Vondrousova risks four-year ban for shutting door on doping officer Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinalsVondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer

Vondrousova risks four-year ban for shutting door on doping officer
Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.
The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.
But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.
“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.
She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.
“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.
ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinals
Vondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.
She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.
Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.
“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.
“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”
Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.
“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.
Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.
“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”
Published on Apr 17, 2026
#Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer

Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, said on Friday she was facing a doping investigation after failing to submit a sample during a check last December.

The world number 46 risks up to a four-year ban from tennis for refusing to let in a doping control officer ringing the bell at her Prague home.

But she said the check was not standard as the officer from a German agency failed to identify herself.

“The recent doping control incident happened because I reached a breaking point after months of physical and mental stress,” the 26-year-old injury-prone Czech said on Instagram.

She told the Sport daily that it “was stressful to see someone I didn’t know asking to enter my living room without showing authorisation”.

“At the moment I was thinking this could be anyone,” she added, explaining why she refused to let the officer in.

ALSO READ | Stuttgart Open 2026: Rybakina, Gauff cruise into quarterfinals

Vondrousova said she had dealt with injury, pressure and “ongoing sleep issues that left me feeling exhausted and fragile” for some time.

She also mentioned the case of her compatriot and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who suffered a career-threatening injury to her hand when she opened the door to a knife-wielding stranger in 2016.

Kvitova took five months to recover from cuts to her left hand. The perpetrator was sentenced to 11 years in jail for serious battery and illegal entry into the player’s flat.

“When someone rang my door late at night without properly identifying themselves or following protocol, I reacted as a person who felt scared,” Vondrousova said on Instagram.

“In that moment, it was about feeling safe… after what happened to Petra, we don’t take strangers at our door lightly.”

Vondrousova’s lawyer Jan Exner told AFP that “the doping control was simply not standard and therefore Marketa had a reason not to submit the sample”.

“You simply face pressure, you even get death threats for ruining someone’s bet slip. So the non-standard doping check sparked an acute stress reaction in Marketa which experts — both Czech and international — have confirmed,” he added.

Exner said he would try to convince the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that this was a valid reason for Vondrousova to decline to submit the sample.

“The proceedings are under way. There will either be a hearing or we will try to agree with the international bodies. We should know more by the summer.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

Source link
#Vondrousova #risks #fouryear #ban #shutting #door #doping #officer

Tag marketa vondrousova marketa vondrousova doping marketa vondrousova doping ban marketa vondrousova doping news marketa vondrousova incident marketa vondrousova news

Fisherman Sandals Put Your Feet on Vacation Mode

Deadspin | White Sox eager to halt woes in opener of road trip vs. A’s <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28745425.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28745425.jpg" alt="MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-11"> <p>The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.</p> </section> <section id="section-12"> <p>The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #trip

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.

The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.

Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.

Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.

There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.

Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”

For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">

Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s storyThere are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.Published on Jul 25, 2026 #Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

mwasimuddin125 0

If you step aside and look beyond India’s Mirabai Chanu, the five-day weightlifting competition of the 2026 Commonwealth Games beginning at the Scottish Event Campus here on Sunday is packed with world-class talent.
The biggest international star is Canada’s Maude Charron in the women’s 63kg category. A two-time Olympic medallist and World Championships medallist, Charron is one of the most accomplished athletes in the field.
Like Mirabai, the 33-year-old is chasing a third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal. Only three men—Precious McKenzie, Louis Martin and David Morgan—have won three successive Commonwealth weightlifting titles. No woman has achieved the feat (hat-trick) since women’s weightlifting was introduced at the Games in 2002. Before then, the sport was contested only by men. Interestingly, at the 2002 CWG, four Indian women—Kunjarani Devi (48kg), Sanamacha Chanu (53kg), Pratima Kumari (63kg) and Shailaja Pujari (75kg)—had won gold.
Another marquee name is England’s Emily Campbell in the women’s +87kg division. Campbell is a two-time Olympic medallist, having won silver at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Paris 2024, and is among the finest heavyweight lifters in the world. And there is Australia’s Eileen Cikamatana, the defending Commonwealth champion in the 86kg division, who remains a formidable rival.
RELATED | From selling vegetables on a pavement to the Commonwealth Games podium – Jhandu Kumar’s story
There are a handful of Indian men and women who can push themselves for gold, if not silver or bronze. Bindyarani Devi (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Gyaneswari Yadav (53kg), Ajaya Babu (79kg) and Raja Muthupandi (65kg) represent the next generation of Indian lifters eager to climb the podium and challenge for gold.
Vijay Sharma, chief coach of the Indian weightlifting team, picked Gyaneswari, Ajaya and Muthupandi as young lifters capable of winning medals. “They (youngsters) should do well. Let’s see,” he had earlier told Sportstar. Vijay also warned the Indian weightlifters not to indulge in doping as it “harms our national pride.”
For India, the Glasgow Games should be more than a medal hunt. It is an ideal opportunity for the next generation of lifters to move out of Mirabai’s shadow, prove themselves on an international stage like the CWG and ensure Indian weightlifting’s rich Commonwealth legacy continues.
Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster">Commonwealth Games 2026: India’s next-gen athletes search for glory in star-studded weightlifting roster

Published on Jul 25, 2026

#Commonwealth #Games #Indias #nextgen #athletes #search #glory #starstudded #weightlifting #roster

UFC Abu Dhabi Best Bets: Top Picks for Ankalaev vs. Guskov Fight Night | Deadspin.com Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; UFC CEO Dana White talks to the press after the fight between Israel Adesanya (red gloves) and Joe Pyfer (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images We’re one day away from the UFC returning to its Fight Island home on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for another weekend Fight Night. It’s the first of what is expected to be two occasions this year where the Octagon lands in Abu Dhabi, with the annual late October numbered card in Abu Dhabi expected.The main event will see former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev taking on Bogdan Guskov.This will be Ankalaev’s first fight since dropping the title to Alex Pereira last year at UFC 320. Before that, Ankalaev went on a 14-fight unbeaten streak, culminating with his UFC 313 title win over Pereira.Guskov takes this fight on short notice, only being announced for this bout on July 13 after an injury to Khalil Rountree Jr. Guskov dropped his UFC debut but then won four straight. He most recently fought at UFC 323, battling former champion Jan Blachowicz to a majority draw.The co-main event will see former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg battle Ramazan Temirov. After losing three straight, Erceg enters this bout with back-to-back wins, defeating Ode’ Osbourne last year and Tim Elliott this past May in Perth. Temirov, meanwhile, has won 11 straight, including his first two UFC bouts, finishing CJ Vergara and earning a decision over Charles Johnson.The rest of the main card will see Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman, Damian Rzepecki vs. Magomed Zaynukov, Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune, and Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev.ISLAM DULATOV VS WELLINGTON TURMANUnbeaten since dropping his pro debut, Islam Dulatov is a name the UFC has had its eye on. He’s 11-1, had a strong first-round finish on Dana White’s Contender Series, and quickly finished Adam Fugitt in his UFC debut last year. At 6’3” and with a 75-inch reach, Dulatov is a fairly big man for the welterweight division. Add in his high-volume striking and pressure, and his ability to finish by either KO/TKO or submission, and you can see the danger he presents.Wellington Turman is an experienced veteran of the Octagon, and he’ll look to trouble Dulatov with his jiu-jitsu work. This will be Turman’s first fight since December 2023, however, and he enters this fight on a three-fight losing skid. Signs point to this being another Dulatov showcase.BET: Dulatov to win via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: -110) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting VALTER WALKER VS THOMAS PETERSENHow Valter Walker is not on the main card of this event is downright criminal. He might be fighting an unranked fighter and the heavyweight division might be lackluster, but he’s probably this writer’s favorite thing about the division right now. The man gets submissions like crazy, and he’s developing into one of the most talented heavyweights in a UFC division that desperately needs talent.Petersen has talent, but he’s been up and down since entering the UFC – and I prefer the competition Walker has faced. Point blank, a loss for Walker here would be devastating for not just Walker, but the division as a whole. The challenge for making a play here is that Petersen has a wrestling base and has never been submitted…and yet, the way Walker’s momentum has been, that might not matter.BET: Walker via submission (DraftKings: +165) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting DUSTIN JACOBY VS MUHAMMAD SAIDDustin Jacoby might not reach the upper echelon of the UFC light heavyweight rankings, but he’s tough competition for anyone who is put in front of him. The power in his strikes, which stem from his kickboxing days, translated well into the Octagon. Not only are his losses not bad, but he’s riding a three-fight KO/TKO streak entering this bout.Said is going to have a hometown factor in this one, and he’s a strong striker and finisher in his own right. The question about him is the level of competition. Jacoby is the most experienced guy he’s going to have fought – in his first six fights, he fought fighters who had no more than four fights. He’s faced experienced fighters in his last three, but they didn’t have the greatest of records.Some have felt this will be a difficult fight to predict, but I’ll trust in both fighters’ finishing abilities.BET: Fight to end via KO/TKO/DQ (Caesars: -125) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #UFC #Abu #Dhabi #Bets #Top #Picks #Ankalaev #Guskov #Fight #Night #Deadspin.com

#UFC #Abu #Dhabi #Bets #Top #Picks #Ankalaev #Guskov #Fight #Night #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; UFC CEO Dana White talks to the press after the fight between Israel Adesanya (red gloves) and Joe Pyfer (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

We’re one day away from the UFC returning to its Fight Island home on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for another weekend Fight Night. It’s the first of what is expected to be two occasions this year where the Octagon lands in Abu Dhabi, with the annual late October numbered card in Abu Dhabi expected.
The main event will see former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev taking on Bogdan Guskov.
This will be Ankalaev’s first fight since dropping the title to Alex Pereira last year at UFC 320. Before that, Ankalaev went on a 14-fight unbeaten streak, culminating with his UFC 313 title win over Pereira.
Guskov takes this fight on short notice, only being announced for this bout on July 13 after an injury to Khalil Rountree Jr. Guskov dropped his UFC debut but then won four straight. He most recently fought at UFC 323, battling former champion Jan Blachowicz to a majority draw.
The co-main event will see former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg battle Ramazan Temirov. After losing three straight, Erceg enters this bout with back-to-back wins, defeating Ode’ Osbourne last year and Tim Elliott this past May in Perth. Temirov, meanwhile, has won 11 straight, including his first two UFC bouts, finishing CJ Vergara and earning a decision over Charles Johnson.
The rest of the main card will see Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman, Damian Rzepecki vs. Magomed Zaynukov, Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune, and Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev.
ISLAM DULATOV VS WELLINGTON TURMAN
Unbeaten since dropping his pro debut, Islam Dulatov is a name the UFC has had its eye on. He’s 11-1, had a strong first-round finish on Dana White’s Contender Series, and quickly finished Adam Fugitt in his UFC debut last year. At 6’3” and with a 75-inch reach, Dulatov is a fairly big man for the welterweight division. Add in his high-volume striking and pressure, and his ability to finish by either KO/TKO or submission, and you can see the danger he presents.
Wellington Turman is an experienced veteran of the Octagon, and he’ll look to trouble Dulatov with his jiu-jitsu work. This will be Turman’s first fight since December 2023, however, and he enters this fight on a three-fight losing skid. Signs point to this being another Dulatov showcase.
BET: Dulatov to win via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: -110)

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting

VALTER WALKER VS THOMAS PETERSEN
How Valter Walker is not on the main card of this event is downright criminal. He might be fighting an unranked fighter and the heavyweight division might be lackluster, but he’s probably this writer’s favorite thing about the division right now. The man gets submissions like crazy, and he’s developing into one of the most talented heavyweights in a UFC division that desperately needs talent.
Petersen has talent, but he’s been up and down since entering the UFC – and I prefer the competition Walker has faced. Point blank, a loss for Walker here would be devastating for not just Walker, but the division as a whole. The challenge for making a play here is that Petersen has a wrestling base and has never been submitted…and yet, the way Walker’s momentum has been, that might not matter.
BET: Walker via submission (DraftKings: +165)

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting

DUSTIN JACOBY VS MUHAMMAD SAID
Dustin Jacoby might not reach the upper echelon of the UFC light heavyweight rankings, but he’s tough competition for anyone who is put in front of him. The power in his strikes, which stem from his kickboxing days, translated well into the Octagon. Not only are his losses not bad, but he’s riding a three-fight KO/TKO streak entering this bout.
Said is going to have a hometown factor in this one, and he’s a strong striker and finisher in his own right. The question about him is the level of competition. Jacoby is the most experienced guy he’s going to have fought – in his first six fights, he fought fighters who had no more than four fights. He’s faced experienced fighters in his last three, but they didn’t have the greatest of records.
Some have felt this will be a difficult fight to predict, but I’ll trust in both fighters’ finishing abilities.
BET: Fight to end via KO/TKO/DQ (Caesars: -125)

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting

#UFC #Abu #Dhabi #Bets #Top #Picks #Ankalaev #Guskov #Fight #Night #Deadspin.com">UFC Abu Dhabi Best Bets: Top Picks for Ankalaev vs. Guskov Fight Night | Deadspin.com

Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; UFC CEO Dana White talks to the press after the fight between Israel Adesanya (red gloves) and Joe Pyfer (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

We’re one day away from the UFC returning to its Fight Island home on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for another weekend Fight Night. It’s the first of what is expected to be two occasions this year where the Octagon lands in Abu Dhabi, with the annual late October numbered card in Abu Dhabi expected.

The main event will see former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev taking on Bogdan Guskov.

This will be Ankalaev’s first fight since dropping the title to Alex Pereira last year at UFC 320. Before that, Ankalaev went on a 14-fight unbeaten streak, culminating with his UFC 313 title win over Pereira.

Guskov takes this fight on short notice, only being announced for this bout on July 13 after an injury to Khalil Rountree Jr. Guskov dropped his UFC debut but then won four straight. He most recently fought at UFC 323, battling former champion Jan Blachowicz to a majority draw.

The co-main event will see former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg battle Ramazan Temirov. After losing three straight, Erceg enters this bout with back-to-back wins, defeating Ode’ Osbourne last year and Tim Elliott this past May in Perth. Temirov, meanwhile, has won 11 straight, including his first two UFC bouts, finishing CJ Vergara and earning a decision over Charles Johnson.

The rest of the main card will see Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman, Damian Rzepecki vs. Magomed Zaynukov, Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune, and Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev.

ISLAM DULATOV VS WELLINGTON TURMAN

Unbeaten since dropping his pro debut, Islam Dulatov is a name the UFC has had its eye on. He’s 11-1, had a strong first-round finish on Dana White’s Contender Series, and quickly finished Adam Fugitt in his UFC debut last year. At 6’3” and with a 75-inch reach, Dulatov is a fairly big man for the welterweight division. Add in his high-volume striking and pressure, and his ability to finish by either KO/TKO or submission, and you can see the danger he presents.

Wellington Turman is an experienced veteran of the Octagon, and he’ll look to trouble Dulatov with his jiu-jitsu work. This will be Turman’s first fight since December 2023, however, and he enters this fight on a three-fight losing skid. Signs point to this being another Dulatov showcase.

BET: Dulatov to win via KO/TKO in Round 1 (FanDuel: -110)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

VALTER WALKER VS THOMAS PETERSEN

How Valter Walker is not on the main card of this event is downright criminal. He might be fighting an unranked fighter and the heavyweight division might be lackluster, but he’s probably this writer’s favorite thing about the division right now. The man gets submissions like crazy, and he’s developing into one of the most talented heavyweights in a UFC division that desperately needs talent.

Petersen has talent, but he’s been up and down since entering the UFC – and I prefer the competition Walker has faced. Point blank, a loss for Walker here would be devastating for not just Walker, but the division as a whole. The challenge for making a play here is that Petersen has a wrestling base and has never been submitted…and yet, the way Walker’s momentum has been, that might not matter.

BET: Walker via submission (DraftKings: +165)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

DUSTIN JACOBY VS MUHAMMAD SAID

Dustin Jacoby might not reach the upper echelon of the UFC light heavyweight rankings, but he’s tough competition for anyone who is put in front of him. The power in his strikes, which stem from his kickboxing days, translated well into the Octagon. Not only are his losses not bad, but he’s riding a three-fight KO/TKO streak entering this bout.

Said is going to have a hometown factor in this one, and he’s a strong striker and finisher in his own right. The question about him is the level of competition. Jacoby is the most experienced guy he’s going to have fought – in his first six fights, he fought fighters who had no more than four fights. He’s faced experienced fighters in his last three, but they didn’t have the greatest of records.

Some have felt this will be a difficult fight to predict, but I’ll trust in both fighters’ finishing abilities.

BET: Fight to end via KO/TKO/DQ (Caesars: -125)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#UFC #Abu #Dhabi #Bets #Top #Picks #Ankalaev #Guskov #Fight #Night #Deadspin.com

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

Fisherman Sandals Put Your Feet on Vacation Mode

Related Posts

ISLAM DULATOV VS WELLINGTON TURMAN

VALTER WALKER VS THOMAS PETERSEN

DUSTIN JACOBY VS MUHAMMAD SAID

ISLAM DULATOV VS WELLINGTON TURMAN

VALTER WALKER VS THOMAS PETERSEN

DUSTIN JACOBY VS MUHAMMAD SAID

Post Comment Cancel reply