UFC put a pair of massively important title fights atop the unique event set for June in Washington D.C.

Feb 19, 2026; PortCharlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brayden Taylor (80) poses for a photo during media day at Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesPrevious WinnerBrayden Taylor, 2B/3B24 | L/R | 60 | 180AA | .173/.289/.286 (77 wRC+) 437 PA, 8 HR, 17 SB, 14% BB, 27.7% KAFL | .264/.400/.472 (.384 wOBA) 65 PA, 1 HR, 5 SB, 12 BB, 19 KTaylor entered 2025 as a top-100 prospect after demolishing High-A (154 wRC+), and left 2025 as an afterthought on prospect lists, although he was selected as an Arizona Fall League Fall Star in between, where he worked to keep his chase rate low and his hard hit rate high. The juice must have been worth the squeeze, as the Rays have elected to invite Taylor to major league Spring Training this year.RankPlayerPositionVotesTotalPercentageLast Season1Carson WilliamsSS142556%12Brody HopkinsRHP192576%83Jacob MeltonOF142850%N/A4Theo GillenOF142654%135Ty JohnsonRHP122548%156Daniel PierceSS132357%N/A7Jadher AreinamoINF152854%N/A8TJ NicholsRHP132846%N/R9Michael ForretRHP83324%N/A10Santiago SuarezRHP113037%1611Anderson BritoRHP72825%N/A12Xavier Isaac1B92832%313Caden BodineC102540%N/A14Brendan SummerhillOF112741%N/A15Slater de BrunOF102540%N/A16Nathan FlewellingC82631%N/R17Trevor HarrisonRHP92635%1018Jose UrbinaRHP132650%2519Tre Morgan1B/LF152560%420Jackson BaumeisterRHP122744%1221Aidan SmithOF172959%622Homer Bush Jr.OF102540%2123Dom KeeganC102836%924Gary Gill HillRHP82532%1125Brailer GuerreroOF82433%1426Brayden Taylor2B/3B62524%2Brayden Taylor fell from on high but not off the list entirely, with his slide ending at No. 26. An off-season Fall Star, Taylor had a regular season to forget and will be looking to right the ship in 2026. Adding Dean Moss.CandidatesFabricio Blanco, SS17 | S/R | 511 | 161A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing hes the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor. Alex Cook, RHP25 | 62 | 220AA | 2.30 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 15.2 IP (13 G), 30.5% K, 5.1% BBThe Rays added Cook to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite only throwing 20 innings (if you include four appearances in the complex league) after a slow start to the season. Cook attempted to convert to starting in 2024 and succumbed to a should injury, but bounced back in the bullpen in 2025 throwing 99 mph and he has shown up to camp continuing to pitch with confidence. He has plus control and command, with stuff that leans into his low release point, including a cut-ride fastball and two-plane slider, and an MLB average cutter to prevent platoon slit problems. He should slot into high leverage for Durham and ride the shuttle in 2026.Cooper Flemming, SS19 | L/R | 63 | 190One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but hes historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).Taitn Gray, 1B/OF/C18 | S/R | 64 | 220The Rays 86th overall pick in 2025, Gray fell to the third round due to some concern about whether he will stick at catcher, but that buries the lead. Still just 17 at the time of the draft, Gray showed up to the Rays organization and proved his rumored power was real, running exit velocities up to 115 mph from both sides of the plate, although the left handed swing is sweeter. He has plus athleticism, which elevated his bat speed, foot speed, and fluidity despite his size. It will be interesting to see where the Rays deploy him on defense, but its a great bat to dream on.Victor Mesa Jr., OF24 | L/L | 511 | 195AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% KMLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PAThis Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, hes a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball. Dean Moss, OF19 | L/R | 60 | 180Signed well above slot out of the 2025 draft at No. 67 overall, Mosss family moved from California to the Tampa Bay Area to enroll Moss at IMG, and it earned him a new-home-town selection. A jack of all trades, Mosss hit tool shades his best thanks to plus bat speed. His swing is clean, with and the projection for his power over time is major league average. He will have competition internally to stick at center, but may get the first nod in the rookie league.Austin Overn, OF23 | L/R | 60 | 175A+ (BAL) | .242/.367/.386 (127 wRC+) 341 PA, 8 HR, 43 SB, 15.5% BB, 28.2% KAA (BAL) | .266/.326/.427 (112 wRC+) 136 PA, 5 HR, 21 SB, 6.6% BB, 25.0% KAcquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didnt stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didnt look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular. milien Pitre, 2B23 | L/R | 511 | 185A+ | .268/.356/.393 (122 wRC+) 524 PA, 9 HR, 14 SB, 11.6% BB, 20.4% KThe Rays 58th overall pick in 2024, Pitre has risen on draft boards through a strong performance in the Cape Cod league in 2023, but the power was a real question mark on his profile. Now given a chance to develop as a professional, he wouldnt be the first to add muscle. His run and hit tools are plus, with a well coiled swing and solid contact in and out of zone. Hes too old to return to High-A and it be viewed as positive. His power stroke will be the key to his success in 2026.Adrian Santana, SS20 | S/R | 511 | 155A+ | .263/.324/.326 (94 wRC+) 409 PA, 2 HR, 47 SB, 8.6% BB, 12.0% KOnce a top-ten or so prospect in 2024, Santana fell off our sites 2025 list after failing to clear as an honorable mention. Why? The switch-hitting slick fielding short stop was the Rays 31st overall pick in 2023 but has delivered sub-100 wRC+ each stop of his career, although that got closer than ever last season, his third as a professional and his third as a teenager in the Rays system. Could expectations be too high on his bat? He has plus athleticism, is learning to wheelhouse, and has acrobatic defense at the hardest position in the game, with 98 swiped bags over the last two seasons. What happens if he survives the test of Double-A breaking balls? Victor Valdez, SS17 | R/R | 61 | 186A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter $3.5 million with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, its a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.

The Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones reached agreement Wednesday on a two-year, $88 million contract that can be worth up to $100 million, his agents told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Alphonso Davies covered his face with his shirt as he left the field with an injury in Bayern Munich's 6-1 win over Atalanta in the Champions League on Tuesday. Team medical staff said Wednesday he strained a right thigh muscle.

JAKE FENNER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: A participant in the White House college sports panel doesn't believe President Trump's plan to stop paying athletes is feasible.

The Baltimore Ravens landed their star pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby is back in Las Vegas for now and Daniel Jones is staying in Indianapolis as part of a busy start to the new league year.The biggest move Wednesday came when the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson a day after backing out of a deal with the Raiders for Crosby over a failed physical, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.Hendrickson was an All-Pro for Cincinnati in 2024 when he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks. He played in only seven games because of injuries last season and had four sacks but has reached double digits in sacks four times in the previous five seasons.It was a quick pivot for the Ravens after the surprising development Tuesday night when Baltimore pulled out of the trade that was supposed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas.A person with knowledge of Baltimores decision told the AP that Crosby failed his physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those results are private.Crosby had surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He missed the final two games of the season because of the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.The Raiders, who have been among the biggest spenders in the opening days of free agency, now must figure out what to do with Crosby. Las Vegas still has plenty of cap room to keep the five-time Pro Bowler on the roster with his $30 million salary if the team can't find another trade. Crosby was back in the team facility in Nevada on Wednesday, a person with knowledge said on condition of anonymity. Jones and the Colts agreed on a two-year contract that is worth up to $100 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told the AP. The person requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.Jones will receive $88 million over the next two seasons with $50 million guaranteed instead of playing on the $37.8 million transition tag. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives.Jones led the Colts offense to a productive 10-game start. But following the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then wound up suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.Jones set career highs in passer rating (100.2) and completion rate (68%) as Indianapolis ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring at 28.9 points per game before he went down for the season.All the people are speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams havent announced the moves or other developments.Washington agreed to terms with edge rusher KLavon Chaisson on a one-year contract worth $12 million with $10.3 million guaranteed, according to Athletes First, the agency that represents him. Coming off ranking last in the NFL on defense, the Commanders also reached deals with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson, after losing out to Baltimore on Hendrickson.In other news, the Ravens and Bills both restructured the contracts of star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to create more room under the salary cap to start the league year. Baltimore had been hoping to sign Jackson to an extension before the start of the new league year Wednesday. But that hasnt happened. Instead the Ravens have restructured Jacksons deal to create cap space, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hadnt been finalized.Jackson has two years remaining on the five-year, $260 million contract the Ravens gave him in 2023.Buffalo's move with Allen frees up approximately $12 million in much-needed salary cap space for the team entering the NFLs new year, a person familiar with the discussions told the AP.___AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi and AP Sports Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow contributed to this report___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The Baltimore Ravens landed their star pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby is back in Las Vegas for now and Daniel Jones is staying in Indianapolis as part of a busy start to the new league year.The biggest move Wednesday came when the Ravens agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson a day after backing out of a deal with the Raiders for Crosby over a failed physical, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.Hendrickson was an All-Pro for Cincinnati in 2024 when he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks. He played in only seven games because of injuries last season and had four sacks but has reached double digits in sacks four times in the previous five seasons.It was a quick pivot for the Ravens after the surprising development Tuesday night when Baltimore pulled out of the trade that was supposed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas.A person with knowledge of Baltimores decision told the AP that Crosby failed his physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those results are private.Crosby had surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He missed the final two games of the season because of the injury despite wanting to play through it at the time.The Raiders, who have been among the biggest spenders in the opening days of free agency, now must figure out what to do with Crosby. Las Vegas still has plenty of cap room to keep the five-time Pro Bowler on the roster with his $30 million salary if the team can't find another trade. Crosby was back in the team facility in Nevada on Wednesday, a person with knowledge said on condition of anonymity. Jones and the Colts agreed on a two-year contract that is worth up to $100 million, a person with knowledge of the contract told the AP. The person requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.Jones will receive $88 million over the next two seasons with $50 million guaranteed instead of playing on the $37.8 million transition tag. He can make an additional $12 million through incentives.Jones led the Colts offense to a productive 10-game start. But following the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg and then wound up suffering a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in early December.Jones set career highs in passer rating (100.2) and completion rate (68%) as Indianapolis ranked fifth in the NFL in scoring at 28.9 points per game before he went down for the season.All the people are speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because teams havent announced the moves or other developments.Washington agreed to terms with edge rusher KLavon Chaisson on a one-year contract worth $12 million with $10.3 million guaranteed, according to Athletes First, the agency that represents him. Coming off ranking last in the NFL on defense, the Commanders also reached deals with linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Amik Robertson, after losing out to Baltimore on Hendrickson.In other news, the Ravens and Bills both restructured the contracts of star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to create more room under the salary cap to start the league year. Baltimore had been hoping to sign Jackson to an extension before the start of the new league year Wednesday. But that hasnt happened. Instead the Ravens have restructured Jacksons deal to create cap space, according to a person with knowledge of the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract hadnt been finalized.Jackson has two years remaining on the five-year, $260 million contract the Ravens gave him in 2023.Buffalo's move with Allen frees up approximately $12 million in much-needed salary cap space for the team entering the NFLs new year, a person familiar with the discussions told the AP.___AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi and AP Sports Writers Stephen Whyno and John Wawrow contributed to this report___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

A bitter dispute erupted at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon when Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally accused English rider Nico de Boinville of verbally attacking him moments before the Turners Novices' Hurdle.The 38-year-old Waterford native, who also trains his mount I'll Sort That, appeared visibly distressed when speaking to ITV Racing following the contest."Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville, wasn't very nice," Queally stated."I'm an amateur, I'm coming over here, riding in front of my kids. Horrific."Footage broadcast on ITV appeared to capture the heated exchange as riders gathered at the start line.De Boinville offered a terse retort when questioned about the altercation."Maybe he should look in the mirror," the 36-year-old replied before departing for the weighing room.The opening contest of day two had descended into chaos before the field even set off, with multiple false starts forcing officials to abandon the planned rolling start.Jockeys were left scrambling for position at the tape, with De Boinville audibly instructing Queally to "get back" as the Irishman occupied the inside rail."Being abused by an English rider, Nico de Boinville is not very nice" "I'm an amateur, I'm coming over riding in front of my kids. HORRIFIC" Declan Queally is NOT HAPPY with Nico de Boinville pic.twitter.com/ZooWaL1PDI ITV Racing (@itvracing) March 11, 2026 ITV footage captured the pair in an increasingly tense standoff as the field awaited the starter's signal.Racing legend Ruby Walsh weighed in on the controversy, directing pointed criticism at both De Boinville and the festival's starting procedures."It's all great fun and games isn't it, but I think that's the same Nico who won on Jonbon last year and put his head on the tape so maybe he needs to look in the mirror too," Walsh observed.The former champion jockey has long advocated for fundamental changes to how races commence at Prestbury Park."I do think you need a rolling start," he explained. "If the horses walked out and lined up behind the tape, that then moved in front of the horses then you'd have none of this drama."Willie Mullins and Paul Townend claimed victory with King Rasko Grey, whilst De Boinville secured second place aboard Act of Innocence despite the pre-race drama.Queally and I'll Sort That crossed the line in fifth position.Former champion jockey AP McCoy appeared to side with the Irish amateur when analysing the incident."The only thing I would say is that one person has the right to be there as much as anyone else," McCoy remarked regarding Queally's positioning on the inside rail.ITV pundit Luke Harvey noted that De Boinville had previously been quoted criticising "Irish jockeys who come over here and don't know the rules and the amateur riders" regarding starting difficulties at Cheltenham.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

A newly unearthed interview from 2013 casts doubt on the Green Party leader's claim to have apologised.

Bayer Leverkusen empfngt im Achtelfinale der Champions League den FC Arsenal. Ein schweres Los: Die "Gunners" sind in dieser Champions League Saison noch ungeschlagen.[mehr]