General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×MMA & Combat Sports
The BMF title faces questions after Max Holloway's point-down style failed to ignite the expected fireworks against Charles Oliveira at UFC. A lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje will headline the UFC's White House event in June, while Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will fight for the interim heavyweight championship. Holloway defended his trademark stance ahead of the vacant belt fight, saying it makes him feel alive despite coaches disliking the point-down tactic.
Formula 1
George Russell led a Mercedes 1-2 finish in a chaotic season-opening Australian Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc completing the podium. Drivers were far from pleased with the new car regulations, with Lando Norris calling the machinery the "worst cars" he's ever driven and questioning if there is a quick fix for a painful debut.
Rugby Union
Italy celebrated a historic victory over England, their first in 33 attempts, with captain Michele Lamaro stating beating England is "a big day for Italian rugby." The loss intensified scrutiny on England's leadership and the future of coach Steve Borthwick's project. Scotland delivered a stunning performance to thump France 33-14 at Murrayfield, with Kyle Steyn scoring a second try via an Antoine Dupont interception to extend their lead and Darcy Graham giving them an early score in the win. Wales showed promise in a thumping World Cup qualifying win over Montenegro, where Mared Griffiths shone, but questions remain if they can take the next step and start winning consistently. In the women's Premiership, May Campbell scored three tries to inspire Saracens to a 43-26 win over Harlequins.
Basketball
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moved within two games of breaking Wilt Chamberlain's decades-old NBA record as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors. Victor Wembanyama stared in a 25-point comeback as the San Antonio Spurs rallied against the Los Angeles Clippers. UConn's Big East title hopes faded with a 68-62 loss at Marquette, a game that saw coach Danny Hurley ejected in the final second. John Calipari earned his 900th career victory in Arkansas' 88-84 overtime win over Missouri. Duke's famed Krzyzewskiville uses an ordering test to decide the best student section seats, and UNC's season will be impacted by freshman Caleb Wilson's injury.
Tennis & Golf
Filipina prodigy Alex Eala has created a sensation, drawing huge crowds ahead of her Indian Wells match against Coco Gauff. Olympic champion Alysa Liu withdrew from the upcoming world figure skating championships. In golf, Jon Rahm arranged a flight for eight LIV players, including Thomas Detry, who now shares the Hong Kong lead after travel chaos in the Middle East.
Other Sports
Luke Littler advanced to the UK Open quarter-finals with a 10-5 win over Gary Anderson, while Luke Humphries was eliminated by Danny Noppert. Wigan Warriors maintained their perfect Super League start with a dominant win over Toulouse, scoring four tries in 14 minutes. Tadej Pogacar won the Strade Bianche for a record fourth time with a solo victory. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his team wants to break hearts in the T20 World Cup final against India, while Annabel Sutherland's 129 helped Australia dominate India in the day-night Test. The Bills and center Connor McGovern agreed to a four-year, $52M deal. St. Bonaventure's all-time wins leader, Mark Schmidt, is expected to retire after this season. England coach Brendon McCullum defended his informal dressing room style, saying he makes "no apologies." Jai Opetaia will lose his IBF title if he fights for a Zuffa Boxing belt. Para-alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won Russia's first medal at the Winter Paralympics. Steve Emt's journey from a paralyzed former UConn basketball player to a three-time Paralympian in curling is incredible. Fred Warburton took up ski racing to impress his father-in-law and now competes for Great Britain. Cliftonville, Dungannon Swifts, and Coleraine advanced to the Irish Cup semi-finals. An altercation involving a UTEP fan and Jacksonville State players is under review.