Boxing and UFC – what really sets the two combat sports giants apart? SPOX shows you the differences, as MMA continues to grow ever bigger. In Germany too, as the Oktagon events featuring Christian Eckerlin, Frederick Vosgröne and others impressively show.
Combat sports are bigger than ever away from the boxing ring too, with the action in the octagon month after month. But what actually is the UFC? And what is the difference from MMA, which we can once again marvel at at Oktagon 94 with Christian Eckerlin and co?
Barcelona midfielder Rodri has refused to launch a public campaign to win this year's Ballon d'Or. The Spanish World Cup winner insists that individual awards should be decided purely by performances on the pitch rather than what players say to the media.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has opened up about the emotional toll of his failed move to Premier League rivals Manchester City. The Dutch international was heavily linked with a sensational switch to the Etihad Stadium during the final days of the summer transfer window, but the deal ultimately fell through in the final hours.
Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha has been dealt a frustrating blow ahead of England's high-profile clash with Spain. Despite his meteoric rise at Anfield, the teenage forward will not be part of the matchday squad for the Nations League opener at Wembley.
Kylian Mbappe scored the winning goal in Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France manager, but the victory was marred by a knee injury to the captain. Real Madrid now face a nervous wait regarding the forward's recovery ahead of a grueling fixture list.
Michael Olise has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season at Bayern Munich, registering 12 direct goal contributions in just seven matches. His outstanding form has now prompted club chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge to publicly confirm plans for upcoming contract extension discussions.
Ousmane Dembele is set to take the captain’s armband for France in their upcoming Nations League encounter against Belgium on Monday. The Paris Saint-Germain winger steps into the leadership role following the withdrawal of regular skipper Kylian Mbappe due to injury.
Chelsea winger Morgan Rogers has offered a staunch defence of his team-mate Cole Palmer after England manager Thomas Tuchel questioned the playmaker's commitment to the national side. While the Three Lions boss expressed frustration over recent withdrawals, Rogers insisted that the 22-year-old must prioritise his physical health following a grueling debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester United have completed the signing of 16-year-old central midfielder David Eze from local rivals Manchester City. Despite attracting significant interest from major European clubs over the summer, the versatile England youth international has chosen to continue his development at Old Trafford.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape in 2027 after exhausting his final legal appeals. Following the news, RMC pundit Bruno Poncet has called for the Moroccan right-back to suspend his playing career until the court case is resolved.
Alexander Isak emerged from Sweden’s hard-fought victory over Romania with more than just a goal to show for his efforts, revealing a significant injury to his foot. The striker was the victim of a heavy challenge during the second half of the contest, leaving him with a blood-soaked boot by the final whistle.
Zinedine Zidane got off to a winning start as France manager with a 1-0 victory over Turkey on Friday night. However, the 1998 World Cup winner suffered a minor hitch before kickoff after arriving late for the French national anthem.
David de Gea has aimed a barbed comment at Manchester City following bombshell reports that an independent panel found the Etihad outfit guilty of 114 financial breaches. The former Manchester United goalkeeper responded on social media by cheekily questioning how many league crowns he now holds, referencing campaigns where his side finished runners-up.
Vincenzo Montella was immensely proud of Turkey despite suffering a narrow Nations League defeat to France. The manager has now challenged his players to show the exact same spirit when they host Italy in a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash.
Riccardo Calafiori has urged his Italy team-mates to look at the positive aspects following a frustrating 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium. The Arsenal defender admitted that the Azzurri still have plenty of work to do after being jeered off the pitch by their own supporters.
Fabian Ruiz has warned Spain’s rivals that the European and world champions are not satisfied yet as they prepare to kick off their Nations League campaign. Fresh from their historic triumph in the summer, La Roja are looking to maintain their era of dominance starting with a blockbuster trip to Wembley.
Viktor Gyokeres has broken his silence on his difficult start to the season at Arsenal after finally finding the back of the net for Sweden. The striker, who has faced significant scrutiny in England, delivered a timely reminder of his quality during the Nations League victory over Romania.
Mark van Bommel enjoyed a dream start to his tenure as Belgium manager after securing a historic 2-0 Nations League victory over Italy. The impressive triumph in Rome snapped a 52-year competitive winless streak against the Azzurri and propelled his side to the top of their group.
Former Juventus, Southampton, and Italy striker Dani Osvaldo has been admitted to intensive care in Argentina after developing a serious pulmonary condition. The 40-year-old retired footballer was urgently taken to hospital on Thursday night after days of severe chest pain, with medical staff confirming a diagnosis of right-side pleural effusion.
Brazil and Australia managers Carlo Ancelotti and Tony Popovic have both criticised the playing surface following their dramatic 1-1 draw in Townsville. The condition of the Queensland Country Bank Stadium pitch became a major talking point after both sides struggled to find their footing on Friday.
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