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Vikings Are Undergoing a Defensive Line Youth Movement

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Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates big play with Bo Richter in 2024.
During the 2024 season, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez shared a celebration with teammate Bo Richter after delivering a key play. The moment captured the energy and enthusiasm of Minnesota’s defensive front as the young players made their presence felt. Rodriguez’s ability to disrupt and Richter’s support highlighted the team’s depth and emerging contributors on defense. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com.

Over recent days, media outlets have leaked details of upcoming moves, suggesting a youth movement on the Vikings’ defensive line in Minnesota. It’s out with the old and potentially in with the new in Minnesota this spring.

Minnesota’s Interior Defensive Front Is Entering a Transition Phase

There have been three significant moves made at the interior defensive line position. Both Jonathan Allen and Javon Harhrave are going to be released just a year on from signing for Minnesota in big-money deals. Hargrave’s release was leaked first, along with veteran RB Aaron Jones, and both were moves I expected. The news regarding Allen came a few days later and was more of a surprise.

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in Week 1 2025. Vikings defensive line
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 of 2025. The two signed in 2025 free agent with Minnesota, multi-year deals for both. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

It was a big move when the Vikings signed Allen and Hargrave on the same day last March. Both were coming off injury problems, but had been very good players in the league. Surely one of them would recapture their old form? Both were ok but neither got close to being worth the two-year, $30 million (Hargrave) or three-year, $60 million (Allen) contracts they got from Minnesota.

Unless someone comes in with a trade offer, which would be a surprise at this point, their pair will be released, giving the Vikings a combined savings of $17.4 million against this year’s salary cap. Releasing Allen two years early will leave a huge dead cap hit of $17.3 million unless it is designated as a post-Jun 1, where a further saving of $4.7 million can be made, but it still leaves a hefty dead cap hit.

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The Emergence of Jalen Redmond

One reason the Vikings can feel comfortable making these moves is the emergence of Jalen Redmond. Undrafted in 2023, Redmond was signed and then discarded by the Carolina Panthers before eventually landing in the XFL. Redmond got a second chance in Minnesota and has never looked back, playing in 30 games, including 17 starts, over the last two seasons.

Vikings DT Jalen Redmond against the Cowboys in 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (61) during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Redmond comfortably outplayed both Allen and Hargrave, which has led the Vikings to place the exclusive rights tender on him. After a six-sack season in which he showcased his all-around ability, a long contract will soon be on its way.

Soon to be 27, Redmond is suddenly the senior man on the Vikings’ defensive line, alongside  Levi Drake-Rodriguez (25), Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (22), and Elijah Williams (23), making up the rest of the depth chart. All of those are well thought of in Minnesota, but there certainly needs to be someone else added to the mix.

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Adding via Free Agency or the Draft?

The question now is, do the Vikings add to the position via free agency or the draft? They probably do both, but my preference would be to add a cheap veteran via free agency – a Jonathan Bullard type – and then go early in the draft. No Jalen Carter or Aaron Donald is screaming to be picked near the top of this year’s draft – the Vikings wouldn’t be in position to get them if they were – but there are some good players.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (98) celebrates a fumble recovery with cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (7) after stripping the ball from Illinois Fighting Illini running back Ca’Lil Valentine (5) during the first half of the NCAA football game at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 11, 2025. © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The big names this year are Caleb Banks, Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, and Lee Hunter, and they are the big names to look out for early in the draft.

I’m a big fan of Banks and have been banging the support for him as the Vikings pick at 18 – even more so since his impressive display at the NFL Combine. He is the only one of the four I’d take in the first round. If Minnesota goes with a different position on Day 1, then the other three are good options if available on Day 2.

A depth chart that reads Redmond, Banks, Drake-Rodriguez, Ingram-Dawkins, and Williams would signal a significant shift toward a Vikings defensive line youth movement. Depending on the group’s development, it could be an exciting prospect for a group that has been together for a significant amount of time.

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Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder 104-97 Golden State Warriors: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closes on Wilt Chamberlain record

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Victory at Paycom Center was the Thunder’s fifth in a row. They became the first side to 50 wins this season and sit top of the Western Conference.

Gilgeous-Alexander said: “If we were the best team last year, all year, we win a championship, and we get better, we should put ourselves in great position to repeat.

“This year’s had a little bit more ups and downs for us, but I think we’ve done a pretty good job keeping that front of mind.”

The Warriors – again missing the injured Stephen Curry – scored seven unanswered points to reduce the Thunder’s lead to 99-97 before a three-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander in the final minute.

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Michael Porter Jr scored 30 points as the Brooklyn Nets came from 23 points down to win 107-105 at Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons and end a 10-game losing streak.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the visiting Utah Jazz 113-99.

Jalen Johnson’s 35 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists helped the Atlanta Hawks to a 125-116 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points as the Los Angeles Clippers overturned a 19-point first-half deficit to win 123-120 at the Memphis Grizzlies.

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The Orlando Magic won 119-92 at the Minnesota Timberwolves despite Anthony Edwards’ 34 points for the hosts.

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Scottie Scheffler ‘beaten up’ by unusually punishing Arnold Palmer Invitational

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Maybe more than any week on the PGA Tour schedule, Bay Hill delights in kicking your teeth in.

And on a noticeably punchy Saturday afternoon at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scottie Scheffler wasted no time getting started.

The World No. 1 began a vexing third round at Bay Hill in particularly unusual fashion, recording three bogeys in his first five holes — and four in his first seven — to drop from the outskirts of the leaderboard to well out of contention. As he has for much of the week in Florida, the typically cool and collected Scheffler looked out of character with a club in his hands and out of patience without it, en route to a decidedly up-and-down 72. As if to emphasize the point, when his fourth bogey of the day dropped on the seventh hole, NBC cameras captured Scheffler crow-hopping his ball into the woods in disgust — his second frustrated ball-toss of the week.

By the time he made the turn, Scheffler had recorded his most bogeys on an opening nine in more than eleven months, since the second round of the Masters last April, and just one fewer black score than he recorded all week at the American Express in January. (Of course, another read of these stats emphasizes Scheffler’s brilliance in the 2020s, seeing as until the Genesis Invitational at the end of February, the World No. 1 had gone 11 months without a finish outside of the top 10.)

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After it was over, Scheffler was blunt.

“Pretty up and down, I would say,” he said.

No kidding. But the ups were revealing, too. On a Saturday when Bay Hill pulled few punches, the 29-year-old responded with a few of his own. Just when it seemed he might fade from the competition entirely, Scheffler recorded four straight birdies between holes 11 and 14, and then added a fifth on the par-5 16th. He entered the 18th hole needing a birdie to get to six under for the tournament, seven shots out of the lead set by Daniel Berger and within striking distance for another Sunday charge.

Instead, he wiped his approach short and right, watching helplessly as it bounced on a lakebed and plunged into the water. Scheffler folded over in exasperation as the ball disappeared into the water. He tidied up from there, but the damage was done: A double on the last had ended the momentum he’d battled so hard to win back. He finished the day at even par for the round, and 3 under for the tournament, 10 shots off the lead set by Daniel Berger.

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“Out here the margins are just so small,” Scheffler said. “I felt like the breaks, when they go against you, you make bogeys, and when they go with you, sometimes you make birdies.”

On Saturday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the story for Scheffler was in the margins. And at a golf tournament known for its snarl, the World No. 1 admitted that he left wounded.

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Jack Draper gets Indian Wells title defence off to winning start

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Norrie, who won the Indian Wells title in 2021, will play Australian world number six Alex de Minaur in the last 32.

“I have been having an amazing preparation,” said Norrie.

“I got here with time – a lot of time – so I’ve been practising really really well against all types of players, and the weather’s been unreal, so good vibes all around.”

World number one Carlos Alcaraz was a 6-2 6-3 winner against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov, while five-time Indian Wells champion Novak Djokovic beat Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 4-6 6-1 6-2 to also reach the third round.

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Spaniard Alcaraz won the Australian Open this year to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, and has won all 13 of his matches in 2026.

“I played great,” he said. “The conditions weren’t easy – a lot of wind today.”

Serb Djokovic, playing for the first time since losing the Australian Open final to Alcaraz, said: “I knew that the first match in such a long time will be a little bit tricky.

“I felt like I had to find my A-game when it was most needed, particularly the beginning of the third.”

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Five transfers Manchester United must make including Rashford and Casemiro replacements

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Man Utd are set to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window, and there will be departures from the club.

Manchester United are preparing to make a splash in the summer transfer window. Michael Carrick is in pole position to be permanently appointed after a brilliant start to his interim tenure, and he recently admitted he will be involved in transfer conversations leading up to the window.

A season is usually defined by summer recruitment. United have key areas of the squad to strengthen ahead of a campaign in which they will return to European competition after missing out this term.

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The Manchester Evening News reported at the beginning of February that United are planning to strengthen their midfield and left wing. Those areas will be prioritised this summer, but there will also be some high-profile departures, which will raise cash and create headroom on the wage bill.

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United are tracking several midfielders with a view to replacing Casemiro. The Brazilian is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract, and the Reds will sign a high-quality operator to succeed him.

Last summer, United considered a move for Brighton man Carlos Baleba, while Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have also been tracked. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is another midfielder who United have been following closely.

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Baleba’s form has dropped off a cliff since United showed an interest in signing him, though. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler admitted a few months ago that reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford had negatively impacted his performances.

“I think it’s normal for a young player when the media creates the noise around him,” Hurzeler said. “It’s not easy for this player to handle it. Therefore, we need to give him the time and support.”

It remains to be seen whether enthusiasm over Baleba at United has been dampened by his regression this season. It’s possible that the hierarchy views his drop-off as part of a young player’s journey and considers his form as an opportunity to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Brighton.

United have overhauled their data department and the numbers will be crunched on Baleba, who had a progressive profile before his head was turned by interest from Old Trafford last summer.

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Anderson has taken his game to another level since joining Nottingham Forest from Newcastle. The 23-year-old has delivered consistently strong performances and has become a starter for England.

United greatly admire Anderson’s skill set, but they could face competition from Manchester City to sign him this summer. Anderson is set to play for England at the World Cup in the United States, and his future may not be addressed until the tournament has concluded.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has warned there is no pressure to consider offers for Wharton, while Newcastle are desperate to keep Tonali after being raided for Alexander Isak last summer.

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However, Tonali’s representatives spoke to Arsenal in the January transfer window. Newcastle are 12th in the Premier League, and Eddie Howe is facing the prospect of losing some of his best players.

Carrick has denied that United have a problem with width, but Matheus Cunha is not a natural left winger and has a preference to drift inside to central areas, which explains why the club are considering signing a traditional-thinking left-sided forward in the summer transfer window.

United were interested in Antoine Semenyo before his £62.5million move to Manchester City. The Reds were prepared to deviate from their plan not to make a mid-season signing because Semenyo was a long-term target and his release clause made him attainable.

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However, the market for left-wingers is not inspiring, so United may need to rely on their scouting and data departments to sign a player for that area, which is how they landed on goalkeeper Senne Lammens last summer.

United can raise funds to offset incomings by selling Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana. Rashford has spent the season on loan with Barcelona, who have the option to sign him permanently for £26m (€30m).

Rashford was left searching for a new club after Aston Villa opted against signing him permanently. Barcelona agreed to cover Rashford’s entire salary during his stay at the Camp Nou.

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Barcelona would like to negotiate a lower fee to sign Rashford at the end of the season, but it’s understood United intend to hold out to obtain the fee agreed when he signed on loan.

Onana prepared for the new season under the assumption he would stay at United, but he was demoted when he returned from a hamstring injury, and Lammens was signed on deadline day.

United shipped Onana to Turkish club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan, and are set to cut their losses with him this summer. Onana committed too many mistakes to have a future in Manchester.

Tyrell Malacia is set to leave on a free transfer. Malacia was at fault as United lost against Newcastle at St James’ Park last time out, while he was close to leaving in the January window before his switch was blocked by club chiefs.

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Malacia was ready to fly to Istanbul to seal a switch away from Old Trafford, having made his desire to leave the club five months before his contract expires clear, but United decided he needed to stay. It felt harsh to pin blame on Malacia against Newcastle, given he’s played little football.

United have made a catalogue of errors in the transfer market, but last summer’s deals suggest the penny may have dropped in terms of getting recruitment right. The good work must continue.

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Shakur Stevenson sets his sights on one world champion: “I want that belt”

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Shakur Stevenson has set his sights on adding another world title to his ledger.

Stevenson most recently defeated Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO super-lightweight title, but it appears the 28-year-old believes there is unfinished business at 135lbs.

Stevenson had moved up from lightweight to face Lopez in January, producing a truly dominant performance to become a four-division world champion, though the slick southpaw discovered he had been stripped of his WBC title at 135lbs for not following the sanctioning body’s rules.

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In response, Stevenson delivered a scathing social media post against the WBC, while at no point ruling out a potential return to lightweight.

But rather than looking to reclaim his green and gold strap, the pound-for-pound star has expressed his desire to collect the vacant Ring Magazine lightweight title.

Speaking with Joe Rogan, Stevenson explained that he would need to defeat IBF world champion Raymond Muratalla, who is ranked No.2 by Ring Magazine, in order to make his dream a reality.

“I may go back to 135[lbs] and get that Ring [Magazine] belt. We’ll see, though. I can’t promise that I will, but I may.

“I like the Ring Magazine belt. I know the opponent that I would have to fight to get it – I’m hearing it’s Raymond Muratalla.

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“He’s a good fighter – he just beat Andy Cruz – [but] it ain’t [about] the opponent; it’s more so just to have the Ring belt.”

Muratalla comes off a strong performance against Olympic gold medallist Cruz, who he outpointed by majority decision to defend his IBF title in January.

The American is generally thought to be tight at the weight, though, and has previously hinted at a move up to 140lbs.

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Canelo Alvarez addresses his retirement plan

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Canelo Alvarez has outlined how much longer he could remain in the sport, before hanging up his gloves and calling time on a decorated career.

The 35-year-old is already destined for a place in the Hall of Fame, having become a four-division world champion, but remains eager to compete at the highest level.

Since making his professional debut in 2005, the Mexican has amassed 68 outings and become a two-time undisputed king at 168lbs, claiming notable victories over the likes of Callum Smith and Caleb Plant.

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His most significant win, however, arrived at middleweight, where Alvarez edged a highly-contentious majority decision in his 2018 rematch with Gennady Golovkin.

More controversial was their first encounter, the previous year, when many believed that Golovkin had done enough to claim a convincing victory, only for the Kazakh to instead come away with a draw.

But still, Canelo received ample credit for emerging triumphant in their sequel, before dethroning Sergey Kovalev for the WBO light-heavyweight title over a year later.

Alvarez’s second undisputed title reign at super-middleweight then came to an end last September, with Terence Crawford moving up two weight divisions to claim a unanimous decision victory.

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But despite this, Canelo has explained to Froch On Fighting that he could still compete for another two years, or perhaps even longer, depending on how frequently his opportunities materialise.

“I don’t know. I’m thinking maybe two years. I don’t need it, [but] I still enjoy it. If I [fight] once a year, maybe [I can go on] a little bit [longer].

“Once a year, for me to rest my body, I think I can fight more [than two years].”

While an official announcement is yet to emerge, Canelo is set to fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this September, with Turki Alalshikh having promised a world title shot.

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Michigan vs. Michigan State prediction, pick, odds, spread, where to watch live

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The final day of the college basketball regular season Sunday will be headlined by a heavyweight rivalry matchup between No. 8 Michigan State and No. 3 Michigan on CBS. This is a rematch of an earlier season matchup won by Michigan on the road, which allowed the Wolverines to take firm control of the Big Ten title race.

Michigan is coming off an upset scare against Iowa earlier in the week. The Wolverines ultimately walked away with a 71-68 win on the road. Since losing to Duke last month on a neutral court, Michigan has won three straight games ahead of its matchup against MSU. Michigan also wrapped up the Big Ten regular season title after beating Illinois.

Michigan State has won five consecutive games since losing to Wisconsin by 21 points on the road last month. MSU has wins during that stretch over UCLA, Purdue and Indiana. Michigan State is in second place in the Big Ten standings entering the weekend and could be on a collision course to face Michigan a third time in next weekend’s Big Ten title game if both teams run the table.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of Michigan’s matchup against Michigan State.

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Michigan vs. Michigan State: Need to know

Michigan’s dominance in Big Ten play: Michigan is 18-1 in Big Ten play this season, with the lone loss coming against Wisconsin earlier this season. The Wolverines already set the program record (previously 16) for the most wins in conference play in a season. A win over MSU would make it 19 wins with just one loss. The Wolverines are riding a 14-game winning streak against Big Ten teams and had won eight straight of those games by at least 10 points before it was snapped earlier this week.

Jeremy Fears Jr. chasing MSU history: Fears enters this weekend with 272 assists this season. That is two behind Mateen Cleaves for the second-most assists in a single season in MSU program history. Cassius Winston, one of the best players in MSU program history, holds the record with 291. Fears is averaging 9.1 assists, which leads all Division I players — and has a chance to break the record, depending on how far the Spartans go in both the Big Ten and NCAA Tournament

Bracketology implications: Michigan is in the driver’s seat to be a No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday next weekend. It doesn’t matter how the remainder of the season shakes out because the Wolverines will likely join Duke and Arizona on the No. 1 line. In CBS Sports’ latest Bracketology projections, Michigan State is a No. 2 seed. MSU having a strong showing in the Big Ten Tournament next week would go a long way toward remaining on the No. 2 line.

Where to watch Michigan vs. Michigan State live

Date: Sunday, March 8 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: Crisler Center — Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.comCBS Sports App
Streaming on Paramount+ Premium  

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Michigan vs. Michigan State prediction, pick

Michigan State made things interesting in the second half of the first matchup against Michigan before the Wolverines pulled away at the end. Yaxel Lendeborg had a strong showing in the first matchup (26 points and 12 rebounds). I expect Lendeborg to once again play well against MSU’s stout frontline. Michigan wins this game by double digits, just like the first game. Pick: Michigan -9

Who will win and cover in every college basketball game? Visit SportsLine to get picks from the model that simulates each game 10,000 times and is up more than $1,200 for $100 players on its top-rated spread picks the past six years. 

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MS Dhoni arrives in Ahmedabad for T20 World Cup final, After attending semi-final in Mumbai | Cricket News

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After attending semi-final in Mumbai, MS Dhoni arrives in Ahmedabad for T20 World Cup final – Watch
T20 World Cup 2026: MS Dhoni arrives in Ahmedabad ahead of India vs New Zealand final

Former India captain MS Dhoni arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday ahead of the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where India will face New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The 44-year-old had earlier watched India’s semi-final win over England in Mumbai and is likely to attend the title clash as well.Dhoni was present at the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium along with his wife Sakshi and several celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Anil Kapoor.

Can India erase bad memories in Ahmedabad with T20 World Cup title? Pressure will be key!

Cricketers KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma were also among those who watched India beat England in a thrilling contest.India, now led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be aiming to defend their title and create history by becoming the first host nation to win the T20 World Cup and the first team to claim three titles. Dhoni had famously led India to their first T20 World Cup triumph in 2007, when they defeated Pakistan national cricket team in the final.Watch Dhoni arriving in Ahmedabad:New Zealand, meanwhile, are chasing their maiden T20 World Cup title after finishing runners-up in 2021. Both teams come into the final after impressive semi-final wins. New Zealand hammered South Africa thanks to a stunning 33-ball century from Finn Allen, while India posted 253/7 against England and secured a narrow victory.Historically, the Black Caps have had the upper hand in T20 World Cup meetings against India, winning in 2007, 2016 and 2021. However, India head into the final in strong form after a recent 4-1 T20I series win over New Zealand at home.

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Marmoush double fires Man City past Newcastle

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Omar Marmoush scores twice against Newcastle United for the second time this season as Manchester City come from behind to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

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UFC White House: Alex Pereira to fight Ciryl Gane for interim heavyweight title

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When Trump first announced plans for the UFC to host a show at the White House, although an ambitious idea, it did not come as a surprise.

White has a long-standing friendship with Trump, who held some of the early UFC shows at one of his old properties, the Trump Taj Mahal, in 2001.

The friendship blossomed, with Trump appearing as a guest at numerous UFC shows, where he is the guest of honour with his own walk-out moment.

The friendship is compounded by White’s public endorsement of the president, and he became a key ally during the 2024 election campaign.

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It is here where the lines between sport and politics blur, with the UFC – through the voice of White, who acts as the promotion’s mouthpiece – providing a platform for Trump’s politics.

Trump benefits by aligning himself with the UFC, which is embedded in themes like patriotism, toughness and machoism, because it leans into the image many of his political fans arguably support.

The UFC benefits from the relationship by reaching audiences through Trump’s global public platform when he attends shows and publicly endorses fighters, such as Colby Covington and Jon Jones.

Trump’s government also provide a powerful ally as the UFC seeks to tighten its grip on MMA in the US and be given the same opportunity in boxing.

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The UFC has faced challenges to its business practices, paying out £281m in a 2025 lawsuit and facing two more from former fighters.

As Trump fronts the US-Israeli strikes in Iran and his approval rating at home falls, UFC White House may be a welcome distraction – and boost – for Trump on his birthday.

The show is not just an ambitious project. It is designed to be the cork-popping moment for Trump’s political relationship with White and the UFC.

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