Jamaican-born British Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards now has a date and an opponent for his next title defense.
The 32-year-old will try to fend off number two-ranked Belal Muhammad in the main event at UFC 304 set for July 27 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
Edwards will enter the fight in the midst of a 12-fight unbeaten streak while Muhammad is unbeaten in his last 10 contests.
The pair fought previously at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs Muhammad on March 13, 2021 in Las Vegas. That bout ended in a no contest after an accidental eye-poke by Edwards in the second of five rounds rendered Muhammad unable to continue.
After than unfortunate fight, Edwards went on to defeat fan favorite Nate Diaz by unanimous decision in the main event at UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona on June 12, 2021.
His next fight proved to be his crowning moment as he secured a spectacular head-kick knockout of Kamaru Usman to claim the UFC Welterweight title at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City on August 20, 2022.
Heading into that fight, Usman was on a 20-fight win streak and was the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. The Nigerian also had a win over Edwards back in 2015.
Edwards then went on to defeat Usman again, this time via unanimous decision, in their trilogy fight at UFC 286 in London on March 18, 2023 before defending his belt for the second time with another unanimous decision win over Colby Covington at UFC 296 on December 16 last year.
Muhammad has also been on a tear since that eye-poke.The 35-year-old recorded unanimous decision victories over legends Demian Maia and Stephen Thompson at UFC 263 and UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Daukas, respectively, to close out 2021.
He then secured a third consecutive unanimous decision win, this time beating Vicente Luque in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Luque vs Muhammad 2 on April 16, 2022.
At UFC 280 on October 22, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, Muhammad won performance of the night for his knockout win over Sean Brady and in his last fight, he defeated former title challenger Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision at UFC 288 on May 6, 2023 in New Jersey.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are coming up against an “exceptional player” in Ivan Toney as they travel to Brentford on Monday.
Toney, who scored twice when the Bees won at the Etihad Stadium last season, recently returned to action after serving an eight-month ban for breaching betting regulations.
The 27-year-old forward has struck in both appearances since completing his suspension and Guardiola is pleased to see such talent back on the field.
The City manager said: “He’s an exceptional player. Not just with the long balls, with keeping (the ball) and set-pieces, with the penalties as a guarantee.
“For many things they can link with him and he’s an extraordinary player.
“I’m so happy he is back and hopefully that period is forgotten in his life and for his family. Exceptional players always are more than welcome in the Premier League.”
Brentford beat champions City home and away in the Premier League last season.
The Toney-inspired first of those victories came in the final game before the World Cup break, as City endured an indifferent spell in the autumn.
The second, at the Gtech Community Stadium, was on the last day of the campaign as City, having already wrapped up the title, were preparing for the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
Nevertheless, Guardiola sees them as a serious threat as City look to maintain their recent momentum after eight successive wins.
He said: “We know in the past how difficult they have been. Even when we won it was always tight and we lost the two games we played last season.
“So we know the difficulty for the way they play, the standards that they have. They are clear and they believe it and they apply really well.
“It’s another game to face, a new challenge.”
City have a full-strength squad available with defender Manuel Akanji back in contention after a knee injury.
Erling Haaland could make his first start in two months after returning from a foot problem as a substitute against Burnley in midweek.
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are not in a position to underestimate any opponent as his stumbling side look to keep their hopes of silverware alive in Sunday’s FA Cup clash at Newport.
This has been a challenging second season in the hotseat for the Dutchman, whose side languish eighth in the Premier League and were eliminated from European competition before Christmas.
United’s Carabao Cup defence is also long since over, meaning the FA Cup takes on extra significance as their only potential route to a trophy in a disappointing campaign.
“It is the truth,” Ten Hag said. “But it is true that the league, of course, (offers) qualification for the Champions League.
“But the FA Cup probably is, it’s fact, the last opportunity for a trophy, so we would go for it.”
FA Cup glory would be a welcome shot in the arm for a club that is preparing to go through a big transition under Ineos, who are set to take control of football operations next month.
Incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a bloody-minded focus on improvements across the board and this competition could provide the platform for under-scrutiny Ten Hag to impress.
United have a kind-looking fourth-round assignment at Newport, but there is no chance of complacency seeping in against the mid-table League Two outfit.
“Also in the Netherlands we have a cup and also we also play against lower-class teams,” Ten Hag said of Sunday’s trip to South Wales.
“I know always when you go as a big club to a lower class team, how it will be and how you have to approach that.
“Definitely us, we are definitely not in a position to underestimate any opponent, so we will not do.”
By “lower class” Ten Hag seems to mean lower league, with Newport the lowest ranked side he has faced in any competition since taking charge at Old Trafford.
It is also a rare away day after the third-round trip to League One outfit Wigan earlier this month ended a run of home draws in domestic cups that stretched throughout his entire reign.
Rodney Parade is much different to the DW Stadium, a former Premier League ground, but Ten Hag is confident his players will cope.
That includes summer signing Altay Bayindir, who he confirmed will finally make his United debut between the sticks at Newport.
“You have been in Fenerbahce?” Ten Hag said when asked if he has any thoughts about picking the 25-year-old Turkey international given the specific challenges of such a tie.
“The pressure is also in Turkey, that is big pressure always, also for the national team, so he knows how to deal with that.”
Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are in contention for Sunday’s game, but Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans are doubts having reported ill on Friday.
Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat remain at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mason Mount, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof are sidelined.
In the heart of Manchester, the Fusion Gym in Mandeville was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, September 9th, 2023.
Powerlifting enthusiasts from across Jamaica had gathered for the NPAJ/GraceKennedy Money Services Powerlifting Gym League finals. It was a day filled with passion, strength, and determination, but one team stood above the rest - the Irie Gunners.
The crowd watched in awe as the athletes from Team Fit Farm in St. Andrew and Irie Gunners from Manchester gave their all on the platform. The atmosphere was electric, and the anticipation was palpable. It was evident that this year's championship would be fiercely contested.
As the competition progressed, it became clear that the Irie Gunners were on a mission. They started the season as favorites, and they were determined to live up to the expectations. Their dedication to training and their unwavering focus had set them on a path to glory.
The highlight of the event came when the Irie duo of Roxroy Campbell and Aiesha Denton took centre stage. Roxroy Campbell showcased his incredible strength in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, totaling an impressive 703 kilograms. His performance earned him the title of the top male lifter in the competition.
On the female side, Aiesha Denton was an unstoppable force. She demonstrated her prowess in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, amassing a total of 474 kilograms. Aiesha's performance secured her the title of the top female lifter of the competition.
But the victory was not solely attributed to them. The entire Irie Gunners team showed exceptional teamwork and determination. Tashian Wallace, Nadesha Thompson, and Roxroy Campbell all contributed significantly to the team's success, accumulating points that would ultimately tip the scales in their favor.
When the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, it was official - Irie Gunners from Manchester had been crowned the Champion of the NPAJ/GraceKennedy Money Services Powerlifting Gym League for 2023. The Fusion Gym erupted in cheers as the Irie Gunners celebrated their well-deserved victory.
Irie Gunners had scored a total of 249 GL Points, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. Team Fit Farm, the runner-up, put up a valiant effort, amassing 220.80 GL Points. The competition had been intense, but Irie Gunners had proven themselves as the top powerlifting team in Jamaica.
In the end, the individual performances of each athlete from both teams contributed to the thrilling spectacle of strength and determination. Deidre Lewis, Fiona Binns, Jonhio Vaughn, and Desmond Thompson from Team Fit Farm had all showcased their incredible abilities, pushing their limits to achieve greatness.
In an interview with Powerlifting Voice, Mr. Zacariah Thompson, the head coach of the Irie Gunners Gym, shed light on the key moments and strategies that led to their victory in the NPAJ GraceKennedy Money Services Powerlifting Gym League 2023 Championship. According to Coach Thompson, a pivotal moment in the competition was when Aiesha successfully executed a 405-pound squat, a feat that signaled their imminent victory. He emphasized the significance of their rigorous training regimen, highlighting the exceptional dedication of each team member as a crucial factor in their triumph.
Coach Thompson also discussed their unique training approach in preparation for the championship. Instead of following their traditional routine, they began by assessing each athlete's strength and focusing on their core area, a method that seemed to pay off. When addressing the mental aspect of powerlifting, Coach Thompson emphasized the importance of instilling self-belief in his athletes, motivating them to realize their potential and strive for greatness.
When asked about standout performances, Coach Thompson commended all the team members for their outstanding efforts, with a special mention of the female athletes who achieved personal records. He also praised Dane's (Roxroy) consistent improvement in every competition.
Looking ahead, Coach Thompson expressed his determination to maintain and enhance the team's success.
Roxroy Campbell, who was named the top male athlete in the NPAJ Powerlifting Gym League 2023 Final, talked about his journey to success. Campbell mentioned a crucial moment during the competition - his second squat attempt - which he believes was a significant contributor to his victory.
Campbell credited his mental discipline for keeping him focused and motivated. He drew inspiration from those around him and his coach.
Aiesha Denton, who was crowned the top female athlete at the NPAJ Powerlifting Gym League 2023 Final, expressed elation when asked about her feelings regarding the prestigious title.
Ms. Denton credited her achievement to her unyielding commitment and diligent efforts, highlighting the crucial aspects of steadfastness, concentration, and determination that drove her to succeed. She admitted encountering challenges during the competition, particularly about squat depth and bench press strength, but her determination enabled her to overcome these obstacles.
In a thrilling showdown at Up Park Camp, Manchester reigned supreme in this year's Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Competition, defeating defending champion St. Mary to claim the coveted title. Despite St. Mary's unbeaten record leading up to the final and a prior victory over Manchester in the preliminary round, Manchester clinched victory by eight wickets in a low-scoring encounter.
The match faced a delayed start due to overnight rain and pitch conditions. Manchester won the toss and opted to field, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Opening bowler Demario Hall wreaked havoc, taking an impressive five wickets for a mere seven runs in six overs. Kevaughn Flemmings chipped in with three wickets for 11 runs, while Jadeah Moore secured one wicket for 14 runs. St. Mary struggled to find their footing, losing wickets at regular intervals, and eventually being bowled out for a modest 64 runs in 23.3 overs.
Manchester began their innings positively, with captain Demario Hall anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 35 runs. Kevoy Williams contributed 14 runs but was the first wicket to fall with the score at 43. Manchester eventually surpassed the target, reaching 68 for two wickets in 17 overs. The wickets for St. Mary were claimed by Tyson Gordon (one for 15) and Shavaughn Boyd (one for 17).
Coach Jamaine Morgan of Manchester attributed the team's success to the experience gained from playing Senior Cup cricket. "Me and some of the guys play Senior Cup for Manchester. The likes of Demario Hall, Pajay Nelson, and Jadeah Moore, we all play Senior Cup together, so they learn from the senior players. We focus on teaching them the fundamentals they haven't mastered yet. At the end of the day, we emerged victorious and were able to limit them to a low total through hard work and determination. We represented Manchester proudly," Morgan stated.
Oneil Cruickshank, the cricket operations officer at the Jamaica Cricket Association, expressed satisfaction with the tournament's performances, highlighting the improved performance of the young players compared to previous years. "The youngsters performed better than they did last year, which made me feel good, knowing that the work we have put in has been paying off," he said. He also praised the female cricketers who participated in the competition.
Mark Williams, CEO of Kingston Wharves, reaffirmed the company's long-standing commitment to sponsoring the Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Competition, emphasizing their dedication to building character and fostering cricket talent in Jamaica and the West Indies. This year marked the 32nd year of Kingston Wharves' sponsorship.
Following the final, an awards ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements, with several players receiving accolades. Demario Hall of Manchester received the MVP of the final award, team MVP, and shared the title of most wickets with Kenrick McFarlane of Lucas, both tallying 23 wickets. Pajay Nelson, also from Manchester, secured two awards: most runs (274) and best wicket-keeper (10 dismissals). Shavaughn Boyd was recognized as the team MVP for St. Mary.
Defending champion St. Mary will face former champion Manchester in the final of the Kingston Wharves U15 Cricket Competition on Thursday at Up Park Camp starting at 10:00 am.
St. Mary is yet to lose a match in this year's competition, and they will be confident of defending their title. They defeated Kingston in their semi-final, bowling them out for 68 and then chasing down the total in just 12.2 overs.
Manchester, on the other hand, has a number of national championships under their belt, including the last one in 2019 at the same venue as this year's final. They lost one match in the preliminary round of the competition to St. Mary, but they will be hoping to turn the tables on their opponents in the final.
The match is expected to be a close one, with both teams having strong batting and bowling lineups. St. Mary will be relying on their experienced players, such as Tyreece Saunders and Devantae Miller, to lead the way, while Manchester will be looking to their young stars, such as Demario Hall and Matthias Knight, to make a big impact.
The pitch at Up Park Camp is expected to be a good one for batting, so both teams should be able to score runs. However, the conditions could also favor the bowlers, so it will be interesting to see how the teams adapt.
The final is sure to be a thrilling contest, and it is one that cricket fans will not want to miss.
Reggae Girlz striker Khadija Shaw scored four goals to help Manchester City Women secure a 7-2 hammering of Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Women’s Super League at the Manchester City Academy Stadium on Saturday.
Shaw, who now has eight goals in 15 matches this season in the WSL, scored her goals in the 3rd, 12th, 57th and 61st minutes to help her Manchester City team move to third in the table with 41 points from 20 matches.
“The team looks to me to score goals so to get four today is an unbelievable feeling,” Shaw said in a post-match interview.
The other City goals came from Caroline Weir in the 16th, Alex Greenwood in the 68th and Lauren Hemp in the 69th minute.
Chelsea currently leads the WSL with 50 points from 20 matches followed by Arsenal with 46 points from 19 matches.
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