PFL Lyon: Cris Cyborg to defend featherweight title against Sara Collins
Cris Cyborg will defend her featherweight title for the first time in over two years when she faces Sara Collins at PFL Lyon on 13 December. Cyborg, 40, last defended her belt when she stopped Cat Zingano at Bellator 300 in October 2023, shortly before the promotion was acquired by the PFL. Since then the Bellator brand has been phased out, meaning the Brazilian’s belt will be re-branded as the PFL women’s featherweight championship for the bout with America’s Collins. Cyborg defeated fellow Brazilian Larissa Pacheco just under a year ago, but the bout was not for an official title. Cyborg, who is widely regarded as one of the best women’s fighters in MMA history, heads into the fight with Collins having won 31 and lost only two fights. She has not suffered defeat since losing to Amanda Nunes in the UFC in 2018, and defended her Bellator title five times before it was re-branded. Collins, 35, enters the contest having won the first six fights of her career, with her last win coming against Leah McCourt in September. The bout takes place at the LDLC Arena in the city in eastern France on a card headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Russia’s Vadim Nemkov and Brazil’s Renan Ferreria. The bout is for the PFL heavyweight world title, which is also re-branded, with the organisation describing it as “the next chapter in heavyweight MMA”. American Ryan Bader was the last Bellator heavyweight champion before the brand was phased out, but he parted ways with the PFL earlier this year.
Oleksandr Usyk warns Jake Paul: I’ll be waiting for you in the cage
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has warned Jake Paul he would be “waiting in the cage” if the YouTuber-turned-boxer had the courage to face him once the Ukrainian eventually retires from the ring. Paul – who beat former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on points in an eight-round bout late last year before defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June – is set to take on reigning WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in an exhibition match in November, which will be broadcast on Netflix. The 28-year-old influencer recently took to social media to outline his wide-ranging future plans – which included becoming a boxing world champion and beating Usyk as well as winning an Oscar, to “fight on the moon” and starting a presidential campaign. After Usyk defeated Britain’s Daniel Dubois for a second time when they met at Wembley in July, he faced off with Paul in the ring. The 38-year-old gave Paul short shrift, though, in response to the American’s latest ambitious five-year plan. “Good plan, Jake Paul, but I’m not here for 5th place – only first,” Usyk wrote on X. “Soon, I’ll close the book on boxing, and after that, I’ll be waiting for you in the cage. Let’s see if you’ve got the balls or just a hunger for hype.” Usyk – who continues to recover from a back problem – is expected to fight Joseph Parker and Britain’s Fabio Wardley, the pair set to meet on October 25 at London’s O2 Arena, in his next title defence. After his response to Paul, the Ukrainian later posted a video of him training to highlight his own dedication to boxing. “I don’t have motivation. I have discipline,” Usyk said. “This is why I am champion. I believe this with all my heart. It carries me through the ring, through life, through every challenge. “This is why I stand. Carry this with you.”
Nathan Broadhead ‘delighted’ after opening Wrexham account
Bangor-born Broadhead was in Wrexham’s academy as a boy before he started his professional career with Everton. He joined Ipswich permanently in 2023 and was part of the Tractor Boys team that last season played in the Premier League, something he hopes to emulate with Wrexham. Wrexham’s Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have spoken of their ambition to reach English football’s top-flight. “That’s the main reason I came and hopefully we can do that to get this club to the Premier League,” Broadhead added. “That’s the aim of the owners. So I see the vision and hopefully we can get there. “You see the players coming in. You’re bringing in quality players from the Championship and it just shows you where the owners want to be. “That’s the project, what we’re going on.” Broadhead was one of 13 players to join Wrexham during the summer along with Wales team-mates Danny Ward and Kieffer Moore. Moore scored Wales’ winner in the 1-0 win in the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan earlier this month, a game Broadhead missed due to his calf injury.
Fiji U18 balances rugby and academics – FBC News
As the Fiji U-18 Schoolboys rugby team prepares to face the Australia Schoolboys, the coaching staff is not only focused on on-field performance but also on the players’ academic progress. Head Coach Penioni Ranitu says that a major challenge for the team is ensuring the players do not fall behind in their schoolwork, especially since they will be sitting for exams upon their return. To address the issue in their one-month camp, Ranitu says the coaching staff had made arrangements with teachers to help out their players. Article continues after advertisement “We have tried to get some teachers to come and have classes with them. Tutorial classes with them in the past few weeks. Most of our teachers, we take mathematics and physics. So, we try and help them when they have their breaks.” Fiji U18 will take on Australian U18 side tomorrow in Canberra, Australia. Their last match will be next Monday against the Australian Schoolboys. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Anthony Joshua’s trainer gives worrying update on Tyson Fury super-fight
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Anthony Joshua’s trainer has revealed he is not confident of the all-British heavyweight super fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury happening. Ben Davison, who previously coached Fury, is concerned that both men have been out of the ring so long that the grudge match may never get made. Asked about the prospect of Joshua and Fury finally fighting each other, Davison told Sky Sports: “I don’t have the answer, if I did I would be a very rich man. “However, we’re talking about somebody [Fury] who has nearly been retired for a year and we’re talking about somebody [Joshua] who boxed over a year ago. “At the moment, it’s not looking too promising.” Joshua is mooted to make a return to the ring in early 2026. He will be hoping to bounce back after a shock knockout loss to former IBF champion Daniel Dubois last September. Fury retired at the beginning of this year, following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024 – but teased a return over the summer before changing his mind again, saying he was too old. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery Tyson Fury had been expected to pursue a third fight against Oleksandr Usyk (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire) The longer he waits, having just turned 37, the less likely it is that Fury will ever make a comeback. Joshua and Fury have been circling one another for nearly a decade and have come close to fighting on more than one occasion, but never managed to get a deal over the line. Joshua’s return in early 2026, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, is a tune-up fight for one more roll of the dice in the summer. This could mean a fight with Fury or one last shot at becoming a three-time heavyweight champion. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. But with Fury holding firm on his retirement for now, it seems as though one of the biggest fights in British boxing history might never happen, which Davison believes could be a disappointing reality. “I think it would be a shame if they both fight again, and it’s not against each other,” Davison said. “[But] If Tyson decides to stay retired, then he’s earned the right to do that.” Watch James DeGale vs Matt Floyd live on DAZN BKFC 81 sees Olympic boxing champion James DeGale make his Bare Knuckle debut. Watch the fight and whole fight card live with a DAZN subscription. Annual and monthly options available, click here for pricing and options.
Full round of Heritage Day matches in the Betway Premiership
Soccer fans are in for a treat this Heritage Day with no fewer than seven Betway Premiership matches scheduled to be played around the country. In the afternoon’s early fixture, 11th-placed Golden Arrows will host defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban 15:00. Masandawana are undefeated this season after eight matches (5 wins, 3 draws) and lie in second place in the standings. Looking to bounce back In the lone match at 17:30, Kaizer Chiefs will welcome Marumo Gallants to the FNB Stadium. Amakhosi will be looking to bounce back from their most recent 3-1 loss to Sekhukhune United against ninth-placed Bahlabane Ba Ntwa. Tickets for the much-anticipated clash are still available for R60 at opentickets.co.za, kaizerchiefs.com or Shoprite, and Checkers outlets countrywide. The Glamour Boys lie in third place on 13 points, but have bitter Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates now breathing down their necks following the Buccaneers’ 1-0 win over Siwelele FC in Tuesday’s only clash. Five matches will kick off at 19:30 on Wednesday, with plenty at stake as teams continue to jostle for goals – and log points in this season’s Betway Premiership. Pressure is mounting on Chippa United who currently lie bottom of the log, with newcomers Orbit College also in danger with just one win in seven outings to their name in the top-flight, to date. Betway Premiership fixtures on Wednesday, 24 September Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns – 15:00 Kaizer Chiefs vs Marumo Gallants – 17:30 Orbit College vs Polokwane City – 19:30 Richards Bay vs Magesi FC – 19:30 Sekhukhune United vs Chippa United – 19:30 Stellenbosch FC vs Durban City – 19:30 TS Galaxy vs AmaZulu – 19:30 BETWAY PREMIERSHIP LOG AHEAD OF WEDNESDAY’S MATCHES Which match are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …
Ryder Cup 2025 live: Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau ignite rivalry before opening ceremony at Bethpage
Donald Trump set for delayed Ryder Cup 2025 arrival after US Open chaos President Donald Trump is expected to delay his arrival at Bethpage Black for day one of the Ryder Cup to avoid extended hold-ups for spectators. The US President’s presence at the US Open tennis earlier this month for Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner forced long security delays. And organisers of the Ryder Cup hope a belated arrival will ease logistics to start the tournament, with Trump an avid golf fan and owner of a number of prestigious course around the world, including Turnberry in South Ayrshire. The first foursomes match on Friday are scheduled to begin at 7:10am ET (12:10pm BST) but Trump appears set to arrive in time for the second session of the day, with four fourballs matches set to take place from 12:25pm ET (5:25pm BST). Luke Baker24 September 2025 09:15 Ryder Cup opening ceremony forced to move over New York storm threat The Ryder Cup opening ceremony has been forced to move over the threat of a New York storm in the coming hours. Initially slated for Thursday, organisers have moved it up a day to take place on Wednesday due to a forecast of inclement weather. Bethpage Black Course updated the schedule on Tuesday, with the traditional ceremony now starting at 4pm ET (9pm BST) on Wednesday. The USA and European captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald will not announce their pairings for the first day of competition at the extravagant event though, instead confirming their picks at the traditional time slot on Thursday evening at 4pm ET (9pm BST). Luke Baker24 September 2025 08:58 Ryder Cup format There are 28 points up for grabs with the winners required to reach 14.5 points. The holders can defend the cup by reaching 14 points, with a draw ensuring they retain the cup. The competition lasts three days and the first two days, Friday and Saturday, see the players battle it out over foursomes (alternate shot) and fourballs (better ball). The action concludes on Sunday with 12 singles matches. Each match offers up one point, though the point can be halved if the match is tied after 18 holes, resulting in each team winning half a point. The players involved in foursomes (alternate shot) and fourballs (better ball) will be announced shortly before each session, with every player tasked with competing in a singles match on Sunday. Europe’s Ryder Cup team, captained by Luke Donald, regained the trophy in Rome (PA Wire) Luke Baker24 September 2025 08:53 Ryder Cup 2025 schedule Day 1: Friday 26 September Four foursome (alternate shot) matches in the morning: 7:10am ET (12:10pm BST), 7:26am ET (12:26pm BST), 7:42am ET (12:42pm BST), 7:58am ET (12:58pm BST). Four fourball (better ball) matches in the afternoon: 12:25pm ET (5:25pm BST), 12:41pm ET (5:41pm BST), 12:57pm ET (5:57pm BST), 1:13pm (6:13pm BST). Day 2: Saturday 27 September Four foursome (alternate shot) matches in the morning: 7:10am ET (12:10pm BST), 7:26am ET (12:26pm BST), 7:42am ET (12:42pm BST), 7:58am ET (12:58pm BST). Four fourball (better ball) matches in the afternoon: 12:25pm ET (5:25pm BST), 12:41pm ET (5:41pm BST), 12:57pm ET (5:57pm BST), 1:13pm (6:13pm BST). Day 3: Sunday 28 September 12 singles matches: Starting from 12:02pm ET (5:02pm BST) to 2:03pm ET (6:03pm BST). The trophy presentation is scheduled for 6:00pm ET (11pm BST). Luke Baker24 September 2025 08:51 Ryder Cup dates The 45th Ryder Cup takes place from Friday, 26 September to Sunday, 28 September. It will be hosted by Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The opening ceremony will be on Wednesday, moved forward from Thursday due to adverse weather. It will start at 4pm ET (9pm BST). Friday morning pairings will be announced by the captains on Thursday at 4pm ET (9pm BST). The first session will start at 7:10am ET (12:10pm BST) on Friday, with the afternoon sessions set to start at 12:25pm ET (5:25pm BST). Independent Sport will bring you full coverage from Bethpage Black, with hole-by-hole updates, scores and results in our Ryder Cup live blogs. You can also watch the action unfold live on Sky Sports Golf, with a live stream on NOW TV. Luke Baker24 September 2025 08:50 Ryder Cup 2025 Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the 2025 Ryder Cup. A change in schedule means today will now see the opening ceremony, originally set for Thursday but brought forward 24 hours due to inclement weather. Stick with us for all the latest Luke Baker24 September 2025 08:41
‘The Punisher’ Roberts excited for fight night – FBC News
Bryan “The Punisher” Roberts Australian boxer Bryan “The Punisher” Roberts has promised fireworks when he steps into the ring to battle for the light heavyweight MASA South Pacific title against Kolinio “The Executioner” Luvelolo in this Friday’s Bluewater Boxing Promotions showdown at Prince Charles Park, Nadi. Roberts, who arrived in Fiji last night says the atmosphere has motivated him to put on a performance for local fans while making it clear that he is in the country for one reason only — to win. “It’s been awesome, same as always, this is what I do. I live in boxing — every day, all day, every night. So, I’m looking forward to the fight and I’ll be coming for the win.” Article continues after advertisement The hard-hitting fighter adds that he was grateful for the warm welcome from Fiji but insisted he will not hold back when the bell rings against Luvelolo. The Bluewater Boxing Promotions will feature a packed card on Friday night, with Roberts and Luvelolo expected to headline in what is being billed as a classic clash of power and pride. The FMF Bluewater Boxing Promotions will take place this Friday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi. The event will be streamed live on Viti Plus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Kaizer Chiefs need this type of coach to replace Nabi
Kaizer Chiefs look set for yet another change in the dugout, with coach Nasreddine Nabi all but officially gone. Following last week’s 3-1 loss to Sekhukhune United, the club released a note to confirm that the Tunisian is currently ‘not with the team.’ Additionally, the Kaizer Chiefs brief said ‘discussions between the board and the coach remain ongoing’. WHY NASREDDINE NABI IS SET TO LEAVE KAIZER CHIEFS Nabi’s relationship with his bosses began to sour when Amakhosi failed to finish in the top eight last season. Reports even claimed he was on his way out, before lifting the Nedbank Cup earned him a short reprieve. At the start of this campaign, he was granted compassionate leave to be with his wife in Tunisia, with his assistants guiding Kaizer Chiefs to three wins in three. But since his return, results have been mixed: a draw with Mamelodi Sundowns, a narrow 1-0 win over Golden Arrows and the embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Sekhukhune. The latest word on the street? Kaizer Chiefs are already hunting for his replacement. Also read: Full list: Nine players have waved goodbye to Kaizer Chiefs FAROUK KHAN DESCRIBES THE COACH AMAKHOSI NEED Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant Farouk Khan has shared his blueprint for the type of leader Amakhosi should be targeting. And in his view, the right candidate needs to blend man-management genius with tactical sharpness. “What is needed is a combination of Clive Barker and Muhsin Ertugral,” Khan said on Soccerbeat. “Clive had incredible man-management skills, he made every player believe they were world-class and knew how to get into a player’s mind. “Then you add Ertugral’s tactical and intellectual ability. Bringing those two qualities together isn’t easy, but it’s possible. The right coach must be able to protect his players, come do or die, and organise them tactically. “The problem with bringing in foreign coaches is that you don’t really know them beyond statistics and results. You don’t know their personalities or how they’ll connect. South African players are different, they have a unique chemistry. You need someone who knows exactly what to say to them,” the former Kaizer Chiefs head of youth added. Who should the club appoint?
Ryder Cup talking points as the United States host Europe in 45th contest
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The United States and Europe are ready to go to battle in the 45th Ryder Cup this weekend. The latest instalment of the biennial tournament sees Luke Donald’s side defending the title they won in Rome in 2023 at an especially difficult Bethpage Black course. Here, the PA news agency looks at the talking points ahead of the contest. Money matters The build-up to the tournament has been dominated by the PGA of America’s decision to pay the United States team, meaning players will get paid for the first time in the competition’s history.The matter has been a thorny subject for a number of years but was resolved ahead of this edition, with it being determined all 12 players plus the captain would be paid 500,000 US dollars (£370,000). Of that, 300,000 USD (£222,000) is to be allocated to a charity of the individual’s choice – an increase on a previous charitable agreement – with 200,000 USD (£148,000) to be used as they see fit. Captain Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Cantlay indicated they will donate their entire payments to charity. The other US players have either not stated their intentions or not been asked yet. Bradley also refuted suggestions that by accepting payment, it shows that the Ryder Cup means less to the US than Europe, who chose not to accept payment. The crowd factor Much has been made about the hostile atmosphere Europe are expecting to face, with American crowds notorious for their partisan support. How Rory McIlroy and Co can cope with the heckling, jeering and booing could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the contest. The level of patriotism looks set to be especially heightened on Friday when president Donald Trump is in attendance amid a divided political backdrop following the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Can Europe reign in the States? Home advantage has been a decisive factor in much of the recent history of the Ryder Cup and the United States are big favourites coming into the tournament on home soil. Indeed, Europe’s only win on this side of the Atlantic in the last 20 years came courtesy of the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012, when Jose Maria Olazabal’s side overturned a 10-6 deficit on the final day. Many of Europe’s heavyweights have had individual success on the PGA Tour and they will need to channel that if they are to get their hands on the trophy on Sunday night. Captain Luke Donald has also revealed he has been thinking outside the box in order to mastermind an away victory. Brutal Bethpage Black The fact that this course – one of five public courses in Bethpage State Park in Long Island – comes with its own warning, tells you exactly how tough it is. Golfers are greeted at the first tee by a sign which reads: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” And it is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in the sport. It is characterised by undulating hills, huge bunkers and tricky rough, though the fairways have been made wider than usual to accommodate the big-hitting American drivers. Whichever team can tame the beast the best will lift the silverware on Sunday. Experience versus form There is a stark difference between the make-up of the two sides. American captain Keegan Bradley has the luxury of being able to pick seven of the world’s top 10 in his 12-man team, with world number one Scottie Scheffler leading them after a phenomenal 2025 so far. But they also have four rookies in their side with JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin and Cameron Young making their Ryder Cup bows and their entire team have only won a combined 30 Ryder Cup points. Compare that to the 68.5 points Europe have totalled in a vastly-experienced team, which sees 11 of the players who won two years ago back in blue. Luke Donald has kept faith with his winning team, with Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his brother Nicolai in the only change from the side in Rome. Captain’s corner Luke Donald is chasing a piece of history as he is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Tony Jacklin and become just the second European captain to win home and away. While still active on the PGA Tour, the 47-year-old has been able to focus more of his attention on preparation for this tournament, delving into the finer details which could deliver victory. American counterpart Keegan Bradley’s biggest decision has been whether to pick himself as a playing captain or not after an impressive year on tour. The world number 13 decided to concentrate on his captaincy but, if his team fails, questions may be asked about where his focus was and whether he made the right decision.