The UFC returns on Sunday with the star-studded UFC 263, which features two championship bouts and the return of fan-favourite Nate Diaz. Here’s a look at what tops the bill at Gila River Arena in Arizona.
Israel Adesanya (C) v Marvin Vettori (middleweight title bout)
Adesanya steps into the octagon for the first time following his only professional defeat in mixed martial arts, when he lost to light-heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in March. Still, the attempt to become a two-division title-holder, and his handling of the disappointment, should be applauded.
Now back in his relative comfort zone, the middleweight bids to silence Vettori, who has been pretty vocal in claiming their first clash, in 2018, should've gone to him instead (Adesanya won via split division). That said, Adesanya has been brilliant in eventually capturing the crown, and looked superb in his defence against No 1-ranked contender Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi last September.
His record sits at 20-1 (Blachowicz marking his only loss in 10 in UFC). Vettori, meanwhile, has excelled since the Adesanya defeat, winning five straight to climb to 17-4-1.
Seeking to become the promotion’s first Italian champion, his pressure and ground game make him an incredibly dangerous opponent. Adesanya is a master striker. He will need, though, be at his best to keep the gold.
Deiveson Figueiredo (C) v Brandon Moreno (flyweight title bout)
A rematch of their thrilling December tussle, a genuine contender for 2020 Fight of the Year, promises much. That first encounter between the champion and No 1 challenger ended in a majority draw, a rock-‘em-sock-‘em affair that included Figueiredo being docked a point for a low blow. It’s worth remembering that the pair agreed to the bout on three weeks’ notice.
Six months on, and the flyweights are renewing the rivalry, with Figueiredo-Moreno 2 expected to be another instant classic. Figueiredo (20-1-1) is a ruthless and rousing fighter, while Moreno’s both talented and mightily tenacious. Neither will want to take a step back.
There’s been some added needle this time, too, with Figueiredo claiming Moreno (18-5-2) overplayed the low blow in their initial fight.
Predictably, the pocket-rocket Brazilian says he’s intent on stopping his opponent; for his part, Moreno appears content on letting his actions speak loudest when the bell goes on Sunday. Certainly, a giant clash at 125lbs looks the most likely outcome.
Leon Edwards v Nate Diaz (welterweight)
Finally, after almost two years and the crushing frustration of his no-contest comeback fight in March, Edwards gets a chance to display his title-contender credentials. It just so happens to be against one of the most captivating fighters in the UFC.
In Diaz, the Jamaican-born Brit faces a man with the kind of star power that means, should Edwards prevail on Sunday, then a shot at Kamaru Usman’s belt surely represents the reward. And he deserves it: Edwards (18-3-1 NC) rides an eight-fight win streak, even if the pandemic, injuries and other circumstances have kept him on the sidelines.
When he did return, against Belal Muhammad three months ago, an accidental eye-poke on his opponent in Round 2 ended the contest.
Meanwhile, that Diaz agreed to take on Edwards surprised many. Criminally inactive – he sat out three years following his 2016 blockbusters against Conor McGregor – the California native (20-12) hasn’t fought since losing to Jorge Masvidal in November 2019.
Now 36, this could prove a step too far for the fighter, however gifted. Edwards constitutes a serious threat. Yet, with this being a rare, five-round non-title bout, it will still be worth the watch.
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Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
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PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE
1 Man City 26 20 3 3 63 17 63
2 Liverpool 25 17 6 2 64 20 57
3 Chelsea 25 14 8 3 49 18 50
4 Man Utd 26 13 7 6 44 34 46
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5 West Ham 26 12 6 8 45 34 42
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6 Arsenal 23 13 3 7 36 26 42
7 Wolves 24 12 4 8 23 18 40
8 Tottenham 23 12 4 8 31 31 39
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
