標籤: years

Manchester City There may still be a hunt for Palmeiras teenager Eduardo Conceição, but Brazil’s latest revelations suggest that interest in the 16-year-old goes back much further than many realize – and that even includes Jurgen Klopp.

The young attacker has already attracted everyone’s attention city, newcastle, arsenal, chelsea, liverpool and many major European clubs.

While clubs across Europe continue to establish themselves, a new story from Brazil reveals that Eduardo was generating serious interest even before he became a household name in youth football… and that includes a Liverpool legend.

Klopp tried early – Palmeiras said no

globo esporte Palmeiras academy head Joao Paulo Sampaio confirmed that Jurgen Klopp wanted to personally learn more about Eduardo during a visit to Brazil in early 2025.

Klopp, now responsible for football operations at the Red Bull GmbH network, watched Eduardo during the Copa Puma, an under-17 tournament in which the Palmeiras youngster scored three goals in two matches against Red Bull Bragantino.

Sampaio recalled asking Klopp about the player and even inquiring about a potential price.

“Klopp was there and wanted to meet him. He asked me how much he cost. I told him: ‘You still don’t have enough money to buy a player like this,'” He joked.

After this the Palmeiras official revealed something even more interesting. The Red Bull group did not stop to inquire.

Two proposals were rejected before the campaign started

According to Globo Esporte, Palmeiras turned down two separate approaches involving the Red Bull structure.

The first offer was around £6m (€7m). This was increased to approximately £8.5m (€10m) in a second attempt. No one came close to convincing Palmeiras.

The identity of the specific club involved was not disclosed. Given Klopp’s role in overseeing football operations at the Red Bull network, interest could come from RB Salzberg, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Bragantino or another club in the group. Globo’s report did not specify which route was being considered.

Sampaio explained that Palmeiras had already made a conscious decision to wait.

“They made two offers, but we wanted to wait. He was already attracting attention from people in Brazil and around the world who wanted to know more about him. Then he exploded at the Brazilian Youth Cup, and now with the national team. It’s been a well-planned path.”

Eduardo himself admitted that when he first heard Klopp’s story he had difficulty believing it.

“I found out through my agent during dinner. We were talking about Joao Paulo and he remembered it. I couldn’t believe it. I felt honoured. It’s very gratifying for a coach of that level in Europe to be talking about me.”

As the European race grows, Manchester City still leads the way

Whereas spanish report Brazilian coverage portraying Barcelona as favorites still impresses Manchester City as the strongest pressing club.

Recent reports have suggested that City are working on a package worth around £34m (€40m), while Palmeiras are looking for something closer to £43m (€50m) before seriously considering a deal.

Joao Paulo Sampaio also gave perhaps the clearest picture yet of the scale of interest.

“The Premier League, three clubs. Spain, Italy. Europe, the five big leagues, Portugal. There are clubs who want to enter this war.”

The Palmeiras academy director then explained why so many teams are now looking to make the move.

“They want to complete the player’s development. If he plays in the first team, he becomes more expensive. When they come now, it is a strategy to take him young, knowing that he will only leave at the end of 2027.”

This logic helps explain what has happened in recent months. Manchester City is trying to pick up the pace. Manchester United has joined the race. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been linked. Barcelona looms in the background.

The common theme is clear: Everyone knows the price can add up quickly once Eduardo Palmeiras becomes a regular part of his senior plans.

Palmeiras is preparing for the next step

The hype surrounding Eduardo has only increased following a strong performance at the South American Under-17 Championship, where he scored two goals and two assists in six games for Brazil.

In Palmeiras, preparations are already underway for the next phase of its development. Manager Abel Ferreira recently included him in the senior matchday squad, and the club is gradually preparing him for integration into the first-team environment.

There is also a new indication of how highly he is rated internally. According to Globo Esporte, Abel has already asked Joao Paulo Sampaio when he will be able to rely on Eduardo more regularly in the first-team routine after his performances for Brazil at the South American Under-17 Championship.

The answer appears to be: soon.

Palmeiras is already managing his minutes at under-20 level with an eye on future promotion. The plan is to gradually increase his performance in the senior environment while maintaining a competitive environment elsewhere.

For Manchester City and the rest of Europe’s elite, that timeline matters. Each appearance for Palmeiras’ first team has the potential to further increase his valuation.

A new rumor suggests that the Detroit Pistons are planning on making a move this summer that could ruin their roster for years.

On Friday night, the Pistons will be in Cleveland to avoid elimination for the fourth time in these playoffs and send their series with the Cavaliers to a Game 7. To be in this position again after earning the No. 1 seed in the East and barely avoiding the Orlando Magic in Round 1 is an amazing situation.

Still, that’s not the only surprising thing about this postseason for Detroit. Jalen Duren’s shocking disappearance in the first two series has confounded NBA analysts. After a breakout season that earned him first-ever All-Star honors and possibly an All-NBA berth, the center has been one of the players fans have looked to throughout the regular season.

His playoff numbers this year are worse than last year, when he got his first taste of NBA playoff basketball against the New York Knicks. Duren’s tremendous play has made it a difficult decision for the Pistons this summer when the 2022 first-round pick is a restricted free agent.

Will the Detroit Pistons be forced to give Jalen Duren a max deal?

Should they give him the maximum contract he will be eligible for? Most reports suggest this is not an option for Detroit. Still, according to a new report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, it’s something they’ll likely have to do this summer.

An East executive told Windhorst, “He’s not a Max player, but they probably have to give him a Max.” “because now [cap space] Teams like Chicago or Brooklyn may see him as a guy they can get with a max offer sheet, and Detroit would have to match that.

Letting Duren leave in free agency could be a huge blow to a team that made so much progress last season. In 2024–25, he had one of the best turnarounds in NBA history and gave New York a run in the playoffs. Duren helped in this. Then in 2025-26, the big man played a huge role in helping them earn the top seed in the East and the third-best record in the NBA (60-22).

Max deal risk for Jalen Duren

Losing Duren could mean a significant step back in success. A case can be made that a max deal is worth the risk as he is still only 22, and his development may not be complete. But if he peaks and continues to be a liability in the playoffs, that contract could set the Pistons back years.

“One of the biggest mistakes you can make in the NBA right now is giving a max deal to a non-max player,” a West executive told Windhorst. “In the old system, you could bet on high-level talent. Now losing one big bet can derail your entire roster.”

In today’s salary cap system, if you’re going to have two players with max deals, you have to make sure they are the core of your roster, as this severely limits further roster movement and keeps you around or above the NBA’s tax apron.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders unveiled their 2026 schedule. All 32 NFL teams announced their 17-game slate simultaneously, which was a media spectacle.

The Raiders will travel 21,099 miles in 2026, the 12th-most in the league. Based on opponents’ 2025 record, they also have the seventh-highest strength of schedule at .529.

For the first time since 2010, the Raiders will not appear in a single primetime game, which is not surprising considering their record over the past several years. Except for late-season flex, Fernando Mendoza and the Silver and Black will not receive any national spotlight on Monday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday nights. Las Vegas is the only NFL team not to play an international game this decade, a streak that now stretches to seven seasons. The Raiders last played internationally in London in 2019.

Let’s break the slate.

Week 1: Las Vegas Raiders open season against Miami

The Raiders opened at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the building has hosted a weekend game since 2021. Every Raiders game through 2026 is scheduled for a Sunday. This is likely the film debut of Kirk Cousins ​​or Fernando Mendoza, both Miami natives. Las Vegas last hosted the Dolphins in 2021, winning 31-28.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders secondary overhaul: How Jon Spytek’s 4 draft picks fit Clint Kubiak’s defense

Week 2: at Los Angeles Chargers

Las Vegas faces its first AFC West opponent in Week 2 when it travels to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers. It was last year’s meeting against the Chargers that Brock Bowers recorded a one-handed touchdown grab on his shoelaces. In the first 17 weeks, the Raiders are expected to play 11 games on CBS and six games on Fox.

Week 3: at New Orleans

The road trip continues in New Orleans as the Raiders visit the Saints. This is the first of three consecutive games away from Allegiant Stadium and the third consecutive meeting between the teams at Caesars Superdome. The series is split between those games. The Saints won on Halloween Eve in 2022. Two years later, the Raiders won the game as Aidan O’Connell threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

Also Read: Las Vegas Raiders Draft Recap: Getting to know the picks including Fernando Mendoza

Week 4: vs. Kansas City

October begins with the Kansas City Chiefs at home inside Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs could work with Patrick Mahomes or backup Justin Fields depending on Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL. The injury occurred a few weeks before the Raiders won the 2025 season finale on Daniel Carlson’s 60-yard walk-off field goal.

RELATED: ‘Every ball is a dart’: Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit make brilliant Fernando Mendoza comparisons

Week 5: at New England

The Raiders travel to Gillette Stadium to face the defending AFC champion New England Patriots. Las Vegas defeated New England in Week 1 last year, with then-rookie Ashton Jeanty scoring a touchdown in his NFL debut. A win in Foxborough would even the all-time series at 18-18-1. It is the first of three games scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. PT. The rest come in the 1 pm PT window.

Week 6: vs. Buffalo

The Raiders will host their second consecutive AFC East opponent on October 18, looking for their first win over Buffalo since the franchise moved to Las Vegas. The Silver and Black lost to the Bills in 2020 and 2023. Cousins ​​last faced Buffalo in 2022, leading Minnesota to a 33-30 overtime win capped by a one-handed fourth-and-18 grab from Justin Jefferson.

Also Read: Where is Terron Johnson? The Raiders’ best offseason trade has quietly disappeared

Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Raiders also clinched the NFC West this season, and the Los Angeles Rams came to Las Vegas in first. This is the first time that the franchise has hosted Los Angeles since relocating in 2020. The Raiders have lost by a combined six points in the last two meetings at SoFi Stadium (2022, 2024). This match is also Davante Adams’ first game against his former team after the trade.

Week 8: at New York Jets

Las Vegas concludes its AFC East slate against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. The Raiders have won four of the last five meetings, including the last two meetings in 2020 and 2023. The 2023 game at Allegiant Stadium was highlighted by O’Connell’s 7-yard touchdown catch of Michael Mayer. In 2020, Darren Waller posted 13 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Derek Carr capped it off with a 46-yard touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III with five seconds remaining.

Week 9: at San Francisco

The famous Bay Area rivalry has returned. The Raiders made their first trip to Levi’s Stadium since 2018, also drawing the 49ers in their third preseason game. The Raiders last hosted San Francisco in 2023, when Davante Adams passed for 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard score.

Week 10: vs. Seattle

Head coach Clint Kubiak is facing his former team for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in Seattle. Kubiak brought offensive coordinator Andrew Janko and offensive line coach Rick Dennison with him to Las Vegas. The Seahawks will play in Las Vegas for the first time on Nov. 15. The game is capped with the Raiders facing three NFC West teams in four weeks. The last meeting was in 2022, when Josh Jacobs had an 86-yard walk-off touchdown run.

Also read: ‘No excuses’: Clint Kubiak issues clear warning to Raiders coaches and front office

Week 11: at Denver

The annual trip to Mile High takes place the week before Thanksgiving. Denver reached last season’s AFC Championship Game with former Raider Jarrett Stidham under center. The tour is limited to three consecutive weeks on CBS.

Week 12: at Cleveland

Weather could become a factor in back-to-back road games before the bye. The matchup will reveal a lot about where the offense stands. The Browns fielded one of the NFL’s top defenses last year. Cleveland is led by Myles Garrett and Carson Schwesinger, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively. Garrett set the single-season sack record with 23 in 2025.

ALSO READ: Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver depth chart 2026: No clear No. 1 option heading into training camp

Week 13: Bye

Las Vegas got its long-awaited bye a week before the playoff race. That would set the Giants up for a potential playoff run, whether Mendoza or Cousins ​​is under center.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders tipped to pursue All-Pro pass-catcher

Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Las Vegas returns from the bye with three straight home games, starting with the Chargers. It is the first of three December games. The Raiders play each of their three AFC West opponents in the final five weeks of the regular season.

Week 15: vs. Denver

For the second time in four weeks, the Raiders and Broncos completed the season series, this time at Allegiant Stadium. This will either be in the middle of a stretch run or bring valuable minutes to Mendoza. Las Vegas looks for its first home win over the Broncos since Week 18 of the 2023 season. That win made it eight consecutive wins over Denver, a streak that began when the team moved to Las Vegas.

RELATED: Why analysts already consider the Raiders out of the 2026 playoffs

Week 16: vs. Tennessee

The home finale comes a few days after Christmas. The Raiders have won four of the last six meetings with Tennessee, including last year, when Maxx Crosby sacked 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward twice in a 20-10 win at Allegiant Stadium. Week 16 is also the third Raiders home game in the last four meetings since 2019.

Week 17: at Arizona

The Raiders head down Highway 93 to Phoenix to face the Cardinals for the first time since 2022. It is their first trip to Glendale since 2018, a game Carlson won on a 35-yard field goal as time expired during his rookie season. Arizona’s backfield also includes Jeremiah Love, who was selected two spots after Mendoza last month.

Week 18: at Kansas City

The season ends at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, marking the third time since 2022 that the Raiders and Chiefs have finished the regular season against each other. A lot could be on the line. The Raiders can clinch a playoff seed and rest their starters. They may fight for position. Or Mendoza could be playing valuable minutes in the final game of his rookie season.

Braven Honda graduated from San Diego State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in May 2021. During his time at SDSU, … More about Braven Honda

There is a version of this column that spends 700 words parsing each Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft pick and finding reasons to hedge. It would take too much thinking on this. The Las Vegas Raiders had one of the best drafts in the NFL this weekend, and Jon Spytek deserves credit for running it like a front office with a real plan.

With how his first year unfolded, many in Raider Nation were skeptical about whether Spytek could be trusted with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After all, his first year, with former coach Pete Carroll, was filled with missed drafts and free agent misses. Yet, according to astute observers, there was something else at play.

No, 2026 was the first time we got a full glimpse of how Spytek, along with minority owner Tom Brady and some new scouting and front office staff, will run and build this thing. And, I must say, it was impressive.

Jon Spytek didn’t overthink it, he addressed key roster needs

Start with the foundation: Fernando Mendoza was never going to be wrong at No. 1. Las Vegas is already building a real support system around him, including Tyler Linderbaum at center, Ashton Jeanty in the backfield and Brock Bowers at tight end. The job of picks two through 10 was to add that infrastructure and fix the secondary. They did both, and then some.

Treydan Stukes addressed two needs at once – nickelback and safety – and was a legitimate first-round pick heading into draft weekend. Stukes isn’t a sexy pick, but he is a functional guy, and in a draft where the Raiders had a long list of needs, picking the guy who covers the most ground makes sense.

At 91, Trey Zuhn III might have been the steal of the day. He posted the highest pass-blocking grade at 96.8 among all college tackles on Pro Football Focus, and the Raiders took him in the third round. He was announced as a center but played tackle at Texas A&M. As for his NFL career, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Either way, he is a high-floor player protecting a rookie quarterback. You can’t argue with that.

Then the third day came and Spytek did not turn off the gas.

McCoy’s selection was off the charts

Honestly, at 101 years old, Jermod McCoy feels like a steal. He was the 14th overall prospect on the consensus big board and shouldn’t have fallen that far. Length, pace, ball skills – he has everything you want in a modern cornerback. The knee injury concerns are real – there are a lot of questions about McCoy’s health, and that’s why he still sat out Day 3. But the Raiders liked him enough to trade up a spot, sending a 7th-rounder to Buffalo to make sure they got him. It’s about being aggressive, and when top-14 talent is sitting in the fourth round being aggressive is always the right decision. If McCoy is healthy, this selection looks like the best value in the entire draft.

trend: #attacker A phone call made when new CB Jermod McCoy was drafted has gone viral.

McCoy was extremely emotional, as he was a projected first rounder who slipped to the fourth round.

What did you think? pic.twitter.com/lArNsz3fOR

– mlfootball (@mlfootball) 25 April 2026

Mike Washington Jr. adds versatility and physicality to the backfield. He ran a 4.33-second 40 and gave Ashton Jeanty a real running partner – someone who can contribute in the passing game and break tackles if needed. The attackers made a bargain to get him too. Again, perfect trend.

Before crowning the attackers, consider what didn’t happen

So, where does all this leave us? In a really good place, something you couldn’t say about this franchise 12 months ago.

That said — and this column will be honest — there are real questions that weren’t answered this weekend.

Wide receiver Malik Benson was taken in the sixth round. Sixth rounder. The Raiders brought in several top wideouts for Top 30 trips throughout the spring, only for it to play out as a smoke screen. Benson has 4.37 speed and is legit, but he is a developmental piece, not a solution. Las Vegas took Deonte Thornton Jr. and Jack Beech last year, and neither of them came off a screen. At some point, Mendoza is going to need a legitimate No. 1 target outside of Brock Bowers to make things work. That question is still open.

and the defensive tackle position – the Raiders finally addressed a gap at nose tackle with their final selection of the draft, Brandon Cleveland, in the 7th round. 7th round. He has good size and is a reasonable run stopper, but it’s hard to see him making a real impact as a rookie. Passing Tyree Wilson and answering the D-tackle position at pick 229 is a bet that the room is better than it looks. Maybe it is. But this is a condition.

None of this changes the overall verdict. The Raiders had a strong free agency period followed by a draft that would yield good grades throughout the league. Spytech was aggressive, targeted real needs and found value at almost every turn. For a franchise that has spent years drafting without direction, this weekend really felt different.

Ceiling questions at receiver and interior D-line are real. But the Las Vegas Raiders 2026 NFL Draft gave themselves a chance. After decades of head-scratching drafts, it’s a good place to be.

Scott Gulbransen, a quintessential expert in the field of sports journalism, serves as an editor, nfl , mlb , Formula 1…More about Scott Gulbransen

Ryan Garcia has reignited the Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis rivalry exactly three years after their knockout loss. On April 22, 2026, Garcia called for a rematch with Gervonta Davis, saying he wanted the fight again under different circumstances.

The original Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis bout took place on April 22, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena. It ended with Davis stopping Garcia with a body shot in the seventh round. Garcia’s latest message immediately gained attention online, receiving thousands of views and replies. The renewed call has brought the Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis matchup back into the spotlight.

Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis fight conditions revisited

The first Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis fight was held at a catchweight of 136 pounds with a strict rehydration regimen. On the morning of the fight both fighters were not allowed to lift more than 146 pounds. These conditions were agreed upon before the bout and were implemented during fight week.

Garcia has not fought at 135 pounds since 2021 and usually weighs higher between fights. After the defeat, he alluded to the impact of the ban, saying he was feeling “a little weak”. His father, Henry Garcia, later said that the conditions left him “really dehydrated”.

Davis entered the fight with a 28–0 record and used his experience to his advantage. He applied pressure early and finished the fight with a body shot in the seventh round. The result moved Davis to 29–0, while Garcia lost to 23–1.

Garcia says, “I pray that one day I get a rematch with Tank. I want that match back on a level playing field. I need it!!!” His message focused on the same issue, suggesting that the original Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis fight did not take place under balanced circumstances.

Questions facing Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis rematch

Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis rematch call draws strong reactions online. Many users pointed to Garcia’s failed drug test for Ostarine after his 2024 fight with Devin Haney. That result led to a one-year suspension, a $10,000 fine and the fight being declared a no-contest. Garcia was reinstated in April 2025.

Some replies also mentioned his 2024 loss to Rolando Romero, with fans urging him to focus on other opponents. Garcia did not respond publicly to the criticism following his post.

Davis has not made any statements regarding a potential Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis rematch. Since 2023, he has participated in limited fights as well as dealing with legal matters outside the ring.

A second fight would require new negotiations, including weight terms and financial details. The original Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis bout was one of the most-watched boxing events of 2023, and a rematch would likely draw similar attention.

Garcia now competes at 140 pounds and has stated his intention to take bigger fights in the division. His latest message has renewed focus on the rivalry, but no official talks have been confirmed.

Dogley Wilberforce is a boxing writer for SportsNaught, covering fight news, fighter reactions and major bouts in the sport… More about Dogley Wilberforce

Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin is facing questions about his long-term future, following a difficult season for him and his club.

The centre-back role has seen ups and downs this season. Due to injuries and suspension he was given more minutes for Tottenham, yet performances have been inconsistent. Spurs’ defensive struggles have only increased the headlines, especially as the club is still neck-and-neck in the table.

This background makes his agent’s latest claims particularly interesting, as they suggest Dragusin has already turned down a big opportunity to leave.

romanian outlet iam sport The report states that the Tottenham player’s representative, Florin Mane, has revealed interest from Germany as well as a major offer from Saudi Arabia.

€50m offer rejected without hesitation

Speaking on the IAM Stukan podcast, Florin Mania detailed an approach that would have dramatically changed the defender’s career.

“You want me to tell you something? We refused to pay €50m over five years for Radu. €10m a year.”

The agent revealed that the offer came from Saudi Arabia and was significantly higher than what Dragusin currently earns at Tottenham.

“Someone from Saudi Arabia called us and said they would net us €10m a year to go there. We didn’t even consider it.”

After this he clarified how far the talks could have gone.

“€10m per year? Tell me how many people would reject that. It could have gone up to €15m, even €20m per year. It could have gone up to €100m in five years. I would have taken a commission of €20-30m. But we were not interested.”

For context, Dragusin currently earns around £4.4 million per year at Tottenham. This difference underlines the extent to which the scale was rejected.

Germany’s interest in Tottenham transfer

Radu Dragusin’s agent also confirmed that the defender attracted interest from the Bundesliga.

According to Florin Mané, RB Leipzig made an approach during the winter window. Although no deal was reached, the relationship remains active.

“There was an offer for him from Leipzig in the winter. Now we’ll see if he wants to try again.”

AC Milan Were connected some time ago also. This leaves the door open for a future move within Europe, especially if Dragusin’s situation at Tottenham is not completely stabilized.

What does this mean for Tottenham

Radu Dragusin’s stance, as described by his agent, suggests that money is not currently driving his decisions. Turning down such a lucrative offer points to a desire to succeed at the highest level in Europe.

For Tottenham, this can be seen as a positive. The player appears committed, As he said himselfEven during a difficult season for the club.

However, interest from clubs like RB Leipzig adds another layer. If his performances do not improve, or if Spurs continue to struggle defensively, the situation could rapidly escalate.

However, for now, the message is clear: despite the huge financial temptation, Dragusin has chosen to remain on the European stage and fight for his place in North London.

🇷🇴Radu Dragusin | Really nice words from the defender.

🤍Explains how he fell in love with the move to Tottenham
🩺The closeness has increased @madders10: “It’s just an example of how he is, the kind of guy he is. That and a lot of my colleagues.”https://t.co/h2fVYHOANm #thfc #Happiness

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 26 March 2026

Dustin Poirier recently reflected on what he considers the defining victory of his MMA career.

Speaking on Joe Rogan’s MMA Show, the now-retired lightweight recalled his knockout of Conor McGregor at UFC 257 in January 2021 and explained why that was the fight, above all others, that changed everything for him in his 19-year career.

“I fought for 19 years, that Conor fight, that’s when things changed for me identity-wise,” Poirier said. “The door opened for seminars, for appearances. It changed everything. I went to a lot of UFC main events. I fought for the belt and all that stuff, but that guy’s name, man.”

Poirier and McGregor first met in 2014, when McGregor defeated Poirier in 98 seconds. Seven years later, Poirier reversed that result in Abu Dhabi, eliminating McGregor in the second round. It was a significant moment in UFC history, but Poirier’s comments make it clear how much it meant to him personally and professionally.

The comments are surprising, considering Poirier had already built his resume that night. He headlined pay-per-view events, competed in title matches, and spent a decade at the top of the lightweight division. By any measure, he was already an established name in the game.

But Poirier is clear that none of this translated to the visibility and opportunity that came from defeating McGregor. The importance of McGregor’s name, even years short of his best, opened doors that years of elite-level competition had not.

Dustin Poirier explains why he retired from UFC

Poirier ultimately retired from MMA in July 2025 after a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318, where he was defeated in their BMF title trilogy fight. He had announced his retirement even before the match. On the Rogan show, he explained his reason for leaving the position at the age of 36.

“I was scared of fighting for a very long time,” Poirier said. “I retired at 36. How much more athletic will I become? How fast will I go? Strength is the last thing, but durability, speed, reaction time and everything else I need decreases with age.

“And if I’m not in the right line for a title shot, what am I doing? I’m just fighting to fight, or for the pay. I had to look at myself in the mirror, like, ‘Okay, this is it. I’ll be healthy.’ For the most part, I went with my abilities.”

Benito Carbone’s career can be divided into two parts – the fearless Premier League trailblazer and the reflective coach who is now shaping Italy’s next generation.

But one moment from his playing career still haunts him: the day he turned down a four-year contract at Aston Villa. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he explained why.

Aston Villa’s decision that changed everything

At the time, Carbone was thriving at Aston Villa and enjoying the best football of his career.

With three goals in the FA Cup, he was joint top scorer with Alan Shearer and was part of the team that reached its first final in 26 years.

Then came Aston Villa’s offer: four years of security, trust and stability. This is a deal that most players never hesitate to accept. Instead, he decided to walk away.

“At Aston Villa, I lost the 2000 FA Cup Final against Chelsea, the club’s first in 26 years,” He said.

“In that edition, I scored three goals against Leeds, and finished the tournament as top scorer along with the great Alan Shearer.

“It was a mistake not to renew with them: they offered me four years, but I wanted to go to Trapattoni and Batistuta’s Fiorentina at all costs. In the end, I found myself in Bradford where I… did my military service.”

Another regret: leaving Inter too soon

Transfer mistakes are something Benito Carbone now looks back on with interest. As Inter Milan’s primavera coach, it is his job to shape the next generation of Italian football.

And that includes giving his advice to young players, especially when it comes to deciding their future. Carbone’s message seems clear; Patience first.

His Aston Villa regrets come from his impatience to join Fiorentina, which never happened. Instead he would make his debut for Bradford in a pre-season game against the Italian side, one of life’s small, unmistakable ironies.

But he also regrets jumping ship to Inter Milan. Had he not done so, he could have played among some great players.

“Although, yes, I have one regret: I left Inter too early,” He added.

“With Hodgson, I played out of position, but if I had waited six months, Gigi Simoni would have arrived, and then Ronaldo. Everything would have changed. Sometimes in life you need patience, but I didn’t know that then.”

England, cult status and no regrets

Despite those regrets, Carbone has no regrets about England. He still enjoys cult hero status at Sheffield Wednesday, Aston Villa and Bradford. He later waived £3.2 million in unpaid wages to save the club from liquidation.

Loan spells at Derby County and Middlesbrough also followed before he eventually returned to Italy.

There was also a shared experience with Paolo Di Canio at Sheffield Wednesday, of which Carbone also speaks fondly. In fact, overall, England was a choice he does not regret.

“Let’s just say it wasn’t talked about much…at that time, there wasn’t social media and the attention we get today,” He concluded.

“Now, if an Italian scores in the Premier League, everyone knows about it. But England is an amazing experience. I even managed to learn English through gestures. After the initial darkness, by listening to TV and talking to my teammates, I unlocked myself in six months.”

The focus now is on the Italian’s future, and perhaps making sure he doesn’t have regrets like the former striker. Today, Benito Carbone’s story stands as a warning and a lesson for the next generation: sometimes the smartest move is to stay put.

‘Resurgence’ is the word for Goncalo Guedes at Real Sociedad as he smiles after ‘difficult years’ at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

This is according to El Mundo Nacional. The Spanish newspaper has today covered the winger and his return to form with El Real.

The newspaper reports that Guedes had struggled to find ‘his place in the world’ after causing a sensation in Valencia in 2017. Which led to a €40m move. Four years later, Wolves took him to the Premier League for €32.6m.

However, he played only 51 matches for the club, scoring seven and assisting six. His move to Molineux did not work out, being considered one of his most high-profile failures.

Wolves go out after tough debt

Loans to Benfica and Villarreal also failed to ignite the spark. That prompted a return to Spain last summer, with Real Sociedad paying €4m for his services.

He has now become a ‘game-changer’ at the club and is expected to take them to the Copa del Rey final this season. His smile has returned after ‘tough years’ at Wolves and injuries at Benfica.

He truly is Real Sociedad’s ‘attacking engine’, proving productive with seven goals and seven assists in 31 games so far.

It has been a season of ‘resurgence’, forming a wonderful understanding with Mikel Oyarzabal to lead Sociedad to an eighth and possible cup glory.

He currently leads the assists charts at the club and is trailing Oyarzabal in the goalscoring charts. He even has one eye on the World Cup, despite Portugal not calling him up until June 2022.

England in the rearview

It’s another sign of how much things have changed for him since leaving Wolves in the summer.

Guedes himself has also talked about the change. Sport Witness Cover Comments Last month he was asked what he wanted after his plight at Wolves.

He has found it and frankly, this season has been nothing less than a ‘resurgence’ for him. The player Wolves thought they were getting has once again resurfaced and Real Sociedad are benefiting.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah has detailed his struggles following Manchester United as he goes almost three years without taking to the pitch.

Voetbal Primeur covered the defender’s comments today. He speaks to ESPN about his struggles after leaving Manchester United in 2021.

The 28-year-old currently has no club after becoming a free agent in July 2024. He was previously at Bayer Leverkusen, whom he joined from Manchester United on a €1.7m deal in January 2021.

He was a youth product at Old Trafford after joining Ajax’s U17 side in 2014 in a €380,000 deal.

manchester united story

Two years later he made his Premier League debut under Louis van Gaal in February. He also made his European debut in the Europa League later that year under José Mourinho.

A further 30 appearances for Manchester United followed, including a Champions League debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020.

He also spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham but could not settle at either club, Ultimately departing for Leverkusen in 2021. However, he managed only 30 appearances in Germany, totaling 942 minutes.

His career at each club was severely hampered by long-term knee and hamstring problems. Those problems mean he has not played a competitive match since April 2023.

10 year anniversary

It’s a sorry state of affairs for a man who, exactly a decade ago, was making his professional debut for Manchester United. Now he has revealed what his current situation looks like.

“I’m an added value for many teams,” he said.

“I train a lot with other players. I am in a specific position where you have to deal with others in the same situation. They understand the situation very well.

“I feel good, I stay fit and busy every day. Not a day goes by when I’m not busy. Of course, you ideally want to stay fit for your entire career, but that’s part of it.

“If a player has won as well as me and played at the same level, but has never been injured, it is logical that they should choose him. God willing, I will return to the field.”

The Sacramento Kings have entered historically difficult territory with a 15-game losing streak that not only represents the longest losing streak in franchise history, but also underscores the decline of a team that just two years ago looked poised for sustained Western Conference relevance. Sacramento’s 131–94 loss to the Orlando Magic pushed the team to 12–45, the worst record in the NBA, and extended its winless streak to January 16.

Keegan Murray, who returned after missing six weeks due to an ankle injury against the Magic, was at a loss for words after the game.

“It’s hard. Honestly, I don’t really have the words to explain it. I don’t know if anyone has the words to explain what’s happened over the last three or four years, but obviously we have to change something because it obviously can’t happen. Not many teams in NBA history have had 15 consecutive losing seasons,” he said, according to The Sacramento Bee.

The Kings were competitive against Orlando from the beginning and led 28–18. However, the Magic responded with typical efficiency, shooting 16-of-21 (76.2%) in the second quarter and making a franchise-record 27 three-pointers.

The losing streak comes with a real injury crisis. Domantas Sabonis (meniscus surgery) and Zach LaVine (hand surgery) are out for the season, removing Sacramento’s primary interior facilitator and leading scorer from the rotation.

In particular, the absence of Sabonis, who averaged 19.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, has hurt Sacramento’s offensive structure, which has been exacerbated by LaVine’s absence. Despite this, Murray’s return has given them a ray of hope.

He scored 15 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting (3-of-7 from three) against the Magic and will only be expected to continue to grow from here. Despite this, there is no doubt that the Kings now have a mountain to climb to save themselves this season.

They will now face the San Antonio Spurs, which begins a five-game road trip.

Many people said that the NBA had an All-Star Weekend issue, and there may be some truth in that. Over the years, the All-Star Game has been criticized when it comes to the competitive nature of the competition. As far as All-Star Saturday Night goes, many people weren’t fans of how the dunk contest went.

According to NBA communications, there seems to be a big change this year and it is reflected in viewership.

“More than 46 million people in the US watched NBA All-Star weekend across NBC platforms and ESPN, the most in 24 years and more than triple the total from last season,” NBA Communications wrote on Twitter.

This is a huge deal for the NBA, and it shows that they are on the right track with the small changes they made this time. One of the things they did was change the format of the actual All-Star Game, because it was three different teams, and they played in a tournament-style game.

Players seemed to like this format, and with it performing so well, there’s a good chance Adam Silver will bring it back next year, and possibly for years to come.

As far as All-Star Saturday Night goes, the one thing that caught everyone’s attention this year was the three-point contest, as Damian Lillard won despite not playing this season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

The dunk may have been overwhelming for some people, but it is still a contest that everyone loves to watch.

The Rising Stars Challenge was also competitive this season and brought viewership throughout the weekend. There will likely be some changes for next year, but for the most part, it seems like the NBA may have done something right in the way it executed the week for fans.