March is already one of the best months on the sporting calendar, and 2026 is no exception. The Champions League knockout rounds are delivering blockbuster ties, the NCAA Tournament is about to tip off with a loaded bracket, the Premier League title race is tightening, and the UFC has three straight weekends of action. Here are six events between March 10 and March 31 that deserve a spot on your calendar — along with the picks for who takes it.
Champions League 2026 Picks: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City Prediction
This is the tie of the round. Leg 1 takes place at the Bernabéu on March 11, with Man City holding a slight edge at roughly 46% win probability to Real Madrid's 29%. The return leg at the Etihad on March 17 should be electric. These two clubs have delivered drama in each of their recent European meetings, and with both sides chasing silverware this season, neither can afford to hold anything back.
Vinícius Jr. will be the danger man for Real at home. For City, Erling Haaland's ability to punish even the smallest defensive lapses makes him the most likely match-winner over two legs. Kevin De Bruyne's fitness and creativity in the final third could be the deciding factor.
Manchester City to advance on aggregate. Haaland and De Bruyne carry City through, but expect Vinícius Jr. to score at least once across the two legs.
UFC Fight Night March 2026: Emmett vs. Vallejos Picks & Prediction
The UFC keeps the momentum rolling with a featherweight main event between veteran Josh Emmett (#11) and surging Kevin Vallejos (#14). Emmett brings devastating knockout power and big-fight experience, while the 17-1 Vallejos has been one of the more exciting rising contenders in the 145-pound division. This is a classic gatekeeper-vs.-prospect showdown that should tell us a lot about where Vallejos stands among the division's elite.
On the undercard, keep an eye on the bantamweight scrap between Rob Font and Raul Rosas Jr. — Rosas Jr. is one of the youngest fighters on the roster and has serious finishing ability that makes him a dark horse for a highlight-reel moment.
Vallejos by decision. His youth, pace, and volume should wear Emmett down over three rounds. Player to watch: Rosas Jr. on the undercard — he's built for breakout performances.
Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur 2026 Premier League Prediction
Liverpool is an overwhelming 71% favorite to win this one at Anfield, and it's easy to see why. Spurs are reeling after a 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace, while Liverpool is locked in a title fight and playing with the kind of intensity that makes them nearly unbeatable on their home turf.
Mohamed Salah is the obvious candidate for a starring role — Tottenham's leaky defense has been exposed repeatedly this season, and Salah thrives against sides that give up space in transition. Son Heung-min remains Spurs' biggest threat on the counter, but he'll need service that Tottenham has struggled to provide consistently.
Liverpool 3–1. Salah bags a brace and Liverpool cruises. Tottenham's only hope is an early goal to unsettle the crowd, and that feels unlikely given their current form.
March Madness 2026 Bracket Picks: Opening Weekend Best Bets
Selection Sunday is March 15, the First Four tips off on March 17 in Dayton, and then the full 64-team bracket explodes into action on March 19. The projected No. 1 seeds — Michigan, UConn, Arizona, and Duke — are all legitimate title contenders, but the beauty of March Madness is that the bracket never plays out the way the experts predict.
Florida enters as the defending champion with a balanced scoring attack led by junior forward Thomas Haugh, averaging nearly 17 points a game. Arizona's 23-game win streak to open the season signaled elite-level depth and coaching. And then there's the Cinderella factor: Miami (Ohio) is the only remaining unbeaten team in Division I.
Michigan as the overall No. 1 seed, but Arizona as the team built for a deep run. Watch UConn's Zuby Ejiofor — his playmaking from center is a matchup nightmare. Cinderella pick: Miami (Ohio) wins at least one game and captures the nation's attention.
UFC Fight Night London 2026: Evloev vs. Murphy Picks
The UFC heads to London for a featherweight headliner between two unbeaten fighters. Movsar Evloev (19-0, #1 ranked) takes on Lerone Murphy (17-0-1, #3 ranked) in a bout that could determine the next title challenger at 145 pounds. Both men have spotless records, so something has to give — and the London crowd will be absolutely electric for the hometown Murphy.
Evloev's relentless wrestling and cardio make him one of the most suffocating fighters in the division, while Murphy's crisp striking and confidence fighting at home give him a clear path to victory on the feet. This is a genuine pick'em fight with massive stakes.
Evloev by decision in a grueling five-rounder. His wrestling volume will be the difference, but don't sleep on Murphy — the London atmosphere could lift him to the performance of his career.
UFC Fight Night March 2026: Adesanya vs. Pyfer Prediction
Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya returns against Joe Pyfer at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle to close out the month. Adesanya (24-5, #5 ranked) is looking to reassert himself among the division's elite after a rough stretch, and Pyfer (#14) is the kind of aggressive, powerful opponent who will force “The Last Stylebender” to show he still has championship-level skills.
At his best, Adesanya is one of the most gifted strikers in UFC history. Pyfer brings raw power and a willingness to walk forward, which could play right into Adesanya's hands if the former champ can find his rhythm. This is a prove-it fight for Izzy, and Seattle should provide a fantastic atmosphere.
Adesanya by TKO in the third round. Pyfer's aggression will leave him open to counters, and Adesanya has the craft to find the finish. This is the fight where Izzy reminds everyone why he was champion.
From the Bernabéu to the Octagon to a packed gymnasium in Dayton, Ohio, the back half of March 2026 is absolutely loaded. Circle these dates, set your reminders, and get ready — this is the stretch of the sporting year where legends are made and brackets are busted. Enjoy the madness.
