General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

UFC & Combat Sports

Sean Strickland secured a stunning upset over Khamzat Chimaev via a razor-close split decision at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, capturing the middleweight championship in the process. Following the title change, sources close to Chimaev informed ESPN that the fighter is now "obsessed" with an immediate rematch, stating it is "the only fight he will accept right now", though official divisional rankings placed Strickland at the top of the division. Meanwhile, Gina Carano is preparing to pioneer a new era in MMA with her return to the sport after a 17-year absence, setting up a bout against Ronda Rousey.

Motor Sports & Cycling

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is preparing for an unusual endurance challenge, swapping a standard Formula 1 race for the grueling 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, prompting ESPN to analyze the key questions surrounding the switch. In other motorsports news, the North West 200 saw impressive performances, with Storm Stacey claiming a thrilling double victory in his road racing debut, alongside wins for established names like Glenn Irwin and Michael Dunlop. In cycling, three-time Olympic medallist Katie Archibald announced her retirement from the sport, explaining that she had "fallen in love" with her new career path as a nurse.

Golf & Tennis

Rory McIlroy arrived at the US PGA Championship in a markedly different mental state than the previous year, with one correspondent noting he is "relaxed enough to rip off a toenail" during his preparation, even as McIlroy admitted he was factually incorrect last year when he advocated for the PGA Tour to unite with the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PGA Championship storylines also centered on whether Scottie Scheffler or McIlroy would be favored, and if the field would witness Jordan Spieth complete the career Grand Slam, while Matt Fitzpatrick enters the event among the favorites to end England's 107-year drought at the Pennsylvania major. In tennis, Iga Swiatek cruised into the fourth round of the Italian Open, dropping only one game against Elisabetta Cocciaretto to set up a high-profile meeting with Naomi Osaka, whereas Coco Gauff had to fight back from a set down to avoid an upset in Rome.

NBA & Basketball

The Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the brink of the Western Conference Finals after securing another dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving LeBron James uncertain about "what the future holds for me" following the team's elimination. The NBA's forthcoming talent pool will be shaped by the 2026 draft, where the Washington Wizards unexpectedly secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick during the lottery proceedings in Chicago. In college basketball, Belmont's ace Maya Johnson is gaining attention in the postseason after overcoming medical adversity, having previously been turned away by major programs due to her diagnosis of lupus.

Soccer & College Football

Arsenal moved to within touching distance of their first Premier League title in two decades after Jérémy Doku's goal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday, though the win included a controversial escape from a potential penalty call via VAR review. Manchester City maintained their own title challenge pressure after Doku ensured they avoided a slip-up. In college football news, Class of 2027 quarterback R.J. Day, the son of Ohio State coach Ryan Day, formally announced his commitment to Northwestern University. Furthermore, there was recent chatter around the future of the Army-Navy game and other developments following the conclusion of spring practice sessions.

Rugby & Track & Field

Saracens continued their strong run in the Gallagher Premiership, scoring six tries to record a 10th consecutive win over injury-hit Bristol Bears and solidify their top-four position, while Harlequins inflicted a humiliating 76-17 defeat upon Newcastle Red Bulls in a clash between the bottom two sides. Glasgow Warriors, should they reach the United Rugby Championship final, may be compelled to host the match in Belfast as no suitable venue is available in Scotland. In women's rugby, Ireland's Women's Six Nations progress stalled during a sluggish showing against Wales, but a subsequent bonus-point victory over the same opposition, featuring a standout performance from Wafer, offered some positive takeaways. On the track, Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese tragically passed away at the age of 36 after becoming ill during a standard training session.

Cricket, Darts & Other Sports

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever home Test match victory over Pakistan, propelled by fast bowler Nahid Rana’s impressive spell of 5-40. South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail reversed her earlier decision to retire from international duty and was subsequently named in the Proteas squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. In darts, Northern Ireland's Josh Rock claimed his first European Tour title in nearly two years, defeating Kevin Doets 8-6 in the final of the Austrian Darts Open. Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is preparing for a potential dual international career after receiving a call-up to the England cricket squad.

Athlete & Doping Issues

Tiger Woods' legal team confirmed that a Florida state judge granted prosecutors access to subpoena his prescription drug records related to his recent DUI arrest in March, as legal scrutiny intensifies. In a separate anti-doping violation, former Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze received an 11-year ban for manipulating a urine sample, with five of his teammates receiving suspensions lasting up to six years. Separately, a recent survey indicated a "concerning" frequency with which young individuals are exposed to social media adverts for performance-enhancing substances deemed "life-threatening".

Player Narratives & Milestones

Former USWNT forward Alex Morgan announced on Mother's Day that she and her husband, Servando Carrasco, are expecting their third child. In baseball, fantasy managers are assessing whether the return of Juan Soto can finally initiate a winning streak for the New York Mets. Meanwhile, three-time Olympic medallist Katie Archibald is stepping away from cycling to pursue a career in nursing. In boxing, Belfast's Lewis Crocker is scheduled to defend his IBF welterweight title against Liam Paro in Brisbane on June 24.