SportsCatch

Topuria reveals he nearly skipped his first pro fight out of fear in 2015

Ilia Topuria has admitted he was so frightened before his professional debut at 18 that he considered not leaving the backstage area. The undefeated two-weight UFC champion went on to submit Francisco Aspirilla by triangle choke in the first round.

MMA May 27

Real Madrid to activate Nico Paz buy-back clause within days despite election uncertainty

Real Madrid's presidential election between Florentino Perez and Enrique Riquelme has delayed several club decisions, including the José Mourinho appointment, but the buy-back of Como playmaker Nico Paz will proceed as planned within a two-week window.

Football May 27

Arsenal reveal Emirates Stadium upgrade plans as Kroenke eyes 20-year overhaul

Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke and CEO Richard Garlick have outlined plans to significantly upgrade the Emirates Stadium, with increased capacity and improved facilities among the proposals. The announcement comes as the club celebrates its Premier League title win.

Football May 27

Thompson says Garry's wrestling and length make him Makhachev's toughest welterweight test

Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson has backed Ian Garry as the welterweight contender best equipped to dethrone UFC champion Islam Makhachev, citing Garry's willingness to wrestle and his physical attributes as key advantages over rivals Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

MMA May 27

All 10 Gallagher Premiership clubs pass salary cap audit as fly-halves top earnings

Every Gallagher Premiership club complied with the 2024-25 salary cap, which rose from £5m to £6.4m. Five clubs — Bristol, Exeter, Gloucester, Newcastle and Northampton — spent below the allowance, while average senior player income climbed 10% to £165,181.

Rugby May 27

Topuria open to boxing debut against Stevenson after feud over MMA debate

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has expressed interest in making a boxing debut against Shakur Stevenson, citing the boxer's trash talk and a simmering feud that began during a livestream argument over MMA versus boxing.

MMA May 27

Carrick's Brighton team selection signals Ugarte has no future at Manchester United

Manuel Ugarte was left unused as Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 on Sunday, with caretaker manager Michael Carrick choosing Mason Mount, youth players, and even departing Tyrell Malacia ahead of the £50.8m midfielder.

Football May 27

Rochdale's extraordinary season earns National Game Awards Team of the Year honour

Despite finishing runners-up to York City after a 112th-minute heartbreak on the final day, Rochdale claimed the Enterprise Team of the Year prize at The Non-League Paper's National Game Awards, capping a season in which they surpassed 100 points and won promotion via a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.

Football May 27

Manchester City loanee Oliver Whatmuff wins National Game Goalkeeper of the Year at 17

Oliver Whatmuff, on loan from Manchester City, was named Goalkeeper of the Year at the National Game Awards after a standout season with Rochdale — including a decisive penalty shoot-out display in the play-off final that sealed the club's return to the Football League.

Football May 27

Wenger backs Arsenal to win Champions League final against PSG in Budapest

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal 'deserve' to win Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, backing his former club to claim the trophy that eluded him in the 2006 final against Barcelona.

Football May 27

Elche manager Eder Sarabia resigns after guiding club to La Liga survival

Eder Sarabia has stepped down as Elche manager days after securing the club's La Liga status on the final day of the season. The 40-year-old cited personal reasons, saying he wants to dedicate more time to his family after two years in charge.

Football May 27

Thompson backs Chimaev to beat Strickland in rematch after shock UFC 328 defeat

Stephen Thompson believes Khamzat Chimaev was not at his best when Sean Strickland handed him his first professional loss via split decision at UFC 328, and is confident 'Borz' would win a rematch.

MMA May 27

Dana White says Anderson Silva stopped speaking to him after UFC release conversation

UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that Anderson Silva refuses to speak to him following the moment White told the former middleweight champion his UFC career was finished, a decision that came after Silva lost seven of his final nine fights in the promotion.

MMA May 27

Man City grow confident of signing Elliot Anderson after United drop pursuit

Manchester United have walked away from a move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, unwilling to meet the £100m asking price. Manchester City, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca's backing, are now increasingly confident of securing the 23-year-old England international.

Football May 27

Topuria vows pure striking fight against Gaethje at UFC White House on June 14

Ilia Topuria has promised to keep his lightweight title defence against interim champion Justin Gaethje entirely on the feet, insisting he could take Gaethje down at will but prefers to knock him out for the fans' sake.

MMA May 27

Vinicius Junior says Real Madrid must open contract talks as 2027 deal runs down

Vinicius Junior has confirmed he wants to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of his career but acknowledged that formal contract negotiations are yet to begin, with his current deal expiring in 2027 and interest from Saudi Arabia and Manchester City reported.

Football May 27

Undefeated Evloev signals UFC featherweight title shot is coming this summer

Movsar Evloev has hinted he will finally receive a UFC featherweight title shot before the end of summer 2026, after years of being overlooked despite an unblemished 20-0 record and wins over Diego Lopes, Arnold Allen, Aljamain Sterling, and Lerone Murphy.

MMA May 27

Mourinho backs Liverpool over Manchester United in greatest English club debate

José Mourinho, returning to Real Madrid for a second spell, has declared Liverpool the bigger club in England, citing their superior trophy haul and European pedigree over former employers Manchester United.

Football May 27

Barcelona agree personal terms with Anthony Gordon in bid to hijack Bayern deal

Barcelona have reached a personal terms agreement with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, 25, and submitted an opening offer of €70m as they look to complete a deal ahead of Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals. Newcastle have set a €92m asking price for the England international.

Football May 27

Sevilla target Barcelona's Toni Fernandez as Sergio Ramos shapes transfer policy

Sevilla are pursuing 17-year-old Barcelona winger Toni Fernandez as their first signing of the Sergio Ramos era, according to reports in Spain. The La Masia talent is open to a move if a first-team pathway at Barcelona does not materialise this summer.

Football May 27