Sleeper pitchers for Week 20 (Aug. 3-9)
Sports
UFC White House: Top undercard fights to watch this weekend at UFC Freedom 250
The UFC is headed to the White House with a seven-fight card bursting with quality. Naturally, most of the attention is on the two title fights: Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje and Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane.
The heat between Topuria and Gaethje has intensified throughout the week in D.C. Topuria took exception to Gaethje father calling him “another short guy” as well as the interim champion appearing to reference his now ex-wife after a nasty divorce. Gaethje, for his part, doesn’t believe he ever made a bad comment about Topuria’s ex and believes that the champion is just looking for extra motivation.
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The co-main event on Sunday night is equally compelling to fight fans. Pereira, in just 12 fights over five years, has become one of the most beloved action stars of a generation. After conquering both middleweight and light heavyweight, the Brazilian looks to make history by taking a piece of the heavyweight title, which would make him the first fighter to do so across three divisions. He faces Gane, who has repeatedly come up short in these spots.
Gane holds a 10-2, 1 NC record in UFC since joining the promotion in 2019. He earned the interim title once before, defeating Derrick Lewis by TKO in 2021. But he failed to unify the title in a decision loss to Francis Ngannou and then was quickly submitted by Jon Jones in 2023 for the vacant title. Gane then returned to the title picture in 2025 and looked strong against Tom Aspinall before delivering a brutal double eye poke that ended the fight in a no contest.
But the undercard boasts an impressive blend of knockout artists, fast-rising stars and fan favorites.
Elsewhere on Saturday, fast rising heavyweight sensation Josh Hokit looks to take the next step toward a title shot when he takes on the legendary veteran Derrick Lewis. Hokit announced himself on the scene in just three UFC fights with his last being considered an all-timer against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in Miami. Now, he must get past the all-time knockout leader if he wants to keep rolling into a potential fight with the winner of Saturday’s co-main event.
MORE UFC FREEDOM 250 COVERAGE: Complete staff predictions and picks | Best bets to consider | Viewer’s guide
Ahead of the biggest spectacle in UFC history, take a look at three non-title fights that you can’t miss.
Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis
Hokit understands a simple truth in MMA: (mostly) all publicity is good publicity if you win. Within seven weeks, he’s transformed himself from unranked weirdo to top-five heavyweight on the cusp of a title shot. Make no mistake, that’s where we’re headed if he beats Lewis. Hokit wisely stirred up issues with Alex Pereira and, by proxy, Ilia Topuria at the UFC Freedom 250 press conference. It put a Pereira vs. Hokit heavyweight title fight in the public’s mind and attached his name to today’s top stars. The NFL alum is a small, athletic heavyweight with big-man power. His collegiate wrestling background rounds out his game, and his appetite for flipping off opponents gives flair to an unrefined but potent style. Standing in his way is one of UFC’s fan-favorites and all-time knockout leader. Lewis’ best days are behind him, but his power is still ferocious. A KO is highly probable in either direction, and, considering the stage, a title shot could be on the horizon.
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Chandler’s UFC run is one of great fortune and misfortune. The three-time Bellator champion was enlisted as a UFC lightweight title back-up before ever stepping into the Octagon. In his second fight, he nearly won the lightweight title. The cherry on top was supposed to be a fight with Conor McGregor at International Fight Week in 2023. Instead, Chandler burned his remaining prime waiting for a fight that never happened. Now 40, and wearing ridiculous damage, he takes on a talented KO artist entering his prime. Ruffy is a menace, and he’s only evolved since leaving The Fighting Nerds to train with UFC featherweight Alexander Volkanovski’s team. Two years into his UFC run, Ruffy is a top 10 fighter in the sport’s toughest division with highlight reel finishes against Rafael Fiziev and King Green. Chandler is an explosive athlete, but there’s a reason he and rival Justin Gaethje are the biggest underdogs on the card.
Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
Meet your top candidate for Fight of the Night. Lopes’ second title shot against Volkanovski left him with baggage. The loss validated criticisms that the rematch was unearned, and took some attention away from what got Lopes his first title shot. The man has nerves of steel. A two-pronged offensive threat, Lopes can KO or submit people with equal efficacy. Garcia might be the most under-appreciated contender in the sport. “The Mean Machine” embodies the moniker, a nasty KO artist through and through. Lopes and Garcia have stoppages in nearly 83% of their combined wins — safety isn’t a concern. This is the first fight of the night for a reason. It’ll set an exciting tone and high bar for every fight to match.
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You can find some good pitchers on the waiver wire still if you’re willing to gamble on workload
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1 min read
Streaming pitchers isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you find yourself without enough reliable options in a given scoring period, it may be what you need to stay afloat. Scott White has 10 recommendations for the upcoming scoring period, all rostered in no more than 80 percent of CBS Sports leagues. Generally, only the top two or three are full-throated endorsements, while the rest are more about making the best of a bad situation.
Check back Sunday for the latest updates, but be forewarned: The most extensive changes likely won’t happen until after the trade deadline Monday.
Sports
5 WWE Superstars who would’ve benefited from being in the Interim WWE Women’s Title Ladder Match at SummerSlam
Rhea Ripley’s meniscus injury has forced the company to crown an Interim WWE Women’s Champion, and they are going to do so in a massive five-way Ladder Match at SummerSlam.
The field is stacked with former champions. Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair, Jade Cargill, and Chelsea Green are confirmed to participate in the bout. Giulia and Lash Legend will collide on this week’s SmackDown for the final spot in the match.
Thanks for the submission!
While the bout is sure to be exciting, it could be argued that WWE could have used this opportunity to showcase fresher or underrated talent instead of established names. Here are five stars who would have benefited from being in the five-way Ladder Match at SummerSlam.
#5. Jacy Jayne
Jacy Jayne arrived on SmackDown following WrestleMania 42 alongside Fatal Influence, and the group has already secured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. That said, while Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid have gold, Jayne does not.
The Rockstar faced Tiffany Stratton in a qualifying match for the ladder match, but didn’t win. Fatal Influence is now set to face The Bella Twins and Paige at SummerSlam. While it’s a positive that the group has made it to the card, it would have been more beneficial for Jacy Jayne if she had qualified for the five-way Ladder Match.
Jayne carried the NXT women’s division for a long time and has enough experience as a main event talent. The Ladder Match would have been an excellent opportunity for her to showcase her in-ring prowess and establish her on SmackDown.
#4. Candice LeRae
Candice LeRae is one of the most experienced women on the roster. However, despite being a veteran, she hasn’t had a clear direction on television in a while. The five-way Ladder Match at SummerSlam could have been a great way to reintroduce her to the mix.
Currently, her only television time is alongside her husband, Johnny Gargano, who lies motionless backstage, as she tries to get him back to normal. A competitor like LeRae deserves to be in the ring, competing with the best of WWE.
Even if she does not win, Candice LeRae would have benefitted immensely from being included in the five-way Ladder Match at SummerSlam.
#3. Michin
Michin is known for her fearlessness in the ring, a quality that could have shined in the five-way Ladder Match. She and B-Fab are currently in a group led by Jade Cargill. While The Storm is in the match, her stablemates didn’t receive an opportunity to qualify.
Michin could have produced several memorable moments in the five-way Ladder Match if she had participated in it. It would have made the match better and showcased her in a different light.
#2. Fallon Henley
Fallon Henley could have been a sleeper pick for the five-way Ladder Match at SummerSlam. While all three women in Fatal Influence have been impressive, Henley has generated a lot of popularity for herself online.
The company could have capitalized on it and had her compete in the Interim WWE Women’s Championship match. For a young star like Henley, an impressive performance in a high-stakes match could become a career-defining moment.
#1. WWE star Blake Monroe
Perhaps the most surprising omission from the five-way Ladder Match and the SummerSlam card in general is Blake Monroe. The Glamour has arrived on SmackDown, but she has yet to have a televised match as a main roster star.
Monroe is regarded as one of the most promising talents, and SummerSlam could have been the perfect opportunity to introduce her to the main roster. Despite being young, the former AEW star is no stranger to big-time matches and could have added a lot to the Ladder Match.
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Edited by Parth Pujara
Sports
‘Not able to eat food properly’: Preeti Pawar reveals weight-cut struggle after reaching Commonwealth Games final | Commonwealth Games News
India’s Preeti Pawar competes with Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the Women’s 54kg Semi Final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Friday, July 31, 2026. (AP Photo)
Indian boxer Preeti Pawar said the process of cutting weight before an important bout is difficult because athletes cannot eat properly, but added that it also motivates her to keep moving forward after reaching the women’s 54kg final at the Commonwealth Games.Preeti became the first Indian boxer to reach the final in Glasgow after defeating Zambia’s Catherine Mwape 5-0 in the women’s 54kg semifinal on Friday. She will face Canada’s Scarlett Delgado in the gold medal bout after the Canadian defeated England’s Lauren Mackie 4-1 in the other semifinal.Speaking after the win, Preeti said, “It is a part of our training. It motivates us. It is a little tough because we are not able to eat food properly. But it motivates us that we are one step away from the final.”The 22-year-old from Bhiwani, who won a bronze medal at the Asian Games, controlled the bout from the start. She used her left straight well and repeatedly caught Mwape with counter-attacks after drawing her forward.“I am very happy that I have managed to do what I prepared for. I have to give my best tomorrow for the gold medal. I never take my opponents lightly, and always prepare in detail with my coaches. I am happy that I am able to implement those plans,” Preeti was quoted as saying by news agency PTI after her win.Mwape found it difficult to land clean punches and was beaten whenever Preeti put together combinations.The Zambian boxer received three eight counts during the first two rounds. Preeti’s control of the contest was reflected in the judges’ scorecards, with all five judges awarding her a 10-8 score in the second round.With the result almost decided, Mwape spent the final round trying to avoid Preeti’s attacks as the Indian boxer completed a comfortable 5-0 victory to move into the final.
The esteemed Bart Cummings held a famous conviction that horses required a minimum of 10,000 metres of racing experience before being capable of winning the Melbourne Cup. This guiding principle often led the legendary trainer to commence his spring preparations in the Aurie’s Star Handicap.
While such traditional training methodologies have largely been phased out, Saturday’s racing at Flemington may indeed serve as a pivotal launchpad for this year’s Melbourne Cup contenders.
Ciaron Maher plans to utilise the Melbourne Cup Carnival On Sale (1620m) as the initial stage for Shockletz’s campaign to secure a berth in Australia’s premier race.
The mare is being specifically targeted at the two crucial Melbourne Cup qualifying races: the Archer Stakes (2500m) scheduled for September 12, and The Bart Cummings (2500m) on October 3. The victors of these races will gain automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup field.
Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, stated that the stable had meticulously formulated the campaign well in advance.
“We’re trying to get her into The Archer,” Turnbull said.
“That’s our little plan, try and qualify her and then if that doesn’t work, there is The Bart Cummings.
“It’s been a long-term plan to work back from those particular races and get her in there.
“Her brother and her family have raced at those types of distances, and we feel she has got that quality.”
Shockletz, a sibling to the horse Horrifying, demonstrated continued improvement in staying events last season before being subjected to a carefully managed preparation this current campaign.
She competed in three races during the early winter period, followed by a brief freshen-up designed to bring her to peak fitness for the forthcoming major staying races.
“I’m really pleased with her, and she’s freshened up really well,” Turnbull remarked.
“She only had two weeks off and while she’s first-up she had three runs and she’s not going to be lacking fitness.
“Last prep we were conscious of going one too many and giving her the right amount of time out to have her for this prep.
“We’ve always had time for her and hopefully she repays us.”
Discover the latest Flemington odds with Australia’s leading Top 10 Betting Apps. Check out the betting sites for this race.
Chris Eubank Jr has not fought since his underwhelming rematch with Conor Benn, but the 36-year-old is now being targeted by a fierce knockout artist, who is willing to travel to London for the opportunity to face him.
Eubank scored an iconic win over Benn last April but when they rematched seven months later, he felt the full effects of a brutal weight cut, narrowly avoiding a stoppage defeat as he survived until the final bell on unsteady legs only to lose a wide unanimous decision.
Since then, the Hove-born contender has been advised to move up in weight and return to the super-middleweight scene, but he has also been linked to a catchweight clash with Michael Zerafa in Australia – a bout which would take place at 164lbs.
New York’s Edgar Berlanga has now thrown his hat into the ring though, after revealing on ‘The Last Stand’ podcast about his intentions to face Eubank before the end of the year.
“I would love to step into the ring to end the year with Chris Eubank Jr. I feel like that fight is going to be a big fight in London.
“I told Keith [Connolly], I said that I would rather not do it out here in America. I would rather go to London, where he is from [U.K.], you know what I am saying? We can make a big, big fight happen. He is on the radar.”
Berlanga’s most high profile fight came back in 2024 when he challenged Canelo Alvarez for his unified super-middleweight crown, suffering a unanimous decision defeat, one of two losses in his career after also coming up short against Hamzah Sheeraz.
He has since signed with Zuffa Boxing and in his debut with the company on Sunday he knocked Steven Butler out after seven rounds, recovering from a second-round knockdown to earn the 19th stoppage victory of his career.
In an interview with The Ring, Berlanga has now doubled down on his call-out of Eubank, hoping he can convince the Briton to swerve the Zerafa fight in favour of a clash on home soil.
“I’m looking forward to getting a real big fight with Chris Eubank. Let’s do it in London. It’s going to be big.”
Eubank maintains that he is currently a free agent, but it is unclear whether he is still contracted to Boxxer, with promoter Ben Shalom appearing to believe that their deal has not expired.
Danhausen has named his price for yet another major uncursing. He has shockingly asked for ten million dollars and that is something that he has never done before.
The Very Nice Very Evil star has been on the lips of all sports fans ever since he helped the New York Knicks win the NBA title in June. The Knicks had not won the NBA championship in 53 years and only did so after he lifted their curse.
Thanks for the submission!
He has since become a household name and has also appeared on a lot of sports channels where they spoke about his powers. Danhausen will be taking on Dominik Mysterio at SummerSlam which will be held in Minnesota.
He was posing for pictures with the fans when a fan asked him what would it take for him to uncurse the Minnesota Vikings, who have never won the NFL Championship. He jokingly said that it would take ten million dollars for him to uncurse the Vikings.
Danhausen makes bizarre request to the New York Knicks
The name Danhausen has been etched in the history of the New York Knicks. Ever since they won the NBA title, thanks to their curse being lifted, he has been praised by many of the Knicks players themselves.
After they won the title, the former AEW star made a bizarre request to the New York Knicks. He asked for a one day contract with the franchise so he can play and retire as a world champion. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, after the historic championship win, the former AEW star wrote:
“Danhausen is requesting a one day contract with The KNICKSHAUSEN so he may retire from basketball’s as a champion of the world”
It is the off season right now and there is not a lot of movement. However, given the kind of coverage and sensation the team has received from the WWE star, it should come as no surprise if they decide to adhere to the request and give him a one day contract.
Get all the hottest wrestling news FIRST by clicking here
Edited by Sujay
Derek Chisora is looking to secure a third world title shot, this time against a far different champion to Tyson Fury or Vitali Klitschko.
The Brit lost those two attempts in 2022 and 2012, respectively, but gave a gallant performance when he challenged the long-reigning Klitschko on away soil.
‘Del Boy’ – as he was then known – ultimately lost a unanimous decision to the Ukrainian, before getting stopped in five rounds by David Haye in his following outing.
Then, around a decade later, Chisora suffered a punishing 10th-round stoppage defeat in his third encounter with Fury, no longer seeming capable of competing at world level.
Yet despite showing signs of deterioration, the heavyweight veteran has continued plugging away and is now coming off a split decision defeat to Deontay Wilder.
Their April encounter, which was supposed to be his ‘last dance’, saw Chisora touch the canvas twice but nonetheless contest the result of his 50th professional bout.
The 42-year-old then went on to demand an immediate rematch with Wilder, who appears to be one of the leading options for Oleksandr Usyk’s swansong next year.
So, instead, Chisora has made a slight pivot and is now targeting Murat Gassiev, who was elevated from ‘regular’ to full WBA champion after Usyk vacated his belts.
Taking to social media, Chisora tagged Gassiev’s promoter, IBA Pro, and posted a graphic of himself and the Russian as two chickens, along with the caption: “Fight 51”.
Fight 51 ⏳🐓 #GassievChisora @IBA_Pro_Boxing pic.twitter.com/UIxJTSmVtN
— Derek Chisora 🥊 (@DerekWarChisora) July 30, 2026
The two heavyweights also went face to face earlier this month, shortly after Gassiev, 32, defended his title with a sixth-round finish over Peter Kadiru.
Sports
Jeff O’Neill comes clean about Gavin McKenna asking his permission to wear #92 Maple Leafs jersey
Former Maple Leafs winger Jeff O’Neill spilled the beans on first-overall pick Gavin McKenna asking for his permission to wear No. 92 on his jersey.
O’Neill had a brief two-season stint with the Maple Leafs from 2005-07, playing 146 games. During that time, he became the first player in franchise history to wear No. 92.
The Leafs never retired the number, and after drafting McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old chose to wear the same jersey number O’Neill once donned.
It was revealed earlier this month when O’Neill posted on X (formerly called Twitter) that McKenna had asked his permission to wear No. 92, which the former Maple Leafs winger gladly granted.
“Last night I got a FaceTime after dinner. Gavin asked if it was cool if he wore the number. I said ‘It’s the only way to go son. LFG,’” O’Neill wrote.
When it was confirmed that McKenna would be wearing the same number, O’Neill was credited with making it happen after allowing the young star to use it.
However, during a recent appearance on OverDrive, O’Neill revealed the truth: Gavin McKenna never actually called him for permission, and he was just having fun on social media.
“I’m probably gonna get somebody call me a p*s. But I have to confess something, and it’s something that should be so obvious. But I didn’t. It went too far, and I couldn’t go back on it. Gavin McKenna did not, nor would he ever, call me to get my input on wearing number 92. I only played for the Leafs for two years. I do know both of his agents, but that did not happen,” said O’Neill.
He added:
“He picked 92 because he wanted some type of combination of 72 and 97. So he picked 92, and that’s what happened. He did not call me. Why would he call me? Like, I scored 40 goals in two years for the Leafs. I was just trying to have some fun on social media, and it got to a place where I’m like, I just have to leave this there because I can’t delete it or I can’t go back on it now.”
Gavin McKenna training with Macklin Celebrini ahead of highly anticipated debut
Toronto Maple Leafs first-overall pick Gavin McKenna is getting a head start on his rookie season by training alongside San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini.
The two young guns were recently spotted working out together in Vancouver as McKenna prepares for what many expect to be a strong NHL debut with the Maple Leafs next season.
Celebrini, meanwhile, is coming off a career-high 115-point season with the San Jose Sharks. He will be entering the new season as the highest-paid player in the NHL after signing a five-year, $94 million contract with an $18.8 million AAV recently.
Also Read: Fans in stitches as Macklin Celebrini & Gavin McKenna train together in Vancouver
Edited by Abhishek Dilta
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U-20 Tournament after beating Togo 3-0 in their second Group B match in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
The victory follows Nigeria’s impressive 4-2 win over Ghana in their opening game, making it two wins from two in the competition.
Togo made life difficult for the Flying Eagles in the first half and almost took the lead in the 38th minute, but their effort went wide. Nigeria also created chances, but both teams went into the break with the score at 0-0.
The Flying Eagles returned stronger after half-time and broke the deadlock just one minute into the second half. Muiz Adeleke, who scored twice against Ghana, found the back of the net again to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
Adeleke doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 59th minute after a swift counter-attack. The forward rounded the Togolese goalkeeper before calmly finishing to score his fourth goal of the tournament.
Substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye completed the scoring in the 85th minute, finishing well shortly after coming on to seal a convincing 3-0 victory.
The seven-time African champions will now face Burkina Faso on Sunday for a place in the final.
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