Sports
Paddy Pimblett Told Major Error ‘Changed Outcome’ of Justin Gaethje Fight
Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett lost for the first time in his UFC career on Saturday night after dropping a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324. In the aftermath of the interim lightweight championship bout, Pimblett was full of praise for his opponent, admitting that the better man won on the night.
Having been undefeated in his first seven UFC fights, Paddy went down 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46 on the judges’ scorecards. After claiming the interim title, Gaethje now moves on to face full lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, in a unification fight later this year.
One UFC analyst, though, has highlighted a key moment missed by referee Marc Goddard that “completely changed the fight” at UFC 324.
Pimblett entered the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as a strong favourite to defeat American veteran Gaethje and experience his first taste of UFC gold. However, Paddy The Baddy quickly realised he was in a tough fight after being dropped by an uppercut in the first round.
Once the action returned to the feet, referee Goddard was forced to step in after Gaethje caught Pimblett with a finger in the eye. The action was stopped to allow Pimblett time to recover. Once he’d done so, the official was quick to let ‘The Highlight’ know that any further pokes would result in a point deduction.
The Moment That ‘Changed the Outcome’ of UFC 324 Main Event
Despite that stern warning, Gaethje again poked Pimblett in the eye in the second round, this time with his thumb. On the second occasion, though, Goddard missed the foul. Even more importantly, it led to Paddy being sent to the canvas and sustaining some of the worst damage he would absorb in the fight.
For TNT Sports’ UFC analyst, Nick Peet, the missed second eye poke “changed the fight” considerably. Speaking on the Fight Disciples podcast, Peet explained why the poke was so damaging to Pimblett’s chances.
“If the referee sees this [the second poke], Paddy has now not taken all the damage. He’s not cut to ribbons. He’s had time to recover. Gaethje’s now had a point taken off. The next time he does it, he’s going to get disqualified. Plus, it’s a brave referee [judge] who gives a round to a fighter who’s had a point taken off. Worst case it’s a 9-9 [round], but most judges are going to go 10-8 [to Pimblett] and then Paddy wins round three.
“In football, if they miss a penalty [incident] on VAR, the whole conversation is ‘that f***** penalty would have changed the game’. That thumb in the eye could have changed the fight.”
He concluded: “From the thumb in the eye to the end of round two is when Paddy takes the most damage.”
Ultimately, Pimblett lost the final two rounds of the bout on two of the judges’ scorecards. However, if as Peet points out, he had not been so badly damaged in the second round, the fight could well have ended differently, especially if he had been awarded a 10-8 round in the second session.
Does the UFC Have Its Own Version of VAR?
For all UFC events in Nevada, where UFC 324 was held, officials do have the option to view an instant replay of any incident that they choose. The wording of the rules on the above read as follows:
“The referee may, at any time during a contest or exhibition, call a time-out to consult with officials of the Commission or to view replay footage.”
According to commentator Daniel Cormier on the UFC 324 broadcast, Goddard did take a look at a replay at the end of the second round. However, it has not been confirmed that he replayed the moment that Gaethje’s thumb made contact with Pimblett’s eye. For as much as Paddy was magnanimous in defeat on Saturday night, when he watches the fight back, he could be excused for wondering what might have been.
Sports
Tottenham Eyeing Evan Ndicka as Van Hecke Bid Rejected
Tottenham have had a busy start to the summer transfer window, and their early business doesn’t look like stopping any time soon.
The Lilywhites have already confirmed the signing of left-back Andy Robertson from Liverpool and are expected to announce the capture of centre-back Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth imminently, with both deals free transfers.
Spurs desperately need a strong summer after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season and back-to-back 17th place finishes in the English top-flight.
Reinforcements in defence appears to be the priority for Roberto De Zerbi at this moment in time, and the Italian is reportedly seeking another defender after the additions of Robertson and Senesi.
Brighton CEO Confirms Tottenham Have Made Second Bid for Jan Paul Van Hecke
Tottenham are pushing for the defender.
Tottenham in the race for Roma defender
According to Transferfeed, Tottenham are showing interest in Roma defender Evan Ndicka, alongside Inter Milan and Marseille, after an impressive season in Serie A. Additionally, the centre-back is reportedly being valued at around 35 million euros (£30.2m).
The six-foot-four defender played 42 times for Roma last term as Gian Piero Gasperini’s team finished third in the Italian top-flight, qualifying for the Champions League.
Following his arrival in Italy from Frankfurt in 2023, Ndicka has become one of the best centre-backs in Serie A, earning praise from former bosses Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri, with the latter labelling the Frenchman as a “warrior”.
It is no surprise that De Zerbi has been quick to bring in two experienced defenders this early into the summer after Tottenham’s woeful defensive record last season. Only the three relegated clubs conceded more goals in the Premier League than their 57.
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England World Cup Quiz
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Tottenham Need Ndicka
In Ndicka, Spurs would be signing a defender whose stock is continuously rising, but is still “underrated” according to European football expert Andy Brassell.
There is no doubt that, should the price tag prove to be in the region of 35 million euros, Tottenham would be able to afford the Frenchman. However, the lack of European football could hold them back in their pursuit.
Both Inter and Marseille are also reportedly showing interest in the 26-year-old and will be competing in the Champions League and Europa League respectively next campaign, while Spurs won’t have European football to offer. Roma will also play in Europe’s elite competition.
Tottenham need further additions in defence but they may have to look elsewhere if Ndicka’s priority is to continue competing in European competition next season.
Sports
Pep Guardiola Called Phil Foden a ‘Diamond’ Before World Cup Snub
Across his career, Pep Guardiola has worked with some brilliant players. The likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Robert Lewandowski, Philipp Lahm, Sergio Aguero, and Kevin De Bruyne all spring to mind.
As he has spent the last decade in the Premier League as manager of Manchester City, the Catalan coach has also spent time with some fantastic British talent. For example – after the pair won six league titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and the League Cup on four occasions together – he dubbed Kyle Walker as ‘one of the greatest’ defenders of all time.
Just a matter of months ago, he called another Three Lions star an ‘incredible diamond’. Despite that glowing endorsement, that man in question has not been called up for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Guardiola Praised ‘Most Talented’ English Player
Phil Foden was one of the hottest prospects in the Man City academy when Guardiola took over, and the iconic manager quickly noticed that. Indeed, speaking in 2017, he said of the then-teenager: “Phil is the most, most, most talented player I have ever seen in my career as a manager. He has everything to become one of the best players.”
Fast-forward to December 2025, and Foden was pushing for a spot in the England squad amid a good run of form. He’d been featured in Tuchel’s team for November’s World Cup qualifying wins over Serbia and Albania, and Guardiola was singing the players’ praises.
He claimed he was ‘incredible’ and a ‘diamond’ after Foden stole headlines with a goal and an assist against Sunderland. Guardiola said:
“Phil is incredible. He is scoring a lot of goals. He came to me after the game and said he didn’t feel well today and look what happened how he runs, in behind, regain the ball.
“When he is in this momentum and this mood, he is a gift and a diamond. He is top.”
At the time, Foden had scored five goals in his last three games and it looked as though he would be on his way to the World Cup that summer. However, the rest of the season did not go to plan.
Non-Football Reason Thomas Tuchel Dropped Foden & Palmer From England World Cup Squad
Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were both overlooked by Thomas Tuchel.
Foden Failed to Land a Spot in England’s 2026 World Cup Squad
Speaking less than a month earlier in November, Guardiola urged Foden to prove he is good enough for England’s 2026 World Cup squad. He said: “England is so lucky to have a mountain of good players – so in this position, there are a lot, and that’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better.
“He has to say: ‘OK, I’m going to show how good I am.’ Thomas knows perfectly how good Phil is and I’m sure he will do the best for your country.”
But after that flurry of form in the winter, Foden’s levels dropped off. He didn’t score a single goal for the club in the entirety of 2026, and picked up just three assists in that time as well, as City lost out on the league title to rivals Arsenal.
Such poor form meant few were surprised when Tuchel snubbed the 26-year-old from his England squad. Indeed, Foden has not added to his 49 England caps (four goals and 10 assists) since he failed to impress in two March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, which England drew and then lost.
There is no doubt that Foden and Guardiola enjoyed many brilliant years together, with the midfielder instrumental to some of those six Premier League titles. However, his form over the past few seasons has been worrying.
With the Catalan coach now leaving the Etihad, it will be interesting to see what becomes of one of his most talented former players.
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Sports
Nurse Reveals Heartbreaking Details of WWE Legend’s Final Hours
Newly released police documents have laid bare the final moments of WWE icon Hulk Hogan, with home health care workers revealing the wrestling star was in ‘rough’ shape in the days leading up to his death. The legendary Superstar passed away last July at the age of 71.
While the news came as a shock to the wrestling world, those in close contact with the real-life Terry Bollea knew the truth about his health struggles.
To the world, he was the indestructible face of Hulkamania and Bollea never wanted that to change. Though he was fighting multiple health issues, ‘The Hulkster’ never spoke publicly about them, preferring that people remember the superhero larger than life, not the frail man whose health was in constant crisis.
The sad reality of the final hours of Hogan’s life were revealed in a comprehensive 72-page investigative brief compiled by the Clearwater Police Department.
Hulk Hogan’s Secret Health Battles Confirmed in New Report
The report noted that Hogan was battling a number of serious health problems, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and atrial fibrillation. The grappler’s wellbeing had declined to such a point that he was frequently checked in on by a nursing team.
On the final day of his life, nurses observed that the former WWE champion, who had been renowned for his verbal abilities in his prime, was “a little mumbly” when he first woke up.
However, Hogan was able to get up and eat a light breakfast of yoghurt and fresh berries while speaking with his care team. Shortly after the meal, Hulk’s occupational therapist, Justin McCamey, went to check on the Hall of Famer’s vital signs to find that he had stopped breathing.
The quiet of the Clearwater neighbourhood in which Hogan resided was soon broken by the sound of emergency sirens as paramedics went into action responding to a high priority cardiac arrest dispatch. Despite the desperate, aggressive intervention of first responders on scene, standard resuscitation protocols failed. The cultural phenomenon that defined a whole era of professional wrestling was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a local medical facility.
Nurse Makes Tragic Admission About Hulk Hogan’s Passing
In a particularly sad passage of the report, it was revealed that the care team around Hogan weren’t shocked by his passing.
“He’s in bad shape,” McCamey told a responding officer in the frantic moments after the emergency call. Reflecting the quiet inevitability of the wrestling titan’s declining health in his final months, she stated:
“We knew it was going to be happening.”
Confirming that no foul play was suspected of contributing to Hogan’s passing, investigators confirmed that the Superstar had passed away as a result of natural causes, following a cardiac arrest.
“Following an exhaustive review of the statements, medical records, surveillance footage from within the residence, and a visual inspection of Mr. Bollea’s body, there has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural,” investigators wrote.
The report concluded: “Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death.”
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