UFC chief declines Trump's White House job offer

Manila Times - Nov 10, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) chief Dana White turned down President Donald Trump's — apparently jovial — offer of a job as press secretary in a surprise appearance at the White House on Monday. Trump stunned the world by saying on social media on Saturday that he had asked White to take on the high-profile post — but a day later the 80-year-old president said he was "only kidding." The 57-year-old cage fighting boss visited the White House on Monday, and Trump brought him out for a chaotic news conference in the James Brady Briefing Room. "So let me ask you the big question. Would you like to be press secretary of the United States of America? Or do you just want to stay with this ridiculous UFC? Huh?" Trump said. "Thank you for the offer, sir — for the offer, I have no, no — I do not want to be in politics," White replied. Trump smiled and headed out of the room, saying: "I am devastated to hear this. Goodbye, everybody." The press secretary's post has been been vacant since Katie Zacharia left on October 16 after less than a week in the post. Her combative predecessor Karoline Leavitt left in August after a year and a half...

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Eala ends ‘fairytale season’ as world No. 15

Nov 9, 2026

Eala ends ‘fairytale season’ as world No. 15

PHILIPPINE tennis trailblazer Alexandra “Alex” Eala ended the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) season with a career-best rank of No. 15. Eala, who described her 2026 season as a “fairytale” one with a “fairytale ending,” officially clinched the No. 15 spot on Monday in the latest WTA rankings. Climbing two spots from No. 17 with 2,289 points last week, Eala now sports 2,392 following her runner-up finish at the 250 Hong Kong Open Sunday. Eala yielded to American and world No. 69 Claire Liu in the final, 3-6, 0-6, at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium, where she expressed gratitude to the fans. “I mean, wrapping up this year, you guys do not know how much meaning you add on top of what I do and how much of a pleasure it is to go about my life sharing these moments with you all. So I’m forever grateful,” said Eala in her post-match speech, addressing the crowd. Eala went on to thank her family and coaching staff for the journey they went through, seeing her make a historic Wimbledon fourth-round finish last July and win her first main Tour title at the 500 DC Open last August. The 21-year-old made a 35-notch leap from last season where she finished at No. 50. “Last but not least, my team, my parents, my brother Miko, my coach Joan (Bosch), and my two other coaches, Lluc (Bauza) and Sandro (Viaene). Yeah, this season has just, it’s changed my life. It’s changed my life for the better,” said the emotional Eala. “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve put in this year, and we’re the only ones who truly know what it took to arrive at this point in our journey. So thank you so, so much. Congratulations. This is only the beginning. And this one, like all of them, is ours. So congratulations. Thank you, everyone.” Surreal Eala said it’s surreal to finish the season as top 15. “Oh, it’s insane. It’s insane. Like, I didn’t, I don’t know, I did not know that was in the cards for me. To end the year at No. 15. It’s crazy,” said Eala. “I think there are, there are much more than 15 people in this room, you know, so, you know, it’s like this whole season and just to top it off with ending the year in 15. It’s like dreams are only dreams until they’re not, right. So that’s how I feel.” With no more tournaments for the rest of the year, Eala said she will take her time to rest. “Oh, I’m going to spend time with my family. Yeah, just lay low, disappear for a little bit. And then yeah, those are my plans. Just to disappear.”

Madi Mojdeh, LSGH dive into NCAA title defense

Nov 9, 2026

Madi Mojdeh, LSGH dive into NCAA title defense

ARMED with relentless determination and grueling off-season preparation, Behrouz Mohammad ‘Madi’ Mojdeh of La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) is set to unleash his full aquatic prowess as he anchors his team’s quest for a successful championship defense in the NCAA Season 102 swimming competitions, which splash off today at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The stellar tanker is slated to make massive waves by competing in seven grueling individual events, kicking off his campaign right on opening day in the 200-m individual medley and the 200-m backstroke. Mojdeh will also spearhead LSGH charge in the 200-m breaststroke, 200-m butterfly, 800-m freestyle, 400-m freestyle, and 400-m individual medley. As reigning titleholders, Mojdeh and the La Salle Green Hills squad enter the pool with a target on their backs, fueled by the hunger to preserve their legacy in the country’s oldest collegiate league. “I’m ready to represent La Salle Green Hills at NCAA Season 102. As defending champions, we’re coming into this season ready to compete, put in the work, and fight to keep the title,” Mojdeh shared in a statement on social media. Mojdeh’s arrival in the scene during NCAA Season 101 was nothing short of spectacular. Crowned as the Rookie of the Year after a dazzling debut, he hauled in five medals — capturing four silvers and a bronze. His stellar freshman run featured silver finishes in the 200-m backstroke, 200-m butterfly, 1500-m freestyle, and 800-m freestyle, alongside a hard-fought bronze in the 200-m breaststroke. Rather than resting on his laurels, Mojdeh subjected himself to a punishing training regimen during the off-season, ensuring he is battle-tested and primed for the heightened intensity of this year’s meet. “After countless hours of training, it’s time to put everything to the test. We know it won’t be easy, but we’re ready to give our best in every race and represent our school with pride,” Mojdeh added. Mojdeh won’t be carrying the banner alone. He will be joined by fellow Behrouz Elite Swimming Team (BEST) standout Yugo Cabana, who is also slated to take on a seven-event individual lineup. Cabana’s immense versatility will be on full display as he races in the 200-m IM, 200-m butterfly, 100-m butterfly, 50-m butterfly, 100-m freestyle, 50-m backstroke, and 100-m backstroke, bolstering La Salle Green Hills’ championship mettle as the battle for swimming supremacy unfolds.

Hitters eye fourth straight win vs Foxies

Nov 9, 2026

Hitters eye fourth straight win vs Foxies

SEEKING to sustain its high speed connection for a semifinal bid, PLDT aims for its fourth straight win as it faces Farm Fresh in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday. The High Speed Hitters battle the Foxies at 1 p.m. to kickstart a triple-header at the Big Dome, where both teams will break their 3-2 and 9-point tie for fourth place. The winner between PLDT and Farm Fresh overtakes current third placer Choco Mucho which sports a 3-3 card with 10 points. Undefeated Nxled leads the pack with a 5-0 slate and 14 points followed by defending champ Creamline with a 4-1 record and 12 points. After the High Speed Hitters-Foxies collision, Spikers’ Turf action between the AFP Cavaliers and the Savouge Spin Doctors ensues at 3:30 p.m. The Zus Coffee Thunderbelles and the Galeries Tower Highrisers then clash at 6 p.m. to finish the card. Starting the conference with back-to-back losses, PLDT claimed its third straight win and dealt Creamline its first loss of the conference in a 25-19, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23 4-setter last Thursday. Fil-Am hitter Savi Davison came through anew for the Rald Ricafort-mentored High Speed Hitters with 22 points on top of 19 excellent receptions and eight digs. “I mean, we still have a couple of tough teams to play. We have Choco Mucho, we have Farm Fresh, we have Galeries,” said Davison. “I mean, just looking forward, I think we have to focus more on our side of the court. Regardless of who we play, I know that if we control the pace, if we play the way that we can, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net, I feel like we’re going to give them a hard time.” Meanwhile, the Koji Tsuzurabara-coached Foxies are coming off a 25-21, 18-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-10 victory against the Thunderbelles last Thursday. Royse Tubino and Mylene Paat-Rezanova led Farm Fresh with 20 and 18 points, respectively. The veteran duo look to take charge anew for Farm Fresh.

Gauff outlasts Pegula to win group opener at WTA Finals

Nov 9, 2026

Gauff outlasts Pegula to win group opener at WTA Finals

LOS ANGELES — Coco Gauff outlasted fellow American Jessica Pegula to win a tension-packed group stage opener, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, on Sunday (Monday in Manila) in the WTA Finals at Indian Wells. Two-time major winner Gauff fell behind 5-1 in the second set but saved three set points in the 10th game and captured five games in a row to seize a 6-5 edge. Pegula denied a Gauff match point and held in the 12th game to force a tie-breaker, then jumped to a 5-2 lead and forced a third set with a forehand return winner. Gauff seized a 3-0 lead in the third set and dominated from there, holding in the final game to take the match after two hours and 39 minutes when Pegula swatted a backhand beyond the baseline. “I was having a lot of fun,” Gauff said. “I took a little break. First match in like a month. To play a tournament like this with no preparation is something I’ve never done in my career. “I’m just really happy to get through today. It was a tough match. It was 2 1/2 hours and I feel like every point was — I don’t know if you guys were holding my breath but me too, so just happy to be through. “I’m really proud of myself for this one.” Gauff, the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open champion, and Pegula had split 10 prior career matches, Gauff winning the Cincinnati final and a Wimbledon quarterfinal this year in their most recent prior meetings. In the other Group One opener, reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova defeated Marta Kostyuk, 6-2, 6-4. Noskova, a 21-year-old Czech, needed only 86 minutes to defeat Ukraine’s Kostyuk. World No. 1 and reigning champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals on Saturday due to a viral illness with Kostyuk replacing her at the California hardcourt event. Noskova improved to 3-1 against Kostyuk, all matches coming this year as both made the WTA Finals for the first time. Noskova won in three sets at the US Open fourth round in their most recent prior meeting and in the Wimbledon semifinals, while Kostyuk won on her way to the Madrid clay crown. This year’s WTA Finals were scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia but in July were moved to Indian Wells after US military strikes on Iran in February and the subsequent war in the region. AFP

LeBron leads Sixers past Bulls

Nov 9, 2026

LeBron leads Sixers past Bulls

MIAMI — LeBron James had his best game yet for the Philadelphia 76ers, who bounced back with a 127-121 win in Chicago on Sunday over a Bulls side that has now lost seven straight NBA games. Veteran superstar James scored 22 points — his highest tally since joining the Sixers this summer — and a return to form after a paltry eight points in Friday’s disappointing loss to Cleveland. James also had five assists while Jaylen Brown top-scored with 29, Tyrese Maxey poured in 27 and Joel Embiid pulled down 10 rebounds. The star-studded Sixers have lost just twice so far this season, for their best start after 11 games since 2000. Philadelphia grabbed the lead early in the second quarter and never trailed from there, though a resilient Chicago pulled within two points in the closing stages. “We have a lot of guys that’s been in situations, late-game situations, and we have a ‘no panic’ button,” said James. “We understand that we got to get stops on this end, but if teams make a run, we understand how to be calm on the other end as well.” The Bulls remain joint-bottom of the Eastern Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks — the only team Chicago has beaten so far this campaign. They were without shooting guard Norman Powell, their second-leading scorer this season, who was placed on the injury report hours before tip-off with back discomfort. But Josh Giddey provided some hope with a double-double including 19 points and 15 assists. Meanwhile, James’ former Los Angeles Lakers team overcame the absence of red-hot talisman Luka Doncic to beat the Detroit Pistons, 121-116, and also move to 9-2. Doncic, who has been averaging more than 40 points per game this season, was left out with lower back tightness, the team announced. Austin Reaves stepped up, scoring 43 points, including two calm free throws in the final seconds to take the game beyond Detroit’s reach. The Lakers never trailed but had to fight hard to retain a razor-thin lead for most of the fourth quarter. Daniss Jenkins led the Pistons’ comeback attempt from the bench with 31 points, while Kevin Huerter added 24. The Charlotte Hornets announced that forward Kon Knueppel will miss at least four weeks with a left hamstring strain, while guard Dennis Schroder is out for at least two weeks with the same injury.

Mahomes overcomes injury scare in win

Nov 9, 2026

Mahomes overcomes injury scare in win

WASHINGTON — Three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes overcame an injury scare to lift Kansas City over the New York Jets on Sunday (Monday in Manila) while Joe Burrow sparked Cincinnati to victory over Atlanta in Madrid. Two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Mahomes completed 23-of-31 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in the Chiefs' 35-12 triumph over the Jets. Burrow completed 24-of-29 passes for 271 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score in Cincinnati's 34-17 victory, the Bengals' fourth triumph in a row. At Kansas City, Mahomes suffered a right elbow injury and lost a fumble in the second quarter after being sacked by Jets rookie defender David Bailey, but his 120 passing yards and two touchdown throws gave the Chiefs a 14-12 halftime lead. Mahomes directed touchdown drives of 60 and 82 yards in the third quarter and 57 yards in the fourth and said the elbow was not a factor "once I got it warmed up a little bit." "It's doing good," Mahomes said of his right elbow. "It's part of playing football. You get hit, you've got to bounce back and we were able to get it loosened back up and we went back out there and played. "A couple of errant throws early in the second half. My guys rallied behind me. They ran the ball well in the second half. My offensive line did a great job protecting me and then I threw when I needed to." Kenneth Walker ran 18 times for 102 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns for the Chiefs (6-2). The Bengals improved to 6-2, level with idle Pittsburgh atop the AFC North division ahead of next week's showdown against the Steelers. "The sky is the limit when we play like this. This is how we need to attack every game going forward," said wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who made 10 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. "Intense impact," Burrow said of Chase. "He was unbelievable." Burrow leads the NFL with 23 touchdowns. "He does a good job getting out of the pocket and making scramble plays, keeping the play alive," Chase said. "That's why he's one of the best." The Denver Broncos improved to 7-2 with their fifth win in a row as Bo Nix threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-21 triumph at Carolina in a matchup of division leaders. Niners reach 7-1 San Francisco improved to an NFL-best 7-1 with a 38-17 home victory over the Las Vegas Raiders as Brock Purdy threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Host Chicago will try to reach 7-2 in a later game against Tampa Bay. Green Bay's Jordan Love threw for 372 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score to spark the Packers (6-3) to victory 45-27 at New England. Dak Prescott threw for 335 yards and two touchdowns while Javonte Williams ran for 101 yards and scored the deciding one-yard touchdown run with 68 seconds remaining to give Dallas a 27-23 victory at Indianapolis. New Orleans edged visiting Cleveland 23-22 in overtime on Tyler Shough's 15-yard touchdown pass to Juwan Johnson. Cleveland's Shedeur Sanders tossed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin but a two-point conversion pass to win the game failed. Matthew Stafford threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Puka Nacua for the winning points and the Los Angeles Rams' defense stopped Washington in the final seconds for a 20-13 road victory. Nacua caught 14 passes for 150 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 74 yards and scored the only touchdown in Detroit's 19-9 victory at Miami, the Lions improving to 6-2. Dominic Zvada kicked four field goals to lift the New York Giants to a 19-11 victory at Philadelphia. Houston's CJ Stroud threw for 384 yards and five touchdowns as the Texans routed the winless Los Angeles Chargers, 44-22. AJ Barner caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Drew Lock and scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of Seattle's 17-3 home triumph over Arizona.