The New York Mets informed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel that he won't make the team's Opening D...

The New York Mets informed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> that he won't make the team's Opening Day roster, manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday, according to <a href="https://x.com/MaxTGoodman/status/2035735261917725158?s=20">NJ.com's Max Goodman</a>.Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/MaxTGoodman/status/2035737458407526894">added</a> that Kimbrel is "leaning" toward staying with the organization despite falling short of the cut.Kimbrel, 37, signed a minor-league deal with the Mets in January. He pitched in six spring training games, striking out five batters and allowing four hits and three runs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Last season, Kimbrel posted a 2.25 ERA in a combined 14 appearances with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. He struck out 17 batters and allowed 10 hits and seven walks.Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4992">Mike Tauchman</a> will also miss the Opening Day festivities, as he has a torn meniscus that requires surgery, Mendoza said. Tauchman left Saturday's game against the Astros with left knee soreness."Unfortunately, he's gonna be down for a while," Mendoza said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/2035735040735285670">SNY TV</a>.Tauchman, 35, was in contention for a starting spot in right field, which opens the door for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19109" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19109">Carson Benge</a> to make the roster instead. This spring, Tauchman hit .241 with one home run, six RBIs, and an .819 OPS.The Mets open the season with a home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday at Citi Field.

JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: New York Mets pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) throws the ball from the mound during a MLB spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida.

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Kimbrel won't make Mets' Opening Day roster

Movsar Evloev went into enemy territory and defeated England's Lerone Murphy via majority decisio...

Movsar Evloev went into enemy territory and defeated England's Lerone Murphy via majority decision (48-46, 48-46, 47-47) in the UFC London main event Saturday at The O2 Arena.Evloev, the No. 1-ranked featherweight contender, relied on his wrestling in the final three rounds to secure the judges' nod, completing nine of 10 takedowns and amassing just under four minutes of control time. However, Murphy, who's ranked No. 3 in the division, outlanded Evloev 89-86 in significant strikes.With the victory, Evloev kept his undefeated record intact, improving to 20-0 as a professional. Afterward, he called for the next title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"UFC, there is no excuses to don't let me fight for the title," Evloev said in his postfight interview. "I have nothing to say."Murphy, who suffered his first career loss and fell to 17-1-1, also campaigned for Evloev to challenge Volkanovski next.Evloev stepped into the Octagon for the first time since December 2024 when he earned a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. The 32-year-old Russian is now riding a 10-fight winning streak in the Octagon, the second-longest active streak behind welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev (16).Murphy had won nine in a row entering Saturday, with the only blemish on his record being a split draw in his UFC debut in 2019. The 34-year-old Manchester native was coming off a Knockout of the Year candidate against Aaron Pico last summer.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: (L-R) Movsar Evloev of Russia punches Lerone Murphy of England in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The O2 on March 21, 2026 in London, England.

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Evloev ekes out decision vs. Murphy in UFC London main event

Charles Oliveira delivered a masterclass in his long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway.  Oliveira...

Charles Oliveira delivered a masterclass in his long-awaited rematch with Max Holloway.Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, defeated Holloway via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to capture the BMF title in the UFC 326 main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.Oliveira used his Brazilian jiu-jitsu to suffocate Holloway on the ground in all five rounds, completing 5-of-13 takedowns and amassing over 20 minutes of control time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Max is the toughest guy I've ever fought against," Oliveira said through an interpreter in his postfight interview. "It couldn't be any other way. I had to come here and dominate."Oliveira officially attempted four submissions and landed damaging blows on the canvas throughout the fight, topping Holloway 50-26 in significant strikes and 110-73 in total strikes. Holloway showed immense heart by fending off Oliveira's submission attempts and making it to the end of the fight, but he was unable to overcome the gap in skill in the grappling department."They came with a better game plan," Holloway said. "You gotta give it up for Oliveira. A hell of a fighter, a true BMF. Wouldn't have it any other way."With the victory, Oliveira is riding his first winning streak since he held the 155-pound title in 2022. The 36-year-old Brazilian was coming off a submission win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio de Janeiro last October in which he rebounded from a knockout loss to current champion Ilia Topuria.Holloway, also a former featherweight champion, was defending the BMF title for the second time. The 34-year-old Hawaiian beat Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision in his first defense at UFC 318 last July. This was his first loss since a third-round knockout to Topuria in a 145-pound title bout at UFC 308 in October 2024."I'm gonna come back, whoop somebody's ass, and be right in title contention again," Holloway said when asked what's next for him. "I ain't done yet. I ain't done yet. I'm gonna see Mr. Oliveira again, bro, that's for sure."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: (R-L) Joe Rogan interviews Charles Oliveira of Brazil following the BMF Championship fight during the UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Oliveira smothers Holloway to win BMF title at UFC 326

UFC 326 took place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the main event, Charles Oliv...

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Charles Oliveira of Brazil strikes Max Holloway of the United States during their BMF title bout at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 results, analysis

The UFC has unveiled the entire slate of fights set for its monumental event at the White House l...

The UFC has unveiled the entire slate of fights set for its monumental event at the White House later this year.Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will defend his title against interim champ Justin Gaethje in the June 14 main event, the promotion announced Saturday.In the co-main event, Alex Pereira will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's a look at the full card.<ul>
<li>Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje</li>
<li>Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane</li>
<li>Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi</li>
<li>Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler</li>
<li>Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus</li>
<li>Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia</li>
</ul>Topuria will return to the Octagon for the first time in 12 months after taking a hiatus due to personal issues. A former featherweight champion, Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 317 last June to win the vacant lightweight title and become a two-division champ. The 29-year-old Georgian-Spaniard is undefeated as a professional, boasting a 17-0 record with 15 finishes.Gaethje captured the interim 155-pound title with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January. The 37-year-old is riding a two-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since falling to Max Holloway in a historic last-second knockout at UFC 300 in April 2024.The UFC booked Pereira-Gane for the interim heavyweight title on account of champion Tom Aspinall being sidelined for the foreseeable future due to an eye injury.Pereira is vacating the light heavyweight title and moving up to the heavyweight division to challenge for a belt in a third weight class; the 38-year-old Brazilian is also a former middleweight champion. He's coming off a knockout win over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October and is 6-1 in his past seven Octagon appearances.Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion, fought Aspinall for the undisputed belt at UFC 321 in October, but the matchup was ruled a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes during the first round. Gane, a 35-year-old Frenchman, is riding a three-fight unbeaten streak. He hasn't lost since facing Jon Jones in a vacant heavyweight title bout in March 2023.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Ilia Topuria of Spain reacts to his win over Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Topuria-Gaethje, Pereira-Gane set for UFC White House card June 14

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 326 in Las Vegas.  BMF championsh...

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 326 in Las Vegas.<h3>BMF championship</h3>Max Holloway (27-8) vs. Charles Oliveira (36-11, 1 NC)Eleven years after headlining UFC Saskatoon as two young up-and-comers, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are running it back with the BMF title on the line.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>While their first meeting ended prematurely when Oliveira suffered an injury in the first round, this rematch has all the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate. Holloway and Oliveira have produced some of the most entertaining and memorable fights of this era - toss them in the Octagon together and it'll be magic 10 out of 10 times.<blockquote>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Check out all of the UFC 326 markets available on theScore Bet here</a></blockquote>There are several ways Saturday's main event could play out, but Holloway has the edge on paper. The 34-year-old Hawaiian seems to have more gas left in the tank than his 36-year-old opponent, having won four of his last five, including a unanimous decision over Dustin Poirier and an iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje. Oliveira, meanwhile, has alternated wins and losses in his last seven appearances and hasn't won consecutive bouts since 2022.Oliveira could use his world-class Brazilian jiu-jitsu to pull off the upset, but Holloway doesn't give up takedowns easily. I expect Holloway to have the upper hand in the stand-up department and to test Oliveira's chin late.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=953e9e1b-94f7-438e-800e-956d3e9eb8a1&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F883dd8c9-1152-4caf-98e1-764ea888e124&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Holloway, fifth-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/cropped_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/824936/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226077869.jpg?ts=1772812458 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3>Caio Borralho (17-2, 1 NC) vs. Reinier de Ridder (21-3)Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder are both eager to get back on track after recent losses to Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov, respectively, halted their momentum at 185 pounds. De Ridder didn't look like himself when he gassed out and retired on the stool against Allen at UFC Vancouver in October, and he's since <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/03/05/ufc-326-reinier-de-ridder-severe-medical-issue-first-ufc-loss/88986754007/">revealed</a> that a health issue might be the cause of his puzzling performance. He won't have an easy time against Borralho, who has superior grappling and is a more technical fighter overall. But if the Dutchman uses all his weapons and pressures Borralho on the feet, he can eke out a decision.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=c11b054b-d0dd-424b-8f32-a1d7011cc887&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F48fed45b-f932-42e6-8536-a69f5b0b725a&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">De Ridder, unanimous decision</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/cropped_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783959/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213284184.jpg?ts=1746333281 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Josh Hedges / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight bout</h3>Rob Font (22-9) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (11-1)We're about to find out just how legit Raul Rosas Jr. is. This fight against Rob Font is the 21-year-old's first genuine test since he lost to Christian Rodriguez in 2023, and it's a great measuring stick as he looks to start facing the division's best. I think it'll be a good night at the office for Rosas, who should be able to use his grappling to nullify Font's advantage in the striking department.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=a7e03aab-4ed3-43c2-982e-6f46cfa1d4a0&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F6a98db72-2cb4-41c9-a2b6-4dafbc7db199&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Rosas, third-round submission</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/cropped_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w220xh124_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w320xh180_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w640xh360_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w768xh432_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/570146/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1245546593.jpg?ts=1680812091 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3>Drew Dober (28-15, 1 NC) vs. Michael Johnson (24-19)This is a coin-flip fight if I've ever seen one. Drew Dober and Michael Johnson each have a lot of wins and a lot of losses. Both can knock people out, and both can get knocked out. I'll take Johnson, who's won three in a row and still has quick hands at the age of 39.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=08d3bbed-80c3-49f2-ac86-310f740d8b7f&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=10&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2F9e66d98b-be09-4c7d-a08b-8d1aca6f1dab&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Johnson, second-round TKO</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/cropped_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w220xh124_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w320xh180_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w640xh360_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w768xh432_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/513691/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1397280481.jpg?ts=1652578470 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3>Gregory Rodrigues (18-6) vs. Brunno Ferreira (15-2)This is another tough fight to call. Gregory Rodrigues and Brunno Ferreira squared off in the Octagon in January 2023, with Ferreira winning by first-round knockout. Rodrigues is the betting favorite this time, but in the end, history repeats itself.The pick: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=1fe2bbea-334e-4a79-8265-e3093c9753db&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=17&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2Fde784c3a-d958-41b9-81c8-8b07cdb62bbe&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Ferreira, second-round knockout</a><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/cropped_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w220xh124_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w320xh180_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w640xh360_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w768xh432_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/611432/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1931028448.jpg?ts=1705194306 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Rapid-fire bets</h3>👊 Best overall bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=cf4cda1c-ce54-411d-80ef-0a3a40582c5a&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=31&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=21&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Max Holloway (-210) def. Charles Oliveira</a>Holloway is arguably one of the 15 greatest fighters in UFC history. And he showed in his last fight against Dustin Poirier that he isn't slowing down anytime soon.👊 Bet underdog bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=4bd0a081-d70d-4c76-bb90-bc7dd58601a6&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=3&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Reinier de Ridder (+200) def. Caio Borralho</a>De Ridder is a bit undervalued here after a poor performance against Allen late last year. If the guy who beat Robert Whittaker and Bo Nickal shows up against Borralho, he has a good chance of pulling off the upset.👊 Best prop bet: <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=2443c9e3-3d99-4e69-901c-99ab4eaf0e07&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=27&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=17&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-326-holloway-vs-oliveira-2%2Fevent%2Fde784c3a-d958-41b9-81c8-8b07cdb62bbe&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3493013">Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira ends in KO/TKO/DQ (-170)</a>Seven of Rodrigues' last nine fights ended in a knockout, while half of Ferreira's UFC bouts saw the same result. These two middleweights are going to slug it out until someone hits the canvas.US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call <a href="tel:1-800-GAMBLER">1-800-GAMBLER</a>; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:(800)-327-5050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:1-866-531-2600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca">www.connexontario.ca</a>.

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UFC 326 predictions: Can Oliveira pull off upset vs. Holloway?

In Saturday's main event of UFC 326, Max Holloway defends the BMF title in a long-awaited rematch...

In Saturday's main event of UFC 326, Max Holloway defends the BMF title in a long-awaited rematch with Charles Oliveira. In the co-headliner, Caio Borralho and Reinier de Ridder look to get back into middleweight title contention.Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.<h3>Holloway, Oliveira try to keep undisputed title hopes alive</h3>Holloway and Oliveira are living legends. Holloway is one of the three greatest featherweights in UFC history; he held the title from 2017-19 and has remained firmly in contention since then. Meanwhile, Oliveira had one of the most entertaining lightweight title reigns we've seen, finishing Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje in consecutive fights in 2021-22.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But at 34 and 36 years old, respectively, Holloway and Oliveira are starting to reach the now-or-never stage of their careers.Saturday's main event could be a No. 1 contender fight. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is preparing to return to the Octagon later this year following a brief hiatus and will presumably take on Gaethje, who won the interim title at UFC 324. If and when that fight happens, Arman Tsarukyan should be next in line for the winner, but the UFC doesn't seem overly interested in promoting him (to be fair, Tsarukyan keeps giving the organization <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2026/03/01/raf-6-arman-tsarukyan-vs-georgio-poullas-brawl-video-ufc-real-american-freestyle-wrestling-grappling/88929893007/">reasons</a> for its lack of enthusiasm). That could pave the way for the Holloway-Oliveira winner to challenge for the undisputed belt.Meanwhile, the loser of Saturday's main event might be saying goodbye to his title hopes. Oliveira has alternated wins and losses in his past seven Octagon appearances, and he's clearly a step below where he was a few years ago. Holloway has lost once in his last five outings and is closer to the prime of his career, but it's still tough to envision his path back to a title shot if he loses this weekend.<h3>Can De Ridder get back on track?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/cropped_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/w220xh124_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/w320xh180_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/w640xh360_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/w768xh432_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795687/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2227158431.jpg?ts=1753567193 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>De Ridder seemed destined for a middleweight title shot when he beat former champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi last July. The former ONE Championship two-division titleholder had won four straight to begin his UFC career and had just defeated one of the top fighters in the division's history.But then the 35-year-old Dutchman lost to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver in October, failing to answer the bell between the fourth and fifth rounds after gassing out. Did De Ridder bite off more than he could chew by making weight and stepping into the Octagon five times in the span of 11 months? Or is he simply not quite as good as we thought, and that was exposed in his fight with Allen?We'll find out whether De Ridder belongs in the title mix when he faces Borralho.<h3>Will Rosas crack the top 15 at bantamweight?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/cropped_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/798321/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207555853.jpg?ts=1755783307 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Raul Rosas Jr. is facing the biggest test of his career.Riding a four-fight winning streak, the 21-year-old bantamweight will take on longtime contender Rob Font on Saturday's main card. It's Rosas' first opportunity to break into the rankings. Font is No. 13 at 135 pounds, representing Rosas' first real test since he lost to Christian Rodriguez almost three years ago.Font has been a gatekeeper for the last several years. He's lost to the likes of Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Jose Aldo while recording wins against Jean Matsumoto, Kyler Phillips, and Adrian Yanez. We know what the 38-year-old brings to the table at this point. If Rosas can beat Font, that'll give us a pretty good idea of what's in store for the Dana White's Contender Series alum as he continues to gain Octagon experience.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 05: (L-R) Opponents Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira face off during the UFC It's On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 326

The UFC flyweight division has a new contender.  Lone'er Kavanagh earned the biggest win of his c...

The UFC flyweight division has a new contender.Lone'er Kavanagh earned the biggest win of his career Saturday, defeating former champion Brandon Moreno via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in the UFC Fight Night main event at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.Kavanagh, a 26-year-old from London, England, was unranked heading into the fight, but will skyrocket into the top 10 after beating Moreno, who was ranked No. 6 coming in.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I said before the fight: I live for legendary moments, and this is a legendary moment," Kavanagh said in his postfight interview. "Brandon is a legend. Two-time world champ. And I'm a big fan. I watched him when I was a kid, and to get to fight him is amazing."Kavanagh stepped in on less than four weeks' notice after Asu Almabayev withdrew from the UFC Mexico main event due to an injury.Kavanagh used crisp striking, speed, and power to batter Moreno on the feet throughout the fight. He outlanded his opponent 97-79 in significant strikes and stuffed all eight of Moreno's takedown attempts.With the victory, Kavanagh improved to 3-1 in the promotion. He was coming off a knockout loss to Charles Johnson at UFC Shanghai last August.Moreno suffered his second straight defeat. The 32-year-old Tijuana native also lost to Tatsuro Taira via second-round TKO at UFC 323 in December. Moreno is 2-3 in his last five Octagon appearances.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Lone'er Kavanagh of England punches Brandon Moreno of Mexico in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Arena CDMX on February 28, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.

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Kavanagh upsets Moreno in UFC Mexico main event

Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is returning to action on home soil.  Della...

Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is returning to action on home soil.Della Maddalena will square off with Carlos Prates in the main event of UFC Perth on May 2 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, the promotion announced Saturday.The bout marks Della Maddalena's first appearance since losing the 170-pound title in a lopsided defeat to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 last November. The 29-year-old Perth native topped Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 last May to become the champion. Della Maddalena holds an 8-1 record in the Octagon, including five wins inside the distance.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Prates, the No. 5-ranked welterweight, is coming off back-to-back knockout victories that cemented him as one of the top contenders in the weight class. The 32-year-old Brazilian finished Geoff Neal with a spinning back elbow at UFC 319 last August and then stopped former champion Leon Edwards in brutal fashion at UFC 322. Prates is 6-1 in the promotion, with all of his wins ending by knockout.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Jack Della Maddalena of Australia enters the Octagon in the UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City.

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Della Maddalena-Prates set for UFC Perth main event

A rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will take place Sept. 19...

A rematch between boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will take place Sept. 19 at Sphere in Las Vegas, Netflix announced Monday.The bout will be the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere, the state-of-the-art arena that opened in 2023 and held a major UFC event in 2024. The fight will stream live on Netflix.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MANNY PACQUIAO Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday September 19 LIVE globally only on Netflix<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MayPac2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MayPac2</a> <a href="https://t.co/3i5FtXBzgX">pic.twitter.com/3i5FtXBzgX</a>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2026041245093491045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Mayweather <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3482599" href="https://thescore.com/news/3482599">announced</a> last week that he plans to come out of retirement and resume his professional boxing career following his exhibition bout against Mike Tyson, which is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3480161" href="https://thescore.com/news/3480161">scheduled</a> to take place April 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mayweather retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record but has competed in several exhibitions since then, including against Logan Paul in 2021. He turns 49 on Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pacquiao, 47, returned from a four-year retirement last July, fighting Mario Barrios to a majority draw in a WBC welterweight title fight. He's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3480753" href="https://thescore.com/news/3480753">scheduled to face</a> Ruslan Provodnikov in an exhibition match April 18 in Las Vegas.Mayweather defeated Pacquiao in a long-awaited championship bout in 2015. The fight generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys.

LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 26: Floyd Mayweather Jr. walks to his corner while taking on Conor McGregor during their super welterweight boxing match on August 26, 2017 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Mayweather-Pacquiao 2 set for Sept. 19 at Sphere

For the first time in his career, Ryan Garcia is a world champion.  Garcia dominated Mario Barrio...

For the first time in his career, Ryan Garcia is a world champion.Garcia dominated Mario Barrios to capture the WBC welterweight title Saturday night, earning a unanimous decision victory at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.The judges scored the fight 119-108, 120-107, and 118-109 in Garcia's favor.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Garcia outclassed Barrios from start to finish. He set the tone with a knockdown in the opening 30 seconds, dropping Barrios with a huge right hand. He went on to outland Barrios 185-106 in total punches and 103-43 in power shots.Surprisingly, Garcia's right hand was a major factor in the fight. He stunned Barrios early in the fifth round with another right and then unleashed a barrage of punches.With the victory, not only did Garcia earn his first world championship - he also rebounded from a disappointing loss to Rolly Romero last May at Times Square in New York.The 28-year-old is now 2-1 (1 NC) in his past four appearances and 25-2 (1 NC) as a professional.In his postfight interview, Garcia said he wants to take on Shakur Stevenson next. Stevenson beat Teofimo Lopez Jr. last month to claim the WBO junior welterweight championship. He was ringside and also expressed interest in the matchup."Shakur Stevenson, let's go," Garcia said. "Let's run that shit. Hey, I want to be a great champion. I'm not scared of shit. ... Let's f-----g go."Barrios had held the WBC welterweight title since June 2024 and was coming off a majority draw against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao last July. The 30-year-old fell to a career 29-3-2 with the loss.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 21: Ryan Garcia (L) punchesWBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in the fourth round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on February 21, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia took the tile by unanimous decision.

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Garcia dominates Barrios to win 1st world title

The UFC continued to roll out its spring lineup Saturday, announcing a pair of main events.  Welt...

The UFC continued to roll out its spring lineup Saturday, announcing a pair of main events.Welterweight contenders Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley will headline UFC Fight Night on April 25 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.Additionally, lightweights Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan will meet in the main event of the April 4 Fight Night card at the same venue.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brady, the No. 6-ranked fighter in the 170-pound division, is looking to bounce back from a first-round TKO loss to Michael Morales at UFC 322 last November. Brady was previously riding three-fight winning streak that included a submission of former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London last March.Buckley, ranked No. 9, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to ex-champ Kamaru Usman in the UFC Atlanta main event last June. The defeat snapped Buckley's six-fight winning streak.Moicano, the No. 10-ranked contender at 155 pounds, is seeking his first win since finishing Benoit Saint Denis in September 2024. The Brazilian lost back-to-back fights against then-lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush last year.Duncan will attempt to crack into the top 15 with a win over Moicano. The 32-year-old Scottish fighter is coming off a first-round submission of Terrance McKinney at UFC 323 in December and has won four straight.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 15: Sean Brady enters the Octagon in a welterweight fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City.

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Brady-Buckley, Moicano-Duncan set for April UFC main events

Warning: Story contains coarse language  Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland returne...

Warning: Story contains coarse languageFormer UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland returned to the win column Saturday night with one of the best performances of his career.Strickland finished surging contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez via TKO at the 2:33 mark of the third round in the UFC Houston main event at the Toyota Center.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F917198177355871%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure>Strickland stepped into the Octagon for the first time since a title-fight loss to Dricus Du Plessis last February and earned his first win since June 2024. It was also Strickland's first knockout victory since he beat Abus Magomedov in July 2023.The finishing sequence began when Strickland hurt Hernandez with a knee to the body. Strickland pressed forward and unleashed a vicious combination of punches. He landed a few uppercuts and then a right hand that put Hernandez on the ground. Strickland followed up with ground-and-pound, forcing referee Herb Dern to wave off the fight.After the win, Strickland said he wants a title shot at Khamzat Chimaev next. Strickland was ranked No. 3 and Hernandez was No. 4 entering Saturday's bout."(If) Chimaev gets off the bench, I'd like a piece of that little Chechen whore," Strickland said in his postfight interview. "But you never know with him. You never know with that guy. But that's what I want."Strickland dictated the action throughout the main event, winning the first two rounds on all three judges' scorecards. He fought well behind his jab, controlling the distance and outlanding Hernandez 110-55 in significant strikes. Strickland stuffed his opponent's only takedown attempt.The 34-year-old American has alternated wins and losses in his past five outings, dating back to his title win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in September 2023.Hernandez's eight-fight winning streak came to an end. It was the 32-year-old's first loss since a knockout against Kevin Holland in May 2020.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: Sean Strickland reacts after a TKO victory against Anthony Hernandez in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Strickland stuns Hernandez with TKO in UFC Houston main event

"The Doctor" has arrived.  Welterweight Uros Medic made a statement in the UFC Houston co-main ev...

"The Doctor" has arrived.Welterweight Uros Medic made a statement in the UFC Houston co-main event, knocking out Geoff Neal with a vicious left hook in the first round Saturday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
UROS MEDIC WITH THE KNOCKOUT OF THE NIGHT! He flatlined Geoff Neal in just 1 RD😮‍💨😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/zYbXR4tIsJ">pic.twitter.com/zYbXR4tIsJ</a>— The MMA Archives (@Themmaarchives) <a href="https://twitter.com/Themmaarchives/status/2025413733887951274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Medic has now won three in a row, all via first-round knockout.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Houston, we have a problem," he said in his postfight interview. "And it's me - I am the problem."The 32-year-old Serbian added that he wants to face off with former champion Leon Edwards next.Neal, 35, has now lost back-to-back fights by knockout and four of his last five bouts overall.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: Uros Medic reacts after knocking out Geoff Neal in a welterweight bout during UFC Fight Night at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Watch: Medic stiffens Neal with vicious KO, calls out Edwards

Melquizael Costa added a vicious finish to his highlight reel at UFC Houston.  The Brazilian feat...

Melquizael Costa added a vicious finish to his highlight reel at UFC Houston.The Brazilian featherweight landed a spinning back kick to Dan Ige's head and earned a TKO victory at the 4:56 mark of the first round Saturday night at the Toyota Center.Costa became the first to finish Ige in 30 professional bouts.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SPINNING SH** FOR THE WIN! 😱 Melquizael Costa becomes the first person to finish Dan Ige! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCHouston?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCHouston</a> | LIVE on TNT Sports &amp; discovery+ <a href="https://t.co/Dg6nJRypgf">pic.twitter.com/Dg6nJRypgf</a>— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufcontnt/status/2025408348149907915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Costa, 29, has now won six in a row and improved to a career 26-7. He called out former title challenger Diego Lopes in his postfight interview.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 21: Melquizael Costa of Brazil knocks out Dan Ige in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Toyota Center on February 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Watch: Costa TKOs Ige with spinning back kick at UFC Houston

A welterweight bout between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott will serve as the main event for a UFC ...

A welterweight bout between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott will serve as the main event for a UFC Fight Night card in Winnipeg on April 18, the promotion announced Friday.Burns, a former title challenger, is looking to get back on track from a four-fight losing streak. The 39-year-old Brazilian hasn't won since a unanimous decision over Jorge Masvidal in 2023.Malott, who represents Burlington, Ontario, will be the first Canadian to headline a UFC event in nearly six years. The 34-year-old is coming off a victory over Kevin Holland last October and is riding a three-fight winning streak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The UFC will hold an event in Manitoba's capital city for the first time since December 2017 and third time overall.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 17: Mike Malott poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-ins at Rogers Arena on October 17, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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Burns-Malott to headline UFC Winnipeg in April

Ronda Rousey is ending her 10-year retirement for a blockbuster showdown with Gina Carano.  The U...

Ronda Rousey is ending her 10-year retirement for a blockbuster showdown with Gina Carano.The UFC Hall of Famer and former women's bantamweight champion will face Carano in a professional MMA fight May 16 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Netflix announced Tuesday. Rousey-Carano will be contested at featherweight with five five-minute rounds.It will be the first MMA event to stream on Netflix and be promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two MMA legends are coming to Netflix. RONDA ROUSEY vs. GINA CARANO Saturday May 16 LIVE only on Netflix<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RouseyCarano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RouseyCarano</a> <a href="https://t.co/zqdSC7l4in">pic.twitter.com/zqdSC7l4in</a>— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/2023759338335035524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Rousey, one of the biggest stars in MMA history, hasn't fought since December 2016 when she suffered a 48-second TKO loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207.Rousey, 39, was the inaugural UFC women's bantamweight champion and defended the title six times between February 2013 and August 2015. Holly Holm dethroned Rousey with a head-kick knockout in November 2015 in what stands as one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history.Carano, a pioneer of women's MMA, will step into the cage for the first time in almost 17 years. The 43-year-old fought professionally from 2006-09, compiling a 7-1 record and primarily competing under the Strikeforce and EliteXC banners. Carano retired after a knockout loss to Cris Cyborg in a fight for the inaugural Strikeforce women's featherweight title that marked the first time two women headlined a major MMA event.

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Rousey returning to MMA to face Carano on May 16

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is interested in competing in combat sports once he's done playi...

Boston Celtics star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> is interested in competing in combat sports once he's done playing in the NBA.Brown, 29, has even discussed the matter with UFC CEO Dana White, he told reporters Saturday at the NBA All-Star Game media day."To be honest, I've toyed with this, and I've talked to some people," Brown said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47939125/celtics-jaylen-brown-toying-idea-ufc-boxing-nba">ESPN's Brett Okamoto</a>. "Maybe post part of my career, I'd love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing. I've talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we'll see as things go on. We'll see."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Several former NBA players have crossed over to combat sports, including Nate Robinson, who suffered a knockout loss to Jake Paul in 2020, and Deron Williams, who beat former NFL player Frank Gore in an exhibition boxing match in 2021.Brown, a five-time NBA All-Star, won a championship and Finals MVP with the Celtics in 2024. This season, he's averaging 29.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is a massive MMA fan and has attended numerous UFC events.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 11: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics watches a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the TD Garden on February 11, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Celtics' Brown has 'toyed with' UFC, boxing after NBA career

Featherweight contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy will square off in the main event of UFC...

Featherweight contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy will square off in the main event of UFC London on March 21, the promotion announced Monday.Evloev was sidelined for all of 2025 and will return to the Octagon for the first time since his unanimous decision win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December 2024. The 31-year-old Russian is 9-0 in the UFC and holds a 19-0 professional record.Murphy, who fights out of Manchester, England, will headline an event in his home country for the first time. The 34-year-old is coming off a vicious knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August and is 17-0-1 as a pro.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Evloev and Murphy are ranked Nos. 1 and 4 in the 145-pound division, respectively. The winner could be next in line for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, who defended the belt this past weekend at UFC 325 against Diego Lopes.The UFC London co-main event will feature Luke Riley and Michael Aswell in a featherweight bout. Additionally, Michael "Venom" Page will return to the welterweight division to face Sam Patterson. Tap <a href="https://x.com/UFCEurope/status/2018353718169858470?s=20">here</a> to see the rest of the card.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Lerone Murphy of England reacts after his victory via knockout in the first round against Aaron Pico of the United States, not pictured, during their featherweight bout in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Evloev-Murphy to headline UFC London in March

Alexander Volkanovski defended the UFC featherweight title in his rematch with Diego Lopes, earni...

Alexander Volkanovski defended the UFC featherweight title in his rematch with Diego Lopes, earning a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 325 main event Saturday night in Sydney.In the co-headliner, Benoit Saint Denis continued to climb the lightweight rankings with a second-round TKO of Dan Hooker.Here are five takeaways from the event.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Volkanovski-Lopes 2 was unnecessary</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/cropped_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>We never needed Volkanovski and Lopes to run it back - and the outcome of Saturday's rematch proved it. Nine months after Volkanovski beat Lopes in decisive fashion to reclaim the featherweight title, he outclassed him again.The UFC faced a lot of criticism for giving Lopes another crack at Volkanovski, especially with Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy waiting for their first title shots. In this case, the critics were right. Not a whole lot changed from the first fight. Volkanovski was the smarter and more technical fighter in the stand-up department; Lopes didn't pull the trigger enough, nor did he cut off the cage. Their first meeting was more entertaining.After Volkanovski got his hand raised, I couldn't help but wonder what the point of this was. A second win over Lopes doesn't do much for Volkanovski's resume. And Lopes, one of the featherweight division's rising stars, is now 0-2 in championship fights and officially out of the title mix - at least for the foreseeable future.The UFC matchmakers get a lot of things right, but they missed the mark with Volkanovski-Lopes 2.<h3>What's next for Volkanovski?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/cropped_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Steve Marcus / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>At 37, Volkanovski may not be in his prime anymore, but he is still clearly the best featherweight in the world with Ilia Topuria competing at lightweight. However, it's time to see him tested against fresh opposition.Ahead of UFC 325, Volkanovski didn't shy away from the fact he believed Evloev and Murphy were both more deserving of a title shot than Lopes. It's not Volkanovski's fault - or Lopes' for that matter - that the promotion went in a different direction. But one of those two guys has to be next in line.<h3>Saint Denis, Ruffy cement themselves as lightweight contenders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/cropped_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Kolbe Photography / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>The lightweight division is in good hands, as Saint Denis extended his winning streak to four against Hooker and Mauricio Ruffy earned the biggest victory of his career versus Rafael Fiziev.Saint Denis used his grappling to wear down Hooker and then pummeled him on the ground with elbows and punches, scoring a TKO finish at the 4:45 mark of the second round. Ruffy floored Fiziev with a massive right hand and then got the job done with ground-and-pound, winning at the 4:30 mark of the second frame.While Saint Denis and Ruffy still have more work to do before challenging for the title, it's safe to say that the Frenchman and Brazilian are officially among the division's elite.<h3>Bye-bye, 'Bam Bam'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/cropped_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> STEVEN MARKHAM / AFP / Getty</figcaption></figure>I get that Tai Tuivasa is a fan favorite, but let's be honest: Riding a six-fight losing streak, "Bam Bam" has no business being on the UFC roster anymore.His unanimous decision loss to Tallison Teixeira on Saturday - his first fight since August 2024 - was entertaining at times but embarrassing at others, and it said a lot about the state of the heavyweight division. By the end of the fight, Teixeira and Tuivasa were both so exhausted that all they could do was sit down next to each other on the canvas.Tuivasa has delivered many memorable moments both in the Octagon and outside of it (like drinking beer from shoes), but it's time for the promotion to let him loose.<h3>Salkilld is a prospect to watch</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/cropped_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Australia's Quillan Salkilld was one of the standout performers at UFC 325.The 26-year-old lightweight tapped out veteran Jamie Mullarkey with a rear-naked choke in the first round. He improved to 4-0 in the promotion, with three of those wins ending within the first five minutes.In his most recent fight before Saturday, Salkilld delivered one of the biggest highlights of 2025, a head-kick knockout of Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321. Clearly, Salkilld can do it all: knock you out, submit you, or beat you on the scorecards. And at his age, he has a lot of time to improve his game. Keep an eye on him, because he could very well be a problem in the 155-pound division sooner than later.

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UFC 325 takeaways: We didn't need Volkanovski-Lopes 2

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