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UFC ref rates Adesanya fight as greatest

Published

6 months ago

September 29, 2024

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Veteran UFC referee Marc Goddard has hailed the epic middleweight clash between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum as the greatest fight he has ever officiated.

Speaking to talkSPORT MMA, Goddard singled out the co-main event of UFC 236 in Atlanta as his most memorable encounter in the Octagon.

The British official, who has overseen numerous iconic bouts, described the interim middleweight title fight as an “ungodly” display of heart and skill.

“Every day of the week, twice on a Sunday, it’s Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum,” Goddard declared when asked about his top fight. “I couldn’t believe what I was watching unfold in front of me.”

Goddard said he was deeply moved by the fighters’ extraordinary determination, recounting a poignant moment before the final round when Adesanya declared, “I’m prepared to die.”

“You had two guys in the exact same moment that wouldn’t go away,” Goddard explained. “They went into the deepest, darkest depths of their soul and into the deepest, darkest waters imaginable in a fight, and I was right alongside them.”

Goddard admitted the intensity of the bout left a lasting impact on him, saying, “I’ve cried after that fight watching it back because it was ungodly what those guys did.”

The five-round war, which Adesanya won by unanimous decision, has been widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in UFC history, with Goddard’s emotional testimony further cementing its legendary status in mixed martial
arts.

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Unity Cup 2025: Chelle hints on inviting new players

Published

22 hours ago

April 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle says the Unity Cup will provide him the opportunity to beef up his team with new players.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, Black Stars of Ghana, Reggae Boys of Jamaica and Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago will compete in the 2025 edition of the competition.

Chelle kept faith with majority of the regular stars for the last month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

The Malian declared that he will call up new players to strengthen the team.

“We are looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad before the matches in September and October,” the 47-year-old told thenff.com.

The Unity Cup will run from May 27 to May 31, 2025.

All the matches will be played at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in London.

SportsNews

Champions League: Nigerian singer, Joeboy loses N3million bet as Arsenal thrash Real Madrid

Published

2 days ago

April 9, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Nigerian singer, Joeboy, lost a N3million bet after Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Seven hours before kick-off, Joeboy posted a betting slip with the caption, “Cashing out on Arsenal tears tonight!”

The Controller crooner could have won N10,345,000 if Madrid has won at the Emirates.

But Declan Rice curled in two beautiful free-kicks to give the Gunners the lead, before Mikel Merino added a third.

The result left Joeboy short of words, as he could only tweet “Goodnight” at full time.

Arsenal will be looking to book their place in the semi-final when they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg next Wednesday.

Before that game, Mikel Arteta’s men host Brentford in the Premier League.

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Champions League quarter-final: Arsenal thrash Real Madrid as Inter beat Bayern

Published

3 days ago

April 8, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Arsenal on Tuesday night thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg tie.

The first half ended in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

However, in the second half, Declan Rice’s brace and a goal from Mikel Merino gave Mikel Arteta’s side a first leg advantage ahead of the return leg next week.

Meanwhile, in the other Champions League last-8 first leg tie played, Inter Milan defeated Bayern Munich 2-1.

Lautaro Martinez gave the visitors the lead in the first half.

But Thomas Muller equalized for the hosts.

However, Davide Frattesi scored few minutes later to give the Serie A side a first leg advantage ahead of the return leg next week.

Meanwhile, the remaining quarter-final fixtures will continue on Wednesday.

Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona will clash with Dortmund.