A.J. McKee believes victory will depend on one big factor when facing undefeated Salamat Isbulaev.McKee (24-2), a former Bellator champion, takes on Isbulaev (10-0) in the main event of PFL San Diego (ESPN2/ESPN+) which takes place Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Although the undefeated record might intimidate some, McKee sees it as a plus. He believes Isbulaev is lacking in experience, and that will show during their lightweight clash."I think the fight IQ is what makes the difference in that situation," McKee told MMA Junkie Radio. "I've had almost triple the amount of fights. So the fight IQ, the awareness, I think those are going to be big keys that are going to implement a big change in this fight. Yeah, that's going to be a big key, just being able to assess where I'm at, what's going on and being comfortable in every position. I don't think he's going to be comfortable on the feet. And if he is, then we're going to have some fun. I know he's going to want to take me down. That's just what he does. That's kind of his game plan. But I also don't think he's fought anybody with the ground game that I have or the scrambles. I think if, and when, we do hit the ground, the chain wrestling, the grappling. I think he's going to be surprised at what's being thrown at him on top of the striking."On top of bringing twice as much professional experience as his opponent, McKee also sees some flaws in Isbulaev that he can exploit."There's some loopholes in his game," Isbulaev said. "There's some flaws in his game as well as anybody's game. That's the amazing thing about mixed martial arts. I think he's good, but I don't think he's that good. I don't know what his game plan is; he's got a lot to prepare for as well. I think this is one of those fights where it's just like, I just got to go do what I do best, and that's kick ass and take names, go a hundred miles an hour, and just break him."This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: A.J. McKee: Fight IQ key to beating Salamat Isbulaev at PFL San Diego

Giants first baseman Rafael Devers apologized to manager Tony Vitello and said his actions at first base in the ninth inning of San Francisco's one-run loss to Miami on Sunday are being "blown out of proportion."

Usually a subplot, the race for the World Cup Golden Boot is one of the main talking points at the 2026 tournament as the top marksmen set a blistering pace.

The former swimmer, 41, announced his engagement to girlfriend Molly Gillihan, a 37-year-old kindergarten teacher, last week, 15 months after his estranged wife filed for divorce.

The San Antonio standout proved to the world once again that San Antonio is a basketball city. The Atlanta Hawks chose Brennan alumnus Kingston Flemings from the University of Houston with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft.The former Houston Cougar decided to take his talents to the NBA after a phenomenal freshman year. In the 2025-26 season, Flemings, along with the Houston Cougars, put up an impressive 30-7 overall record. Its no surprise that the Cougars could potentially have four players from this season drafted to the NBA in a single draft.Flemings and the Houston Cougars announced on social media about this years NBA Draft on April 19. Flemings said it wasnt part of the plan at first.It was never always the plan. Honestly, after the season, I was so down after the Illinois game, Flemings said.The Cougars lost to Illinois in the Sweet 16 round. He said once the loss was processed, thats when talks of the NBA draft started. Then the potential for dreams to become a reality followed.Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson said Flemings season was no surprise. He said because of their first impressions, Sampson knew Flemings was special.When I started watching Kingston, the first thing that jumped out to me was how selfless and loyal he is, Sampson said.He knew Flemings would represent what he was building in Houston.He played for the same AAU team, he played with the same high school team with the same coach, he said.Sampson admitted he took a small chance when he gave Flemings a massive opportunity to be a starting Cougar. But he said he knew the trust he had in Flemings.Weve got a bunch of guys in the NBA. Some were more ready to play than others. Kingston is going to be a really good NBA player. His ceiling is very high at the next level, Sampson added.Sampson knows his young former superstar will thrive at the next level because of the way Flemings worked on the court and off. That work ethic translates to confidence.It doesnt matter where youre picked. When teams draft a Houston player, they know what theyre going to get out of them, Flemings said. My focus is always basketball. Ive played basketball my whole life. In San Antonio, its obviously easier because Im around my siblings, so I could just mess with them all day.Flemings said theres a lot to be excited and proud of, but hes also ready to get to work. Coach (Sampson) used to always say, If youre not getting better, youre getting worse, so I think just staying consistent every single day and just trying to get better in any little way, he added. If its 0.1% or 1%, just if youre getting better, youre getting better. Just trying to do that in any way. If its better as a person, better at basketball, better at shooting, better at passing, learning my teammates better.As a Cougar, Flemings checked many boxes and accomplished much. Here are the honors he earned in just one full season as a Houston Cougar:2025-26 Consensus Second-Team All-American2025-26 John R. Wooden Award All-America Team2025-26 All-America Second Team (NABC)2025-26 All-America Second Team (USBWA)2025-26 All-America Second Team (The Sporting News)2025-26 All-America Second Team (CBS Sports)2025-26 All-America Second Team (Field of 68)2025-26 All-America Second Team (Andy Katz)2025-26 Bob Cousy Award Finalist2025-26 All-Freshman First Team (Andy Katz)2025-26 All-Big 12 Conference First Team2025-26 NABC All-Gulf District First Team2025-26 Big 12 Conference All-Freshman TeamUSBWA Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week (Nov. 18, 2025)Lute Olson Award National Player of the Week (Nov. 17, 2025)Big 12 Player of the Week (Nov. 17, 2025)Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (Nov. 17, 2025)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Feb. 9, 2026)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Jan. 26, 2026)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Jan. 12, 2026)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Dec. 22, 2025)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Dec. 8, 2025)Big 12 Starting Five of the Week (Nov. 17, 2025)Per the Houston Cougars Sports Information team, Flemings is the first freshman in program history to earn All-America honors. On top of that, he set Houstons freshman single-game scoring record with 42 points against Texas Tech University. Also, he is the first freshman in school history to start 37 games in a season and was one of five Cougars to play in all 37.Hes the first freshman to lead the team in assists since the 2015-16 season.Flemings attended William J. Brennan High School in San Antonio. His head coach at Brennan was Koty Cowgill.

Lionel Messi has been mesmerizing. Kylian Mbapp has been, well, magnifique.Two of the biggest stars of the World Cup are setting records with history-making goals in a sizzling start that has even the most casual soccer fans in the U.S. taking notice.Messi has five goals in Argentina's first two matches, setting the record for career World Cup goals with 18. Mbapp has scored four times for France, moving into a tie for second with 16 goals.Leo always scores, Mbapp said. Hell always score. If I want to look at what Leos doing, Ill have to do even more.They are not alone in hitting the back of the net. Norway's Erling Haaland already has four in his country's first two games at the World Cup since 1998. And Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo broke out with two goals against Uzbekistan on Tuesday to raise his career World Cup total to 10.But Messi and Mbapp are the maestros making this World Cup their personal symphony. It's one they've been writing since the 2022 final in Qatar, when Messi scored twice and Mbapp three times before Argentina finally won on penalty kicks in a title game for the ages.There should be plenty of music still to come from both. Argentina and France have already clinched spots in the elimination rounds, and both are among the favorites to win the tournament.Messi is defying age in a young man's gameMessi has scored most of his World Cup goals at an age when most top scorers would be well past their prime.He has 12 World Cup goals since he turned 35, and he will turn 39 on Wednesday, three days before Argentina plays its final group-stage match against Jordan.Messi, the former Barcelona icon who now plays for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, still possesses exquisite touch and passing in traffic, and energy and stamina that carry him through an entire match.His second goal against Austria came late. Messi passed to teammate Julin lvarez, whose shot was blocked. Messi chased the rebound and slid the shot through two defenders to seal a 2-0 victory.We knew that he is on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed us today that hes one of the best, and he is the best, Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said.Mbapp chasing Messi with every goalAt 27, Mbapp is in his physical prime with the speed and power to chase Messi's record, not just in this tournament but likely for years to come.He was just 19 when he led France to the 2018 World Cup title in Russia. With his goal against Croatia, he joined Pel as the only teenagers to score in a World Cup final.Mbapp scored four goals in the in the 2018 tournament and has been on a charge ever since. The Real Madrid forward's speed haunts defenders and his power shooting with with both feet can overwhelm a goalkeeper.He was the Golden Boot winner as the top scorer with eight goals in 2022. His 16 career World Cup goals match Miroslav Klose of Germany, one ahead of Brazil great Ronaldo.Mbapp scores at a much higher rate than Messi. His 16 goals have come in 16 matches since 2018. Messi has played in 28 matches across six tournaments dating to 2006.Ive always scored goals in the World Cup, so its not something Im thinking about or that Im worried about," Mbapp said.Haaland making his mark in World Cup debutNorway's 6-foot-5 striker could be the biggest threat to Messi and Mbapp as the World Cup's top goal scorer if Norway can stay in the tournament long enough.The 25-year-old Manchester City star has been one of the top strikers in Europe for several years and scored two goals in each of Norway's two victories.Norway will meet Mbapp and France on the pitch Friday. Both teams have already advanced to the next round, and the winner of the match wins the group.Were through (to the next round), which is incredible, Haaland said. So I couldnt care too much about that game now. They (France) are probably going to win against us, theyre probably going to win the whole tournament.Norway coach Stale Solbakken says Haaland is the player who can push the team deep into the tournament.He is is the best striker, Solbakken said. He's not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.Mbapp disagreed. Only he didn't point at himself.It's clear," Mbapp said. (Messi) is the best in the world.___AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Cameron Norrie has admitted he may be forced to miss his own stag party this summer if he enjoys another memorable run at Wimbledon.The British No 1 has arranged a short trip to Ibiza with a close group of friends ahead of his December wedding to American fiance Louise Jacobi.There is just one problem for the 30-year-old the getaway is scheduled for July 11 and 12, which coincides with the closing weekend of the Championships.Norrie has already shown he can thrive on the grass courts of SW19, reaching the semi-finals in 2022 before backing that up with a quarter-final appearance last year.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayWith the left-hander set to be seeded 19th for this year's tournament, another deep run would leave him with an enviable dilemma."I'm actually planning to go to Ibiza with all my friends," Norrie said."That's a question mark actually, because we're planning it for the semi-final weekend of Wimbledon."So if I'm still in Wimbledon, then it's a great problem to have. But I want to just enjoy it."The former world No 8 explained that the trip is intended to be a low-key celebration rather than an all-out party, with padel among the activities planned."We'll play some padel over there and just do some different stuff," he added."Just a very short one, but I never do stuff like that. So it would be very cool."It's a win-win I guess, if I am still in Wimbledon.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Fifa ban commentator from World Cup after furious meltdownLionel Messi is ending the Cristiano Ronaldo debate at this summer's World CupThomas Tuchel makes complaint ahead of England and Ghana World Cup clash"My friends will go anyway, they've got everything booked they'll hopefully be watching the tennis from there."Norrie and Jacobi became engaged in South Africa towards the end of last year and are due to tie the knot in London during the off-season in December.The South African-born star acknowledged that his bride-to-be has taken charge of most of the wedding preparations while he has been tasked with organising the celebrations once the formalities are over."We're doing a food tasting over the grass, which will be something different," Norrie said."It was quite nice to go to a recent wedding in Barcelona together."We got the chance to think about what we like and what we don't like so much."But, yeah, she's done the majority of it, to be fair. I'm helping organise the after-party, so that should be good."Norrie admitted the big day is beginning to feel close as he balances his tennis commitments with preparations for married life."We got engaged in South Africa at the end of last year," he said."I've been really excited about it. It's coming close."There's a lot of work to do, a lot of speeches, a lot of things to organise, outfits to get ready."The Brit deliberately chose a December wedding date to ensure he could fully embrace the occasion without worrying about the demands of the ATP Tour."I picked that date because I really want to make the most of it and properly spend the time to enjoy it," he explained."It'll be pre-season, I'll get back to practising, but we can really spend the time to enjoy it properly. So that'll be nice."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

The resolution is largely symbolic, but it adds to pressure on the White House to end the conflict once and for all.

People tell BBC Your Voice the rising cost of private dentistry is putting them in a difficult position.

Der neue Abwehrchef Jonathan Tah bekommt - nach Schlotterbecks WM-Aus - mit Ex-Abwehrchef Antonio Rdiger einen neuen Partner. Auch seine spielerische Rolle wird sich ndern.[mehr]