UFC bantamweight fighter Ailin Pérez sparked controversy Saturday night with an unusual victory celebration following her win against Daria Zhelezniakova at UFC Paris.
Pérez, who secured a first-round submission victory, immediately stood up and performed a celebratory dance in close proximity to her defeated opponent, who was still on the ground recovering from the match.
The Argentine fighter continued her dance as Zhelezniakova slowly got to her feet, and repeated the performance after the referee officially declared her the winner. Pérez’s team joined in the celebration, mimicking throwing money towards her.
This is not the first time Pérez has engaged in such post-fight antics. She performed a similar celebration after her decision victory over Joselyne Edwards in June, suggesting this may be becoming her signature victory dance.
The celebration comes after a challenging lead-up to the fight for Pérez, who missed weight at the official weigh-in earlier in the week. She appeared visibly distressed before being led off stage by an official at that time.
UFC officials have not yet commented on Pérez’s post-fight behavior. The incident has sparked debate on social media platforms about sportsmanship and appropriate victory celebrations in mixed martial arts.
Pérez’s win improves her professional record and potentially positions her for higher-profile matches in the bantamweight division. However, the manner of her celebration may overshadow her in-ring performance in public discourse.
A towering 43-foot-tall statue depicting former President Donald Trump in the nude has been erected alongside Interstate 15 near Las Vegas, adding an unusual element to the 2024 presidential election landscape.
The controversial art piece, titled “Crooked and Obscene,” appeared Friday evening on the highway leading toward Utah. Sources familiar with the installation, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the project, report that the statue weighs approximately 6,000 pounds and is constructed from foam over a rebar frame.
The statue is designed as a marionette, with movable arms, though it’s unclear if other parts of the figure are articulated. Its creators aim to spark conversations about the upcoming election, and the installation is expected to remain in place through early November, barring any significant public outcry.
This is not the first time Trump has been the subject of such artistic interpretation. During his 2016 presidential campaign, a series of smaller nude Trump statues appeared in various cities across the United States. One of these statues was later purchased by Zak Bagans, owner of the Haunted Museum in Las Vegas, for a reported $28,000.
The appearance of this new, larger statue has already generated significant public interest and debate. Local authorities have not yet commented on the legality of the installation or any plans to remove it.
Political analysts suggest that such provocative displays could influence public discourse surrounding the election, though the exact impact remains to be seen.
Irish police have arrested a man in his 50s following a major seizure of gold bullion, cash, and suspected cocaine during a two-day operation in the Dublin area.
The Garda Síochána (Irish police force) reported on Saturday that the operation, conducted on Thursday and Friday, resulted in the seizure of gold bullion worth €1.4 million (£1.2 million), €460,000 (£384,000) in cash, and suspected cocaine valued at €210,000 (£175,000).
The searches targeted both residential and business premises in Dublin. The seized drugs have been sent for further analysis, authorities said.
Chief Superintendent Garrett Billings praised the operation, stating, “This seizure is another example of the fine work members of An Garda Síochána do on a daily basis to keep our communities safe.” He added that the operation, conducted by the Dublin Crime Response Team, aims to “target, disrupt and bring to justice those who cause significant harm in society.”
The arrested individual is currently being held in custody for questioning. Police have not released further details about the suspect or the specific locations of the searches, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Mexican authorities announced Friday the discovery and seizure of 24 surveillance cameras installed by drug cartels in the border city of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, directly across from Yuma, Arizona.
The cameras, found attached to telephone poles, light posts, and even palm trees in three different neighborhoods, were reportedly placed by cartel lookouts, known locally as “falcons,” to monitor the movements of law enforcement and military personnel.
Prosecutors in Sonora state said army troops removed the devices, which appeared to be common porch-style cameras wrapped in duct tape, based on photos released by authorities.
San Luis Rio Colorado, primarily known to Americans as a destination for affordable prescriptions and dental work, has increasingly become a hotspot for drug cartel violence. The city has suffered years of conflict between rival cartels vying for control of the lucrative border crossing, a key route for drug smuggling into the United States.
This is not the first instance of cartels establishing surveillance networks in Mexican border cities. In 2015, authorities uncovered a similar operation in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, across from McAllen, Texas, where at least 39 cameras were used to monitor law enforcement activities.
“These surveillance systems pose a significant threat to our operations and the safety of our personnel,” said a spokesperson for the Sonora state prosecutor’s office, who requested anonymity due to security concerns. “We are committed to dismantling these networks and bringing those responsible to justice.”
Armed assailants stormed a house in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, killing seven laborers and seriously wounding another, a police official said Saturday.
Police officer Zaheer Ahmed reported that the victims, all from Punjab province in eastern Pakistan, were attacked in their rented accommodation. The gunmen entered the premises and opened fire, leaving seven dead and one critically injured. All victims were taken to Panjgur District Hospital.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, separatist groups in Balochistan have a history of targeting workers from Punjab, aiming to force them out of the region. The province has long been embroiled in an insurgency led by groups demanding independence from the central government in Islamabad.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the shootings and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. “This act of terrorism is deplorable and those responsible will be brought to justice,” Sharif stated.
The incident echoes similar attacks in recent months. In April, gunmen killed nine people from Punjab after abducting them from a bus. Another attack in May saw seven barbers, all from Punjab, fatally shot.
Ahmed stated that an investigation is underway, and the bodies will be transported to Punjab on Sunday.
This latest assault comes in the wake of coordinated attacks in Balochistan last month that resulted in dozens of casualties, marking the highest death toll in a 24-hour period attributed to separatists in recent years.
Barcelona’s perfect start to the 2024/25 La Liga season came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they fell to a 4-2 defeat against Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium.
The Catalan giants struggled to create chances and contain Osasuna’s attacking prowess throughout the match, marking Hansi Flick’s first defeat as Barcelona’s manager.
Osasuna dominated from the outset, with Ante Budimir opening the scoring with a header from Bryan Zaragoza’s cross. Zaragoza then doubled the lead, rounding Barcelona’s goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who was filling in for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barcelona showed signs of life early in the second half when Pau Victor capitalized on a defensive error to pull one back. However, Osasuna quickly reasserted control as Budimir converted a penalty following a foul by Sergi Dominguez.
Abel Bretones extended Osasuna’s lead with a stunning strike for his first La Liga goal. Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal scored a late consolation with a curling effort, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Barcelona’s first league defeat of the campaign.
“We were outplayed in every aspect of the game,” Flick said in the post-match press conference. “This is a wake-up call for us. We need to improve quickly.”
Osasuna’s manager, Jagoba Arrasate, praised his team’s performance: “We executed our game plan perfectly. This victory against Barcelona is a testament to our hard work and belief.”
The result raises questions about Barcelona’s depth and adaptability, especially in the absence of key players. For Osasuna, the win serves as a statement of intent for their season ambitions.
Barcelona will look to rebound in their next fixture, while Osasuna will aim to build on this significant victory as the La Liga season progresses.
Liverpool overcame a spirited Wolverhampton Wanderers side to secure a 2-1 victory in Premier League action on Saturday, extending their dominance over Wolves to 15 wins in their last 16 league encounters.
The match at Molineux Stadium saw Liverpool tested early, with Wolves applying pressure and creating chances. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had an early opportunity for the hosts but failed to capitalize.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker was called into action, making key saves including a stretching effort to intercept Nelson Semedo’s cross and catching a curling shot from Matheus Cunha.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Ibrahima Konate headed in Diogo Jota’s cross, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal. The ball squirmed through Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s hands, giving Liverpool the lead at halftime.
The second half saw a moment of drama as Konate’s error allowed Jorgen Strand Larsen to initiate a sequence that led to Rayan Ait-Nouri equalizing for Wolves. However, the celebrations were short-lived as Nelson Semedo fouled Jota in the box, resulting in a penalty.
Mohamed Salah stepped up to clinically convert the spot-kick, restoring Liverpool’s lead and ultimately securing the victory.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised his team’s resilience: “It wasn’t our best performance, but we showed character to get the result. These are the kind of games that can define a season.”
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil expressed disappointment: “We gave Liverpool a real fight today. The penalty decision was tough to take, but we need to build on this performance.”
The win propels Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table, while Wolves remain in 20th place with their only victory this season coming in the Carabao Cup.
Ryan Gravenberch was named Man of the Match for his influential midfield performance for Liverpool.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government agency, announced on Thursday the signing of a $480 million compact with Sierra Leone aimed at dramatically improving the country’s electricity infrastructure and access.
MCC CEO Alice Albright and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance Sheku Bangura signed the agreement, which is expected to benefit 4.6 million people in a country where 70 percent of the population currently lacks access to electricity.
The five-year grant, supplemented by a $14.2 million contribution from the Sierra Leone government, will fund three major energy projects. The Transmission Backbone Project will expand the transmission network to increase coverage and reliability of service. It’s also designed to facilitate additional energy trading with other West African countries and support private sector power generation, including the Nant Energy project financed by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation.
The Distribution and Access Project aims to increase grid reliability by reducing losses and barriers to access in selected communities, with a specific focus on schools, health facilities, businesses, and households.
The Power Sector Reform Project will focus on improving the energy sector’s sustainability by reducing service costs, generating additional private financing, and improving regulations.
The compact’s approval comes after a period of uncertainty following Sierra Leone’s controversial 2022 presidential and general elections. The U.S. government and several international observers had initially rejected the results, which declared President Julius Maada Bio the winner, as lacking credibility.
However, the MCC cited “significant progress” made by the Sierra Leone government in implementing the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) as a factor in moving forward with the compact. The ANU provides a pathway towards electoral reform and inter-party dialogue.
“This compact represents a transformative investment in Sierra Leone’s future,” said Albright. “By dramatically improving access to reliable electricity, we’re not just powering homes and businesses; we’re powering economic growth and opportunity for millions of Sierra Leoneans.”
The MCC emphasized that during the next phase of partnership, its Board of Directors and Congressional stakeholders expect the Sierra Leone government to continue implementing the ANU and the recommended reforms to strengthen democratic institutions, national unity, and accountability for electoral misconduct.
This compact builds on a previous partnership between MCC and Sierra Leone. In 2014, the two collaborated on a $40.54 million threshold program to support policy and institutional reform in the water and electricity sectors.
Sierra Leone’s economy has been struggling with low growth, high unemployment, and poor access to electricity. This substantial investment is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and stimulating economic development.
As the compact moves into its implementation phase, both U.S. and Sierra Leonean officials express optimism about its potential impact on the country’s infrastructure and economy. However, watchdog organizations emphasize the need for transparent oversight to ensure the funds achieve their intended purpose.
The remnants of Hurricane John continued to wreak havoc across southwestern Mexico on Saturday, leaving at least 22 people dead and forcing residents to evacuate flooded homes after a week of devastating weather along the Pacific coastline.
Guerrero state, one of Mexico’s poorest regions, bore the brunt of the storm’s impact with 18 reported fatalities, many due to mudslides that crushed houses, according to local media. Three deaths were reported in neighboring Oaxaca state to the south, while a young boy died in a river in Michoacan state to the north.
John, which rapidly intensified into a major hurricane on Monday before making landfall in Guerrero, re-formed offshore and skirted the coastline northward for the rest of the week, bringing torrential rains and widespread flooding. The storm began dissipating on Friday and is no longer considered an active system.
Guerrero state governor Evelyn Salgado shared images on social media platform X of emergency responders in Acapulco, a major resort city, carrying out rescue operations by boat, jet ski, and helicopter. Residents were seen wading through floodwaters up to waist-high.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our citizens and to begin the recovery process,” Salgado stated. She also announced that access to the Acapulco airport had been reestablished Saturday morning, a crucial step in facilitating aid and recovery efforts.
The situation in Acapulco is particularly dire, as the city is still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Otis in October 2023. Otis, a Category 5 storm, left over 50 people dead and caused billions of dollars in damages. Remarkably, John’s rainfall nearly tripled the amount generated by Otis, exacerbating the city’s vulnerabilities.
Residents who evacuated flooded neighborhoods on makeshift rafts and surfboards pleaded with authorities for support, highlighting the urgent need for assistance in a city facing its second major disaster in less than a year.
Mexico’s national weather service forecasts that while John has dissipated, residual moisture could still bring heavy rains to parts of Guerrero and neighboring states in the coming days, potentially complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
The Mexican government has mobilized federal resources to assist in the affected areas, with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador pledging full support for the recovery process. “We stand with the people of Guerrero and all those affected by this tragedy,” the President said in a statement. “No effort will be spared in providing aid and rebuilding.”
As the immediate crisis response continues, questions are being raised about long-term disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Mexico’s coastal regions, which are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events.
The death toll from a devastating explosion at a petrol station in Dagestan, Russia’s Caspian Sea region, has climbed to 13, including two children, the Russian emergencies ministry reported on Saturday.
The blast, which occurred Friday outside the regional capital of Makhachkala, also left 23 people injured. Alexei Kuznetsov, an aide to the healthcare minister, told the state news agency RIA that four individuals remain hospitalized, with one in serious condition.
Local authorities have declared September 28 a day of mourning in the region as search operations continue at the blast site.
The explosion caused partial power disruptions in nearby districts, according to Dagenergo, the regional power operator. The local branch of the Investigative Committee, which handles serious crimes in Russia, has opened a criminal case into the incident.
Preliminary investigations have found no traces of explosives at the scene, the committee stated on its Telegram channel, suggesting the blast may have been accidental.
Dagestan Governor Sergei Melikov addressed the incident in a briefing, revealing that while previous inspections had uncovered violations at the petrol station, these issues had reportedly been resolved prior to the explosion. Melikov also noted that over 130 petrol stations in Dagestan that had been closed in the past year due to various infractions had resumed operations following local court decisions.
“This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining strict safety standards at all times,” Melikov said. “We are conducting a thorough investigation to understand how this happened and to prevent such disasters in the future.”
