General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

Combat Sports & Individual Achievements

A flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja is set to headline UFC, officials announced Thursday. Longtime college announcer Dick Vitale shared positive news regarding his health after announcing his fifth cancer diagnosis in April. WWE superstar Bianca Belair and Montez Ford have welcomed their first child together. Brock Lesnar 10-time WWE world champion and former UFC heavyweight champion, has retired from combat sports, stating his match at WWE Summer Slam was his last. The World Series of Poker main event has narrowed down to a heads-up final between Lucas Jumalon and Lauri Saaskilahti, with the bracelet to be decided Wednesday on ESPN. William Zepeda climbed the lightweight rankings after defeating Lamont Roach to capture the WBC title. Jemima Lines made history by becoming the first woman selected for the British America's Cup team in 90 years, calling it a "pivotal moment" in her sport. Elite climber Falconer is pursuing her dream of competing in the 2028 Olympics, with bouldering having helped her cope with the loss of her mother.

Golf & Tennis Updates

LIV Golf secured funding from an outside investor that will ensure the circuit's continuation beyond this season, according to league CEO Scott O'Neil. The league also announced a deal with an unnamed lead investor to continue next season, following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financial backing earlier this year. Cameron Norrie progressed to the Canadian Open last 32 after securing a straight-set victory over Ignacio Buse. Ryder Cup stars Robert Mac Intyre, Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka are confirmed to play in the Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, from September 9-13.

Basketball News

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed her desire for the focus to return to basketball following widespread national debate sparked by her comments on transgender athletes. A'ja Wilson is the current front-runner for the WNBA MVP award, with four other players, including a rookie, expected to receive votes. Power Rankings indicate that the Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever are surging, ranking first and second respectively, with the Las Vegas Aces rounding out the top three. The planned launch of a bespoke European NBA league has the potential to elevate basketball in the United Kingdom to the "next level," according to New York Knicks player OG Anunoby.

College Football & Season Previews

Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley practiced in a limited capacity for the Hoosiers on Wednesday as he recovers from a season-ending knee injury sustained in December. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is prioritizing his players' focus on winning the opener rather than dwelling on missing the College Football Playoff last season. ESPN's preseason evaluation highlights teams facing the toughest and easiest stretches of games, identifying those with the biggest challenges and smoothest roads ahead. Connelly's analysis identifies the Power 4 games with the highest combined SP+ ratings and a projected scoring margin under eight points for the 2026 college football season. Thirty-one schools are identified as having the best chance to make the College Football Playoff in 2026 due to their players and schedules. A breakdown of the 40 most important players for the 2026 college football season, starting with highly-touted quarterbacks, is presented.

Cricket and Other Team Sports

Phil Salt captain of the Welsh Fire, suggested that The Hundred tournament could ideally be a week longer, given his team played three matches in five days. Jos Buttler is the highest run-scorer in men's T20 cricket, a feat explored by BBC Sport. Buttler also starred in a Manchester Super Giants victory over Welsh Fire by nine wickets in The Hundred, setting a new T20 runs record. Dunkley's fifty helped Trent Rockets secure a victory over Birmingham Phoenix, while Orla Prendergast took four wickets in Welsh Fire's win against Manchester Super Giants. Surrey maintained their push for a home semi-final in the One-Day Cup with a 95-run victory over Kent, placing them level with the Foxes at the top of the standings. Scarlets managing director Jon Daniels has dismissed the idea of a merger with the Ospreys and is seeking greater transparency from the Welsh Rugby Union. Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty stated that the departure of manager Tiernan Lynch was "pretty much a snap decision" and that he felt "it was time to make a change". Waterdogs have taken the top spot in the PLL Power Rankings ahead of Week, with the playoffs approaching. Great Britain Sevens players have been seeking alternative employment and teams since their contracts were reduced to part-time last summer, in order to continue playing.

Motorsports and Cycling

The Preakness Stakes is moving to a new date, three weeks and a day after the Kentucky Derby, and will be run on a Sunday for the first time. Vollering won the fifth stage of the Tour de France Femmes with a sprint victory over the yellow jersey holder Marlen Reusser. Officials at the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift are implementing checks on riders' clothing to prevent attempts to gain aerodynamic advantages.

Other Sports News

MLB trade deadline saw several key deals, with ESPN tracking the fantasy fallout and providing analysis of how teams like the Cubs, Orioles, Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies fared. was disqualified following an alleged racially motivated incident stated she "does not feel safe" competing, citing frequent booing of black athletes. ESPN's 75-hour "The Ocho," showcases obscure competitions and will feature a new variation of chess called "the strangest sport in the world" on August 8th. star Joe Marler will be known as "Mauler" when he appears as the BBC's first celebrity Gladiator in the fourth series airing in 2027. Television presenter Nick Knowles has become a shareholder in the Champ Rugby side Cornish Pirates. Gloucester sprinter James Arminio is competing at the Under-20 World Championships, having only started running two years ago. From Jackson Koivun to Brooks Koepka, players on the bubble for the FedEx Cup Playoffs need to perform at the Wyndham Championship to qualify for the top. Akron is holding a unique raffle for season-ticket holders, automatically entering them into a drawing for a promotion that includes interaction with the head coach.