The UFC's traditional pre-pay per view press conference was unexpectedly cut short on Thursday, with president Dana White telling the media he has never seen anything like the fight which broke out backstage.
It is being reported by Ariel Helwani that while fighters were waiting backstage before being brought out, welterweight fighters Kevin Holland and Khamzat Chimaev exchanged words, before things turned physical with their entourages getting involved.
Helwani also reported that Nate Diaz – Chimaev's opponent this weekend – and his crew got involved after things kicked off, describing it as "total chaos".
Addressing the media before word had spread about the incident, White said "this has never happened in the history of this company", before adding "for everybody's safety, this is the right decision".
In an interview after the dust had settled, White offered some more insight into the severity of the situation.
"22 years I've been doing this – we've never had an incident like today," he said.
"All hell broke loose out here… we stopped it, but we didn't do a good job of not letting it happen.
"It's never happened before, and we'll be ready for it next time."
Journalist Helen Yee added that White claimed the camps travelling with Chimaev and Diaz consisted of at least 100 people, rendering their limited security helpless.
A minute's silence will be held at the US Open, while the ATP and WTA Tours paid tribute following the death of the Queen.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Thursday the UK's longest reigning monarch had passed away peacefully at the age of 96, with members of the Royal Family travelling to Balmoral to be by her side.
The US Open will pay tribute to Her Majesty with a photo montage and moment of silence ahead of the first women's singles semi-final between Ons Jabeur and Caroline Garcia at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Meanwhile, the ATP and WTA tweeted: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We are grateful for her contributions to tennis, and our thoughts and condolences are with the British Royal Family."
Billie Jean King also took to social media to share a photo of her meeting the Queen at Wimbledon in 2010, while paying her own tribute to a "respected leader around the world."
The 39-time major winner posted: "For 70 years, her leadership, impact, and influence on the United Kingdom and the entire global community has been immense. I met her in 2010 at Wimbledon, and it was a special moment for me.
"She was the longest reigning British monarch in history, the only woman from the Royal Family to serve in the armed forces, and a respected leader around the world. She earned her place in history, and she will be missed."
The NFL is set to hold a moment of silence ahead of Thursday's season-opening kick-off encounter between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams following the death of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.
The reigning Super Bowl champions will make the trip to New York state to start their defence in the 2022 campaign curtain raiser.
Before a ball is kicked however, both teams will pay tribute to the late monarch, Britain's longest-reigning sovereign at the time of her passing at the age of 96.
"Everyone at NFL UK is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II," read an official message posted to social media by the league.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with The Royal Family. We join all those mourning the loss of Her Majesty."
The NFL is due to hold three games in London this year as part of their International Series, with the first to come in week four between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A Brais Mendez penalty helped Real Sociedad beat Manchester United 1-0 in their Europa League Group E opener on Thursday, which followed an impeccably observed tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Old Trafford fell silent before kick-off to honour Her Majesty, who died earlier in the day at the age of 96, while players from both sides wore black armbands in tribute to the monarch.
Cristiano Ronaldo – making just his second start of the season – went close on a number of occasions for the hosts, who registered just three shots on target in the whole game.
The Red Devils' four-game winning streak was ended shortly before the hour mark when Mendez slotted home from 12 yards after substitute Lisandro Martinez had handled in the area.
United were comfortably the better side in the opening 30 minutes, yet they failed to carve out any clear opportunities.
Ronaldo thought he had given his side the lead 10 minutes before the interval, but his powerful header was ruled out after he had strayed into an offside position.
The Portuguese superstar inexplicably headed wide with the goal at his mercy immediately after the restart, before lashing just over from outside the penalty area.
La Real went ahead in the 58th minute when Mendez powered home from the spot after David Silva's shot had struck Martinez's arm.
Erik ten Hag brought on Bruno Fernandes at half-time, and Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, but United were unable to find a way past the visitors' stubborn backline in the closing stages.
What does it mean? United's home run comes to an end
This defeat was United's first in 19 home matches in the Europa League – a run that started with victory over FC Midtjylland in February 2016.
Meanwhile, it was La Real's first-ever win against English opponents in Europe at the seventh time of asking.
Mendez shines
Mendez put in an industrious display and deserved his status as match winner. The former Celta Vigo man scored with one of two shots – the most of any La Real player – while his total of two key passes was not bettered by any other player on the pitch.
Antony struggles
Antony lit up Old Trafford with a debut goal against Arsenal at the weekend, but the former Ajax man was a subdued presence here. He had just one shot and failed to make a single key pass before he was replaced by Sancho with 20 minutes remaining.
What's next?
Both sides return to domestic action on Sunday, with United away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League and La Real visiting Getafe in LaLiga.
Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson continued her stellar 2022 season by winning the 200m at Thursday’s Diamond League final in Zurich.
Jackson, who earlier ran 10.81 for second behind Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the 100m, sped to 21.80 to take the 200m crown ahead of American Olympic bronze medallist Gabby Thomas (22.38), and her countrywoman Tamara Clark (22.42).
Jackson ran 22.07 to finish second to Thomas (21.98) in her first 200m race of the season at the Doha Diamond League event on May 13 and has gone undefeated in nine races since, including a 21.45 effort to win gold at the World Championships in Eugene, becoming the fastest woman alive in the process.
In the men’s equivalent, The Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando ran 20.02 for third, the same time as second placed finisher Aaron Brown of Canada. American World Champion Noah Lyles was victorious in a meet record 19.51.
Friday's play at the BMW PGA Championship has been suspended following confirmation of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty passed away at her home in Balmoral on Thursday at the age of 96.
Play was immediately suspended at Wentworth once the news came through at 18:30 BST.
In a statement released later on Thursday, event organisers paid tribute to the Queen and confirmed there will be no action on Friday as a mark of respect.
"On behalf of our members and everyone associated with the European Tour group and the BMW PGA Championship, it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the statement read.
"She truly was an inspiration to people the world over. Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and all flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.
"Furthermore, no play will take place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course and practice facilities will be closed. Further updates on the resumption of play will be provided in due course. Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the Royal Family at this time."
Tommy Fleetwood, Andy Sullivan and Viktor Hovland held a joint-lead with an eight-under par 64 when play came to a stop on Thursday.
The tournament was scheduled to conclude on Sunday.
Premier League champions Manchester City have sent their "sincere condolences" to the Royal Family after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
Her Majesty passed away peacefully at her Balmoral residence on Thursday at the age of 96.
The sporting world has paid tribute to the Queen, with the Premier League announcing it was "deeply saddened" by her passing.
Manchester United said the club "shares the sorrow of the entire nation", while Arsenal held a minute's silence ahead of the second half of their Europa League match at FC Zurich.
City have also expressed their sadness at her death, the club posting on their official website: "Manchester City wishes to express its sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her Majesty's dedication and service has been exemplary and we join our country and the Commonwealth in mourning her loss."
Panama’s Gianna Woodruff and Jamaica’s Janieve Russell were second and third as The Netherlands’ Femke Bol took the win in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Diamond League final in Zurich on Thursday.
Bol, the double European Champion in the 400m and the 400m hurdles, produced a measured race to win in a time of 53.03 while Woodruff and Russell, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist, ran times of 53.72 and 53.77, respectively.
Former World Champion and world record holder Dalilah Muhammad was fourth in 53.83 while Jamaican Rushell Clayton was fifth in 54.25.
In the women's 800m, Jamaican World Championship and Olympic finalist Natoya Goule ran an excellent race to finish second in 1:57.85 behind Kenyan Commonwealth champion and World Championship bronze medallist Mary Moraa (1:57.63). American Sage Hurta was third in 1:58.47.
Hours before beginning defence of their Super Bowl title, the Los Angeles Rams announced they have agreed to extensions with head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead through the 2026 season.
McVay has led the Rams to four playoff appearances and two trips to the Super Bowl in five seasons since the team made the then 30-year-old the youngest head coach in modern NFL history in 2017.
He became the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl at age 36 when Los Angeles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in February.
The 2017 NFL Coach of the Year's 55 regular-season victories are tied with Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin for the third-most of any coach through his first five seasons in NFL history.
McVay also sports a 7-3 postseason record with three NFC West titles over his tenure, along with an NFC championship in 2018 that resulted in the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance in 17 years.
Snead, entering his 11th season as the Rams' GM after remaining with the team following its move from St. Louis back to Los Angeles in 2016, has also played a major part in the franchise's recent success by assembling one of the league's most talented rosters through the draft and trades.
The Rams have drafted five Pro Bowl players, most notably three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and 2021 Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp, under Snead's watch.
The 51-year-old has also established a reputation as one of the league's most aggressive and shrewd executives by acquiring several other members of last season's championship core via the trade and free agent markets.
Snead snared three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and landed quarterback Matthew Stafford in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Lions in March 2021.
He later made two significant in-season moves that contributed to last season's title run by trading for star pass rusher Von Miller and signing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
"As an organisation we constantly strive to better ourselves every day. This requires selflessness, dedication and great leadership throughout. Sean and Les personify this mindset," Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement.
"They have been crucial to many of our successes that transcend wins and losses. They epitomise the 'We, not me' mantra that permeates the entire organisation.
"We look forward to many more exciting seasons at SoFi Stadium as Sean and Les continue to play meaningful roles within the organisation and throughout the community."
Los Angeles will kick off the 2022 NFL season Thursday night at SoFi Stadium against reigning AFC East champion, the Buffalo Bills.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has joined the tributes to HRH Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96 and confirmed the second day of the third Test against South Africa will not take place on Friday.
The monarch, Britain's longest-serving head of state, passed away at her home in Balmoral on Thursday, on a day where no play took place at The Oval due to poor weather.
The deciding encounter will not resume on Friday as planned however, with the ECB confirming that both it and fixtures in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will be deferred in the wake of the Queen's passing.
"The England and Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," read an official statement.
"The thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with the whole Royal Family.
"Following the death of Her Majesty, Friday's play between England and South Africa Men at The Oval, along with all scheduled matches in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place.
"For fixtures beyond Friday, updates will be provided in due course."
England's game is not the only match to have been pulled across the sporting world following the news, with Northampton Saints postponing their Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Saracens on Thursday.
Manchester United's Europa League fixture with Real Sociedad, however, will go ahead still, while Arsenal wore black armbands for the second half of their win over FC Zurich.
West Ham's Europa Conference League clash with FCSB at London Stadium will also go ahead, while the English Football League has issued a statement stating a decision will be made on their own slate of matches.
"Consideration in respect of EFL fixtures will be discussed with the Government and the wider sport sector during the period ahead and an appropriate announcement will be made at the earliest opportunity," read a statement.
The BMW PGA Championship also confirmed play has been suspended for the remainder of Thursday, while flags at Wentworth will be lowered to half mast. There will also be no play on Friday.
Formula One president and CEO Stefano Domenicali has offered his "deepest condolences" to the Royal Family following the death of the Queen.
Buckingham Palace announced at 6.30pm BST on Thursday that Her Majesty had passed away peacefully at the age of 96.
Members of the Royal Family had travelled to Balmoral to be by the Queen's side after the Palace issued a statement confirming that doctors were "concerned" by her health.
There has subsequently been an outpouring of tributes to the UK's longest serving monarch, including F1 boss Domenicali, who praised the "dignity and devotion" she demonstrated during her reign.
A statement read: "Formula 1 mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For more than seven decades, she dedicated her life to public service with dignity and devotion and inspired so many around the world.
"Formula 1 sends its deepest condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has paid tribute to HRH Queen Elizabeth II following her passing aged 96, as Northampton Saints have confirmed the postponement of their match with Saracens.
Her Majesty, the former long-term patron of the sport's governing body from her coronation in 1952 through 2016, died at her home in Balmoral the Royal Family confirmed on Thursday.
In a short statement posted to social media, the RFU expressed their condolences to the Royal Family.
"On behalf of the rugby union community in England, all at the Rugby Football Union are very saddened to hear of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II," read an official statement.
Northampton meanwhile announced shortly after the news broke that their Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Saracens set for Thursday evening would be postponed in light of the Queen's passing.
"Tonight's Premiership Rugby Cup match between Northampton Saints and Saracens has been postponed following the announcement of the death of Her Majesty the Queen," they stated.
"The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Royal Family at this time."
Manchester United and West Ham have confirmed their European fixtures will go ahead, despite the announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
The news of the passing of the Queen at the age of 96 was confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
Manchester United will play Real Sociedad in their opening Europa League group stage game at Old Trafford at 8pm local time, while West Ham host FCSB at London Stadium at the same time in their first outing in the Europa Conference League group stage.
Both clubs released similarly worded statements shortly after the announcement of the Queen's death confirming their games will go ahead on the direction of the Football Association and UEFA.
It was also revealed that a minute's silence will be held before kick-off of both games.
Arsenal held a minute's silence and wore black armbands at the start of the second half of their Europa League group stage game against FC Zurich to pay respects.
Arsenal and Zurich held a minute's silence following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with the news being confirmed during the half-time interval of the Gunners' 2-1 Europa League win.
The sides were drawing 1-1 at half-time at AFG Arena on Thursday after Mirlind Kryeziu converted a penalty to cancel out Marquinhos' 16th-minute opener.
It was decided that a period of reflection would be held ahead of the second half, with Arsenal playing the remainder of the Group A contest with black armbands.
Eddie Nketiah – heavily involved at both ends – put Arsenal back ahead after the hour mark in Switzerland and the visitors saw out their sixth win in seven matches this season.
Zurich are winless in seven league matches in what has been a poor start to the season and were behind early on against Arsenal.
Nketiah carried the ball down the left and picked out Marquinhos, who thumped an impressive first-time finish into the roof of the net.
Having played a big part in that opener, Nketiah went from hero to zero when bringing down Fidan Aliti to concede a penalty, which Kryeziu slotted in to level up the contest.
After a sombre start to the second period, Arsenal soon got going and regained their lead through an Nketiah header – Marquinhos turning provider with his cross from the right.
Arsenal were unable to find a third goal, but they held their opponents firmly at bay to respond to Sunday's loss against Manchester United in the best way possible.
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