April 18 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on April 18, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 11:08 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on April 18
A Constitution Amendment Bill for women's reservation in legislatures from 2029 and Lok Sabha seat increase was defeated. The BJP accused the Congress and opposition of betraying women. Opposition leaders stated the 2023 quota law should be implemented immediately
United States President Donald Trump said that he may not extend the tentative ceasefire with Iran if negotiations fail to produce an agreement by Wednesday, CNN reported. Trump also said that Washington would obtain Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium one way or another
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed joy as the opposition successfully blocked the delimitation bill in Parliament. He credited the INDIA bloc MPs and women for this victory. Stalin highlighted the planned campaign and protests that built momentum
Is this the beginning of the end for the Golden State dynasty? The Golden State Warriors saw their season come crashing down after a 111-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the play-in, a defeat that felt heavier than just a scoreline. Jalen Green torched the Warriors for 36 points
RCB vs DC Playing 11: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to reclaim the top spot in the IPL 2026 points table as they face Delhi Capitals. RCB, with a strong opening and middle order, will look to capitalize on their historical dominance against a Delhi side seeking to regain
Oura isn’t a household name in India, and many would be hearing of the Finnish brand for the first time, with the launch of the Oura Ring 4. As the name suggests, Oura has been at the wearable space longer than most people realize—over a decade at this point
Mumbai, Apr 17 (PTI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched ‘Movitrap’, an innovative mosquito-control device developed under its incubation initiative to combat vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, officials said on Saturday.Mumbai
Kevin Vallejos: The Grounded 24-Year-Old Rising Fast Into UFC Spotlight
Kevin Vallejos: The Grounded 24-Year-Old Rising Fast Into UFC Spotlight
At 24, Kevin Vallejos sits two days removed from a fight that could skyrocket his career or test the limits of the UFC's belief in him. He's been handed a co-main event slot on the UFC's final card of 2025 against Giga Chikadze, a ranked veteran and former bonus machine and more importantly, a wounded fighter eying to build momentum after two back-to-back losses.
Even though Vallejos has shown the wherewithal to be a top player with two wins this year in the UFC, his rise has been fast enough to spark scepticism. Chikadze himself suggested the UFC may have handed Vallejos this platform ‘a little bit too early.'
But for Vallejos, there's no bravado; here's a young fighter who understands the stakes, appreciates the opportunity, and is ready.
“I am very happy for the opportunity," Vallejos tells News18 Sports in an exclusive conversation. “I consider Giga Chikadze a legend, so obviously, there is pressure in fighting him, but I think we are ready for the opportunity to take the win."
Vallejos' path to this moment has been anything but conventional. He grew up in Mar del Plata, Argentina, during one of the country's most difficult economic periods. His early training came not from a traditional MMA pipeline but from boxing gyms, where footwork and hand rhythm shaped his style. He went undefeated as an amateur at 14–0, then added ten more wins regionally before his first major setback: a split-decision loss to Jean Silva on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2023.
That loss, even though deflating, did not make him lose track. He returned to the Contender Series with a violent 20-punch finishing sequence against Cam Teague, earning his UFC deal – first signs of Vallejos' potential. A first-round TKO over featherweight veteran Seung Woo Choi in his March 2025 debut followed, then a composed win over Danny Silva in August, where he landed 90 significant strikes to Silva's 69, reaffirmed UFC's faith in him.
But in Chikadze, Vallejos gets his first whip of a ranked opponent and a clear step up.
And even before they meet in the octagon, the Georgian has fired the warning shots, claiming, ‘I don't think it's going to be a big challenge for me.' Asked bout his response, Vallejos – keeping tab on the exuberance of youth – was measured in his reply.
“No, I hope that he does think that," says Vallejos. “I really hope he is underestimating me, because I am ready to meet him. And that's fine – he's a legend, why would he respect me? But that's okay. I like that he's underestimating me."
On the technical side, the matchup is clear: Chikadze brings elite kickboxing experience and fight-ending kicks. Vallejos brings pressure boxing, hand speed, and close-range proficiency.
“I think it's a great clash of styles," he explains. “Because usually with a kickboxer, someone who likes to kick a lot, how you deal with them is to box them. And how you deal with someone who likes to box is to kick them. So it's really going to come down to who can implement their style better."
As for Chikadze's recent losses and whether they will push him toward chaos or caution, Vallejos expects early danger.
“I think he is going to come out aggressive," Vallejos says. “I think he is going to want to try to knock me out in the first round, like he says he will. But regardless, if he does that, I'm going to be ready for it. And if he comes out more technically, I'm also going to be ready for that."
When probed about what the Argentine might be eying next, Vallejos didn't hesitate to bring up his target. Jean Silva, the only man to beat him yet.
“I think that, in general, what I want in the future is to have my rematch with Jean Silva. I would like to do it, not immediately after, but when he has the belt, so I can fight him for the title and take the title from him."
One of the notable things about Vellajos is how rooted he remains amid all the hype, and his tone grows warmer when he talks about the Argentine MMA community – the fighters he grew up with, trained alongside, and still chats with on WhatsApp despite the geographic spread.
“All the UFC fighters from Argentina are my friends," he says. “We actually came up together, we trained together, and we even fought in the same event in Samurai Fight House. It's great to keep in contact with them. And yes, we are all trying to do the same thing: to bring up Argentina."
And that grounded attitude comes through when he speaks about the support he has received, not just from the fans, but also from the UFC.
“I am overwhelmed by how much people support me, the fans, how much they believe in me and not just the fans but the UFC, who have always been putting me in these main-event spots," he says. “To me, it's incredible. But I do feel like I'm prepared. I do feel like I deserve to be here."
And in the era of manufactured personas, Vellajos' consistency stands out. Even when the world thinks of him as a special talent, he calls himself a ‘regular person like everyone else.
“What I want people to know is that I'm just a regular person like everyone else. I don't think I am some super special talent. I just think I worked really hard to be here, and that's why I am here. I want people to know that I am just a regular person like everyone else."
Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster of UFC in India and will live stream UFC Fight Night: Royval vs Kape on Sony Liv on 14th December 2025, 8:30 AM onwards
Source: News18
Related Posts: Who are Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to be Fed chief Kevin Warsh 'regime change' faces steep hurdles at a sprawling US central bank Who are Kevin and Maria McElroy Is Kevin Spacey homeless Kevin Spacey to face new civil sex-assault claims in London court in 2026 Heat, Spurs, Rockets top Kevin Durant's trade wish list Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari criticizes Kevin Federline over tell-all memoir
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) CEO and MD K Krithivasan on Friday informed that the IT major has initiated a formal independent investigation into the sexual harassment incident at its Nashik facility, bringing in external experts and constituting a board-level oversight mechanism to ensure the
8 hours ago
Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has found herself at the centre of a storm after being charged with a doping violation. The charge, brought by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, relates to an out-of-competition test in December.Marketa Vondrousova
8 hours ago
Why are RCB wearing green jersey against Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026 match at Chinnaswamy?Royal Challengers Bengaluru will don green jerseys against Delhi Capitals, emphasising their sustainability campaign. Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 1:58 PM IST Written by Probuddha Bhattacharjee Share via Copy link
8 hours ago
Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis on Saturday chaired a review meeting of the Home Department over the Nashik conversion case, saying that religious conversion cases would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday chaired a review
8 hours ago
Think heart disease starts at 50? Heart surgeon reveals shocking truth: ‘Begins as early as age 3…’Heart disease risk is built in at an early age. It does not develop abruptly in middle age, suggesting the importance of early prevention and healthy habits. Published on: Apr 18
8 hours ago
The Malayalam television industry is facing a deeply emotional moment as colleagues, friends, and viewers come to terms with the loss of actor Siddharth Venugopal. News of Siddharth’s demise was confirmed through actress Seema G Nair, who had been closely associated with his treatment journey
8 hours ago
Pranavi lone Indian to make cut in Joburg Ladies OpenPranavi lone Indian to make cut in Joburg Ladies Open Published on: Apr 18, 2026 1:46 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Johannesburg, Pranavi Urs was the sole Indian to make the cut as she scraped through into the weekend rounds on the cutline at
8 hours ago
‘Hold Parliament on Monday, bring old bill, let's see who is anti-women’: Priyanka leads Oppn charge as govt move fails‘Old bill’ refers to 2023 law that already provides for 33% quota for women in legislatures. It was in fact notified this week. Delimitation is the caveat
8 hours ago
Why South Korean president’s visit to India mattersThis article is authored by Torunika Roy, research associate, Korea Chair, Council for Strategic and Defence Research (CSDR), New Delhi. Published on: Apr 18, 2026 2:01 PM IST By Torunika Roy Share via Copy link Starting today to April 21, 2026
8 hours ago
Hansika Motwani says therapy helped her heal post-divorce from Sohael Khaturiya: ‘I was in a dark space’Hansika Motwani opened up about her divorce, emphasising family support during a challenging time and her decision to move forward without regrets. Apr 18, 2026
8 hours ago
Why Pizza 4P’s Bengaluru outlet became ‘Pizza for Peace’ in Kannada: Japanese owner reveals real reasonOwner and CEO of Pizza 4P’s, Masuko Yosuke, shared a tweet on why he opened a store in Bengaluru and the meaning behind the name. Published on: Apr 18
8 hours ago
Academicians and experts came together at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) in Kolkata to share concerns and discuss the possibilities in the area of the animal and fish breeders’ rights. The discussion titled “Animal and Fish Breeders’ Rights: An Imperative
8 hours ago
Ukrainian drones targeted industrial cities along the Volga River and a Baltic Sea port near St. Petersburg. A fire was extinguished at the Vysotsk port, which handles fuel exports. Attacks also hit industrial targets in Syzran and Novokuibyshevsk, cities known for their oil refineries
8 hours ago
New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) A day after a united opposition defeated a Constitution amendment bill to tweak the women’s quota law and increase the number of seats in legislatures through delimitation, Parliamentary Affairs Minsiter Kiren Rijiju on Saturday accused the Congress of being anti-women
8 hours ago
A graduate from the National Institute of Technology has gone viral after claiming that only a tiny portion of what she studied in college is actually useful in her current job. The woman, identified as Manvi, shared her thoughts in a video posted on Instagram
8 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday (April 17, 2026) issued a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products at sea for about a month, seeking to control global energy prices that have shot higher during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.U
8 hours ago
Gold and silver prices in India on April 18, 2026 remained largely steady with minor fluctuations across major cities, even as global markets reacted to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and mixed signals from the US dollar. Precious metals, which are traditionally considered safe-haven assets
8 hours ago
While addressing the debate on linking the women’s reservation bill with delimitation, Rahul Gandhi joked about him and PM Modi not having wives. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday led the opposition’s debate in Lok Sabha amid a row over linking the Delimitation Bill to the Women’s Quota
8 hours ago
Train Safety Tips: Even a minor lapse in judgment while traveling by train can prove costly; therefore, remaining vigilant is absolutely essential. By adopting a few simple precautions, you can make your journey both safe and stress-free. Indian Railway Safety Tips: Millions of people travel by
8 hours ago
More than 300 humanoid robots participating in China's second robot half-marathon on Sunday will be facing tougher terrain designed to test their technical advancements, as Beijing seeks to develop the industry into a major pillar of its economy.Over 70 teams
8 hours ago
Pak Army chief Munir concludes three-day Iran visitPak Army chief Munir concludes three-day Iran visit Published on: Apr 18, 2026 1:26 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Islamabad, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has concluded his three-day visit to Iran as part of
8 hours ago
Bollywood-inspired Brazilian telenovela recreated Kajra Re, used Beedi Jalaile; internet stunned: ‘How could this exist’The 2009 telenovela Caminho das Índias has resurfaced online, captivating audiences with its Bollywood-style drama and intercaste romance. Apr 18, 2026
8 hours ago
Oil prices plunged more than 10% on Friday (April 17, 2026) after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely open” for the rest of the ceasefire with the United States, and stock markets surged. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that “passage for all commercial
8 hours ago
Delhi techie who quit ₹40 LPA Google job opens up on life after corporate: ‘I now own 100% of my time’A Delhi techie quit his ₹40 LPA+ Google job and chose to explore life, prioritising freedom over a predictable career. Published on: Apr 18
8 hours ago
Trump expands claim, says he stopped 10 wars including Iran and LebanonWhile speaking at the Turning Point USA event, Trump once again claimed that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan. Updated on: Apr 18, 2026 12:59 PM IST By Karishma Ayaldasani Share via Copy link US President Donald
8 hours ago
The Odisha Government recently issued guidelines for industrial houses to undertake “compensatory irrigation” in line with “compensatory afforestation”, if irrigation land needs to be acquired for different projects. “While both agriculture and industrialisation are necessary for creating
8 hours ago
IT raids TMC leaders ahead of West Bengal election; Mamata Banerjee questions timingRaids were conducted on premises of TMC MLA Debashish Kumar, who is fighting from Rashbehari, and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Mamata’s candidature from Bhabanipur Published on: Apr 18
8 hours ago
