Mitch on Castle’s defense vs. Cunningham: “His game …
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Mitch on Castle’s defense vs. Cunningham: “His game …
Lee Seung Chul Faces Fabio Henrique In Strawweight MMA Clash At ONE Fight Night 41
A new breed of strawweight MMA contenders collide at ONE Fight Night 41: Rodrigues vs Phetjeeja on Prime Video.
Lee “The Flash” Seung Chul welcomes Fabio “The Giant” Henrique to the world’s largest martial arts organization in an explosive clash that goes down live in U.S. primetime on March 13 from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Lee possesses the dynamic talent and undeniable charisma to become South Korea’s next MMA superstar.
Faltering in his professional debut in 2020 didn’t deter him but instead ignited a relentless drive to improve. The 27-year-old responded by reeling off 11 consecutive victories since that setback.
He showcased his elite abilities on the global stage, opening his ONE account with back-to-back vicious TKO victories over Moises “The Lion King” Lois Ilogon and Pham “Nam Chou” Van Nam.
However, “The Flash” truly announced his arrival at ONE Friday Fights 116 last July against a high-profile opponent. There, he displayed a complete all-around game to outclass respected divisional mainstay Hiroba Minowa via unanimous decision.
Lee carried that momentum into his defining moment against Cueng Naibaho, delivering a first-round submission victory that earned him a life-changing six-figure contract at ONE Friday Fights 136 last December.
Now a full-fledged member of ONE’s main roster, he aims to extend his unbeaten promotional record, but the task won’t come easy.
On the other side stands a ONE debutant eager to hijack the South Korean’s momentum.
Despite standing just 5-foot-2, Henrique carries his “Giant” moniker with pride and fights far above his stature.
The 33-year-old Brazilian’s imposing grappling arsenal has powered him to an impressive 14-1 record on the South American MMA circuit.
The São Paulo native brings a nine-fight winning streak into his ONE debut. His finishing instincts shine through with six victories by submission and three by TKO, making him an intriguing addition to the promotion’s talent-rich strawweight division.
When these hungry young stars meet on March 13, both will look to establish themselves as serious threats.
The winner will take a significant step forward in the 125-pound ranks ruled by undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.
Barcelona Pursues Permanent Deal for Rashford Amid €30M Clause
Deco met with Rashford’s agent Arturo Canales and agency colleague Kostas Theoharides on Monday, laying groundwork for a permanent deal. Barcelona wants to secure the England striker but aims to negotiate a lower fee than the €30 million clause set last summer.
Manchester United has kept the purchase price firm, citing the existing agreement. Barcelona also faces wage constraints, as the forward’s current salary at United is beyond the club’s budget, meaning a potential wage cut would be necessary if the move materializes.
Murchie to join Wales as defence coach in summer
Former Glasgow defence coach Peter Murchie will join Wales' backroom team in time for the inaugural Nations Championship which begins this summer.
Murchie is currently defence coach with Kobelco Kobe Steelers and will take up the role with Steve Tandy's set-up after the conclusion of the Japanese Rugby League One season in June.
Tandy knows Murchie from his time involved in Scottish rugby, having being one of Gregor Townsend's assistants from 2020 until last summer.
"It's great to welcome Pete to the coaching team," said Tandy.
"He is a really talented coach with a great style and mindset. He'll be a real asset for us as a group and I can't wait for him to join us this summer to help shape the squad's development as we head into the Nations Championship."
Murchie added: "The opportunity to move into international rugby with Wales, where there are so many exciting competitions on the horizon, was something that me and my family are hugely excited about.
"Steve was a huge driver for me, I know he is a world class coach and we have worked together closely before."
Wales have been operating without a designated defence coach, with Tandy combining the duties alongside his head coach role while being helped on a temporary basis by former Wales flanker Dan Lydiate.
Tandy has only Matt Sherratt and Danny Wilson as permanent members in his current backroom staff.
He has bolstered his management team with Rhys Patchell, Duncan Jones and Paul James on secondment.
Tandy's work as defence coach for Scotland impressed enough to earn the same role with the British and Irish Lions last summer, so he was expected to tighten things up for Wales when he took the reins last September.
In his first seven games in charge - albeit including matches against the world's top four teams in their past five Tests - Wales have conceded 328 points and 46 tries.
Who is Peter Murchie?
Murchie, a former full-back, won three Scotland caps and made 116 appearances for Glasgow.
He was part of the Warriors' league-winning side of 2015 and retired at the age of 31 in January 2018 on medical grounds.
The 40-year-old initially cut his coaching teeth with French side Stade Nicois as a player-coach.
He returned to take charge of Ayr, leading them to a league and cup double in 2018-19, before being named head coach of Ayrshire Bulls for the inaugural Super6 campaign.
Murchie joined Glasgow in March 2021 and became the first man to record 100 matches as a coach and player for the club.
Under Murchie, the club's defence became one of the meanest in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
He was a key figure as Glasgow conceded the fewest tries of any team in the competition across the course of the title-winning 2023-24 season.
Murchie was also part of the Scotland A coaching side in November 2024 before leaving the Warriors to join Kobe Steelers following the end of the 2024-25 season.
WRU director of rugby and elite performance Dave Reddin said: "We're delighted to add Pete to the full-time Wales coaching team alongside Steve, Matt and Danny.
"As someone who knows and understands Steve's defensive philosophy, I know he will quickly add value as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2027."
Man United Seeks Casemiro Replacement
Manchester United has confirmed they are seeking a replacement for Casemiro, who will depart at the end of the current season. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined from Real Madrid, has already announced his exit and turned 34 last Monday.
The club has reportedly identified a main candidate to fill the void left by the experienced midfielder as they plan for the upcoming season.