Around the Betting Planet: Khabib retires after UFC triumph

US sports betting news

Panthers to to face Falcons in NFL

Week eight of the 2020 NFL regular season is approaching fast, and the Carolina Panthers take on the Atlanta Falcons this Thursday night to start it off. The Panthers will want to turn things around following their most recent defeat against the New Orleans Saints. 

Currently third in the National Football Conference, the Panthers have managed to win three of their seven games while losing the others. They’ve struggled at home, winning only one of the three games played there. 

The Falcons should prove an easier opponent, as they’re struggling to find form this season. They hold the last spot in their division, right below the Panthers. Atlanta have lost five of their seven games, winning only against the Vikings in week six. 

The fixture marks the second time these teams face one another this season, with Carolina coming out on top previously. The match takes place at the Bank of America Stadium, where the Panthers are favorites to win with NFL betting sites despite their dicey home record. 

UK sports betting news

Wolves set to take on Crystal Palace in EPL

After a triumphant weekend, Crystal Palace will hope to keep climbing the English Premier League table when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers this Friday night. They hold eighth spot overall with three wins in seven matches, sitting one place above Wolves due to a slightly superior goal differential. 

Although on the same number of points, Wolverhampton couldn’t make it three wins in a row after their draw against Newcastle. They’ll hope to capitalize on their home advantage at Molineux Stadium.

Premier League betting sites see Wolves as the clear favorites for this fixture, pegging them at around -111.11 for the win. Palace are paying as much as +350 to spring the upset. 

Africa sports betting news

Mulee announces new Kenya football squad

Jacob Mulee has named his extended squad ahead of the Kenyan men’s national football side’s upcoming games against Comoros. The doubleheader forms part of the all-important African Cup of Nations qualifying rounds.

Taking charge of the national side for the fifth time, Mulee has called on several new players to join the team, with names such as Brian Bwire and Robert Mboya entering the fray. David Owino is another notable inclusion. 

The first game against Comoros takes place on the November 11, with the second scheduled for November 15. While sitting on 40 players at the moment, the Harambee Stars squad will be trimmed to 20 in the lead-up to the first fixture.  

Europe sports betting news

Khabib retires from UFC undefeated

Khabib Nurmagomedov has made history after closing the book on his incredible career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, remaining undefeated through 29 fights. 

‘The Eagle’ faced Justin Gaethje for the UFC Lightweight Championship last weekend on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. Many punters expected Gaethje to give the Nurmagomedov a challenge after his strong showing against Tony Ferguson in his interim championship match at UFC 249 in May. However, Khabib showed why many consider him the best in the business, closing off the fight in the second round with a submission. 

After receiving the belt for the third time, Nurmagomedov shocked the UFC world by tossing his gloves to the center of the octagon and announcing his retirement. The champion said that he didn’t wish to continue in the sport without his father, who passed away earlier this year.  

South America sports betting news

Argentina set to take on Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers

Argentina will face Paraguay on November 13 at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires. This 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier promises plenty of excitement, especially with the likes of Lionel Messi on the roster. 

Argentina look the favorites for this match after winning four of their last five games, only drawing to Uruguay. Paraguay have also had a decent run, winning two of their previous five games and drawing the rest. Los Guaranies have proved stronger than expected in this matchup in recent times, drawing two of their last three clashes.

Angel Romero is Paraguay’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying with two goals in two matches, while Argentina have three players on one goal apiece.

Australia sports betting news

Storm beat Panthers in NRL Grand Final

The Melbourne Storm managed to hold out the determined Penrith Panthers in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, winning the game 26-22. While the clash was clouded in controversy due to some questionable refereeing decisions, the club from Victoria kept pushing until the final whistle. 

Plenty of disgruntled rugby league fans took to social media after the game to question the validity of the result. But while most of New South Wales was rooting for the Panthers, there is no doubt about the scale of Melbourne’s achievement this year. 

The Storm faced enormous odds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in severe lockdown measures in their home state and forced them to relocate to Queensland for the majority of the NRL season. As such, many commentators have dubbed Melbourne’s premiership win as one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of rugby league.  

New Zealand sports betting news

Scott Dixon win sixth IndyCar title

New Zealand’s Scott Dixon achieved his sixth IndyCar career title after finishing third in the race at St Petersburg. The 40-year-old, who races for Chip Ganassi Racing, told the press that while he’s happy with another championship, he intends on chasing Aj Foyt’s seven-title record. 

Dixon wasn’t able to pass race leader Josef Newgarden but managed to collect enough points to claim the championship. Newgarden tried everything he could to defend his title but, after a strenuous season, wasn’t able to stop the Kiwi.