Uros Medic ensured Saturday will be a night Serbian MMA wont soon forget.On an evening where the UFC established new records for the most total finishes (12) and first-round finishes (10) on a single event, Serbias Medic ended the festivities with the finest performance of his UFC career, knocking out Daniel Rodriguez in just 30 seconds to set off a raucous party inside the Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.Medic (14-3) caught Rodriguez clean with a wicked left hand in the opening seconds, then downed the welterweight veteran with a follow-up combination and sealed the deal with a vicious salvo of strikes. Almost immediately after, the emotions poured out of Medic, 33, who is now tied for most first-round knockouts in UFC welterweight history (5).I just want to cry, man. I just want to cry, Medic said post-fight. I missed home so much. Nine years, its a long time. I left as a student, I was 22 years old, with a dream, and look where it got me.I have so many words, I dont think we enough time tonight. With that being said, Im going to cook the rest of this division. With you guys by my side, were going to bring the belt to Serbia.UROS MEDIC KOS DANIEL RODRIGUEZ IN UNDER A MINUTE ANOTHER FIRST-ROUND FINISH (10!) FOR #UFCBELGRADE pic.twitter.com/5W6ag2mE8k Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) August 1, 2026For Rodriguez (20-6), who entered the contest after spending eight months in a Tijuana jail cell on a marijuana possession rap following an arrest while on vacation just two weeks after his UFC 318 win over Kevin Holland, the disappointing performance snaps a three-fight win streak that had him pushing toward a top-10 UFC welterweight ranking.A feast-or-famine fighter with a 100% finishing rate, Medic has now won four straight bouts with first-round stoppages after going 4-3 over his first seven UFC appearances. Listen, theres guys [in the welterweight rankings] I would love to fight, guys like Carlos Prates. Hes way ahead of me in the division, but this would be the fight to remember, Medic said. I asked for Leon Edwards I think hes still in hiding. If he decides to come out of the hole he shoved himself into, Ill be gladly next to knock him out.In the co-main event, light heavyweight up-and-comer Navajo Stirling (11-0) became the first man since 2021 to stop former champion Jan Blachowicz (29-12-2) without the judges help. The unbeaten City Kickboxing prospect floored Blachowicz early in the opening round with a right hand, then swarmed with punches and elbows to secure his biggest win yet at the 2:56 mark of Round 1.If [Khalil] Rountree or [Paulo] Costa want to fight before the year ends, you know who to call 1-800-Im-gonna-whoop-that-ass, Stirling said post-fight.NAVAJO STIRLING FLOORS JAN BLACHOWICZ DOWN [ #UFCBelgrade | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/kc8cafJwWl UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 1, 2026NAVAJO STIRLING COMES IN ON SHORT NOTICE & GETS JAN BLACHOWICZ OUT OF THERE IN ONE ROUND [ #UFCBelgrade | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/OYFqVjqq4L UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 1, 2026Check out complete UFC Belgrade results and highlights below.Main cardWelterweight: Uros Medic def. Daniel Rodriguez via TKO (strikes) at :30 of R1 | Light heavyweight: Navajo Stirling def. Jan Blachowicz via TKO (strikes) at 2:56 of R1 | Watch finishHeavyweight: Aleksandar Raki def. Marcin Tybura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)Middleweight: Robert Valentin def. Dusko Todorovic via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:14 of R1 | Watch finishMiddleweight: Gilbert Urbina def. Vlasto Cepo via TKO (strikes) at 1:01 of R1 | Watch finishLightweight: Noah Gugnon def. Milos Janicic via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:21 of R1 | Watch finishPreliminary cardLightweight: Tofiq Musayev def. Ludovit Klein via TKO (strikes) at 4:07 of R2 | Watch finishWelterweight: Michael Oliveira def. Oban Elliott via TKO (strikes) at 1:49 of R2 | Watch finishBantamweight: Borislav Nikolic def. Mark Vologdin via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)Featherweight: Bogdan Grad def. Dennis Buzukja via submission (head-and-arm choke) at 4:33 of R2 | Watch finishLightweight: Mateusz Rebecki def. Kyle Prepolec via TKO (strikes) at 4:41 of R1 | Watch finishWomen's bantamweight: Nina Milosevic def. Hailey Cowan via TKO (strikes) at 3:41 of R1 | Watch finishHeavyweight: Jovan Leka def. Alexander Poppeck via TKO (strikes) at 2:22 of R1 | Watch finishWomen's strawweight: Stephanie Luciano def. Marina Spasic via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:20 of R1 | Watch finish

Florian Wirtz On No.10 Positions After Iraola CommentsWirtz Embraces Iraola Vision as Liverpool Shape New Attacking IdentityFlorian Wirtz has never hidden where he feels most at home on a football pitch. For much of his career, the German has thrived when given freedom between the lines, able to drift into spaces, connect attacks and dictate the rhythm of a game. Now, under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool appear ready to build around those qualities.The early signs from pre season suggest that Iraola has a clear plan for Wirtz, one that could unlock the midfielders full potential after an encouraging, if occasionally inconsistent, debut campaign at Anfield.Iraola Identifies Wirtzs Best PositionDuring his first season with Liverpool, Wirtz featured both as a No. 10 and from the left flank across 49 appearances. There were flashes of brilliance, though there were also moments when the physical demands of English football limited his overall influence.Iraola believes there is another level to come.Speaking about his plans for the German international, the Liverpool head coach explained to the LFC Website:We know that he was played more on the left sometimes, but we are going to start working with him in that position behind the striker.We want to try to add more things to what he already has, which is very good.Photo: IMAGOThose comments have been warmly received by Wirtz, who admitted the role feels entirely natural.Of course. I mean, I was always more like a No. 10.But I play where the manager puts me. Weve spoken about that as well. Lets see what happens this season.It is a response that reflects both confidence and flexibility, qualities Iraola will value as Liverpool continue adapting to a new tactical direction.Training Brings Fresh OptimismWhile pre season comments often come wrapped in optimism, Wirtzs enthusiasm for Iraolas coaching methods feels significant.The midfielder spoke positively about Liverpools sessions in Chicago, highlighting the intensity and technical emphasis that has quickly become a hallmark of Iraolas approach.I just can say that the training is really fun, I enjoyed every training [session] until now.We play a lot of games and possession, and thats exactly what I like. I just enjoyed it until now.Those remarks follow similar praise from Dominik Szoboszlai, who recently suggested, what we have been missing, its back.Liverpool supporters may now get their first opportunity to see Wirtz operating consistently behind the striker when Iraolas side complete their United States tour against Leeds.Liverpool Ready to Build Around CreativityFor Liverpool, this feels like more than a positional adjustment. Iraolas willingness to place Wirtz at the centre of his attacking structure suggests the German could become the creative heartbeat of this evolving side.If the head coach succeeds in surrounding Wirtz with runners and movement ahead of him, Liverpool may finally see the version of the playmaker that dominated the Bundesliga. After a year of adaptation, the opportunity now exists for Wirtz to become the defining figure in Iraolas new era.

The biggest party of summer is here.Today is the first day of SummerSlam, WWE's biggest event of the summer month and now the biggest weekend of the calendar year that's not WrestleMania. Half of the 12 matches will be held tonight with the other six coming tomorrow.Here's everything you need to know about SummerSlam Saturday.When is WWE SummerSlam?SummerSlam will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1 and 2.Where is SummerSlam?SummerSlam will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.What time does SummerSlam start?SummerSlam begins at 6 p.m. Saturday.How to watch WWE SummerSlam?In the United States, SummerSlam will stream live on ESPN Unlimited. There will also be a three hour countdown show on ESPN beginning at 3 p.m. each day.WWE SummerSlam cardHere is the card for Saturday and Sunday.Saturday Night matchesCM Punk vs. Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE ChampionshipOba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar, Hell in a CellLiv Morgan vs. IYO SKY, Womans World ChampionshipGunther vs. Nick AldisLA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys vs. Jacob Fatu and The UsosThe Bella Twins & Paige vs. Fatal InfluenceThis article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Summerslam 2026 Saturday schedule. What time is SummerSlam. SummerSlam card

The Tennessee Titans took to the field on Saturday for their first public practice of the 2026 season, and while the weather was far from perfect, the fans brought a new energy to the field.With both fans and media in attendance, the coverage and social media takes picked up, and here at Titans Wire, we are focused on bringing all of those social media pieces together in a way that creates a snapshot of the practice and how the players performed.Both JC Latham and Calvin Ridley returned to full activities and were visible throughout the session. In all, it was a solid day to finish off the NFL acclimation period, and now the real competition can begin on Monday when the pads go on.Here are some of the standouts mentioned on the fourth day of practice.Cam Ward continues to show growthOne of the big keys to the Titans' season is Wards development, and that has been on display throughout the early portions of training camp. Ward looked solid on Saturday, and as Austin Stanley of Ato Z Sports points out, he is making some great strides.Cam Ward is already showing growth early in Year 2 as the #Titans QB1 @AustinStanley81 breaks down what he sees Cam doing different already in training camp pic.twitter.com/faPVO7hExC AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) August 1, 2026Jaren Kanak could surpriseWhen the Titans drafted Kanak, it came as a bit of a surprise. The former linebacker is a raw prospect that is still developing, but did flash some abilities in his only season at the position at Oklahoma. Now in camp, Kanak has made plays on multiple days and could carve out a role.Starting to think Jaren Kanak could be the darling of preseason games this year. Two straight catches on balls from Trubisky Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 1, 2026Elic Ayomanor continues to shineAyomanor might be the biggest story of training camp and continues to make plays. The second-year wideout is physical and plays fast, and is clearly taking advantage of every opportunity.Sounds like Ayomanor has been balling Jared Mayo (@jaredmayo22) August 1, 2026Is swing tackle going to be a problem?Offensive line competition and depth have been a story all offseason and through the early portion of camp (even without pads) and were noticeable again at practice on Saturday, where Austin Deculus and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson struggled to hold up.#Titans Training Camp Notes: 8/1/26- JC Latham first day back practicing - Austin Deculus and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson rosted at swing tackle - BIG day from Elic Ayomanor (a player to watch when the pads come on)- Not a great day from the offense, ended up doing push-ups at Parker Kelley (@parker_kelley10) August 1, 2026Now let the fun begin! Saturday was the last mandatory practice held without pads, making it hard to see how the physicality will impact the competition. Luckily, the acclimation period is over, and the real work can begin.This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans training camp: Day 4 standouts and a question mark

If the Hulbert volleyball team is anything, head coach Eva Hooper wants them to be tough.Coming into the season, the Lady Riders are ready to keep rolling with the punches, with a first-year head coach, some losses of senior players and eventual in-season injuries.Hooper thinks the Lady Riders are going to be fine on the court, but with the season looming, she wants to makes sure her team can take adversity and grow from it.I want our team to progress the most in our mental toughness, Hooper said. Weve gone through some changes due to injuries, losing key players from last year and even getting a new head coach. Getting used to big changes and a different type of play can be challenging. I just want the girls to trust in themselves and each other enough to push through anything.Building a strong mentality will play into the hands of the Lady Riders, who are expecting to have a high-powered offense this season. HHS returns Abbigal Cox, one of their leading hitters from last year, and reining Offensive Player of the Year to lead the offenses high-powered kill game.Our offense is going to be pretty exciting this year; were learning brand-new techniques and tempos, Hooper said. We just want to bring a whole new attitude to our swings.Early practices have been highlighted by working on a key piece of the game to help the offense score: the serving and receiving game. Getting the ball over the net and keeping tough serves in the air will help set up an offense that wont be short of hitters eyeing kills.Our focus during early practice has been our serve and receive game, Hooper said. We have to be aggressive on those to play our game.Complementing the offense is going to be a defense that tends to be a very strong unit.Our defense is always reliable, Hooper said. We brought in some new faces, so just establishing roles and chemistry has been fun. I have full confidence in our back line.In addition to Cox, the Lady Riders return Kandance Crawford and Mya Henson as upperclassmen leaders. Hooper commended her varsity squad and noted that Masters has been a key part of the Lady Riders roster throughout her high school career, despite dealing with injury.She has dealt with injury throughout her career, but she shows up and shows out for the team every time, Hooper said. That doesnt just mean doing her job on the court either. During the times shes on rest, she is as talkative as if she were in the drills with the rest of them. Just a truly passionate player; we wouldnt be the same team we are without her.Taking over after a tenure as assistant coach, Hooper is excited for the season to open. The Riders open the season Tuesday, Aug. 11 vs. the Sequoyah Lady Indians in non-district play.I expect us to play hard, no matter what is thrown at us, Hooper said. I expect us to hold our heads high throughout what is thrown at us. I expect us to hold our heads high through anything and to trust that we are all doing our part for the betterment of the team.

Barcelonas next signing has been unblockedLa Liga giants Barcelona have late this week been afforded some positive news on the transfer front. This comes amid the understanding that JooCancelo has been given the green light to join the Blaugrana on a permanent basis.Defender Cancelo of course spent the 2nd half of this past season plying his trade in the colours of Barcelona, on loan from Saudi outfit Al-Hilal.The Portuguese went on to play a leading role for the the Spanish champions, establishing himself as a favourite of new manager Hansi Flick. Barca, in turn, have long moved to make his signing a permanent one.The deal recently appeared to have been thrown into doubt, after Cancelos failure to report for pre-season training with Al-Hilal culminated in claims he could be punished by the club.This weekend, however, such concerns have been put firmly to bed, as the former Manchester City mans dream Camp Nou return inches closer.As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:The Saudi club has given the green light for his departure and is now simply waiting to finalize negotiations withBarca.The transfer is expected to be closed for a sum in the region of 10 million.Conor Laird GSFN

Lazio & Hull City to Compete for Another Striker After Espi LetdownLazio have familiar company in the race for Franjo Ivanovic, as Hull City are reportedly interested in the Croatian bomber.Lazio & Hull City Seeking a New StrikerThis summer, both clubs have been scanning the market for a new centre-forward. The Biancocelesti need an upgrade on their current options, as none of their players managed to surpass the five-goal threshold last season. On the other hand, the Tigers need to raise the level of their squad after their Premier League promotion.The Carlos Aspi SagaInterestingly, Lazio and Hulls plans have been interlocking. Both sides were tracking Carlos Espi, a 21-year-old centre-forward who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Levante. However, the duo were swept aside as Real Madrid pulled off an out-of-the-blue coup by signing the young Spaniard.Lazio Monitoring Franjo IvanovicEarlier this week, Benficas Ivanovic emerged as the Aquiles latest target. The 22-year-old had limited playing time under Jose Mourinho in first season in Portuguese football, as he was used as a backup for Vangelis Pavlidis. Unfortunately for the Croatian, hes expected to fall further down the pecking order this season, as the Portuguese giants have recently acquired a new attacker in Jhon Duran.Hull City Join Lazio in Ivanovic RaceAccording to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), recruiting Ivanovic remains a daunting quest for Lazio, as theyre facing stiff competition from Real Betis, as well as Hull, who are also tracking the Schwaz native.Tough Task for LazioThe pink newspaper also reveals how the Biancocelesti are at a disadvantage, as theyre only able to sign the Benfica man on an initial loan, whereas the players other suitors will try to buy him outright. This summer, Lazio are being impeded by the net-zero restriction, meaning that the club can only spend on new signings through freshly generated transfer funds.

Aug 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet on the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsThe Cleveland Browns have not performed well the past two seasons, and team owner Jimmy Haslam knows it. However, despite the recent struggles, it sounds like Haslam is optimistic about this season.During a recent interview, Haslam acknowledged the teams frustrating record the past two years, but he made it clear that he thinks the team will overperform this season.Its unacceptableDuring an interview with reporters on Friday, Haslam opened up a bit about the teams expectations while admitting that the team has not met those expectations the past two seasons.We want to be fun to watch, Haslam said via Pro Football Talk. We want to play hard and not make mistakes. Look like weve got our act together, which is something we didnt have the last two years, and the expectations are we will this year.He said the teams overall struggles are something that keeps us awake at night and agreed that the loyal browns fans deserve better than what the team has been giving them.Its unacceptable, and I hate it most for our fans, because they deserve better than that, Haslam said. Were working hard every day to not have that same kind of performance weve had in the past. We dont have our heads in the sand we know we havent performed.Haslam is Taking the OverHaslam knows that the Browns have not been competitive in a few years, but he thinks thats going to change this year.During an interview with reporters on Friday, Haslam was asked what he thought a successful season would look like in 2026. Haslam responded by bringing up the teams win total betting odds.I would say this, and we never do this, but I think the odds are for us to win five and a half games, Haslam said. Ill take the over.The Browns have won a total of eight games the past two seasons combined. Well have to see whether or not they can pull off six wins this year.The post Its unacceptable: Cleveland Browns owner says fans deserve better appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Kevin Nisbet takes the acclaim of his Aberdeen team-mates after sealing a dramatic win over Hearts [SNS]What a difference a year makes.Twelve months ago, Hearts came off a 100% record in the League Cup group stage to secure a home win over Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen, who had already sustained an early season European defeat.On Saturday, Aberdeen were the home side, fresh from four straight League Cup wins and Premiership runners-up Hearts were smarting after a heavy aggregate Champions League qualifying loss to Sturm Graz.Would it be the home side that prevailed again to set up a strong domestic charge? Yes, eventually and, well it's too early to say.The parallels with last season are compelling. Hearts' challenge last term was led by a Scotland international forward in Lawrence Shankland, now skippering Rangers. Aberdeen are now captained by Kevin Nisbet and it was he who settled a dramatic evening at Pittodrie.Aberdeen stun Hearts with incredible injury-time comeback winWho has your Premiership club brought in & let go this summer?Lack of ruthlessness costs Hearts againDespite some early flurries from the Dons, Hearts seemed to be dealing calmly and confidently with their opponents and moved ahead through Oisin McEntee's close-range strike.New players like Amadou Ba-Sy and Lauren Mendy integrated fairly seamlessly with experienced heads like captain for the night Harry Milne and Blair Spittal. And there were chances for a second goal, with the final ball or shot often just the wrong choice.All seemed well, until the 90th minute. Vrancken had urged his players to be more clinical in both boxes after 4-0 and 2-0 defeats by Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying. They had partially addressed that with their goal but were undone defensively.Milne's booking-producing foul on Lewis Smith was the first real dent in Hearts' defensive resolve and Stuart Armstrong's free-kick delivery caused chaos. Dan Happe headed back across goal and Nisbet and Lewis Mayo raced in to apply the finish. Mayo was eventually credited with the goal and Hearts' hopes of a VAR reprieve for any infringement were dashed.And it got worse for the visitors as Stuart Findlay fouled the running figure of Toyosi Olusanya in the box, meaning a penalty and a red card for the Hearts defender. Nisbet may have been denied the first goal but wasn't going to be denied again.Now Vrancken faces the task of rousing his players for the arduous task of taking on the might of Portugal's Benfica in Europa League qualifying, the first leg scheduled for Thursday at 20:00 BST in Lisbon."We give it away in five minutes," was the Belgian's post-match response."We had to be smarter. We were going in attack with too many people there instead of keeping control and managing the counter, especially when you are 1-0 ahead."When the next game is on again, you have to switch again because you cannot go with these feelings again in the next game. We have to be ready and fully focused again."Positive signs for Robinson as Dons show 'fight'Having taken over in March, Robinson had a couple of months' worth of competitive games to assess the Aberdeen squad before planning an assault on the transfer market.Substantial change followed, with 12 players brought in, including a number of Premiership stalwarts, and a larger number leaving."If you're going to win a game, it's a good way to do it," Robinson commented wryly afterwards."We certainly showed the character and the fight that I didn't believe was here last year and certainly that was a real plus for me."So what comes next? Can Aberdeen emulate Hearts' high flying campaign of last season? As Dons boss Stephen Robinson was keen to stress, it's early days."We have to remember it's one game," he said. "You take the criticism when you lose games so I think the players deserve a lot of credit for their mentality."It's a very good result. It's a start but that's all it is."'Hearts punished for recurring mistakes'Former Aberdeen captain and manager Willie MillerTo get a win from where they were, outstanding but Hearts have got themselves to blame. Aberdeen have kept going right to the end. A sensational victory.What a penalty it was. It's top quality, it's everything that should be about a penalty and how you deal with it. He had a long wait as well. He was calm, he was confident. It was a laser into the top corner.Former Hearts midfielder Michael StewartHearts are being punished for recurring mistakes. They aren't taking care of business.The manager is an attacking type but he needs to get a balance. I was unsure on his substitutions. Why change the centre-halves? There's elements of the performance that they've been crucially punished for. These are recurring themes that are undermining any good work that's being done.

The NBA is a year-round business, but some months are slower than others. Right now, we're at the quiet part of the calendar. The entire league is on vacation in August and September. Most of the offseason homework is done. Teams are prepped for the 2026-27 marathon to start.Over the next couple of months, you're about to see NBA players develop the most. The downtime is when guys usually make their biggest leaps. That's arguably the biggest perk of not being forced to travel or play a game every other night.Saying goodbye to a handful of longtime role players this summer, the Oklahoma City Thunder are banking on internal development to keep their championship window open. Cason Wallace and Jared McCain are two names who could be due for monstrous years. As long as they're willing, OKC is about to fill up their plates to the brim with responsibilities.The best way to ensure your NBA arc plays out the way you hope? Spending time around a two-time MVP. That's what Wallace and McCain are doing. In the latter's recent two-hour YouTube documentary, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent time in the gym with both Thunder teammates.Gilgeous-Alexander will need more out of Wallace and McCain. They're two of the biggest beneficiaries with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins gone. They must take this summer seriously. Especially since they're due contract extensions very soon.Cool to see Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace make cameo appearances in McCain's latest vlog. NBA teammates spending time with each other in the offseason is a favorite pastime for most. Let's see how things shake out this upcoming year for OKC with new complementary pieces shaping up.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain working out together this offseason pic.twitter.com/Sj9omXnLUN Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 31, 2026More of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jared McCain working out together this offseason pic.twitter.com/I2XnioXJzc Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 31, 2026This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has offseason workout with these 2 Thunder teammates