Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

The 37-year-old is set to challenge Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring on March 8, before making his PFL debut. (PFL)

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Updated 23 February 2024

Arab News

February 23, 2024 09:25

Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

The 37-year-old is set to challenge Anthony Joshua in the boxing ring on March 8, before making his PFL debut

Updated 23 February 2024

Arab News

February 23, 2024 09:25

RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League has announced combat sports superstar Francis “The Predator” Ngannou will make his debut for the world’s second-biggest MMA organization against the winner of the Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader in Riyadh on Saturday.

Ngannou shook up the combat sports world by signing with PFL in May, becoming the first active fighter to serve on the league’s Global Advisory Board, and an equity owner and chairman of the coming PFL Africa regional league.

He recently stepped into the boxing ring for the first time, losing a razor-thin split decision to Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion. Ngannou is currently in Riyadh, preparing to fight top heavyweight boxing contender Anthony Joshua on March 8.

Ngannou will then turn his attention back to MMA, where he will make his PFL SmartCage debut against the winner of the Ferreira and Bader, who clash in the main event the PFL Champions versus Bellator Champions at the Kingdom Arena.

“The PFL is excited to announce Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA in the PFL PPV Division will be against the winner of the PFL Champion versus Bellator Champion Heavyweight Superfight between Renan Ferreira and Ryan Bader,” said Peter Murray, PFL CEO.

“Francis is a true combat sports icon with a global fan base and appeal. We, along with the rest of the MMA world, will be watching to see who his first opponent will be, Ferreira or Bader.”

Ngannou will also attend the historic event in Riyadh.

Currently, he is preparing for his second professional boxing bout, when he will take on former two-time unified world heavyweight champion and world No.2 heavyweight Joshua in two weeks.

PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year.

The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30 percent of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC.

PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport, and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development.

Djokovic wins final dance against Nadal, ending legendary rivalry at Six Kings Slam

Updated 20 sec ago

MANAL AL-BARAKATI

October 20, 2024 00:03

Djokovic wins final dance against Nadal, ending legendary rivalry at Six Kings Slam

Updated 20 sec ago

MANAL AL-BARAKATI

October 20, 2024 00:03

RIYADH: Novak Djokovic triumphed over Rafael Nadal in their historic final meeting at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, winning 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) to claim third place in the exhibition tournament.

While the result was decisive, the match was more than just about victory—it marked the emotional potential end of one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history, spanning nearly two decades.

Nadal, who has announced his retirement following the Davis Cup Finals later this year, stepped onto the court to face Djokovic for the last time, drawing cheers from a packed stadium.

Their rivalry, which has defined men’s tennis for a generation, saw the two meet 61 times over the years, with Djokovic narrowly leading their head-to-head 32-29.

For the fans in Riyadh, this match wasn’t just about third place—it was about watching two icons perform together one final time. Djokovic, now with 24 Grand Slam titles, started strong, breaking Nadal’s serve early in the first set and maintaining control to secure it 6-2.

Despite his advancing age and recent injuries, Nadal pushed back in the second set, engaging Djokovic in a series of intense rallies that exemplified the skill, endurance, and respect that have defined their rivalry.

The second set was a fitting finale to their legendary encounters, nearly a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of greatness that has driven both players throughout their careers.

It saw the two tennis giants battling to a 6-6 tie, leading to a nail-biting tiebreaker. As the crowd stood on their feet, cheering for Nadal to extend the match to a third set, Djokovic ultimately held his nerve to win the tiebreak 7-5, sealing his victory and closing the chapter on their storied rivalry.

Though Nadal showed visible frustration at his inability to secure the set, the match was a testament to what made this rivalry so special: two players of unparalleled ability, pushing each other to new heights time and time again.

This final dance in Riyadh may have marked the end of an era, but for fans, it was a reminder of the skill and determination that both Djokovic and Nadal have brought to the sport over the past two decades.

After the match, Djokovic shared his thoughts on Nadal’s retirement, stating: “He remains the greatest rival that I ever had.”

He reflected on their decades-long battle, which he described as having pushed both players to their limits, but emphasized the mutual respect that had grown between them.

As Nadal moves toward retirement, his legacy remains unquestioned, having inspired an entire generation of players, including Djokovic himself.

This match in Riyadh will be remembered as a fitting end to one of the most iconic rivalries tennis has ever seen.

Topics: tennis Saudi Arabia Six Kings Slam Novak Djokovic Rafael Nadal

Max Verstappen claims sprint win in Austin, Norris third

Updated 19 October 2024

AFP

October 19, 2024 19:06

Max Verstappen claims sprint win in Austin, Norris third

It was Verstappen’s 11th win from 16 sprint races, a format he claims he dislikes

Updated 19 October 2024

AFP

October 19, 2024 19:06

AUSTIN, Texas: Max Verstappen claimed a comfortable victory for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and title rival Lando Norris of McLaren in a frantic sprint race on Saturday at the United States Grand Prix.
The three-time world champion and series leader came home 3.8 seconds clear of Sainz, who drove with great determination and speed, and Norris, who was second until a last lap lock-up saw him drop to third.
“That’s not too bad,” said Verstappen, having claimed his first win since the sprint at the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June to enlarge his title race lead by two points to 54 ahead of Norris.
“It’s a bit like the old times and is a good way to start things. As usual, it was all a bit frantic.”
It was Verstappen’s 11th win from 16 sprint races, a format he claims he dislikes. He has won three sprints in Austin as well as three Grands Prix and on Sunday will seek to secure his first Grand Prix victory in nine races since the Spanish Grand Prix.
Sainz said: “That was a good race with some very good battles and it had a lot going on! I was struggling with my tires, but I saw Lando was too. And I made it stick. It was fun.”
Norris said he was satisfied to collect six points.
“A good race, pretty happy,” he said. “I had so much tire wear and Carlos did a great job.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton with Kevin Magnussen taking seventh for Haas ahead of team-mate Nico Hulkenberg.
Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri of Red Bull and McLaren were outside the points in ninth and 10th places.
Verstappen made a clean start to lead as Norris swept from fourth to second, passing both Leclerc and Russell.
All the cars were on mediums and it was a close contest among the top six, notably as Sainz fought Leclerc for fourth, with Hamilton, sixth, in close attention while, at the front, Russell battled to stay in touch with the two title rivals.
By lap five, Verstappen was 1.3 seconds clear and out of Drag Reduction System (DRS) range of Norris while Russell closed to within six-tenths and, finally, Sainz muscled his way past Leclerc.
The Dutchman pulled clear by 2.1 seconds by lap eight, but with Norris closing again after resisting Russell that advantage was trimmed again to 1.3 before Sainz, in boisterous mood, seized third by passing inside Russell at Turn 15.
Hamilton, sixth, appeared to struggle to stay with the top five and was 4.5 seconds adrift while his Mercedes team-mate, who started second, descended to fifth on lap 11 when Leclerc repeated Sainz’s move.
Further back, Piastri, who started 16th progressed to 11th and a scrap with RB’s Yuki Tsunoda for 10th behind Perez, the trio chasing Hulkenberg in the final point-scoring place.
Tsunoda ran off on lap 15 and was accused of gaining an advantage before the Australian finally passed him on lap 16 to take 10th, albeit with a five-second penalty for an early incident with Pierre Gasly’s Alpine.
Sainz, who leaves Ferrari at the end of the year, continued to show his venom by closing within DRS range of Norris on the penultimate lap as Verstappen cruised clear — the Spaniard taking advantage when Norris locked up at Turn One on his final lap.
Sainz accepted the gift to take second with Leclerc almost hitting Norris on the final lap before Verstappen took the flag for a morale-boosting win.

Topics: Motorsport Formula One Formula 1 F1 US Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern top past Leipzig

Updated 19 October 2024

AFP

October 19, 2024 21:42

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern top past Leipzig

Leipzig’s earlier 2-0 win at Mainz had allowed them to leapfrog Bayern into top spot
Kane came into the match without a goal for club or country in four games — his longest drought since moving to Germany

Updated 19 October 2024

AFP

October 19, 2024 21:42

LEVERKUSEN, Germany: A second-half Harry Kane hat-trick took Bayern Munich back to the top of the Bundesliga, ahead of RB Leipzig, with a 4-0 home win over Stuttgart on Saturday.
Leipzig’s earlier 2-0 win at Mainz had allowed them to leapfrog Bayern into top spot, while Kane came into the match without a goal for club or country in four games — his longest drought since moving to Germany.
Stuttgart, who surprisingly finished one spot ahead of Bayern in second place last season, held the hosts at bay but the dam eventually broke in the 57th minute, when Kane’s long-range effort dribbled past goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel.
Kane added a second just three minutes later, clipping the ball through a crowded penalty box and past Nuebel to double Bayern’s lead.
The England captain pounced on a loose ball on the 80-minute mark to bring up his third, chalking up his sixth hat-trick in Bayern colors and his 57th goal for the German giants in all competitions.
France forward Kingsley Coman scored in the final minute to complete the win.
Earlier on Saturday, goals from Xavi Simons and captain Willi Orban took Leipzig past Mainz, just days out from their home Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Still unbeaten this season in Germany alongside Bayern, Leipzig took the lead after 20 minutes thanks to an excellent Simons solo goal.
Leipzig captain Orban tapped in a rebound from a Lois Openda cross to put his side 2-0 ahead.
Orban told Sky: “We could have finished things off earlier but we’re happy with the win.”
Victor Boniface’s 72nd-minute goal was the difference as Bayer Leverkusen beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 at home.
Leverkusen were given an early chance when Amine Adli was felled in the box, sending Boniface to the spot after a long VAR review. The Nigerian’s shot, too soft and central, was gobbled up by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.
Just five minutes later, the referee was sent to the video screen again, this time finding a penalty for Frankfurt, with Robert Andrich lightly touching Omar Marmoush’s foot.
Marmoush showed Boniface how it is done, blasting a low shot left to give the visitors the lead on 16 minutes. The Egyptian now has an incredible nine goals and five assists in just seven league games this season.
Andrich made good on his error soon afterwards, combining expertly with Adli and Martin Terrier to flit through the penalty area for a superb one-touch goal in the 25th minute.
Boniface would also redeem himself, giving Leverkusen the lead inside the final 20 minutes, heading in a deflected cross from substitute Florian Wirtz to put the hosts on course for victory.
Andrich told Sky Germany: “We were focussed and played good football.
“And there was a nice goal from me,” he added with a grin.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who made his Germany debut last season after a career largely spent in the lower divisions, said of his performance: “I always have fun playing football, but I maybe have to work a bit harder than the rest.”
Elsewhere, Freiburg continued their impressive start to the season with a 3-1 home win over Augsburg to go into outright third.
Freiburg were three goals up at half-time, with Vincenzo Grifo, Philipp Lienhart and Christian Guenter scoring, before Augsburg’s Phillip Tietz pulled one back in the second period.
Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst scored a double, days after making his Germany debut, in a 3-2 home win over former club Heidenheim.
Hoffenheim won their first game since their season opener, with Andrej Kramaric, Marius Buelter and Haris Tabakovic scoring in a 3-1 win over lowly Bochum, who sit last with just one point from seven games.

Topics: Bayern Munich Bayer Leverkusen Harry Kane Bundesliga

Arsenal stunned by Bournemouth and Garnacho sparks Man United comeback

Updated 19 October 2024

October 19, 2024 20:34

Arsenal stunned by Bournemouth and Garnacho sparks Man United comeback

Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert sealed victory for Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium to leave third-placed Arsenal a point behind leader Liverpool
Fourth-placed Aston Villa tightened up the top of the standings by moving to within a point of leader Liverpool

Updated 19 October 2024

October 19, 2024 20:34

MANCHESTER: Title-chasing Arsenal lost to Bournemouth 2-0 in one of the biggest shocks of the burgeoning English Premier League on Saturday.
Runner-up in the last two seasons, Arsenal had the chance to top the standings with a win, but lost for the first time after going down to 10 men when William Saliba was sent off before halftime.
Goals from Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert sealed victory for Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium to leave third-placed Arsenal a point behind leader Liverpool and level with Manchester City in second, having played a game more than its title rivals.
While it was a stunning loss for Arsenal, Manchester United picked up only their third league win by beating Brentford 2-1.
Fourth-placed Aston Villa tightened up the top of the standings by moving to within a point of leader Liverpool and level with Arsenal after beating Fulham 3-1. Brighton were three points off the pace after winning at Newcastle 1-0.
Garnacho stunner
Alejandro Garnacho scored from a brilliant volley as United fought back to beat Brentford.
The Argentina international fired home from a tight angle when connecting with Marcus Rashford’s cross just after halftime.
It sparked a comeback that saw Rasmus Hojlund hit the winner and ease the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
“In this team you see its togetherness and there is a fighting spirit,” Ten Hag said. “And today we add some determination to score goals and that is what we needed.”
United were reeling from their worst season start in the Premier League era heading into Saturday’s game and it looked like being another disappointing day for Ten Hag, who was angered when Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring for Brentford in contentious circumstances in first-half added time.
United defender Matthijs de Ligt was ordered off for medical attention on his bleeding head from a collision. It left the home team down a man as Brentford prepared to take a corner and Pinnock headed over the line in the fifth minute of added time.
United responded quickly after the break thanks to Garnacho’s goal in the 47th.
Hojlund flicked past Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken for the winner in the 62nd.
“We don’t score enough, we are not clinical enough. But today we scored two brilliant goals,” Ten Hag said. “It’s only one win, but it can help us.”
Villa rise
Villa were up to fourth after coming back from going a goal down at Craven Cottage when Raul Jimenez fired Fulham in front in the fifth minute.
Morgan Rogers quickly leveled four minutes later and Ollie Watkins made it 2-1 in the 59th. An Issa Diop own goal in the 69th completed the scoring.
Southampton collapse
Leading 2-0 after 28 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium, last-placed Southampton looked on course for their first league win.
Second-half goals from Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Vardy from the penalty spot, and Jordan Ayew secured an unlikely comeback that left Southampton rooted to the bottom of the table and moved Leicester six points clear of the relegation zone.
Also, Everton won at Ipswich 2-0 to move five points above the relegation zone.
Brighton flying high
Brighton’s impressive start under coach Fabian Hurzeler continued with the win at Newcastle.
Hurzeler, born in Texas, has made his presence felt in England’s topflight following his appointment in the offseason.
Hurzeler is also working wonders with Danny Welbeck, who scored in the 35th at St. James’ Park, his fifth goal of the season.

Topics: Manchester United Erik ten Hag Arsenal Bournemouth English Premier League (EPL)

‘Amazing’ Topuria in confident mood ahead of title defense against Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Updated 19 October 2024

Arab News

October 19, 2024 20:14

‘Amazing’ Topuria in confident mood ahead of title defense against Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

‘El Matador’ praises Abu Dhabi’s role in growth of combat sports

Updated 19 October 2024

Arab News

October 19, 2024 20:14

ABU DHABI: Undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria says he feels “amazing” as he prepares to take on the ever-dangerous Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 308 at the Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.

The bout, which takes place on Oct. 26, will be Topuria’s first title defense after the fighter, nicknamed “El Matador,” won the featherweight belt earlier this year by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298.

“I feel amazing,” Topuria told Arab News. “This is the last part of the training camp, cutting weight, and that’s it. On Oct. 26 I’ll take what belongs to us, which is victory.”

Topuria acknowledged that while he had made some adjustments, the core of his training remains the same.

He said: “It’s been … a bit more professional. We always try to implement new skills and things we’ve learned from past experiences.”

As for his mindset, it has not shifted since he reached the pinnacle of the sport. He added: “I always felt like I was the best in the world, and I still have that same feeling.”

Holloway, who is known for his relentless striking volume and durability, presents a unique challenge, but Topuria’s approach remains straightforward, and he said: “The plan is simple: Go in and take his head off. That’s it.”

In fact, Topuria has something special planned for the opening moments of the fight, and added: “I’ll point to the ground in the first 10 seconds and give the fans the most exciting 10 seconds in UFC history.”

Whether Holloway will engage in this bold challenge remains to be seen, but Topuria is clear about his own strategy.

He said: “I don’t know what he’s going to do, but I know what I’m going to do. I’ll point to the ground, stay in the middle of the Octagon, and if he wants to bang, we can bang. If not, I might have to do something different.”

Returning to Abu Dhabi is significant for Topuria, who made his first UFC bow in the city four years ago on Fight Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “I have very good memories here. I made my UFC debut in Abu Dhabi, though it was without fans. Now I have the opportunity to come back and defend my belt in front of everyone. It’s great; I can hardly wait.”

Topuria highlighted the city’s role in the global growth of combat sports as he praised the development of the sport in the region.

He said: “It’s growing a lot. They’re supporting not only MMA (mixed martial arts), but also boxing, and the growth is amazing. I feel like the development here is incredible, even compared to Europe. The culture, the food — everything is great.”

Although his days in Abu Dhabi are focused on training, Topuria revealed he plans to do some sightseeing.

He added: “We’re going to do a bit of exploring in Abu Dhabi before the fight. We’re planning to visit the museums and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and we want to explore other parts of the city, such as Yas Marina Circuit.”

As a professional mixed martial artist of Georgian and Spanish descent, Topuria has a message for his community of compatriots in the UAE, saying: “They’re going to enjoy what they see and feel a lot of pride when they watch me shine. This fight is for them.”

Topuria does not feel burdened by being champion, and said: “I don’t feel any extra pressure. I chose this path, and I’ve dreamed of this moment. God is giving me what I’ve asked for, so I just feel gratitude.”

Topuria plans to return home quickly after the fight to his 2-month-old daughter, adding: “I’ll be leaving the next day because I need to take care of her and my son. Of course, this (the fight) is for both my children — it’s for my whole family.”

The fighter is ready to make a statement at UFC 308 and give the fans in the UAE’s capital a memory for the ages, cementing his legacy in Abu Dhabi.

Topics: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) MMA UFC UAE Abu Dhabi

Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

Al-Ain set to host Youth MMA Championship

Al Akaria inks deal with Marriott to introduce Autograph hotel brand in Riyadh

Djokovic wins final dance against Nadal, ending legendary rivalry at Six Kings Slam

Djokovic wins final dance against Nadal, ending legendary rivalry at Six Kings Slam

Djokovic shows off ‘Kingdom style’ in photos at Diriyah after Six Kings Slam event

Carlos Alcaraz triumphs over Rafael Nadal in emotional all-Spanish showdown at the Six Kings Slam

Max Verstappen claims sprint win in Austin, Norris third

Max Verstappen claims sprint win in Austin, Norris third

Verstappen ends long wait for pole at US Grand Prix sprint qualifying

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc wins Italian Grand Prix as Max Verstappen falters again

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern top past Leipzig

Kane hat-trick sends Bayern top past Leipzig

Bayern rivals Leverkusen and Dortmund drop points in Bundesliga

Xabi Alonso seeks to get Bayer Leverkusen focused again after a rare Bundesliga loss

Arsenal stunned by Bournemouth and Garnacho sparks Man United comeback

Arsenal stunned by Bournemouth and Garnacho sparks Man United comeback

Ten Hag slams ‘fairy tales and lies’ as Man Utd boss comes out fighting

Ten Hag future up in the air after Manchester United draw at Villa

‘Amazing’ Topuria in confident mood ahead of title defense against Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

‘Amazing’ Topuria in confident mood ahead of title defense against Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Featherweight champion Topuria to take on Holloway at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Tony Ferguson eyes comeback victory at Abu Dhabi UFC debut

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Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

Ngannou to take on winner of PFL v. Bellator Champions fight between Ferreira and Bader

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