General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:31 AM ET

Combat Sports & Individual Pursuits

The world of combat sports saw major championship shifts and high-profile returns. At UFC 328, only one bout earned an A grade despite seven total finishes on the card, though the main event featured a stunning upset: Sean Strickland dethroned the previously unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev via a narrow split decision to capture the middleweight title. Post-fight, Chimaev's team confirmed he is "obsessed" with an immediate rematch, stating it is the only fight he currently accepts looking toward a second fight. Meanwhile, in MMA's past, Ronda Rousey is preparing for a highly anticipated return, aiming to rewrite her history in the sport in an event she is reportedly masterminding, which will feature Gina Carano pioneering a new era in her first fight in 17 years. Separately, in boxing, Daniel Dubois secured a second heavyweight world championship, finishing his brutal clash with Fabio Wardley via an 11th-round knockout, while Dubois's positioning in the divisional rankings remains unchanged Dubois stays put.

In professional golf, focus shifts to the PGA Championship where storylines abound, questioning whether Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy holds the favorite tag, and whether Jordan Spieth can complete a career Grand Slam. McIlroy, however, faced immediate physical concerns, halting a practice round early after ripping off a troublesome toenail, though Jon Rahm is prioritizing his play over boardroom matters, stating his role is golf, not fixing the business of LIV Golf Rahm shifts focus. On the European Tour, South African upstart Yurav Premlall authored an extraordinary performance, winning the Catalunya Championship by 14 shots, finishing just one shot shy of matching Tiger Woods's European Tour record. On the track, Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese tragically passed away at age 36 after falling ill during a routine training session.

Motorsports & Tennis Updates

The world of high-speed racing features both endurance challenges and regulatory questions. Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is preparing to trade a standard Grand Prix for the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours, prompting analysts to answer key questions about the switch Verstappen at the Nürburgring. Concurrently, F1 correspondent Andrew Benson addressed concerns regarding the 2026 rules and calendar congestion addressing key F1 questions. In motorsports history, veteran Katherine Legge is set to attempt a demanding "double," aiming to become the first woman to complete both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day Legge attempts the double. In tennis, Emma Raducanu was granted a wildcard to return to action in Strasbourg, seeking necessary match preparation ahead of the French Open Raducanu seeks match practice. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek demonstrated dominance in Rome, dropping only one game en route to setting up a fourth-round clash with Naomi Osaka, while Coco Gauff narrowly avoided an early exit, fighting back from a set down to remain in the Italian Open.

Cricket & Global Team Sports

International cricket saw significant squad announcements and historic victories. England named their first Test squad of the summer, ending Ollie Robinson’s two-year international absence and including uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker for the opening Test against New Zealand England recalls Robinson. On the injury front, England faces uncertainty as bowler Issy Wong awaits a scan on a hamstring issue before a final fitness decision for the T20 World Cup Wong awaits fitness scan. South Africa received a boost as Shabnim Ismail reversed her international retirement decision to be included in their T20 World Cup squad, while former England spinner Kirsty Gordon was also named in Scotland's T20 World Cup contingent Ismail reverses retirement. In Test match history, Bangladesh secured their first-ever home Test victory over Pakistan, powered by fast bowler Nahid Rana's 5-40 performance Bangladesh claims first home Test win. Furthermore, India legend Rahul Dravid was announced as a co-owner of the Dublin-based franchise for the new European T20 Premier League Dravid joins ETPL ownership.

North American College & Pro Leagues

The NBA draft lottery delivered a surprise outcome as the Washington Wizards secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft Wizards win No. 1 pick, while the Spurs consolidated their series lead in their playoff matchup against the Wolves, learning what is next for both squads Spurs take 3-2 series lead. Beyond the NBA, college football saw coaching staff restructuring and controversial commentary. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian fired back at Ole Miss's recent statements, criticizing the Rebels' academics by labeling them "basket weaving," a sentiment echoed by Florida coach Jon Sumrall Sarkisian slams Ole Miss academics. In personnel news, Missouri star running back Ahmad Hardy was released from the hospital after being shot early Sunday morning, with sources indicating his goal remains to play after finishing second in FBS rushing yards Hardy leaves hospital. Meanwhile, the future of coaching was indicated as Class of 2027 QB R.J. Day, son of Ohio State HC Ryan Day, committed to Northwestern Day's son picks Northwestern.

In college basketball rivalries, UConn and South Carolina are slated to meet on November 24 in a neutral-site game, marking the first contest between the programs since the sideline altercation between coaches Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley last month UConn-SC game scheduled. College baseball continues its postseason push, with the latest Top 25 rankings reflecting the standings after Week 13 action latest college baseball rankings, while excitement builds around the NCAA softball tournament bracket softball postseason details.

Rugby Union & League Turmoil

The professional rugby season approached its climax with significant results in both the English Premiership and the URC. In the Premiership, Saracens surged, Leicester Tigers roared, and imports delivered for Exeter Chiefs, tightening the race for the top-four playoff spots Premiership talking points emerge. Harlequins inflicted a massive 76-17 defeat on Newcastle Red Bulls in a clash between the bottom two sides Quins humiliate Newcastle. In the United Rugby Championship, the final round brings high stakes, with clubs determining playoff berths and Champions Cup qualification based on results URC final week scenarios, though Glasgow Warriors may be forced to host a potential final in Belfast if they progress, as they search for a venue outside Scotland Glasgow may host final in Belfast. Furthermore, Welsh rugby is taking steps toward expanding its footprint, as the WRU lodged interest in entering a team into the expanded Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) competition, a move supported by Ireland's Sam Monaghan for national team growth WRU eyes PWR entry.

Hockey, Cycling, and Other Disciplinary Matters

In the NHL playoffs, disciplinary action resulted in a significant penalty for a top defenseman, as Boston's Charlie McAvoy received a six-game suspension for slashing Zach Benson during Game 6 of their first-round series McAvoy suspended for six games. In cycling, three-time Olympic medallist Katie Archibald announced her retirement, citing a newfound passion for nursing, despite having been selected for Scotland's 2026 Commonwealth Games team Archibald retires for nursing career. On the darts circuit, Northern Ireland's Josh Rock claimed his first European Tour title in nearly two years, defeating Kevin Doets 8-6 to secure the Austrian Open title. Finally, in a concerning development regarding athlete health, a survey found a "concerning" number of young individuals are exposed weekly to social media advertisements promoting "life-threatening" performance-enhancing substances youth exposed to doping ads.