This Weekend’s Highlights in Sports
It’s certainly been an exciting time in the world of sports recently. Intra-team dramas, preparations for the soccer World Cup underway, and teams battling for superiority in a number of tight leagues; this season is shaping up to be one of the best in years across sports. This week is no different, with some huge games and matchups coming up, which promise fireworks at the very least, if not all-out carnage. So read on to find out more about this weekend’s most exciting sporting events.
UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev (October 22nd)
The long-awaited showdown between Brazilian monster Charles Oliveira and Russian technician Islam Makhachev is finally here. The MMA world hasn’t been this excited for a fight for many months. The lightweight belt is on the line for these two titans of the sport, and with such an intriguing clash of styles, it’s become increasingly difficult to predict what will happen in this matchup for the ages.
Oliveira (33-8-0) and Makhachev (22-1-0) have both had a stellar few years, with the Brazilian claiming the lightweight belt with a stunning second-round knockout of Michael Chandler in 2021 and boasting an active 11-fight win-streak and Makhachev currently on an impressive 10-fight win-streak of his own. The two dominant forces in the lightweight division meet, and it promises to be a blockbuster.
UFC - TV and stream schedule.
EPL: Chelsea vs. Manchester United (October 22nd)
After Manchester United’s apparent revival under new manager Erik ten Hag, winning four Premier League matches in a row after their horror start, things have quietened down again for the Red Devils. They were crushed against local rivals Manchester City, and were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against a resurgent Newcastle side playing some of the best football they have played in years. The reality of their situation is starting to dawn on them, and it seems clear that even boasting the talents of Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, and Bruno Fernandes is not enough for them to seriously challenge for the title anytime soon.
They come up against a Chelsea side flourishing under the leadership of new manager Graham Potter, who has made an impressive start to his Chelsea career. He has gotten the team playing a more fluid and positive style of football, and they have won their last five matches in dominant fashion, apart from a wobbly spell during their 2-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend. Based on current form, there is only one winner here, but big matches between rivals have surprised us so far this season, with teams upsetting the odds on multiple occasions. Manchester United fans will pray for a repeat of this, but the odds are very much in Chelsea’s favor at this moment in time.
Premier League schedule here.
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns (October 23rd)
After a long and eventful preseason, the NBA regular season officially kicks off this week. With many teams around the league hopeful for a positive season, two of the oddsmakers’ favorites to make it to the NBA Finals this season match up this weekend to see who is in better shape at the start of the season, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns.
The Clippers have had a strong offseason and preseason, with their roster looking as deep as it has in years, with superstar Kawhi Leonard finally back from injury after missing all of last season. Los Angeles looks strong, long, and defensively resolute, and should be a threat to any team in the Western Conference this year.
The Phoenix Suns have also had a strong preseason after the disappointment of being dumped out of the playoffs by Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks last time out. The team looks together, and with one more year of experience under Devin Booker’s belt, the Suns are quietly confident that they can at least reach the Finals this year, if not go the whole way. Chris Paul’s age is a worry, with the legendary point guard turning 38 during the playoffs, but it is undeniable that the Suns still have a stacked roster. This matchup should tell us more about where these two Western Conference forces are, and you can expect a tough, physical contest right from the tip-off.
NBA schedule on TV and stream.
NFL: Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 23rd)
Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a decidedly mixed start to the season, coming into this matchup against the Carolina Panthers with a 3-3 record, having been upset in their last game against a surprisingly impressive Pittsburgh Steelers side. Brady has not played up to his usual standards this season, and injuries and sloppy play from the wide receivers have left this Bucs side looking vulnerable.
Carolina has not had the best start either, with their 1-5 record being slightly harsh considering how close some of their games have been. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has not performed terribly, but he definitely has room for improvement after a number of bad throws in the last few games, and he has to be on top form in order to pass through this strong Bucs defense. This matchup should be an easy win and return to form for the Buccaneers, but after their stuttering form so far this year, who would bet on them with any real confidence right now?
NFL schedule on TV and stream.
Author: Dan Anderson