The Trojans ran out to an 18-3 lead on Thursday evening and although it didn’t turn into a lopsided blowout for four quarters, USC never trailed and was able to withstand something of a nervy fourth quarter.
The Trojans took a 64-49 lead into the final 10 minutes only for the Gophers to score the first nine points of the quarter and cut the USC lead to six at 64-58 with 8:10 remaining. USC true freshman Avery Howell connected on a three-pointer and then a 7-0 run by Watkins stretched the Trojans’ lead to a comfortable margin as USC cruised the final 6:42 with a double-digit margin.
Iriafen scored a game-high 23 points and collected 11 rebounds. Watkins scored 10 points and also had 11 rebounds, though she struggled from beyond the three-point line. She and Kennedy Smith combined to go just 2-for-13 from beyond the arc. Smith did have nine points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots.
It was the seventh double-double of the season for Iriafen and fourth for Watkins.
Watkins has scored at least 20 points in 45 of the 54 games she’s played for the Trojans. The three-point make means she’s hit one in all 15 games of this winning streak.
The Trojans played without Rayah Marshall against Minnesota. She missed the game due to injury.
USC now hits the road for games at Iowa on Sunday, Feb. 2 and Wisconsin on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Iowa is 14-7 overall but 4-6 in conference play. Wisconsin is 11-10 overall and 2-8 against Big Ten competition. Following those games, the Trojans have two gigantic statement opportunities back home at Galen Center.
No. 8 Ohio State visits on Saturday, Feb. 8 and then No. 1 UCLA heads across town on Thursday, Feb. 13.
The No. 4 USC Trojans continued their winning streak as they defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers with a score of 82-69. The Trojans showcased their dominance on both ends of the court, with stellar performances from key players leading the team to victory.
USC’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with efficient shooting and strong ball movement leading to easy buckets. The Trojans also stepped up on defense, causing turnovers and limiting Minnesota’s scoring opportunities.
With this win, USC improves their record to an impressive 8-0 and solidifies their spot as a top contender in college basketball. The Trojans are proving themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, and it will be exciting to see how they continue to perform as the season progresses.
“I have a bone to pick with him,” Sydel said. “I have a little sister bone to pick with him because he posts his fits and lyrics as captions. Whatever city he’s in, he tries to find lyrics that match the city. So he’ll post the fit, then he’ll post a good play from that game. So when he played in the Bay, he posted, ‘I was feeling like E-40 in the Bay, so I had to go dumbbbbb.’ Fire fit.
“Watching the move, he crosses up Stephen, goes behind the back and Stephen gets off balance. Great move. Cool. You posted the shot of it. But why are there like four other clips of him against Stephen and no other player gets that? No other post gets that.”
The post Sydel is referencing is from last season, after the Oklahoma City Thunder came to town for back-to-back games against Golden State. The Warriors suffered consecutive losses to Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, including a 130-123 overtime loss on Nov. 18, 2023, in which SGA dropped 40 points.
The double victories led to Gilgeous-Alexander’s fastidious post, which included four slides with Steph in them.
“See, the little sister is coming out of both of us,” Brink responded. “I think it’s just because he’s Steph. … Everyone wants to be him.”
It still didn’t sit right with Sydel, who did her research on Gilgeous-Alexander’s Instagram page before sharing her final remarks.
“I’m searching his page and the last time he posted [an opposing player that much] was never. Never!” she said. “I don’t like that. Great player though. He should get MVP, in my opinion.”
While Sydel, like many others, believes Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the league in points and is second in steals, should run away with the NBA’s most prestigious award, her thoughts on his social media presence off the court might not align.
Steph Curry’s sister Ayesha Curry recently took to Instagram to voice her concerns over an Instagram post made by Oklahoma City Thunder player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the post, Gilgeous-Alexander shared a photo with a caption that seemed to imply he was not taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.
Ayesha Curry, who has been an advocate for following safety guidelines during the pandemic, expressed her disappointment in Gilgeous-Alexander’s post and urged him to be more responsible with his platform. She emphasized the importance of setting a good example for fans and followers, especially during these uncertain times.
Many fans have since rallied behind Ayesha Curry’s message, showing their support for her stance on the issue. It remains to be seen how Gilgeous-Alexander will respond to the criticism and whether he will take steps to address the concerns raised by Ayesha Curry and others.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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Steph Curry, sister, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, IG post, NBC Sports Bay Area, California, NBA, controversy, social media, family feud
Post Malone, the Grammy-nominated singer, has teamed up with Vault Comics for an exciting new project—a horror graphic novel called ‘Big Rig,’ described as a thrilling mix of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ set in medieval Europe.
‘Big Rig’ is based on an idea by Post Malone himself, with the singer co-writing the story alongside Vault Comics’ editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden, known for his work on’ Barbaric,’ is illustrating the novel.
The story is set during the Dark Ages and follows an epic battle against demon hordes invading Europe. The story’s central characters are a secret sect of the Knights Templar called the Six Petals, who are struggling to defend against the demons.
In their desperate attempt to fight back, the Six Petals discover a strange, powerful weapon: a fully loaded tractor trailer, called ‘The Rig,’ which crashes to Earth. The twist? The…
Post Malone is known for his unique style and creativity, and his latest project is no exception. The rapper-turned-artist has announced the release of a graphic novel titled ‘Big Rig’, which combines elements of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Mad Max’ in a medieval horror adventure.
The story follows a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world where they must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with monsters, mutants, and other dangers. The protagonist, Big Rig, is a badass warrior who drives a massive, armored truck that serves as both his home and his weapon.
The graphic novel is filled with stunning artwork and intense action sequences, making it a thrilling and immersive read for fans of the horror and post-apocalyptic genres. And to make things even more exciting, a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is already in the works, with Post Malone himself set to star in the lead role.
Fans of Post Malone and fans of graphic novels alike are sure to be excited about this new project, which promises to be a wild and unforgettable ride. Keep an eye out for ‘Big Rig’ hitting shelves soon, and get ready for a new kind of horror adventure unlike anything you’ve seen before.
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Post Malone is entering the world of comics with Big Rig,a new project described as “Mad Maxmeets Evil Dead.” The new comic comes from publisher Vault Comics, in partnership with Michael Bay and Brad Fuller’s production company Platinum Dunes, who are also already developing the project into a feature film.
Set in the Dark Ages, the story concerns the forces of Hell invading Europe. A sect of the Knights Templar known as the Six Petals pray to God for salvation, and receive a massive eighteen-wheeler called the Rig. An ex-communicated priest known as the Trucker then gets behind the wheel to do battle with the forces of Hell.
Post Malone’s “Big Rig” Sounds Like A Wild Combination Of Classic Post-Apocalyptic Pop Culture
Big Rig – Story By Post Malone; Written By Adrian Wassell; Art By Nathan Gooden
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
While the Big Rig graphic novel is scheduled to be released later in 2025, Vault will be releasing the first chapter on its own for Free Comic Book Day this May, as a way of building anticipation for the arrival of the full story. Malone himself expressed excitement at the project, stating:
“This is going to kick ass. It’s amazing working with Vault and Michael Bay. Turning this idea into what we have has been unbelievable. The team has been crushing it, and I can’t believe we get to be a part of Free Comic Book Day.”
While it would be easy to write the comic off as a vanity project, created solely to build interest in an eventual feature film, there’s no denying that “Mad Maxmeets Evil Dead” is an exciting concept.
Given the opportunity, Big Rig could be the surprise break-out indie comic of the year.
Further, the team that has come together to bring Post Malone’s vision to life should raise expectations for comic book fans. In particular, Nathan Gooden’s work on Barbaric wowed audiences when it debuted from Vault Comics in 2021, so getting to see the artist once again bring his mad, ultra-violent touch to a full-length graphic novel will be a treat for fans of bloody horror and high-octane action. Given the opportunity, Big Rig could be the surprise break-out indie comic of the year.
Post Malone’s “Mad Max/Evil Dead” Mash-Up Could Be An Unexpected Comic Book Hit
Check Out Free Comic Book Day: Big Rig In April, 2025
Custom Image by Road House 2024 Post Malone
Fans will have to judge for themselves when the Big Rig graphic novel comes out in 2025. The Free Comic Book Day issue containing Chapter One of the story should give fans a taste of what to expect when the original graphic novel releases in full later this year. With its story of a Medieval ex-communicated priest driving a God-given eighteen-wheeler against the forces of Hell, Post Malone looks to be making a big splash with his Mad Max meets Evil Dead comic Big Rig.
Max Rockatansky, Immortan Joe, Furiosa, Rictus Erectus, Angharad, The People Eater, Corpus Colossus, Toecutter, Nux, Dr. Dementus
Video Game(s)
Mad Max (1990), Mad Max (2015)
That’s right, you heard it here first! Music superstar Post Malone is teaming up with comic book artist and writer to create a brand new comic book series that will bring together two iconic franchises: Mad Max and Evil Dead.
In this exciting crossover event, the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max will collide with the supernatural horrors of Evil Dead, as our unlikely hero (played by none other than Post Malone himself) must battle his way through hordes of undead and wasteland warriors to save the world from total destruction.
Fans of both franchises can expect plenty of action, gore, and dark humor as Post Malone’s character faces off against the forces of evil in a battle for survival. With his signature style and larger-than-life personality, Post Malone is sure to bring a fresh and exciting twist to these classic stories.
Stay tuned for more updates on this epic collaboration between Post Malone and the world of comics. Mad Max will meet Evil Dead like never before, and you won’t want to miss a single page of the action-packed adventure!
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Post Malone ventures into the world of Mad Max and Evil Dead
Post Malone has teamed up with Vault Comics for Big Rig, a horror graphic novel described as Evil Deadmeets Mad Max: Fury Road in medieval Europe.
Variety reports that Platinum Dunes, the production banner run by Michael Bay and Brad Fuller, is working with Malone and Vault on to develop a feature adaptation.
Based on an idea by Malone, Big Rig is co-written by the Grammy-nominated singer and Vault editor-in-chief Adrian Wassel. Vault co-founder Nathan Gooden (Barbaric) illustrates.
Set during the Dark Ages, the story sees demon hordes invading Europe. The Six Petals, a secret sect of the Knights Templar, are in desperate need of a means to drive back the scourge. What crashes to earth is The Rig, a fully loaded tractor trailer.
In the aftermath of its arrival, the only man left standing is an enigmatic former priest excommunicated from the Six Petals. He will become Trucker and lead the fight against Hell behind the wheel of a demon-slaying machine.
The first chapter will be available exclusively at comic shops participating in Free Comic Book Day 2025 on May 3.
“This is going to kick ass,” Malone said in a statement. “It’s amazing working with Vault and Michael Bay. Turning this idea into what we have has been unbelievable. The team has been crushing it, and I can’t believe we get to be a part of Free Comic Book Day.”
Vault has previously worked on comics with such musical acts as Metallica, Def Leppard, and Fall Out Boy‘s Pete Wentz.
Platinum Dunes gained attention for their remakes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. They’ve since produced the likes of A Quiet Place, The Purge, and the upcoming Drop.
Get ready for the ultimate crossover event of a lifetime as the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max: Fury Road collide in Post Malone’s upcoming graphic novel and movie, ‘Big Rig.’
In this thrilling new project, Post Malone plays the role of a lone survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, armed with his trusty chainsaw and shotgun as he battles against hordes of evil forces. Along the way, he encounters a group of fierce warrior women led by the iconic character, Furiosa, from the Mad Max universe.
The graphic novel, written by Post Malone himself, will feature stunning artwork that brings the action-packed story to life. Fans can expect a gripping narrative filled with intense battles, heart-pounding chase scenes, and unexpected twists and turns.
And that’s not all – a movie adaptation of ‘Big Rig’ is currently in development, with Post Malone set to reprise his role as the fearless protagonist. The film promises to be a visual spectacle, with high-octane action sequences and jaw-dropping special effects that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride with ‘Big Rig,’ where the worlds of Evil Dead and Mad Max collide in an epic crossover experience like never before. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
On Monday, a day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement that it had made 956 arrests as part of President Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the actress and singer Selena Gomez posted an Instagram video to her 422 million followers in which she discussed the situation while crying.
She has since deleted the original post, but its short run online created quite a stir, with Mr. Trump’s “border czar” and numerous political commentators weighing in. One of the commentators called for Ms. Gomez, who was born in Texas, to be deported.
Immigration is a subject personal to Ms. Gomez, a star of the television show “Only Murders in the Building” and the Oscar-nominated film “Emilia Pérez.” In 2019, she wrote an essay for Time magazine in which she reflected on being the granddaughter of undocumented immigrants from Mexico who eventually gained U.S. citizenship. Her aunt, she said, crossed the border hidden in the back of a truck. Her father was born in the United States.
“Immigration is a divisive political issue,” Ms. Gomez wrote. “But immigration goes beyond politics and headlines. It is a human issue, affecting real people, dismantling real lives.”
In 2017, Ms. Gomez was an executive producer on the Netflix documentary “Living Undocumented,” which looked at the lives of eight families living in the United States. “I watched footage outlining their deeply personal journeys and I cried,” Ms. Gomez wrote in the Time essay. “It captured the shame, uncertainty and fear I saw my own family struggle with.”
With Mr. Trump quickly fulfilling his campaign promise to ramp up arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants, Ms. Gomez was again moved to tears, this time on social media.
What was her original post?
Ms. Gomez, sitting in a beige-colored room and looking into the camera, said, “All my people are getting attacked, the children.” She was visibly distraught; her face appeared red from crying and her voice broke as she spoke. Wiping away tears, she added, “I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.” Ms. Gomez’s video was captioned with the words, “I’m sorry” next to a Mexican flag emoji.
Why did she delete it?
After her post, Ms. Gomez was immediately hit with a great deal of negative feedback on all social media platforms, which she acknowledged in her Instagram stories. “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” she wrote in a follow-up post that was also deleted.
What were the reactions to her post?
Thomas D. Homan, the acting director of ICE during Mr. Trump’s first term and current White House “border czar,” took issue with Ms. Gomez’s post. In an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Mr. Homan suggested that Ms. Gomez’s empathy for deported immigrants was misplaced. “We’ve got a quarter of a million Americans dead from fentanyl coming across an open border. Where’s the tears for them?” Mr. Homan said.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative political group Turning Point USA, questioned on X why Ms. Gomez, an American, would identify with the undocumented immigrants rather than her fellow Americans. The political commentator Tomi Lahren said on X, “This is why we don’t take our political advice from Disney child stars.”
Among the most extreme reactions came from Samuel Parker, a Republican who sought to run for the U.S. Senate from Utah in 2018. He wrote a post on X in which he called Ms. Gomez’s grandparents “illegals,” despite their having been naturalized as U.S. citizens, and said, “Maybe Selena should be deported, too?”
Others took a more measured approach to Ms. Gomez’s tearful message. “This is an issue for some people that is extremely emotional,” Ashley Allison, a CNN political commentator and former staffer in the Obama and Biden administrations, said during a round-table discussion on the network. “I’m not going to demean Selena Gomez because she was emotionally enraged.”
She also received public support from a wide range of prominent people, including Michigan’s governor, Gretchen Whitmer; the former talk-show host Geraldo Rivera and the rapper Flavor Flav.
Has she responded to the criticism?
Yes. In an Instagram story, Ms. Gomez responded to Mr. Parker, writing, “Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
Mr. Parker pinned a screenshot of her message to the top of his X profile.
Selena Gomez’s Deleted Post About Undocumented Immigrants Draws Criticism
Selena Gomez recently took to social media to share a post in support of undocumented immigrants, calling for compassion and understanding towards those seeking a better life. However, the post was quickly deleted after receiving backlash and criticism from some of her followers.
Many criticized Gomez for speaking out on a political issue, with some arguing that celebrities should stay out of politics. Others accused her of being out of touch with the realities of illegal immigration and the impact it has on communities.
While Gomez has been vocal about her support for immigrant rights in the past, this latest post sparked a firestorm of debate and controversy. Some defended her right to speak out, praising her for using her platform to raise awareness about important issues.
Regardless of where you stand on the issue, it’s clear that Selena Gomez’s deleted post has sparked a conversation about immigration and the role of celebrities in activism. What are your thoughts on this situation? Let us know in the comments below.
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Selena Gomez, undocumented immigrants, criticism, social media, deleted post, controversy, immigration issues, celebrity activism, public backlash, social justice, Selena Gomez Instagram, immigration debate
On Wednesday night, Andrew Wiggins and the Golden State Warriors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder (at home) by a score of 116-109.
Wiggins finished the win with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block while shooting 10/17 from the field and 5/8 from the three-point range in 38 minutes.
After the game, the 2022 NBA Champion made a post to Instagram that had over 20,000 likes in four hours.
In one of the photos, Wiggins was next to Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls).
Since the NBA is in the middle of trade season, many fans speculated about his post.
@babyfacedubs: “Wiggins posted LaVine in his new IG post
LaVine and Vucevic have been two of the most mentioned players on the trading block.
Via K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network: “Warriors, I’m told, are having conversations with multiple teams on multiple scenarios, with LaVine and Vucevic, to some degree, two of them. Like a lot of teams, they’re engaged on several scenarios, to varying degrees of interest.”
Warriors, I’m told, are having conversations with multiple teams on multiple scenarios, with LaVine and Vucevic, to some degree, two of them. Like a lot of teams, they’re engaged on several scenarios, to varying degrees of interest. https://t.co/tSlkLbRaf2
Wiggins is currently averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 44.8% from the field and 38.7% from the three-point range in 41 games.
Jan 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) drives to the hoop next to Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Warriors are the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 24-23 record in 47 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak.
The Golden State Warriors fanbase is buzzing with excitement as they speculate over a recent Instagram post from star player Andrew Wiggins. The post features a cryptic message and a photo of Wiggins looking focused and determined on the court.
Many fans are speculating that the post is a hint at Wiggins’ mindset going into the upcoming season, with some even suggesting that he may be hinting at a breakout year or a renewed focus on his game. Others believe that the post could be a subtle nod to the team’s championship aspirations and Wiggins’ commitment to helping lead the Warriors to success.
As the offseason winds down and the start of the new season approaches, Warriors fans are eagerly watching Wiggins’ social media for any clues or insights into what they can expect from him on the court. With the team looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, all eyes will be on Wiggins and his performance as the Warriors look to reclaim their spot as one of the top teams in the league.
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Golden State Warriors, Andrew Wiggins, Instagram, NBA, basketball, speculation, fans, Golden State Warriors news, Andrew Wiggins Instagram post, NBA rumors, Golden State Warriors trade rumors
Jordan Spieth made a key swing change after having offseason wrist surgery.
Getty Images
Jordan Spieth is finally healthy after dealing with a nagging wrist issue since 2018 — and he returns to the PGA Tour this week at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a retooled swing.
The three-time major champion had wrist surgery back in August. Once medically cleared, Spieth went to work tweaking a key part of his swing. Having months to get back in the lab did Spieth some good as he made a simple but necessary tweak to his swing that he hopes will allow him to rediscover his old form.
“I was able to work on some things in the swing kind of in a way that I hadn’t worked on them since I was 13 years old, where I had this time, this wet concrete to try to mold some things, get out of some bad habits,” Spieth said Wednesday during his pre-tournament press conference. “That’s still a work in progress, but I made a lot of progress in the couple months that I had to do it.”
The change?
Spieth needed to slightly alter a part of his backswing to help improve a wedge game that has slipped of late.
“It was kind of needed to fix — honestly, it’s my hand path, how I used to carry the club steeper, going back with my hands kind of traveling a little bit deeper,” Spieth said. “So doing that and then combining that with what’s necessary to turn it around to line it up at the ball. I had gotten high hands, hands that dragged on a lot longer. So a lot of my wedge play, some of my finesse shots and stuff suffered. You could still drive the ball well doing that because you have enough time to make up for it. It was mainly that, which, to me, felt like a big, big shift. In reality, if you slow it down on video, you probably see a shift, but it probably wouldn’t look that crazy to the naked eye. Little adjustments for us feel crazy big.”
According to Data Golf, Spieth had his best Strokes Gained: Approach season of his career in 2017 when he gained 1.14 shots on approach. Since then, Spieth has failed to gain more than 0.58 shots on approach (2018) in any single season. Last year, Spieth finished the year with -0.07 SG: Approach. That was the second-worst mark of his professional career.
Spieth originally injured his wrist in 2018, which affected his grip. He made some tweaks over time, but eventually, he developed some bad habits that he is now trying to correct.
“My grip around [2018], I had hurt it, and I didn’t get it fixed,” Spieth said. “I already have a weak grip, and it got too weak, and I went into bad habits for a long time. It wasn’t until legitimately Tuesday of [Waste Management Phoenix Open in 2021] that I actually changed my grip to like five, eight degrees more on top with my left hand.
“That was 2021, and I played well, decently well for a few years. And then this happened May of [2023], and then it was just kind of — whether it was affecting it or not, I’ll never know, but it doesn’t really matter now.”
Now fully healthy, Spieth has no restrictions on his swing. He arrives at Pebble Beach with realistic expectations for his week and the early part of his return. Spieth will rely on a patient approach as he gets back into the swing of competition. The 31-year-old hopes that the next three weeks will serve as building blocks to get him back to the top of the sport.
A retooled swing he can now trust will serve him well in that voyage.
“Results are results. Results come, one drops or you’re in contention enough, it goes your way,” Spieth said. “But just being consistent, just stepping up and knowing I’m going to start the ball right there, that may lead to 69 that day, it may lead to 65, maybe 74, but I know that the next day I know what to improve on. Just a lot less guessing, more confidence in what I’m doing, and sticking to it is really what I’m looking forward to.”
Golf.com Editor
Josh Schrock is a writer and reporter for Golf. com. Before joining GOLF, Josh was the Chicago Bears insider for NBC Sports Chicago. He previously covered the 49ers and Warriors for NBC Sports Bay Area. A native Oregonian and UO alum, Josh spends his free time hiking with his wife and dog, thinking of how the Ducks will break his heart again, and trying to become semi-proficient at chipping. A true romantic for golf, Josh will never stop trying to break 90 and never lose faith that Rory McIlroy’s major drought will end. Josh can be reached at josh.schrock@golf.com.
Jordan Spieth, the three-time major champion, recently opened up about the swing change he has made post-surgery. After undergoing a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Spieth knew he needed to make some adjustments to his swing in order to prevent further injury and improve his game.
In a recent interview, Spieth explained that the swing change was a “big, big shift” for him. He worked closely with his coaches to modify his swing mechanics and ensure that he was using his body in a more efficient and effective way. Spieth acknowledged that the process was challenging, but he is already seeing positive results on the course.
“I knew that I needed to make some changes in order to protect my shoulder and play at a high level again,” Spieth said. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m starting to see the benefits of the swing change already. I feel more stable and powerful in my swing, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to improve my game.”
Spieth’s dedication to making this swing change post-surgery is a testament to his commitment to excellence on the golf course. Fans are eager to see how this adjustment will impact his performance in upcoming tournaments.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 18: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty … [+] Images)
Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to face Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday in Riyadh. However, Adesanya has some fans on X worried following a post on Thursday night.
One fan wrote: “Plz don’t the next card is trash we looking forward to this fight night.”
A second fan commented: “Izzy noooooooo.”
The former champion is quite the jokester, and it should be noted that two minutes later, he replied to a post from Marvel Updates that asked if Jonathan Majors deserves a second chance as Kang.
For whatever that’s worth, Adesanya doesn’t appear to be that on edge, but you never know. In case you’re wondering, Adesanya doesn’t just want to see Majors back as Kang—he also wants him to play his good friend Francis Ngannou in a biopic about the former UFC and current PFL Super Fights heavyweight champion’s life.
That film could be epic, but who’s playing Dana White? I digress.
The time for weigh-ins is drawing close. The event is set to begin on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. ET. The ceremonial weigh-ins are at 9 a.m. ET on Friday. This means Adesanya and others should be in the final stages of cutting to get down to the contracted weight.
For Adesanya and Imavov, that weight can be no more than 186 pounds. For the record, in 28 professional mixed martial arts fights, Adesanya has never missed weight. Therefore, it would be pretty surprising if he did ahead of this fight.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria poses on the scale during the UFC 293 … [+] official weigh-in at the Hilton Sydney hotel on September 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
That said, he is 35 and turning 36 in July. As fighters age, it is normal for it to become a bit more difficult to make weight—especially for a tall middleweight like Adesanya, who stands 6’4″.
If Adesanya does miss weight, it is highly unlikely the main event will be canceled. The scrap with Imavov is a big one and very important to the card because of its implications for the 185-pound title picture and Adesanya’s star power.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – JUNE 07: Nassourdine Imavov of Russia poses on the scale during the UFC Fight … [+] Night weigh-in at The Galt House Hotel on June 07, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Imavov, who also has never missed weight, comes into the bout on a three-fight win streak. A win over Adesanya could land him a title shot later in the year, though he is behind Khamzat Chimaev, who’ll get the winner of the UFC 312 main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
He’ll likely want Adesanya on weight for the fight. We’ll know shortly what’s happening with every fighter on the card. In case you missed it, here is the lineup of fights set for UFC Saudi Arabia at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
Updated UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Card:
Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov – Middleweight (185 lbs)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Michael Page – Middleweight (185 lbs)
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Vinicius Oliveira – Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Ikram Aliskerov vs. André Muniz – Middleweight (185 lbs) – CANCELED
Muhammad Naimov vs. Kaan Ofli – Featherweight (145 lbs)
Shamil Gaziev vs. Thomas Petersen – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Terrance McKinney vs. Damir Hadžović – Lightweight (155 lbs)
Fares Ziam vs. Mike Davis – Lightweight (155 lbs)
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Mayra Bueno Silva – Flyweight (125 lbs)
Bogdan Grad vs. Lucas Alexander – Featherweight (145 lbs)
Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Jamal Pogues – Heavyweight (265 lbs)
Stay tuned for more fight week coverage, culminating with post-event content on Saturday afternoon.
Israel Adesanya, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, has sent shockwaves through the MMA community with a cryptic social media post ahead of his highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia. The post, which simply read “Feeling the pressure,” has left fans concerned about the mental state of the undefeated fighter.
Adesanya, known for his confident and charismatic personality, has always exuded a sense of calm and composure inside the octagon. However, this latest post has raised doubts about his mindset leading up to the fight.
With the stakes higher than ever in this upcoming bout, fans are hoping that Adesanya can channel any potential nerves into motivation and focus. The pressure of defending his title in a new location against a formidable opponent is undoubtedly immense, but Adesanya has proven time and time again that he thrives under pressure.
As the fight draws closer, fans can only speculate on what Adesanya’s social media post truly means. Will he rise to the occasion and deliver another spectacular performance, or will the pressure prove to be too much for the champion to handle? Only time will tell.
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“Saturday Night Live” is bringing Studio 8H to Radio City Music Hall with a three-hour, livestreamed concert on Feb. 14, in celebration of the sketch comedy series’ 50th anniversary.
Jimmy Fallon will host the event, which boasts a lineup including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Backstreet Boys and Post Malone. Mumford & Sons, Jack White, David Byrne, Robyn, Eddie Vedder, DEVO, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Jelly Roll, the B-52s, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Roots will also perform, with more artists to be announced.
Lorne Michaels and Mark Ronson will executive produce the “Homecoming Concert,” which will stream live on Peacock on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. ET. The concert special will also play at fan screening events at select Imax theaters at Regal Cinemas. Free tickets to those screenings — taking place in California (Regal Edwards Ontario Palace), Pennsylvania (Regal UA King of Prussia), Texas (Regal Lone Star), New York (Regal Deer Park) and Florida (Regal South Beach) — will be available at a later date.
The Radio City concert comes two days before the official “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” a three-hour live broadcast show taking place Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. ET. It’s the latest in a string of “SNL50” celebrations. NBC put out a four-part docuseries from Morgan Neville titled “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” which preceded a documentary special from Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Oz Rodriguez called “Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music.”
“SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” is produced by Broadway Video. Erin David and Caroline Maroney are also producers, Ken Aymong and Rob Paine serve as supervising producers and Beth McCarthy-Miller is the director.
The Ultimate Collaboration: Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone Join Forces!
