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The 2025 Little League World Series continued on Sunday, Aug. 17 with four elimination games.

Day 5 began with a United States bracket game between Washington (Northwest region) and Massachusetts (New England). Bonney Lake, Washington edged Braintree, Massachusetts 3-2 to keep their championship hopes alive. Elsewhere, Canada scored a blowout win in the International bracket, routing Australia 12-0 in five innings.

In the third game of the day, Hawaii (West region) pounded Illinois (Great Lakes region) 9-1, as the team from Clarendon Hills, Illinois saw their tournament come to an end. The final game featured a walk-off win as Mexico ousted Panama 2-1.

The winning teams will now have a day off before returning to the field on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The losing teams were eliminated from the tournament. USA TODAY Sports had coverage of each of the four games on Sunday. Scroll below for highlights and scores of every game played so far in the 2025 Little League World Series.

Little League World Series Day 5 scores

Sunday, Aug. 17

Game 17 (U.S.): Washington 3, Massachusetts 2
Game 18 (International): Canada 12, Australia 0
Game 19 (U.S.): Hawaii 9, Illinois 1
Game 20 (International): Mexico 2, Panama 1

Mexico earns walk-off win over Panama

Xavier Nolasco drove in Iker Castaneda for the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning as Mexico beat Panama 2-1 in the final game of the day. Castaneda hit a one-out double to right, and Luis Sanchez reached on an error before Nolasco singled to left to plate Castaneda for the walk-off win. With the victory, Mexico improves to 2-1, while Panama is eliminated.

Panama ties Mexico 1-1 in sixth inning

Panama tied the game in the top of the sixth inning on their final at-bats. Eric Rodriguez reached on a bunt infield single before advancing to second on an error. The next batter, Isaac Dufau, also reached on an error, allowing Rodriguez to come home with the tying run.

Hawai’i jumps up early and cruises to win over Illinois

It was an 8-0 lead after two innings for Hawai’i, and that’s just about all they would need as they finished out the victory by a score of 9-1.

Illinois gets on the board in the fourth

Facing a 9-0 deficit, Illinois batter Liam Harrigan single through the left side, allowing Jack Kaczmarski to score easily. Illinois still has the bases juiced with one out in the top of the fourth.

Hawai’i opens up 8-0 lead in the second inning

This one is turning into an unfortunate laugher for Illinois: Hawai’i has opened up an 8-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning, as the offense is humming early on.

Hawai’i leads 3-0 after Bronson Fermahin homer

It’s a big fly for the little leaguers: Hawai’i’s Bronson Fermahin put his team on the board with a three-run shot in the bottom of the first vs. Illinois.

Hawai’i and Illinois face off

In the third game of the day, Hawai’i and Illinois square off in an elimination matchup.

Canada closes out Australia in dominant fashion

A monster fifth inning by Canada led to a 12-0 win, finished out by pitcher Misha Lee. Canada advances.

Canada pours it on in fifth inning

It’s been all Canada all day vs. Australia. Canada has opened up a 12-0 lead with one out in the top of the fifth inning, with the bases loaded.

Canada adds run in the fourth inning

The inning ends with a ground ball off the bat off Emmett Stefanson but not before Canada notches another run. A weak infield dribbler scores Davis Weibel to give Canada the 4-0 lead entering the home half of the fourth.

Team Canada puts two more on the board vs. Australia

Canada mounted a mini-rally in the third inning, putting up two more runs courtesy of a wild pitch and a Matthew Wong single. A sparkling play in center by Australia’s Josh Campbell-Manfield ended the top half of the inning.

Canada takes lead on sac fly

The game’s first run goes to Canada: Vancouver takes the lead courtesy of a sac fly, giving them a 1-0 second-inning lead over the Australians. Canada 1, Australia 0

Australia squares off against Canada in international bracket

In the second game of today’s LLWS action, Canada and Australia are underway in Williamsport.

Washington downs Massachusetts, advance

It was win or go home for Braintree, and Washington sent them home to the tune of a 3-2 victory. Washington plays Tuesday vs. the loser of Metro vs. Midwest (scheduled for Monday).

Washington takes back the lead in the bottom of the second

Asher Monson scores on a Cole Sehlin single to tie the game, followed by Atley Eager scoring on a wild pitch to give Washington the lead in the bottom of the second. Washington 3, Massachusetts 2.

Massachusetts answers with two runs in second

It didn’t take long for Braintree to tee up some runs of their own in the second. A Sam Trotta knock brings home Ryan Fennell and Henry Kuka, allowing Massachusetts to take the lead in the second.

Washington strikes first vs. Massachusetts

It didn’t take long for Washington to get on the board vs. Massachusetts: Bonney Lake’s Colton Audette singled home Mason Woods from second for the first run of the game. Washington 1, Massachusetts 0.

Little League World Series Day 5 schedule, scores

Sunday, Aug. 17

All times Eastern

Game 17 (U.S.): Washington 3, vs. Massachusetts 2
Game 18 (International): Canada 12, Australia 0
Game 19 (U.S.): Hawai’i 9, Illinois 1
Game 20 (International): Panama vs. Mexico, 2 p.m. | ESPN

What time is the Little League World Series today?

The first game on Sunday, Aug. 17 starts at 9 a.m. ET with the final game starting at 2 p.m. ET. All games take place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in either Howard J. Lamade Stadium or Little League Volunteer Stadium.

Little League World Series 2025: TV, time and how to watch

The Little League World Series began Wednesday, Aug. 13 and concludes on Sunday, Aug. 24. Games will be presented across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Viewers can also watch with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Times: Coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

Watch 2025 Little League World Series on Fubo

Little League World Series Day 4 results

Saturday, Aug. 16

Game 13 (International): Australia 5, Czechia 3
Game 14 (U.S.): Massachusetts 7, Texas 3
Game 15 (International): Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5
Game 16 (U.S.): Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 2

Little League World Series Day 3 results

Friday, Aug. 15

Game 9 (International): Venezuela 4, Canada 0
Game 10 (U.S.): Nevada 5, Washington 3
Game 11 (International): Aruba 8, Panama 2
Game 12 (U.S.): Connecticut 5, Hawaii 1

Little League World Series Day 2 results

Thursday, Aug. 14

Game 5 (International): Japan 12, Czechia 0
Game 6 (U.S.): South Carolina 13, Massachusetts 0
Game 7 (International): Chinese Taipei 3, Mexico 0
Game 8: (U.S.): South Dakota 2, Pennsylvania 0

Little League World Series Day 1 results

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 1 (International): Venezuela 5, Puerto Rico 0
Game 2 (U.S.): Nevada 16, Illinois 1
Game 3 (International): Panama 7, Australia 2
Game 4 (U.S.): Connecticut 1, Texas 0

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Malik Nabers is expected to be a big part of the New York Giants’ offense during the 2025 NFL season. However, the second-year pro hasn’t been on the field much in recent weeks while dealing with an injury.

The Giants have been tight-lipped about Nabers’ status. Coach Brian Daboll hasn’t provided many updates about when the star wide-out could return.

How long will Nabers be sidelined because of his injury? Here’s what to know about whether the malady will impact the 22-year-old’s availability for the Giants’ Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders.

Malik Nabers injury update

Nabers is dealing with a back injury that has kept him out of Giants practice and their first two preseason games, per ESPN. The injury is considered minor.

The Giants haven’t provided many updates about Nabers’ status. Last week, Daboll said the 22-year-old is ‘working hard to get back’ but stopped short of providing a timetable for his return.

How long is Malik Nabers out?

The Giants have not provided a timeline for Nabers’ return. However, it seems unlikely for the Giants to play Nabers in the team’s final preseason game against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Aug. 21.

That will put all eyes on Week 1 as the first opportunity for Giants fans to see Nabers on the field in 2025. He will have approximately three weeks to get ready for game action before the Giants face the Commanders to kick off their seasons on Sunday, Sept. 7.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The 2025 Little League World Series continued on Sunday, Aug. 17 with four elimination games.

Day 5 began with a United States bracket game between Washington (Northwest region) and Massachusetts (New England). Bonney Lake, Washington edged Braintree, Massachusetts 3-2 to keep their championship hopes alive. Elsewhere, Canada scored a blowout win in the International bracket, routing Australia 12-0 in five innings.

In the third game of the day, Hawaii (West region) pounded Illinois (Great Lakes region) 9-1, as the team from Clarendon Hills, Illinois saw their tournament come to an end. The final game featured a walk-off win as Mexico ousted Panama 2-1.

The winning teams will now have a day off before returning to the field on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The losing teams were eliminated from the tournament. USA TODAY Sports had coverage of each of the four games on Sunday. Scroll below for highlights and scores of every game played so far in the 2025 Little League World Series.

Little League World Series Day 5 scores

Sunday, Aug. 17

Game 17 (U.S.): Washington 3, Massachusetts 2
Game 18 (International): Canada 12, Australia 0
Game 19 (U.S.): Hawaii 9, Illinois 1
Game 20 (International): Mexico 2, Panama 1

Mexico earns walk-off win over Panama

Xavier Nolasco drove in Iker Castaneda for the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning as Mexico beat Panama 2-1 in the final game of the day. Castaneda hit a one-out double to right, and Luis Sanchez reached on an error before Nolasco singled to left to plate Castaneda for the walk-off win. With the victory, Mexico improves to 2-1, while Panama is eliminated.

Panama ties Mexico 1-1 in sixth inning

Panama tied the game in the top of the sixth inning on their final at-bats. Eric Rodriguez reached on a bunt infield single before advancing to second on an error. The next batter, Isaac Dufau, also reached on an error, allowing Rodriguez to come home with the tying run.

Hawai’i jumps up early and cruises to win over Illinois

It was an 8-0 lead after two innings for Hawai’i, and that’s just about all they would need as they finished out the victory by a score of 9-1.

Illinois gets on the board in the fourth

Facing a 9-0 deficit, Illinois batter Liam Harrigan single through the left side, allowing Jack Kaczmarski to score easily. Illinois still has the bases juiced with one out in the top of the fourth.

Hawai’i opens up 8-0 lead in the second inning

This one is turning into an unfortunate laugher for Illinois: Hawai’i has opened up an 8-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second inning, as the offense is humming early on.

Hawai’i leads 3-0 after Bronson Fermahin homer

It’s a big fly for the little leaguers: Hawai’i’s Bronson Fermahin put his team on the board with a three-run shot in the bottom of the first vs. Illinois.

Hawai’i and Illinois face off

In the third game of the day, Hawai’i and Illinois square off in an elimination matchup.

Canada closes out Australia in dominant fashion

A monster fifth inning by Canada led to a 12-0 win, finished out by pitcher Misha Lee. Canada advances.

Canada pours it on in fifth inning

It’s been all Canada all day vs. Australia. Canada has opened up a 12-0 lead with one out in the top of the fifth inning, with the bases loaded.

Canada adds run in the fourth inning

The inning ends with a ground ball off the bat off Emmett Stefanson but not before Canada notches another run. A weak infield dribbler scores Davis Weibel to give Canada the 4-0 lead entering the home half of the fourth.

Team Canada puts two more on the board vs. Australia

Canada mounted a mini-rally in the third inning, putting up two more runs courtesy of a wild pitch and a Matthew Wong single. A sparkling play in center by Australia’s Josh Campbell-Manfield ended the top half of the inning.

Canada takes lead on sac fly

The game’s first run goes to Canada: Vancouver takes the lead courtesy of a sac fly, giving them a 1-0 second-inning lead over the Australians. Canada 1, Australia 0

Australia squares off against Canada in international bracket

In the second game of today’s LLWS action, Canada and Australia are underway in Williamsport.

Washington downs Massachusetts, advance

It was win or go home for Braintree, and Washington sent them home to the tune of a 3-2 victory. Washington plays Tuesday vs. the loser of Metro vs. Midwest (scheduled for Monday).

Washington takes back the lead in the bottom of the second

Asher Monson scores on a Cole Sehlin single to tie the game, followed by Atley Eager scoring on a wild pitch to give Washington the lead in the bottom of the second. Washington 3, Massachusetts 2.

Massachusetts answers with two runs in second

It didn’t take long for Braintree to tee up some runs of their own in the second. A Sam Trotta knock brings home Ryan Fennell and Henry Kuka, allowing Massachusetts to take the lead in the second.

Washington strikes first vs. Massachusetts

It didn’t take long for Washington to get on the board vs. Massachusetts: Bonney Lake’s Colton Audette singled home Mason Woods from second for the first run of the game. Washington 1, Massachusetts 0.

Little League World Series Day 5 schedule, scores

Sunday, Aug. 17

All times Eastern

Game 17 (U.S.): Washington 3, vs. Massachusetts 2
Game 18 (International): Canada 12, Australia 0
Game 19 (U.S.): Hawai’i 9, Illinois 1
Game 20 (International): Panama vs. Mexico, 2 p.m. | ESPN

What time is the Little League World Series today?

The first game on Sunday, Aug. 17 starts at 9 a.m. ET with the final game starting at 2 p.m. ET. All games take place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in either Howard J. Lamade Stadium or Little League Volunteer Stadium.

Little League World Series 2025: TV, time and how to watch

The Little League World Series began Wednesday, Aug. 13 and concludes on Sunday, Aug. 24. Games will be presented across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Viewers can also watch with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Times: Coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET
TV: ESPN/ABC
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

Watch 2025 Little League World Series on Fubo

Little League World Series Day 4 results

Saturday, Aug. 16

Game 13 (International): Australia 5, Czechia 3
Game 14 (U.S.): Massachusetts 7, Texas 3
Game 15 (International): Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5
Game 16 (U.S.): Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 2

Little League World Series Day 3 results

Friday, Aug. 15

Game 9 (International): Venezuela 4, Canada 0
Game 10 (U.S.): Nevada 5, Washington 3
Game 11 (International): Aruba 8, Panama 2
Game 12 (U.S.): Connecticut 5, Hawaii 1

Little League World Series Day 2 results

Thursday, Aug. 14

Game 5 (International): Japan 12, Czechia 0
Game 6 (U.S.): South Carolina 13, Massachusetts 0
Game 7 (International): Chinese Taipei 3, Mexico 0
Game 8: (U.S.): South Dakota 2, Pennsylvania 0

Little League World Series Day 1 results

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 1 (International): Venezuela 5, Puerto Rico 0
Game 2 (U.S.): Nevada 16, Illinois 1
Game 3 (International): Panama 7, Australia 2
Game 4 (U.S.): Connecticut 1, Texas 0

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Senior running back Jam Miller suffered what was described by coach Kalen DeBoer as an “upper-body injury” in Alabama’s second scrimmage of fall training camp on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Miller was the Tide’s second-leading rusher last season, behind only quarterback Jalen Milroe. As a junior in 2024, he ran for 668 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He was a receiving threat out of the backfield, as well, with 16 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.

Alabama will open its 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 on the road at Florida State. The Tide are entering their second season under DeBoer, the former Washington coach who replaced the legendary Nick Saban following his retirement in January 2024.

Jam Miller injury update

According to DeBoer, Miller suffered an “upper-body injury” during an Alabama scrimmage on Aug. 16 and underwent surgery to repair it that night.

In a statement, DeBoer added that Miller “should recover fully with a timetable for his return yet to be determined.”

There’s at least some clarity to that murky timeline for a return to the field. According to ESPN, Miller will miss the Aug. 30 game at Florida State. BamaCentral reports that he is expected to miss multiple games.

Alabama running back depth chart

Given his past production, Miller was heading into the 2025 season as Alabama’s projected starter at running back.

While he’s sidelined for at least one game, the Tide will have to turn to younger, less experienced players to help shoulder the load. 

Sophomore Richard Young was Alabama’s No. 3 rusher among tailbacks last season, with 146 yards and two touchdowns on an impressive 5.4 yards-per-carry average. The Tide also have sophomore Daniel Hill, who rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries last season, and Louisiana transfer Dre Washington, who rushed for 478 yards and five touchdowns last season while averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel got the first (unofficial) start of his NFL career Saturday against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles.

He completed 13-of-18 pass attempts for 143 yards and had an interception and lost fumble in two quarters of action. News 5 Cleveland sideline reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala asked him during the game about handling ‘the noise’ around the Browns’ quarterback competition.

“There are entertainers and there are competitors, and I totally understand that,” Gabriel said. “And my job is to compete, and that’s what I’m focused on doing. Of course, we’re doing this (interview) midgame, but it’s something that I’ll get used to and I just want to be the best teammate that I can be and create an environment where we can all go do our best work. That’s all we want to do.”

Many interpreted his comments as a shot at fellow Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. After the Browns’ 22-13 win over Philadelphia, Gabriel clarified what he meant by ‘entertainers’ and ‘competitors.’

‘First off, I am all about our team, you know what I mean?’ Gabriel said. ‘And each other. I would never make that, and I’ve said it before, that’s why it’s interesting. But, for me, I’ve explained it. Entertainers are you all (in the media). Competitor, that’s what I am and all my teammates, and we both have jobs to do. So that’s it.’

When asked if he was referring to the media as ‘entertainers,’ Gabriel confirmed it.

Sanders started the Browns’ first preseason game against Carolina and completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He was potentially going to start Saturday’s game against Philadelphia but suffered a minor oblique injury and is day-to-day.

‘We will treat it day-to-day and see how he responds,’ Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. ‘But we want to be smart. He’s a thrower, so you can’t push that thing.’

Browns QB depth chart

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is currently expected to win the Browns’ starting job this season but there’s still plenty to sort out behind him. Here’s how the depth chart currently stands:

Joe Flacco
Kenny Pickett
Shedeur Sanders
Dillon Gabriel
Tyler Huntley
Deshaun Watson (injured reserve)

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

WASHINGTON – Zack Wheeler, the Philadelphia Phillies’ ace and the National League Cy Young Award runner-up last year, was placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 16 with a blood clot near his right shoulder, general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

Wheeler, 35, pitched five effective innings Aug. 15 against the Washington Nationals, his second start since an outing at the Texas Rangers was pushed back two days due to shoulder soreness. Wheeler has returned to Philadelphia and is undergoing additional testing.

The club was already set to activate veteran right-hander Aaron Nola for the Aug. 17 start against the Nationals, his first outing since May after battling a pair of injuries. But the Wheeler injury shocked the Phillies clubhouse, as his velocity was up in his start the night before, but Dombrowski said he complained of discomfort after his outing.

Wheeler returned to Philadelphia Aug. 17 and no timetable for his return was established, according to Phillies head athletic trainer Paul Buchheit. The condition was termed a right upper extremity blood clot.

Wheeler was examined by Nationals medical personnel in addition to the Phillies’ training staff. He will undergo further testing Aug. 18.

‘It could have been a much more trying situation than what it is,’ Dombrowski said.

Buchheit said Wheeler’s shoulder was feeling better after his bout with soreness, yet reported feeling ‘a little heaviness’ after his start a day before.

‘The doctors here were great in helping to diagnose and expedite that diagnosis this morning,’ Buchheit said. ‘It’s still early on in the diagnosis. I think we should gather more information before putting a timeline and prognosis together.’

Zack Wheeler stats

Wheeler was having another outstanding season, with a 10-5 record, 2.71 ERA and a major league-leading 195 strikeouts. He was sailing toward another 200-inning season after hitting that mark exactly last season, but is now stalled at 149⅔ innings for the foreseeable future.

Wheeler started 32 games in three of four full seasons with Philadelphia, a remarkable run of durability interrupted only by a 26-start campaign in 2022 due to a brief IL stint with right forearm tendinitis.

Phillies rotation with Zack Wheeler out

Losing an ace is never what you want, but the timing could have been worse. Nola’s activation was going to prompt the use of a six-man rotation to give all the Phillies’ starters, including Wheeler, extra rest. Nola’s Aug. 17 start means the remaining four members will get that extra day, along with an off day Monday.

After that, they’ll likely roll back to a five-man rotation, with Taijuan Walker remaining in the rotation in Wheeler’s stead, joining Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suárez and Jesús Luzardo.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson indicated top prospect Andrew Painter would be under consideration for promotion should the club want to return to a six-man look, but Painter for now has had an up-and-down return from Tommy John surgery at Class AAA.

‘We don’t know the timeline and I’m thinking a lot about Zack and his family because it’s not a hamstring injury or something like that,’ Thomson said. ‘But I feel good about the depth that we have. If we have to go to a sixth (starter), it could be Painter, it could be somebody else.

‘We’ve just got to carry on. People got to step up.’

Zack Wheeler’s future

Wheeler is in the first year of a three-year extension that pays him $42 million through 2027; he has indicated he’ll likely retire after that. While he had a dominant first half, he skipped July’s All-Star Game to get extra rest.

Now, the Phillies hope he gets his health back and then a return to the diamond.

‘It’s a scary situation, right?’ Phillies All-Star slugger Kyle Schwarber said. ‘Anytime you hear of a blood clot or anything like that, that’s scary stuff. Just want to get him back in here and hear from him and hopefully it’s not going to be too serious.

‘Baseball is baseball. When it comes to someone’s health like that, we need him healthy first. He’s got a family. We want to get him feeling good for them and get him back to speed when we can.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated on Sunday that Kyiv will not surrender any territory to Moscow, pushing back against mounting international speculation about potential land-for-peace negotiations. 

‘The constitution of Ukraine makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land,’ Zelenskyy said during a press conference at the European Commission on Sunday. 

He added that Russia has repeatedly tried and failed to seize the entirety of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine for a period of 12 years. The Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, is an industrial hub, with coal mining and steel production central to Ukraine’s economy.

‘Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral [talks with] Ukraine, United States, Russia,’ Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader, who spoke alongside EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said that so far the Kremlin has ‘given no sign that the trilateral will happen.’ 

‘With regards to any territorial questions in Ukraine, our position is clear: international borders cannot be changed by force. These are decisions to be made by Ukraine and Ukraine alone, and these decisions cannot be taken without Ukraine at the table,’ von der Leyen said.

Their remarks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, during which the Russian leader outlined conditions for ending the war, including demands for control over parts of eastern Ukraine.

Following the meeting with the Russian leader, Trump signaled that Zelenskyy should take Putin’s deal to end the war because ‘Russia is a very big power’ and Ukraine is not. Still, SSecretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed claims that Trump would pressure Zelenskyy to give up large swaths of its sovereign land to Russia.

‘The president has said that in terms of territories, these are things that Zelenskyy is going to have to decide on,’ Rubio told Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’ ‘Sunday Morning Futures.’

‘All the president is trying to do here is narrow down the open issues,’ Rubio said, adding that Trump is focused on ending the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

‘You can’t have a peace deal between two warring factions unless both sides agree to give up something. And both sides agree that the other side gets something. Otherwise, if one side gets everything they want, that’s not a peace deal. It’s called surrender. And I don’t think this is a war that’s going to end anytime soon. On the basis of surrender,’ Rubio said.

Zelenskyy said he hopes the upcoming meeting with European allies and Trump ‘will be productive,’ contrasting it with the heated Oval Office exchange during his February visit.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Khamzat Chimaev dethroned UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis Saturday night, winning by unanimous decision in dominant fashion at the United Center in Chicago.

Chimaev, the 31-year-old Russian, controlled the fight with more than 10 takedowns and spent most of the bout on top of Du Plessis. On top while delivering knees and punches.

But there were a few tense moments in the fifth round, when Chimaev had to fight off a guillotine attempt – perhaps the only moment of danger he faced.

The judges scored it 50-44, 50-44, 50-44 for Chimaev, who improved to 15-0.

The crowd booed after a fight filled with wrestling and short on fisticuffs and kicks. Chimaev seemed unconcerned after the victory.

“Happy, happy always,’’ Chimaev said about how he felt after the fight. “Get my money. Dana (White), save my money, brother.’’

Chimaev also praised Du Plessis.

“That guy is strong to the finish,’’ he said. “… This guy had great heart.’’

Du Plessis lauded Chimaev.

“The man has incredible control on the top,’’ he said. “He’s just like a blanket. I mean, it wasn’t a matter of strength. He wasn’t that physical. It’s almost as if he knew what your next (move) was going to be.’’

Du Plessis, the 31-year-old from South Africa, failed to defend his UFC middleweight title for the first time in three tries as his record dropped to 23-3.

“At the end, I went for it, had the back,’’ Du Plessis said. “I could almost taste that victory. But big ups to (Chimaev), he beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man.’’

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Round-by-round analysis

Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) looks to defend his middleweight title for the third time in a row and Chimaev looks to dethrone the champion, as the action begins. Chimaev initiates a chest bump during introductions? Wow!

Round 1

It’s Chimaev with a quick takedown! The chants go up: “Khamzat! Khamzat!’’ Chimaev delivering blows to the head with his left fist. Just pounding away and DDP looks to have no chance to move. But these punches lack force and he can’t free his right arm. The crowd boos. Chimaev still working with left hand. Now he frees up the right hand and scores as DDP squirms. Chimaev remains in total control but inflicting no serious damage. Chimaev throws some short rights and he remains in total control. DDP reverses! But Chimaev quickly back on top. Chimaev 10, DDP 9

Round 2

DDP smiles and accepts a neck hug from his trainer before Round 2 begins. DDP opens with a left kick and then takes a left kick. Chimaev with another quick takedown! Chimaev drilling DDP’s backside with his knee. Chimaev in control again from atop DDP’s back. They’re against the fence and Chimaev drives knees into DDP’s backside. The chants go up again: “Khamzat! Khamzat!’’ They love the Russian. Chimaev goes for the choke but DDP fights it off. Chimaev punches with the left hand and DDP looks immobile while taking knees to his backside. Using the knee and arms to keep DDP wrapped up. That backside is gonna be sore! The fighters slap hands as the round ends and they separate. Chimaev 20, DDP 18

Round 3

DDP unleashes a left kick and Chimaev scores a takedown less than 15 seconds into the round. DDP slaps his right hand against Chimaev’s head but now he’s too busy trying to survive. Chimaev is on top and in control. DDP’s knees look bruised and a little bloodied. Chimaev looking like a boa constrictor again. Chimaev pounding hard with his left fist after tying up DDP’s arms. DDP’s face bleeding now. DDP is almost immobilized and Chimaev pounds his elbow on DDP’s head and the punches are looking more and more vicious. A crucifix move is how Chimaev has immobilized DDP. Now Chimaev is looking for the choke, and DDP fights it off – but takes more head shots. DDP’s mouth and face are a mess. Chimaev 30, DDP 27

Round 4

Chimaev misses a takedown but simply goes for another – and down goes DDP. Twenty seconds elapse, and DDP is in the clutches of Chimaev again. He’s 7-for-8 on takedown attempts. This has been a mauling. DDP on his feet, and down he goes again. More blood. Chimaev tossing DDP around like a ragdoll. Well, a rather large ragdoll. Chimaev works DDP into the crucifix again. And again he’s on top and in control and trying to free his hands for punches. The referee separates the fighters. Yet another takedown. But DDP fends off the choke attempts. Chimaev 40, DDP 36

Round 5

DDP comes out with a bloody mouth and smile. DDP fires a couple of kicks and lands a right hand. But Chimaev scores another takedown 30 seconds into the round. DDP looks helpless. Does DDP have enough energy to fight back? DDP on his feet and Chimaev forces him to the mat almost as quickly. DDP reverses with just over two minutes left. Attempts a guillotine but Chimaev shakes loose and reverses. With 1:25 left, the ref stands them up. DDP lands a hard right and finds himself on top of Chimaev with 30 second left. DDP is on top but has no place to go as the round ends: Chimaev 49, DDP 46

UFC 319 results

Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico
Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal
Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier
Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert
Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade
Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper
Darkkar Klose def. Edson Barboza
Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa
Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris

Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico by KO

Another spectacular, scary moment.

Under pressure, Murphy knocked out Pico with a spinning back elbow – the second in two bouts.

The featherweight bout that featured hard shots, but none harder than Murphy’s right elbow that ended the fight at 3:21 of the first round.

Murphy, a 34-year-old from England, improved to 17-0-1 (9-0-1 UFC). Pico, a 28-year-old from California, fell to 13-5 (0-1 UFC ).

Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico: Round-by-round analysis

Featherweight bout

Round 1

Aaron Pico, a longtime fixture on the Bellator circuit, will be making his UFC debut – in challenging fashion. Lerone Murphy is undefeated and the No. 6 contender in the flyweight rankings as the action begins. Pico presses the action early and Murphy nearly slipped after coming under fire. Pico has Murphy in the clinch and presses up against the fence. Murphy responds with a big elbow and pulled in Pico for a potential finish before Pico muscled free. Fighters separate and Pico stalks and scores a takedown. Pico scores with elbows as Murphy gets to his feet and they separate again. They trade kicks and Murphy landed a big knee and followed with another. Pico strikes with three punches and then digs into Murphy’s body. Murphy drops Pico with a spinning back elbow! Wow! Down goes Pico and Murphy scales and fence and celebrates! It’s Murphy by KO! The medics attend to Pico, who took the shot to the left side of his head and went unconscious.

Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal by KO

Prates delivered the moment of the night. A scary moment.

Prates knocked out Neal in the first round of their welterweight fight with a spinning back elbow that not only flattened Neal but produced a loud pop.

But Neal was conscious after medical personal moved into the octagon and began working on him.

Both fighters traded big shots. But the spinning back elbow to the left side of Neal’s head was the biggest and the fight ended at 4:59 of the first round.

Prates, a 31-year-old from Brazil, improved to 22-7 (5-1 UFC). Neal, a 34-year-old from Texas, fell to 16-6 (8-5).

Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates: Round-by-round analysis

Welterweight bout

Round 1

Geoff Neal opens with some kicks and Carlos Prates looks poised – and lanky. He delivers a spinning back kick and hits Neal again. Neal catches Prates by the leg and connects with a right punch. Neal takes another hard leg kick but he’s looked efficient with his fists. Prates staying on the move and landing more leg kicks. Prates misses with a couple of big lefts and Neal still moving forward. They exchange some big shots. Neal delivers multiple shots but takes a knee to the body. Prates staying after Neal with punches and kicks. Neal catches a leg and gets Prates in the clinch. He releases. Prates punishes Neal with a combination and drops Neal with a spinning elbow! It’s Prates by TKO! And Neal is hurt. Bad.

Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision

Page showboated, ducked punches and struck – struck hard. He knocked down Cannonier twice and won the middleweight bout by unanimous decision.

But there were some nerve-wracking moments in the third round. Page missed with a big punch and Cannonier turned it into a takedown. For about three minutes, Page sat beneath Cannonier and dodged enough punches to prevail.

The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Page, a 38-year-old from England who improved to 24-3 (3-1 UFC).

Cannonier, a 41-year-old from Arizona, fell to 18-9 (11-9 UFC).

Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page: Round-by-round analysis

Middleweight bout

Round 1

Page scores a knockdown with a solid right? But Cannonier is quickly back on his feet. They spend more time than the fans appreciate in a clinch. But Page has kept them entertained with his footwork and showboating and even dodging a big shot as the round comes to an end. Page 10, Cannonier 9

Round 2

Page drops Cannonier again! This time it’s with a left. Cannonier charges after Page, but Page remains elusive and appears to be enjoying himself. The fans boo as Cannonier gets Page in the clinch and presses him up against the fence. Cannonier scores a takedown but Page quickly is up on his feet. Page and Cannonier both throw big punches – and whiff. The crowd gets a little restless. Page 20, Cannonier 18

Round 3

Page misses big with a right hand and Cannonier takes him down. Cannonier is on top and in control with more than three minutes left in the round. Cannonier throws some big shots. Cannonier struggling to capitalize but now looking for the armbar. Less than a minute left and Cannonier is starting to slug and lands one big shot. Page 29, Cannonier 28

Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura by submission

Elliott didn’t have the ability to trade punches with Asakura in their flyweight fight.

It wasn’t needed, even though Elliott got hit with plenty of shots.

He took down Asakura late in the second round and finished off the Japanese striker by submission with a guillotine. The referee stopped the fight at 4:39 of the second round.

Elliott, a 38-year-old from Missouri, improved to 21-13-1 (10-11 UFC).

Asakura, 31 and the former Rizin bantamweight champion, fell to 21-6 (0-2 UFC).

Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura: Round-by-round analysis

Flyweight bout

Round 1

Kai Asakura of Japan lost his UFC debut last year to Alexandre Pantoja by rear naked chokehold in the second round. Hard to imagine things going worse against Tim Elliott as he gets another shot and the action commences. Elliott leading with high kicks that miss. Asakura responds with a punch as Elliott kicked. There’s the theme: kicks vs. punches. Asakura lands a nice body shot. Lands two more punches and a flurry that ends with a shot to the side of the head. Asakura is swinging for the fences – and Elliott’s head. Elliott sticks with the kicks. Asakura lands another right to the chin and there’s little letup. Then, letup. Asakura knees Elliott and follows up with a left. Odd footwork and attempted kicks. Elliott catches Asakura’s leg and slams him to the ground for a takedown. Doesn’t capitalize much before the round ends. Asakura 10, Elliott 9

Round 2

Asakura comes out fists flying. Elliott responds with his freaky style. But he throws a solid left. Asakura connects with a hard, low kick. Elliott scores with another left and yet another. Asakura looks tentative as he moves away from Elliott. They trade hard punches. Elliott looks far more elusive as Asakura stays on the retreat. Elliott scores a takedown and Asakura quickly pops up. Another takedown by Elliott and Asakua looks in trouble. Elliott wraps up Asakura in the guillotine and squeezes his way to victory! Asakura has tapped out! It’s Elliott by TKO!         

Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan by TKO

Four days after winning Dana White’s Contender Series, Susurkaev made his official UFC debut in memorable fashion.

He stopped Nolan by rear naked chokehold at 2:01 of the second round in their middleweight fight.

Nolan landed some solid shots in the first round. But early in the second round, Susurkaev hurt Nolan with a kick to the knee and pounced on his prey while bringing the fight to an end.

Susurkaev, a 24-year-old from Russia, improved to 10-0 (1-0 UFC). Nolan, a 27-year-old from New Jersey, fell to 8-3 (0-1 UFC).

Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan: Round-by-round analysis

Middleweight bout

Round 1

The crowd breaks into chants of “USA, USA!’’ It’s a boost for Eric Nolan, who lets his fist fly. Nolan responds with another. They’re clinched and against the fence, to the crowd’s dismay. Nolan strikes with a right and a left and the crowd cheers. He lands another right, but Susurkaev lands his own right. Susurkaev scores a takedown and Nolan is up against the fence. Susurkaev controls from behind but Nolan avoids any serious damage. Down he goes again, and up he gets to his feet. They break and Nolan whales away and connects. Nolan takes a kick to the abdomen and then a knee to the face and a left to the head before he wobbles Susurkaev with a big shot as the round ends. Nolan 10, Susurkaev 9

Round 2

Susurkaev lands an early kick to the knee that hurts Nolan. Susurkaev takes Nolan to the ground and is in full control.  He’s swimming with both fists and Nolan is doing his best to get up. Now he’s in a chokehold and he taps out! It’s Susurkaev by TKO!

Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO

Oleksiejczuk arrived to this fight with the equivalent of a hammer. Meerschaert came virtually unarmed.

So you can guess how that middleweight bout ended.

Oleksiejczuk scored two takedowns, and the second one with authority. He delivered hammer shots with abandon until the referee halted the fight at 3:03 of the first round. 

Oleksiejczuk, a 30-year-old from Poland, improved to 21-9 (9-7 UFC). Meerschaert, a 37-year-old from Wisconsin, fell to 37-20 (12-12 UFC).

Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk: Round-by-round analysis

Middleweight bout

Round 1

Gerald Meerschaert and Michal Oleksiejczuk will challenge not only each other but also the effectiveness of spellcheck. Oleksiejczuk throws a left while trying to gain control. Throws another and takes Meerschaert to the canvas but the referee intervenes and both men are on their feet. Not for long. Meerschaert misses a lazy takedown and the crowd boos. Oleksiejczuk responds with left hands and Meerschaert drops to the canvas. Then Meerschaert is up and he gets dropped again for real. Oleksiejczuk follows up with hammer punches before the referee stops the fight! It’s Oleksiejczuk by TKO!

Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade by unanimous decision

Godinez caught Andrade by surprise early with her fists – landing hard shots to Andrade’s head in the first two rounds of their women’s strawweight fight.

Then it came down to survival.

Andrade, known for her power punches, began to land with a thump. She opened a cut beneath Godinez’s left eye, and the blood flowed as she tried to hold off Andrade and unleash a final flurry of punches.

The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Godinez, who improved to 14-5 (9-5 UFC). Andrade, a 33-year-old from Brazil, dropped to 26-14 (17-13 UFC).

Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez: Round-by-round analysis

Women’s strawweight bout

Round 1

Jessica Andrade and Loopy Godinez exchange punches early. Godinez connects with a hard left and so much for Andrade being the only power puncher in the octagon. Godinez scores with three more punches while Andrade moves in and eats another punch. Godinez increases her lateral movement as Andrade tries to load up. Godinez lands another right and then a right kick to the body. Godinez just a right and a left and Andrade just keeps marching forward and lands some big punches. Godinez, after being under siege for about 45 seconds, finishes it with a right. Godinez 10, Andrade 9

Round 2

Andrade comes out swinging, strikes and Godinez takes her down and gains control in the half guard. Godinez landing punches and knees on Andrade, who finally gets free. Godinez gets hit and hits harder – a big left. Godinez takes an eye poke and needs a moment before the fight resume and she lands a right kick. Andrade lands a punch and this is turning brawl-like. Andrade is stacking and she eats a right and kick. Andrade marches and scores with her fists. Godinez fighting back but unable to get Andrade back to the mat. But she follows a big left with a knee. Godinez 20, Andrade 18

Round 3

Andrade comes out swinging again. Andrade looking extremely aggressive. Godinez covering up more, then lashes out with a right. Andrade fights through it and lands a flurry of punches. Godinez landing enough punches and kicks to keep Andrade at bay – barely. Andrade has opened a cut over Godinez’s eyes and Andrade is assaulting Godinez. Godinez sneaks in a right, but Andrade is not backing up. Godinez answers with a right kick. Godinez fails a takedown attempt as the round comes to a close with the two women brawling. The cheers with approval! Godinez 29, Andrade 28

Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper by TKO

Harnandez, apparently on the verge of losing the first round on the scorecards, took matters into his own hands.

His right hand, to be precise.

Hernandez throttled Hooper with a powerful right and, after Hooper fell to the canvas, followed up with more rights. The referee quickly stopped the lightweight bout with just two seconds left in the round.

At 6-foot-1, Hooper appeared to have an important height advantage. But the 5-foot-9 Hernandez compensated with his fists.

Hernandez, a 25-year-old from Texas, improved to 17-3-1 (9-7 UFC). Hooper, a 25-year-old from Washington, fell to 16-9 (8-4).

Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez: Round-by-round analysis

Lightweight bout

Round 1

Chase Hooper, at 6-foot-1, looks noticeably bigger against the 5-foot-9 Alexander Hernandez. The reach with his legs and arms is leaving Hernandez perplexed until he lands a right. Hernandez fires again with his fists and scores with a right. Hooper ties him up before Hernandez wriggles free. Henandez has grown more comfortable against his taller opponent. Hooper using kicks, then gets grazed by a right. Hernandez with a right and the fight is halted with two seconds on the clock! It’s Hernandez by TKO.

Darkkar Klose def. Edson Barboza by unanimous decision

In their lightweight bout, Klose prevailed over Barboza thanks to a novel strategy.

The foot stomp.

Over the first two rounds, Klose stomped on Barboza’s feet, to the point where Barboza looked unsteady on his feet – and vulnerable. Klose, in turn,  blasted away with punches and left welts under Barboza’s eyes. Not to mention noticeable swelling on Barboza’s feet.

The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Klose, a 37-year-old from Florida who improved to 16-3-1 (10-3 UFC) . Barboza, a 39-year-old from Brazil fell to 24-13 (18-13 UFC).

Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision

In a rematch of their 2019 fight, Silva avenged a loss to Barbosa with a victory by the same manner: unanimous decision.

The crowd rewarded Silva with boos after the flyweight bout.

The clock saved Silva in the first round, when it ran out while Barbosa looked close to submitting her by armbar. But in the third round, it was Silva who almost finished Barbosa by guillotine before Barbosa wriggled free.

The judges scored it 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 for Silva, the 31-year-old Brazilian who improved to 19-5 (5-1 UFC). Barbosa, a 33-year-old Brazilian, fell to 8-4 (2-2 UFC).

Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris by submission

Morales turned in a scintillating performance over Idiris in the flyweight finale of The Ultimate Fighter 33.

Morales dominated the first round, then owned the second, when he knocked down Idiris and submitted him by triangle choke at 3:04 of Round 2. Before it was over, blood was trickling down Idiris’ nose as Morales exulted in victory.

Morales, a 30-year-old from Sacramento, California, who entered the bout as a decisive underdog, improved to 13-2 (1-2 UFC). And with the victory, he earned a UFC contract.

Idiris, a 30-year-old from Kazakhstan, suffered his first loss as his record fell to 10-1.

UFC 319: Time, PPV, streaming for Du Plessis vs Chimaev

The highly anticipated clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16 and can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV.

Date: Saturday, Aug. 16
Location: United Center (Chicago)
Early prelims start time: 6 p.m. ET
Early prelims card TV: ESPN 2; Early prelims stream: ESPN+, Disney+
Prelims card start time: 8 p.m. ET
Prelims card TV: ESPN; Prelims stream: ESPN+, Disney+
Main card start time: 10 p.m. ET
Main card stream: ESPN+ PPV

Khamzat Chimaev keeps UFC, fans on toes

Khamzat Chimaev will enter the ring to great relief considering he has pulled out of several big fights for a variety of reasons. He canceled three fights with Leon Edwards because he had COVID-19, according to the UFC. He also had to withdraw from a fight with Nate Diaz when he weighed in 7 1/2 pounds over the maximum weight of 170. He also withdrew from a fight against Robert Whitaker because of an undisclosed illness.

Dricus Du Plessis relies on mind

Dricus Du Plessis says he has used a mental coach for the past eight years and that it’ll pay off when he fights Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Chimaev is expected to take Du Plessis down early, and the reigning middleweight champion shrugged it off.

“We are just weaponizing the mental aspect,’’ he told UFC Unfiltered. “I don’t have any issues. It is just strategizing. How we approach (fights), because each opponent is a little bit different.

“Seeing how we can make this even more powerful. That is where my mental training comes in … winning the fight before the fight.

“Mentally, I cannot be broken. It is impossible.”

Why Khamzat Chimaev is nicknamed ‘Borz’

In Chechen, the native language of the Russian republic where Khamzat Chimaev was born and raised, ‘Borz’ means wolf. It is the national animal of Chechnya and generally represents strength and courage, attributes Chimaev has exhibited while going 14-0 as an MMA fighter. This week Chimaev got custom shorts featuring howling wolves on each side.

UFC 319 press conference ignites crowd

The source of his mirth was a boisterous crowd gathered in Chicago for the final press conference before he fights UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Boos drowned out Du Plessis as he tried to answer the first question.

‘Well, that was one of the best boos I’ve heard,’ Du Plessis said when the noise finally died down. ‘Well done, gents, well done.’

UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev predictions

Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports: “Dricus Du Plessis must drag Khamzat Chimaev into the fifth round to prevail based on his superior stamina. But Chimaev will end the fight sooner than that.’’ Prediction: Chimaev by stoppage, second round.

Andrew Richardson, MMA Mania: “I trust Du Plessis and his team have proven their ability to game plan appropriately even complicated stylistic asks.’’ Prediction: Du Plessis by KO.

Alexander K. Lee, MMA Fighting: ‘When Chimaev is on, there isn’t a soul in the world that can beat him in a fight, and I see no reason to deviate from that belief.’’ Prediction:  Chimaev by stoppage, first or second round.

Din Thomas, ESPN: “I think Khamzat’s grappling pressure is going to be too much.’’ Prediction: Chimaev wins.

Drake Riggs, Uncrowned: “Against Chimaev, the best offensive grappling is defensive, which is what the champion needs to showcase, as the relentless Chechen will waste no time going at him.’’ Prediction: Chimaev wins.

Trent Reinsmith, Forbes: “Most of the talk around this fight is that if Du Plessis can survive the first round he should be able to take over with his striking and rack up points for the win, but that’s a big if when it comes to someone as aggressive and explosive as Chimaev.’’ Prediction: The betting pick is for Du Plessis to win a decision or via late knockout. However, a pick for Chimaev to win via early submission is not out of line.

UFC 319 preliminary and main card start times

Early prelims: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+, Disney+)
Prelims: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+)
Main card: 10 p.m. ET (PPV on ESPN+)

UFC 319 odds: Du Plessis vs Chimaev fight card

Fight card according to ESPN and all odds via BetMGM.

(Odds as of Wednesday)

Main Card:

Dricus Du Plessis (+200) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (-250); for Du Plessis’ middleweight title
Lerone Murphy (+155) vs. Aaron Pico (-190); featherweight
Geoff Neal (+190) vs. Carlos Prates (-235); welterweight
Jared Cannonier (+165) vs. Michael Page (-200); middleweight
Tim Elliott (+240) vs. Kai Asakura (-300); flyweight

Prelims:

King Green (+125) vs. Diego Ferreira (-150); lightweight
Gerald Meerschaert (+185) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (-225); middleweight
Jessica Andrade (+120) vs. Loopy Godinez (-145); women’s strawweight
Chase Hooper (-325) vs. Alexander Hernandez (+260); lightweight
Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose; lightweight
Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev; lightweight

Early Prelims:

Karine Silva (-220) vs. JJ Aldrich (+180); women’s flyweight
Edson Barboza (-140) vs Drakkar Klose (+115), lightweight
Bryan Battle (-170) vs Nursulton Ruziboev (+140), middleweight
Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales, flyweight title fight
Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko, welterweight title fight

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Panthers head coach Dave Canales said second-round pick Nic Scourton suffered a collapsed lung during practice Thursday
Scourton was initially diagnosed with heat-related symptoms after practice but went to the hospital after symptoms grew.
‘We’ll keep evaluating him,’ Canales said. ‘I don’t really know the timeline, it’s really week-to-week with those types of things.’

The Carolina Panthers may start the regular season without one of their top draft picks on defense.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Saturday, Aug. 16, that second-round pick Nic Scourton suffered a collapsed lung during practice Thursday ahead of Carolina’s preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Scourton was initially diagnosed with heat-related symptoms after practice.

‘It was presenting like heat exhaustion because he was having trouble breathing so we kind of cooled him down,’ Canales said. ‘We couldn’t get him to respond good enough to where we felt comfortable about putting him back into practice … The symptoms grew after practice, so we checked him into the hospital.’

He was later diagnosed with a collapsed lung. He’s on his way back to Charlotte, North Carolina while the team remained in Houston for its game against the Texans. Houston won 20-3.

‘We’ll keep evaluating him,’ Canales said. ‘I don’t really know the timeline, it’s really week-to-week with those types of things. I’ve heard from the trainers and different coaches where a guy played the next week but, you know, we got to be smart with that one.’

Carolina selected Scourton in the second round, No. 51 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. He was the second edge rusher from the school selected in the draft following fellow Aggies prospect Shemar Stewart, who the Cincinnati Bengals selected No. 17 overall.

He’s also one of four draft picks by the Panthers on defense as they look to improve what was the worst unit in the league by points, total yards and rushing yards allowed in 2024.

Scourton had two tackles and a sack in the Panthers’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.

Panthers OLB depth chart

Carolina lists Scourton as an outside linebacker in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s scheme. Though he wasn’t expected to start right away, he’d likely see lots of work early on as a rotational rusher.

Here’s how the depth chart looks as the Panthers head home after the loss to Houston:

Pat Jones II
D.J. Wonnum
Princely Umanmielen
Nic Scourton
Thomas Incoom
DJ Johnson
Boogie Basham
J.J. Weaver

Panthers preseason schedule

Carolina’s down to its final preseason game as we inch closer to the start of the regular season.

Cleveland 30-10 Carolina
Houston 20-3 Carolina
Carolina vs. Pittsburgh: Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. ET

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European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when he travels to Washington, D.C., on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. 

On Sunday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb all confirmed their attendance. Their joint presence underscores Europe’s determination to present a united front in support of Ukraine as Russia’s war drags on.

Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy met with von der Leyen at the European Commission in Brussels to set priorities for the White House talks, focusing on long-term military aid, Ukraine’s ambitions to join the EU, and bolstering transatlantic solidarity in the face of Russian aggression.

At a joint press conference, von der Leyen said she was glad to be joining Zelenskyy and other European leaders in Washington on Monday.

‘We will continue to support you for as long as it takes,’ she said, adding that the EU backs a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the United States.

She warned that the EU will move forward next month with its 19th sanctions package against Russia if the Kremlin refuses to halt its war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said he hopes the upcoming meeting with Trump ‘will be productive’ and not a repeat of the shouting match that took place in the Oval Office during his February visit.

Zelenskyy’s meeting at the White House comes on the heels of Trump’s summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Anchorage on Friday, where Trump dropped his demand for a ceasefire and urged a final peace deal.

After meeting with Putin, Trump said the Russian leader was willing to end the war in exchange for key Ukrainian territory concessions. Trump said Kyiv should take the deal with Moscow because ‘Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.’

Zelenskyy, alongside European leaders, consistently rejects proposals to surrender any Ukrainian land to Russia.

‘Since the territorial issue is so important, it should be discussed only by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia at the trilateral Ukraine, United States, Russia,’ Zelenskyy told reporters at the European Commission on Sunday. ‘So far, Russia has given no sign that the trilateral will happen,’ he added.

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