Sports Al Dente

Alexander Volkanovski has raised questions about Movsar Evloev’s performance at UFC London, suggesting the undefeated contender adjusted his usual approach during his win over Lerone Murphy. Evloev secured a victory that positioned him as the leading challenger for the featherweight title, but Volkanovski believes the Russian did not fully rely on his strongest weapon, wrestling.

Before the fight, Volkanovski had expressed interest in facing Evloev due to his grappling-heavy style. However, after watching the bout, the champion noted that Evloev leaned more on striking, only incorporating his elite wrestling later in the fight. Despite this shift, Evloev still managed to win key exchanges and earn the judges’ decision.

Volkanovski Challenges Evloev to Use Wrestling Fully in Potential Featherweight Title Fight

Volkanovski made it clear that he does not want Evloev to repeat that strategy if they meet in a title fight. Instead, he encouraged him to fully commit to his grappling, stating that he wants to eliminate any potential excuses. Confident in his own abilities, Volkanovski claimed he could neutralize the wrestling threat, get back to his feet quickly, and dictate the fight on his terms. He also emphasized that such a matchup would remain exciting, as he does not believe any opponent can control him for extended periods.

The champion has long argued that Evloev deserves a title shot and should have been his first challenger after he claimed the vacant belt. Although UFC president Dana White has not officially confirmed the matchup, Volkanovski remains confident that Evloev is the most deserving contender.

As speculation grows, a potential clash between Volkanovski and Evloev is shaping up to be a compelling stylistic battle.

Dylan Darling etched his name into St. John’s basketball history on Sunday with a game-winning driving layup that gave the fifth-seeded Red Storm a 67-65 victory over fourth-seeded Kansas in a dramatic second-round NCAA Tournament matchup. Darling had struggled all game, missing his first four shots, yet with 3.9 seconds left in a tied contest, he took control at midcourt and executed a play he had called for himself, banking in the only basket of his night. The shot not only secured the win but also sent St. John’s back to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 27 years.

Dylan Darling’s Composure And Toughness Drive St. John’s Crucial Tournament Victory

Darling, a first-year player for the Red Storm after stints at Washington State and Idaho State, has quickly impressed teammates and coaches with his resilience and confidence. Rick Pitino, St. John’s Hall of Fame coach, nicknamed him “Big Bells” for his toughness, which was fully on display in the clutch. Even with Kansas closing a 58-45 deficit with a 20-7 run, Darling calmly ran a high back-screen pick-and-roll, scoring with his off hand while his teammates celebrated around him.

Teammates lauded Darling’s poise and competitiveness. Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor contributed 18 points and nine rebounds while emphasizing his confidence in Darling’s decision-making. Bryce Hopkins also scored 18 points, helping the Red Storm (30-6) maintain their remarkable surge, having won 21 of their last 22 games since early January.

Pitino and Self Face Off as St. John’s Prepares For Sweet 16 Duke Matchup

The game was also notable for a rare coaching matchup between Pitino and Kansas coach Bill Self, both Hall of Famers with multiple national titles. For Kansas, Darryn Peterson scored 21 points, and Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points and nine rebounds, but their late rally fell short. Self lamented his team’s inability to finish strong despite a competitive closing stretch, reflecting the cruel unpredictability of March Madness.

With this win, St. John’s secures a Sweet 16 matchup against No. 1 overall seed Duke, highlighting a remarkable three-year revival under Pitino and capping a historic tournament weekend for the Johnnies. Darling’s clutch heroics have cemented him as a defining figure in the program’s resurgence.

Todd McShay’s latest 2026 NFL Draft mock challenges the growing speculation that the Tennessee Titans will select running back Jeremiyah Love at number four. Instead, McShay projects the Titans to draft EDGE rusher Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, while David Bailey from Texas Tech remains available, potentially falling to the New Orleans Saints at number eight. This projection is one of the first recent mocks that does not pair Tennessee with Love, reflecting McShay’s skepticism about the move.

Titans Favor EDGE Rusher Bain Over Running Back Love for Scheme Fit

McShay argues that Titans defensive coordinator Mike Borgonzi, influenced by the Chiefs’ Best Player Available philosophy, prioritizes high-value positions like quarterback, edge, offensive tackle, and cornerback for top draft selections. Historically, top-tier running backs rarely translate into championship success with their drafting teams. McShay cites past first-round backs, including Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Christian McCaffrey, who did not reach a Super Bowl with their original teams, reinforcing why Love might not be the ideal choice at four.

The decision to pick Bain instead of Bailey hinges on scheme fit. With Jermaine Johnson occupying the wide-9 pass-rusher role, Titans head coach Robert Saleh wants a disruptive, physical presence on the defensive line. Bain, though shorter-armed than some evaluators prefer, brings a tone-setting, aggressive edge rusher capable of impacting both the pass rush and run defense.

McShay’s mock underscores the importance of positional value and team fit in draft strategy, highlighting why Bain could be a smarter selection than a flashy running back, despite the hype surrounding Love.

In a thrilling second-round NCAA Tournament matchup, ninth-seeded Iowa defeated defending national champion Florida 73-72, thanks to a clutch three-pointer by Alvaro Folgueiras with 4.5 seconds left. The loss marked Florida’s (27-8) exit as the first No. 1 seed eliminated in this year’s March Madness, while Iowa (23-12) advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2015 under first-year coach Ben McCollum.

Florida led 72-70 with only eight seconds remaining, but Iowa broke the Gators’ full-court press, allowing Folgueiras to shoot wide open from the corner. Florida’s final attempt, a desperate drive by Xaivian Lee, failed as Thomas Haugh could not secure the pass before time expired. Iowa will face No. 4 seed Nebraska in the South Region semifinals on Thursday in Houston.

Folgueiras Honors Parents, Powers Iowa Comeback Over Florida to Sweet 16

Folguerias, from Malaga, Spain, dedicated the game-winning shot to his late father and his mother, who sent him to the U.S. at age 16 to pursue basketball despite language barriers. “She sent a 16-year-old kid to America without knowing any English…without anything but dreams and hunger,” he said, celebrating with his mother, who attended her first game in two years.

The game itself was intense, with Iowa overcoming a squandered 12-point second-half lead and a physical first half that included a scuffle between Folgueiras and Florida’s Alex Condon, resulting in technical fouls for both players. Florida had come off a 59-point blowout win against Prairie View A&M but struggled against the Hawkeyes’ resilience, leaving the Benchmark International Arena stunned. Iowa’s composure in the final minutes and Folgueiras’s heroics cemented a memorable upset, advancing the Hawkeyes to a promising Sweet 16 showdown.

This victory not only showcased Iowa’s clutch execution but also highlighted Folgueiras’s personal journey and dedication, making the win a defining moment for both the team and the player.

At UFC London, Movsar Evloev extended his perfect record by defeating Lerone Murphy via majority decision on March 21, cementing his status as one of the sport’s rising featherweight contenders. Both fighters entered the bout as overlooked names in the division, each seeking a long-awaited opportunity at a title shot. Evloev’s tactical striking and measured approach on the feet ultimately secured the win, impressing fans and critics alike.

Volkanovski Acknowledges Evloev’s Skills, Signals Him as Potential Next Featherweight Challenger

The victory has caught the attention of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who was watching the fight from the broadcast. The Australian star noted his surprise at Evloev’s willingness to stand and trade with Murphy, highlighting the Russian’s strength and poise throughout the contest. Volkanovski praised Evloev’s performance, pointing out that his ability to control the fight both on the ground and in striking exchanges was particularly impressive.

“Movsar is 20-0 now, and I guess he’s next,” Volkanovski said, signaling his interest in facing Evloev for the featherweight title. However, uncertainty remains over whether the UFC will grant the matchup immediately. Last year, Volkanovski requested a fight with Evloev as his first title defense after reclaiming the belt, but the promotion instead gave Diego Lopes a second opportunity, leaving fans and fighters alike questioning the organization’s matchmaking priorities.

Evloev’s UFC London Performance Solidifies Him as Next Featherweight Title Contender

Despite these uncertainties, Evloev’s performance at UFC London positions him firmly in the championship conversation. His blend of striking precision, wrestling ability, and composure under pressure demonstrated that he is ready for elite-level competition. For Volkanovski, this means Evloev could be the logical next challenger, providing a compelling featherweight title fight for fans and a chance for Evloev to claim his first UFC championship.

With a flawless 20-0 record and growing momentum, Movsar Evloev now stands at the forefront of the featherweight division, waiting to see if the UFC will finally grant him the title shot he has earned.