General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 5:31 AM ET

UFC 329 Delivers Knockouts and Question Marks

Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return at UFC 329 ended abruptly with an injury in the opening minutes, shattering any immediate hopes of a championship run. ESPN MMA contributors broke down the event, noting that McGregor's comeback might have in his ability to regain his former fighting form. Despite McGregor's setback, Paddy Pimblett for a lightweight title shot with a swift 52-second submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis. Gable Steveson also made a splash in his UFC debut, securing a first-round TKO against Elisha Ellison with impressive striking.

Rugby Union Sees Upsets and Strong Performances

Argentina provided reality for Wales, securing a convincing 35-21 victory in San Juan. The Pumas proved more than deserving winners after Wales' recent wins against Italy and Fiji. In the Nations Championship, Scotland fell short in a high-scoring 42-28 defeat against a significantly altered South Africa side, despite scoring four tries. Ireland, however, held off a spirited Japan team for a bonus-point victory, with Sean Jansen marking his international debut with a try.

Wimbledon Heats Up as Tennis Talent Shines

As Wimbledon progresses, questions, though he appeared rejuvenated in his loss to Jannik Sinner. Sinner is the defending men's singles champion, but Alexander Zverev is also in contention after winning his first major. ESPN experts are weighing in on their predictions for the men's tournament. Meanwhile, the women's final will feature an all-Czech showdown between Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova, with Noskova's victory over Muchova in a prior match. BBC Sport also offers a quiz to test knowledge of every Wimbledon men's singles champion in the Open era.

Soccer and Rugby League Action Across Europe

In a controversial World Cup quarterfinal match, Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review determined he simulated a foul. On the club front, Brodie Croft's hat-trick helped Leeds maintain their four-point lead atop the Super League standings. Wakefield Trinity ended Super League champions Hull KR's 11-game home winning run, with Faatili scoring a brace. In international rugby league, Henry Pollock's second-half hat-trick boosted England's chances in a dominant victory over Fiji, while another hat-trick from Pollock in a separate match against Fiji also put his name forward for consideration in the England starting lineup.

WNBA and Cycling Updates

The WNBA saw a record-breaking crowd of 20,996 at Bell Centre in Montreal as Paige Bueckers in Dallas's 108-95 win over expansion Toronto. Head coach Cheryl Reeve indicated that Napheesa Collier's return might be imminent for the Minnesota Lynx, who were tied for the WNBA lead with the Las Vegas Aces. Natasha Cloud and the Chicago Sky are hoping for a turnaround after a tumultuous offseason. In cycling, Tim Merlier stage win on the Tour de France, prevailing in another sprint finish.

NFL and Other Sports News

Eric Moody examined how offensive line play is impacting running backs, identifying those who benefit and those who are hindered. Elsewhere, evaluators are tasked with ranking the NFL's best tight ends, with Brock Bowers, George Kittle, and Trey McBride among the top contenders. Mario Saint-Supery, a standout freshman at Gonzaga last season, has signed with Euro League club Valencia. In golf, Matt Fitzpatrick at the fog-disrupted Genesis Scottish Open, while Rory McIlroy struggled. World Cup-winning captain Heather Knight, following Tammy Beaumont, has from cricket.