UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has received approval from the UFC to pursue a boxing match, but only if it generates significant financial gains. O’Malley has expressed interest in facing Ryan Garcia, who has warned him of the dangers involved. The potential matchup between O’Malley and Garcia could attract considerable attention in the combat sports world.
The Nashville Predators, who lost the first game of their playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks, aim to regain momentum in Game 2 on Tuesday. Despite holding a 2-1 lead in the third period, the Predators surrendered two goals in 12 seconds and eventually lost 4-2. The Canucks, riding the momentum of their first home playoff game since 2015, will look to maintain their home-ice advantage and build on their secondary scoring, which was pivotal in the series opener.
Pole-sitter Michael McDowell led 36 laps of the GEICO 500 at Talladega, but his attempt to block Brad Keselowski on the final lap resulted in a massive wreck. Tyler Reddick capitalized on McDowell’s spin to take the win. Denny Hamlin criticized McDowell’s strategy, saying that it was a “100% chance of happening.” McDowell apologized to the drivers involved in the wreck, saying that he “hated that we didn’t make it to the finish line.”
Oneil Cruz broke out of a slump with three hits, while Jared Jones pitched six strong innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates snapped a six-game losing streak by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Monday night. Cruz capped a three-run sixth inning with a two-run single, while Jones allowed just one run on four hits and two walks over his six innings, striking out seven batters. The win ended the Brewers’ four-game winning streak and came after the Pirates had been outscored 36-9 in back-to-back three-game sweeps by the Mets and Red Sox.
Tarik Skubal dominated the Tampa Bay Rays with nine strikeouts over six scoreless innings, propelling the Detroit Tigers to a 7-1 victory. Mark Canha and Parker Meadows added home runs for Detroit, while the Rays’ bats struggled once again.
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly interviewing ESPN commentator JJ Redick for their head coaching position. Redick, a 15-year NBA veteran and former Duke star, has expressed interest in coaching since retiring in 2021. The former NBA player’s experience in NBA media, coupled with his knowledge of the league’s current trends, makes him an intriguing candidate for the Hornets, who are eager to break out of mediocrity.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their first playoff game against the Denver Nuggets, and analyst Skip Bayless has placed the blame squarely on LeBron James. Bayless criticized James’ performance in the fourth quarter, calling him “lifeless.” Former player Paul Pierce suggested that James may have been drained on the court. Despite the criticism, Magic Johnson defended James and Anthony Davis, pointing out that other players on the team also underperformed.
Tarik Skubal led the Detroit Tigers to a 7-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night. Skubal struck out nine in six overpowering innings, allowing just three singles. Mark Canha went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs, while Parker Meadows also homered for the Tigers. Javier Baez and Jake Rogers also contributed with multiple hits. Jose Caballero homered for the Rays, but the team managed only six hits overall.
Brisbane Broncos star Ezra Mam has expressed his desire to continue improving his game despite producing his best performance of the season against the Canberra Raiders. Mam, who has been at the center of a racism scandal involving Sydney Roosters enforcer Spencer Leniu, played a pivotal role in Brisbane’s 34-10 triunfo, contributing a try, three try assists, and three line break assists. However, despite his impressive showing, Mam believes he has not yet reached his full potential and is focused on refining his skills. The 21-year-old is expected to take on greater responsibility with the return of several injured players, including Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas, and Brendan Piakura, on Saturday against the Wests Tigers.
In a surprising turn of events, boxer Ryan Garcia has challenged UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley to a boxing match, and O’Malley has accepted. Despite contractual limitations and the unprecedented nature of a UFC fighter competing in a boxing match outside the organization, the animosity between the two athletes has reached a peak.
