*Editor’s note: Mitch the Intern is an NYU undergrad whose favorite Wednesday night pastime includes the TV in his dorm room, a green beanbag chair and two hits of acid.

Heavyweight superstar Fedor Emelianenko defeated top-ranked lightweight Shinya Aoki in a grappling exhibition match at DEEP/M-1 Challenge in Japan today, besting the crafty and popular Japanese submission specialist with an anklelock. After his victory, the Russian sambo champ - who’s defeated the likes of Andrei Arlovski, Tim Sylvia and various bears and Yetii in unarmed combat - was awarded the World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts (WAMMA) lightweight championship belt. “We feel that Fedor’s accomplishments as lightweight merit it,” said WAMMA executive Joe Bloggerstein.

With Mumbai smarting after defeat against Punjab and Kolkata keen to save face, who does Frank Gregan believe will prevail at Buffalo Park? Team News Kolkata will be looking to shake things up as they try to salvage some pride and get their second win on the board in order to get themselves off the foot of the table. Ajantha Mendis who was dropped for the game against Bangalore on Wednesday could be set for a recall probably replacing Agarkar who was only trusted with two overs but still managed to concede 23 runs.

Bangalore have been disappointing so far, but Frank Gregan can see an unlikely win happening on Friday.

Three years after his much-ballyhooed, post-Super Bowl, announced-during-the-Winter Olympics hiring, it is likely NBC football analyst Jerome Bettis will not have his contract renewed for the coming season and beyond. Late last season NBC moved Bettis and Tiki Barber out of its crowded studio and into the field to serve primarily as well-connected reporters