The Seawanhaka Sports Rundown is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in sports news at the local, state, national, and international levels.
BY: COOPER ALBERS / CHIEF SPORTS EDITOR
UFC 294 Shakeup
Things just got a lot more interesting.
Earlier this week, the UFC announced that Charles Oliveira was forced to withdraw from his highly anticipated main event rematch with Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 294 on October 21.
Replacing him is UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski, who steps in on 11 days' notice to challenge Makhachev for the second time.
Volkanovski first challenged Makhavchev in February of this year, aiming to become the fifth double champion in UFC history. Makhachev ultimately retained his belt with a unanimous decision victory but Volkanovski gave him his toughest fight yet, suggesting the two were bound to square off again.
Volkanovski took to Instagram to address the news.
“On 11 days notice… Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.”
Just a few days later, the UFC announced that middleweight contender Paulo Costa had also withdrawn from his co-main event match with Khamzat Chimaev. Former Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman will step in to challenge the undefeated Chimaev.
Usman addressed his excitement on Instagram, saying, “Let’s eat!!!”
MLB Division Series Results
The MLB Postseason Divisional Round wasn’t kind to this year’s favorites.
In the American League, the Houston Astros defeated the Minnesota Twins 3-1 to advance to their seventh consecutive ALCS. They will take on the Texas Rangers, who swept the Baltimore Orioles to reach their first ALCS since 2011.
The highly anticipated matchup sees the two Texas teams meet in the Postseason for the first time ever.
In the National League, the Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to their first NLCS since 2007. They face off against the Philadelphia Phillies, who defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-1.
All three teams to win 100+ games this season, namely the Braves, Dodgers and Orioles, combined for a disappointing 1-9 record this Postseason. None of the remaining teams won more than 90 games this year.
Colorado Football Falls to Stanford
Colorado fumbled a massive lead in Travis Hunter’s return game.
On Friday night, Colorado fell to Stanford 46-43 in double-overtime. Fans at Folsom Field watched in horror as the Buffaloes gave up a 29-0 halftime lead.
"From youth on, I don't remember being up 29-0 and losing a football game," noted Coach Deion Sanders. "I really don't. This is a little tough for me."
The Buffaloes (4-3) jumped out to an early lead, riding a stellar performance from Shedeur Sanders. The junior quarterback finished with 400 passing yards and five touchdowns. After missing three games, two-way standout Travis Hunter returned to action and amassed 13 catches, 140 yards and two touchdowns.
In the second half, Stanford's offense finally clicked and the team erupted for eight straight scoring drives. The Cardinal posted 408 of their 523 yards in the second half and OT.
In the second OT, Stanford picked off an errant throw from Sanders in the end zone. Kicker Joshua Karty then sank a 46-yard field goal to complete the largest comeback in school history.
"We have no choice but to go forward. That's life," Coach Sanders said. "We didn't expect that. ... We can't sit down and have no pity party."
The Buffaloes have a bye week before they travel to UCLA to face the Bruins on October 28.
Logan Paul Defeats Dillon Danis
Danis’ Twitter fingers hit harder than his 16-ounce boxing gloves.
On Saturday, social media star Logan Paul defeated MMA fighter Dillon Danis via disqualification in the final round of their highly anticipated boxing match in Manchester, England.
The contest served as the co-main event to KSI vs. Tommy Fury, but received added attention due to the incredibly personal buildup to the fight. Rather than go after his opponent, Danis unleashed a barrage of digital attacks toward Paul’s fiance, Nina Agdal.
Paul controlled the entire fight, outstriking a timid Danis who only landed 16 total strikes. It wasn’t until the sixth and final round that Danis decided to fight back.
However, it wasn’t with his gloves.
Danis, a four-time jiu-jitsu champion, attempted a takedown in a boxing match and was deducted a point. He did it once again in the final seconds of the fight, prompting Paul to throw a hammer fist.
The arena broke into chaos and security filled the ring to stop the madness. After that, Danis was disqualified.
Paul joked about the altercation in his post-fight interview.
“He's supposed to be good at jiu jitsu, what happened bro?" he said. "Dang, I'm sorry it ended that way, y'all. Dillon Danis truly is a coward. Just a dirty, dirty human being."
Following his victory, the 28-year-old announced his intention to return to the WWE and called out United States Champion Rey Mysterio to be his next opponent.
New York Liberty Force Game Four
The Liberty live to fight another day.
On Sunday, the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-73 in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Now down 2-1, the team bounced back from a pair of blowout losses to avoid the sweep and keep their championship hopes alive.
"We had a fight. We got back to our identity," New York coach Sandy Brondello said. "We're a way better team than what we've shown the last two games. I'm just proud of the effort and the commitment and the connection that we had but now we've got to do it again."
Jonquel Jones led the charge with 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Breanna Stewart, the 2023 MVP, contributed significantly with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
The Liberty backcourt also found more success in this game than earlier in the series. Courtney Vandersnoot posted 12 points and Sabrina Ionescu hit three 3s while dishing out 11 assists.
The game marked New York’s first WNBA Finals win since 1999. In addition, the Liberty extended their record to 3-0 against the Aces at Barclays Center this season.
Game 4 is set for Wednesday, October 18 at 8 p.m. ET in New York.