HOUSTON — For the first four innings of Saturday’s World Baseball Classic game, Team USA struggled to consistently generate offense while trailing Great Britain 1-0. It looked like an upset was brewing, until an unlikely hero stepped up.

The catalyst was infielder Ernie Clement, one of just two players in Saturday’s USA starting lineup who has never been named an MLB All-Star. At the plate with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, Clement connected on a two-strike pitch and put it into play. Great Britain third baseman Ivan Johnson overthrew first base. Clement hustled and was safe at first, cracking the door open just wide enough for the Americans to start a rally.

Clement moved to third base on a Pete Crow-Armstrong double, then scored the USA’s tying run with gutsy baserunning when he slid home on a wild pitch. The door blasted off its hinges.  

The USA scored five runs that inning, grabbing a lead it never relinquished in a 9-1 win against Great Britain at Daikin Park.

“To have that little spark – it started with Ernie there, a big hustle play to get to first base,” said Kyle Schwarber, who hit the USA’s go-ahead home run.  

Clement, the Toronto Blue Jays utility man, scored three runs and hit 1-for-3 in the win. He took five plate appearances, saw 18 pitches and reached base four times courtesy of an error, a single, and two walks.

A team’s ceiling is often defined by its depth, which is exactly what Team USA manager Mark DeRosa had in mind when he recruited Clement as a plug-and-play infielder to join a roster that constitutes an embarrassment of riches.

“He’s deserving of being in that room,” DeRosa said. “(I) wanted to get Gunnar (Henderson) and him in the lineup. I felt like coming out of Arizona, I felt like everybody was worthy of a start. And wanted to get these guys rolling, and they deserve it.”

Saturday night’s gutsy performance further underscored Clement’s dramatic career transformation – from underproducing fringe player in danger of falling out of the majors to heroic playoff performer to Team USA contributor.

Following a miserable 2022 season in which he batted .184 in 69 games, Clement was not even in consideration for Team USA’s roster for the 2023 WBC. In fact, during the tournament, he was released by the A’s and two days later signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays.  

“If you told me back then that I would be doing this, I would be pretty surprised,” Clement said. “But I’ve always believed in myself and I’ve always put the work in, and it’s nice to see it rewarded.”

Clement’s resume looks much different these days. He made his WBC debut coming off a record-setting 30-hit postseason for the 2025 American League champion Blue Jays, a season in which he was also nominated for Gold Glove awards at third base and the utility position.

And yet on paper, Clement was hardly the biggest threat on a USA team littered with league MVPs, Gold Glovers and Cy Young winners.

“You kind of run into, what All-Star is going to be in the lineup?” Great Britain manager Brad Marcelino said before Saturday’s game.

The USA started seven All-Stars. The two exceptions were outfielder Roman Anthony, the former top prospect who made his big-league debut in 2025, and Clement, the veteran two weeks shy of his 30th birthday.

Saturday was Clement’s first start of the WBC. He entered as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning and did not take a plate appearance in the USA’s opening win over Brazil on Friday. Against Great Britain, he started at second base and batted eighth in the lineup.

After grounding out his first time up, Clement took advantage of Great Britain’s throwing error.

“I’m trying to hustle as much as I can,” he said. “I saw the first baseman jump up and as soon as I see that, usually I try to slide, but it was so bang-bang. I’d already made up my mind.”

He was just as aggressive sliding headfirst to score on Andre Scrubb’s wild pitch that same inning. Leading off the bottom of the sixth, Clement lined a two-strike slider into left field for a single and later came home on Alex Bregman’s sacrifice fly. In the seventh inning, after getting on base with a walk, he scored again on another Bregman sacrifice fly – the final run of the game.

Team USA, and in particular clubhouse leaders Schwarber and captain Aaron Judge, have attempted to create a camaraderie absent of a hierarchy. The goal is to relieve the burden felt by the more experienced (and accomplished) players on the team and simultaneously empower everybody else.

“We don’t want to feel like anyone needs to do something extraordinary because this is a lineup of extraordinary people and a bullpen and a starting staff of extraordinary people,” Schwarber said. “We play for our country and play for our team and that’s all we care about.”

Clement’s background as a utility player who in his MLB career has played at seven different positions – including four games at pitcher, allowing six earned runs across four innings – demanded that he be prepared for a variety of scenarios.

“I’m just kind of going in with an open mind and being ready for anything because in these kinds of tournaments, really anything can happen,” Clement said.

HOUSTON — The preliminaries are over, with Team USA easily dismissing the first two cupcakes in its path. Now comes the heavyweight bout that everyone wants to see.

It will be the Americans against Team Mexico in front of a raucous sellout crowd Monday at Daikin Park with the winner virtually guaranteed to finish atop Pool B in this 2026 World Baseball Classic.

“I know people are definitely looking forward to the U.S.-Mexico game because they have a fantastic team over there,’ USA captain Aaron Judge said. “We can’t wait. The boys are pumped up.’

Team USA (2-0) set the stage Saturday by routing Great Britain, 9-1, just 24 hours after thrashing Brazil, 15-5. Mexico (1-0) is scheduled to play Sunday against Brazil while the U.S. has the day off.

“The U.S. has had their hands full with them in this tournament the last couple of installments of it,’ USA manager Mark DeRosa said. “I certainly haven’t forgotten about it.’

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It’s a memory DeRosa would love to erase. Mexico has beaten Team USA three times in the last four WBC events, including an 11-5 victory in 2023 at Chase Field in Phoenix.

“Yeah, I won’t forget that game,’ said Kyle Schwarber, who broke open Saturday’s win in the fifth inning with an upper-deck home run. “That was a pretty cool one. Never seen the Arizona stadium sold out, a sold-out electric feeling. Looking forward to our next matchup here.’

Certainly, while the Americans respect Mexico, there’s no fear, or even the slightest bit of apprehension. They believe they’re the most talented team in the WBC, and are looking forward to proving it, winning the championship after losing to Japan in the finals in 2023.

“Honestly, I think we have the best 30 players in the world in that clubhouse,’ DeRosa said, “and they’re coming together as a team. I don’t really think it’s going to matter who [Mexico] starts. We’re going to put a lineup out there and get after it.’

Mexico, which lost to Japan in the semifinals in 2023, can certainly pick up some valuable tips from the USA’s victory Saturday over Great Britain.

Great Britain was actually leading USA, 1-0, after Nate Eaton stunned two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal by hitting the first pitch of the game over the left-field wall for a homer.

It was the only mistake Skubal made, but entering the bottom of the fifth inning, they still led 1-0 with USA producing just two harmless singles.

“I was sitting on a top step with [third-base coach] Dino Ebel the inning before,’ DeRosa said. “He goes, we just need something, just a walk, something, and explode.’

Boom, with one out in the fifth inning, it happened. Ernie Clement hit a routine ground ball to Great Britain third baseman Ivan Johnson. Clement hustled down the line, and Johnson airmailed the throw. Clement was safe. Manager Brad Marcelino took out reliever Najer Victor, who had been dominant for 1 1/3 innings, and brought in Andre Scrubb.

But before Victor left the game, he did a little trash-talking, feeling pretty good about himself after striking out Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper and Gunnar Henderson in the fourth inning, and then Roman Anthony to lead off the fifth inning.

“When their reliever turned and looked in our dugout and had a couple of choice words,’ DeRosa said, “I think that lit the lineup up as well.’

Just like that, Team USA’s offense went off. Pete Crow-Armstrong doubled. Schwarber homered. Alex Bregman doubled. Henderson hit a two-run double.

With three unearned runs, the U.S. went up 5-1 in the fifth, made it 8-1 in the sixth, and cruised the rest of the way.

“I think the emotional side of that is what we’re wearing across our chest, USA,’ Schwarber said. “And obviously the guys we have on our team, we’ve done a really good job of coming together.

“We know that it’s short, but for us to go where we want to go, we all need to play together and go from there.’

Next up: Mexico.

“Respect for them,’ DeRosa said. “I was in this in 2023, and they woke us up in a big way. Ton of respect for the way they played the game.’

But back in 2023, Paul Skenes was still in college.

Now, he’s the defending NL Cy Young winner and will be starting for Team USA.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a big atmosphere,’ Skenes said. “It will be a good chance to see where I’m at, too. But the biggest thing is just going out there and executing. Looking forward to it.’

Skenes is scheduled to pitch one more time after Monday providing USA advances, and will start in the semifinals in Miami. USA starter Nolan McLean, who has made only eight career starts with the New York Mets, is tentatively scheduled for the WBC championship game.

Yet, if Skubal changes his mind and decides to pitch one more time in this WBC, the championship game will belong to him. If he keeps with his current plan and returns to the Detroit Tigers’ camp to keep in line for the Tigers’ season opener without pitching again in the WBC, well, that’s fine by his teammates, too.

“We’re wearing USA across our chest,’ Skenes said. “That should be enough. But we’ve got a guy who’s going out there, putting himself out there for us, for the country. That’s pretty cool stuff.

“If this game were just about Tarik, he’s sitting in Lakeland right now watching the WBC. But it’s not about him. It’s not about me. It’s not about any of us. It’s a whole lot bigger than us.

“I’m glad he answered the call.’

UConn men’s basketball was upset by Marquette on Saturday, March 7, but not before coach Dan Hurley was ejected with less than a second left on the clock and later fined $25,000 by the conference for his actions.

Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. attempted a game-tying layup with less than five seconds remaining, but the ball clanked off the backboard and the rim before missing. There was a brief scramble for the rebound, before Marquette ultimately secured the ball and the 68-62 win.

As No. 4 UConn was fouling the Marquette rebounder, Hurley was arguing with a referee on the court and was shown on the broadcast throwing his arms in protest of an apparent call. He received a double-technical foul and was ejected for arguing in the aftermath. The Big East said it couldn’t confirm if Hurley made contact with the referee from video evidence.

Demary Jr. faced some contact from Marquette center Ben Gold on the field goal attempt, but ultimately no call was made.

“We hold our coaches to high standards of sportsmanlike conduct during game competition, and inappropriate interactions with our officials will not be tolerated,” Big East commissioner Val Ackerman said in an announcement.

It’s a tough loss for Hurley and the Huskies, as the loss resulted in St. John’s taking the outright Big East regular season championship. UConn will now be the No. 2 seed in the Big East tournament, and the loss could be a huge blow to its chances at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

It was Marquette’s first win against a ranked opponent this season, as the Golden Eagles have had a down year in 2025-26. Nigel James Jr.’s 19 points and seven assists led Marquette to its 12th win of the season.

UConn now shifts its focus to the Big East tournament, and its loss to Marquette — and Hurley’s ejection, for that matter — could be a wake-up call heading into March Madness.

This story has been updated.

Much of the drama during 2026 NFL free agency will be about the new landing spots for several veteran quarterbacks. Players like Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Geno Smith, and Malik Willis are all searching for new teams, and football fans everywhere will be eager to see where they land.

But just as important will be the landing spots for the top offensive linemen on the market. Plenty of teams across the league need help in the trenches and numerous quality starters will be available in free agency.

That said, the crown jewel among offensive line free agents is Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. The Iowa product has established himself as one of the game’s best interior blockers and will only turn 26 in April. That will put him in line for a market-setting offer, especially if a bidding war develops for his services.

Elsewhere, there are a few younger, potential-packed offensive linemen on the market along with some veteran stalwarts who will be stable, plug-and-play options for their new clubs.

Here are our top 10 offensive line free agents ahead of the 2026 NFL offseason.

NFL free agent OL rankings

Here’s how the top free agent offensive linemen rank heading into the 2026 league year, listed with the team they played for in 2025:

1. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

2025 stats: 1,007 snaps played, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed, 26 pressures allowed

Linderbaum has been one of the NFL’s best centers since being selected out of Iowa with the 25th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has graded as one of Pro Football Focus’ top-seven centers across each of his first four seasons and graded fourth among interior offensive linemen in ESPN’s pass blocking win rate.

Linderbaum has made three consecutive Pro Bowls and has only missed two of a possible 73 regular-season games throughout his NFL career. The Ravens’ decision to decline his fifth-year option looks exceedingly strange, in hindsight, and plenty of teams figure to bid on the 25-year-old in free agency. That should allow him to exit the 2026 NFL offseason as the league’s highest-paid center.

2. Rasheed Walker, OT, Green Bay Packers

2025 stats: 986 snaps played, 9 penalties, 5 sacks allowed, 34 pressures allowed

Walker has developed into a steady presence at left tackle since the Packers selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has started 48 games over the past two seasons and was solid in 2025, ranking 11th in pass blocking win rate among offensive tackles for the campaign.

Starting-caliber left tackles rarely hit free agency – let alone at 26 years old – so Walker could end up earning a hefty payday on the open market. The Cleveland Browns stand out as a quality fit for the 6-foot-6, 324-pounder.

3. Taylor Decker, OT, Detroit Lions

2025 stats: 894 snaps played, 5 penalties, 2 sacks allowed, 33 pressures allowed

As mentioned, it’s not easy to find starting-caliber left tackles in free agency – especially ones with Decker’s level of experience. He made 145 starts across 10 seasons with the Lions before requesting his release during the offseason.

Decker may not be a long-term option, as he contemplated retirement before deciding to return for the 2026 NFL season. Still, he is a perfect stopgap option for a team needing a Band-Aid at the position.

Perhaps Decker will rejoin his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, with the Chicago Bears. They could use a starting left tackle for 2026 after Ozzy Trapilo suffered a torn patellar tendon during Chicago’s playoff run.

4. Braden Smith, OT, Indianapolis Colts

2025 stats: 766 snaps played, 6 penalties, 1 sack allowed, 26 pressures allowed

Smith is coming off a season-ending neck injury, but there should still be plenty of interest in the experienced right tackle. He will only turn 30 in March and held up well in pass protection for the Colts last season, surrendering just one sack all season.

Smith has surrendered just 16 total sacks across 4,792 snaps dating back to the 2020 NFL season. That would make the 6-foot-6, 312-pound lineman a plug-and-play solution for teams needing help at right tackle.

5. Isaac Seumalo, G, Pittsburgh Steelers

2025 stats: 770 snaps played, 0 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 15 pressures allowed

Seumalo was one of the best guards in the NFL last season. He ranked top-four in pass and run blocking win rate among interior offensive linemen while avoiding penalties entirely blocking in front of Aaron Rodgers.

Across three seasons with the Steelers, Seumalo has only committed six total penalties while allowing five sacks. The 32-year-old made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and should have a few good seasons left, making him arguably the best guard on the free agent market.

6. Joel Bitonio, G, Browns

2025 stats: 1,081 snaps played, 1 penalty, 2 sacks allowed, 31 pressures allowed

Bitonio has long been one of the best interior blockers in the NFL. The 2025 season was no different, as he performed consistently well in front of Cleveland’s rookie quarterback combination and ranked sixth-best in pass blocking win rate among interior linemen.

How long Bitonio – who turns 35 in October – wants to continue playing in the NFL remains to be seen. Even so, many teams will have an interest in signing the 178-game starter to lock down their left guard position short-term. That should include Cleveland, with whom Bitonio has spent his entire career.

7. David Edwards, G, Buffalo Bills

2025 stats: 1,035 snaps played, 3 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 27 pressures allowed

Edwards spent his first season in Buffalo as a backup but has since blossomed back into the solid starter he was during his four-year stint with the Rams.

Edwards was excellent as a run blocker last season. The 28-year-old veteran finished 10th in run blocking win rate among interior offensive linemen and helped the Bills average a league-best 156.6 rushing yards per game. Teams looking for an experienced left guard will certainly have an interest in the consistent, 6-foot-6, 308-pound blocker.

8. Zion Johnson, G, Los Angeles Chargers

2025 stats: 1,071 snaps played, 4 penalties, 3 sacks allowed, 26 pressures allowed

Teams looking for young offensive linemen with upside should have an interest in Johnson. The 2022 first-round selection is only 26 and is coming off a season in which he finished second in run blocking win rate behind only rookie Grey Zabel.

Johnson has been durable, playing 69 of a possible 71 career games and logging at least 1,010 snaps in each of his four NFL seasons. The Chargers may like to keep him even after declining his fifth-year option, as the Boston College product has made strides across his two years under Jim Harbaugh’s tutelage.

9. Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, New York Jets

2025 stats: Did not play (torn triceps)

Vera-Tucker seems like a prime candidate to land a one-year, ‘prove it’ deal in NFL free agency. The 2021 first-round pick is a talented blocker who will only turn 27 in June, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his career to date.

Since 2022, Vera-Tucker has played just 27 of a possible 68 games for the Jets. He missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn triceps on the eve of the season, but he graded as Pro Football Focus’ 11th-best guard in 2024.

Consider Vera-Tucker a risky upside swing. He could end up being a steal if all goes well; it’s simply hard to trust him to stay on the field given his track record.

10. Cade Mays, C, Carolina Panthers

2025 stats: 726 snaps played, 2 penalties, 0 sacks allowed, 11 pressures allowed

The 2025 season was Mays’ first as a full-time starter. He comported himself well, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-graded center in pass protection while allowing no sacks and 11 pressures.

Mays has just 27 starts under his belt, but NFL teams should still be interested in the 6-foot-6, 325-pound center. He will only turn 27 in April and should continue to improve as he gets more on-field experience.

On March 6, the Las Vegas Raiders agreed to trade the star pass-rusher to the Baltimore Ravens. On March 7, Crosby shared a lengthy, nearly 13-minute farewell message on social media. The 28-year-old used the time to reflect on his seven-year journey with Raider Nation and the organization.

‘Raider Nation has given me everything,’ Crosby said. ‘My family, had the chance to get married, have the most beautiful daughter in the world, grow as a man, as a player, as a leader, a human being. One thing I could say is above all else is that I gave you everything I got and I have no regrets about that.

‘I put everything into trying to win as a Raider.’

While he had positive memories of being drafted by the Raiders, Crosby did note that he leaves feeling like he let everyone down, adding that he wanted to build a winner with the team.

The star called the process a ‘whirlwind,’ saying that he never imagined he’d be going anywhere, but things happen for a reason.

‘I have zero ill will towards that organization in any way,’ Crosby said. ‘I want them to have all the success in the world.’

Reports about Crosby’s unhappiness with the Raiders have been swirling since late in the 2025 regular season. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported on Feb. 4 that the star was done with the franchise. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said during an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Feb. 9 that there was a feeling around the league that Crosby wanted to be traded.

Despite those reports, Crosby never made a public trade request.

‘I decided to be quiet because there is so much noise, and ultimately, I’m a football player,’ Crosby said. ‘That’s my job. It’s to get healthy, to be the best version of myself. Not to be in drama, not to be involved with all the other stuff.’

While he is beginning a new chapter with the Ravens, the star defender hasn’t closed the book on his time with the Raiders.

‘I wanted everything good for the Raiders,’ Crosby said. ‘I bleed silver and black. That will never change and I’m a Raider for life.

‘And I truly wanna finish when it’s all said and done, in a Raiders jersey, whenever that time comes.’

Dana White has promised the UFC event to be held at the White House June 14 will be the greatest ever.

Now we know who will be fighting.

White and the UFC announced the card Saturday, March 7 during UFC 326, and the featured bouts will include:

Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, lightweight championship unification fight
Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane, interim heavyweight championship fight
Sean O’Malley vs. Aimann Zahabi, bantamweight fight
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, lightweight fight
Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, middleweight fight
Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia, featherweight fight

White said UFC officials were up all night putting together the card for the event, which is officially called UFC Freedom 250.

“It’s done,’’ he said on the UFC 326 broadcast. “We’re ready to roll. Here we come, Washington D.C.’’

The event, set to occur on President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, will take place on the South Lawn of the White House and the temporary area will seat about 5,000.

White said the Topuria-Gaethje fight headlining the card ‘should be explosive.’ Beyond the lightweight unification fight, the event will see Pereira attempt to become a three-division champion.

A UTEP fan got into a heated exchange with members of the Jacksonville State men’s basketball team following Saturday’s game between the two schools.

Jacksonville State earned a 64-61 victory over UTEP (Texas-El Paso) in a Conference USA game in El Paso on Saturday night.

The game was tied 61-61 when Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, the conference’s scoring leader, made a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from the corner to secure the win. He finished the game with 23 points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes played.

An altercation involving the UTEP fan happened after the game, while the players were in the handshake line.

A fan was seen on video briefly holding up a chair while having a verbal exchange with members of the Jacksonville State team.

The fan and players were quickly separated before the incident got out of hand.

Conference USA and the two schools are expected to review the incident.

‘We are reviewing the incident in conjunction with both (athletic directors), but we do not have a statement at this time,’ a Conference USA spokesperson told ESPN.

UTEP AD Jim Senter told ESPN the school ‘will take appropriate action as needed.’

Return of the (Khalil) Mack.

Khalil Mack has agreed to a new contract with the Los Angeles Chargers to avoid free agency, according to multiple reports. He will sign a one-year deal worth $18 million that is fully guaranteed, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The 35-year-old Mack was considered the 21st-best player in free agency this year, according to USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis. He ranked as the fourth-best outside linebacker and defensive end on the board, with teammate Odafe Oweh also on the list as a pending free agent.

Mack played the 2025 season with the Chargers on a one-year deal worth $18 million. He appeared in only 12 games for L.A., thanks to a dislocated elbow that kept him out four games. Regardless, the pass-rusher still recorded 5.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits to go along with 32 total tackles.

He is no longer at the height of his powers, but Mack can still strike fear into opposing quarterbacks. The Chargers’ investment signals that they also agree.

Here’s a look at the contract details for Mack.

Khalil Mack contract details

Mack inked a one-year, $18 million deal. Here’s a look at the full terms, per multiple reports:

Term: 1 year
Total contract value: $18 million
Guaranteed money: $18 million

While the number jumps off the screen, Mack is only the 19th highest-paid at the position in terms of average annual value (AAV), according to OverTheCap.

The positional value has exploded in recent years as the likes of Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett and others have pushed the market into the $40 million range.

The “BMF” title is changing possession.

It’s now owned by Charles Oliveira.

Oliveira mauled Max Holloway in a victory by unanimous decision in their lightweight bout. All three judges scored it 50-45 for Oliveira, who wept when he was announced the winner. And with that dominating performance, Oliveira wrested away the UFC’s “BMF’’ title Saturday, March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

With the victory, Oliveira improved his record to 37-11 and improved his chances for a shot at the lightweight title. He entered the fight ranked No. 3 among contenders in the lightweight division.

Holloway, 34, ranks as the UFC’s all-time leader in significant strikes landed. But Oliveira, 36, prevailed in the five-round fight with total control. Oliveira was masterful with his grappling and punished Holloway with punches when he had him on the ground.

And he had him on the ground a lot.

It was a rematch of their fight in 2015, when Holloway won after Oliveira suffered a neck injury in the first round and could not continue.

Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, fell to 27-9.

He was asked about his game plan after the fight.

“You know, it’s stick and move,’’ Holloway said during the Paramount+ livestream. “But they came with a better game plan. You got to give it up for Oliveira. Helluva fighter. A true BMF.’’

What’s next for Holloway?

“I’m going to come back and whup somebody’s (butt) and be right in title contention again,’’ he said. “… I ain’t done yet. I’ll see Mr. Oliveira again. That’s for sure.’’

USA TODAY Sports provided updates, highlights and analysis from UFC 326:

Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira: Round-by-round analysis

Here’s a round-by-round breakdown of the lightweight bout for the ‘BMF’ title:

Round 1

Charles Oliveira lets loose with two nice leg kicks. Max Holloway scores with a right but suddenly is under attack by Oliveira, who scores a takedown when he slams Holloway to the mat. Oliveira is look to land elbows and inflict damage. Oliveira riding Holloway’s back and brings down Holloway. Oliveira has him wrapped up in what looks like a dangerous hold. Holloway holding on and avoiding serious damage. Holloway holding on as Oliveira goes for the kill. Holloway slips out of the hold. Holloway smiles and raises his eyebrows with amusement. The air horn sounds and Holloway smiles as he returns to his stool. Oliveira 10, Holloway 9

Round 2

Holloway lands a couple of shots and Oliveira races in for another takedown. Oliveira showing impressive strength. The crowd boos. Makes sense. Can someone stand them up, please? But give Oliveira his due. This dude can grapple. Oliveira dropping elbows on Holloway’s head. No more smiles from Holloway. Oliveira pounding Holloway with elbows. Holloway fighting hard. Against a boa constrictor. Oliveira has inflicted damage for sure. Holloway survives again, but it’s not looking good for him. Oliveira 20, Holloway 18

Round 3

It was more of the same in the third round. Oliveira controlled Holloway on the ground and punished him from multiple angles. Oliveira 30, Holloway 27

Round 4

Oliveira opens with his fists but soon enough wraps up Holloway against the fence. The crowd boos. Holloway can evade Oliveira’s takedowns, leaving him virtually helpless as time elapses in this five-round fight. Oliveira punishes Holloway with elbows to the head. Ugly. Now he’s striking Holloway with his heels. It’s brutal. Brutally skillful. The crowd boos. They want these guys on their feet. Is it time for the UFC to implement a mercy rule? Just kidding, folks. But this is brutal. Oliveira 40, Holloway, 36

Round 5

They hug before the round starts. Oliveira scores with punches, tries to take down Holloway and all of the sudden Holloway is on top. Holloway is on top? Yes! Holloway is on top. Holloway lands punches to the head but not with any power. Oliveira fighting to get up. Oliveira back on his feet and takes down Holloway. And so, with about 2½ minutes to go, we’re going to end where we started: Oliveira in control. They separate in time to exchange blows, but it was too late for a miracle. Oliveira 50, Holloway 45

Paramount+ feed cuts out during Holloway-Oliveira main event

With the main event of UFC 326 underway, Paramount+ suffered a knockout.

When its own feed apparently went down.

The fight between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira was headed to the third round when the livestream went dark for about two minutes.

When the livestream resumed for most, it was about two minutes into the third round.

Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Caio Borralho def. Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision

The fight ended and Borralho put on his signature “Fighting Nerds’’ glasses, black rimmed and with white tape down the center.

He looked like a champion.

There was no dispute from the judges, all three who scored the fight 30-27 for Borralho. He beat Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision, landing hard shots and shaking off de Ridder’s crisp lefts and effective grappling in the welterweight bout.

“He’s so tall and awkward that I couldn’t get my punches right,’’ Borralho said. “No one’s going to stop us Fighting Nerds.”

Borralho, a 33-year-old from Brazil, improved to 18-2. De Ridder, a 35-year-old from the Netherlands, fell to 21-4.

Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder: Round-by-round analysis

Round-by-round analysis of their middleweight bout:

Round 1

Caio Borralho comes racing out and lets fly with a spinning back kick. It was blocked, but the message was sent: Borralho is here to fight. De Ridder tried a patented takedown and Borralho fought it off. Borralho knocks down de Ridder and … oh, no. Borralho gets hit in the crotch with a knee. He’s trying to recover, in a manner not fit for family fare. De Ridder lands some nice shots and Borralho fires back and lands a nice left. De Ridder lands a couple of shots and Borralho responds with power. De Ridder has Borralho wrapped up against the fence. Knees to the backside. They’re grappling as the round ends. Borralho 10, De Ridder 9

Round 2

Borralho opens with a whistling right that stuns de Ridder. But now de Ridder responds with weaker punches but ones that land. Borralho showing power but looks wary of de Ridder, who now has Borralho wrapped up on the fence. The crowd boos as de Ridder keeps Borralho pinned against the fence. Is now the wrong time to change some rules? Maybe so, the two men now trade punches. De Ridder looks surprisingly fresh, and Borralho spent. Borralho 19, De Ridder 19

Round 3

Borralho opens with a solid right, but de Ridder looks unfazed. He’s moving forward and knees Borralho in the midsection. Suddenly Borralho ends up on top of de Ridder but seems to be resting. As perhaps most of us would. But Borralho needs to take advantage of this situation. De Ridder throwing punches and fighting to get free. De Ridder’s up and the real fight resumes – punches fly. De Ridder generating nice output and it includes a sweet left. De Ridder hits the mat. Hard to know if it was a slip. Both on their feet for the final 30 seconds. Neither man has what it takes to finish the fight. De Ridder 29, Borralho 28

Raul Rosas Jr. def. Rob Font by unanimous decision

This one was not fan friendly.

Unless you’re a fan of fights dominated by grappling with few punches.

But give the 21-year-old Rosas credit: he controlled the 38-year-old Font and won the bantamweight fight by unanimous decision.

All three judges scored it 30-27 in his favor of Rosas, a Mexican-American who improved to 12-1.

“I’m not satisfied,’’ he said after the fight. “I wish I would have got the finish.’’

Font, who has fought the likes of Jose Aldo and Cory Sandhagen, fell to 22-10.

Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.: Round-by-round analysis

Round 1

Rob Font almost creeping his way into position to punch. Raul Rosas Jr. bouncing. Both letting fly with kicks and punches. No damage yet. Well, just like that, Font clubs Rosas with a right. And Rosas scores a takedown. Font tries to squirm free and Rosas takes him down again. Now he’s drilling him with knees to the glutes and wrestles him to the ground again. But Font survives unscathed. Rosas 10, Font 9

Round 2

A dizzying opening sequence: Rosas scores a takedown. Font pulls a nifty reverse. And Rosas scrambles on top again. Rosas more focused on pretzeling Font than punching him. IMHO, time to punch. Font can’t break free. Font gets up and back down he goes. Rosas is a grappling beast and in control. Rosas finally punching, but inflicts little damage. Rosas 20, Font 18

Round 3

Font is back to creeping, and he lands a right. Rosas fires back and stays on the move. Then he catches Font’s right leg and … yep, takes him down again. Font reaches his feet, but not for long. Up goes Font, down goes Font. Rosas in total control. Rosas 30, Font 27

Drew Dober def. Michael Johnson by TKO

Dober threw a textbook vicious left hook.

It found its mark – Johnson’s face.

Dober floored Johnson in the second round of their lightweight fight and followed up with another right before the referee could stop the fight.

Dober, a 37-year-old from Colorado, improved to 29-15 with his 16th KO.

Johnson, a 39-year-old from Florida, fell to 24-20. He had won three in a row after losing six of eight fights.

Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson: Round-by-round analysis

A round-by-round breakdown of their lightweight bout:

Round 1

Drew Dober and Michael Johnson, both southpaws, circle. Boy, Dober noticeably stockier. The action heats up, with Dober unleashing kicks and Johnson firing punches. Dober lands a hard left. Johnson responds with a nasty left. Both men standing their ground. Johnson lands a series of shots with his left hand. Johnson 10, Dober 9

Round 2

Dober emerges with aggression. Johnson counters with a crisp right. Dober unleashes a couple of kicks that miss. Johnson relying on his fists, especially the left. But now Dober is throwing punches, too. Dober nails Johnson with a left! Down goes Johnson. Dober follows up with another left and the referee stops the fight at 1:53 of round 2! It’s Dober by TKO.

Gregory Rodrigues def. Brunno Ferreira by KO

All it took was one punch. One brutal punch.

Rodrigues drilled Ferreira in the face with a right hand and Ferreira crumpled to the mat.

The referee immediately stopped the fight at 1:47 of the first round.

With the victory, Rodrigues avenged a first-round KO loss to Ferreira suffered Jan. 21, 2023.

Rodrigues, a 34-year-old from Brazil, improved to 19-6 and won for the sixth time in his last seven fights.

Ferreira, a 33-year-old from Brazil, fell to 15-3.

Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira: Round-by-round analysis

Round 1

Gregory Rodrigues is so big he looks like he belongs in another weight class than Brunno Ferreira. A minute passes, no strikes landed. Ferreira grazed Rodrigues with a right. Rodrigues drills Ferreira with a right hand to the face and down goes Ferreira! The referee promptly calls the fight.

UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira fight card results

Fight card according to ESPN.

Main Card:

Charles Oliveira def. Max Holloway by unanimous decision, lightweight
Caio Borralho def. Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision, middleweight
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Rob Font by unanimous decision, bantamweight
Drew Dober def. Michael Johnson by TKO, lightweight
Gregory Rodrigues def. Brunno Ferreira by KO, middleweight

Prelims:

Cody Garbrandt def. Xiao Long by unanimous decision, bantamweight

Round 1: Xiao Long landed a nasty head kick. But Cody Garbrandt rallied with an to the head. Long responded with a knee to the head. Ouch.
Round 2: An unintentional head butt by Garbrandt knocked Long to the mat with 13 seconds left in the round. But the referee saw it for what it was, and Long stayed active with his kicks throughout the round.
Round 3: Long kicked Garbrandt with two low blows, and the second one led Garbrandt to fall to the mat, retch and threw up in a bucket. Long slapped himself in the face while Garbrandt recovered. The referee deducted a point from Long, and then Long kneed Garbrandt in the crotch! The referee deducted another point and threatened to disqualify Long if there was another low blow.. Long scored with a headkick, but Garbrandt and his crotch survived. All three judges scored the fight 28-27 for Garbrandt.

***

Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage by split decision, middleweight

Round 1: Cody Brundage scored a quick takedown and had Donte Johnson on the mat for more than three minutes. That’s probably where he wants to keep up. Back on his feet, Johnson started stalking and looked dangerous.
Round 2: Brundage took his foot off the gas and Johnson attacked with his wrestling. Little came of it, and maybe the biggest moment was he got away with an eye poke.
Round 3: Brundage emerged with more energy. Johnson matched it — and sustained it longer. The judges scored it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 in favor of Johnson.

***

Alberto Montes def. Ricky Turcios by submission (2nd round), featherweight

Round 1: Ricky Turcios was aggressive, but Alberto Montes landed the cleaner and biggers shots.
Round 2: Turcios tried to run. No luck. Montes caught up to Turcios and ended by fight by Anaconda choke with 4:20 left in the round.

***

Nyamjargal Tumendemberel def. Cody Durden by unanimous decision, flyweight

Round 1: Most of the round was spent on the mat, and Nyamjargal Tumendemberel got the best of it. He threatened to end the fight early by guillotine and landed sharp blows during active grappling.
Round 2: More grappling, less interesting. Durden landed two nice shots as the round ended and Tumendemberel fired back after the air horn sounded. Round 3: Durden sticks with the grappling game plan and late in the round gains control on Tumendemberel’s back. But Tumendemberel shook free and ending any hope of an upset. The judges score it 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 in favo of Tumendemberel.

Early Prelims:

Sumudaerji def. Jesus Aguilar by unanimous decision, flyweight

Round 1: Sumudaerji towered over Jesus Aguilar and did a reasonably good job of exploiting the height advantage. But Aguilar did not struggle to survive the round. Nor did he win it.
Round 2: Waiting for Sumudaerji to dominate. And waiting, and waiting…
Round 3: It ended with the two men trading shots, with blood streaming down Aguilar’s nose and the crowd cheering. A gutsy performance from Aguilar, and a winning effort from Sumudaerji. All three judges score it 30-27 in favor of Sumudaerji.

***

Diyar Nurgozhay def. Rafael Tobias by unanimous decision, light heavyweight

Round 1: Rafael Tobias was given about two minutes to recover after taking an illegal punch to the crotch. But the bigger problem for him as the legal, left-handed shots Diyar Nurgozhay nailed him with throughout the round.
Round 2: Tobias, bleeding from the nose, stunned Nurgozhay with three solid punches and followed up with a takedown. But Nurgozhay pulled the reversal and punished Tobias as the round came to an end.
Round 3: Nurgozhay played it conservative in the final round and it turned out to be a wise move. The judges scored it 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 in favor of Nurgozhay.

***

Rodolfo Bellato def. Luke Fernandez by TKO (1st round), light heavyweight

Round 1: Luke Fernandez was controlling the fight with his right hand when Rodolfo Bellato, bleeding from his nose and near his left eye, suddenly dropped Fernandez with a left hook. Bellato pounced and commenced with the ground-and-pound, and the referee stopped the fight at 2:42 of the first round.

***

JeongYeong Lee vs. Gaston Bolanos, featherweight (canceled)

UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira predictions

Jake Skudder, Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online: ‘Holloway’s output accumulates punishment over the championship rounds, and Oliveira’s chin, tested by Makhachev and Poirier, likely eventually buckles under the volume.’ Prediction: Max Holloway wins by TKO, Round 4.

Alexander Volkanovski, UFC featherweight champion: ‘Max Holloway, you go 100 percent. Now he is going to get you tired, and he’s one guy who knows how to capitalize on someone being tired. If he sees you tired, he’s going to make you pay more and more and more, and he can definitely mentally and physically break you down.’’ Prediction: Holloway by finish, Round 3 or later.

Anatoly Pimentel, BetMGM: ‘My prediction is a submission victory for Oliveira over Holloway, since his grappling and jiu-jitsu skills are far superior, and it’s the best way to beat an elite striker like Holloway. Taking the fight on the ground against better strikers than him has been the weapon of choice for Oliveira.’ Prediction: Oliveira by submission.

UFC 326 odds: Holloway vs Oliveira full card

Fight card according to ESPN and odds according to BetMGM.

Main Card:

Max Holloway (-220) vs. Charles Oliveira (+180), lightweight
Caio Borralho (-235) vs. Reinier de Ridder (+190), middleweight
Rob Font (+190) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (-235), bantamweight
Drew Dober (+120) vs. Michael Johnson (-100), lightweight
Gregory Rodrigues (-180) vs. Brunno Ferreira (+145), middleweight
Prelims
Cody Garbrandt (+140) vs. Xiao Long (-170), bantamweight
Donte Johnson (-900) vs. Cody Brundage (+600), middleweight
Ricky Turcios (+155) vs. Alberto Montes (-190), featherweight
Cody Durden (+140) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (-170), flyweight
Early Prelims:
Sumudaerji (-235) vs. Jesus Aguilar (+190), flyweight
Rafael Tobias (-185) vs. Diyar Nurgozhay (+150), light heavyweight
JeongYeong Lee (-275) vs. Gaston Bolanos (+275), featherweight (canceled)
Luke Fernandez (-235) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (+190), light heavyweight

Ring walk time for Holloway vs Oliveira main event

The main card starts at 9 p.m. ET. Ring walks for Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira are estimated to take place at about 11 p.m. ET.

Where is UFC 326: Holloway vs Oliveira?

UFC 326: Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

UFC 326 preliminary and main card start times

Here are your start times.

Early Prelims: 5 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Prelims: 7 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Main card: 9 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

UFC 326 live stream

The Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira continues a new era for the UFC. All fights, from early prelims to the main card, will be available on Paramount+.

UFC 326 price

Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira will fight for a lightweight rematch in the main event of UFC’s bout on Paramount+. Say goodbye to the pay-per-view fees, but don’t forget the Paramount+ subscription fee of $8.99 that gets you access to UFC fights.

Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira: Tale of the tape

UFC moves to Paramount+ ending PPV era

UFC moves on from its PPV model with ESPN and ESPN+. With its seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, the promise is upwards of 40 UFC events a year. It all began in 2026 with UFC 324 on Jan. 24, which was broadcast on Paramount+. UFC 326 will have select coverage on CBS.