HOLLOWAY PULLED OUT OF HIS UFC BOUT
VEGAS» Featherweight champion LAS
Max Holloway has been pulled from his title fight against Brian Ortega at UFC 226 due to symptoms of an apparent concussion.
The UFC confirmed the decision Thursday, one day after Holloway’s management team said he wouldn’t fight Saturday at the UFC’s biggest show of the summer.
Holloway made two trips to the emergency room this week after his coaches and management noticed he was acting unusually.
Ortega won’t fight a replacement opponent at UFC 226. The unbeaten challenger is likely to wait for a title shot at Holloway later this year.
Mike Perry’s bout with Paul Felder has been elevated to the pay-perview portion of the UFC 226 show.
MMA pioneers Liddell, Ortiz will fight again.
VEGAS» Chuck Liddell LAS and Tito Ortiz say they are coming out of retirement for a third fight in their mixed martial arts rivalry. Liddell and Ortiz confirmed Thursday they plan to meet in the cage later this year.
The 48-year-old Liddell and 43year-old Ortiz are among the most accomplished fighters in MMA history and pioneers in their sport.
Dynamo goalkeeper reinstated.
YORK» Houston Dynamo goalkeeper NEW Tyler Deric has been reinstated by Major League Soccer more than eight months after his arrest on misdemeanor assault charges in a domestic case.
Deric, who was the reigning MLS Player of the Month at the time of his arrest last October, missed 19 games while he was suspended. The 29year-old entered into a plea agreement with the Harris County District Attorney and will have his charges dismissed if he completes a yearlong diversion program.
Is Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid?
MADRID» Jorge Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, has told Portuguese media that the player would be “eternally grateful” to Real Madrid if he ends up leaving the European champion.
Local media in Spain and Italy claim Ronaldo already has reached a deal to sign with Serie A team Juventus, although neither club has officially confirmed the negotiations.
Golden Knights players among 43 seeking salary arbitration.
Vegas forward William Karlsson is among 43 NHL players seeking salary arbitration after he finished third in the NHL in scoring with the expansion Golden Knights last season.
Two more Golden Knights, defenseman Colin Miller and forward Tomas Nosek, also are on the list of players electing to have an arbitrator determine their contracts, the NHL Players’ Association announced on Thursday . ... The Carolina Hurricanes agreed to a $4.6 million, twoyear contract with defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk.
Simpson shoots 61.
Webb Simpson shot a 9-under-par 61 for a one-stroke lead over Whee Kim after the first round of A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier in West Virginia on Thursday . ... Defending champion Jon Rahm made back-to-back double bogeys around the turn in shooting a 2-over 74 in the opening round of the Irish Open, leaving the world No. 5 seven shots behind leader Ryan Fox . ... Defending champion Katherine Kirk shot a 10under-par 62 to take the first-round lead at the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic in Oneida, Wis.
Bjelica heads to Philly.
Nemanja Bjelica is moving from Minnesota to Philadelphia. A person familiar with the negotiations says Bjelica has agreed to a one-year contract with the 76ers worth nearly $4.5 million.
Georgia QB breaks bone.
GA.» Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm has a broken bone in his left hand but isn’t expected to miss any summer workouts.