Sports Express | August 16, 2026 Makhachev sets UFC record with welterweight title defense

1. Makhachev sets UFC record with welterweight title defense

Islam Makhachev successfully defended his welterweight title with a unanimous decision over Ireland's Ian Machado Garry (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in the main event of UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

The win extended Makhachev's streak to 17 straight victories, surpassing the record held by UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva. The Russian, the UFC's pound-for-pound No. 1, once again underlined his dominance.

Makhachev (29-1) now sits firmly in the conversation for the greatest of all time, while challenger Machado Garry drops to 17-2.

2. Blue Jays move into wild-card spot with 4-1 win over Yankees

Charles McAdoo drove in two runs, including a go-ahead double in the seventh inning, as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 4-1 at Rogers Centre on Saturday.

Rookie Ricky Tiedemann made his MLB debut, while Nathan Lukes added an RBI fielder's choice and Alejandro Kirk drove in Toronto's first run in the third inning.

The win lifted the Blue Jays (61-64) into a wild-card position, and Toronto will try for a series sweep of the Yankees (68-55) on Sunday.

3. McIntosh fails to qualify for 400m freestyle final

World record-holder Summer McIntosh missed the women's 400-metre freestyle final at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, finishing ninth in 4:08.56, roughly 14 seconds off her best.

The Canadian star took responsibility for her "misjudgment" in the race. Just a day earlier, she had captured two medals.

Her shock exit was one of the biggest surprises of the meet.

4. Pallister hands Ledecky first international 800 free loss

Australia's Lani Pallister won the women's 800-metre freestyle in 8:06.10 at the Pan Pacific Championships, edging American legend Katie Ledecky (8:07.26) to hand her a first international loss in the event.

Pallister finished the meet with five medals — gold in the 200, 400 and 800 free and the 4×200 free relay, plus silver in the 1,500 free.

The 2024 Olympic champion has officially challenged Ledecky's long reign in middle-distance freestyle.

5. Cardinals rookie Baez homers in first 3 at-bats to make history

St. Louis Cardinals rookie Joshua Baez became the first player in MLB history to homer in his first three career at-bats, powering the Cardinals past the Chicago Cubs 8-4.

The stunning debut — three straight home runs — had never been accomplished in more than a century of Major League Baseball.

6. Djokovic ousted from Cincinnati in first match since Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the Cincinnati Open in his first match since Wimbledon, falling to Argentina's Thiago Tirante, ranked No. 50 in the world.

The 39-year-old, a three-time Cincinnati champion and world No. 5, was playing for the first time since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner. The defeat raises questions ahead of the US Open.

7. Seahawks sign Witherspoon to record extension

The Seattle Seahawks have signed star cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a record four-year, $132 million contract extension, the richest deal ever for the position.

Witherspoon is a cornerstone of the Seahawks' defense, and the deal is seen as a key part of the team's long-term plan. It also reflects the premium the modern NFL places on elite defensive backs.

8. Scheffler shoots 61 to take three-shot lead in Memphis

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler carded a stunning 61 to grab a three-shot lead at the FedEx Cup playoff opener, the St. Jude Championship in Memphis.

The American star extended his hot form and is among the favourites to win the season-long title.

9. Canadian women clinch LA 2028 berth in flag football

Canada's women beat world No. 1 Mexico 20-6 in an IFAF world championship semifinal in Düsseldorf, Germany, to clinch a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Catherine Gaumont had two interceptions in the victory. Flag football will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028, and Canada has seized an early place.

10. Winnipeg Sea Bears win first CEBL title

The Winnipeg Sea Bears captured their first Canadian Elite Basketball League championship with a 98-84 win over the Brampton Honey Badgers in Saturday's final at the Canada Life Centre.

Hometown hero Simon Hildebrandt hit the winning three-pointer in front of a record crowd, sealing the first title in franchise history.