Ilia Topuria Makes UFC History with Stunning Knockout of Max Holloway

Welcome back to What's Popular Now!

Another week, another edition of What's Popular Now! Get ready for a weekly deep dive into the world of pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle essentials.

TRENDING THIS WEEK

In the Spotlight: Must-Read This Week

Indie Horror Takes Over the Box Office in 2024!

This year, indie horror films are stealing the spotlight alongside big hits like Smile 2. March saw record-breaking success for Late Night with the Devil and Immaculate, which pulled in $10M and $15M. Neon’s Longlegs followed in July, grossing $74M domestically. By October, Terrifier 3 knocked Joker: Folie à Deux from the top spot. Looking for more scares? Here are 10 indie horror films you don’t want to miss this Halloween. [Read More]

Ryoma Takeuchi shares plans to play the Like a Dragon series after his role as Kiryu

Despite not playing the Like a Dragon series before his portrayal of Kiryu, actor Ryoma Takeuchi expressed his desire to dive into the games when time allows. Although his packed schedule prevents him from starting now, Takeuchi revealed he enjoys gaming and would commit fully once he begins. Interestingly, he was advised not to play the games during the character development process to explore Kiryu "from scratch." [Read More]

Ilia Topuria Makes UFC History with Stunning Knockout of Max Holloway

UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria became the first to knock out Max Holloway in UFC 308’s main event in Abu Dhabi. Topuria secured his victory with a brutal left hand in the third round, capping off an incredible year after also defeating Alexander Volkanovski in February. Emotional post-fight, Topuria praised Holloway as a legend and inspiration. Holloway, ever gracious, promised to bounce back stronger. [Read More]

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

• 10 years ago today, Taylor Swift released ‘1989.’

  

• ‘APT.’ by Rosé and Bruno Mars remains at #1 on Global Spotify for a sixth consecutive day with 13.83 million streams. [Listen]

  It also remains at #1 on US Spotify with 1.9 million streams.

• Olivia Rodrigo looks ethereal for her GUTS Tour movie premiere.

  

Entertainment

• New look at Pedro Pascal in ‘GLADIATOR 2’

  

• Upcoming MCU films:

  • Captain America 4 — February 14, 2025

  • Thunderbolts — May 2, 2025

  • Fantastic Four — July 25, 2025

  • Avengers: Doomsday — May 1, 2026

  • Spider-Man 4 — July 24, 2026

  • Avengers: Secret Wars — May 7, 2027

Sports

• Lamine Yamal became the youngest scorer in El Clásico History

  

• UFC 308 Ilia Topuria becomes the first man to knock out Max Holloway

Gaming

• 20 years ago today, ‘GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS’ was released.

  

  Gif by rockstargames on Giphy

• Overwatch 2 is bringing back 6v6 in Season 14. It should release before the end of 2024

QUICK QUIZ

What’s the most-streamed song on Spotify as of 2024?
A) "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
B) "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
C) "As It Was" by Harry Styles
D) "Stay" by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

(Scroll down for the answer!)

LIFESTYLE

Small Changes That Can Make Your Morning Routine Feel Less Rushed

Feeling rushed in the morning? These small changes can make a big difference:

• Prep the night before: Lay out your clothes, pack your bag, and even set your keys by the door. It reduces decision-making stress when you're half-awake.

• Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier: Those few extra minutes give you time to wake up slowly and avoid the "snooze-button trap."

• Streamline your breakfast: Stick to easy options like overnight oats or a smoothie, but prep them the night before so you can grab and go.

• Simplify your skincare or makeup routine: Keep a pared-down version of your routine for busy mornings—just the essentials to save time without compromising self-care.

• Create a mini morning playlist: A short playlist of feel-good songs can help set a positive tone and keep you on track with time.

These small but practical tweaks can help you start your mornings feeling more organized and in control!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
— Albert Schweitzer

This week’s quote is a reminder that passion and joy in what you do pave the way for true success. Let it inspire you to pursue what brings you happiness!