Newcomer saves UFC on ESPN 68 bout on three days' notice
It's UFC on ESPN 68 fight week, and the lineup has been slightly tweaked days out from the event.
With MarQuel Mederos ill and out of Saturday's event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, the promotion has signed Fury FC standout Michael Aswell to face Bolaji Oki on short notice, it announced Wednesday.
Aswell (10-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) appeared on Dana White's Contender Series in 2024. Though he lost to Bogdan Grad by split decision, the bout was such a back-and-forth battle that it landed Aswell on the promotion's short-notice call-up list. Aswell has won three of his most recent four and previously held the Fury FC featherweight title.
Oki (9-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) aims to bounce back from a bizarre submission loss to Chris Duncan in September. The loss came after a successful promotional debut when he defeated Timmy Cuamba by split decision.
UFC on ESPN 68 lineup now includes:
MAIN CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber
Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Billy Ray Goff
Dusko Todorovic vs. Zachary Reese
PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 4 p.m. ET)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox Sports
10 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
The NFL is Cracking Down on Violent and Sexually Suggestive Gestures
National Football League The NFL is Cracking Down on Violent and Sexually Suggestive Gestures Published Aug. 21, 2025 3:43 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link The NFL wants players to have fun within the rules. That's why the league will be emphasizing sportsmanship and cracking down on violent and sexually suggestive gestures this season. "Unsportsmanlike gestures like simulating or either shooting a gun or brandishing a gun, or inappropriate gestures like a throat slash, or unfortunate sexual gestures, those were up 133% so that is a point of emphasis," NFL officiating rules analyst Walt Anderson said Thursday. "The officials have made it a point of emphasis to the clubs. It's just one of those areas that the league wants to work actively on. There are plenty of ways for players to be able to celebrate, and they come up with some very unique and often entertaining ways so we want them to focus on those and not the inappropriate areas." In April, the NFL expanded prohibited acts to include banning the "nose wipe" gesture that league executive Troy Vincent said is affiliated with gangs. The unsportsmanlike conduct rule now states: "any violent gesture, which shall include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the 'nose wipe' gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive. "There's no place in the game to be standing over your opponent," Vincent said in a video that's sent to teams. "There's no place in the game to have violent gestures. That's not the game of football. We just have to play by the rules, respect your opponent, respect your teammates and play the game in between the whistles." Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League What did you think of this story? share Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Newsweek
11 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Pat McAfee's WWE Return Date Confirmed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pat McAfee is making his return to WWE. The popular media personality will be a part of the inaugural WrestlePalooza premium live event on Saturday, September 20th. The news was announced by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque during an appearance on ESPN's SportsCenter. The announcement was part of a media tour to promote WWE's new partnership with ESPN. Pat McAfee's Return to the Announce Desk McAfee's return comes after a multi-month hiatus from the company. He had been a part of the Monday Night Raw commentary team alongside Michael Cole but stepped away in June of 2025, citing burnout from his demanding schedule. In a recent episode of his own show, McAfee opened up about the mental and physical exhaustion that led to his break. He explained that the constant travel required for his daily ESPN talk show, his WWE duties, and his new role as a parent had "all caught up to him." At the time, he was uncertain when, or if, he would return. More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match The ESPN Connection It is fitting that McAfee's return is taking place on the first-ever WWE premium live event to air on ESPN's new direct-to-consumer streaming service. McAfee has become one of the biggest stars on the ESPN network, both with his daily Pat McAfee Show and his role as an analyst on the popular College GameDay broadcast. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Pat McAfee is introduced prior to the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JANUARY 28: Pat McAfee is introduced prior to the WWE Royal Rumble at the Alamodome on January 28, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. Alex BierensHis presence at WrestlePalooza is a perfect example of the cross-promotional synergy that is at the heart of the new WWE-ESPN partnership. He is a bridge between the worlds of mainstream sports and sports entertainment, and his return to the commentary desk is a major addition to the inaugural event. A Stacked WWE Night in Indianapolis WrestlePalooza is scheduled to take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event will go head-to-head with AEW's All Out pay-per-view. To compete, WWE has reportedly stacked the card with two main events: John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre. McAfee's return to call the action alongside Michael Cole adds another layer of excitement to what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated WWE events of the year. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
New York Post
40 minutes ago
- New York Post
How to watch Steelers vs. Panthers for free in NFL preseason: Time, streaming info
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. This may be the last time Skylar Thompson and Jack Plummer see snaps in 2025. The final 2025 NFL preseason game for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers is slated to go down at Charlotte, NC's Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. EST. In their first two backup-heavy contests, Dave Canales' hometown club fell in laughers to the Browns (30-10) and Texans (20-3) respectively. While it isn't wise to put too much stock into those losses, a win here would inspire confidence going into the regular season. That being said, both Bryce Young and Andy Dalton are expected to sit tonight. Advertisement Mike Tomlin's Steelers have had a bit more success with their second, third and fourth stringers while blockbuster, 41-year-old free agent signee Aaron Rodgers rides the pine. They've gone 1-1, yet Tomlin remains stoic. 'You can develop false confidence in August, you know. Those things become real in September.' Want to see how this showdown shakes out? Steelers vs. Panthers: what to know When: Aug. 21, 7 p.m. ET Aug. 21, Where: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC) Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC) Channel: NFL Network NFL Network Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free) Here's how you can watch the Steelers take on the Panthers from anywhere in the US. Steelers vs. Panthers time: Advertisement The Steelers vs. Panthers game begins tonight, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. ET on the NFL Network. How to watch Steelers vs. Panthers for free: If you don't have cable, you'll need a live TV streaming service to stream the Steelers-Panthers contest for free. One option we love is DIRECTV, which comes with five days free and starts at $49.99/month, with plenty of subscription options and genre packs that include NFL Network. Hulu + Live TV also includes NFL Network in its three-day free trial package and you can watch all out-of-market preseason matchups with NFL+. make every nfl game pay off Underdog Fantasy Underdog is where football fans become winners. Easy player picks No season-long commitments Real prizes every single night New users get up to $1,000 in bonus funds with their first deposit. It's the perfect time to join the action. CLAIM YOUR UNDERDOG BONUS NOW Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games, 21+ in AZ and MAZ) and present in a state where Underdog operates. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GABMLER or visit . NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase. Advertisement This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
