Ilia Topuria says Islam Makhachev fight ‘has to happen’ but is not ‘u…

Ilia Topuria returns to action against Justin Gaethje on June 11th at the big UFC White House card. It’s a big fight, as all Topuria fights are. But not the biggest fight possible. According to Ilia, that would be Topuria vs. Makhachev.

“I think it is a fight that everyone wants to see, whether they are sports fans or not,” Topuria told Spanish outlet ABC. “It is a fight that from my perspective has to happen.”

“If I were in the UFC’s place I would do everything I could to make it happen,” he added. “But it’s hard to give the UFC advice when they’ve managed to build what they’ve built. From the outside we see one thing, but they’re inside the kitchen and see how to place the pieces in the future. Whatever comes, I have to be prepared, and I’m focusing on the things that are under my control.”

In addition to fighting, Topuria has also experienced what it’s like to be a fight promoter with his WOW MMA events. Asked how he’d run the kitchen and set up an Ilia vs. Islam fight, “El Matador” once again defered to the UFC’s possible reasoning.

NewsGame Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Boston Red Sox SundayThe St. Louis Cardinals will try to win the series versus the Boston Red Sox Sunday afternoon after a disappointing end to Saturday night’s game. According to MLB.com, Andre Pal...Open →

“I don’t know, honestly,” he said. “I believe that if I were a promoter, if I prioritize the company, I do not know if it is good to cross the two of us in our peak moment. I just changed weightclasses, he did too. We both have our fan base, so to kill Islam in this case, you are killing a Middle East star. What would be left? It’s a little complicated.”

In the end, Topuria’s main goal isn’t a fight with Makhachev but a fight for a third title.

“The triple crown has always made sense to me whether it is against Islam Makhachev or not,” he said.

Topuria denied accusations that he priced himself out of a Makhachev fight.

“I received the call from the UFC and they said I could still be on the White House card fighting Islam Makhachev,” he said. “Dana White came out saying he’d announce the entire card in two days, so I thought if I was there, it would be against Islam. Suddenly, I was called and told that Islam was injured and that I would go against Justin Gaethje. There were points of the negotiation that we were debating, but it is secondary.”

Topuria also showed a willingness to face Arman Tsarukyan, but says the fight was never offered.

“He’s doing what he has to do, talk, move, expand his name and brand,” Topuria said. “I don’t know if the fight will be offered. They called me and told me ‘You’re going to fight Islam’ and I said ‘Perfect,’ after it was Gaethje and perfect too. There’s no problem.”

Jason Day Masters outfits: How golfer is bringing bird watching design to Augusta originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As a former World No. 1 and Masters runner-up, Jason Day is used to grabbing headlines.

The 2015 PGA Championship winner figures to take on even greater importance during the 2026 Masters. He's a marquee name whose stock could rise in lieu of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson's absences.

Day -- and his sponsors -- seem to think as much, decking him in the finest of furs during the famous tournament.

With that, here's what you need to know about Day's Masters outfits, a love letter to the art of bird-watching.

MORE: Ranking the top 30 golfers playing at Augusta, from Scottie Scheffler to Justin Thomas

Jason Day Masters outfits 2026

Day has long been known for his flamboyant attire. The Australian star often dresses to the nines while traipsing around the links. His latest fashion choice is perhaps his most daring; Day is taking to Augusta National in Malbon Golf's "Birds of Georgia" collection, an ode to Georgia's diverse bird population -- and the Native American tribes that have kept watch over them.

“If you are on the course and you are tuned in with nature and know the sounds of birds, you'll make more birdies," founder Stephen Malbon told Sports Illustrated. “It's inspired by Native American beliefs. Each one of these birds has a different meaning. I’ve been sending the noises of the birds to Jason for the last six months. Hopefully, he’s trying to stay in touch with nature.”

Day's outfits will feature tanagers, orioles, bluebirds and golden finches galore. This isn't the first time he'll make a fashion statement on the links. Just two years ago, Day made Augusta National his catwalk, prancing down the green in a blaring sweater that read "No. 313. Malbon Golf Championship."

When Day pulls out his driver for the first time during this year's Masters, he'll be draped in color. So too will Sungjae Im, another Malbon athlete who is slated to rock canary (and canaries) in the lead-up to the weekend.

🚨🏌️🦜 #LOOK — Jason Day appears set to embark on a bird watching expedition when he arrives at Augusta National, as he’s scheduled to sport several unique fits from Malbon Golf 👀

(H/T @GOLF_com) pic.twitter.com/lgqSkdCQO0

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 2, 2026

MORE: Masters 2026 tee times, pairings, featured groups for Rounds 1-2 at Augusta

Why was one of Jason Day's Masters outfits rejected?

Day planned on pairing the all bird-print shirt he rocked during Monday's practice session with matching pants. Masters organizers nixed that plan, however, instead requiring him to don solid-colored trousers instead.

Here's a look at how Day's outfit would have looked if Augusta National had a soul:

🚨👖🙅🏼‍♂️ #DENIED — Jason Day was planning on wearing this fit at the Masters, but the club requested he wear solid pants instead, per @brian_giuffra / @SI_Golfpic.twitter.com/8bak2kLNyD

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 2, 2026

Best Jason Day Masters outfits of all time

Formerly signed to Nike, Day joined Malbon Golf in 2024. Since his arrival, he has become one of golf's most famous -- or infamous -- fashionistas.

When Day accompanied Tiger Woods during Day 1 of the 2024 Masters, he did so in a loud sweater vest that featured "No. 313. Malbon Golf Championship" in booming script. The look proved a favorite to some. Augusta National was less than pleased, however, informing him that he would have to lose the garment during the second round.

MORE: History of the Masters Green Jacket

Day obliged, sinking to a T-30th place finish thereafter.

"It's good. I understand. We're here for the tournament," Day said of Augusta National's dress code, per ESPN. "This is why we come every April. We're here to play the tournament and I understand. We'll do what we can with what we have fashion-wise and enjoy playing the tournament."

Perhaps a flashier look can push him to getting his hands on the most cherished costume in golf's wardrobe: a green jacket.

MORE: Why is the Masters always at Augusta National?

Yankees make 10-game NYY franchise history not achieved since 1953 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees have begun the 2026 MLB season in brilliant fashion.

Much of the credit has to go to the Yanks' pitching staff, which has shut down opposing lineups nearly across the board so far.

The pitching coupled with timely hitting has allowed the Yankees to start 8-2, which is great.

But when combined with the fact that they've allowed just 25 total runs so far (24 earned), they're actually making franchise history.

Only once before have the Yankees begun the season with at least eight wins in 10 games while allowing 25 runs or less, according to NY Yankees Stats -- that was in 1953.

For those doing the math at home, that was 73 years ago.

The Yanks allowed three runs on Tuesday night in a comeback win over the Athletics. It was Cam Schlittler's "worst" start of the year and still a very solid one.

MORE: Yankees outfielder once battled ostrich in 11-plate spaghetti-eating contest

Some of you might be wondering if those 1953 Yankees provide a good omen. Yes, they do.

That team ended the regular season 99-52, winning the American League pennant.

In the World Series, they needed six games to dispatch of the Brooklyn Dodgers and claim a world title for Casey Stengel's bunch.

That Yankees pitching staff was led by Whitey Ford and Eddie Lopat.

The offense included Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Hank Bauer, Gene Woodling, Phil Ruzzuto, Gil McDougald, Billy Martin and Joe Collins.

This year's Yankees have a strong team across the board. Maybe they can claim a world championship, too.

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Scotland and England fans face paying more than four times the usual prices for train tickets when they travel to World Cup group-stage matches in Boston.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced round-trip tickets from central Boston (South Station) to Boston Stadium at Foxborough for $80 (£60).

Usually, a single ticket costs $8.75 (£6.50) while it is $17.50 (£13) for a round trip using two singles.

Scotland will play two group stage matches at the venue - against Haiti on 14 June and Morocco five days later - while England face Ghana there on 23 June.

Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association, called the price increase "totally out of order".

"There will be a lot of second mortgages and costs being put on credit cards," he said.

"It's another huge disappointment. It's another reminder that the further up the tree that you go, the game is getting further and further away from its origins and the people who will turn up on a wet Tuesday night in Forfar."

The transport prices follow criticism over ticket costs for the tournament.

Last week's first open sale of tickets showed Fifa charging up to $10,990 (£8,333) to be at the final while England and Scotland fans already face paying vastly inflated prices through Fifa's official resale platform.

The stadium in Foxborough is the home of the New England Patriots NFL team and is located 22 miles - just over one hour's train ride - outside the centre of the city.

The Boston Stadium - usually known as Gillette Stadium but whose name has to change for the tournament because of Fifa sponsorship reasons - is set to host seven World Cup matches including a quarter-final.

Rail tickets, which are limited in number and non-refundable, go on sale on Wednesday at 16:00 BST. Children under 11 usually travel for free on MBTA trains but will have to pay for a ticket to Boston Stadium.

But ticketed fans who may think driving is a better option, may decide against that with one parking space at Boston Stadium starting at $175 (£132).

In a statement on its Free Lions X account, the Football Supporters' Association said: "At what is normally a $20 return, we are incredibly disappointed that this has been allowed to happen.

"For a stadium so far away from its advertised location, all organisers had a duty to ensure supporters could get there sustainably and for a fair price. Unfortunately, like much with this tournament, supporters are gouged."

The MBTA has said it will operate 14 express services on the line between South Station and Boston Stadium on matchdays, adding that it is "ready to deliver unprecedented transit services" during the World Cup.

Phillip Eng, interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA general manager and CEO, said they are focused on ensuring a balance and "support all of the celebrations and events this summer with the needs of our daily riders and drivers that count on the transportation system 365 days a year".

The MBTA added that no direct subway or MBTA bus services to Boston Stadium will be available.

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