theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 318 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event...

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 318 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event in New Orleans.<h3>Lightweight bout</h3>Max Holloway (26-8) vs. Dustin Poirier (30-9, 1 NC)Two of the UFC's most beloved fighters are set to clash for a third time in what could be the Fight of the Year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier will say farewell to mixed martial arts after he steps into the Octagon one last time against Max Holloway, a former featherweight champ who's putting his BMF title up for grabs. Poirier has beaten Holloway twice already and has a chance to sweep their series 3-0.Their second fight at UFC 236 in 2019 was an instant classic, with Poirier edging out Holloway on the scorecards. But a lot has changed since. Holloway has moved up to the lightweight division full time and looks the part now. Unless his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria last October took a serious toll, Holloway will outwork Poirier in another thriller to avenge his previous losses and send "The Diamond" packing.The pick: Holloway, unanimous decision<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/cropped_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751660/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181003642.jpg?ts=1729867661 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3>Paulo Costa (14-4) vs. Roman Kopylov (14-3)I can't trust Paulo Costa at this point. The former title challenger has fought just twice since 2022, losing both, and has shown no signs of turning his career around. Maybe he puts on a strong performance against a lower-ranked opponent like Roman Kopylov, but the reality is that Kopylov's good. Real good. He's won six of his last seven and has lost just once since 2021. This will be his breakthrough.The pick: Kopylov, unanimous decision<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/cropped_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794657/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193476459.jpg?ts=1752764532 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Welterweight bout</h3>Kevin Holland (28-13, 1 NC) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (19-5)Kevin Holland is fighting for the fourth time in 2025 - what a maniac - and I love this matchup for him. Daniel Rodriguez will stand and trade with anyone, but that'll be his downfall here. Holland is the sharper striker and will become just the second person to stop Rodriguez with strikes - joining Ian Machado Garry - late in the fight.The pick: Holland, third-round TKO<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/cropped_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789446/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219110380.jpg?ts=1749409726 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Featherweight bout</h3>Dan Ige (19-9) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (36-8)Can Patricio "Pitbull" Freire break the Bellator curse? That's what we all want to know. He came up short in his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez in April, and now he's getting a more favorable matchup against Dan Ige. But the pressure is on. If Freire doesn't beat Ige, his Octagon career could be over before we know it.Luckily for Freire, I think he has the tools to beat Ige, even at age 38. I also think he'll learn from his mistakes. After the Rodriguez loss, Freire admitted he didn't start nearly fast enough or throw enough offense throughout. A three-round bout is a sprint for a former double champ who's used to fighting five rounds. Expect a much better performance from "Pitbull" this time.The pick: Freire, unanimous decision<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/cropped_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794661/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203888376.jpg?ts=1752764684 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3>Michael Johnson (23-19) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (15-2)This fight is understandably flying under the radar, but it has the chance to be a slobber knocker. Daniel Zellhuber is coming off a loss in theScore's 2024 Fight of the Year, while Michael Johnson is no stranger to a back-and-forth brawl himself. As far as a pick is concerned, I'll go with the guy who doesn't have almost as many losses as wins.The pick: Zellhuber, second-round TKO<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/cropped_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794662/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172049902.jpg?ts=1752764736 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31825982/related

UFC 318 predictions: Does Poirier have Holloway's number?

Lightweights Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier made weight Friday before they square off for the th...

Lightweights Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier made weight Friday before they square off for the third time in the UFC 318 main event Saturday in New Orleans.Holloway and Poirier weighed in at 155 and 156 pounds, respectively.Middleweights Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov were also on the mark for the co-main event. They both came in at 185 pounds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here are the full UFC 318 weigh-in results:<h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Max Holloway (155) vs. Dustin Poirier (156)</li>
<li>Paulo Costa (185) vs. Roman Kopylov (185)</li>
<li>Kevin Holland (170) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (170)</li>
<li>Dan Ige (145) vs. Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (145)</li>
<li>Michael Johnson (155) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (156)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Kyler Phillips (135) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (135)</li>
<li>Marvin Vettori (186) vs. Brendan Allen (185)</li>
<li>Francisco Prado (170) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (169)</li>
<li>Ateba Gautier (185) vs. Robert Valentin (186)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Adam Fugitt (171) vs. Islam Dulatov (171)</li>
<li>Jimmy Crute (205) vs. Marcin Prachnio (205)</li>
<li>Ryan Spann (252) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (242)</li>
<li>Brunno Ferreira (186) vs. Jackson McVey (185)</li>
<li>Carli Judice (125) vs. Nicolle Caliari (126)</li>
</ul>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 18: Max Holloway poses on the scale during the UFC 318 official weigh-in at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on July 18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31818691/related

UFC 318 weigh-in results: Holloway, Poirier cleared for trilogy fight

UFC 318 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Dustin Poirier steps into the Octagon for the fina...

UFC 318 is upon us.In Saturday's main event, Dustin Poirier steps into the Octagon for the final time of his career to face Max Holloway for the BMF title. And in the co-headliner, Paulo Costa returns to action against Roman Kopylov at middleweight.Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Will Poirier finish his career with a bang?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/cropped_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/w220xh124_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/w320xh180_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/w640xh360_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/w768xh432_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745014/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1579870961.jpg?ts=1726260682 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>After 14 years, 32 walks to the Octagon, and several iconic fights, "The Diamond" is saying farewell. Poirier will step into the cage one more time - in his home state of Louisiana, no less - for a trilogy bout against Holloway, the BMF champion, before putting his Hall of Fame career in the rearview mirror.The UFC is giving Poirier the kind of send-off he deserves. The beloved lightweight gets his long-awaited homecoming (the promotion hasn't been to New Orleans since 2015), one more pay-per-view main event, and a fan-friendly matchup that, on a good night, could be the Fight of the Year. This is the least the UFC could do for someone like Poirier, who has literally given his blood, sweat, and tears to the sport.Poirier is thrilled he gets to finish his career with a fellow legend like Holloway on the other side of the cage."Max, the accolades he has, being the current BMF champion, former undisputed champion, beat the best of the best, this guy's gonna be in the Hall of Fame. And he's a good dude," Poirier said on ESPN's "<a href="https://www.espn.com/mma/">First Take</a>." "He's one of the real fighters cut from that old-school cloth. It's an honor for him to be my last fight in the UFC."But Holloway is far from a layup fight. Quite the opposite, actually.Yes, Poirier has beaten him twice, but this is a different matchup now than it was in 2012 and even in 2019. Holloway has fully committed to the lightweight division and won't look like the smaller, weaker fighter like he did at UFC 236 six years ago. He's even the slight betting favorite on theScore Bet.Will Poirier ride off into the sunset with a victory, or will Holloway play spoiler? Only one way to find out.<h3>What's in store for Holloway at 155 pounds?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/cropped_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751884/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181236024.jpg?ts=1729987788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Holloway is in the lightweight division to stay after bouncing between weight classes last year. And this fight will have a massive impact on his future as a 155-pound contender.If Holloway gets revenge and beats Poirier, he'll very much be a player in the division as we settle into the second half of 2025. Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje in a lightweight bout last year, immediately catapulting him into the top five. But he raised some questions when he suffered a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title bout six months later. Now that Holloway is moving to 155 pounds for good, a win over Poirier would solidify him as one of the top lightweights in the promotion and set him up for a big 2026.But a loss could signal that Holloway is nearing the end of his days as a title contender. He's only 33 years old, but he's had 34 professional fights and has been in the UFC since he was 20. That's a lot of miles on the body.<h3>Is Costa's UFC career on the line vs. Kopylov?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/cropped_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631048/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155430933.jpg?ts=1717188643 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>Costa's UFC career has left a lot to be desired over the last five years.The Brazilian unsuccessfully challenged Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title as a red-hot, undefeated contender in 2020. Since then, he's 1-3 in the Octagon, with his sole victory coming against a past-his-prime Luke Rockhold in 2022.Where has Costa gone wrong?That's what he hopes to solve this weekend when he takes on Russia's Kopylov, who's ranked No. 14 in the division and has won six of his last seven fights.To put it bluntly, it's desperation time for Costa. Once the hottest up-and-comer at 185 pounds, he's nothing more than an afterthought now. Someone who shows up to fight every now and then and then fades back into oblivion. Someone the UFC might consider using to put over today's prospects.Physically, Costa still has what it takes to make waves in this sport. But if he's going to ever get his Octagon career back on track, now's the time. It's now or never.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31811003/related

3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 318

Three former MMA stars are stepping into the boxing ring later this summer.  A fight between form...

Three former MMA stars are stepping into the boxing ring later this summer.A fight between former UFC welterweight title challenger Darren Till and ex-middleweight champion Luke Rockhold will headline Misfits Boxing 22 on Aug. 30 at AO Arena in Manchester, England, the promotion announced Wednesday.Former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson will face social media influencer Salt Papi in the co-main event.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The event will stream live on DAZN pay-per-view.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒 ⚔️ Darren Till takes on his biggest challenge yet in former UFC champion Luke Rockhold for the MFB Bridgerweight Championship. 🎖️ Salt Papi makes his triumphant return against the UFC veteran and legend Tony Ferguson for the MFB Interim Title. 😤… <a href="https://t.co/QKhIkgzEz2">pic.twitter.com/QKhIkgzEz2</a>— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) <a href="https://twitter.com/MisfitsBoxing/status/1945559827104895317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Till has already competed twice under the Misfits Boxing banner. The 32-year-old Liverpool native made his debut in January and knocked out former Bellator MMA fighter Anthony Taylor in the sixth round. Till then earned a unanimous decision win over UFC veteran Darren Stewart in May.Rockhold will make his boxing debut against Till. He retired from MMA in August 2022 after a loss to Paulo Costa at UFC 278, but he returned the following year to face Mike Perry in a bare-knuckle boxing match at BKFC 41. Rockhold lost to Perry by second-round TKO.The 40-year-old has competed once since then, finishing Joe Schilling in a Karate Combat bout in April 2024.Ferguson will also be making his boxing debut. He parted ways with the UFC earlier this year on the heels of a historic eight-fight losing streak and hasn't fought since. Ferguson, 41, was briefly linked to the Global Fight League (GFL) before the upstart MMA promotion abruptly canceled its debut events.Salt Papi has been a mainstay under the Misfits Boxing banner since 2022. The 31-year-old holds a 5-2 record in the promotion with five knockouts. Salt Papi, who was born in the Philippines but fights out of London, is riding a three-fight winning streak.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Darren Till punches Anthony Taylor during their cruiserweight fight on the Misfits Boxing 30 Live fight card at Co-op Live on January 18, 2025 in Manchester, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31805733/related

Till-Rockhold, Ferguson-Salt Papi boxing matches set

Heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida verbally agreed to square off at UFC ...

Heavyweight contenders Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida verbally agreed to square off at UFC 321 on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, sources told <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/7/16/24468762/alexander-volkov-jailton-almeida-targeted-ufc-321-abu-dhabi">MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz</a>.Contracts reportedly haven't been signed.Volkov, ranked No. 2 in the division, is coming off a controversial split-decision loss to former interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 last December. Before that, the 36-year-old Russian had won four in a row, including a unanimous decision over Sergei Pavlovich and an Ezekiel-choke submission of Tai Tuivasa.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Almeida earned a first-round TKO win over Serghei Spivac at UFC 311 in January. The 34-year-old Brazilian is riding a two-fight winning streak and holds an 8-1 record in the Octagon. Almeida is the fifth-ranked heavyweight in the promotion.The winner between Volkov and Almeida will be in the running for a heavyweight title shot against Tom Aspinall. Volkov faced Aspinall in a non-title bout in 2022, losing by submission.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Alexander Volkov of Russia looks on prior to a heavyweight fight during UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31803295/related

Report: Volkov, Almeida agree to UFC 321 bout

UFC CEO Dana White is promising quite the spectacle for next year's event at the White House.  Pr...

UFC CEO Dana White is promising quite the spectacle for next year's event at the White House.President Donald Trump announced earlier this month he plans to host a UFC event on the White House grounds July 4, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. White believes it will be "a one-of-one experience.""Like when we did the Sphere. It's the Sphere on steroids," White told "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ7o1Zn_SEU">The Pat McAfee Show</a>" on Tuesday. "It's gonna be a one-of-one event. There'll be nothing like it ever again."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>White said he and his team have begun mapping out what the event could look like. They're scheduled to fly to Washington in the coming weeks to pitch their plans to Trump and begin "fine-tuning" the event.Though a bout lineup is far from set, White didn't rule out the possibility of Conor McGregor and the recently retired Jon Jones both competing at the White House."Anything is possible and everything is possible for that card," White said.He told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT5x_ZMFkM8">Barstool's Robbie Fox</a>: "I'm gonna make this one of the greatest events of all time. ... It will be a full card, and it will be the best card we've ever done to date."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: UFC CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 312 press conference at Qudos Bank Arena on February 06, 2025 in Sydney, Australia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31798269/related

White: UFC White House event will be 'Sphere on steroids'

Movsar Evloev is out of his featherweight bout against Aaron Pico due to an undisclosed injury, s...

Movsar Evloev is out of his featherweight bout against Aaron Pico due to an undisclosed injury, sources told <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/07/15/movsar-evloev-injured-out-of-aaron-pico-fight-for-ufc-on-abc-9/85197001007/?taid=6876bdfc97006d00012e3db2&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=trueanthem&amp;utm_source=twitter">MMA Junkie's Danny Segura</a> on Tuesday.Evloev-Pico was scheduled to co-headline UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. The promotion reportedly plans to reschedule the bout for a later date.Evloev, ranked No. 1 in the division, is coming off a win over former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 last December. The 31-year-old Russian is 9-0 in the promotion.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pico was slated to make his highly anticipated UFC debut. The former Bellator star signed with the promotion in April after parting ways with the PFL. Pico, 28, is riding a three-fight winning streak.A middleweight fight between former champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder will headline UFC Abu Dhabi.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Movsar Evloev of Russia punches Aljamain Sterling of the United States during the third round of a featherweight fight during UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31798140/related

Report: Evloev injured, out of UFC Abu Dhabi bout vs. Pico

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler likes to win - and is used to it - but that doesn't mean he gets tr...

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler likes to win - and is used to it - but that doesn't mean he gets true gratification from it."This is not a fulfilling life," Scheffler said Tuesday at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland before the Open Championship begins Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/45745697/scottie-scheffler-take-success-golf-point">ESPN's Paolo Uggetti</a>. "It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart."Scheffler has won two Masters and one PGA Championship and has been the world's top-ranked golfer since May 2023. But the 29-year-old said he constantly wrestles with his desire to win, adding that the excitement that comes with victory doesn't last long.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It's like showing up at the Masters every year; it's like, why do I want to win this golf tournament so badly? Why do I want to win the Open Championship so badly?" Scheffler said. "I don't know, because if I win, it's going to be awesome for two minutes."He added: "Life goes on. It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for, like, a few minutes. It only lasts a few minutes."Despite all that, Scheffler, like anybody else, would much rather win than lose."I hate (losing), I really do," Scheffler said. "We work so hard for such little moments. I'm kind of a sicko; I love putting in the work, I love getting to practice, I love getting to live out my dreams. But at the end of the day, sometimes I just don't understand the point."

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 15: Scottie Scheffler of the United States selects a club during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 15, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31795894/related

Scheffler: Winning 'is not a fulfilling life'

Shakur Stevenson wants to finally make a megafight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis happen.  The WBC...

Shakur Stevenson wants to finally make a megafight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis happen.The WBC lightweight champion defended his title for the third time Saturday, earning a unanimous decision win over William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. Stevenson said he's "chasing" Davis, the WBA lightweight champ, following his latest victory."I think it could be (my next fight)," Stevenson told "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kp-qX9xFsk">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>" on Monday. "I don't put it past him (to accept it). Whenever he picks up the phone and says, 'Yo, let's make this fight happen,' it will happen."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>A potential matchup between Davis and Stevenson, the top two lightweights in the world, has been discussed for years but has yet to materialize. Stevenson said he wants to sit down and talk to Davis himself about a deal for the fight."This is the biggest fight in the world. This is the biggest fight in the sport of boxing," Stevenson said. "Everybody wants to see this. Casuals, noncasuals, boxing fans, everybody wants to see this fight."Stevenson said he'd prefer the bout to take place in a stadium in New York. The 28-year-old is from Newark, while Davis, 30, was born in Baltimore."We're both from the East Coast," Stevenson said. "Where's the biggest stadium ... in New York? MetLife? That's where we gotta fight."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 12: Shakur Stevenson looks on before his lightweight title fight against William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium on July 12, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31789890/related

Stevenson eyes 'biggest fight in the world' vs. 'Tank' Davis

The knockout king struck again.  Derrick Lewis picked up an emphatic win in the UFC Nashville mai...

The knockout king struck again.Derrick Lewis picked up an emphatic win in the UFC Nashville main event, defeating Tallison Teixeira via 35-second TKO on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.The 40-year-old Lewis overcame a massive age gap to hand Teixeira, a 25-year-old heavyweight prospect, his first MMA loss. Lewis was more than a 2-1 underdog going in.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With the victory, "The Black Beast" extended the record for most knockouts in UFC history with his 16th.Teixeira landed the first significant blow of the fight, a left punch that appeared to irritate Lewis' eye. But Lewis responded immediately, charging forward and dropping Teixeira with a left of his own. He pounced on Teixeira and battered him with ground-and-pound. Teixeira made it to the edge of the Octagon and grabbed the fence in a desperate attempt to get up, and just as he returned to his feet, referee Jason Herzog made the questionable decision to call off the fight.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Gets dropped with a massive left, eats at least 11 unanswered, undefended shots, climbs the cage with both hands not defending himself .. stop with the bad stoppage talk 😂😂 Derrick Lewis is just a beast and Tallison was too inexperienced for a main event <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCNashville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCNashville</a> <a href="https://t.co/w1XcQetKba">pic.twitter.com/w1XcQetKba</a>— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedWolfMMA/status/1944250733534105792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>After the main event ended, Lewis once again took off his shorts, waved them around in the air, and then mooned the crowd. He celebrated in similar fashion <a href="https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/2910682">last year at UFC St. Louis</a>.Lewis, ranked No. 9 in the heavyweight division, stepped into the cage for the first time since May 2024. The former title challenger is riding a two-fight winning streak and is 3-1 in his past four Octagon appearances.Teixeira fell to 1-1 in the UFC and 8-1 as a professional. The Brazilian signed with the promotion last year after a win on Dana White's Contender Series. He debuted at UFC 312 in February and earned a 35-second TKO victory.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 12: Derrick Lewis reacts after a knockout victory against Tallison Teixeira of Brazil in a heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on July 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31777721/related

Lewis TKOs Teixeira in 35 seconds at UFC Nashville

Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda via unanimous decision to retain the WBC lightweight cha...

Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda via unanimous decision to retain the WBC lightweight championship Saturday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.The judges scored the fight 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 in Stevenson's favor.Stevenson, often criticized for being a timid, defensive-minded boxer, dazzled in his latest title defense against Zepeda, putting on an entertaining, back-and-forth fight. He outlanded the challenger 295-272 in total punches and 199-153 in power shots. Zepeda had a 119-96 edge in jabs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It wasn't the performance I was looking for, because I came in here trying to prove a point, and I was trying to fight," Stevenson said in his postfight interview. "I took more punishment than usual. But at the end of the day, I told y'all, whatever it takes to get the job done - I got a dog in me. I'm not no puppy, I'm not no poodle. I'm a tough guy."Stevenson was especially dominant in the second half of the fight, outstriking Zepeda in four of the last six rounds. Stevenson said he made some adjustments midway through the bout to ensure Zepeda wasn't able to push him up against the ropes."That was one of the toughest fighters at 135 pounds. ... He came in and pushed me to another level," Stevenson said of Zepeda.Stevenson, a 28-year-old from Newark, lifted his professional record to 24-0 with 11 knockouts. He's held the WBC lightweight title since November 2023 and defended it three times.Zepeda, who entered as the WBC interim lightweight champion, suffered his first career loss. The 29-year-old Mexican fell to 33-1 with 27 knockouts.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 12: Shakur Stevenson reacts after defeating William Zepeda during their lightweight title fight at Louis Armstrong Stadium on July 12, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31776875/related

Stevenson beats Zepeda to retain lightweight title

UFC strawweight Fatima Kline delivered a vicious knockout in her third Octagon appearance.  Kline...

UFC strawweight Fatima Kline delivered a vicious knockout in her third Octagon appearance.Kline clubbed Melissa Martinez with a head kick to score the finish at the 2:36 mark of the third round in the opening fight at UFC Nashville on Saturday night.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JESUS Fatima Kline KOs Melissa Martinez via Headkick <a href="https://t.co/Wyx8RkHcip">pic.twitter.com/Wyx8RkHcip</a>— RookieParlays (@RookieParlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/RookieParlays/status/1944165894499848391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>With the victory, Kline - who turned 25 years old Saturday - improved to 2-1 in the promotion.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 12: (R-L) Fatima Kline kicks Melissa Martinez of Mexico in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on July 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31774136/related

Watch: Kline lands brutal head-kick KO at UFC Nashville

Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano via majority decision to retain the undisputed women's junio...

Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano via majority decision to retain the undisputed women's junior welterweight championship in their trilogy bout Friday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.Two judges scored the fight 97-93 in Taylor's favor, while the third had it a 95-95 draw.Taylor is now 3-0 against Serrano after taking a split decision in their first fight in April 2022 and then a unanimous decision in their highly anticipated rematch last November.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I thought I did enough," Taylor said in her postfight interview. "I thought I boxed very, very smart, very well. It's always a very, very close contest with myself and Amanda. Sometimes it's hard to tell from each round."Taylor and Serrano headlined an all-women's card, which also featured Alycia Baumgardner defending the undisputed junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Jennifer Miranda and Shadasia Green upsetting Savannah Marshall to unify the WBO and IBF super middleweight titles.It also marked the second boxing event to stream live on Netflix after the blockbuster Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight last November. Taylor-Serrano 2 was the co-main event of that card.The third meeting between Taylor and Serrano was much more tactical than the first two matchups, which were epic, back-and-forth Fight of the Year candidates. This time, the two women's greats delivered a relatively low output, each landing 70 punches in the razor-thin contest. Taylor had a 57-49 edge in power shots, while Serrano topped the champion 21-13 in jabs.Taylor said she stuck to a "disciplined and smart" approach in the trilogy bout."I was planning to do that the other two times, but it just didn't work out like that," Taylor said with a laugh. "I feel like I executed the game plan very well."Taylor is now riding a three-fight winning streak and improved to a career 25-1 with the victory. The 39-year-old Irishwoman captured the undisputed junior welterweight title in November 2023.Serrano, the unified featherweight champion, has lost two straight. The 36-year-old Puerto Rico native fell to 47-4-1 as a pro.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano by a majority decision in their undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring super lightweight championship bout during Netflix's Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 at Madison Square Garden on July 11, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31768052/related

Taylor beats Serrano for 3rd time, retains undisputed title

Charles Oliveira had never felt knockout power like Ilia Topuria's until UFC 317.  The former lig...

Charles Oliveira had never felt knockout power like Ilia Topuria's until UFC 317.The former lightweight champion said earlier this week he considers Topuria the hardest hitter he's fought in the Octagon. Topuria knocked out Oliveira in the first round on June 28 in Las Vegas to capture the vacant 155-pound title."(Topuria is) definitely the one who hit me the hardest," Oliveira told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ7FQmhQfJQ">Ag. Fight</a> in Portuguese, according to <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/7/10/24464742/charles-oliveira-ilia-topuria-hit-me-the-hardest-asked-what-had-happened-ufc-317">MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz</a>. "I've been hit before by super tough guys like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, (guys) that knocked me down and hurt me, but (Topuria) really hits hard."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The loss to Topuria marked the first time Oliveira was knocked fully unconscious in 47 professional MMA bouts, and just the fifth knockout or TKO defeat of his career. The 35-year-old Brazilian said he had no recollection of the fight after it ended."I didn't know what had happened," Oliveira said. "It was something new for me.""Do Bronx" is one of the most experienced fighters on the UFC roster. He's tied for sixth-most fights (35) and second-most wins (23), and he owns the most finishes (20) and submissions (16).Oliveira held the lightweight belt from 2021-22.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Charles Oliveira of Brazil and Ilia Topuria of Georgia exchange blows in their lightweight main event title bout during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31754285/related

Oliveira: Topuria the hardest hitter I've faced in UFC

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) hired former Turner and Time Warner executive John Martin ...

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) hired former Turner and Time Warner executive John Martin as its new CEO, the promotion announced Thursday.Former CEO Peter Murray will transition to the role of PFL International CEO, where he will oversee the organization's international leagues such as PFL Europe and PFL Africa. Murray will report to Martin in his new role."John Martin is the ideal CEO to lead the next chapter of growth at PFL," chairman and founder Donn Davis said in a statement. "He is a proven media, content, and sports executive who is a respected global leader and business operator at scale. I am thrilled to work closely with John to deliver on the vision to make PFL everything the fans, fighters, and sport of MMA deserves."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMartinPFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnMartinPFL</a> ! 🤝 We would like to welcome our new CEO as we enter a new era for the Professional Fighters League ➡️⏳ <a href="https://t.co/oNNjceVrac">pic.twitter.com/oNNjceVrac</a>— PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1943287465621565834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Martin served as chairman and CEO of Turner from 2014-18, managing several cable and digital networks including TNT, TBS, CNN, and Turner Sports. Before that, Martin was CFO at Time Warner Inc., a top entertainment conglomerate at the time.As PFL CEO, Martin will oversee "all aspects of the company's strategy, management, operations, finances, and personnel," according to a press release.Martin has been "a dedicated follower of MMA from its earliest days," per the release, and has a black belt in karate and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu."MMA represents the biggest opportunity in sports, and the PFL has secured a unique position that will never be replicated," Martin said in a statement. "I'm incredibly excited about the future of the PFL and confident that we're only at the beginning of what this organization will achieve. My two greatest passions are leading media companies and MMA, so stepping into the position of PFL CEO is truly a dream role for me."

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 10: Turner Chairman and CEO John Martin participates in a keynote panel on reimagining television at CES 2018 at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on January 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 12 and features about 3,900 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 170,000 attendees.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31753511/related

PFL hires ex-Turner executive John Martin as new CEO

Major League Baseball will use the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) during next week'...

Major League Baseball will use the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) during next week's All-Star Game in Atlanta.The decision comes after the league revealed that it could begin using ABS on a full-time basis starting in 2026.In this year's All-Star Game, umpires will call balls and strikes. However, each team will be given two challenges via ABS; successful challenges are retained. Only pitchers, catchers, and hitters can ask for challenges.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>MLB's competition committee will meet later this summer to decide if the robotic system will be implemented next season. MLB used ABS in spring training this year after testing it in the minor leagues over the last six seasons."I think that teams are really positive about ABS," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295992">said</a> in June.The All-Star Game takes place July 15 at Truist Park.

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 04: A detail shot of an 'All-Star Game Atlanta 2025' sign in the outfield prior to the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31747887/related

MLB to use ABS challenge system in All-Star Game

With half the year in the books, theScore hands out the gongs to the best of the best in mixed ma...

With half the year in the books, theScore hands out the gongs to the best of the best in mixed martial arts across five categories.<h3>Male Fighter of the Half-Year</h3>Winner: Merab Dvalishvili<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/cropped_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>When Dvalishvili toppled Sean O'Malley from the UFC bantamweight throne last year, many expected his reign to be short-lived. That was because Umar Nurmagomedov, the then-undefeated cousin of Khabib, looked like the future of the division. But the UFC's top bantamweight was Dvalishvili all along. He came through as the underdog in his first title defense against Nurmagomedov, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision win at UFC 311 in January. Then, five months later at UFC 316, Dvalishvili made a statement in a rematch with O'Malley, tapping him out in the third round for his first submission win in the UFC and first finish since 2021. The 34-year-old Georgian has been a machine so far this year - pun definitely intended - and there's no stopping him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Female Fighter of the Half-Year</h3>Winner: Kayla Harrison<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/cropped_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</figcaption></figure>UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili was also in the mix for this award, but no one in women's MMA defined the first half of the year quite like Harrison. Her long-awaited coronation occurred at UFC 316 in June, when she easily submitted Julianna Pena to become the new women's bantamweight champ. Harrison proved she's a pound-for-pound great - just in case there was anyone who didn't already know it - and is single-handedly injecting life back into the division.<h3>Fight of the Half-Year</h3>Winner: Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WHAT A FIGHT 😱 [ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC317?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC317</a> is LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> PPV NOW ] <a href="https://t.co/tKrUgcmfGV">pic.twitter.com/tKrUgcmfGV</a>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1939169116147040580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>This fight just happened - it was at UFC 317 in late June - but it immediately jumped to the top of the list. Van and Royval delivered an instant classic, displaying tenacity, heart, and an insane amount of perseverance as they slugged it out for three rounds. Van and Royval combined for 419 significant strikes, the most in a three-round bout in UFC history. It also marked the first time two fighters landed at least 200 significant strikes each in a fight. <h3>Knockout of the Half-Year</h3>Winner: Mauricio Ruffy's spinning-wheel-kick KO of King Green<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy | FINISH On March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena, King Green faced Mauricio Ruffy. Midway through Round 1, Ruffy was settling in and testing his range. He unleashed a spinning wheel kick that sent Green to the shadow realm, securing a… <a href="https://t.co/uRxtF0c7vo">pic.twitter.com/uRxtF0c7vo</a>— MMAVisualized (@MMAVisualized) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAVisualized/status/1908966305698558141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Ruffy of Fighting Nerds fame is a bad, bad man. Two minutes into the biggest fight of his career at UFC 313 in March, Ruffy spun to his right and clocked Green with a spinning wheel kick that immediately shut out the lights. It was quick, it was violent, and it was beautiful - all in one. It'll be tough for anyone to top Ruffy's finish for the 2025 Knockout of the Year.<h3>Submission of the Half-Year</h3>Winner: Jean Silva taps Bryce Mitchell with a ninja choke<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JEAN SILVA WINS THE FIGHT BY SUBMITTING BRYCE MITCHELL IN THE 2ND ROUND 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC314?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC314</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyQLCB6zC8">pic.twitter.com/pyQLCB6zC8</a>— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fedzmma/status/1911254102018830782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Submission of the Year is probably still up for grabs as we enter the second half of 2025, but as of right now, another Fighting Nerd is in the lead. You don't see a ninja choke every day, and the fact that Jean Silva managed to pull one off against Bryce Mitchell - an elite-level grappler - at UFC 314 in April is super impressive. Silva got hold of the choke while on the feet, then dragged Mitchell to the mat and forced the tap, like a boa constrictor putting its prey to rest. Nasty stuff.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31730020/related

Midyear MMA awards: Top fighters and moments of 2025 so far

Welterweight Gunnar Nelson has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 318 fight against Neil Magny ...

Welterweight Gunnar Nelson has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 318 fight against Neil Magny after suffering a hamstring injury, he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLsMR5VtDgO/?img_index=1">announced</a> on Instagram on Friday.The pay-per-view event is scheduled to take place July 19 in New Orleans.Nelson was looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Kevin Holland in March. That marked the 36-year-old's first Octagon appearance in over two years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Magny is riding a two-fight skid and is 1-3 in his past four outings. His lone victory in that stretch was a third-round TKO of Mike Malott at UFC 297 in January 2024.In the UFC 318 main event, Dustin Poirier is slated to make his final walk to the cage for a trilogy bout against BMF champion Max Holloway.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Gunnar Nelson of Iceland poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at The O2 on March 21, 2025 in London, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31710401/related

Nelson out of UFC 318 bout vs. Magny due to injury

Paddy Pimblett would favor a prime Conor McGregor against current UFC lightweight champion Ilia T...

Paddy Pimblett would favor a prime Conor McGregor against current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.Pimblett, a top-ranked lightweight contender, said he believes McGregor would knock out Topuria if they met in the Octagon at the peaks of their careers."You see some people saying now (Topuria is) better than McGregor. But he's not," Pimblett said on Thursday's episode of the "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rj-clifford-on-topurias-stardom-paddy-pimblett-talks/id1124228879?i=1000715552392">UFC Unfiltered</a>" podcast. "In the prime, at the same time, McGregor would've knocked him out with a straight left."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title with a ferocious first-round knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last weekend in Las Vegas. Topuria, one of the top knockout artists in MMA, has drawn comparisons to McGregor throughout his rise, especially after joining the 36-year-old Irishman as the only two fighters in UFC history to win both the featherweight and lightweight titles.Topuria and Pimblett faced off in the cage after the UFC 317 main event, though the promotion has yet to confirm if that will be the next lightweight title fight.Pimblett, whose history with Topuria dates back to 2022, criticized the champion for trying to act like McGregor outside the Octagon and using similar trash talk."He's trying to be Conor McGregor, isn't he?" Pimblett said. "He's got the same tattoos, he's got the - he even said the other day, 'I'm gonna put my balls on your forehead' to me, which is what McGregor said to Chad Mendes. He's literally - he's just a carbon copy of McGregor. Some people can't see through that."

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 12: Paddy Pimblett of England reacts after defeating Michael Chandler of the United States by TKO in a lightweight fight during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31710042/related

Pimblett: Prime McGregor would KO Topuria

Conor McGregor wants to make his UFC return at the event proposed by President Donald Trump in 20...

Conor McGregor wants to make his UFC return at the event proposed by President Donald Trump in 2026."Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House," McGregor <a href="https://x.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1941100827789369432">wrote</a> Friday on X. "I would be honored! Count me in!"Trump <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3307844" href="https://thescore.com/news/3307844">said</a> Thursday he's thinking of hosting a UFC event on the White House grounds next year to celebrate 250 years of American independence. There would be at least 20,000 spectators in attendance, he said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, hasn't stepped into the Octagon since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier. The 36-year-old Irishman was scheduled to return to action at UFC 303 last summer against Michael Chandler, but he withdrew from the fight two weeks before the event after suffering a toe injury.UFC CEO Dana White said in May he didn't see McGregor fighting "any time soon."McGregor, who became the first UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously in 2016, has two fights left on his contract.McGregor visited the White House in March to meet with Trump. He also addressed the press, expressing concern about Ireland's current political landscape.

Irish professional mixed martial artist and businessman Conor McGregor (L) speaks from the White House briefing room podium with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31709764/related

McGregor: I'd be 'honored' to fight at UFC event at White House

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/nick-baldwin/content_cards

Nick Baldwin

News Editor

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/brenden-deeg/content_cards