Sports
UFC star tears into expletive-laden rant over Elon Musk despite close ties to Donald Trump
UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell launched into an unexpected tirade against Elon Musk following his victory over Kron Gracie at UFC 310 in Las Vegas this weekend.
The outspoken featherweight used his post-fight press conference to criticise the world’s wealthiest man, labelling him a “rat b*****d”.
Despite Musk’s close ties to both UFC CEO Dana White and Donald Trump, Mitchell didn’t hold back in his assessment of the tech billionaire’s character.
The fighter’s comments came as a surprise given his known support for Trump, who has maintained a strong relationship with the X chief executive.
Bryce Mitchell called out Elon Musk after his win at UFC 310
Reuters
Mitchell’s criticism centred on Musk’s allocation of his vast wealth, particularly his space ventures.
“He has all the money in this country – he’s the wealthiest man in the country – and he’s wasting it on f***ing rockets, man,” Mitchell told reporters.
The UFC fighter suggested Musk’s fortune could be better spent helping ordinary people.
“Think about it, dude. He could actually help people with that money, but he don’t give a s*** about you,” Mitchell continued.
He emphasised how insignificant such assistance would be for Musk, stating: “It’d be a penny to him and you would never have to work again.”
Mitchell also criticised Musk’s automotive ventures, describing them as “cars that suck.”
The controversy highlights an unusual political dynamic, as Musk has been a close ally of both Trump and UFC leadership.
Trump and Musk were recently spotted together at Madison Square Garden last month, where they attended a UFC event.
Elon Musk has become a key part of Donald Trump’s administration
Reuters
The tech billionaire was also photographed alongside Dana White and Trump on election night, celebrating the former president’s victory.
Mitchell’s criticism stands out particularly given his own vocal support for Trump, demonstrating a willingness to break ranks over his concerns about Musk’s wealth allocation.
The fighter is known for holding controversial views, including beliefs that the earth is flat and gravity doesn’t exist.
Mitchell made stark predictions about how Musk’s true nature would be revealed over time.
Bryce Mitchell was in fine form at UFC 310
“Time will always reveal someone’s true character, and if you put that man in a position of power, his true character will be revealed,” he said.
The fighter doubled down on his assessment, stating: “You mark my words, it will be seen that he is a rat b*d.”
UFC president Dana White, however, has stood firmly by Musk, particularly regarding recent advertiser disputes on X.
“There’s more people than just me and Elon now that feel that way,” White said, adding: “Just because you sponsor us doesn’t mean you run this business.”
British tennis player Henry Patten says playing in a second Grand Slam final in the space of six months is “a little bit scary”.
Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, the reigning Wimbledon champions, will take on third seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori at the Australian Open on Saturday.
And they will have plenty of waiting to do beforehand as the match follows the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, and has been given an estimated start time of 22:00 in the evening (11:00 GMT) at the Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s going to be an interesting one. I’m not sure I’ve ever played a match that’s going to start as late as that,” Patten told BBC Essex.
“I hope I’m not going to wake up too early, buzzing already, because there’s going to be a lot of down time and anxious waiting before we get to go on court. But we’ve done it plenty of times before and hopefully it’ll all go to plan.”
Patten and Heliovaara, who only teamed up nine months ago, defeated Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4 3-6 7-6 (10-7) to reach the final in Melbourne.
The 28-year-old from Manningtree in Essex also reached the mixed double semi-finals with Olivia Williams, so practice time is likely to be kept short as they look to kill time before going on court against Bolelli and Vavasorri.
“We played our semi-final yesterday (Thursday), it was a long match and I pulled up a little bit sore after that, both physically and mentally. We’ve played a lot of tennis so I don’t feel I have to play too much more,” he added.
“We have a lot of free time as tennis players so definitely (watch) movies, definitely (listen to) music, I like to play a bit of chess here and there, read books, also some professional stuff, looking after the body like I mentioned, has to go on.”
“Sander is technically a very gifted player with the ability to connect the team together in the middle of the pitch and also provide an attacking threat in the final third. He will add much needed balance to our team.”
Kartum made 35 appearances last season, 20 of them starts.
He had started his career with Stjordals-Bank, winning three promotions and three league titles as they rose from the fourth tier to the second, before joining Kristiansund in Norway’s top flight and helping them to a sixth-place finish.
Brann finished runners-up two seasons in a row during his time in Bergen, which included a two-legged Europa Conference League victory over St Mirren earlier this season.
Kartum’s arrival follows the signings of central defenders Michael Steinwender, from Varnamo, and Jamie McCart, from Rotherham United, while striker Elton Kabangu joined on loan from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
“It’s been a really positive transfer window so far,” Critchley added.
Sports
Novak Djokovic sends heartbreaking message to booing Australian Open fans after quitting tournament
Novak Djokovic has heartbreakingly revealed he thinks Australian Open fans ‘don’t want to understand’ him following his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday.
The tennis icon was forced to pull out due to injury after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev, who will now take place in Sunday’s final.
As Djokovic made his way off the court, boos were heard around the Rod Laver Arena.
John McEnroe criticised the behaviour of supporters, while Zverev also pleaded with them to see reason.
Novak Djokovic has heartbreakingly revealed he thinks Australian Open fans ‘don’t want to understand’ him following his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday
REUTERS
Djokovic has always been a player who feels as though he’s fighting against the world and his treatment in Australia this winter has been hard for him to cope with at times.
Prior to the match, he was mocked by Australian broadcaster Tony Jones – who issued an apology for his comments.
And Djokovic has now expressed a belief that fans ‘don’t want’ to understand him and his decision to give up on a record 25th Grand Slam title.
“I don’t know what to say… people have come, they paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get,” stated the former world No 1.
“From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to understand me.
“I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament in the past 20 plus years. I will stop here, so that I don’t continue in the wrong direction.”
Djokovic also admitted that injury is the ‘biggest enemy’ of an athlete.
“It is what it is,” he said. “Injury is the biggest enemy of a professional athlete.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
“That’s the beauty of one-on-one sport, [it] is such that there is no replacement, there is no substitution.
“I could not go out now after first set and somebody comes in for me and then I rest for an hour, and maybe come back or maybe come back for the next match and my team wins.
“It doesn’t happen in our sport. If you in a way don’t show up and if something is wrong, you’re out.
“But that’s, again, the sport we are part of. I love it.”
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Novak Djokovic cast doubt on his tennis future following his decision to pull out of the Australian Open
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With Djokovic set to turn 38 in May, it’s understandable that he’s exercising caution when it comes to his latest injury.
But whether he returns for a crack at an 11th Australian Open crown remains to be seen.
Djokovic has fuelled talk he could potentially retire. He said: “I’ll just have to see how the season goes.
“I want to keep going, but whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.
Novak Djokovic was backed by Alexander Zverev after pulling out of the Australian Open
REUTERS
“I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here.
“So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance.”
Former childhood coach Cavaday, who has known her since she was 10 years old, proved a more stable presence.
In December, Raducanu said she enjoyed the continuity she felt with Cavaday, adding it was not her “philosophy to chop and change coaches”.
“I’ve never really wanted that. In the past, unfortunately, it hasn’t always worked like this,” she told a small group of British reporters at the National Tennis Centre.
“When I enjoy it, and it’s a good energy, then it’s a nice feeling.
“I also see how much I’ve developed in the last year as well, on and off the court.”
Cavaday, 38, worked with Raducanu up to the Australian Open, where she lost in the third round.
Since leaving Melbourne, Raducanu has travelled to Singapore for a WTA 250 event with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura.
“I am very happy to have been able to work with Emma over the last 14 months,” said Cavaday.
“At this moment in time, it’s important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritise getting back to full health which is hard to do with the extensive calendar.
“I am glad Emma is back to being established on tour now with a ranking inside the top 60, and I look forward to seeing what she does from here.”
Sports
Man United set to launch investigation after controversy strikes in Rangers Europa League win
Manchester United have launched an investigation after Rangers supporters managed to obtain tickets in home sections during Thursday’s Europa League clash at Old Trafford.
Despite allocating 3,500 official away tickets for the Scottish club’s fans, a significant number of additional Rangers supporters appeared to secure seats in areas designated for their United counterparts.
The incident prompted complaints to both the club and police authorities.
United had implemented strict preventative measures ahead of the match to stop away fans accessing home sections.
Man United beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night
REUTERS
A club spokesperson said, per the Daily Mail: “In anticipation of the risks around tonight’s game, we took the strictest possible measures to prevent sales to away fans in home areas.”
Tickets were only available to those on United’s database prior to August’s draw, with the same restrictions applying to hospitality tickets and those forwarded by season ticket-holders and members.
Social media footage emerged showing groups wearing Rangers tops and chanting in home section concourses of the stadium.
Hundreds of Rangers fans in the home end at Old Trafford openly chanting “your city is Blue” before the game tonight…
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) January 23, 2025
The club acknowledged that while digital ticketing has made unauthorised touting more difficult, it cannot be completely eliminated.
“All examples of away fans in home areas will be investigated over the coming days, with the strongest possible sanctions taken against the registered holders,” the United spokesperson confirmed.
On the pitch, Bruno Fernandes scored a dramatic injury-time winner as United secured a 2-1 victory in the Battle of Britain tie.
The win moved United to fourth place in the Europa League standings, with a point against FCSB in Bucharest next week likely enough to secure automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Manager Ruben Amorim expressed relief following the result, saying: “It was a victory that we truly needed in this moment. We are not playing our best we are far from that but we improved from the last game.”
United are next in action against Fulham on Sunday (7pm).
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The Red Devils will be hoping to bounce back in the Premier League, having lost 3-1 to Brighton last time out.
Meanwhile, it looks increasingly as though Marcus Rashford could stay at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have launched an investigation after Rangers supporters managed to obtain tickets in home sections during Thursday’s Europa League clash at Old Trafford
GETTY
The forward recently expressed a desire for a ‘new challenge’, having been frozen out by Ruben Amorim.
However, United are struggling to get the 27-year-old off their books and a summer departure looks far likelier as a result.
Rugby Borough – the lowest-ranked side left in the competition – will have their Women’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against West Ham or Liverpool shown live on the BBC.
Third-tier Rugby will host one of the two Women’s Super League clubs on Sunday, 9 February at 12:30 GMT.
West Ham and Liverpool will play their postponed fourth-round tie on Wednesday, 29 January.
Rugby – known as Coventry United until 2023 – are currently fifth in the Northern Premier Division.
In the fourth round they defeated fourth-tier London Bees 6-0.
Among the club’s ranks is 21-year-old Wales youth international Bethan Roberts, who appeared in the WSL and Championship while playing for Reading.
The game will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer, BBC Red Button and the BBC Sport website and app.
The other seven matches in the round will be shown live via the Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel and the FA Player.
John McEnroe has blasted the Australian Open crowd for booing Novak Djokovic following the 37-year-old’s exit from the competition on Friday.
The tennis icon had gone into the showdown willing to play through the pain, having suffered a muscle injury during his four-set triumph over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week.
But Djokovic, after losing the first set, opted to quit the match – much to the dismay of those in attendance.
Fans at the Australian Open booed the 10-time winner as he made his way off the court, something that’s sparked a huge backlash online.
Novak Djokovic pulled out of his Australian Open match with Alexander Zverev on Friday
REUTERS
And McEnroe, commenting for Australia’s Nine network, was left stunned by their antics.
“They can’t possibly be booing him. Please!” he stated.
“He’s won this 10 times. I mean, come on. I mean, clearly something was up.
“The guy is a battler. I mean, him and Rafa [Nadal] have dug deeper than any two players I have seen.
“So to do that [boo], because he decided that he couldn’t go on after what he’s done here I thought was absolutely ludicrous, honestly.”
McEnroe wasn’t the only pundit left stunned by the crowd’s decision to jeer Djokovic as he walked away, potentially for the last time.
Former Australian Open tennis star John Millman was also unhappy, with the 35-year-old adding: “The crowds have been questioned a lot and rightly so.
“I just think it’s a bit of a shambles, some of the behaviour has crossed the line and that one takes the cake for me.
“This is a guy who has won it 10 times, have some respect.
“He is one of the greatest of all time, if not the greatest — he’s definitely the greatest on this court.
“I don’t care how much you’ve paid for your ticket, have some respect.”
With Djokovic out, Alexander Zverev is now through to the Australian Open final.
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John McEnroe has blasted the Australian Open crowd for booing Novak Djokovic following the 37-year-old’s exit from the competition on Friday
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The German will do battle with either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton when the event kicks off on Sunday.
And Zverev also criticised the Australian Open crowd for jeering Djokovic, with the 27-year-old fuming: “Please, guys, don’t boo a player who leaves the court due to injury. I know that everyone paid to be here and hopes to see a great five-set match.
“But you have to understand that Novak Djokovic has given his all to this sport for 20 years.”
He continued: “There is no one I respect more on the tour than Novak.
Novak Djokovic was hailed by Alexander Zverev following his Australian Open withdrawal
REUTERS
“I have always been able to send him a message, call him when things were not going well.
“He has helped me a lot. Last year in Shanghai, when things were really not going well after the US Open, we talked for hours.”
We reflect on Rangers’ match with Manchester Utd and preview the weekend’s action.
Sports
Novak Djokovic reveals Andy Murray reaction after withdrawing from Australian Open due to injury
Novak Djokovic has revealed both himself and Andy Murray are ‘disappointed’ and ‘hot-headed’ after the Serb was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on Friday.
After losing the first set at the Rod Laver Arena to Alexander Zverev, Djokovic opted to pull out due to injury.
He sustained a muscle tear during his epic victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week and, ultimately, was unable to play on.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic was asked about potentially working with Murray again.
Novak Djokovic has revealed both himself and Andy Murray are ‘disappointed’ and ‘hot-headed’ after the Serb was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on Friday
REUTERS
The pair united for the Australian Open but it’s unclear, at the current moment in time, if that alliance will go on.
Djokovic stated: “I don’t know [if they will work together again].
“You know, we both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps. We are so fresh off the court.
“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me.
“You know, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels and we make the next step.”
He continued: “We are still hot-headed and disappointed, so it’s kind of hard to switch the page and start talking about what the next steps are.
“I think we both need to cool off a little bit and then we’ll have a chat.”
Djokovic had been hoping to win a record 25th Grand Slam title this winter, as well as an 11th Australian Open crown.
But it is Zverev who is now through to the final, with the 27-year-old poised to lock horns with Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton.
Murray, for his part, believes it is ‘unfortunate’ that Djokovic had to pull out.
“I think he was always going to go out there and give it a good shot,” said the British tennis legend.
“He obviously didn’t train the last couple of days.
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Novak Djokovic plans to have talks with Andy Murray about the Briton’s future now the Australian Open is out of the way
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“He practised right before the match and was feeling good enough to give it a go. It was an unfortunate way to finish.
“The match that he played against Alcaraz was some incredible tennis, amazing to watch from the side from that close, it was an amazing performance.
“He’d been getting gradually better as the tournament was progressing I think.
“It’s obviously a really unfortunate way to finish.”
Novak Djokovic won’t be winning a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this winter
REUTERS
On possibly working with Djokovic again in the future, he stated: “Me and Novak agreed that after the tournament we would speak.
“We’ll do that.”
Frenchman Rudi Garcia has been appointed head coach of Belgium.
The 60-year-old replaces Italian Domenico Tedesco, who was sacked last week after less than two years in the post.
Garcia’s last job was at Serie A side Napoli, but he was dismissed after just 16 games in charge in 2023.
He will be formally introduced at a news conference on Friday.
Before taking the Napoli job, Garcia – who has also managed Lille, Marseille and Lyon and had a three-year spell at Roma – took charge of Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022.
He left the club by mutual agreement after 10 months in charge.
Belgium, who are ranked eighth in the Fifa world rankings, face Ukraine in the Nations League play-offs in March.
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