Anita Karim is Pakistan's first female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and became notable after knocking her father unconscious during training. She made her international MMA debut in 2018, paving the way for female fighters in Pakistan. Anita is now set to fight in the first professional women's MMA event to be held in Pakistan.
Key Facts
Anita Karim is Pakistan's first female MMA fighter.
She began her MMA journey seriously by dropping out of university to train full-time.
Her international MMA debut happened in July 2018.
She grew up with martial arts, influenced by her father and three brothers who were involved in MMA.
Pakistan officially recognized MMA as a sport in 2020.
Anita is scheduled to fight in the first professional women's MMA match in Pakistan against Iranian fighter Parisa Shamsabadi.
Her brothers' gym, Fight Fortress, played a significant role in her training and development as an MMA fighter.
Manchester City has signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for about £65 million, which is a record sale for Bournemouth. Semenyo, a Ghana international, signed a contract with Manchester City until 2031 and will wear the number 42 shirt. He joins after scoring 10 goals this Premier League season.
Key Facts
Manchester City signed Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth for approximately £65 million.
This transfer fee is a record sale for Bournemouth.
Semenyo's contract with Manchester City lasts until 2031.
He will wear the number 42 shirt, previously worn by Yaya Toure.
Semenyo scored 10 goals in the Premier League this season, ranking third in the league's scoring charts so far.
He came to Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 for about £10 million.
Antoine Semenyo has played 110 games for Bournemouth, scoring 32 goals and providing 13 assists.
Before Bournemouth, Semenyo played for Bristol City in the Championship, with loan spells at Sunderland, Newport County, and Bath City.
Al Michaels, a well-known sports broadcaster, will announce the NFL Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on Amazon Prime Video. Despite being 81 years old, Michaels plans to continue working and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Al Michaels is a broadcaster for Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football."
Michaels will call his 31st career postseason NFL game at Soldier Field.
The game features the Green Bay Packers against the Chicago Bears.
Michaels has worked in sports broadcasting for over 40 years.
He previously worked with NBC on "Sunday Night Football."
Despite his age, Michaels plans to continue broadcasting and is expected to return for the 2026 season.
The last playoff game Michaels called at Soldier Field ended with the "double doink" missed field goal.
CM Punk, a WWE wrestler, explained that a viral moment where he wore two identical t-shirts during a match was just an inside joke and not a response to criticism. He made it clear that the stunt was meant to entertain his opponent, not send a message to Kevin Nash, who had critiqued him earlier. Punk stressed that live wrestling events are a chance for more fun and creative stunts.
Key Facts
CM Punk performed a stunt with two identical t-shirts during a WWE match.
The moment went viral on social media.
Some fans thought it was aimed at Kevin Nash, who had criticized Punk.
Punk clarified that it was an inside joke to amuse his opponent.
He highlighted that live wrestling events allow for more freedom to have fun.
Punk said people often look too deeply into actions for hidden meanings.
He started his 2026 wrestling campaign successfully by defending his title.
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss quarterback, played well in the Fiesta Bowl but his team lost to Miami, 31-27. After the game, Chambliss spoke about his uncertain future in college football, as he waits for a decision on whether he can play another year due to a previous medical redshirt. Chambliss expressed a desire to return to Ole Miss instead of entering the NFL Draft or transfer portal.
Key Facts
Ole Miss lost to Miami 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Trinidad Chambliss was the quarterback for Ole Miss and played well with 277 passing yards and one touchdown.
Chambliss is waiting for a decision on an appeal to allow him another year of college football eligibility due to a medical redshirt.
Chambliss has expressed interest in returning to Ole Miss for another season.
There were debates about whether Chambliss should enter the NFL Draft before the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Chambliss’s final attempt at a win in the Fiesta Bowl was a last-second pass that did not connect.
This season, Ole Miss faced challenges, including the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU.
Chambliss’s appeal decision may influence his future career path in football.
The FA Cup, a historic football competition, is less prioritized today due to the focus on Premier League and European tournaments. Managers often rest key players during the FA Cup to maintain their club’s status in more financially rewarding leagues.
Key Facts
The FA Cup is a long-standing football tournament, but its significance has lessened.
The Premier League's schedule often overshadows the FA Cup's fixtures.
Financial interests lead clubs to prioritize staying in the Premier League.
Some managers rest key players during FA Cup matches after busy schedules.
Lower-division teams can sometimes upset higher-ranked clubs in the FA Cup.
In 2009, Stoke City changed its team for an FA Cup match and faced criticism after losing.
Stoke City reached the FA Cup final in 2011, showing that smaller clubs can have successful runs under the right conditions.
Ole Miss Rebels played against the Miami Hurricanes in a College Football Playoff game but lost 31-27. Lane Kiffin, the previous head coach of Ole Miss, praised the team for its efforts despite the loss. Kiffin had left Ole Miss to coach at LSU before the playoff games.
Key Facts
Ole Miss lost to Miami with a final score of 31-27.
The game took place in State Farm Stadium, Arizona.
Ole Miss had a late lead but couldn't maintain it in the closing minutes.
Carson Beck, Miami's quarterback, led a successful final drive.
Lane Kiffin had left Ole Miss to take a job with LSU before the playoffs.
Despite leaving, Kiffin congratulated Ole Miss on an impressive season.
Pete Golding, the defensive coordinator, became head coach after Kiffin's departure.
Younes Ebnoutalib, a 22-year-old football player, made a significant impact this season by scoring 12 goals in 17 games for the German second-tier team Elversberg. This success led to his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt, a major German club, marking a big step up from his previous position in the fourth league tier. Ebnoutalib is now seen as a rising talent in German football, with a chance to follow in the footsteps of previous successful players from Eintracht.
Key Facts
Younes Ebnoutalib scored 12 goals in 17 games for Elversberg before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Eintracht Frankfurt bought him for £6.9 million.
Ebnoutalib played in the fourth league tier for FC Giessen just one year ago.
He comes from a sporting family; his father was an Olympic silver medalist in taekwondo.
Eintracht hopes Ebnoutalib can follow previous stars like Manchester City's Omar Marmoush.
Daniyel Cimen, Ebnoutalib's former coach, believes he has great potential.
Ebnoutalib had a challenging stint in Italy with AC Perugia.
He attributes some of his football skills to his taekwondo training.
The New York Yankees signed 24-year-old DJ Gladney, who was previously with the Chicago White Sox, to a minor-league contract. Gladney plays all three outfield positions and first base but is unlikely to make the major league team this year. He has shown power in the minor leagues, hitting double-digit home runs in recent seasons.
Key Facts
DJ Gladney, a 24-year-old player, signed with the New York Yankees.
Gladney was with the Chicago White Sox for six years.
He plays all three outfield positions and first base.
Gladney hit double-digit home runs each of the last four seasons.
His last year's performance was weak, with a .645 OPS at Double-A.
The Yankees signed him to add depth to their outfield in the minor leagues.
Gladney is unlikely to join the major league team this season.
He chose free agency in November before signing with the Yankees.
Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam tennis champion, received a wildcard entry to the Australian Open as he starts his last year in professional tennis. Meanwhile, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, dealing with past injuries, decided not to play in the singles competition but will compete in doubles.
Key Facts
Stan Wawrinka received a wildcard for the Australian Open.
Wawrinka announced 2026 will be his final year playing professional tennis.
He is a three-time Grand Slam champion and won the Australian Open in 2014.
Wawrinka is currently ranked 156th in the world.
Nick Kyrgios, ranked 670th, chose not to compete in singles due to not feeling prepared for five-set matches.
Kyrgios will participate in the doubles competition at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios previously won the Australian Open men's doubles in 2022 with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Boston Red Sox plan to sign a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic named Garielvin Silverio for a $1.4 million bonus. This signing comes as the Red Sox are still in talks with third baseman Alex Bregman for a potential contract, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox have not signed any major league free agents this offseason.
They are negotiating with third baseman Alex Bregman but have not reached a deal.
The Red Sox plan to sign Garielvin Silverio, a top international prospect, for $1.4 million.
Silverio is a 17-year-old outfielder from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The 2026 international signing period begins on Thursday.
Silverio is known for his strong hitting ability and impressive physical strength.
The Red Sox might sign up to 20 international prospects in the upcoming week.
Steve Austin's first wrestling opponent, Frogman Leblanc, has died at age 73. In 1989, Leblanc faced Austin in his debut match in World Class Championship Wrestling. Leblanc, who entered wrestling at age 35, also appeared in matches with other well-known wrestlers like Sting.
Key Facts
Frogman Leblanc died on January 3rd at age 73.
Leblanc was Steve Austin's first opponent in a 1989 match.
The match took place under World Class Championship Wrestling.
Leblanc also wrestled against Sting and The Great Muta.
He began his wrestling career at 35 years old.
Leblanc sent a video to UWF after seeing an ad, which led to his wrestling training.
He helped guide Steve Austin during their match, as Austin was then a rookie.
The Minnesota Timberwolves observed a moment of silence for Renee Good, who was recently killed by a US immigration agent, before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Timberwolves won the game 131-122, continuing their winning streak. Additionally, the Indiana Pacers ended a 13-game losing run, and the Chicago Bulls' game was postponed due to court issues.
Key Facts
The Minnesota Timberwolves held a moment of silence for Renee Good, who was shot and killed by a US immigration agent.
This moment took place before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Timberwolves won the game with a score of 131-122.
Julius Randle contributed significantly with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Indiana Pacers ended a long losing streak by winning against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Pacers’ coach, Rick Carlisle, celebrated his 1,000th career win.
The Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game was postponed due to condensation on the court.
The postponement was agreed upon by the NBA, game officials, and both teams.
The Utah Jazz ended a five-game losing streak by beating the Dallas Mavericks 116-114, with Lauri Markkanen scoring 33 points. In another game, the Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 114-112, ending their own 13-game losing streak. The Minnesota Timberwolves also achieved a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 121-109.
Key Facts
Lauri Markkanen scored 33 points for the Utah Jazz.
Utah Jazz won 116-114 against the Dallas Mavericks, ending a five-game losing streak.
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-112, stopping a 13-game losing streak.
Pascal Siakam scored 30 points for the Pacers, including the winning shot.
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-109.
Julius Randle scored 28 points for Minnesota, and Anthony Edwards reached 10,000 career points.
The Mavericks had 20 turnovers in their loss to the Jazz.
LaMelo Ball scored 33 points for the Hornets in his first game off the bench since the 2020-21 season.
Macclesfield football club is preparing for a major FA Cup match against Crystal Palace, but the event is marked by sadness due to the recent death of their player, Ethan McLeod, in a car accident. The team is focusing on honoring McLeod's memory as they face this significant game.
Key Facts
Macclesfield is playing against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round.
The game is one of the biggest events in Macclesfield’s recent history.
Ethan McLeod, a player for Macclesfield, died in a car accident on December 16.
McLeod was traveling alone after a match when the accident happened.
The team learned about McLeod's involvement in the accident a day later.
Macclesfield’s manager, John Rooney, informed the team about McLeod’s death personally.
A flag honoring McLeod and a book of condolence is set up at the club ground.
McLeod had scored three goals in seven appearances for Macclesfield before his death.
A new movie called "Giant" tells the story of boxer Prince Naseem Hamed and his former trainer Brendan Ingle. The film explores their relationship and how it changed over time. Hamed regrets never making peace with Ingle before he passed away.
Key Facts
"Giant" is a film about boxer Prince Naseem Hamed and his trainer Brendan Ingle.
Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry star in the movie, which premiered in the UK.
Hamed became a world featherweight champion under Ingle's guidance.
Their relationship ended badly due to disagreements over Ingle's share of Hamed's earnings and a controversial book.
Hamed tried to reconnect with Ingle, but it never happened before Ingle died in 2018.
The movie shows an imagined reconciliation between Hamed and Ingle.
Actor El-Masry studied Hamed's mannerisms closely for his role in the film.
The New York Yankees have offered Cody Bellinger, a free agent outfielder, over $30 million per year to stay with the team. The main issue in negotiations is the length of the contract, as Bellinger wants a seven-year deal. Other teams, including the New York Mets and his former teams, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, are also interested in signing him.
Key Facts
The Yankees offered Cody Bellinger more than $30 million per year.
Bellinger wants a seven-year contract, which is causing a delay in agreement.
Other interested teams include the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger had a good season with the Yankees, performing well at Yankee Stadium.
Bellinger is known for strong defense and good presence in the team's lineup.
The Yankees have been actively trying to re-sign Bellinger.
His advanced batting stats were not outstanding, but his defense and running were strong.
The Yankees see retaining Bellinger as an important move for their team.
The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel after four seasons with a 35-33 record. The Dolphins aim to hire John Harbaugh, recently released by the Baltimore Ravens, in their effort to revamp the team. The franchise is also searching for a new general manager and is considering candidates familiar with Harbaugh.
Key Facts
Mike McDaniel was fired by the Miami Dolphins after four seasons as head coach.
McDaniel had a 35-33 record with the team.
The Dolphins are looking to hire John Harbaugh, who was recently fired by the Baltimore Ravens.
The Dolphins are interviewing general manager candidates, including Los Angeles Chargers' assistant GM Chad Alexander.
Chad Alexander has previously worked with Harbaugh at the Baltimore Ravens.
The Dolphins want a general manager that aligns well with Harbaugh's preferences.
The team believes they have strong alternative coaching options if Harbaugh does not join.
The Dolphins are undergoing leadership changes under owner Stephen M. Ross and aim to improve for future success.
Ole Miss lost to Miami in a close football game during the College Football Playoff. There was some disagreement over a referee call at the end of the game. Lane Kiffin, a former Ole Miss coach, voiced his opinion on social media about the officiating and praised his former team.
Key Facts
The game was part of the College Football Playoff and took place in Glendale, Arizona.
Miami Hurricanes defeated Ole Miss Rebels to advance to the national championship.
A last-minute play involved some controversy over a non-called penalty.
Lane Kiffin, former Ole Miss coach, criticized the referees on social media.
Kiffin expressed pride in Ole Miss's performance this season.
Speculation arose about player transfers following the game.
The transfer portal for college players closes on January 16, 2026.
During a match between Arsenal and Liverpool, Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal apologized for pushing injured Liverpool player Conor Bradley off the field. The incident happened after Bradley hurt his knee, which led to a confrontation between players. While Martinelli faced criticism for his actions, he stated he did not realize Bradley's injury was serious at the time.
Key Facts
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli pushed Liverpool's Conor Bradley during a match, trying to continue play.
Bradley injured his knee and was later taken off the field on a stretcher.
The push led to a skirmish between players, and both Martinelli and Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate received yellow cards.
Martinelli apologized on social media, saying he was unaware of Bradley's serious injury.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot suggested that general time-wasting in football may have influenced Martinelli's actions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described Martinelli as "incredible" and without bad intentions.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Bradley's teammate, stated Bradley was in too much pain to be faking an injury.
Arsenal is currently six points ahead in the league standings.
