Jon Jones knocks out Stipe Miocic; retains the MMA heavyweight title.
American MMA fighter, Jon Jones solidified his legacy with a third-round knockout of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, defending his heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden. This highly anticipated bout was delayed over a year due to Jones’ injury, while Miocic returned to the octagon for the first time since his 2021 knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Miocic started strong, landing solid punches and countering Jones early. However, Jones quickly showcased his dominance. After a first-round takedown, Jones controlled the ground game with relentless ground-and-pound, earning a 10-8 on most scorecards. The second round followed a similar pattern, with Jones systematically dismantling Miocic’s defenses. In the third, Jones sealed the victory with a spinning back kick that dropped Miocic. Post-fight, Miocic announced his retirement. Now 28-1, Jones continues to cement his place as a UFC great, dominating both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
JONES WITH THE KO #ufc309 #JonesMiocic pic.twitter.com/b9BUPEPpQC
— Eduardo Aranda Jr (@ArandaEddie) November 17, 2024
Alphonso Davies’ agent denies agreement rumour with Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich’s dynamic left-back, Alphonso Davies is at the center of intense transfer speculation as his contract nears its June expiry. Top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are reportedly vying for the 24-year-old’s signature. Recent rumours suggested Davies was close to joining Real Madrid, but his agent, Nedal Huoseh, denied the claims, stating, “The player has many options, but no terms have been agreed with any club. A new deal with Bayern is also possible.” Bayern remain determined to retain Davies, with sporting director Christoph Freund optimistic. “He feels very comfortable in Munich,” Freund said. Despite interest from other European giants, Bayern Munich’s head coach, Vincent Kompany is also keen to keep the Canadian international. Meanwhile, Davies remains focused, saying, “My full focus is to stay healthy and play with the club I’m with right now.”
🚨🇨🇦 Alphonso Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh tells me: “Done deal with Real Madrid? This is NOT true”.
“Though the player has many options, we have not agreed terms with any club”.
❗️ “New deal at FC Bayern could also be an option. Any reports suggesting otherwise are incorrect”. pic.twitter.com/DcUHFwPfUQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 15, 2024
Viktor Gyökeres rules out January transfer despite target from PL clubs.
Since Rúben Amorim took over as Manchester United’s manager, speculation has linked him with a move for former Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyökeres. However, the prolific forward has dismissed the idea of a January transfer. Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Gyökeres said, “I’m enjoying my time at Sporting and want to finish the season here. Rumors don’t concern me; nothing concrete has happened.” The Swedish international also downplayed the United speculation, noting Amorim “probably already has strikers there,” and called the rumors “just talk.” While a January move seems unlikely, a summer transfer remains a possibility. Amorim has not ruled out reuniting with the 26-year-old at Old Trafford, but any deal would be costly. Gyökeres has a €100 million (£83m/$107m) release clause, though reports suggest a reduced fee of £63m ($81m) could be possible in 2025.
🚨🇸🇪 Viktor Gyökeres on January window: “I want to finish this season at Sporting. I love it here”.
“New club? We will see when the time comes. I want to play, that’s crucial… and there will be also other factors”. pic.twitter.com/owlqvrITRx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2024
“Inside the NBA” to air on ESPN and ABC starting from next season.
After uncertainty about its future, “Inside the NBA” will continue, airing on ESPN and ABC starting next season. According to The Wall Street Journal, TNT will license the popular show as part of a settlement between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and the NBA, ending a four-month legal battle. WBD, the parent company of TNT Sports, sued the NBA after the league rejected its offer for a package in the new 11-year media rights deal starting in 2025-26. The settlement, expected to be announced Monday, will dismiss the Lawsuit by Tuesday. TNT Sports will still produce the show from Atlanta, keeping Ernie Johnson Jr., Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal as hosts. Despite losing NBA rights, WBD secured Barkley in August, ensuring Inside the NBA remains a fan favorite even under its new broadcast partners.
BREAKING: Starting next season, ESPN/ABC will have the rights to air ‘Inside the NBA’, per @WSJ
(h/t @TheSteinLine ) pic.twitter.com/fx1QG2VU7J
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 17, 2024
Rayan Cherki emerges as potential Salah replacement amid contract uncertainty.
Liverpool are reportedly targeting Lyon’s Rayan Cherki as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, whose contract expires next summer. Salah, in sensational form under Arne Slot, has scored 10 goals in 17 matches this season, but uncertainty surrounds his future as he can negotiate with foreign clubs from January. According to L’Equipe, Liverpool face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Cherki, a rising star with Lyon. The 20-year-old’s contract runs until 2026, with a possible one-year extension. However, Lyon’s financial struggles may force a sale, as the club faces debts of £422 million and a transfer ban imposed by France’s financial watchdog, the DNCG. For Liverpool, securing Cherki could ensure their attacking strength post-Salah, while Lyon may use the funds to ease their crisis. Meanwhile, Salah remains pivotal as Liverpool lead the Premier League by five points after 11 matches.
🚨🚨| Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on Rayan Cherki as a possible replacement for Mo Salah, with the French club seeking to raise funds to address their dire financial situation.
[@MailSport] pic.twitter.com/ihbls9Lb8m
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) November 17, 2024