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Jack Hermansson got back in the win column for the first time in nearly two years, defeating Joe Pyfer by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 86 Saturday night.
Given its constant movement, Hermansson picked up his 24th professional win and wants to remain a significant asset to the 185-pound division.
One name Hermansson said he is targeting is Nassourdine Imavov, who defeated Roman Dolidze in the main event of UFC Vegas 85 a week prior.
“I just watched the rankings and I fought a lot of guys up there, and I obviously can’t fight an unranked opponent and go directly to the top, so I need to fight someone close to me in the rankings,” Hermansson told reporters following the win. "“I think he makes the most sense at the moment.” (H/T MMAJunkie)
Hermansson quickly complimented Pyfer's recent star power but said his experience made the difference in the win.
"He has an amazing story, he’s coming through the contender series, and he has a lot of eyes on him," Hermansson added. "He should get the shot like this, but then you also need to perform to take it to the next level, and I was not going to be that stepping stone.”
The victory gives Hermansson a chance to win back-to-back outings for the first time in over three years, as he has still yet to earn a UFC middleweight title shot.
The division is changing of guard, as Dricus du Plessis became the new title holder after upsetting Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297 in January.
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Royals acquire outfield help in perplexing trade with Diamondbacks
The Kansas City Royals were hoping to bolster their outfield ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. They were able to do just that in a trade on Saturday. Steve Gilbert from MLB.com reported that the Royals have acquired outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that relief pitcher Andrew Hoffman will head to Arizona in exchange for Grichuk. The Royals desperately needed help in their outfield. Royals outfielders had been the worst in the majors, posting an atrocious .219/.273/.328 batting line with just 19 home runs entering Saturday's action. Although Grichuk is in the midst of a disappointing season himself, he is an immediate upgrade over whatever the Royals have sent into the outfield. Grichuk had posted a .243/.280/.462 batting line in 186 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting seven homers and 15 doubles. In exchange, the Diamondbacks receive Hoffman, who FanGraphs ranked as the Royals' 22nd-best prospect entering the season. His upper-90s fastball and new kick change are both considered plus offerings, although his ability to command his arsenal is questionable at best. Hoffman's potential and flaws were evident this season. He made his major league debut for the Royals, allowing six runs, two earned, on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings, striking out five. However, Hoffman had dominated at Triple-A, posting a 3.60 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP over his 40 innings, striking out 55 batters with just 10 walks. He is another intriguing addition for a Diamondbacks team that has prioritized pitching in their two trades thus far. The same upside does not exist for the Royals. Kansas City had the same record as the Diamondbacks entering the second game of their doubleheader against the Guardians. Grichuk signed a one-year contract with $5 million guaranteed for 2025. There is a mutual option worth $5 million, with a $3 million buyout, for 2026. Theoretically, Grichuk could be part of the Royals' plans next season. However, mutual options are rarely picked up. As the Royals are currently under .500 and need to pass four teams in the standings to seize the final wild-card spot, adding a rental option does not make sense. It is possible that both sides can work out an arrangement for 2026, but unless that happens, the Royals' latest move is questionable at best.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Chiefs' Elijah Mitchell Scouts Running Back Room: 'They're All Beasts!'
The Kansas City Chiefs' running game is going to look vastly different from the one that we saw rank 26th for yards per game last season, with speedster Elijah Mitchell a key reason why. With the Chiefs not having an explosive element to the rushing attack last year, with Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, they do now with Mitchell, who is coming off an injury that saw him miss the entire 2024 season. But now that he's got OTAs, minicamp, and the beginning of training camp to work with Pacheco and Hunt, what does he think about the group? "They're all beasts," Mitchell said. "They could do everything. So, it really pushed you to go to work every day." Working his way back to being 100 percent after the hamstring injury he suffered last season meant he didn't play a snap for the entire year with the San Francisco 49ers. So, Mitchell could be forgiven for being a little hesitant when on the practice field, but make no mistake about it, he's right where he needs to be. "Feeling good, feeling healthy and ready to roll," Mitchell added. With a run game that head coach Andy Reid is going to need to pick up the pace in 2025, Mitchell looms as the change-up to the bruising style of Hunt and Pacheco. Many are doubting the Chiefs this upcoming season, but there's enough reason to think the franchise will be a better version of itself in 2025. With Mitchell and the run game, coupled with a healthy receiver room, Kansas City has the tools to again be the AFC champs. But as far as Mitchell, it's evident he's just happy to be back on the field.
Lakers Pegged as Landing Spot for Ex-Celtics Guard Named Top Free Agency 'Steal'
The Los Angeles Lakers are working on building a contender around last season's blockbuster addition of Luka Doncic, and could have their eyes on a player named the biggest "steal" of free agency. James Herbert of CBS Sports noted that former Boston Celtics star Malcolm Brogdon is still looking for his next NBA home and could be a bargain for a team that lands him. "After a couple of years in Portland and Washington, it feels like it's time for the veteran guard to get back on a winning team," Herbert wrote. "If healthy, he could be a real bargain for a contender -- it was only two years ago that he won Sixth Man of the Year in Boston." Bleacher Report's Timothy Rapp named the Lakers as a team to watch for Brogdon, who has shared his admiration for Lakers star LeBron James in the past. Speaking to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the former NBA Rookie of the Year said he believes James is the greatest of all time and disagrees with those who use his longevity as an argument against him. “At 40, I think that LeBron is playing at a higher level, but I think medicine and I think science has come a long way,” Brogdon said. “But I think also longevity has to be counted for LeBron. He’s the first player in this game to have longevity that is counted against him, you know? It’s one of his downfalls.” Brodgon was a solid contributor for the Washington Wizards last season, scoring 12.7 points with 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
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