Fans had very strong hopes that Conor McGregor would return, as he previously fought in an exhibition boxing match. Additionally, his former training partner Dillon Danis mentioned that “The Notorious” was training hard for his comeback. Dana White also recently talked about McGregor’s return. Fans saw the Irish fighter posting training videos and photos on social media, which made fans speculate about his comeback. It was predicted that the former two-division champion would fight at International Fight Week. In a recent press conference, White was asked about a potential McGregor return fight, and the UFC boss said: “It’s looking good… once we get a deal done with him, we’ll announce it.” White definitely fueled the speculation, and it was making the predictions look right. Many also suggested that his opponent could be Max Holloway, and even Holloway wanted this fight. Fans had to wait for the official confirmation on this fight. Max Holloway Wants Rematch With Conor McGregor Max Holloway was reportedly only interested in one fight, which was a legacy rematch with Conor McGregor. According to Daniel Cormier, Holloway felt he had earned that opportunity after everything he had done for the UFC over the years. In a recent video, the UFC commentator said: “He just said it’s what he wants because he feels he’s earned it. Max has put a lot of work in for the company, and he deserves an opportunity to try to right something that he feels was done so wrong so many years ago.” The two first fought back in 2013, when McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Now, after more than 30 UFC fights and becoming one of the sport’s biggest names, Holloway saw a rematch as a chance to finally get that one back.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both out of action and unlikely to return in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers were led by an unlikely hero on Saturday night. It was Luke Kennard, not LeBron James, carrying the load for Los Angeles in their Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets. Luke Kennard scored 27 points in 38 minutes as the Lakers beat the Rockers minus Kevin Durant 107-98. Kennard put up his 27 points off with only 13 shots from the field, connecting on nine of them. He also went a perfect 5-of-5 from long range and even added four rebounds and three assists. James did his part, scoring 19 off 15 shots while recording a double-double thanks to dishing out 13 assists and bringing down eight boards. Luke Kennard led the Lakers to a series-opening win But there's no denying that the Lakers don't win the game without Kennard stepping up. Joining the Lakers after a midseason trade with the Atlanta Hawks, Kennard's performance came in just his third postseason start. Averaging only 8.4 points in 32 games throughout the regular season, Kennard's 27 gave him a new playoff career-high. It marked the second time he reached 20 points in the overall season. Kennard will keep seeing minutes until the Lakers get healthy And with Doncic and Reaves expected to miss game No. 2 as well, Kennard, a journeyman who has spent time with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Hawks before the Lakers, should be poised for another opportunity to earn minutes and be aggressive as James' top support. Kennard, James and the Lakers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series when they meet the Rockets on Tuesday night. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.
Once again, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be one of the most talked-about players in the NBA this offseason. Things didn't end well between him and the Milwaukee Bucks, and while it's not the first time he's been tangled up in trade rumors, things might be different this time. That's why Miami Heat fans should be thrilled to know that he's already laying the ground for a potential trade. Talking to former Heat star Goran Dragic, the 2020-21 Finals MVP had some interesting things to say about the city of Miami. Giannis Antetokounmpo flirts with Heat, shuts down Lakers “Hey, Miami’s not a bad place, man. Beautiful, beautiful city, beautiful city,” Antetokounmpo told Dragic on his podcast (via Naveen Ganglani). “Beautiful city, believe it or not, believe it or not.” However, it's not just about the weather for the former Defensive Player of the Year. When asked whether he'd rather Miami or Los Angeles to spend his vacation, he was quick to shut down the West Coast destination: “Miami. Miami. Miami. I think L.A. is super superficial,” Antetokounmpo said. “I don’t like… I don’t like L.A.” This might sound a little meaningless, but it definitely isn't. Giannis is quite intentional with every little thing he says or does, and he's made it loud and clear that he wants to win, and the Bucks haven't given him a contract extension. The Heat have been in the mix to trade for a superstar for half a decade now. And while this doesn't mean the Bucks will simply do Giannis a favor and send him to his preferred destination, the timing of this interview and statement is far from coincidental. As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they're always keeping tabs on the biggest names in the market, but it seems like Antetokounmpo isn't interested.
On Saturday afternoon at the historic Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs secured a solid 4-2 victory over the New York Mets. The win improved the Cubs’ position in their ongoing series, giving them a commanding 2-0 advantage heading into Sunday’s contest. With momentum clearly on their side, the team will now aim to complete the sweep and extend their positive run at home. Prior to the first pitch, the Cubs organization quietly finalized a minor roster adjustment that could provide additional flexibility moving forward. The move involved bringing back a familiar face to the system through a minor league agreement, offering depth at a time when the club has faced significant challenges on the injury front. Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reported the development: “The Cubs have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract. Carlson was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs and opted to become a free agent. He’s landed back with the Cubs, was sent to the @IowaCubs where @jkempradio reports he’s in today’s lineup.” Carlson, who had already seen limited action with the major league club earlier in the season, appeared in just three games for Chicago. In those outings, he recorded one run scored across four at-bats, showing glimpses of his potential despite the brief stint. Originally selected in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Carlson began his professional journey with high expectations. He spent the initial four and a half seasons of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he developed into a reliable contributor at the big league level. His most productive campaign came during the 2021 season while still with the Cardinals. That year, Carlson posted a batting average of .266, along with 18 home runs and 65 runs batted in, demonstrating the kind of offensive upside that once made him a promising young talent. After departing St. Louis, Carlson gained experience through short stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays before eventually joining the Cubs organization. Across his career spanning more than 570 games, he has compiled a .233 batting average, 43 home runs, 195 RBI, 210 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases. Now at 27 years old, Carlson represents a valuable depth option for the Cubs as they look to bolster their outfield resources. His return on a minor league deal allows the organization to maintain familiarity while evaluating his fit within the current roster structure at the Triple-A level with the Iowa Cubs. The Cubs have dealt with numerous injury setbacks early in the 2026 campaign, testing the depth of their lineup and pitching staff. Despite these obstacles, the team has managed to post an 11-9 record through the first 20 games of the season, showcasing resilience amid adversity. Even with that respectable winning percentage, the Cubs currently sit in last place in the National League Central. The division has proven exceptionally competitive this year, with several teams performing at a high level and creating a tight standings race that leaves little room for error. At Wrigley Field specifically, Chicago has shown signs of strength, holding a 6-5 record across their 11 home games so far. The friendly confines have provided a boost, and Saturday’s victory added to that positive home performance against the visiting Mets. Looking ahead, the Cubs will wrap up their series with the Mets on Sunday before remaining at home to welcome the Philadelphia Phillies for a series beginning on Monday. This stretch of games at Wrigley offers an opportunity for the club to build consistency and climb the standings as the season progresses.
