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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMKing's Tardis entrance as Commonwealth Games beginThese Games are the first with King Charles as Head of the Commonwealth [Getty Images]King Charles III, the Loch Ness Monster and thousands of athletes and Para-athletes took centre stage as the 2026 Commonwealth Games officially began with the opening ceremony.King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived into Glasgow's Hydro Arena in Doctor Who's Tardis a reference to the blue police boxes seen around the city.After taking their seats alongside new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who was attending his first major engagement since replacing Sir Keir Starmer, athletes from the 74 competing nations and territories entered the arena.Those from Botswana were the first to emerge, with athletes dressed in the colours of their nations, including Ghana's red, green, yellow and black stripes, South Africa in Springbok-style rugby jerseys, and Barbados in blue and yellow combined with tartan scarves.The ceremony's stage was shaped to represent a Celtic knot [Getty Images]One of the louder cheers came for the Falklands Islands in the news recently following Argentina's victory over England in the football World Cup semi-finals and another followed when the Samoa team emerged and performed a haka in front of the dignitaries in the Royal Box.But nothing compared to the noise which greeted the arrival of the Scotland team, who entered the arena last in their white shirts and kilts and lifted many in the capacity crowd from their seats.A large Loch Ness Monster representation then emerged, before, backed by bagpipers and drummers, a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland followed.The next section of the evening featured theatrical performances a show billed as "a love letter to Glasgow and the Commonwealth".It began with a performance by Scottish folk and country singer Nathan Evans and a dance under a replica of Glasgow Central Station's iconic clock.The saying "Meet me under the clock" is famous in these parts.Singer Callum Beattie's rendition of Baccara's Yes Sir, I Can Boogie the 1970s disco tune recently adopted as Scotland's unofficial anthem - had the Scottish athletes dancing in their seats.Held indoors in front of about 10,000 people, this was a more intimate ceremony than the last time Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games, when a 40,000-strong crowd witnessed the opening of the Games in 2014 at Celtic Park.There was a point, after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as hosts in 2023, when some thought these Games would not happen. Glasgow stepped in at short notice to ensure otherwise.There are eight fewer sports involved compared to 2014, given the short build-up, and venues from 12 years ago have been repurposed.But Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare, wearing a tartan kilt in the colours of his home country Uganda, said this edition has been made possible by the "extraordinary legacy of 2014 and by a city that once again welcomes us with warm hearts and open arms".As it happened: Dancing, teacakes & King Charles star in vibrant opening ceremonyActor Sam Heughan was part of a segment featuring the Loch Ness Monster [Getty Images]George Black, chair of Glasgow 2026, added: "When the future of these Games was uncertain, Glasgow didn't ask: 'Can we?'"We asked: 'When do we get started?'"People across this city should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the past 18 months."Venues opened their doors. Communities opened their hearts."Businesses, artists, schools, volunteers, partners, neighbours and the people of Glasgow came together with one shared belief: that the Commonwealth Games matter and that the world deserves to experience them."Scottish singer KT Tunstall's rendition of No Scotland No Party another anthem of the Tartan Army this summer later in the evening was fitting on this occasion.Prior to that, the King's Baton was brought into the arena while singer Nina Nesbitt performed another Scottish classic, the Proclaimers' classic I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).The King used his speech to stress the importance of preventing plastic pollution in oceans and waterways."I extend my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow and all those have made this event possible," he said."As we share our love of sport and our planet, let us build a harmonious future for our families and each other."The sporting action runs across the next 10 days before the Games conclude with the closing ceremony on Sunday, 2 August, back at the Hydro.The first medals are set to be won in Para-powerlifting in the early evening of Friday.Over 3,000 athletes are set to take part in this year's Commonwealth Games [Getty Images]Hundreds of dancers and musicians were part of the opening ceremony [Getty Images]King Charles said the Games are a reminder the Commonwealth is a "unique and extraordinary family of nations" [Getty Images]Is 2026 the Commonwealth Games' last dance or a future-proofing revamp?All you need to know about Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth GamesIs Glasgow ready for the Commonwealth Games - and does the city care?0 Comments 0 Shares 57 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMNew Michigan head coach Mike Boynton says days following Dusty May's Mavericks departure were 'like drinking out of a fire hydrant'A month after the whirlwind series of events that led to Dusty May becoming the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, new Michigan head coach Mike Boynton Jr. is speaking on how things went down.In an interview with the Field of 68 on Thursday, Boynton said that he knew that May was considering leaving following the Wolverines' victory in the NCAA championship, but that the two of them didn't have a conversation about next steps until the day before May took the job. May's hire was officially announced by Dallas on Tuesday, June 23.Boynton said that they'd had an inkling that there would be a leadership change at Michigan, as May's "name came up for pretty much every job, all spring, at every level," Boynton said. That included then-open positions at North Carolina, the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic, which were all subsequently filled.Boynton, who spent seven seasons as the head coach at Oklahoma State, added that he was "sensitive" about trying to pry into what was going on with May."I really didn't know, and I really wasn't all that interested in finding out, because I didn't want him to feel like I was just another guy trying to seek information," Boynton said.He added that he and May had talked after the coach had returned from a visit with the Mavericks."Dusty and I had a conversation I think Sunday, after he returned from visiting with them, that he was really contemplating whether he would take it or not," he continued. "And part of the conversation was what would that mean for me and whether I wanted to try to take this thing over and continue it, or maybe even perhaps join him in Dallas. It was a conversation that was brief, but because of the briefness of the conversation I didn't have a whole lot of time to process, if it happened, what would be next."The next morning, May and Boynton were running Michigan's camp when Boynton heard the official news not from May, but from a tweet from ESPN insider Shams Charania. That led to a meeting with Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel."Literally as I'm walking out of opening camp, I get a notification from Shams that Dusty's taken the Mavericks job," Boynton said, "and Dusty had asked if I would go to Warde's office and meet with him to figure out, you know, at least for that day, what it needed to look like."Since all of the players were there when the news dropped, Boynton said, they needed to do something akin to damage control."We needed to at least coalesce those guys around a message about staying together and continuing this," Boynton said. "And from there on, man, it's been like drinking out of a fire hydrant."Boynton said that his early duties as the then-interim head coach included talking to all of the players, as well as the players' families and players' agents."It's been like 24 hours in a day hasn't been enough. I need like five more hours in this day," Boynton joked.But Boynton, whose career at OSU ended on a strained note, said that he didn't necessarily know if he would be at the helm of a major program again, and that he was "grateful" for the chance."My history's well-documented. Two years ago, it was even less likely that I would be in this position now. But I'm very thankful," Boynton said.Boynton officially became the Wolverines' full-fledged head coach earlier this month, losing the "interim" tag after just two weeks.0 Comments 0 Shares 59 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMAnalyst reveals deeper motives behind 49ers' Mike Evans signingMike Evans gives the San Francisco 49ers a legitimate No. 1 receiver for the first time in years, but Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr believes the move addresses two problems that go beyond the receiver room.The first is Christian McCaffrey's rushing efficiency. San Francisco finished 30th in yards per carry last season the first time a Kyle Shanahan-called offense has finished outside the top 10 in that stat since 2021. Orr connects that decline directly to how defenses have treated McCaffrey, who saw nearly 30% of his carries against eight-man boxes last year, one of the highest rates in the league.Evans, Orr argues, should change that math. The 30-year-old drew double coverage on 35% of his routes last season, sixth-most among receivers league-wide. That kind of attention typically pulls a safety out of the box and Orr believes teams have instead been shifting that extra defender toward stopping McCaffrey.The idea is straightforward: if Evans forces a safety into coverage, the box in front of McCaffrey gets lighter, and the 49ers' rushing attack long a staple of Shanahan's offense gets back to functioning the way it has for most of his tenure.The second point Orr raises is about time. The 49ers have the second-oldest roster in the NFL with the inclusion of Evans, so Orr suggested the signing means the 49ers think their championship window is closing at the same rate as the Los Angeles Rams', who went all-in this offseason with trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.It's hard to imagine Kyle Shanahan getting more juice out of George Kittle, Trent Williams, Evans and Kyle Juszczyk than he will this season.That's a notable statement given how the "championship window" conversation has evolved around the NFL, with several quarterbacks playing at a high level well into their late 30s. But Orr's point isn't really about age it's about the specific combination of players San Francisco has right now. Kittle, Williams and Juszczyk are all past 30, and asking them to be this productive for another full season, let alone multiple, is a bet the 49ers may not want to make twice.Add Evans to that mix, and the read from Orr is less about building for the future and more about maximizing what's left of the present. The rushing dynamics might improve immediately, but Evans also gives what is already an aging core of players another piece to push for a title.This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Analyst reveals deeper motives behind 49ers' Mike Evans signing0 Comments 0 Shares 59 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMAfter last year's bummer of a season, Arch Manning keys in on making this a great season at TexasTAMPA, Fla. (AP) The quarterback who could get picked first in next year's NFL draft isn't going to lose focus thinking about what looks like a bright 2027. And he sure isn't going to waste a lot of time worrying about his less-than-perfect 2025.Arch Manning of Texas, the latest in the long line of football's royal family of quarterbacking, took 20 minutes worth of questions Thursday to close out SEC Media Days. He mostly spoke about 2026. I'm not worried about anything in the future right now, he said. Im worried about getting through this interview."He did just fine. Sporting a burnt-orange necktie and a Longhorn pin on his lapel, the son of Cooper, nephew of Peyton and Eli, and grandson of Archie ran the gantlet with reporters lined up three-deep to speak with him.How does it feel to be compared to others, both in and out of your family? Im trying to do better not comparing myself to others. They say comparison is the defeat of joy.Is he looking forward to leading the Longhorns into Uncle Peytons old stomping grounds, Neyland Stadium at Tennessee? Theyve got a good coach and good players. Were excited to go. Im not going to make it about me.Whats his favorite hobby? Answer: golf. I broke 80 for the first time last week. Well, pretty much. I gave myself a putt.Certainly, there's still work to do for the 22-year-old junior-to-be, whose body and reputation took a beating with the Longhorns over a tumultuous, 10-3 season in 2025. Heading into his second season as the starter, Manning insists he tries to minimize the expectations that have been heaped on him since he emerged in high school as a surefire star-to-be or the criticism from those who said his 3-2 start last year that dropped him down those NFL draft boards made him one of the biggest busts in college football history. Everyone has an opinion and people get paid to talk in the media, so there's really nothing you can do, he said. I'm trying to control the controllables.He got sacked 23 times last season and was under pressure more than that. Because he's a Manning, everything from his reactions after bad plays to his release time somewhere around 3.2 seconds got dissected way more than would those of a typical above-average college QB. Texas opened last season with a 14-7 loss to Ohio State and followed that five weeks later with a six-sack, 29-21 loss to a Florida team that turned out to not be very good. Standing out in the loss to the Gators was the image of Manning virtually folded in half, sandwiched by a pair of Gator linebackers, after one of the six sacks. And a video of him plopping down on the bench, dejected, after one of his two interceptions that day. That he came back from that game to go 7-1, throw 20 touchdowns and get the 'Horns back in the playoff conversation sometimes gets overlooked. Texas plays both teams again this year, starting with the Buckeyes on Sept. 14. The Longhorns brought in receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn and a pair of running backs, Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State), to help their star QB.I think what he got put through probably would have melted or destroyed 99% of people in his shoes, coach Steve Sarkisian said. All he did was stay consistent and true to who he was, which was to continue to work hard, continue to be a great teammate, try to get better, and he did.And that, Manning said, is pretty much the goal again for 2026.If he lives up to expectations, then it would be no big surprise to hear his name called first come draft day. He is scheduled to graduate in December. Neither that nor any conversation about his family, his future or his place in the game are going to shift his focus. I just want to be remembered as a good teammate and someone who did whatever it took to help the team win and help the team get closer, he said. I'm not really worried about my legacy. I just want to win games and have a good time.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football0 Comments 0 Shares 59 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMKing and Queen emerge from Tardis to open Glasgow Commonwealth Games[PA Media]King Charles and Queen Camilla emerged from a Tardis at the start of a spectacular Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow.The royal couple drew gasps and cheers from the audience at the Hydro as they appeared on a stage that had been turned into a giant garden.Flags from 74 nations and territories were carried into the arena during the event, which also featured the Loch Ness monster and performances from Nathan Evans, Tom Walker and KT Tunstall. The show celebrated the story of Glasgow - from its industrial past to its vibrant nigh life - ahead of a Games that will see 215 medals awarded across 10 sports.Alex Marshall led Team Scotland into the arena [PA Media]Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth were among the dignitaries in the royal box for a show that lasted two hours and 20 minutes.Glasgow, which hosted the event in 2014, stepped in to stage it for a second time after the Australian city of Victoria pulled out due to soaring costs.Although on a smaller scale to previous editions, the 23rd Games will see a record 47 para-sports events. The stage was transformed into a magical Scottish garden [Reuters]In a spectacular opening scene, six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy and actor Greg McHugh emerged from the Tardis to cheers before they were, to the audience's surprise, followed by the King and Queen.After the royal couple took their seats an 18-strong Royal Scottish National Orchestra Youth Chorus entered, stood among the garden paths, and sang God Save The King.King Charles, Queen Camilla & PM Burnham watch athletes parade at Commonwealth GamesGlasgow set to welcome the world for scaled-back Commonwealth GamesThen, for the first time in Commonwealth Games history, the athletes took centre stage by parading into the arena before the ceremony fully got under way.The African nations led the way with Botswana the first to enter the Hydro.The segment was titled Ceud Mle Filte - Scottish-Gaelic for "a hundred thousand welcomes". Outlander star Sam Heughan posed with a giant model of the Loch Ness Monster [PA Media]This year there was no baton relay across the Commonwealth but each of the 74 nations and territories was given a wooden baton to decorate.As they entered, the team's baton bearer handed the baton to one of three gardeners on stage.It is was then planted on stage to create a colourful garden. The soundtrack, by Skye-based Valstos, fused trad and electronic music and mixed in samples from the country's musical traditions.Organisers said it was designed to be "a symbol of common ground, bringing a piece of every nation and territory into a shared celebration of the natural world that connects us all."The last baton was brought in by Team Scotland, who received the loudest cheer of the night as they were led in by Alex Marshall - who has won five Commonwealth gold medals in bowls - and judo champion Sarah Adlington.The team from Samoa roared onto the stage [PA Media]After the parade, a piper appeared in a spotlight and played a single note. The Loch Ness monster appeared on screen before being magically coaxed on to the stage by Outlander star Sam Heughan.Pipers and drummers, including in the upper decks of the arena, delivered a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland.The focus then switched to a day in the life of the host city, with a dance section featuring the famous Glasgow Central Station clock.People mimicked the 10 sports that will be played during the Games.Singer Callum Beattie was one of the stars of the night [PA Media]Nathan Evans - who shot to fame with his sea shanty Wellerman in 2021 - entered and began to sing with the Saint PHNX Band.The song took over the station scene like a flash mob and unleashed the joy of the song's message: Scotland is a place called home.Three city guides then told the story of Glasgow, using staging inspired by Scotland's pioneering textile industry and the River Clyde's shipbuilding heritage.The city's legendary nightlife was celebrated with a section that paid tribute to venues such as the Barrowland Ballroom and the Sub Club.Singer Callum Beattie then appeared - flanked by dancing silver unicorns and stars - and sang Scotland's unofficial football anthem, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie by Baccara.Team Scotland got to their feet and soon athletes from every nation were showing off their best dance moves in a moment to remember.Team England enjoyed their entrance [PA Media]The mood became more sombre as the Commonwealth Sport flag was raised after a procession involving members of the armed forces.Three Team Scotland representatives - Paul Foster (bowls), Robyn Love (3x3 Wheelchair Basketball) and former athletics manager Leslie Roy - then took the Commonwealth oath.The King and Queen watched on with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney [PA Media]Dr Donald Rukare, president of Commonwealth Sport, told the audience the "extraordinary legacy" of Glasgow 2014 had made the "reimagined Games" possible.The Ugandan - who was wearing a Wallace tartan kilt in his country's colours - thanked those who had made the multi-sports event possible.He added: "For the next 11 days, 74 nations and territories, thousands of athletes and supporters, and countless cultures and stories come together, united by one simple idea: that sport has the power to bring people together."In a world that can sometimes feel divided, that matters more than ever."It was all smiles from Team Wales [PA Media]George Black, chair of Glasgow 2026, said the city made "extraordinary things happen".He told the audience: "When the future of these Games was uncertain, Glasgow didn't ask, 'Can we?' We asked, 'When do we get started?'"Black concluded by telling the assembled athletes: "This is your time."Smiles all round from the athletes from Northern Ireland [PA Media]After the speeches, a choir hummed a stripped-back arrangement of The Proclaimers' anthem I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) as footage of the King's Baton Relay was shown on the giant screen.Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt then performed an acoustic version of the famous track as phones lit up the arena.The King's Baton was then paraded around the Hydro by swimmer Hannah Miley and para-cycling great Neil Fachie.The athletes from Malaysia were as colourful as any who took part [PA Media]The baton was finally passed to professional basketball player Kieron Achara, who handed it to the King.The monarch opened then read aloud a message he had placed in the baton in March last year - 500 days before the start of the Games.King Charles said a key theme of the relay had been raising awareness of plastic pollution and the damage it causes to marine life.He told the audience: "I extend my warmest gratitude to the city of Glasgow, all the athletes, organisers, volunteers and all those who have made this event possible."Dancers wore star outfits in tribute to Glasgow's famous Barrowlands Ballroom [Reuters]The final chapter of the ceremony featured a rousing musical section, which was kicked off by Tom Walker singing his international hit Leave the Light On.Scotland's own KT Tunstall then performed two of her greatest hits, Black Horse & the Cherry Tree and Suddenly I See.KT Tunstall got the crowd going [PA Media]In between, she channelled the energy of the Tartan Army from the World Cup by leading the crowd in a a chant of "No Scotland No Party".Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band then replayed the beat of their hit Home, as they returned to the stage.A giant teacake was lowered from above the stage in one of the closing performances [Reuters]The finale involved a giant pyrotechnic Teacake taking off from the centre of the stage.This was a nod to the dancing Teacakes which provided one of the most memorable moments of the 2014 opening ceremony at Celtic Park.As one of the biggest global gatherings the city has seen came to end, it was impossible not to feel uplifted.The hope for these Games is that the best is yet to come.Is Glasgow ready for the Commonwealth Games - and does the city care?Five big names to look out for at Glasgow 20260 Comments 0 Shares 88 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMModric extends contract with AC MilanLuka Modric won the 2018 Ballon d'Or (Kamil Krzaczynski)Croatian veteran Luka Modric has extended his contract with AC Milan by one season, the Serie A club announced on Thursday.The midfielder will turn 41 in less than two months' time but has committed to Milan until June 30, 2027.Modric joined the Italian heavyweights in 2025, scoring two goals in 37 matches last season."One of the finest and most iconic players in world football, the Croatian will continue his journey in the Rossoneri shirt," AC Milan said in a statement.Modric was a finalist at the 2018 World Cup with Croatia, also picking up that year's Ballon d'Or, and won six Champions League titles while playing for Real Madrid between 2012 to 2025.At this summer's World Cup, he led Croatia to the round of 32, where they suffered a dramatic elimination at the hands of Portugal.Having finished fifth in Serie A following a disappointing season, AC Milan have changed their coach, with former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim taking over from Massimiliano Allegri.They have also signed Portuguese centre-forward Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for over 70 million euros ($80 million), as well as Spanish defender Mario Gila from Lazio for 30 million euros, according to specialist football website Transfermarkt.dar/nf/ach0 Comments 0 Shares 71 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMNCAA Division I board: No plans to change age-based eligibility rule being challenged in courtThe NCAA Division I Board of Directors doubled down Thursday on the new age-based eligibility rule that has prompted some athletes to go to court in hopes of extending their college careers.The Division I Cabinet, which approved the new rule last month, issued a similar statement last month after a group of basketball players filed a lawsuit in an Ohio state court contending the age-based model unfairly shuts them out of further competition. More lawsuits have been filed across the country since, some of them reportedly with their coaches' encouragement.The board statement indicates it won't budge from its stance like it did when, in response to former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia's 2024 court win, it granted an additional year to athletes who had competed at non-NCAA schools for at least one season and were set to complete their eligibility.We are encouraged by the Division I memberships broad support of the age-based eligibility rules," the board said Thursday. "The design of the new rules, including its implementation strategy, was thoughtful and well informed, and was unanimously supported by the Cabinet, including its student-athlete members. "The Board has no plans to modify their application, notwithstanding a series of lawsuits recently filed on behalf of student-athletes with no remaining eligibility. We look forward to ensuring that the age-based eligibility rules are enforced consistently so that all institutions play by the same rules, like all participants in sports.The age-based eligibility rule allows athletes five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. The move all but eliminates waivers or redshirt years for extended eligibility except for religious missions, pregnancy or active-duty military service. Extensions will no longer be considered for athletes who are injured.Athletes whose eligibility expired by spring 2026 under the traditional model four years of competition over five years will not be allowed a fifth year of competition under the new rules that go into effect this fall.That was the impetus for the first lawsuit, in Ohio. A judge granted a preliminary injunction that allowed the players to enter the transfer portal and the case now heads to trial. Athletes in other cases across the country also have won preliminary injunctions.Earlier this week, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the conference ended up supporting the rule despite some leaders misgivings about its timing. Sankey said there was a thought that the Protect College Sports Act currently circulating in the Senate could solve the problem. He also said the conference wasnt presented with data to justify the change.We got on a fast track in this environment because ... people are looking for solutions, he said in an interview with The Associated Press. That doesnt mean there are solutions but its just Oh, what were doing isnt working. Theres so many waivers, theres so much controversy about eligibility, this must be better. But were not sure if it is.___AP National Writer Eddie Pells contributed to this report.___AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports0 Comments 0 Shares 70 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMDamage! Darren Elkins returns, added to UFC Vegas 120 against Cuban prospectORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 03: Darren Elkins is seen during his featherweight fight against Jonathan Pearce during the UFC Fight Night event at Amway Center on December 03, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)There will be blood seriously.Longtime Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight veteran Darren Elkins is officially back, as The Damage returns to action against Cuban prospect Yadier del Valle at UFC Vegas 120 next month.The event goes down Sat., Aug. 8, 2026, inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.The promotion announced the matchup today in a press release.Elkins (29-12) will enter the Octagon after a 16-month layoff. In his most recent outing at UFC 314, the 41-year-old veteran was destroyed by Julian Erosa (watch highlights), which snapped a two-fight win streak.Before that loss, Elkins had picked up back-to-back wins over Daniel Pineda and TJ Brown, proving once again that counting him out is usually a bad idea.And, well, UFC is doing the classic Elkins thing again.Throw him at a hot prospect and see what happens.Of course, Elkins has been here before. Several times, actually. The Damage has spent much of his UFC career as the blood-and-guts veteran test for younger, flashier fighters, and he has ruined more than a few plans along the way, including some iconic ones (like this).Del Valle (10-1), meanwhile, is looking to rebound from the first loss of his professional career after getting dominated by Jordan Leavitt in his last outing.Prior to that defeat, The Problem looked like one of the more interesting Featherweight prospects in the division, scoring consecutive first-round submission wins over Connor Matthews and Isaac Dulgarian (watch highlights).However, his win over Dulgarian later became part of an FBI investigation over betting concerns, adding a weird cloud to what was otherwise a very impressive performance.While Del Valles hype cooled a little after the Leavitt loss, the Cuban prospect is still well-rounded, dangerous and very talented.Here is what UFC Vegas 120 currently looks like:Mateusz Gamrot vs. Quillan SalkilldDiego Ferreira vs. Billy QuarantilloAmanda Lemos vs. Alexia ThainaraDarren Elkins vs. Yadier del ValleSteven Asplund vs. Guilherme PatJuliana Miller vs. Ravena OliveiraJose Montanha vs. Louie SutherlandBruno Lopes vs. Diyar NurgozhayBilly Ray Goff vs. Ty MillerTo checkout UFCs upcoming schedule of events click here.0 Comments 0 Shares 68 Views 0 Reviews
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SPORTS.YAHOO.COMHull KR inflict more derby misery on Hull FCJoe Burgess' second-half try was his 14th of the season [Getty Images]Betfred Super LeagueHull FC (12) 20Tries: Batchelor, D Litten, Arthur Goals: Hardaker 4Hull KR (12) 28Tries: Amone, Mourgue, Broadbent, Burgess, Dezaria Goals: Mourgue 7Out-of-form Super League champions Hull KR put a stop to their losing run as they battled back to beat city rivals Hull FC in a feisty derby.The struggling home side, who have now won just one of their past 11 games, raced into a 12-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes thanks to tries from Joe Batchelor and Davy Litten, but scores from Tom Amone and Arthur Mourgue levelled the game at the break.Jack Broadbent's try put the Robins in front for the first time on the night and Joe Burgess raced in for a 95-metre intercept try to give the away side breathing room.Jake Arthur gave the hosts a glimmer of hope from Zak Hardaker's wonderful grubber kick, but Jordan Dezaria powered over to cap the win as the Robins moved back into the play-off positions in fifth.In what was Willie Peters' final derby game as KR coach, his side extended their winning run to nine in a row against their rivals.Despite the bright start, Thursday's result was a sixth straight loss for second-bottom Hull FC, whose miserable season continues.Robins' derby dominance goes onThis was the second derby between the sides this month after they met at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium three weeks ago in a Magic Weekend game in which the Robins had to dig deep to win 26-12.Off the back of defeats by Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves since that success, the Robins got off to the worst possible start when they lost their captain's challenge inside 90 seconds and then fell two scores behind after Batchelor went in from Aidan Sezer's line-breaking run and Davy Litten did well to ground the ball under pressure.The visitors, who claimed the World Club Challenge against Brisbane Broncos in their last game at the MKM Stadium in February, could have gone under.However, they regained their composure and Amone barrelled over after good work from Jez Litten before Mourgue, in for the suspended Mikey Lewis, scored as the teams went in 12-12 at the break.After a Hardaker penalty put the home side back in the lead after a high tackle on Lennon Clark, Broadbent climbed highest to grab a Jez Litten kick and battled over to put Peters' men on top for the first time.Burgess, back in the 13 after being left out of the squad entirely last week, intercepted a Jake Arthur pass five metres from his own line and held off a tackle from Logan Moy to run in and put KR in charge.A helter-skelter passage of play ended with Hardaker showing brilliant football skills to tee up Arthur to reduce the arrears after a superb offload by Harvey Barron, but a comeback was not on the cards and Frenchman Dezaria powered over from close range for his first try for the Robins.Hull FC, whose owners put out a statement earlier in the week accepting responsibility for their wretched campaign, head to bottom club Huddersfield Giants next Thursday, while KR welcome Bradford Bulls next Friday.Peters proud of Hull KR 'fight' - reactionHull FC interim coach Andy Last told BBC Radio Humberside:"Really disappointed, it would have been great to get two points. Unbelievable crowd came in on the back of a season where we have really struggled. The loyalty of the supporters is second to none."We got off to a great start. We felt the start was important for us to get that engagement with the supporters and we thought Rovers were a bit fragile after their last two performances, so it couldn't have gone any better."The tries we conceded were real soft ones and that was down to fatigue."Second half, Rovers just did what they do which is suffocate you of field position. I ended up with a bit of a neck ache because I was looking to my left all the time. That pressure they put you under forced us into some uncharacteristic errors."Hull KR head coach Willie Peters told BBC Humberside:"I'm really proud. The first 10 minutes was a nervous start, 12 [points] down, it could have got ugly but we fought. "I thought Tom Amone and Kyle Lawton were outstanding. They made a big difference when they came on. I say it every week but what Dean Hadley brings to our team is incredible."[On Elliot Minchella and Jez Litten] "When times get a little bit tough you want your leaders to stand up and that is what I thought both of those guys did tonight and put in great performances."I said before the game that I thought this was the perfect game for us to show we've still got that fight. Being 12-0 down at your rivals to be able to kick on at the back end was what we needed." Hull FC: Moy; Barron, Hardaker, Litten, Briscoe; Arthur, Sezer; Salabio, Cust, Hill, Batchelor, O'Neill, Bell.Interchanges: Bourouh, Clark, Ese'ese, Wood.Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess; Mourgue, May; Sue, Litten, Hadley, Whitbread, Batchelor, Minchella.Interchanges: Amone, Luckley, Lawton, Dezaria.Referee: Chris Kendall.0 Comments 0 Shares 79 Views 0 Reviews