Joshua "The Passion" Pacio left no doubt about who rules the ONE Championship strawweight division.The Filipino champion delivered a spectacular first-round submission victory over Russian challenger Mansur Malachiev to successfully retain the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship in the main event of The Inner Circle 21 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.Nearly three years after their first encounter went the distance, Pacio made sure the rematch would have a far more decisive ending.Malachiev came out aggressively, quickly taking Pacio to the canvas and threatening with a tight rear-naked choke. For a brief moment, the reigning champion appeared to be in serious danger of losing his title.But champions thrive under pressure.Displaying remarkable composure, Pacio escaped the submission attempt and immediately shifted the momentum. After reversing position, the Team Lakay standout unleashed a series of elbows and short punches before smoothly transitioning to Malachiev's back.Pacio then locked in a rear-naked choke of his own. Although the Russian briefly escaped the initial attempt, the Filipino tightened his grip once more, leaving Malachiev unconscious at the 4:23 mark of the opening round.The emphatic finish secured Pacio's second successful title defense in his current reign as ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion and further cemented his status as one of the organization's premier athletes.The victory also earned Pacio a $50,000 Performance Bonus, improved his professional record to 24-5, and marked the 10th submission victory of his MMA career.For Malachiev, who entered the bout looking to avenge the only loss of his career, the defeat dropped his record to 14-2—with both setbacks coming at the hands of the Filipino champion.Once again, Joshua Pacio proved that when the stakes are highest, he rises to the occasion. With another dominant title defense in the books, "The Passion" remains the undisputed king of the ONE Championship strawweight division.

Jamie Malonzo is heading back to Japan after signing with Earthfriends Tokyo Z for the 2026-27 season, the team announced in an Instagram post."Earth Friends Tokyo Z would like to inform you that we have reached a basic agreement with Jamie Malonzo for the 2026-2027 season," the club wrote.Malonzo left Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2025 to pursue a professional basketball career abroad and signed with Kyoto Hannaryz last season. However, he was later waived by the team.He played only five games in the organization before being released, averaging 1.5 points and 1.2 rebounds per game during his stint.

Dwight Ramos has agreed to a basic contract with the Levanga Hokkaido for the 2026-2027 season, the team announced on Instagram.He averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the previous season. Ramos has been with the organization since 2022 after his rookie year contract with the Toyama Grouses expired.

Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson has re-signed with the defending champion New York Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.Clarkson averaged 10.8 minutes per game during the Knicks' championship run. His role as a scoring spark off the bench helped ease the workload of the team's starters and provided valuable depth throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.His impact and influence played a crucial part in helping New York contend for and ultimately win the championship during the previous season.The Knicks captured the 2026 NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a championship drought that lasted nearly half a century.He also posted on his Instagram account following his extension with the Knicks. "still in this dream, NY! run it back!  love ," he wrote. 

ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles made an early statement in the 2026 PVL On Tour, defeating the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.The victory not only marked ZUS Coffee's first win of the preseason tournament but also earned the Thunderbelles the competition's first ₱100,000 performance incentive.Fans were also treated to the debut of the team's revamped roster, with former Farm Fresh Foxies standout Jolina dela Cruz and reigning NCAA Season 101 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Zam Nolasco earning spots in the starting lineup.The match likewise featured the PVL's experimental preseason rules, including the two-point Premier Ball and the mandatory 14-player rotation, giving teams an opportunity to test new strategies while providing more playing time for the entire roster.With an impressive opening victory and fresh faces making an immediate impact, ZUS Coffee sent a strong message that it is ready to contend in the 2026 PVL On Tour.

The Creamline Cool Smashers showcased the depth of their roster and the promise of their young core after opening their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign with a 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons at the Capital Arena.Leading the charge for the defending powerhouse were rookie Barbie Jamili, former Cignal HD Spikers standouts Ishie Lalongisip and Erin Pangilinan, as well as former Petro Gazz Angels setter Donnalyn Paralejas, who impressed in their Creamline debut.The Cool Smashers displayed the same championship culture despite fielding several new faces, with the team's young players stepping up to deliver a convincing opening-day win.With its emerging talents blending seamlessly into the system, Creamline signaled that its future remains bright as it continues its pursuit of success in the 2026 PVL On Tour.

The international volleyball community is mourning the tragic loss of Venezuela men's national team captain Willner Rivas, his wife Mariángel Pérez, and their young son, Theo, following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) confirmed that the family's deaths were verified on July 5, after an 11-day search that drew support and prayers from the global volleyball community.In a statement, the FIVB extended its deepest condolences to the family's loved ones, teammates, and the entire Venezuelan volleyball community, honoring the legacy of Rivas both as a national team leader and a respected figure in the sport."Rest in peace, Willner, Mariángel, and Theo. Your legacy will never be forgotten."

The 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals is set to take on an international flavor as four foreign teams will compete in the tournament on July 10 to 11, boosting the level of competition for Filipino volleyball teams.In the collegiate division, Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam and Southern Storm Melbourne of Australia will challenge the Philippines' top collegiate squads.The juniors division will feature Perfect Set Dream Makers from the United States and Pacific Volleyball Academy, providing local young athletes an opportunity to compete against international opposition.“This year is very different. It's very special,” said Ian Laurel, noting that the tournament supports Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio's initiative to promote sports tourism.Organizers expect the participation of the overseas teams to provide valuable international exposure for Filipino players while elevating the overall quality of the competition.

Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on Thursday maintained before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that no employer-employee relationship existed between the university and former Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin during the continuation of the clarificatory hearing.Baldwin and ADMU President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, SJ did not attend the proceedings, but were represented by the university's legal counsels, Atty. Philippe Quimbo and Atty. Krishna Santos.During the hearing, Ateneo presented Baldwin's consultancy agreement, arguing that he served as a consultant rather than a regular employee. It was also disclosed that Baldwin initially entered the Philippines on a tourist visa before the university assisted him in obtaining the appropriate work visa to legally work in the country.However, DOLE Undersecretary Gerard Mosquera questioned Ateneo's position after noting that Baldwin's contract contained specific duties and restrictions, which could indicate that the university exercised substantial control over his work—a key factor in determining the existence of an employer-employee relationship.

John Amores is returning to professional basketball after signing a one-conference contract with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Titan welcomed him through a Facebook post, announcing his comeback representing the team."A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores. Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work," they wrote. Before his professional basketball license was revoked, Amores averaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the NorthPort Batang Pier during the 2024-2025 PBA season. John and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in Laguna in September 2024, which led the suspension from the PBA, along with revoking his license by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).Earlier this week, he posted a video of himself at GAB, where he officially retrieved his license, and is now cleared to resume playing in professional leagues. Ahead of his PBA comeback, Titan is set to face Terrafirma this Friday.

Alas Pilipinas Women's team shared photos on its Instagram account during training for the upcoming SEA V.League and the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games. Taka Minowa, a former head coach in the Premier Volleyball League with the Akari Chargers, will take over as the new head coach of the nat'l team after being recruited by the POC for his service.The roster is composed of setters with captain Jia De Guzman, Marionne Angelique Alba, Maria Angelica Cayuna; liberos Justine Ylizeth Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Dawn Nicole Catindig, Shaira Jardio.They will also be joined by outside hitters Mhicaela Belen, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Alleiah Jan Malaluan, Angel Anne Canino, Shaina Marie Nitura; as well as middle blockers Janette Panaga, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Mereophe Sharma, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang. Completing the line-up are opposite hitters Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, and Arah Panique. Alas secured bronze in the 2025 SEA V.League after sweeping Indonesia 25-17, 25-17, 28-26. The team also qualified for the Asian Games due to its current FIVB rankings among asian teams, standing at No. 10.  SEA V.League will take place in Vietnam on July 31 to August 2, while the Asian Games will be held in Japan beginning September 19.

In Philippine volleyball, club rivalries fuel packed arenas and passionate fan bases. But when the country calls, even the biggest stars are expected to wear one uniform.That message was reinforced as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) announced that players officially representing Alas Pilipinas will prioritize national team duties over participation in the upcoming 2027 PVL On Tour Showdown. The league's decision underscores a principle that extends beyond the preseason tournament: representing the Philippines remains the highest honor for any athlete.The policy is straightforward. Players included in the official Alas Pilipinas delegation will not be allowed to compete in the preseason event while fulfilling national team commitments, particularly during international competitions and training camps. Only athletes who are not part of the official delegation and have no national team obligations will be eligible to participate in the On Tour Showdown.The move highlights the growing coordination between the country's professional volleyball league and the national program. As Philippine volleyball continues to make strides on the international stage, ensuring that the national team receives full commitment from its players has become increasingly important.For clubs, the ruling presents a familiar challenge. Teams may have to navigate the preseason without some of their biggest names, giving coaches an opportunity to evaluate younger players, deepen their rotations, and prepare emerging talents for larger roles. While fans may miss seeing marquee matchups during the On Tour Showdown, the absence of national team standouts reflects a greater objective.For the players themselves, balancing club and country has never been easy. Many have become household names through their performances in the PVL, yet the chance to compete under the Philippine flag carries a different kind of responsibility. International tournaments demand months of preparation, chemistry-building, and sacrifice—elements that cannot be compromised.The league's decision also sends a strong message about unity within Philippine volleyball. Rather than creating conflicts between club and national schedules, the policy emphasizes collaboration, ensuring that the country's best athletes can focus entirely on representing the nation when called upon.As the 2027 PVL On Tour Showdown approaches, fans can still expect competitive matches and fresh storylines. New faces will have opportunities to shine, while established stars wearing the Alas Pilipinas jersey will focus on elevating Philippine volleyball on the international stage.In the end, the league's directive reinforces a simple but meaningful belief: club success is celebrated, but national pride comes first. For Philippine volleyball, every step toward international excellence begins with a shared commitment to putting the country above all else.

Evan Nelle has been traded from the Phoenix Fuelmasters to the NLEX Road Warriors. TNLEX welcomed the guard on their official Facebook Page, highlighting the contributions he is expected to bring to the team for the upcoming season. "A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead," they wrote. NLEX receive:- Evan NellePhoenix receive:- Sidney OnwubereNelle averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 per game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The Fuel Masters reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, which eventually won the conference title. Jimmy Alapag, the current head coach of NLEX, had already made key moves to strengthen the core as the Road Warriors aim to contend for a title. He and Nelle are already familiar with each other, as he personally trained Nelle in California before the PBA Season 49 Draft, where Evan was selected as the No. 14 pick. Alapag was still the developmental coach of the Sacramento Kings at that time. 

GILAS PILIPINAS FALLS SHORT AGAINST NEW ZEALAND IN DOUBLE-OVERTIME THRILLERGilas Pilipinas fell to host New Zealand Tall Blacks, 102-106, on their home court to open Window 3 of the FIBA Asia World Cup Qualifiers on Friday, July 3, in Auckland.New Zealand emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle, with both teams locked in a tightly contested first half.Team Philippines trailed, 39-44, at halftime, but the Gilas shooters kept the game close, with Carl Tamayo leading the offense with double-digit scoring.The second half remained intense as New Zealand forced several turnovers, while Gilas answered with its outside shooting.Gilas eventually took the lead at the end of the third quarter after putting together a 10-1 run.The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where Gilas built a seven-point lead, but the Tall Blacks refused to back down.New Zealand battled back and regained the lead in the final minute, leaving Gilas on the verge of defeat.Then came a miracle. With his team needing a bucket, Juan Gomez de Liano knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.The first overtime featured back-and-forth action, with both teams trading baskets as defense became the deciding factor.When New Zealand looked ready to pull away, Gomez de Liano delivered once again, sinking another crucial three-pointer to give Gilas a two-point lead.However, New Zealand veteran Shea Ili tied the game by making two free throws, sending the game into double overtime.2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup Best Import Justin Brownlee later buried a three-pointer to give Gilas the lead once again.Still, New Zealand answered, tying the game with under a minute remaining.The Tall Blacks eventually sealed the victory by converting their free throws in the closing moments of double overtime. Meanwhile, the Philippines' missed crucial free throws and costly turnovers proved decisive in the loss.Gomez de Liano finished with an efficient 23 points, while Kevin Quiambao also scored a scorching 23 points. Dwight Ramos added 18 points, and Carl Tamayo contributed 17.Gilas Pilipinas will look to bounce back against Australia on Monday, July 6.

Alex Eala made history for Philippine tennis by becoming the first Filipina player to advance to the 3rd round of Wimbledon with her victory over Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the 2nd round of the tournament.The filipina tennis ace bounced back against a struggling first set, and won the next two to secure the victory.  The win also served as payback for Eala, who fell short to Joint in the Lexus Eastbourne Open final, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7, in June 2025.Up next, the 21-year old's 3rd round opponent will be World. No.3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek.The two are tied at 1-1 in their meetings. Eala defeated Swiatek in the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals, while Swiatek evened the series with a victory in the 2025 Madrid Open round of 64. This upcoming match-up will be their tiebreaker. The filipina acknowledged that it will be a difficult challenge to overcome against Swiatek."I think it's going to be tough for me," she said. Eala will face Swiatek tomorrow, July 4. 

After nearly six years of learning and growing in the NBA, Jimmy Alapag believes the time is finally right to come home.The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar officially faced the media on Tuesday following his appointment as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, describing his return to the Philippines as a "big move" for both his career and his family.Alapag recently concluded his stint as a player development coach with the NBA's Sacramento Kings in April, bringing with him valuable experience gained at basketball's highest level."I think it just felt like it was the right time," Alapag said during his introductory press conference at Dave & Buster's in Opus Mall, Pasig. "Almost six years in the NBA, I've had an opportunity to see a lot, to learn a lot, and I know how much it's allowed me to grow—not just as a husband, as a father, but also as a coach."The 47-year-old returns to Manila alongside his wife, actress LJ Moreno-Alapag, and their four children. Alapag also shared that their fourth child was born during the family's stay in the United States.Before ultimately accepting the NLEX coaching job, Alapag revealed that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy initially reached out to gauge his interest in joining the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff.Instead, the six-time PBA champion embraced the opportunity to take charge of an NLEX squad eager to become a contender."To be able to come back home and pour all of that knowledge and all that wisdom that I've gained in the NBA back into Philippine basketball, it felt like now was the right time," said Alapag, who starred with Talk 'N Text from 2003 to 2015.Alapag succeeds veteran mentor Jong Uichico and inherits a talented roster led by Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas, Schonny Winston, LJ Gonzales, and Xyrus Torres.His coaching debut will come immediately on the opening day of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on July 10, when the Road Warriors face guest team Macau Giant Pandas in the second game of a doubleheader at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.For Alapag, the return home is more than just another coaching assignment—it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where he hopes to translate years of NBA experience into success for NLEX and help shape the future of Philippine basketball.

Alas Pilipinas will head into the 2026 Asian Games without three of its biggest stars after injuries sidelined reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanessa "Vanie" Gandler, veteran libero Jennifer Nierva, and rising spiker Shaina Nitura.Gandler opted to skip national team duties to focus on recovering from a lingering injury sustained after months of continuous competition, while Nierva is also undergoing rehabilitation for an injury.Nitura, meanwhile, was officially ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery. The Philippine Olympic Committee said the young standout is expected to spend around three months in rehabilitation before returning to action.The national team's injury woes were evident when Gandler and fellow MVP Erika Santos were absent from Capital1's recent friendly match against the visiting Dominican Republic squad.Adding to the challenge, two other players in the Alas Pilipinas women's pool are reportedly still undecided about joining the national team due to concerns over losing compensation from their respective club teams during national duty.Despite the setbacks, Alas Pilipinas continues its preparations with the remaining members of the training pool as it sets its sights on a strong campaign in the 20th Asian Games, scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.The absence of three key contributors leaves the Philippine squad with a difficult task, but the team remains determined to compete at its best on one of Asia's biggest sporting stages.

Alas Pilipinas Girls U18 defeated Iran in its first match of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship, 29-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, today in Thailand, July 1.In the match, which lasted more than two hours, Xyz Ellen Rayco led the team's offense with 19 points, including 14 attack points.Joining the 15-year-old Rayco was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who also contributed 15 points, highlighted by 12 attack points and two aces.Philippines head coach Rey Karl Dimaculangan emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset."We need to be more focused on the game and be more aggressive, especially on the floor," he said.Alas Pilipinas will next face Japan on Thursday before taking on India on Friday.

Alas Pilipinas secured the bronze medal after beating Indonesia, 27-25, 27-29, 18-25, 25-22, 15-11, in the 2026 Southeast Asian Girls' U18 Volleyball Championship. This marks their second consecutive Bronze Medal after they clinching the first in last year's tournament.Ella Gonzalvo also won the Best Outside Hitter Award in the tournament. Meanwhile, Thailand successfully defended their title against Vietnam, 25-23, 29-27, 25-22, and was crowned champion once again in the Princess Cup. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year contract extension, retaining him to be a key part of the team until the 2028-2029 NBA season. The extension will pay him $75 million in new money for the next three years, with a total of $134 million guaranteed over the next five years with OKC.The German center's impact on this young OKC team has extended beyond the stat sheet, as he played a significant role in helping the franchise win the 2025 NBA championship. During his two years in Oklahoma, he averaged 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game as their starting center.