in 2005 but, 21 years on, he’s desperate to join an elite club by becoming a multiple world champion.
Advertisement
He’s lost three finals since that 2005 triumph, so will it be fourth time lucky for the 43-year-old Englishman.
Standing in his way is 22-year-old Chinese wonderkid Wu Yize. A potting machine, Wu is trying to become just the second Chinese world champion, 12 months after Zhao Xintong made history as the first.
He’ll be fearless, especially after coming back from the brink to beat Mark Allen in the semi-finals, and given both men’s propensity for attacking snooker, this one should be a high-scoring thriller.
Wu Yize battled past Mark Allen in the semi-finals (Reuters)
Luke Baker3 May 2026 12:54
Advertisement
The lucky underpants that won Shaun Murphy his first world snooker title
Shaun Murphy has revealed that a pair of lucky underpants helped him win his first World Snooker Championship title, yet it wasn’t him who was wearing them.
Murphy begins the final of the 2026 tournament against 22-year-old Wu Yizethis afternoon but his first world title came back in 2005, when he was a relatively unknown 22-year-old himself.
Having come through qualifying to reach the Crucible, Murphy blitzed the field with his attacking snooker, seeing off Chris Small, John Higgins, Steve Davis and Peter Ebdon before beating Matthew Stevens 18-16 in the final.
Twenty-one years later, the now 43-year-old has revealed the victory may have been down to his nephew Joshua, who was just a child at the time and ensured that his uncle kept winning by wearing the same underwear each day he was at the Crucible.
Advertisement
Luke Baker3 May 2026 12:50
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2026 World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize.
After a hugely dramatic day of semi-final action, can the final live up to the same standard?
With the first round in the rearview mirror, it’s time for the conference semifinals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The NHL announced the schedule for Round 2, with all games available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Here are the schedules for all second-round matchups (all times ET):
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers Carolina leads series 1-0
Advertisement
Game 1: Carolina 3, Philadelphia 0 Game 2: Philadelphia at Carolina, Mon. May 4 at 7 p.m. Game 3: Carolina at Philadelphia, Thurs. May 7 at 8 p.m. Game 4: Carolina at Philadelphia, Sat. May 9 at 6 p.m. *Game 5: Philadelphia at Carolina, Mon. May 11 at TBD *Game 6: Carolina at Philadelphia, Wed. May 13 at TBD *Game 7: Philadelphia at Carolina, Sat. May 16 at TBD
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens/Tampa Bay Lightning Series tied 0-0
Game 1: Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Wed. May 6 at 7 p.m. Game 2: Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Fri. May 8 at 7 p.m. Game 3: Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, Sun. May 10 at 7 p.m. Game 4: Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, Tue. May 12 at TBD *Game 5: Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Thurs. May 14 at TBD *Game 6: Buffalo at Montreal/Tampa Bay, Sat. May 16 at TBD *Game 7: Montreal/Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Mon. May 18 at TBD
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild Series tied 0-0
Advertisement
Game 1: Minnesota at Colorado, Sun. May 3 at 9 p.m. Game 2: Minnesota at Colorado, Tue. May 5 at 8 p.m. Game 3: Colorado at Minnesota, Sat. May 9 at 9 p.m. Game 4: Colorado at Minnesota, Mon. May 11 at TBD *Game 5: Minnesota at Colorado, Wed. May 13 at TBD *Game 6: Colorado at Minnesota, Fri. May 15 at TBD *Game 7: Minnesota at Colorado, Sun. May 17 at TBD
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Series tied 0-0
Game 1: Anaheim at Vegas, Mon. May 4 at 9:30 p.m. Game 2: Anaheim at Vegas, Wed. May 6 at 9:30 p.m. Game 3: Vegas at Anaheim, Fri. May 8 at 9:30 p.m. Game 4: Vegas at Anaheim, Sun. May 10 at 9:30 p.m. *Game 5: Anaheim at Vegas, Tue. May 12 at TBD *Game 6: Vegas at Anaheim, Thurs. May 14 at TBD *Game 7: Anaheim at Vegas, Sat. May 16 at TBD
Apr 15, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (3) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Players and coaches are wearing number 42 in recognition of Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Two teams trending in opposite directions meet when the St. Louis Cardinals aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
St. Louis beat the Dodgers 3-2 on Saturday for their sixth straight win, while Los Angeles’ offense has gone quiet during its four-game losing streak.
Michael McGreevy tossed six scoreless innings on Saturday to help the Cardinals move a season-best seven games over .500 at 20-13.
“We’re going to give you hell when you play us,” McGreevy said. “There (were) a ton of expectations put on us in the offseason, and it’s been so freeing for the guys just to be able to show up and play.”
Jordan Walker hit his 10th home run of the season Saturday and is 6-for-8 with four RBIs in the first two games of the series.
Advertisement
“It just feels nice that the work that I put in during the offseason is showing up here,” Walker said. “Now the main focus is just keeping it consistent, and it feels like I know what it feels like, so when I get (off track), just get back on.”
The Dodgers have gone five straight games without a home run and have hit a total of three homers in their past 11 games. Los Angeles also hit into four double plays in Saturday’s loss.
“It’s what every team is going to go through in baseball throughout the course of a season,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I felt tonight, although it didn’t show for the first eight innings, I thought the intentions were better on balls in the hitting zone.”
Advertisement
Los Angeles has been held to two runs or fewer in six of its last 11 games.
After opening the season on a tear at the plate, Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages has eight hits in his last 38 at-bats. He struck out twice Saturday.
“Just trying to focus on what I can do, not focus so much on the whole,” Pages said through an interpreter. “Just focus on taking good at-bats, doing good turns, not really trying to get too ahead of myself. Baseball is really hard. So offensively, there’s gonna be times where we’re not clicking, and that’s one of those times right now.”
Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (4-0, 1.50 ERA) will take the mound for the Dodgers. He won his fourth straight start last Sunday, allowing four hits over six solid innings in a 6-0 home win over the Chicago Cubs.
Advertisement
Wrobleski, 25, has allowed two runs on 16 hits in 26 innings across his last four outings.
Pedro Pages is 4-for-6 with two homers against Wrobleski, who is 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA in three career games (two starts) versus St. Louis.
The Cardinals will counter with right-hander Dustin May (3-2, 5.28), who spent the first five-plus seasons of his career from 2019-25 with the Dodgers.
May, 28, gave up two runs over six innings in a no-decision against the Pittsburgh Pirates last Monday. He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four starts, going 3-0 in those outings. May is facing his former team for the first time.
Ulster welcome Exeter Chiefs to the Kingspan Stadium on Saturday evening (5:30pm) with a place in the EPCR Challenge Cup final on the line—and the bookmakers have them slight favourites at -2.
It’s a tight spread for a knockout game, but the team news from Richie Murphy suggests Ulster are going all-in to get the job done on home soil.
Big Guns Return at the Right Time
There are 14 changes from last week’s URC outing, which tells you everything about where Ulster’s focus has been. This is close to full strength—and it shows.
Advertisement
Captain Iain Henderson returns to lead the side, partnering Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. More importantly, the back row gets a serious lift with the return of Nick Timoney from injury, alongside David McCann and Juarno Augustus.
That trio gives Ulster real bite at the breakdown and ball-carrying power—something they’ve lacked at times this season.
Up front, Tom Stewart anchors the front row between Sam Crean and Tom O’Toole. It’s a solid unit, but it will need to stand up physically against a typically abrasive Exeter pack.
Midfield Power and Back Three Threat
Advertisement
Ulster’s strength arguably lies in their midfield. Stuart McCloskey is back pulling the strings at 12, bringing his usual mix of direct running and distribution. Alongside him, Jude Postlethwaite continues to grow into the role at 13.
Out wide, Jacob Stockdale returns on the left, with Zac Ward—Ulster’s leading try-scorer this season—on the right. Add in Michael Lowry at 15, and there’s plenty of attacking spark if Ulster can get quick ball.
The half-back pairing of Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy will be key. Doak’s control and kicking game, in particular, could decide whether Ulster play this in the right areas.
Bench Impact Could Be Decisive
Advertisement
Murphy has gone with a 5:3 split on the bench, signalling a clear intent to win the physical battle late on.
Eric O’Sullivan and Tom McAllister provide fresh legs in the front row, while Bryn Ward adds energy in the back row.
In the backs, Jake Flannery and Ethan McIlroy offer versatility and attacking threat if the game opens up.
In tight knockout matches, that depth often proves the difference—and Ulster look well covered.
Advertisement
The Betting Angle: Is -2 Too Low?
A -2 handicap is about as tight as it gets. It’s essentially asking one question: do Ulster win the match?
Given the return of key players, home advantage, and Exeter’s patchy away form, the line looks slightly on the conservative side.
That said, semi-finals are rarely straightforward. Exeter will bring physicality, set-piece pressure, and enough experience to keep this close if Ulster don’t start well.
Advertisement
The biggest risk for Ulster is discipline and game management. If they give Exeter territory or easy points, this turns into a dogfight quickly.
Verdict
Ulster have named a team capable of winning this—and more importantly, one built for knockout rugby.
With Henderson leading, Timoney back, and McCloskey carrying in midfield, they should have enough control and power to edge it.
Advertisement
It won’t be pretty, and it won’t be comfortable—but it doesn’t need to be.
Joshua is set for the biggest payday of his career for the fight with Fury but the latter’s promoter, Frank Warren, has said the bout fight will not happen if Joshua loses to Prenga.
“There is a lot of pressure going into this fight but there’s also a lot of questions to be answered,” said Hearn. “Physically, mentally, fighting again at all and that’s why it’s needed.
“We want the best Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury. We don’t want a guy that, ‘maybe he should’ve had a warm up fight – he wasn’t quite ready’.
“We want to be 100% ready for that fight and, if he is, he’ll beat him and he’ll knock him out.”
Advertisement
Joshua’s was beaten by Daniel Dubois in his last fight before beating Paul and his last win against a recognised opponent came against Otto Wallin in December 2023.
“100%, I think there is no doubt about that,” said Hearn when asked if Joshua’s fight against Fury would be off he lost to Prenga. “There’s no doubt, and that’s the risk that we take.
“Even before the incident in Nigeria, we were always having this fight. Now he has been through that, we probably need this fight even more, if I’m honest.
“Now don’t get me wrong, the risk of that versus the pot of gold at the end, it is a risky game, especially when you are fighting a guy that not many people know about, has had 20 knockouts in 21 wins and has got absolutely nothing to lose.
Advertisement
“We know it’s dangerous, but if you can’t beat that guy then you don’t really deserve to be in a ring with Tyson Fury.
“I think with AJ that is a fair assessment and he understands that as well.
“It’s not about trying to protect money here – ‘Oh we don’t want to take that fight because if we get beat we won’t get paid the money’.
“We have to look good in that fight because we want to beat Tyson Fury. We’ve got no interest in just turning up and taking the money.”
Nico O’Reilly expects the title race to go to the wire as Manchester City chase Arsenal.
City, trailing the Premier League leaders by six points but with two games in hand, need to win at Everton on Monday to keep the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side.
Three successive wins — including a crucial victory over Arsenal — have given City a momentum they are determined to maintain.
O’Reilly, who has excelled in left-back and midfield roles this term, said: “We’re confident in ourselves. There are still a few games to go and it could go down to the last game.
“We’re going to try and win every game and score as much as we can. We’re going into every game trying to put a good performance in and win.”
Advertisement
City moved top of the table on goals scored by beating Burnley last time out but FA Cup involvement and the league schedule have since allowed Arsenal to move back in front.
The Gunners now have the advantage of points on the board, but O’Reilly insists that has not affected City’s approach.
The 21-year-old said: “I’m feeling good and positive and ready for the last few weeks. Everyone is feeling good and we’re excited for the last few weeks of the season.”
O’Reilly has been one of the stars of City’s campaign, first establishing himself as a member of the back four before being handed opportunities in his more natural midfield position.
Advertisement
He is among the leading contenders for young player of the year awards, but O’Reilly is focusing only on the immediate task.
“It would be a great achievement but there are still a few games to go and we’ll see what happens,” said O’Reilly, whose form also looks set to earn him an England World Cup spot.
“I just need to knuckle down and keep working hard.
“With all the games and how intense it is, I don’t think there’s much time to reflect yet. I think that’s when we have time off.”
Heading into the 2026 Season, 78 players who attended high schools in Montana have played or are currently playing in the NFL.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login