Archive July 27, 2025

De Ridder beats Whittaker in middleweight fight at UFC Abu Dhabi

Reinier de Ridder won the UFC Abu Dhabi title fight, defeating Robert Whittaker, who had previously won the title in the middleweight division, in a close fight at the Etihad Arena.

De Ridder (21) defeated the Australian by split decision to claim his third victory of 2025. Two of the three judges scored the 84-pound (185-pound) bout for de Ridder 48-47, while a third scored it 48-47 for Whittaker.

In a post-fight interview on Saturday, de Ridder said, “I don’t want to fight like this [Whittaker], man, this guy was too tough.” I anticipated having him down. He was extremely durable and tough. Heavy f****** hands”.

When Whittaker dropped the Dutchman with a right hand to the chin in the opening minute, he had to survive a brutal knockdown in round three.

De Ridder survived the attack, maintained his overall dominance in strikes (he landed 169 strikes overall, compared to 100 for Whittaker, according to official UFC statistics), and rallied to win the final two rounds by repeatedly slamming the 34-year-old with repeated knees to the body and constant grappling.

There was little to break the pair apart throughout the five-round fight. The split decision was reflected in the contest’s closeness when the final bell rang.

De Ridder won the Ultimate Fighting Championship for the fourth time in his Ultimate Fighting career. In addition to his five most recent fights, Whittaker (29-7) has now lost three straight.

De Ridder, who is 13th overall going into the Whittaker fight, requested a title shot after winning the middleweight championship match between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16.

It would be better if I faced Khamzat [Chimaev] or Dricus [Du Plessis] because I want to finish a man in the first round. Give me a title shot.

[Fatima Shbair/AP] Whittaker, left, and de Ridder fight during the fight.
Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder in action.
[Fatima Shbair/AP]

Former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee unanimously in the co-main event. Yan outperformed his rival in terms of takedowns, significant strikes, and total strikes.

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford’s ‘go-to summer cocktail’ recipe step-by-step

The 65-year-old TV actress posted her favorite summer cocktail on Instagram.

Ruth Langsford’s favourite summer cocktail is a Limoncello Spritz(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

There’s no finer time for a cocktail than summer. And now, Ruth Langsford has unveiled her go-to recipe that’s best enjoyed amidst sunny British weather.

While you might envision a Piña Colada or Mojito, the Loose Women star instead took viewers through a tutorial to make her favourite Limoncello Spritz. This involves just a handful of ingredients and takes minutes to make.

“Hello and welcome to Ruth’s happy hour,” she said in an Instagram video earlier this week. “Now, I know a lot of people’s go-to summer drink is an Aperol Spritz. Mine is a Limoncello Spritz.

I’ll just put one together and demonstrate my skills to you. Ruth first popped a few ice cubes into some cocktail glasses before adding some Limoncello, which is a must-have beverage.

The 65-year-old star stopped when the glass appeared just under half-full, even though she didn’t exactly measure how much was being poured. You can do accurate measurements, Ruth said, but you know.

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“I just look at the eye.” Isn’t that a pretty bottle of Limoncello, good old slug? This is a really fresh lemony [drink] that I love Prosecco on its own. “

Ruth poured some Prosecco into each glass as she reached out to open it. She then added a little Soda from Schweppes to this, but only slightly.

She continued, “Okay, so we’re going to start with Prosecco.” Schweppes, then, because I believe it to be the nicest, fizziest. if I had the ability to reverse it. Avoid dilution altogether; not too much.

This is also my little hack, then. I freeze all of my lemon slices, freeze them, pack them in a little box, and then I finish them all. Then they become a lemon-ice cube. I perform a few of those; Ruth is the only one giving them.

“Fresh mint – and there you go. Limoncello Spritz. Cheers, everyone.” Ruth’s summer cocktail was quickly showered with countless comments on Instagram, with many fans eager to try the recipe for themselves.

One person wrote, “I love Limoncello Ruth, I must try this cheers.” Another person continued, “Definitely going to try, all supplies are purchased,” as another person continued, “That looks delicious. “

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace
Ruth Langsford spoke about her go-to summer cocktail on Instagram (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

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Ingredients in Ruth’s Limoncello Spritz

The star uses:

  • Limoncello
  • Soda from Schweppes
  • Ice cubes
  • Prosecco
  • Lemon slices that have been frozen
  • Mint departs
Continue reading the article below.

Ruth continued, “It’s light, refreshing, and really simple to make.” I don’t bother with precise measurements, but I do try to abide by the 3-2-1 rule: 3 parts Limoncello, 2 parts Prosecco, and 1 part soda water.

Jennifer Lopez suffers epic wardrobe malfunction on stage during birthday performance

On July 25, Jennifer Lopez gave a performance in Warsaw, Poland, to celebrate her 56th birthday. Before singing Happy Birthday, the singer had an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

(See @JenniferLopez on YouTube)

Jennifer Lopez’s birthday party on stage turned out to be unplanned when she had a wardrobe malfunction on Friday night.

The pop star is currently touring with her Up All Night: Live in 2025 album and playing a show in Warsaw, Poland, on July 25.

However, Jennifer had an embarrassing incident just as she was about to begin singing Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday.

JLo’s beaded skirt abruptly fell to the ground while wearing a sparkling green sequin bikini top and matching silk gloves. Thankfully, the ensemble included her high-waisted, green knickers.

Jennifer quickly recovered by striking a dramatic pose while expressing her gratitude to the audience.

She then demonstrated that the show must go on, confidently showing off her toned midriff and spinning around with a beaming smile, as one of her dancers quickly reattached her skirt from behind, reports the Mirror US.

Many took to social media to praise her calm and enviable figure after the concert, which was captured by the audience.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez(See @JenniferLopez on YouTube)

On a video shared by @patryczon on Instagram, one admirer commented, “This video is epic! Her reaction…. Priceless she went into straight photoshoot mode.”

Another chimed in, “Her body is tea,” to which I added.

God she looks so good for 56, a third fan said. “Truly amazing.”

while adding, “How nice it would be if we all looked like this at 56 years old,” another added.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez suffers epic wardrobe malfunction onstage(See @JenniferLopez on YouTube)

The pop icon also released a brand-new song called “Birthday” and danced to it while wearing a shimmering backless frock, her hair moving freely, and a three-tier cake stand-up.

She sang “Name on top of the cake, it’s my birthday / I’ma make this famous a–shake, it’s my birthday” to celebrate the occasion in Turkey.

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She and her touring entourage gathered for a series of photos from her birthday bash. “BirthDAY,” JLo wrote next to the pictures. Turkey’s Antalya. What a blessing you all have! Thank you so much for your lovely birthday greetings.

Jennifer also donned the track for her Poland performance, which was flawlessly done with her matching boots and white bodysuit with ribbon detailing and silver sequins adorning the long sleeves.

Phil Collins’ hospital dash and hospice rumours – what we know about his health

Fans left frightened of the worst, but what do we actually know about Phil Collins’ health? The musician’s hospital run has sparked a flurry of rumors about his health.

Speculation that Phil Collins was in hospice care has been dispelled following a hospital visit for the renowned drummer who has not been the only music legend of his generation to be struck down by illness.

A spokesperson for the Genesis legend clarified that Collins is actually in hospital undergoing knee surgery, and is not on his deathbed.

The rampant rumour that Collins was in hospice care sent shockwaves through his fanbase just days ago, causing distress among admirers already mourning the loss of other cherished stars like Ozzy Osbourne earlier this week.

Collins acknowledged earlier this year that his health was deteriorating. He expressed a “very sick” attitude in a conversation with MOJO that led to his waning interest in producing new music.

condition.

He remarked, “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick.”, reports the Mirror US.

The Grammy-winning artist admitted that “it’s still kind of sinking in a little bit.” “I’ve played drums my entire life,” I say. It shocks me to suddenly not be able to do that.

Collins, who started playing drums when he was just five years old, said his lifelong commitment has “taken its toll on my hands, legs.”

He said, “If I can’t do what I did as well as I did, I’d rather relax and do nothing,”

“I’ll have a crack at it if I wake up one day and can hold a pair of drumsticks.” But I just feel like my air miles have been squandered.

The singer’s last concert with Genesis took place in 2022 because of his persistent mobility issues following a spinal injury in 2007 that caused significant nerve damage.

Photo of Phil Collins playing the drums at a Genesis concert in 1986
Performer Phil Collins in Concert(Image: Bob Riha Jr/Getty Images)

His son Nic, who is also a musician with Genesis, joined his son Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks on the drums at London’s 02 Arena.

The singer, who is seated comfortably in a chair, joked that because of his ongoing health issues, he might need to “find a real job” to finish the show.

Collins has experienced a number of health issues over the years, despite not revealing his current health status during the closing performance.

He mentioned how his physical health was deteriorating in the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First from 2024. The British rock band’s legendary drummer, The Star, is renowned for his exceptional vocal prowess and powerful drumming.

Younger viewers’ affections are particularly strong for his contributions to the “Tarzan” movie, particularly his Oscar-winning song You’ll Be In My Heart.

Collins was diagnosed with drop-foot, a condition that caused a person’s foot to lose sensation.

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He later explained that the condition was the result of a back operation that made walking difficult.

Nigeria beat Morocco to claim WAFCON title and complete Mission X

In a dramatic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, substitute Jennifer Echegini came from two goals down to win the game-winning goal.

The West Africans won the 2025 edition with a record-extending 10th title in 13 different competitions, or “Mission X” as they called their efforts, thanks to the triumph in Rabat on Saturday.

Morocco, who had a lead after 24 minutes but only conceded three more, suffered their second straight final defeat.

Esther Okoronkwo scored the first goal, the second, the second, and Echegini’s stunning free kick that the home crowd was waiting for.

Morocco opened the scoring after 12 minutes as Nigeria conceded for the first time in open play at the 21, 000-seat Stade Olympique in the capital thanks to a jubilant crowd.

Nigeria had a number of chances to clear the ball, but Chebbak’s perfectly placed, rising shot prevented goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from getting the ball.

In the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is unable to save a shot. [Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP]

The lead doubled 12 minutes later when Sanaa Mssoudy, who had been a goalkeeper for five games, fired a low shot into the far corner of the net to end a five-game goal drought.

In the opening half, Nigeria had more possession than the host nation, but Khadija Er-Rmichi, the team’s goalkeeper, was unaffected.

After a VAR review revealed a Folashade Ijamilusi cross striking Nouhaila Benzina’s hand, Okoronkwo converted Er-Rmichi for a penalty after the Moroccan lead halved after 64 minutes.

The team equalized seven minutes later when Ijamilusi pushed the pull-back into the net from close range after the goal had lifted the pressure of the increasingly assertive Nigeria.

After drawing 1-1 in the regular-time playoffs in Casablanca, Ghana came out on top of the table and won a penalty shootout 4-3 over South Africa.

After South Africa saved two subpar spot kicks in a row to give Ghana the lead, 19-year-old Nancy Amoh converted the winning penalty with a low shot into the net.

South Africa took the lead after 45 minutes when Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan made a blunder and Nonhlanhla Mthandi headed it into the net.

On 68 minutes, persistent Ghanaian pressure finally paid off with an assist from Andile Dlamini, a long-serving South Africa shotstopper, and an Alice Kusi header that hit the crossbar.

The Black Queens’ victory in the group stage was especially sweet because they were outplayed when they lost to Banyana Banyana (The Girls) with a score of 2-0.

South Africa has lost four of its five bronze medal games while Ghana has won the four third-place playoffs they were eligible for.

Nigeria seal 10th Wafcon as comeback stuns Morocco

Backpage Pix

With a thrilling 3-2 victory over Morocco, Nigeria won the second-half of its record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

Ghizlane Chebbak’s excellent curling work and Sanaa Mssoudy’s scuffed shot gave the Atlas Lionesses a 2-0 lead at the break in Rabat.

After the break, Esther Okoronkwo, who handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross for the West Africans, pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute.

The Super Falcons’ 21, 000-capacity Olympic Stadium was silenced as they slammed to the ground in celebration at the end of a seemingly unthinkable revival that will stick in everyone’s memory.

Nigeria’s campaign was billed as Mission X, and they succeeded in achieving their goal, recapturing the title they last won in 2018 and preserving their 100% winning streak in the Wafcon finals.

Morocco, meanwhile, had signed 2023 Women’s World Cup coach Jorge Vilda after splitting from Spain in an effort to win their first continental crown, but they have since lost back-to-back Wafcon finals.

The Super Falcons become the first team to win the new-look Wafcon trophy and collect $1 million in prize money, which has doubled since the last edition.

However, by the time Gianni Infantino and Patrice Motsepe, the Confederation of African Football counterpart, took the stage for the presentation, the stadium was largely empty.

Mission accomplished

Players were frequently asked about winning their 10th Wafcon in media interviews, and Nigeria had not been shy about expressing that desire.

As a result of coach Justin Madugu’s discovery of the ideal blend in the knockout phase, the Super Falcons have undoubtedly backed up their off-field talk in their Morocco appearances this month.

However, Nigeria couldn’t match Morocco’s level in the first half due to the top-ranked side in Africa’s poor start.

In the 13th minute, the North Africans doubled their lead with a fine shot from the left-hand upright, and Mssoudy scored a header that was well received by Chebbak, who then sent a fine shot just inside the left-hand upright.

After VAR’s intervention to make it 2-1 from the spot, Okoronkwo kept her composure personified before pause and putting the ball on the plate for Ijamilusi.

Another significant moment occurred when Blessing Demehin was just two yards away in the 79th minute when Imane Saoud assisted a cross onto Blessing Demehin’s hand.

When Namibian referee Antsino Twanyukwa was called to the VAR screen and overturned her decision almost four minutes later, Chebbak had the ball on the spot.

And Echegini swung home from six yards out before Okoronkwo’s pin-point free kick, which was delivered from Okoronkwo’s delivery.

Hosts forced to accept silver once more

Ghizlane Chebbak's goal for Morocco sails inGetty Images

In recent years, Morocco has invested a lot of money in both men’s and women’s football, with King Mohammed VI’s unwavering support, but a defeat leaves the wait for silverware to come out for the country to last.

After South Africa defeated the Atlas Lionesses in the 2022 edition’s final, Vilda was brought in after his exit from Spain following an incident at the Women’s World Cup final when then-federation president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.

Morocco came from behind in three games and needed penalties to defeat Ghana in the final four, but the 44-year-old has added elements to their play.

The North Africans will now attempt to rebuild before hosting the 2026 Wafcon, which is scheduled to take place in March of next year.

Chebbak will have to accept the golden boot after acing five goals in an effort to emulate her late father Larbi, who won the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco.

related subjects

  • Sport in Africa
  • Football
  • Women’s Football