Sports News Round-Up: Cirque du Soleil, Russian President Vladimir Putin

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer - Messi's life to be portrayed in Cirque du Soleil show

Cirque du Soleil is to base a new show around the life of Argentina soccer great Lionel Messi, the Montreal-based group of performing artists said on Tuesday. The show, which will be produced in conjunction with PopArt Music and Sony Music, will tour the world in 2019, although exact dates and venues have not been published.

Mixed Martial Arts-Putin congratulates Nurmagomedov after McGregor win

Russian President Vladimir Putin met and congratulated Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov on Wednesday after he retained his UFC lightweight title against Conor McGregor in about overshadowed by a post-fight brawl. Nurmagomedov's brutal submission victory over Ireland's McGregor on Saturday was followed by fights breaking out in and around the cage.

Kaepernick seeks the trademark for image of his face and hair

Colin Kaepernick may be the face of a recently unveiled Nike campaign, but he's taking steps to protect who can capitalize on his likeness going forward. Kaepernick, whose new and was released as part of the company's 30th anniversary "Just Do It" ad campaign, has filed for a trademark for a black and white image of his face and hair, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell.

Bills' McDermott on McCoy rumors: 'Get calls all the time'

Bills head coach Sean McDermott did not diffuse reports of trade interest from the Philadelphia Eagles in Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy on Wednesday. "We're just looking forward to the Houston Texans," McDermott said Wednesday, a day after News 4 in Buffalo reported the Eagles had interest in trading for the six-time Pro Bowler. "LeSean is one of our better players.

Yankees' Sabathia on ump Hernandez: 'Absolutely terrible'

CC Sabathia had harsh words for umpire Angel Hernandez following Tuesday night's series-clinching 4-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox, saying Hernandez isn't worthy of handling postseason games. "He's absolutely terrible," said Sabathia, who gave up three runs on five hits over three innings, with two walks and a strikeout. "He was terrible behind the plate (Tuesday). He was terrible at first base [in Monday's game]. It's amazing how he's getting jobs umpiring in these playoff games."

Mercedes also dominant on virtual F1 race tracks

Formula One champions Mercedes also dominated the sport's virtual racetracks on Wednesday with British driver Brendon Leigh starting the defence of his F1 esports title with two wins in three races. The 19-year-old former kitchen porter, winner of the first esports championship in Abu Dhabi last November before teams got involved, had looked set for a hat-trick after winning on Australian and Chinese Grand Prix layouts.

NHL roundup: Streaking Hurricanes trip Canucks

The Carolina Hurricanes were fast starters and had five different players score in a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night in Raleigh, N.C. Jordan Staal, Brett Pesce, Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Warren Foegele scored for the Hurricanes, who have won three in a row.

LeBron's move to LA gives 'new lease on life' to East teams

LeBron James' move to the Los Angeles Lakers gives new life to Eastern Conference teams that have been foiled by the game's greatest player for nearly a decade, basketball Hall of Famer Reggie Miller said on Wednesday. After James romped his way into the NBA Finals in each of the last eight seasons, those left in his wake can be excused if they are breathing a sigh of relief because their nemesis is now in the more competitive Western Conference.

Steelers' Roethlisberger: Conner deserves role alongside Bell

Second-year running back James Conner deserves a significant role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offence even when Le'Veon Bell returns from his holdout, according to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "I think James has done some amazing things and deserves to be on the field," Roethlisberger told reporters Wednesday. "We also know what Le'Veon is and what he brings to the table. I guess we'll cross that bridge if and when it happens."

PGA of America signs 11-year deal with CBS, ESPN

The PGA of America signed an 11-year rights deal on Wednesday that will keep their flagship PGA Championship on CBS and adds ESPN as a broadcast partner. The financial details of the deal were not announced but the PGA's chief commercial officer Jeff Price told Reuters in August that the PGA Championship's move to May in a reshuffling of the golf calendar would add value to the major.