Sports
Israel Adesanya Loses UFC Middleweight Championship To Strickland
Nigerian-born New Zealand professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer, Israel Adesanya, has lost his UFC middleweight champion title to Sean Strickland.
Naija Latest Gist reports that Strickland, an American mixed martial arts scored higher points above Adesanya at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
A first-round knockdown by the American was the highlight of the fight that went the whole five rounds.
All three judges scored the fight 49-46 in favour of Strickland, the new middleweight world champion. The 32-year-old puts nonstop pressure and steady hits on Adesanya to win the fight.
It is back to the drawing board for the Nigerian-born fighter Adesanya as he was on the back foot throughout the clash at UFC 293.
This is his third loss bringing his record to 24-3 now, while Strickland improves to 28-5.
Israel Adesanya Insists Strickland Won’t Be Difficult To Beat
Two days before the clash, Adesanya boasted that beating Sean Strickland wouldn’t be difficult for him.
Recall that Adesanya was supposed to fight South African MMA star, Dricus Du Plessis, but he withdrew from the UFC 293 due to fitness issues.
Hence, Sean Strickland, who is said to be at loggerheads with Adesanya, had to come in for Du Plessis, which is an opportunity for them to continue their rivalry.
Reports claimed that Strickland dislikes Adesanya because he likes anime, wears nail polish, and is, in his opinion, generally reliable.
On the other hand, Adesanya seizes every chance to antagonize Strickland. He recently declared that he would face off against the American while sporting painted nails.
When asked about his forthcoming fight with Strickland earlier, Adesanya said the American fighter wouldn’t be as much of a problem for him to handle.
Adesanya recounted his ordeal with Brazilian fighter Pereira who defeated the Nigerian fighter three times before he bounced back to defeat him earlier this year.
“Difficulty? Nah, I don’t think it’s that difficult”, Adesanya said of his forthcoming fight with Strickland.
“But again this is this is where you don’t underestimate someone, and also, you don’t overestimate someone. I don’t think it’s that difficult I’m not going to put him on a pedestal like he’s God I never did that with Pereira and after he beat me three times, I was just like I can beat this guy, I know I can beat this guy I don’t fear any man so. This guy is not on that level, and I know I can beat him he’s not that difficult,” he said.
Sports
Messi may lose half of his wealth as him and his wife, Antonela, reportedly set to divorce each other
Football legend Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, are reportedly heading for a divorce, according to emerging online reports.
Speculation was sparked by Cuban astrologer Mhoni Vidente, who boldly claimed on live television that Messi had been “flirtatious” and was romantically involved with another woman.
Although the claims remain unconfirmed, they have sparked widespread discussion about the potential financial implications of a separation for the football icon, according to La República.
With an estimated net worth of $650 million as of 2025, Messi could potentially lose a substantial part of his fortune if Antonela were to file for divorce.
Married in 2017 and parents to three sons, the couple has long been regarded as one of football’s most admired and enduring power couples.
Messi boasts an impressive real estate portfolio that stretches across continents. In Miami, the Argentine football star owns a luxurious waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive Bay Colony neighborhood, reportedly worth several million dollars, according to Zonal Sports.
The mansion features eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a spa, and a private fishing pier, offering the ultimate blend of luxury and comfort.
Messi also owns luxury apartments in the Porsche Design Tower and Regalia Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, each valued in the $5 – $7 million range, Finance Monthly reports.
Lionel Messi has purchased a $10.75 million waterfront home in Fort Lauderdale.
• 10,500 square feet
• 10 beds / 9 baths
• 170 feet of waterfront
• Pool and two docksThe home is 15 minutes from Inter Miami’s stadium. pic.twitter.com/Jcifk9usZD
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) September 12, 2023
In Spain, Messi’s Castelldefels mansion near Barcelona includes a private football pitch, swimming pool, and home theatre. Meanwhile, in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, he owns “La Fortaleza,” a custom-built dream estate designed for his retirement.
📸 Lionel Messi celebrating his wife Antonela’s birthday in style! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tIgUhwHNbg
— Inter Miami News Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) February 27, 2025
Messi’s prized real estate assets also include a lavish $11 million villa in Ibiza and a luxury hotel chain, MiM Hotels. Operated under the Majestic Hotel Group, the five-star chain reportedly generates over $400 million in monthly revenue.
Beyond real estate, Messi has expanded his empire into fashion and tech. He runs The Messi Store, a clothing line headed by Ginny Hilfiger, and also produces signature wines under his “Leo” and “L10” labels. In the tech space, his investment firm, Play Time Sports-Tech, supports major ventures in Silicon Valley and oversees the growth of his global brand.
If divorce proceedings move forward, Antonela could also have a claim to Messi’s luxury car collection—which includes high-end brands like Ferrari, Lexus, and Range Rover—as well as his $15 million Gulfstream private jet.
Leo Messi has just bought a £15m private jet. The footsteps contain the names of his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/VJa0IqMhRD
— PurelyFootball ℗ (@PurelyFootball) December 11, 2018
Messi’s array of luxurious cars include: Cadillac Escalade: a high-performance SUV costing around €100,000.
Range Rover Evoque: a premium SUV costing around €50,000
Range Rover: the stronger variant Priced around €125,000 Lexus LX570: valued at €100,000
Ferrari F430 Spider: a vintage car available at around €180,000
Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale: valued at €180,000
Mini Cabrio: a thrilling and fun addition to his collection costing €50,000.
With such a vast and diverse portfolio of assets and income streams, a potential divorce could carry major financial consequences for Messi. Although the couple has yet to confirm the rumours, the stakes are undeniably high should they prove true.
Super Eagles and Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has been dealt a devastating blow, losing his mother barely two months after the passing of his father.
Nwabali shared the heartbreaking news on X on New Year’s day, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already” accompanied by tears and heartbreak emojis.
This emotional post came just hours after he shared a 2024 recap video, expressing optimism for the new year.
“2024 was a good year, we’re doubling everything in 2025. Thank you Chippa United FC. Thank you Super Eagles. Thanks to all my fans. Let’s do more!” he had written earlier.
Nwabali’s father died in November, just hours after the goalkeeper helped the Super Eagles secure a crucial point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic.
The goalkeeper’s bravery on the field was evident as he manned the goalpost despite his personal loss.
His teammates, fans, and well-wishers rallied around him, offering condolences and support.
With the loss of both parents, Nwabali joins the likes of Victor Osimhen, who has also experienced the pain of losing both parents.
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappé, shared a rare glimpse of his personal life during an interview with Mouloud Achour on Clique.
The 25-year-old addressed serious allegations about an alleged rape incident in Stockholm but captured attention with his reflections on love and relationships.
When asked about expressing love, the Les Bleus forward shared: “Yes, to my mother, my father, my little brother. I try to give them this affection every day.”
On romantic love, Mbappé revealed to Le Parisien: “Yes, in the past, I have already been in love and I hope that I will be again. But currently, no.”
Watch him speak below:
View this post on Instagram
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She is a big celebrity oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of Nengi BBNaija surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“My Kpekus might be wide oo but you will enjoy it” – Nigerian lady assures fans on social media as she shows off her Toto (Video)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She has million of followers oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of TikTok celebrity, Buba Girl, surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“Omo! Na she dey inside the tape oo” – Nigerians react as knacking video of Destiny Etiko surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“Congratulations on your 1 million followers” – Nigerians react as recent knacking video of TikTok celebrity, Black Chully, surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“She should win an award by the end of the year” – Nigerians react as knacking video Empress Njamah surfaces the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“It’s been over 5 years she blew up oo” – Nigerians react as kpekus video of Candy Bleakz mistakenly leaks on the internet (Watch)
-
Entertainment2 years ago“I will gift a car to anyone who stays up to 10 minutes on this Kpekus” – Nigerian lady shows Facebook fans her Toto as she challenges those who are ready to kanck it (Video)