NEW YORK – Charles Oliveira requested for a cage-side seat for every time Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan throw down.

Promotion CEO Dana White obliged that request in brief order, impressed by the efficiency Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) put forth in his win over Michael Chandler on Saturday at UFC 309.

Oliveira has fought each Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) previously, however he does not care who walks away victorious. The one factor that issues to him is a championship belt.

“For positive. I need to be a champion,” Oliveira informed MMA Junkie and different reporters by means of a Portuguese-language interpreter at a post-fight information convention. “Everyone is aware of this. I am simply going to take a pair days off. For the reason that boss informed you guys he’ll come decide me up, I will be proper there. … I am not in search of any of them. I am in search of that belt. Whoever’s received that belt, that is who I would like.”

Oliveira has received two of his most up-to-date three. The defeat was a detailed break up determination loss to Tsarukyan in April. Hungry to as soon as once more declare the throne, Oliveira thinks he took one step nearer to that together with his win over Chandler, a victory he is very happy of within the quick aftermath.

“That is MMA,” Oliveira mentioned. “I feel all you need to do is win. It solely exhibits how a lot I developed and the way a lot I received higher. Previous Charles, or Charles from earlier than, would have tightened up a pair grips there and wasted power or would’ve exploded a bit bit to get out of sure positions. All I need to do was win.”

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Making Saturday’s win all of the extra unbelievable, Oliveira revealed his camp was bumpy. He suffered a knee harm that knocked him out of his preparation for a time frame, however he nonetheless carried out his mission ultimately.

“I did not need to speak about it earlier than, however sure I did have a knee harm,” Oliveira mentioned. “I spent loads of time really with out coaching. Issues had been powerful. I needed to thank initially my crew for not letting me again down, not letting me give up, not letting me cease and making this occur.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 309.

This text initially appeared on MMA Junkie: Charles Oliveira gunning for gold after UFC 309, whether or not Islam Makhachev or Arman Tsarukyan

CHAPEL HILL — Enterprise, all the time enterprise. 

After each big-time efficiency for UNC soccer, each notch moved up within the file e-book, operating again Omarion Hampton appreciates the chance, acknowledges his offensive line and strikes onto the subsequent activity. 

A person of few phrases in the case of chatting about his accomplishments, Hampton retains it brief and makes use of most of these phrases to reward everybody round him. 

Purchase UNC soccer tickets right here

The junior operating again caught to that script after a profession evening within the Tar Heels’ 31-24 win in opposition to Wake Forest, a victory that makes UNC (6-4, 3-3 ACC) eligible for a bowl bid. Hampton completed with a career-high 35 carries for a career-high 244 speeding yards in opposition to the Demon Deacons (4-6, 2-4).

“He’s very humble. He by no means asks for the ball. I suppose you don’t need to whenever you get it 35 instances,” UNC coach Mack Brown stated with a smile. 

So what, if something, fires up Hampton in between the sidelines on a soccer area? 

“I really feel like simply actually having the chance,” Hampton stated.

“God gave me the chance to play this sport; it’s positively one thing I’ve to make the most of. It’s one thing I like doing. I all the time grew up enjoying soccer, so anytime I’m on the sphere, it’s all the time a enjoyable feeling.”

That enjoyable feeling was prevalent Saturday as Hampton moved to fifth amongst UNC’s all-time main rushers with 3,327 yards, leaping Don McCauley and Kelvin Bryant in this system’s file e-book. 

Hampton’s 244 yards tie for the eleventh most in UNC’s single-game historical past and are essentially the most speeding yards since Michael Carter had 308 at Miami in 2020. 

“It’s simply so actually fulfilling, simply making historical past right here,” Hampton stated. “At all times rising up a fan, being right here, it’s actually fulfilling.”

Brown spent a bulk of his postgame press convention raving about Hampton’s all-world sport in opposition to the Deacs. 

“It’s pretty much as good as any. It’s unbelievable,” Brown stated. “. … All people within the nation would need Omarion Hampton on their group. He’s gonna be an ideal professional.”

Hampton set the stage for a particular evening with 10 carries for 100 yards within the first quarter. He closed the curtain with a 6-yard landing run late within the fourth quarter to offer the Heels a two-touchdown lead with slightly below 2 ½ minutes left. 

On the scoring play, Hampton, who stated he needed to “simply discover a solution to make one thing occur,” jumped over his offensive line and carried a Wake Forest defender into the tip zone to complete the run. 

“You must be constantly good to be nice,” Brown stated. “He’s in line with every thing he does in his life.”

That consistency has Hampton among the many nation’s high operating backs as a projected first- or second-round decide within the 2025 NFL Draft. After his eighth straight sport with 100 or extra speeding yards, Hampton is not displaying any indicators of slowing down.

“He’s obtained 4.4 velocity at 220 kilos, and that’s freakish,” Brown stated. “However, to be unselfish, to be a group man that the gamers all love and admire, it’s only a distinctive high quality that makes him particular.” 

Employees author Rodd Baxley may be reached atrbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.

Charles Oliveira gained a considerably lopsided unanimous resolution over Michael Chandler of their rematch on Saturday evening, however this was certainly one of my favourite fights in years.

Each Oliveira and Chandler had their moments within the UFC 309 co-main occasion, and that’s particularly the case for the epic fifth spherical. Via the primary 4 rounds, Oliveira’s surgical hanging, well timed takedowns, and general struggle acumen bought the higher of Chandler.

The previous champion was on his approach to a straightforward victory heading into the fifth spherical. Somewhat than coasting and avoiding Chandler, Oliveira stood within the pocket and paid the worth for his bravery. Chandler landed an enormous proper hand that harm Oliveira. The Brazilian retreated and, in a determined effort, was capable of get the struggle to the bottom.

Whereas on the bottom, Oliveira confirmed off his glorious recuperation presents. He bought again to his toes after which initiated a extra managed takedown. Oliveira took Chandler’s again, organising one of many extra memorable Octagon moments you’ll see this yr.

Two phrases for you.

If this was WWE, this was a match that noticed the loser have a second that may result in their elevation transferring ahead. Chandler is wise.

He began placing on a present as soon as he realized he would not win the struggle. That backpack powerbomb was pure cinema, and it arrange Chandler’s epic post-fight callouts of Max Holloway and Conor McGregor.

Each of these callouts make sense. Chandler has lengthy been set to struggle McGregor, however the latter has not returned to the Octagon.

The Holloway callout can be smart as a result of the previous featherweight champion is coming off his first stoppage loss and has completely moved as much as light-weight. A struggle with Chandler might be epic, and it is acceptable for each males at this stage of their careers.

Oliveira can be ready for the winner of the upcoming title struggle between champion Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. That struggle is predicted to happen in January, and Oliveira believes he has set himself as much as face the winner.

Oliveira has confronted and misplaced to each males, however he is probably ready to problem for the championship.

Here’s a have a look at the entire outcomes from the occasion.

UFC 309 Outcomes TableMain Card

• (c) Jon Jones def. No. 8 Stipe Miocic By way of Third-Spherical TKO
• No. 2 Charles Oliveira def. No. 7 Michael Chandler By way of Unanimous Choice (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
• Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig By way of Unanimous Choice (30-27×3)
• No. 9 Viviane Araujo def. No. 5 Karine Silva By way of Unanimous Choice (29-28×3)
• Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop By way of Unanimous Choice (29-28×3)

Prelims

• Marcus McGhee def. No. 13 Jonathan Martinez By way of Unanimous Choice (29-28×3)
• Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders – CANCELED
• Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson By way of First-Spherical Submission (Guillotine)
• David Onama def. Roberto Romero By way of Unanimous Choice (30-27×3)
• No. 9 Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz By way of Second-Spherical TKO

Early Prelims

• Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall By way of First-Spherical KO
• Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez By way of Third-Spherical KO
• Eduardo Moura def. Veronica Hardy By way of Unanimous Choice (30-27, 29-28×2)

Miss Denmark Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is the brand new Miss Universe 2024, the primary Danish contestant to take the crown.

“Who’re you?” a handler requested her moments after her crowning on Saturday night time, in video shared to the competitors’s official Instagram account. “Miss Universe!” she shrieked excitedly, leaping up and down.

The 21-year-old describes herself as an animal safety advocate, entrepreneur and former professional dancer.

The morning after her win, she posted footage of herself in a resort bathrobe, sporting her crown and displaying her sash. “First dawn as Miss Universe,” Kjaer wrote, “Waking up with gratitude, goals, and a crown − able to embrace this unbelievable journey.”

Who’s the brand new Miss USA?Alma Cooper topped amid controversial pageant 12 months

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She completed forward of Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, named first runner-up. Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran Figueroa, Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Miss Venezuela Ileana Marquez Pedroza rounded out the highest 5.

Miss USA Alma Cooper, who gained her crown after a controversial 12 months wherein a earlier titleholder resigned, didn’t place within the competitors.

The 73rd Miss Universe competitors was held in Mexico Metropolis, the nation’s first time welcoming the occasion in 17 years. Mario López and Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo hosted, with stay commentary by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Grey and Zuri Corridor.

(This story has been up to date with a gallery of images.)

The North Carolina soccer crew (6-4, 3-3 ACC) defeated Wake Forest (4-6, 2-4 ACC), 31-17, on Saturday evening at Kenan Stadium to turn out to be bowl eligible for the sixth consecutive season. 

The Tar Heels had been led by junior working again Omarion Hampton, who set a career-high in speeding yards with 244 on 35 carries, whereas including 5 catches for 16 yards. His late-game landing sealed the win for UNC. 

“He is very humble,” head coach Mack Brown mentioned. “He by no means requested for the ball. I assume you do not have to while you get it 35 occasions, however he often makes some performs when he has to assist us win the sport.”

On UNC’s second drive, it fed Hampton, who was in a position to choose up a primary down with a 9 yard acquire. On fourth down, the Tar Heels faked the punt with a direct snap to graduate tight finish John Copenhaver who bulldozed his approach up the center for the primary down. 

Again-to-back Hampton rushes went for a mixed 47 yards, setting UNC up within the purple zone. Nevertheless, graduate quarterback Jacolby Criswell was sacked on each second and third down, resulting in a subject aim try from senior kicker Noah Burnette that hit off the left upright, preserving the sport scoreless. 

Hampton hit 100 speeding yards within the first quarter, his second consecutive sport with a 100-yard speeding quarter, doing it within the third quarter towards Florida State two weeks in the past. Regardless of his early efficiency, North Carolina trailed 3-0 after the primary quarter. 

To open the second quarter, Hampton transformed on fourth down after which broke free for a 26-yard acquire, organising first-and-goal. On third down, Criswell capped of the drive with a 4-yard landing run, diving into the tip zone and giving UNC a 7-3 lead. 

The Demon Deacon offense discovered some life with working again Demond Claiborne breaking free for a 22-yard acquire up the center. UNC’s protection stood robust, forcing a turnover on downs on the UNC 37-yard line.

The Tar Heels had been in a position to finish the primary half with a subject aim from Burnette after a seven play, 56-yard drive in simply 1:38 to take a 10-3 lead. 

Miss Universe 2024 has topped its winner: Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, the primary Dane to ever win the competitors.

The 21-year-old contestant, an animal safety advocate who works within the diamond promoting enterprise, beat out Miss Nigeria on the finish of 73rd version of the competitors in Mexico Metropolis, Mexico. In the meantime, Miss Mexico positioned third.

It was the primary time a Danish contestant has received Miss Universe. She accepted the tiara from reigning titleholder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.

The pageant was held within the Mexico Metropolis Enviornment, an indoor venue with a capability for 20,000 individuals. Supporters inside shouted and waved flags from international locations world wide. The occasion was hosted by Mario López; Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012; presenter Zuri Corridor; and Catriona Grey, Miss Universe 2018. Organizers stated that there have been greater than 120 contestants.

The ceremony started with 131 mariachi musicians, and singer Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas taking part in “Mexicana,” a music created by Emilio Estefan for the competition. This yr, some international locations had been represented for the primary time, corresponding to Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, and Uzbekistan.

Theilvig was among the many last 5 contestants who confronted a question-and-answer spherical on quite a lot of subjects, together with management and resilience. When requested how she would stay in a different way if no person would decide her, Theilvig informed the judges she wouldn’t change something, saying: “I stay by every day.”

Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria positioned runner-up, whereas Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico positioned third within the competitors. Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela adopted. In actual fact, 28-year-old Pedroza made historical past as the primary mom to position within the high 5 within the competitors, after Miss Universe not too long ago made a number of “inclusive” modifications to its choice course of.

This yr’s Miss Universe pageant comes six months after former Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava each abdicated their titles amid accusations of unprofessional habits, office bullying, and harassment from administration. The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants are owned by the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO).

Following the accusations of bullying, Miss USA stated in a press release: “We’re dedicated to fostering a wholesome, communicative and supportive setting for all contestants, state titleholders, nationwide titleholders and employees.”

Extra reporting from AP

This time, the tears had been of pleasure. When Rory McIlroy was decreased to crying throughout a stay tv interview on the 2021 Ryder Cup, deep frustration over the state of his golf was the trigger. On Sunday in Dubai, an emotional McIlroy rounded off 2024 by claiming the European order of advantage for a sixth time and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

A 12 months of close to misses for the Northern Irishman – most notably on the US Open – ended on a excessive. McIlroy has matched Seve Ballesteros for order of advantage, now named Race to Dubai, titles. “It means so much,” he mentioned. “I’ve been by means of so much this 12 months professionally, personally. It feels just like the becoming finish to 2024. I’ve persevered this 12 months so much. Had shut calls, wasn’t capable of get it finished.

“I believe everybody is aware of what Seve means to European golf and to Ryder Cup gamers. Within the European Ryder Cup locker room, all we’ve are quotes of Seve. We had a altering room with Seve’s shirt from ‘95, the final Ryder Cup he performed. He means a lot to European golf and for me to be talked about in the identical breath, I’m very proud.

“It’s been fairly the 12 months. I’m super-happy with the place I’m in my profession and in my life. I really feel like every little thing’s labored out the way in which it was speculated to.”

McIlroy ends 2024 with 4 event wins; not unhealthy for a supposed practically man. His newest got here by holding off Rasmus Højgaard by two within the desert. McIlroy’s closing 69 meant a 15-under-par combination. Shane Lowry, Adam Scott and France’s Antoine Rozner shared third.

“I might have been depressing for a couple of weeks if I had not gained at present,” the 35-year-old mentioned. “It could have simply added to the checklist of ones that I felt I let get away. For one to not get away and to recover from the road and be the ultimate occasion of the 12 months, it feels good.

“There was in all probability loads of self-inflicted strain. I actually wished to get it finished. I really like to finish the 12 months on a constructive be aware. I used to be perhaps feeling a little bit extra strain than I ought to have. However it was good to have the ability to deal with it in a good means.”

It feels as if McIlroy’s affiliation together with his residence continent has strengthened in current instances. That feels vital, given the seemingly interminable delay between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Funding Fund formalising a peace deal to align elite golf. It may very well be that McIlroy feels extra at residence within the European area. This Race to Dubai is his third in a row and strikes him to inside two of the report held by Colin Montgomerie.

“I’ve actually made it a precedence of my schedule over the previous few years to offer myself the very best likelihood coming into the top of the 12 months to win the Race to Dubai,” the world No 3 mentioned. “I don’t see that being any totally different for the foreseeable future. Going to go for my seventh subsequent 12 months and attempt to chase Monty down. It’s been an extended 12 months. This was my twenty seventh event, which is so much to me. I’m trying ahead to a little bit little bit of downtime.”

There was further delight for McIlroy. Tom McKibbin, a 21-year-old from Belfast, earned his PGA Tour card courtesy of his season’s efforts on the DP World Tour. McIlroy has provided enormous assist to McKibbin since he emerged as Northern Eire’s newest {golfing} star. “He’s finished amazingly effectively, and I believe his sport goes to be fitted to America,” McIlroy mentioned. “He hits the ball excessive. Hits it lengthy. He gained in Germany final 12 months, he has had possibilities this 12 months and he’s been very, very constant. For a man that’s solely 21 to indicate that degree of consistency, that bodes effectively for the longer term.”