Tag: ufc

TKO announces ‘takeover’ in Kansas City featuring WWE, UFC, PBR events

Posted on by Ian Carey

TKO has announced its first-ever “Takeover” series of events.

On Wednesday, the company revealed plans to run three events over five nights at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The lineup begins with PBR (Professional Bull Riders) on Thursday, April 24, followed by UFC Fight Night on Saturday, April 26, and concludes with WWE Raw on Monday, April 28.

This marks the first time all three promotions will hold consecutive events at the same venue under the TKO banner. The deal was brokered through the Kansas City Sports Commission. The presenting sponsor is VeChain, which has been UFC’s official blockchain partner since 2022.

From TKO’s press release:

“Kansas City has collectively hosted dozens of UFC, WWE, and PBR events over the years, and it has become a top destination for each of these respective promotions,” said Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President, Event Development and Operations for TKO. “This is a unique opportunity to showcase these three premier properties in one city at the same time for the benefit of fans and visitors to the area.  We thank the Kansas City Sports Commission and the management at T-Mobile Center for making this possible.”  

“Kansas City has a great history of hosting world-class events, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition by partnering with three of the biggest brands in the sports and entertainment world,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “These events will generate significant economic impact for our hotels and local businesses, as well as shine a spotlight on Kansas City through broadcast programming and social media.”

“Our longstanding relationship with UFC, WWE and PBR has resulted in some of T-Mobile Center’s most memorable events,” said Jay Cooper, General Manager, T-Mobile Center.  “The three together in one action-packed week will be an exciting opportunity for our guests to experience the very best in sports.  We are honored that TKO chose T-Mobile Center as the first location for this world-class event package.”

UFC was last in Kansas City for Fight Night: Holloway vs. Allen on April 15, 2023. WWE ran an episode of Raw at the T-Mobile Center on April 29, 2024. The most recent PBR event in the city was the Kansas City Outlaws’ homestand, PBR Outlaw Days, held from September 6 to 8, 2024.

UFC on ESPN+ 110 live results: Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back in Seattle for the first time in over a decade as UFC on ESPN+ 110 takes place inside the Climate Pledge Arena.

In the main event, former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo looks to get back into the title picture when he squares off against Song Yadong. Both men are coming off layoffs of around a year as Cejudo is coming off a loss to Merab Dvalishvili last February while Song is returning from a loss at the hands of Petr Yan last March.

In the co-main event, it’s a battle of middleweight contenders looking to get into the title picture as Brendan Allen, coming off a loss, against Anthony Hernandez, winner of six straight.

Also on the main card is a catchweight bout between Rob Font and undefeated Jean Matsumoto; a featherweight bout between Jean Silva and Melsik Baghdasaryan; and a light heavyweight bout pitting Alonzo Menifield against the debuting Julius Walker.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Light Heavyweights- Modestas Bukauskas (16-6, 4-4 UFC) vs. Rafael Cerqueira (11-1, 0-1 UFC)

Bukauskas lands a left hook to the body and they trade punches. Cerqueira with a leg kick but then eats a combo from Bukauskas. Cerqueira lands a heavy inside leg kick. Cerqueira lands a body kick. Bukauskas with a calf kick. Bukauskas lands a one-two combination. Cerqueira connects with a straight right hand. He lands another. He lands with one again. Bukauskas wobbles Cerqueira with some big punches and then drops him with a right hand and Cerqueira is out and done! What a finish from Bukauskas!

Official Result- Modestas Bukauskas def. Rafael Cerqueira by knockout (punches) at 2:12 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Nursulton Ruziboev (34-9-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Eric McConico (9-2-1, 0-0 UFC)

McConico lands a leg kick. They’re feeling each other out with no action happening. Ruziboev misses with a right hand. Ruziboev connects as McConico was throwing a kick, and Ruziboev also lands a knee. Ruziboev with a short leg kick. Ruziboev lands and then forces McConico to the fence in a clinch. Not much happens before they separate. Ruziboev lands a right hand and then another. He lands another and then another right hand. Ruziboev with a body kick. 10-9 Ruziboev.

They’re trading punches to start the second. Ruziboev lands and then lands and McConico falls to the mat. Ruziboev starts taking advantage and is teeing off as McConico stands and Ruziboev keeps landing as he is swarming on McConico. McConico goes down again and it is all over! What a finish from Ruziboev!

Official Result- Nursulton Ruziboev def. Eric McConico by TKO (punches) at :33 of Round 2

> 175-pound Catchweights- Nikolay Veretennikov (12-5, 0-1 UFC) vs. Austin Vanderford (12-2, 0-0 UFC)

Veretennikov with a pair of inside leg kicks. They trade jabs. Veretennikov lands a right hand as Vanderford lands a leg kick. Vanderford scores a takedown. They trade punches on the mat as Vanderford is inside the guard. Vanderford landing punches and elbows from the top and Veretennikov is cut open. Vanderford controlling from the top. Vanderford attacking for the arm-triangle choke but Veretennikov gets out. He attacks it again but ends up on the back but has it locked back in tight. Veretennikov is fighting it. Vanderford lets go as he gets back to mount. 10-9 Vanderford.

Veretennikov with an inside leg kick. Vanderford lands a kick. Veretennikov connects and Vanderford looks for a takedown as he has the back against the fence. Vanderford scores the takedown and lands from the top. Vanderford landing elbows from the top and goes back to landing left hands. Vanderford landing to the body from the top and goes back to landing to the head. Vanderford landing lots of punches as Veretennikov is having trouble defending and it is stopped. Vanderford with a dominant win in his debut.

Official Result- Austin Vanderford def. Nikolay Veretennikov by TKO (punches) at 4:13 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- Ricky Simon (20-6, 8-5 UFC) vs. Javid Basharat (14-1 1 NC, 3-1 1 NC UFC)

Basharat lands a jab. Simon grabs the back and gets a big takedown but Basharat explodes to his feet. Simon still has control but they break apart. They trade punches. Simon with a leg kick and shoots for a takedown but Basharat defends as they go to the fence. They trade left hands. Simon looks for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence but they quickly separate. Basharat lands a counter left hand and then a body kick. Basharat lands to the body. Simon with a jab. Simon then lands a big right hand and Basharat goes down out cold. An absolutely brutal knockout by Simon to pick up the win.

Official Result- Ricky Simon def. Javid Basharat by knockout (punch) at 3:58 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Mansur Abdul-Malik (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Nick Klein (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

Klein with an inside leg kick. He shoots for a takedown but Abdul-Malik defends and they stand. Abdul-Malik pushing the action around as Klein lands a couple of short leg kicks. Klein looks for the leg but lets go. Abdul-Malik lands a pair of jabs. Klein lands a spinning elbow and Abdul-Malik is hurt. Klein rushes in and scores a takedown. They scramble up and Klein lands some left hands. Klein has back control. Klein with some short knees. Klein trying to get it down but Abdul-Malik is keeping it upright. Klein with some punches to the thighs of Abdul-Malik. They separate. 10-9 Klein.

They trade and Klein looks for a takedown against the fence. Klein still working for the takedown against the fence but they separate. Abdul-Malik lands a jab. Klein with a pair of inside leg kicks. Abdul-Malik lands as Klein is still looking for a takedown. Abdul-Malik lands and throws Klein to the mat. Abdul-Malik teeing off with tons of punches and he connects with the jaw and is continuing to swarm with punches. Abdul-Malik with big punches and a knee and continues to land until it is stopped. Big finish by Abdul-Malik to pick up the win.

Official Result- Mansur Abdul-Malik def. Nick Klein by TKO (strikes) at 3:24 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Andre Fili (24-11 1 NC, 12-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Melquizael Costa (21-7, 2-2 UFC)

Costa with a body kick. He lands another. Costa with some leg kicks as Fili is trying to work the jab. Costa lands a left hand and then a body kick. They trade high kicks. Fili gets the better of a quick exchange. Costa with a quick combo and then a pair of body kicks. Costa lands a left hand. Costa with a body kick. Costa with a body kick and Fili just misses a head kick. They trade head kicks. They trade body kicks. Fili scores a takedown. Costa is attacking for a guillotine choke. It is in tight and Fili taps! A finish out of nowhere from Costa.

Official Result- Melquizael Costa def. Andre Fili by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:30 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- Ion Cutelaba (18-10-1 1 NC, 7-9-1 UFC) vs. Ibo Aslan (14-1, 2-0 UFC)

Cutelaba with some front kicks to the body. They both swing and miss and then connect simultaneously on some leg kicks. Aslan rocks Cutelaba with a counter right hand and Cutelaba was covering up. They trade big punches in the pocket. Cutelaba shoots for a takedown but Aslan defends. Cutelaba with a right hand. Aslan lands an uppercut. Cutelaba has the back and drags it down. They get up and separate. Cutelaba lands a right hand and Aslan briefly goes down. Cutelaba gets a slam takedown into side control. Cutelaba gets the back but moves back to mount and has the arm-triangle locked in and Aslan taps! What a finish from Cutelaba!

Official Result- Ion Cutelaba def. Ibo Aslan by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:51 of Round 1

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> Light Heavyweights- #15 Alonzo Menifield (15-5-1, 8-5-1 UFC) vs. Julius Walker (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

Walker immediately pushes Menifield against the fence. Walker lands a pair of knees to the body against the fence. They separate and Walker hurts Menifield with a punch and they clinch back up against the fence. They break apart. Walker slips on a kick and Menifield almost clinches but backs away. Walker shoots for a takedown against the fence. Walker lands an elbow and Menifield lands a hard left hand. Walker tries for a takedown against the fence. They separate and Menifield lands a few big punches. Menifield lands a right hand as Walker lands an elbow. Menifield with an uppercut and lands a right hand. Walker lands a big knee but Menifield connects with a big left hand. Menifield landing shots. Menifield grabs the body. Walker lands a knee. Walker lands a head kick and Menifield connects late. 10-9 Walker.

Menifield lands a right hand and then the jab as Walker connects. Walker lands a right hand and shoots for a takedown. Walker has the body lock. Walker with some knees. They separate and Walker lands a leg kick and goes back for the takedown. Walker with a knee and an uppercut and they trade against the fence. They break to the middle. They trade left hands. Walker lands a left hand and they clinch again. Walker backs away and lands a jab. Menifield lands a combo. Walker with a leg kick as Menifield lands a jab. Menifield lands a right hand. Menifield lands a leg kick and then another. Menifield lands a combination. Menifield lands a big right hand. Walker gets a late takedown but Menifield pops right up as he lands a pair of elbows. 10-9 Menifield, 19-19.

Walker lands a left hook. They trade big shots inside the pocket. They trade and Walker lands a groin strike and timeout is called. They get back to action. Menifield lands a right hand. Menifield with a combination. Walker with an inside leg kick then lands two body kicks. Menifield with an uppercut and Walker looks for a takedown against the fence. Walker is trying hard to get it down. Walker with some knees. They separate as Menifield lands a jab. They trade as Walker lands a knee and Menifield lands over the top. Menifield lands a big combination. Menifield landing more late. Close fight. 10-9 Menifield, 29-28 Menifield.

Official Result- Alonzo Menifield def. Julius Walker by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Jean Silva (14-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-2, 3-1 UFC)

Silva lands a body kick. Silva with a head kick that Baghdasaryan is barely able to block. Silva with a body kick as Baghdasaryan lands a right hook. They both land right hands at the same time. Silva lands a body kick. Silva lands a left hand. They trade punches. Baghdasaryan with a high kick. Baghdasaryan slaps Silva and Silva starts taunting him. Silva drops Baghdasaryan with a right hand and starts teeing off with shots from the top and it is all over! What a finish from Silva!

Official Result- Jean Silva def. Melsik Baghdasaryan by TKO (strikes) at 4:15 of Round 1

> 140-pound Catchweights- #9 BW Rob Font (21-8, 11-7 UFC) vs. Jean Matsumoto (16-0, 2-0 UFC)

Font lands a combo and then they are trading against the fence right away and Matsumoto looks for a takedown. Both are battling for position against the fence. Matsumoto still working to get it down as Font is defending. They separate and Font lands a combination. Font with a nice right hand. Matsumoto lands a right hand and Font is backing up. Matsumoto is able to score a takedown. Font is attacking the arm looking for a kimura from the bottom. Font tries to scramble up but Matsumoto grabs the neck to keep Font down. Font gets his neck out but Matsumoto stays on top. Matsumoto with some right hands and they stand. Matsumoto with a big slam takedown. 10-9 Matsumoto.

Matsumoto with some leg kicks early as Font lands a combination. Matsumoto shoots for a takedown and Font grabs the neck for a guillotine choke, but Matsumoto pops his head out. Matsumoto controls from the top but they scramble up. Matsumoto with a pair of leg kicks. Font lands to the body. Font working the jab as Matsumoto lands some kicks. Font with a big combo to the body. Matsumoto with a head kick. Font lands a right hand and then another. Matsumoto gets a takedown but Font gets right up, though Matsumoto takes it right back down. They get up. Matsumoto gets another big slam takedown. Font attacking the arm as Matsumoto is in side control. They scramble up and separate. Font lands a right hand. They trade against the fence. Matsumoto with a head kick. 10-9 Matsumoto, 20-18 Matsumoto.

Font lands a right hand. Matsumoto with a high kick. Matsumoto lands a leg kick and then another. Matsumoto lands an uppercut then a leg kick and a head kick. Matsumoto with a leg kick. Font lands a looping right hand. Font lands and Matsumoto is cut open. Matsumoto pushes it to the fence and Font lands a knee. Matsumoto with an elbow as they break. They trade and Font pushes it against the fence and lands as he separates. Font with an uppercut. Matsumoto with a pair of leg kicks. Font with a combination. Font lands an elbow in the clinch. Font with a knee as he’s controlling the clinch and having nonstop output. Font lands against the fence. They scramble down but pop right up and Font lands against the fence before they separate. Font with a combo. They are trading late and Font lands a big right hand. What a fight. 10-9 Font, 29-28 Matsumoto.

Official Result- Rob Font def. Jean Matsumoto by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #9 Brendan Allen (24-6, 12-3 UFC) vs. #12 Anthony Hernandez (13-2 1 NC, 7-2 UFC)

Allen with some leg kicks early. Allen lands a right hand. Allen lands a head kick and jumps on the back as they scramble to the mat and Hernandez is inside the guard of Allen. They scramble and Hernandez has the back of Allen. They get to their feet. Hernandez gets it down and is in side control and lands a pair of elbows. Hernandez gets the back and looks to roll for a guillotine but keeps back control. Allen is able to roll to side control and lands some elbows. He’s looking to set up an arm-triangle but Hernandez gets out of it. Allen looks for a kimura but lets go and has the back of Hernandez. Allen landing right hands from the back. Allen almost had a choke locked in but Hernandez was able to slip out. Allen with two big elbows from the top. 10-9 Allen.

Hernandez gets it down early and is working for a guillotine choke. Allen pops his head out. Hernandez working from the top and almost had another choke locked in. Allen with a back elbow as Hernandez has his back. They almost scramble up as Hernandez sprawls. Hernandez with a knee to the body from side control. Allen gives up his back. Allen is able to reverse and now has the back of Hernandez. Allen looks for a choke but gets the mount. Hernandez stands with Allen on his back, but he is able to shake Allen off and Hernandez is back on top. Hernandez lands from the back. Hernandez lands elbows from the top. Hernandez lands to end the round. 10-9 Hernandez, 19-19.

Hernandez lands a right hand and timeout is called as Allen may have been poked in the eye. It was a knuckle and they continue. Allen hurts Hernandez with a right hand. Hernandez looks for a takedown and Allen grabs the neck and rolls and they scramble up. Hernandez with a double jab. Hernandez ducks under and grabs the back against the fence. Hernandez dragging it down and they scramble up and Hernandez keeps back control. Hernandez with some knees. Hernandez attacks the neck. Hernandez with a knee. Hernandez still has back control as Allen is doing nothing to escape. Hernandez looks for a choke but Allen fights it off. Allen slips off and is on top for a moment but Hernandez scrambles to the top and starts landing. 10-9 Hernandez, 29-28 Hernandez.

Official Result- Anthony Hernandez def. Brendan Allen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- #7 Henry Cejudo (16-4, 10-4 UFC) vs. #8 Song Yadong (21-8-1 1 NC, 10-3-1 UFC)

Song with a leg kick. He lands another and Cejudo backs Song up with some punches thrown. Song with another leg kick. Cejudo lands a body kick. Cejudo lands a leg kick. Song with a jab to the body and a leg kick. Cejudo lands a leg kick. Song lands a right hand and a leg kick. Song lands a leg kick and Cejudo lands a left hook as he rushes in. Cejudo with two leg kicks. He lands another. Cejudo looks for a takedown but Song shakes it off. Cejudo lands a right hand. Cejudo with a body kick and Song lands a combination. They trade. 10-9 Song.

Cejudo with some leg kicks. Cejudo lands as he comes forward and Song lands some counter punches. Song with a leg kick. Cejudo lands a leg kick and then another. Song with a double jab. Song lands a right hand. Song mixes to the head and body. Song lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches then trade leg kicks again. Song lands a leg kick. Song with an inside leg kick. Song with a body kick and he slips, which allows Cejudo to land a combo. Cejudo lands a stiff jab that stuns Song for a moment. Song with a pair of body kicks. They trade inside the pocket. Cejudo lands a right hand and then another. Song lands an uppercut. Song with a hard left hook, but Cejudo fires back with a stiff combo. 10-9 Song, 20-18 Song.

Song lands to the body. Cejudo lands a left hand and then lands another. They both land inside the pocket. Song lands a combination. Cejudo works the jab. They trade in close range. Cejudo lands a left hand. Song with a body kick. They trade and Song lands a kick below the belt and timeout is called. They get back going and trade inside the pocket. Cejudo lands a stiff jab and a left hand. Song with a big knee but Cejudo did block it. They trade. Song with a leg kick. Cejudo with a solid right hand. Timeout is called again as Cejudo was poked in the eye by Song. Cejudo took the full five minutes to recover and they get back to action. Song lands a right hand. Song with a left hand to the body. Song with a body kick. 10-9 Song, 30-27 Song.

Cejudo is saying he can’t see and the doctor comes in. It’s now an official fight and if it gets stopped, they go to the scorecards. They’re going to start the fourth and immediately stop it and go to the scorecards since Cejudo can’t continue.

Official Result- Song Yadong def. Henry Cejudo by technical unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

UFC on ESPN+ 109 live results: Jared Cannonier vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to its home base inside of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas with a slate of twelve action-packed fights for UFC on ESPN+ 109.

The headliner is a five-round middleweight bout that sees eighth-ranked former title challenger Jared Cannonier looking to get back into the win column against rising contender Gregory Rodrigues. Cannonier has lost two straight fights as he’s struggled to get back into the title picture, while Rodrigues enters his first UFC main event looking to extend his three-fight win streak and find a spot in the middleweight rankings as he climbs the division ladder.

In the co-main event, Calvin Kattar looks to end a three-fight losing skid when he takes on Youssef Zalal, winner of six straight fights.

Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between Edmen Shahbazyan and Dylan Budka; a lightweight bout pitting Ismael Bonfim against Nazim Sadykhov; and a bout between middleweight submission specialists Rodolfo Vieira and Andre Petroski opens the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Women’s Bantamweights- #12 Julia Avila (9-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. #13 Jacqueline Cavalcanti (8-1, 3-0 UFC)

Avila landing leg kicks early as Cavalcanti is landing some leg kicks and mixing in the jab. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Cavalcanti with a front kick. Avila lands a heavy leg kick. They trade inside leg kicks and Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Cavalcanti connects with another solid right hand then lands a combo as Avila lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Cavalcanti lands a leg kick and Avila lands a right hand. Cavalcanti with a right hand. Avila with a stiff calf kick. Cavalcanti lands another right hand then tags Avila with a left hook. Avila then lands a right hand. Cavalcanti with a combination. Cavalcanti with a combination to the body then lands a head kick, then Avila lands at the end. 10-9 Cavalcanti.

They trade leg kicks. Cavalcanti connects with a right hand as Avila was closing the distance. Cavalcanti mixes kicks to the body and leg. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Avila with an inside leg kick and lands a right hand. Cavalcanti with a front kick. Cavalcanti lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Cavalcanti lands a right hand and Avila goes to the ground. Avila grabs the leg and is able to score a takedown. Avila is landing some elbows from the top but has a cut open above her eye. Avila grabs the neck but they separate and trade late. 10-9 Cavalcanti, 20-18 Cavalcanti.

Cavalcanti connects with a solid right hand and then lands another. Avila with a leg kick and she’s chasing a takedown. Cavalcanti lands as Avila was rushing forward and throwing wild. Cavalcanti lands another solid right hand and then a front kick. She ducks under Avila throwing and Cavalcanti lands a right hand. Avila lands a right hand. Cavalcanti with a combination. Avila lands a right hand. Cavalcanti lands a jab. Cavalcanti lands a combo. Avila with a right hand and a leg kick. Avila lands and initiates a clinch landing a knee. Avila has Cavalcanti pressed against the fence but they separate before trading to end the fight. 10-9 Cavalcanti, 30-27 Cavalcanti.

Official Result- Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- Don’Tale Mayes (11-7 1 NC, 4-5 1 NC UFC) vs. Valter Walker (12-1, 1-1 UFC)

Walker goes for a takedown against the fence and is able to complete it. Walker with some punches and short elbows from the top. Walker attacks the leg and locks in a heel hook and it gets Mayes to tap.

Official Result- Valter Walker def. Don’Tale Mayes by submission (heel hook) at 1:17 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Vince Morales (16-8, 3-6 UFC) vs. Elijah Smith (7-1, 0-0 UFC)

Smith lands a jab as Morales lands a right hand. Smith lands a leg kick. They trade and Morales lands a combo but then lands a hard kick right to the cup and timeout is called. They get back to action and Morales is pressuring with a jab. Smith lands a combination. Smith with a leg kick. Timeout is called for an eye poke. They get back to action and Smith with a jab. Smith lands a double jab. Morales lands a pair of right hands and they trade with Morales landing a left hook. Smith lands a right hand. Morales lands a right hand. Smith with a pair of stiff calf kicks. Smith lands a combination. Smith gets a takedown but is unable to do much as time runs out. 10-9 Smith.

Smith lands a head kick. Morales lands a right hand against the fence and they clinch. Smith picks Morales up and carries him towards his corner before slamming him down. Smith takes the back and is looking to get the hooks in. Smith has a rear-naked choke in but doesn’t have the correct angle, and Morales is able to escape. Smith remains on top. They scramble and Morales is looking for a D’Arce choke. Morales is trying to crank it from the top. He has it in deeper as Smith is trying to escape. Smith turns in and breaks the grip. Morales still looking for the choke as they stand. Morales drags it down but Smith is able to scramble out and now attacks the neck of Morales. They scramble up and Smith is able to take the back late. 10-9 Morales, 19-19.

They trade right hands. Smith lands a jab as Morales lands a right hand. Morales lands a jab. Morales lands and they clinch. Morales with a knee. Smith lands an uppercut and Morales’ nose is busted open, then Smith scores a takedown. They scramble up and separate. Morales lands a right hand after Smith lands a clean left hand. Smith with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Morales attacks the neck as Smith sprawls to the mat. Smith gets out and they stand, and Morales lands an elbow as they break. Smith with a flurry of stiff jabs. Smith lands a pair of leg kicks and hurts Morales with a double jab. They trade as Smith connects. Morales grabs the body lock and almost gets a takedown but they pop up. Morales has the neck late and a choke in but Smith lands to defend and time runs out. Fun fight. 10-9 Smith, 29-28 Smith.

Official Result- Elijah Smith def. Vince Morales by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Gabriel Bonfim (16-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (15-3, 6-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Both land jabs to the upper body. Williams lands a right hand. Bonfim lands a jab. Bonfim with another jab. Williams with a left hand and then a quick flurry, but Bonfim is able to get it to the mat. Williams is able to get to his feet as Bonfim is holding onto him. Bonfim gets a takedown and has the back looking for a choke. Williams is able to escape to his feet. Bonfim lands a jab. Williams with a leg kick and lands a combo but Bonfim scores a late takedown. 10-9 Bonfim.

Bonfim lands a leg kick. Bonfim with a pair of jabs as Williams lands a short leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Williams with a left hook. Bonfim lands a stiff jab as Williams lands a hard leg kick. Bonfim with a jab and a calf kick. Williams with a leg kick. They trade punches. Bonfim with a leg kick. Bonfim with a jab then a leg kick. Bonfim with a jab. They scramble and Bonfim is looking for a D’Arce choke and has it locked and Williams goes out cold! What a finish from Bonfim!

Official Result- Gabriel Bonfim def. Khaos Williams by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:58 of Round 2

> Flyweights- Rafael Estevam (12-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jesus Aguilar (11-2, 3-1 UFC)

Aguilar with a leg kick right away. They tie up as both look to take it to the mat. Estevam is able to get the body lock and score a takedown as Aguilar jumped up for a guillotine. Aguilar is scrambling for an omaplata but Estevam grabs the back as they stand. They break position and Estevam gets a trip takedown. Estevam with a few short punches and elbows from the top. Estevam lands some more punches as Aguilar grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine choke. Estevam is able to pop his head out. Estevam with some left hands. Estevam gets the back on the feet. Estevam gets it back to the mat. 10-9 Estevam.

Aguilar lands a leg kick as Estevam is looking for the takedown right away. Aguilar gets out and tries to rush in as he throws, but Estevam is able to score a takedown. Estevam is landing from the top and controlling. Estevam has the back as they stand and he gets it back down and lands from the back. Aguilar slips out and jumps for the guillotine but lands a knee instead. Estevam trying to get it back down and does. They keep getting up and Estevam keeps getting Aguilar back down. Estevam in side control and lands some small hammerfists. Estevam controlling and is looking for an arm-triangle choke. Aguilar turns away from it. 10-9 Estevam, 20-18 Estevam.

They trade kicks. Aguilar with two stiff calf kicks and he rushes in swinging punches. Aguilar looks for the takedown against the fence. They break apart. Aguilar lands some kicks. Estevam looks for the takedown but Aguilar defends. Aguilar lands a right hand and then a flurry as Estevam is pinned against the fence. Estevam shoots for the takedown but Aguilar sprawls and lands a right hand as they break. Aguilar landing big flurries as Estevam is tired. Estevam lands a right hand. Aguilar with a leg kick. Aguilar gets a brief takedown and lands as they stand. Estevam looks for a takedown but Aguilar grabs the neck. Aguilar looked for a choke but Estevam escapes to the top. Estevam has the back as they stand. Aguilar with some right hands. 10-9 Aguilar, 29-28 Estevam.

Official Result- Rafael Estevam def. Jesus Aguilar by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #13 Angela Hill (17-14, 12-14 UFC) vs. Ketlen Souza (15-4, 2-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and clinch against the fence. Hill lands a bunch of knees as she has the underhooks. Souza tries to land some knees but they don’t really connect, and Hill lands a few more knees. Hill lands an elbow before they separate. Souza lands a combination. Souza lands again and they clinch as Souza lands to the body. Hill with some more knees as she has Souza against the fence. They separate and Hill then scores a takedown. Hill is in top half-guard and looking for the neck. Hill has the back and lands punches though Souza is able to scramble up late. 10-9 Hill.

Hill working the jab to start the second as Souza misses some punches. Hill with a pair of leg kicks. They trade jabs. Hill lands a right hand. Hill with a body kick and Souza lands a knee. Hill with a body kick. Hill with a couple of short uppercuts and lands a knee in a brief Thai clinch. Hill lands a combo. Hill lands a right hand. Souza lands a head kick but Hill barely got her hand up to block. Hill lands a knee during a clinch and Souza lands a knee on the break. They trade kicks and Souza lands a spin kick. Hill lands a spin kick. Souza with a left hand. Hill lands a right hand and a knee and elbow in a brief clinch. They tie up late. 10-9 Souza, 19-19.

Hill gets a takedown early in the third and is on top against the fence. Hill landing from the top before they get to their feet. Souza lands to the body and they separate. Hill lands a combo. Hill lands a pair of right hands and is pressing forward. Souza with a body kick. Hill lands a pair of right hands as Souza lands to the body. Souza lands a combo. Souza sweeps Hill down but she gets right back up. Hill lands a right hand and a jump kick late. Close fight. 10-9 Hill, 29-28 Hill.

Official Result- Angela Hill def. Ketlen Souza by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Featherweights- Connor Matthews (7-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Jose Delgado (8-1, 0-0 UFC)

Delgado lands a left hand. Matthews gets a takedown and lands from the back of Delgado with some left hands. They scramble up and separate. Matthews with a body kick and Delgado lands a leg kick. Delgado with a combination and a spinning back fist. Matthews is cut open around his eye. Delgado lands a jab. Delgado drops Matthews with a right hand and gets right into the mount. Delgado landing from the back and it is all over! What a finish from Delgado in his debut.

Official Result- Jose Delgado def. Connor Matthews by knockout (punches) at 2:58 of Round 1

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> Middleweights- Rodolfo Vieira (10-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Andre Petroski (12-3, 7-2 UFC)

Petroski lands a leg kick as Vieira connects with a right hand. Vieira with a body kick. Petroski lands a leg kick. Vieira with a right hand and Petroski lands a hook and Vieira goes down looking for the leg but pops right up. Vieira lands a leg kick. Vieira shoots for a takedown but Petroski defends. Petroski lands a combination. Petroski with a leg kick. Vieira looks for a takedown against the fence. Petroski defending for a moment as Vieira has the back. They separate. Vieira lands a leg kick. Vieira lands a combination. Petroski gets a brief takedown but Vieira pops right up and escapes. Vieira lands a leg kick. Close round. 10-9 Petroski.

Vieira shoots for a takedown early but Petroski defends and lands a right hand as they stand. Vieira lands a right hand. Petroski lands a right hand. Vieira with an inside leg kick. Vieira lands a jab to the body. Vieira shoots for the takedown and has the back against the fence. He lets go and lands some big punches. They trade leg kicks and Vieira lands a right hand. Vieira with a jab to the body. Vieira with a combo and a leg kick. Vieira lands a jab. Vieira with a leg kick and a big right hand. Petroski lands a step-in jab. Petroski with a calf kick. Vieira lands a right hand. Petroski with a stiff jab. 10-9 Vieira, 19-19.

Petroski lands a leg kick. Vieira looks for a takedown but lets go of the leg. They trade shots. Petroski lands a leg kick. Petroski with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Vieira goes for a takedown and they briefly go down, and Vieira has the back as they stand. Vieira with some knees to the thighs of Petroski. Vieira lands a right hand as they break. Petroski lands a heavy calf kick. Vieira lands a leg kick. He lands another. Petroski lands a leg kick. Vieira shoots for a takedown but Petroski defends. Vieira with a combination. Petroski with a body kick. Vieira with another stiff combination. Petroski lands a combination. Vieira with two leg kicks. Vieira shoots for a takedown but Petroski defends and lands a combination. Petroski with a brief takedown. Close fight. 10-9 Petroski, 29-28 Petroski.

Official Result- Andre Petroski def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Ismael Bonfim (20-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (9-1-1, 2-0-1 UFC)

Bonfim with a quick combo and he lands a leg kick. Sadykhov with a body kick. Sadykhov lands a leg kick. Bonfim with a right hand. Sadykhov with a high kick. Bonfim lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Bonfim lands to the body. Bonfim lands a combination. Bonfim connects with a left hand. Bonfim with a hard body kick. Sadykhov lands to the body and then high. Sadykhov lands a head kick and then a left hand and an uppercut. Bonfim is retreating. They swing and then tie up. Sadykhov has the body lock. 10-9 Bonfim.

The fight is stopped after the first round as the head kick from Sadykhov ended with his toe in the eye of Bonfim, and Bonfim said he couldn’t see and the doctor stopped the fight.

Official Result- Nazim Sadykhov def. Ismael Bonfim by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Edmen Shahbazyan (13-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Dylan Budka (7-4, 0-2 UFC)

Shahbazyan with a heavy body kick. Budka connects with some punches. Shahbazyan drops Budka with a right hand and it is stopped after some follow-up shots as Budka was face down on the mat. Fantastic finish by Shahbazyan.

Official Result- Edmen Shahbazyan def. Dylan Budka by TKO (punches) at 1:35 of Round 1

> Featherweights- #10 Calvin Kattar (23-8, 7-6 UFC) vs. Youssef Zalal (16-5-1, 6-3-1 UFC)

Zalal with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands another after a jab. Zalal with a high kick that Kattar blocked. Zalal lands a body kick. Zalal with a right hand. Zalal lands a jab. Kattar not getting much offense going. They trade jabs. Zalal with a leg kick as Kattar lands a jab. Zalal with a jab and a leg kick. Zalal with a jab and a right hand. Kattar lands a jab. Kattar with an overhand right but Zalal slips away as he went for a head kick. Zalal lands a jab. Kattar with a jab. 10-9 Zalal.

They trade jabs. Zalal looks for the single leg but Kattar is able to slip away. Kattar lands a body kick. Zalal lands a jab. Zalal continues to work the jab as he switches stances. Zalal lands and lands a knee. Kattar with a leg kick. Zalal mixes some punches then lands a leg and a body kick. Zalal with a jab. Zalal lands a leg kick. Zalal with another leg kick. Kattar lands a leg kick and Zalal counters with a left hand and a body kick. They trade jabs. Kattar with a body kick. Kattar lands a double jab. Zalal with a jab and a leg kick and Kattar lands a right hand. 10-9 Zalal, 20-18 Zalal.

Zalal with a right hand and a leg kick. Kattar is throwing but Zalal is ducking away. They trade leg kicks. Zalal gets a brief takedown but Kattar scrambles right up. They trade jabs. Kattar is chasing Zalal around and lands. Kattar lands a right hand. Zalal with the jab. Zalal circling away but Kattar connects with a left hand. Zalal lands a combination. Kattar lands a right hand. Kattar lands an elbow but Zalal ducks under most of his attempts. Kattar lands an elbow but just misses a head kick. Kattar with a right hand. 10-9 Kattar, 29-28 Zalal.

Official Result- Youssef Zalal def. Calvin Kattar by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #7 Jared Cannonier (17-8, 10-8 UFC) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (16-5, 7-2 UFC)

Rodrigues lands a pair of hard body kicks then lands two solid right hands. Cannonier lands a right hand. Rodrigues lands two more right hands. Rodrigues with a heavy leg kick. Rodrigues lands a left hook and then drops Cannonier with a right hand. Cannonier gets right up and they clinch and Rodrigues fell to the mat and it allowed Cannonier to get control as he stood. They separate and Rodrigues lands some hard punches. Cannonier lands a right hand and a jab. Rodrigues with a left hand to the body. Rodrigues gets a brief takedown as Cannonier pops right up. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Rodrigues with a left hook and lands to the body as they tie up. Cannonier lands a right hand. Rodrigues clips Cannonier again and Cannonier goes down and Cannonier tries for the takedown. Rodrigues lands a pair of elbows. Cannonier gets a takedown but they get right up. Cannonier with body shots against the fence. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Cannonier moving forward and connecting early. Cannonier with a leg kick. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Rodrigues with a jab. Cannonier lands a right hand. Rodrigues is already slowing down. Cannonier with a heavy leg kick. Rodrigues with a left hook. Cannonier lands a calf kick. Rodrigues landing some counter shots. Cannonier connects with a right hand. Rodrigues with a left hook. Cannonier lands a left hook. Rodrigues with a body kick. Cannonier with a big inside leg kick and Rodrigues lands a right hand. Cannonier slips but gets up and pushes Rodrigues to the fence. Cannonier lands to the body with punches and a knee before they break. 10-9 Cannonier, 19-19.

Rodrigues lands a left hand. Cannonier with a leg kick. Rodrigues lands a high kick. Rodrigues with a right hand. Cannonier lands a right hand. They trade jabs. They trade right hands. Cannonier lands a jab. Rodrigues lands a combination. Cannonier lands a left hand. Rodrigues connects against the fence. They trade hard right hands. Cannonier with an uppercut and a left hand. Rodrigues lands an elbow. Rodrigues with a solid right hand. Cannonier drops Rodrigues with an elbow in the clinch and starts landing from the top but Rodrigues is able to survive the round. 10-9 Cannonier, 29-28 Cannonier.

Cannonier with some big punches to start the third. He’s landing a big flurry to the head and body and Rodrigues goes to the mat and it is all over! What a finish from Cannonier to pick up the upset victory.

Official Result- Jared Cannonier def. Gregory Rodrigues by TKO (punches) at :21 of Round 4

WWE wrestler Julius Creed part of Daniel Cormier’s Ultimate Fighter coaching staff

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Julius Creed of American Made will be part of Daniel Cormier’s coaching staff for the upcoming season of UFC reality show The Ultimate Fighter.

UFC Hall of Famer Cormier announced his staff in a social media post, including Creed, real name Jacob Kasper, is a former NCAA All-American in amateur wrestling at Duke University where he competed from 2013 to 2017.

Creed signed with WWE in 2020 along with his younger brother Brutus (Drew Kasper), and the duo made their televised debut as The Creed Brothers on NXT in 2021. The Creed Brothers held the NXT tag Team titles once.

Along with Chad Gable and Ivy Nile, the Creeds comprise the American Made stable as part of the WWE Raw roster.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 33 will stream beginning on May 27 on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Cormier will coach one team of competitors, while Chael Sonnen will coach the other. Cormier is a former UFC Heavyweight and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.

July 30, 2007 Observer Newsletter: Steroids in MMA, WWE Great American Bash review

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

A war of words, where personalities may obfuscate the very serious underlying issue, has taken center stage in MMA this past week. And it has eerie similarities to what is also going on at the same time in pro wrestling.

The steroid test failures of Sean Sherk and Hermes Franca, and subsequent one-year suspensions, from tests taken on 7/7, the day of their lightweight title fight in Sacramento, have put the microscope on the hot button issue of steroids in MMA and what can be done about them. This comes just a month after Royce Gracie and former NFL star Johnnie Morton tested positive and a few weeks after Phil Baroni tested positive. In all, there have been 11 steroid test positives over the past 14-week period in California alone, the state with the most vigilant testing in the country.

The steroid issues in pro wrestling and MMA is very different, even though the tragedies in pro wrestling caused by pain killers and steroids may very well be a harbinger of the future of MMA if not left unchecked.

Subscribers can read this issue here.

UFC 312 live results: Two title fights from Sydney, Australia

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Sydney, Australia, for the first time since September 2023 with UFC 312 from the Qudos Bank Arena.

The main event is a rematch for the UFC middleweight championship as champion Dricus Du Plessis defends against former champion Sean Strickland. “DDP” defeated Strickland to become the champion at January 2024’s UFC 297 and the rematch comes after both picked up wins in the meantime. Du Plessis is coming off a title defense over Israel Adesanya while Strickland defeated Paulo Costa.

In the co-main event, UFC women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili defends against undefeated Tatiana Suarez in what is perhaps the best fight one could make in the division. Weili has won four straight and is coming off a title defense against Yan Xiaonan in April. Suarez has been out of action since August 2023, but has won all ten of her pro fights to date.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight battle between Justin Tafa and Tallison Teixeira; a light heavyweight bout pitting Jimmy Crute against Rodolfo Bellato; and a welterweight bout between Jake Matthews and Francisco Prado.

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> Lightweights- Quillan Salkilld (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Anshul Jubli (7-1, 1-1 UFC)

Salkilld lands a jab then a leg kick. Salkilld then drops Jubli with the first right hand thrown and it is all over! What a finish from Salkilld in his debut!

Official Result- Quillan Salkilld def. Anshul Jubli by TKO (punch) at :19 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Jonathan Micallef (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kevin Jousset (10-3, 2-1 UFC)

Micallef lands a left hand and a body kick after an exchange to start. They trade kicks. They trade body kicks and Jousset lands a counter left hand. Jousset with a right hand. Micallef lands a body kick. Jousset with a counter left hand then a jab. Micallef with another body kick. They trade kicks. They clinch and Jousset lands some uppercuts and an elbow as Micallef lands a pair of knees. They separate and trade body kicks. Micallef drops Jousset with a head kick then attacks the neck but they stand and separate. Jousset lands a right hand and they trade body kicks. Micallef with a body kick followed by a left hand. Micallef with a pair of body kicks. Micallef with another body kick then another. 10-9 Micallef.

Micallef lands a left hand. Jousset with a heavy leg kick. Jousset with another leg kick. They trade punches. Micallef with a hard body kick. They trade kicks. Micallef with a head kick. They trade left hands. Micallef with a series of jabs. Jousset lands a body kick then a leg kick. Micallef lands a body kick. Micallef with another head kick that momentarily stuns Jousset. They trade kicks. Micallef lands a left hand and Jousset with a body kick. They trade in the center. Jousset with a body kick then a right hand, then Micallef lands a question mark kick. 10-9 Micallef, 20-18 Micallef.

They’re trading early in the third round as Jousset is pressing forward, but Micallef is landing more from the outside. Micallef lands a body kick. Jousset with a straight right hand, but eats a body kick from Micallef. Jousset lands to the body and then lands a body kick. Micallef lands a body kick. Micallef with a head kick. Jousset with a body kick, but then Micallef lands a head kick, and Jousset lands a leg kick. Jousset lands a right hand, then follows with a left and another right. They trade combinations. Jousset lands a right hand. Jousset comes forward with a flurry late. 10-9 Jousset, 29-28 Micallef.

Official Result- Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Rongzhu (25-6, 1-3 UFC) vs. Kody Steele (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

Rongzhu lands early and Steele scores a takedown, but they quickly get up. Rongzhu lands a leg kick and they trade some jabs. Steele with a right hand. Rongzhu lands a left hook. Steele lands a hard right hand. Rongzhu lands some big punches and Steele is in survival mode as he is rocked and having trouble standing. Steele is throwing punches back. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Steele lands a combo and Rongzhu lands a right hand and a left hook. Rongzhu with a right hand and then another as Steele fires back at the horn. Crazy round. 10-9 Rongzhu.

Rongzhu lands a hard right hand and Steele scores a takedown. Steele goes for a leg lock but Rongzhu escapes and they stand. They’re trading as both connect with combinations. Rongzhu with the jab and a right hand. Rongzhu with the double jab and a big left hand. They trade inside the pocket as Rongzhu lands a stiff left hook. Rongzhu with another big left hand followed by a stiff jab. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu with a series of jabs then a right hand. 10-9 Rongzhu, 20-18 Rongzhu.

Steele lands a right hand then a jab. Rongzhu with a combination. Rongzhu lands a right hand. Rongzhu with a double jab. Rongzhu lands a flurry of punches. They’re trading in close range. They’re trading jabs back-and-forth. Rongzhu way ahead on volume as he’s landing a lot of punches, but Steele is eating them. Steele lands a jab. Rongzhu with a combination. Steele lands a combination. They trade big punches inside the pocket at the end. Fantastic fight. 10-9 Rongzhu, 30-27 Rongzhu.

Official Result- Rongzhu def. Kody Steele by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

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> Bantamweights- Colby Thicknesse (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Aleksandre Topuria (5-1, 0-0 UFC)

Thicknesse lands a right hand. Thicknesse with a high kick. Topuria lands to the body. He lands some more body shots. Topuria lands a jab. Thicknesse lands a body kick. Thicknesse lands a high kick. They briefly clinch and Topuria lands an uppercut. They separate and Topuria lands a right hand. They clinch and Thicknesse lands a knee and Topuria pushes him away. Topuria lands a big right hand and Thicknesse is hurt. They scramble to the mat and Topuria has the back and lands, then lands some more as they get up. Thicknesse with a body kick. Thicknesse with a pair of kicks. Topuria lands to the body and gets the back as they scramble. Topuria with a big suplex from the back. 10-9 Topuria.

They trade to start the second as Topuria is pressuring. Topuria lands an uppercut to the body. Thicknesse with a head kick that Topuria mostly blocks. Thicknesse with a front kick to the body. Topuria with a heavy calf kick. Thicknesse shoots for a takedown against the fence but Topuria defends. Thicknesse lands a body kick. Topuria lands a body kick. Thicknesse lands a right hand. Thicknesse shoots for a takedown but Topuria defends. They trade jabs. 10-9 Topuria, 20-18 Topuria.

Thicknesse lands a body kick. Thicknesse shoots for a takedown but Topuria defends and sprawls to the back. Topuria has the back as they stand and they end up separating. Topuria gets Thicknesse down to the mat. Thicknesse looks to throw up a triangle choke but Topuria defends it and controls from the full guard. Topuria remaining in full control and landing from the top. Thicknesse is trying to set up something from the bottom but not having success as Topuria lands. 10-9 Topuria, 30-27 Topuria.

Official Result- Aleksandre Topuria def. Colby Thicknesse by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Flyweights- Wang Cong (6-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Bruna Brasil (10-4-1, 2-2 UFC)

Brasil lands a leg kick. Cong lands a leg kick. Brasil lands a leg kick. Cong lands a leg kick and a left hand. Brasil with a leg kick. They trade kicks and Cong lands a right hand and goes back to the leg kick. Cong with a combination. Cong gets Brasil to the mat late as Brasil missed a kick. 10-9 Cong.

Cong with a right hand and a calf kick. Cong lands a combination. Cong lands to the body as Brasil was backing up. Brasil is circling around and not throwing much offense and seems to be waiting to counter. Cong with a side leg kick. She lands two more leg kicks. Cong with a heavy leg kick. She lands another. Brasil throws a right hand that misses. Cong with an overhand right and she lands another as Brasil was backing up. Cong lands a right hand to the body and then some more body shots. Cong with a massive calf kick. 10-9 Cong, 20-18 Cong.

Cong with a side head kick but it barely missed. Cong lands a calf kick. They trade right hands. Cong lands a right hand and then another that snaps Brasil’s head back. Cong with a left hook. Cong with a side kick to the head and then one to the body. Cong with some leg and body kicks. Cong with a leg kick. They trade right hands. Cong way ahead on volume. Cong gets a late takedown. 10-9 Cong, 30-27 Cong.

Official Result- Wang Cong def. Bruna Brasil by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Tom Nolan (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (8-4-1, 3-3-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Nolan lands a body kick. They briefly clinch but quickly separate. Nolan with a body kick. Nolan grabs the body lock and gets Borshchev down to the mat for a moment and has the back as they stand. Nolan with a knee. Nolan jumps on the back and is looking for a choke. Nolan with a few elbows. Borshchev falls back to break the grip, but Nolan ends up in side control. Nolan has a D’Arce choke locked in. Borshchev is trying to fight it off. Nolan lets go and lands an elbow before they stand and separate. Borshchev with a right hand to the body. Nolan lands a head kick. Nolan with a spin kick to the body. Nolan with a high kick then a pair of leg kicks. Borshchev with a right hand then a body kick. Borshchev with a right hand to the body then goes high with a punch and a kick. Nolan briefly gets it down but they pop right up. Borshchev with a push kick. 10-9 Nolan.

Borshchev lands a leg kick. Borshchev with some side kicks to the legs. Nolan lands a spinning back elbow. Borshchev with a high kick. Nolan with a right hand. Borshchev lands a right hand then a combination. Nolan with an elbow. Borshchev lands a pair of body kicks. Nolan lands a double jab then a leg kick. Borshchev with a jumping knee. Nolan shoots for a takedown and is in deep and is finally able to complete it after Borshchev tried defending. Nolan with a couple of left hands and attacks for the choke. They scramble up and trade punches. Nolan with a straight left hand. Borshchev lands a right hand. Nolan with a step-in knee. Nolan with a left hand. Borshchev with a spin kick. He lands another. Close round. 10-9 Nolan, 20-18 Nolan.

Borshchev with a body kick. They trade and Nolan lands a hard body kick. Borshchev lands a body kick and Nolan shoots for a takedown. Borshchev sprawls to defend and Nolan goes to his back and lands some upkicks. Borshchev backs away and is throwing kicks at the leg. Nolan jumps up and lands a head kick then stays on his back. Nolan is ordered to his feet. Nolan lands a head kick. Nolan lands a low kick and timeout is called. They get back to action. Nolan slips to the mat. Borshchev decides to get on top and then lands from the back as they scramble. Borshchev remains on top and Nolan lands a pair of elbows from his back. Nolan with hammerfists from the bottom as Borshchev lands a pair of left hands from the top. Borshchev stands but Nolan lands an upkick. Nolan with hammerfists from his back and Borshchev is cut open. They both land on the mat. Borshchev with a pair of left hands and some hammerfists. Nolan with some elbows from his back and Borshchev lands a big left hand. Borshchev goes for a late leg lock. 10-9 Nolan, 30-27 Nolan.

Official Result- Tom Nolan def. Viacheslav Borshchev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Jack Jenkins (13-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Gabriel Santos (11-2, 1-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks early. Santos lands an inside leg kick. Santos with a body kick then a leg kick. Jenkins drops Santos with a head kick and starts landing from the top. Jenkins inside the guard of Santos and throwing a ton of punches. Santos looked for an armbar but Jenkins was landing. Santos then locks in a triangle choke and it looks in deep. Jenkins is trying to escape and is able to. They get to their feet as Jenkins has Santos against the fence and lands some knees. They separate. Santos scores a takedown. Santos ends the round on top. 10-9 Jenkins.

Jenkins with a pair of body kicks as Santos lands a leg kick then a body kick. Santos lands a left hand. Jenkins with an uppercut. Jenkins just misses a head kick. Santos gets the body lock against the fence and scores a takedown. Santos lands to the body and moves to the half-guard. Santos landing from the top and controls for the rest of the round as he lands. 10-9 Santos, 19-19.

Santos rocks Jenkins with a front kick to the face and then a left hand and jumps on the back as they’re against the fence. Santos lands from the back as they go to the mat. Santos is working for a choke and has a rear-naked choke locked in deep and Jenkins taps! Great comeback from Santos after being dropped in the first round.

Official Result- Gabriel Santos def. Jack Jenkins by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:06 of Round 3

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> Welterweights- Jake Matthews (20-7, 13-7 UFC) vs. Francisco Prado (12-2, 1-2 UFC)

Matthews lands a jab. Matthews with a quick combination. Prado connects with a left hook and Matthews lands a counter combination then a right hand. Prado rushes in and lands. They trade left hands. Matthews lands a straight right hand. Matthews with some uppercuts in the clinch as Prado landed some knees. Matthews with a body kick. Prado lands a leg kick after they have an exchange. Matthews lands a solid left hook. Prado with a leg kick and Matthews counters with a head kick then lands a right hand. Prado looks for a takedown and completes it. Prado with two elbows and Matthews lands a right hand on the way up. They trade in close range. Matthews lands late. 10-9 Matthews.

Matthews with a combo to the body and head. Prado with an elbow and Matthews lands a flurry to the body. Prado with a leg kick. Matthews pressing forward and landing with more volume. Prado lands an outside leg kick. They trade left hooks. Matthews landing whenever they get in close range. Prado pushes it against the fence with underhooks looking to get it down. Matthews landing to the body as Prado has him pressed against the fence. They exchange knees. They separate and Matthews lands a flurry to the body. Prado with a right hand. They swing in close range. Matthews with a right hand and Prado is bleeding more. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.

Matthews with a combination. They trade body kicks. They trade in close range with Matthews landing more. Matthews lands and grabs the body lock but Prado is able to shake it off. Matthews lands an uppercut. Matthews with a flurry to the body. Prado looks for a takedown but Matthews defends. Prado lands a body kick. Matthews with a stiff left hook. Matthews buckles Prado for a moment with a left hook. Prado pushes it to the fence and Matthews lands a knee. Matthews with a pair of knees as Prado has him pressed against the fence. They separate and Matthews lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Prado with a leg kick. Matthews grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence. They break apart. They clinch against the fence and Matthews lands a knee. 10-9 Matthews, 30-27 Matthews.

Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Francisco Prado by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Light Heavyweights- Jimmy Crute (12-4-1, 4-4-1 UFC) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (12-2, 1-0 UFC)

Crute lands some leg kicks and then a combination. Crute with a spin kick to the body. Bellato tries a takedown but Crute reverses it and ends up in the mount and lands. Crute looks for a choke but starts working from the half-guard. Crute moves to side control. Bellato looks to scramble out but Crute ends up back inside the guard of Bellato. Crute landing lots of right hands from the top. Crute with some left hands. Crute with some elbows and is still working from the half-guard. They sweep to the feet and Crute lands a right hand. Crute drops Bellato with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Crute with some big elbows and Bellato survives the round. 10-8 Crute.

Crute lands two right hands and a leg kick. Bellato lands a combination. Crute with a combo and a head kick. Bellato lands a stiff jab. Bellato lands a right hand and Crute with some short uppercuts. Bellato lands to the body. Crute with a right hand and Bellato lands a calf kick. Bellato with a left hook and lands a calf kick. Crute shoots for a takedown but Bellato squirms away. Crute with a left hook and a spin kick. Crute lands a combo. They trade leg kicks and Bellato lands a left hook. Crute with a right hand. Bellato with a calf kick. Crute with a solid right hand and some uppercuts. They trade in the clinch as both land some dirty boxing. Bellato with a heavy calf kick. Close round. 10-9 Bellato, 19-18 Crute.

Bellato with a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Bellato with a leg kick. Crute with a quick combination. Bellato with a stiff right hand then a leg kick. Crute tries to get it down but Bellato is able to scramble away. Bellato with an inside leg kick. Bellato with a heavy leg kick as Crute lands a combination. They trade right hands. Crute with a lunging right hand. Bellato scores a takedown but they scramble up. Bellato has the back and drags it down. They scramble up and Bellato lands a leg kick. Crute with a right hand and a head kick. Bellato with a leg kick. Crute lands a right hand and Bellato fires back a right hand. Bellato with a jab. Bellato with a heavy calf kick. Bellato with a combination. 10-9 Bellato, 28-28 DRAW.

Official Result- Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato scored a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

> Heavyweights- Justin Tafa (7-4 1 NC, 4-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Tallison Teixeira (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

Teixeira lands a body kick. Teixeira looks for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. Teixeira with a knee and an elbow and Tafa goes to the mat. Teixeira lands some punches as Tafa is covering up and it is stopped. What a finish from Teixeira as Tafa is protesting the stoppage.

Official Result- Tallison Teixeira def. Justin Tafa by TKO (strikes) at :35 of Round 1

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Zhang Weili (25-3, 9-2 UFC) vs. #1 Tatiana Suarez (10-0, 7-0 UFC)

Weili with a side kick and a right hand. Suarez is able to score a takedown right into side control. Suarez with some right hands to the body. Suarez with some left hands from the top. Weili throwing elbows from the bottom as Suarez lands to the body. Suarez moves back to side control. Suarez with a few knees to the body. Suarez grabs the neck as they stand and drops down looking for a choke but Weili escapes and is on top. Suarez landing to the body from the bottom. Suarez controlling an arm. Weili lands from the top. 10-9 Suarez.

Weili lands a high kick. Weili lands a right hand as Suarez was closing in for a takedown attempt. Suarez tries a takedown but Weili immediately scrambles into mount. Weili with some left hands from the top. Weili with lots of left hands as Suarez is trying to scramble up. Weili has the neck and looks for a guillotine choke as she lands a knee. Suarez looks to take it down. Weili with a knee. They separate. Weili lands a big right hand. Suarez rushes in for the takedown and pushes Weili to the fence. They go to the mat and Weili lands from the top. Weili landing more from the top as Suarez is trying to control position. Weili with more punches to end the round. 10-9 Weili, 19-19.

Suarez with a pair of leg kicks as Weili lands a right hand. Weili lands a head kick. Weili lands a combo. Weili rocks Suarez with a big right hand. Suarez shoots for a desperation takedown but Weili defends. Suarez lands to the body. Suarez tries a takedown but Weili defends. They are tied up against the fence. Suarez with a knee to the body as Weili lands in the clinch and they break apart. Weili with a high kick. Weili lands a right hand. Weili with a body kick and a right hand. Suarez ties it up but Weili lands an elbow and escapes. 10-9 Weili, 29-28 Weili.

Weili with a leg kick. Weili lands a combo. Weili scores a takedown with an inside trip. Weili landing from inside the guard of Suarez. Weili looking for an arm-triangle choke. Suarez is trying to hang on as it’s not completely locked in and Weili lets go. Weili landing from the top. Weili controlling from the top and is landing punches and elbows. Suarez has a deep gash on her knee that looks bad. Weili ends the round landing. 10-9 Weili, 39-37 Weili.

Weili lands a right hand. Suarez with a leg kick. Suarez looks for a takedown but Weili lands some knees to defend and lands an elbow. Suarez pushes it against the fence. Weili defends and they separate. Weili lands a body kick then a knee and an elbow as they clinch. They scramble down but Weili rolls and ends up on top. Weili working from inside the guard of Suarez and landing some punches. Weili continues to land to the body. Weili stands at the end. 10-9 Weili, 49-46 Weili.

Official Result- Zhang Weili def. Tatiana Suarez by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Dricus Du Plessis (22-2, 8-0 UFC) vs. #1 Sean Strickland (29-6, 16-6 UFC)

Du Plessis with a body kick. He lands another. Strickland lands a right hand. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Du Plessis with a high kick then a body kick. Strickland lands a jab. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Strickland lands the jab. Du Plessis with a body kick. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Strickland lands a right hand. Du Plessis with a spin kick. Du Plessis with a grazing head kick. Strickland lands the jab. They trade in close range. Du Plessis with a head kick. Du Plessis lands a right hand after a pair of body kicks. Du Plessis with a leg kick. 10-9 Du Plessis.

Du Plessis with a body kick. They trade leg kicks and Du Plessis lands a body kick. Strickland with an overhand right hand. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Du Plessis misses a combo but eats a counter right hand from Strickland. Strickland lands a combo and ends landing the jab. Du Plessis cuts Strickland open with a jab. Du Plessis with a head kick and lands a leg kick. Du Plessis with a spinning back fist and connects with a right hand. Du Plessis lands a body kick. He lands an inside leg kick as Strickland works the jab. Du Plessis lands to the body. 10-9 Du Plessis, 20-18 Du Plessis.

Du Plessis with a body kick. Du Plessis lands a solid right hand. Du Plessis with a side kick. Strickland with a right hand. Du Plessis lands a hard left hand. Strickland still mostly working the jab. Strickland lands a combination. Du Plessis with a right hand. Du Plessis with a side kick. Du Plessis with a body kick. Du Plessis with a right hand and a body kick. Strickland lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Du Plessis lands a spinning back fist. Du Plessis with a body kick then a left hand and a right hand. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Du Plessis lands a hard elbow after landing some jabs. Strickland lands two right hands. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Du Plessis gets a takedown but they get right up. Strickland with a right hand. 10-9 Du Plessis, 30-27 Du Plessis.

Du Plessis with a left hand. Du Plessis lands a high kick then a right hand to the body. Du Plessis with a push kick. Du Plessis with a hard right hand and Strickland is backing up. Strickland’s nose looks broken and it is bleeding everywhere. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Du Plessis pressuring and getting a little reckless but Strickland is still trying to retreat. Du Plessis lands a leg kick. Strickland lands a right hand. He lands another. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Du Plessis with another right hand. Strickland with a jab and Du Plessis lands a body kick. Strickland lands a right hand. Du Plessis with a right hand. He lands a big right hand. Strickland with a jab. 10-9 Du Plessis, 40-36 Du Plessis.

Du Plessis lands to the body then lands a jab to the face. Strickland with a stiff jab. Du Plessis lands a pair of leg kicks. Du Plessis with another leg kick. Strickland with a quick combo. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Strickland lands a right hand. Du Plessis throws a lot and lands a right hand. Strickland with a jab. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Du Plessis with a body kick. They trade punches and Strickland is pouring blood again. Du Plessis lands a body kick. Du Plessis with a leg kick. Du Plessis with a high kick. Strickland works the jab. Du Plessis with a right hand and tries a takedown but Strickland slips away and lands a right hand. 10-9 Du Plessis, 50-45 Du Plessis.

Official Result- Dricus Du Plessis def. Sean Strickland by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship

Daily Update: Jake Paul, UFC 312, CMLL

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Friday Update

– Our weekend schedule is a show today with Garrett Gonzales on the news and then tomorrow night we’ll do our weekend show covering Smackdown, UFC, Collision and whatever news breaks.

– The new issue of the Observer is out today. Among the highlights:

  • The most detailed look at the updated Janel Grant lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE. We look at the new claims, the arguments in favor of the case not going to arbitration as McMahon, Laurinaitis and WWE have argued, who is the most in jeopardy, lots of notes on the legal strategy from both sides, more text messages released as well.
  • Tons of records set at the 2025 Royal Rumble, the direction going into WrestleMania, the fake record John Cena may break and who has always been planned to break it later, Dwayne Johnson, Jey Uso, Alexa Bliss, business records including a very noteworthy record set by the show. We have an apples-to-apples comparison between Rumble viewers on Netflix and Raw viewers which is very interesting.
  • The ringboys lawsuit goes forward against Vince & Linda McMahon and WWE, details of what the issues that put it on hold were as well as a very important note about the suit that hasn’t gotten much talk.
  • The most detailed look at TV ratings and streaming numbers for pro wrestling programming in the U.S., including segment-by-segment numbers, what countries Raw is strongest in, competition and more.
  • Unique tournament this month in Mexico City
  • A look at major international matches over the past week
  • Stardom PPV notes
  • Tag champ brothers release a new album and music video.
  • New Beginning in Osaka and Fantastica Mania upcoming shows.
  • Young Bucks talk their return to Japan
  • Why Hiroshi Tanahashi was in tears after Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
  • Hall of Famer says his son has recently got a WWE offer
  • Ed Wiskowski’s time in Australia.
  • Lots of news on Grand Slam Australia.
  • International TV numbers and streaming numbers
  • Ticket sales to all the major upcoming WWE & AEW shows including WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, Revolution and All In.
  • Jericho Cruise notes
  • Merch sale leaders from WWE & AEW
  • Story on the retirement of Dominick Cruz and his legacy in UFC
  • One of the key people in the pro wrestling business and the most important person in the MMA business are rumored to be working together to start a new sports franchise
  • How is ESPN+ doing
  • Another world champion wants release from his promotion.
  • All the craziness of the Canelo negotiations
  • TKO stock reaching record highs
  • Lots of news on Mania week
  • More on cancellation of Cena TV show
  • More on new Evolve TV show
  • Another lawsuit with Nick Khan’s name in it
  • How much WWE stock does Dwayne Johnson now own?
  • Lots of contract news
  • WWE & AEW injury stats – which company, on average, has more serious injuries.

– Smackdown tonight is from Memphis. Announced are Elimination Chamber qualifiers with Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso vs. LA Knight (McIntyre is going to be on Smackdown going forward as noted in the new issue), Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven and Alexa Bliss vs. Candice LeRae, plus Jey Uso confronts Cody Rhodes and Charlotte Flair confronts Tiffany Stratton. They had just over 8,000 tickets out as of last night so it’s very unlikely to be sold out.

– So after all the dust cleared, Canelo Alvarez will face Terrence Crawford later this year in a fight promoted by Turki Alashikh. It appears Alvarez and his team negotiated with Jake Paul, made sure the rumors got out, and used it as leverage to get a better deal from Alashikh. Paul was furious about being used by Alvarez and is claiming Alvarez is ducking him.

– Paul’s MVP promotions sent out a release saying:

  • MVP was deep in negotiations for a blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez on Cinco de Mayo weekend in Las Vegas, a massive event for the Mexican, Puerto Rican and American fans, and it’s disappointing to see how the situation unfolded. MVP operates with integrity, transparency, and respect for the sport, its athletes, and the fans. Unfortunately, not everyone in the boxing world shares those values.
  • This situation is a reminder not to believe everything you read, especially when the current media environment is often controlled by those with hidden agendas, including promoters who have reporters on their payroll. We remain in active discussions with multiple high-profile opponents and are committed to delivering the biggest fights, the most exciting events, and to working with partners who share our values and our commitment to boxing and its fighters.
  • Jake Paul isn’t going anywhere, and neither is MVP. We’ll continue to disrupt boxing, on our terms.
  • – Most Valuable Promotions San Juan, Puerto Rico

– Jake Paul said Alvarez ducked him, calling him now an owned slave with no regard for the pride of the Mexican people who have supported him. Alvarez will fight first on 5/4 in Riydadh and then face Crawford on 9/13 in Las Vegas. ESPN reported a February 2026 fight against either Dmitr Bivol, Hamzah Sheeraz or Chris Eubanks Jr. and a fourth fight in October 2026.

– The Observer awards issue is scheduled to come out next Friday.

– Mistico & Titan & Atlantis Jr. vs. Barbaro Cavernario & Hechicero & Soberano Jr headlines Arena Mexico tonight.

– A lot of matches that took place on the Jericho Cruise will be airing on the ROH show starting Thursday.

– Mascara Dorada & Atlantis Jr. & Templario vs Volador Jr & Magnus & Soberano Jr. has been added to Tuesday’s AEW taping in Austin, TX. No word on if this will be taped for ROH or air on Dynamite the next day. Expect more CMLL involvement in AEW with shows coming up in California.

– CMLL has announced an all-women’s show on 3/7 which includes the first block of the tournament for the CMLL women’s tag titles which includes American teams Johnny Robbie & Viva Van of New Japan and Lady Frost & Red Velvet from ROH. It will be a three week tournament with the finals on 3/21, which is the El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas show.

The El Homenaje biggest drawing event will be a mask series starting out with a tag match with Star Jr. & Zandokan Jr. vs. Esfinge & Valiente. The winning team goes to the main event and has a singles mask vs. mask match.

– Monday night’s (Tuesday afternoon in Japan) New Beginning in Osaka, a loaded show headlined by Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hirooki Goto for the IWGP world title, is now sold out. There is a lot of momentum for Goto right now and I expect a tremendous match. An opener of El Desperado & Katsuya Murashima vs. Jeff Cobb & Francesco Akira has been added to the show. It will start between 9:30 p.m and 9:45. Pacific and 12:30 a.m. to 12:45 am. Eastern. On paper this looks like a great show. AEW talent there include Konosuke Takeshita vs. Oleg Boltin (they had a great G-1 match) and Young Bucks vs Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP tag team titles.

– UFC 312 takes place in Sydney, Australia early Sunday morning their time and the regular Saturday night PPV time in the U.S.

ESPN+ and Disney+ at 6 p.m. Eastern

  • Quillan Salkilid (156) vs. Anshul Jubli (155.5)
  • Kody Steee (156) vs. Rongzhu (156)
  • Jonathan Micalief (170) vs. Kevin Jousset (171)
  • ESPN 2 and ESPN + and Disney + at 8 p.m. Eastern
  • Aleksandre Topuria (135.5) vs. Colby Thicknesse (135.5)
  • Wang Cong (125) vs. Bruna Brasil (125.5)
  • Tom Nolan (155.5) vs Viacheslav Borschev (156)
  • Jack Jenkins (146) vs. Gabriel Santos (145.5)

PPV at 10 p.m. Eastern

  • Jake Matthews (170.5) vs. Francisco Prado (170.5)
  • Jimmy Crute (206) vs Rodolfo Bellato (205)
  • Justin Tafa (266) vs. Talisson Teixeira (263)
  • Zhang Weili (115) vs. Tatiana Suarez (114.5) for the women’s strawweight title
  • Dricus du Plessis (185) vs, Sean Strickland (185) for the men’s middleweight title

This isn’t a great star power PPV but the women’s title match is a real big one and the main event features a champion defending against the former champion who he beat in a very close decision.

– Former Bellator star Aaron Pico’s contract with PFL just expired and he is now a free agent. Pico was a potential Olympic gold medalist in wrestling who left the sport at 19 for MMA where he’s had some great wins but overall never lived up to his promise. I would expect him to wind up in UFC.

– Harley Cameron has been added to Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Wrestling shows in Windsor ONT on 3/14 and 3/15.

– Insane Wrestling Revolution from last night in Monroe, MI: Adam Wick & Tommy Vendetta won a Rubmle, AD Norman & N8 Mattson b Trey Miguel & Myron Reed to keep the IWR tag titles, Kai Herro b Xavier, Jake Crist NC Soultaker, Madman Fulton & Jody Threat b Jason Hotch & Havok, Dread King Logan b Dean Hendrix, Dread King Logan b Alex Lynch, Silas Young b Ace Austin to retain the IWR title, Kitty Lafeur b Mila Moore to keep the TOWA title, Rhino b Sami Caillhan in an Insane rules match. Next show is 3/20 with Santino Marella. (thanks to Paul Meade)

– Hooligan Championship Wrestling on 5/10 in Evansville, IN features a WWEID Showcase headlined by Zara Zakher vs. Zayda Steel, who are both WWE ID talents.

– Eve has noted they have set their attendance record at the Big Penny with more than 500 fans for a show today headlined by Alex Windsor vs. Jamie Hayter.

UFC on ESPN+ 108 live results: Israel Adesanya vs. Nassourdine Imavov

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon heads to Saudi Arabia for the second time with one of the UFC’s biggest stars headlining as UFC on ESPN+ 108 takes place at the anb Arena in Riyadh.

Former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya competes in his first non-title bout in nearly six years as he looks to end a two-fight losing skid and get back into the title picture when he battles Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov enters the fight on the heels of a four-fight unbeaten streak.

In the co-main event, undefeated rising contender Shara Magomedov looks for his 16th straight win against Michael “Venom” Page, who is moving up from welterweight for this fight.

Also on the main card is a battle of top-ten heavyweights as Sergei Pavlovich takes on Jairzinho Rozenstruik; a bantamweight bout pitting Said Nurmagomedov against Vinicius Oliveira; and an action-packed lightweight opener between Fares Ziam and Mike Davis.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 9 AM ET/6 AM PT

> Heavyweights- Hamdy Abdelwahab (3-0 1 NC, 0-0 1 NC UFC) vs. Jamal Pogues (11-4, 2-1 UFC)

Pogues lands some leg kicks as Abdelwahab connects with a left hook. Abdelwahab lands a right hand and they tie up against the fence. Abdelwahab gets Pogues down and starts landing as Pogues sprawls. Abdelwahab has back control and is landing left hands. They stand and separate. Abdelwahab lands a right hand. Pogues with a pair of jabs. Abdelwahab with a stiff leg kick. Pogues lands a leg kick followed by a right hand. Pogues with a jab then a right hand then back to the jab. Abdelwahab lands a leg kick. Pogues with a double jab followed with a leg kick. Abdelwahab lands a combo. 10-9 Abdelwahab.

Pogues lands and Abdelwahab lands a counter right hand. Pogues with a left hook that barely lands. Abdelwahab lands a leg kick. There’s not a lot of action going on. Abdelwahab lands a left hand. Pogues with a jab and Abdelwahab lands a right hand. Pogues lands a leg kick. Abdelwahab with a hard calf kick, but Pogues returns with one of his own. Pogues with another leg kick. Pogues with a combination. Pogues lands a stiff jab and Abdelwahab lands a leg kick. Abdelwahab with a jab. Pogues lands a right hand. 10-9 Pogues, 19-19.

They trade in close range. Abdelwahab is pressuring and lands a body kick. Pogues with a head kick. Pogues lands a jab. They trade kicks. Pogues lands a leg kick and Abdelwahab connects with a combo. They trade soft leg kicks. Pogues with a right hand. Pogues lands a stiff left hook. Abdelwahab lands a leg kick. Abdelwahab lands a kick. Abdelwahab with a left hook as Pogues lands a right hand. They trade in close range. 10-9 Pogues, 29-28 Pogues.

Official Result- Hamdy Abdelwahab def. Jamal Pogues by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Featherweights*- Bogdan Grad (14-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Lucas Alexander (8-4, 1-2 UFC)

*Alexander missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Grad pushing forward and Alexander lands a left hook. Grad with a leg kick then a right hand and looks for a takedown. They separate and Alexander just misses a jumping knee. Grad grabs the back of Alexander and lands some short knees to the leg. Grad looking for the takedown as Alexander lands some elbows. They scramble to the mat and Alexander ends up on top. Alexander with some right hands from the top. Grad trying to scramble up and he is able to get Alexander down. Alexander reverses and sweeps to the top before standing. Alexander with some leg kicks as Grad is down on his back. Grad gets to his feet. Alexander with a combination and lands a front kick. Grad tries for a takedown as Alexander lands and defends. Alexander gets on the back of Grad and lands. 10-9 Alexander.

They trade and Alexander trips Grad up with a leg kick and then lands some kicks as Grad gets to his feet. Grad is then able to get Alexander down and works from the half-guard. Grad lands and is working for the mount and Alexander almost gives up his back. Grad gets the mount and starts landing to the body then mixes to the head. Grad starts landing sharp elbows then mixes in some punches. Grad continuing to land and Alexander is not defending well. Grad continuing to pour it on and it gets stopped. Big finish from Grad to pick up the win in his debut.

Official Result- Bogdan Grad def. Lucas Alexander by TKO (strikes) at 4:22 of Round 2

> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Jasmine Jasudavicius (12-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. #7 WBW Mayra Bueno Silva (10-4-1 1 NC, 5-4-1 1 NC UFC)

They trade low leg kicks early. Jasudavicius lands a left hand. Jasudavicius lands a combination. Silva throws and connects before they clinch. They quickly break apart. Jasudavicius lands a left hook. Silva with a leg kick then lands a combination. Jasudavicius lands some and Silva grabs the neck as they go the mat. Silva has a guillotine locked in and Jasudavicius is defending. Jasudavicius breaks the grip and gets her neck out and is now inside of Silva’s guard. Jasudavicius gets to side control and has the crucifix position and lands some punches. Silva tries to scramble out and Jasudavicius gets the back and lands before getting back into side control. Jasudavicius ends up back in the half-guard. Silva is trying to roll for an arm. Silva looks for a leg now but time runs out. 10-9 Jasudavicius.

Jasudavicius lands a kick and Silva grabs the leg but lets go. They trade punches. Silva grabs the neck standing and lands a knee as she lets go. Silva lands a right hand. Silva with a knee in a brief clinch. Jasudavicius lands a right hand. Silva lands a left hook to the body, and then lands another. Silva with a leg kick. Jasudavicius lands a right hand and then another. Silva lands an elbow as she pressured Jasudavicius near the fence. They clinch and Jasudavicius lands some short uppercuts before they break. They trade and both land in a brief tie-up. Jasudavicius scores a takedown. Silva complains about something on the mat as Jasudavicius was landing. Silva trying to roll for a leg as Jasudavicius lands from the top. Jasudavicius scrambling and lands from the top. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 20-18 Jasudavicius.

They trade in close range before clinching up. They trade knees and separate. Jasudavicius with a standing elbow and lands a knee. Silva lands a right hand. They clinch and Jasudavicius lands a knee before they separate. Jasudavicius lands and then scores a takedown as Silva is tired. Jasudavicius in the half-guard and Silva is looking for a shoulder lock and an arm. Jasudavicius gets the mount and lands to the body as she has an arm-triangle available. She transitions and starts landing. Jasudavicius with lots of left hands as Silva is trying to scramble out but is stuck. Jasudavicius with more left hands. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 30-27 Jasudavicius.

Official Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Terrance McKinney (15-7, 5-4 UFC) vs. Damir Hadzovic (14-7, 4-5 UFC)

McKinney landing some high kicks early and Hadzovic lands a body kick. Hadzovic with a quick combo. McKinney lands a body kick and connects with some punches. Hadzovic looks for a takedown and gets it as McKinney has the neck. McKinney gets the mount and lands as Hadzovic looks to get out and almost gives up his back. McKinney with some elbows and punches. McKinney with lots of punches from the back and Hadzovic isn’t doing much. McKinney continues to pour it on and it is stopped. Big showing from McKinney to pick up the win.

Official Result- Terrance McKinney def. Damir Hadzovic by TKO (punches) at 2:01 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #14 Shamil Gaziev (13-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Thomas Petersen (9-2, 1-1 UFC)

Gaziev lands some punches early as Petersen is trying to clinch. Gaziev lands a body kick. Gaziev lands a right hook. Gaziev with a knee to the body. Petersen is able to get a takedown and has the back as they stand. Petersen lands some punches but they quickly separate. Petersen lands a combo. Petersen with a left hand. Gaziev lands a right hand. Gaziev drops Petersen with a massive right hand and it is all over! Gaziev with a walk-off knockout.

Official Result- Shamil Gaziev def. Thomas Petersen by TKO (punch) at 3:12 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Muhammad Naimov (11-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Kaan Ofli (11-3-1, 0-1 UFC)

Naimov lands a right hand. Ofli with some leg kicks. Ofli lands a kick to the groin and timeout is called. They get back to action quickly. They trade leg kicks and Ofli was hurt after Naimov landed his. Naimov with some knees as they clinch up and they go to the fence. Ofli looking for the takedown as he has Naimov pressured against the fence. Ofli with some more knees. Ofli landing more knees, mixing to the body and legs. They separate. Naimov lands a left hand. Naimov with a right hand. Naimov lands a body kick and then briefly drops Ofli with a punch. Naimov then scores a takedown. They get to their feet and Naimov has the back of Ofli. They switch positions. 10-9 Naimov.

Naimov lands a jab and Ofli with a right hand as they clinch against the fence. They separate and Ofli lands a knee and a punch. They clinch back up as Ofli pushes it to the fence. They trade knees and Ofli maintains control and lands some knees. They trade punches and Naimov escapes and lands a flurry of punches. Ofli lands and Naimov is then able to grab the body and score a takedown. They get to their feet against the fence and Naimov maintains control and lands. Ofli reverses and lands a pair of shoulder strikes. They’re just leaning on each other and are separated by referee Marc Goddard. Naimov lands a combination. Ofli with a left hook. Naimov with two jabs. Close round. 10-9 Naimov, 20-18 Naimov.

Naimov lands a spin kick that barely lands. Ofli is pressuring as Naimov is circling around and Naimov scores a takedown. Naimov with some elbows from the mount and is landing lots of them trying to find a finish. Naimov gets the back. Naimov with some left hands from the back as he has the body triangle locked on. Naimov continues to land from the back and tries to set up a choke. Ofli lands a few back punches. Ofli gets to his feet and Naimov jumps off the back but still has control. They separate and Ofli lands a combo to the body. They both land. Naimov with a combo. 10-9 Naimov, 30-27 Naimov.

Official Result- Muhammad Naimov def. Kaan Ofli by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 12 PM ET/9 AM PT

> Lightweights- Fares Ziam (16-4, 6-2 UFC) vs. Mike Davis (11-2, 4-1 UFC)

Davis with a leg kick and immediately goes for a takedown but pulls guard instead. They get to their feet and Davis is still working for the takedown. Davis pulls guard again. They get up and separate. Ziam lands a combo and Davis tries to get it down as they go to the mat. Ziam lands from the top. They stand and Ziam lands a combo. They clinch against the fence and Ziam with some knees. Ziam with a spinning elbow as they break. Ziam with a leg kick and a flurry of punches. Ziam lands to the body. Davis lands a right hand as Ziam lands an uppercut. Ziam with a jab as Davis looks for a takedown. Ziam lands a right hand as they separate. Davis lands a combo and gets a takedown after grabbing the back. Davis spins to the top and is in full mount. Ziam tries to reverse out but Davis stays in the half-guard and lands an elbow. Davis with a hammerfist from the top. 10-9 Ziam.

Davis with a big flurry to start as he connects with a solid left hand and then looks for a takedown. Ziam has the body lock and he is looking to get it down. Ziam with a knee to the body. Davis still working to get Ziam down to the ground. Ziam lands some knees and Davis is cut open. Ziam picks Davis up and carries him around before planting him on the mat. Ziam lands from the top. Davis looks for a heel hook but Ziam escapes. Davis may have a calf slicer in. Davis is bleeding all over. Davis moves to the mount position as he lets go of the calf. Ziam gets to his feet and Davis is still on his back as Ziam lands. They scramble and Ziam is in the half-guard. Ziam with some shots from the top to end the round. 10-9 Ziam, 20-18 Ziam.

Ziam pushes it to the fence. Ziam scores the takedown. Ziam working inside the guard of Davis next to the fence. Ziam stands but gets back on top and is landing. Ziam has the neck and looks to set up a choke but Davis scrambles out. Ziam is on top but Davis uses the butterfly guard to get it to the feet. Ziam with a combo and lands an elbow. Ziam gets it down and Davis looks for a heel hook. Ziam escapes but Davis ends up on top. Davis lands an elbow that cuts Ziam open. Davis lands a right hand. Ziam is bleeding badly. Close round. 10-9 Davis, 29-28 Ziam.

Official Result- Fares Ziam def. Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Said Nurmagomedov (18-3, 7-2 UFC) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (21-3, 2-0 UFC)

Nurmagomedov with a leg kick. Oliveira lands a leg kick. Nurmagomedov lands a spinning back kick and Oliveira spins to the mat but quickly stands. Nurmagomedov lands a calf kick. Nurmagomedov with a spinning back fist. They scramble but separate on the feet. Nurmagomedov with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov tries a takedown and they scramble. They are clinched against the fence and Oliveira lands some knees. They separate and timeout is called for an eye poke. They get back to action and Nurmagomedov lands a head kick. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand and Oliveira stumbles. Nurmagomedov lands a flying knee but Oliveira is able to get him down. They scramble to their feet. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands a head kick. Oliveira with a spin kick then a leg kick. They tie up against the fence. They separate and Oliveira lands a body kick before scoring a takedown. They scramble to their feet and separate. Nurmagomedov with a spin kick. They trade punches. Nurmagomedov is slowing down. Nurmagomedov complains of an eye poke but Oliveira lands a combo. Nurmagomedov gets a brief takedown. Nurmagomedov has the back and scores another takedown. They stand and Oliveira lands an elbow. They separate. Oliveira lands a big left hook then a high kick as both are winging shots. Oliveira with a body shot. 10-9 Oliveira, 19-19.

Oliveira lands a combination. Nurmagomedov throws a kick and slips to the mat and Oliveira jumps on top. Oliveira lands and Nurmagomedov looks for the leg. Oliveira landing as Nurmagomedov holds onto the leg. Oliveira scrambles and maintains body position. Oliveira looks for the neck as he lands a couple of punches. Oliveira looking for an anaconda choke. Oliveira with some left hands as he lets go. Oliveira with a knee to the body and some body punches. They scramble to their feet. Oliveira connects with a right hand and Nurmagomedov lands a pair of punches. Oliveira with a spin kick and a leg kick, but then Nurmagomedov lands a spinning back fist. Oliveira lands a combination. Nurmagomedov with a head kick. Nurmagomedov shoots for a takedown but Oliveira sprawls to defend. They scramble up. 10-9 Oliveira, 29-28 Oliveira.

Official Result- Vinicius Oliveira def. Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- #4 Sergei Pavlovich (18-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. #9 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-5, 9-5 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Pavlovich lands a jab. Pavlovich with a right hand. Rozenstruik lands a switch body kick. Rozenstruik with an inside leg kick. Pavlovich connects with a right hand. They trade leg kicks and Pavlovich lands a left hand. He then lands a right hand followed by a jab. Pavlovich throws a right hand and Rozenstruik gets tripped to the mat. Pavlovich gets on top and starts landing. 10-9 Pavlovich.

Rozenstruik connects and Pavlovich lands a counter right hand. Rozenstruik with an inside leg kick as Pavlovich lands a jab. Rozenstruik lands a jab. Pavlovich with a right hand. They trade jabs. Pavlovich lands a right hand and Rozenstruik briefly goes down, but Pavlovich is able to get on top. Pavlovich landing to the head and body from top. Pavlovich remaining on top and landing punches. 10-9 Pavlovich, 20-18 Pavlovich.

Both throwing but neither landing for the first minute. They both connect with left hands and it appeared that Pavlovich landed harder. Pavlovich scores a takedown and is landing from the top. Pavlovich mixing shots to the head and body. Pavlovich doing enough to keep it from being stood up, but there isn’t much action going on. Pavlovich landing punches. They stand. Pavlovich stumbles Rozenstruik with a left hand. Rozenstruik with a left hand. 10-9 Pavlovich, 30-27 Pavlovich.

Official Result- Sergei Pavlovich def. Jairzinho Rozenstruik by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights- #14 Shara Magomedov (15-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. #15 WW Michael Page (22-3, 1-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Magomedov with a leg kick. Magomedov with a high kick and Page lands a left hand. Page lands a right hand. Magomedov grabs the neck as Page slips while throwing. Page gets his head out. They separate. They trade leg kicks. Page lands to the body. Page connects with a straight right hand. Magomedov lands a leg kick. Page connects. Magomedov lands a body kick. Page with a leg kick. Magomedov with another leg kick and a body kick. Page lands a spin kick. 10-9 Page.

Page lands a right hand. Page lands another right hand and Magomedov was almost tripped up. Page just misses a spinning wheel kick. Page lands a spin kick. Page with a right hand and they tie up but quickly separate. Magomedov with a body kick. Page lands a jab. Page connects with a right hand and Magomedov lands a leg kick. Page with a left hand to the body. They trade. Page lands a right hand but just misses a spinning back fist. They clinch and Page pushes it to the fence. Page with an elbow on the break. 10-9 Page, 20-18 Page.

Magomedov with a leg kick but Page lands a stiff jab that pops Magomedov’s head back. Page lands a right hand. They tie up and Page has the underhooks and lands as they break. Page lands a right hand and Magomedov lands a knee. Page with a left hook. Page with a flying knee and they clinch up. Magomedov pushes it to the fence and lands some knees. Page lands as they break. Page lands an elbow. They trade punches. Page with a body kick and Magomedov lands a combo. Magomedov with a leg kick. Magomedov lands a right hand. Page slips on a spin kick but lands a couple of uppercuts and Magomedov ends the fight on top. 10-9 Magomedov, 29-28 Page.

Official Result- Michael Page def. Shara Magomedov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #2 Israel Adesanya (24-4, 13-4 UFC) vs. #5 Nassourdine Imavov (15-4 1 NC, 7-2 1 NC UFC)

Adesanya with a leg kick followed by a body kick. Imavov lands a leg kick. Adesanya with a calf kick. They trade in close range and Adesanya with a high kick. Imavov looks for a takedown but Adesanya defends and they separate after a scramble. Adesanya with a jab and two leg kicks. Adesanya lands a jab. Adesanya lands a body kick. Imavov lands a combo. They clinch and Adesanya lands a knee and they break. Adesanya with a jab and a leg kick. Imavov lands an uppercut. Imavov shoots for a takedown and Adesanya defends against the cage. They break apart. Adesanya with a jab and a question mark kick. Adesanya lands a body kick. 10-9 Adesanya.

They trade leg kicks. Imavov lands and drops Adesanya with a right hand followed by an uppercut and starts landing from the top and Adesanya is hurt and it is all over! Wow, Imavov with a quick finish out of nowhere.

Official Result- Nassourdine Imavov def. Israel Adesanya by knockout (punches) at :30 of Round 2

Daily Update: Kamaru Usman, Britt Baker, House of Black

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • January 20, 2025 Observer Newsletter: ’24 business year in review, Vince McMahon, WWE & AEW notes
  • The biggest attended shows in combat sports of 2024
  • Who drew the most big crowds of the year
  • What companies drew the biggest crowds
  • Amazing UFC PPV gates
  • The biggest pro wrestling drawing card by the year from 1916 to 2024
  • The biggest enduring drawing cards of all-time and where the modern stars rank with the historical stars
  • Updating all the Vince McMahon legal issues, from the SEC findings, the criminal investigation an the lawsuits, plus several things that have happened regarding the Grant chase this past week and who are with Vince for his start of a new company
  • WWE and NBC book Saturday Night’s Main Event head-to-head with All In Texas
  • The history of this tactic, and an estimate of how much revenue it would cost AEW
  • WWE on Netflix, what episode one did for business, trying to figure out what the numbers mean, time of show and more
  • WWE & TNA make deal
  • New Japan Battle in the Valley coverage
  • The arenas in the U.S. that have held pro wrestling for the longest amount of time
  • Bret Hart talks his favorite wrestler and the life of Sweet Daddy Siki
  • What is up with Corey Graves
  • Death of Ray Richard
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week and key takes
  • Blue Panther vs. Hechicero
  • Athena tours Stardom
  • New Japan big shows coming up
  • Thoughts on the death of Bob Uecker
  • VOW best wrestlers of 2024
  • More on the AEW show in Brisbane, Australia
  • Lots more on AEW ratings declines and where
  • Darby Allin update
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEw shows
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • Conor McGregro sued again in a sex case
  • PFL drops the Bellator name, releases Bellator’s biggest star and cuts tournament prize money in half
  • Lots of new stuff from GFL
  • WWE sets more business records
  • Notes on the next Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • Paul Heyman talks booking

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Thursday Update

WWE

AEW/Other Wrestling

  • After Konnan claimed that Britt Baker and Adam Cole broke up because Baker cheated on Cole, Baker posted a tweet denying the allegation. Baker said she has never cheated on anyone in her life:
    • I understand we as performers are expected to have thick skin through opinions and lies we read about ourselves, but spreading lies about my personal life is just low, weird, and something I won’t tolerate. 
    • I’ve never cheated on anyone in my life. #TellYourSource
  • With Malakai Black not expected back in AEW, a video aired on Dynamite spotlighting Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Julia Hart as a trio. The “Hounds of Hell” has been trademarked as a potential new name for the group. They said in their promo last night:
    • For years, we’ve had a voice to guide us. That voice was all but deafening. Now, that voice has gone silent. And we are done living in the shadows. It’s time to honor ourselves. No rules. No leaders. No gods. No masters. Just violence. When we bark, we bark together.
  • Frakie Kazarian tweeted out the following after his former tag team partner Christopher Daniels announced his retirement from in-ring competition:
    • There’s no way to articulate what [Christopher Daniels] means to me. As an opponent, a tag team partner, or most importantly as a best friend and brother. His contributions to our sport will never be realized. I love you CD. Bad Influence, The Addiction or SCU. I loved every single minute.
  • In an interview with Undisputed, Mark Briscoe said he’s made it a point to incorporate a lot of his late brother Jay Briscoe’s ideas into his style as a singles wrestler:
    • For so many years, Jay and me, we’d argue. Jay would sell me on his ideas and his style being the way to go. I would be selling him on how my ideas and my style were the way to go. All along, it was iron sharpening iron. Well, now I have no desire to argue his points. In the past, it was automatically incorporated because we were two partners in a tag team. Now it’s just me, and I’m incorporating what Jay was saying all along.
    • When we tagged together, the contrast was obvious. You knew who Jay was and who Mark was, and the whole was greater than the sum of both parts. That’s what made The Briscoes so special. We went together like peanut and jelly, or peanut butter and chocolate if you’re a fan of Reese’s like myself.
    • Mark Briscoe, at his core, is a tag team specialist with Jay Briscoe. That’s what we did for 22 years. So I made the decision to incorporate more of Jay Briscoe into what I do in the ring. Jay is one of the finest wrestlers, in my opinion, there ever has been, so I’m damn sure going to take everything my brother taught me and learn from it.
  • Anthony Bowens filed a trademark for “The Pride of Pro Wrestling” on January 21.
  • Rocky Romero appeared on the latest episode of AEW Unrestricted.
  • AEW wished happy birthday to Powerhouse Hobbs (34) and Nigel McGuinness (49).
  • Joe Hendry will be a guest at WrestleCon’s convention in Indianapolis during Royal Rumble weekend.
  • Hendry and The Hardys appeared on SA Live, promoting tonight’s live episode of TNA Impact in San Antonio.
  • Axiom tweeted about making his TNA debut on Impact tonight: “In 2008 @ThisIsTNA started airing on TV in Spain. Someone tell 10 years old Axiom that one day he will be making his TNA debut while defending a WWE Title.”
  • CMLL announced that its Women’s Tag Team title tournament will have qualifying rounds on March 7 and March 14 with the finals then taking place on March 21. The titles were vacated last month when Tessa Blanchard departed CMLL.
  • Former WWE wrestler Indi Hartwell is sharpening her in-ring skills by training with Ace Steel at his Foundation of Professional Wrestling school in Florida.

UFC 311 live results: Two title fights from Los Angeles

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The first UFC pay-per-view event of the year is here as the Octagon debuts inside the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California for UFC 311.

The main event has undergone come late changes in a wild past 48 hours. UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev defends the title against an unexpected challenger, as Renato Moicano steps in on short notice.

Moicano replaces Arman Tsarukyan, who was forced to pull out with a back injury early Friday morning. Moicano was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush in a main card bout, but steps in for a title shot on the heels of four straight wins. Makhachev makes his fourth title defense on the heels of a 14-fight win streak.

The co-main event is a second title bout as UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili makes his first title defense against undefeated challenger Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishili defeated Sean O’Malley for the title in September, running his win streak to eleven straight. Nurmagomedov gets his first shot at championship gold after 18 straight wins to start his career.

The rest of the main card sees a pivotal light heavyweight battle between former champions Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill; a heavyweight tilt pitting Jailton Almeida against Serghei Spivac; and a middleweight bout between Kevin Holland and Reinier de Ridder.

FX PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Flyweights- #11 Tagir Ulanbekov (15-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Clayton Carpenter (8-0, 2-0 UFC)

Ulanbekov lands a hard calf kick and follows with a left hand. Carpenter connects with a stiff jab and then a left hook. Ulanbekov just misses a front kick to the face. Carpenter with a calf kick. Ulanbekov looks for a takedown but Carpenter defends and reverses against the fence. Carpenter lands a knee and Ulanbekov reverses position. Ulanbekov is able to score a takedown. Carpenter throws some elbows from the bottom. Ulanbekov with a pair of left hands from the top. Ulanbekov with some big elbows from the top. Ulanbekov with some ground-and-pound from the top. Carpenter is cut open above the eye but he scrambles to his feet. Carpenter with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Ulanbekov with a jab. 10-9 Ulanbekov.

Carpenter lands a left hook. They trade leg kicks. Carpenter scores a takedown. He’s working from the half-guard looking to set up a choke as he lands. Ulanbekov gets him back inside his full guard. They scramble to their feet as Carpenter complains that Ulanbekov grabbed his shorts. Ulanbekov shoots for a takedown but Carpenter sprawls. Carpenter lands a knee as they get to their feet. Ulanbekov scores a takedown. Ulanbekov with some body shots. Ulanbekov controlling and landing from the top as both are trying to find openings. Ulanbekov ends on top. Close round. 10-9 Ulanbekov, 20-18 Ulanbekov.

Carpenter lands a leg kick. Ulanbekov lands a straight right hand. Carpenter with a high kick and a body shot. Ulanbekov with a quick flurry. Carpenter lands a left hand as Ulanbekov lands. Carpenter pushes it against the fence and lands some knees. Ulanbekov reverses position and scores a takedown. Ulanbekov working inside the guard. Carpenter with some shots from the bottom, though Ulanbekov is also landing from the top. Ulanbekov looks to get up but transitions to side control and has the body lock. Ulanbekov with some elbows from the top. 10-9 Ulanbekov, 30-27 Ulanbekov.

Official Result- Tagir Ulanbekov def. Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Ricky Turcios (12-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Bernardo Sopaj (11-3, 0-1 UFC)

Sopaj with a partially landed head kick. Turcios with a high kick. Sopaj lands a head kick. He lands a jab as Turcios lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Turcios lands another pair of them. Turcios with a spin kick. Turcios with a leg kick and Sopaj lands a counter combination. Turcios with a body kick. They trade and Turcios looks for a takedown against the fence. Turcios is chasing after it as he has Sopaj against the fence. They separate. Turcios with a body kick and almost scores a takedown but Sopaj defends. Turcios ends up with a takedown and takes the back, but Sopaj squirms out. Turcios with some elbows from the bottom as Sopaj pops his head out. They get to their feet as Sopaj lands a knee. Sopaj lands an elbow as they break. Turcios lands but Sopaj lands a clean right hand. Turcios with a leg kick and lands some knees. 10-9 Turcios.

Turcios lands a leg kick. Sopaj works the jab. They trade and Turcios looks for a takedown but Sopaj is defending. Sopaj with a leg kick. Turcios lands a leg kick and then another. He lands another. Sopaj lands a right hand and Turcios started to run away. Sopaj with a leg kick and a right hand. Sopaj connecting better but Turcios is landing. Sopaj scores a takedown. They scramble to their feet and separate. Sopaj lands an uppercut. Sopaj lands a knee in a brief clinch as Turcios lands a left hand on the break. Sopaj taking deep breaths. Turcios pushes it against the fence and lands some knees. Sopaj lands a knee. Sopaj with an elbow and a left hook. He lands a right hand. Sopaj with a short left hand. Turcios with a late clinch. 10-9 Sopaj, 19-19.

Sopaj drops Turcios with a body shot to start the third. Sopaj landing from the top as Turcios is trying to crawl away. Sopaj with an elbow from the top. They scramble up. They trade punches. They clinch and Turcios with several uppercuts. Sopaj with a knee to the body. Turcios looking for a takedown and has the back. Sopaj trips Turcios down to the mat after taking the back. Sopaj now in side control. They get to their feet. Sopaj lands a right hand. Sopaj with a jumping knee and a leg kick. Turcios lands a knee and Sopaj lands an uppercut. Turcios lands a leg kick. Sopaj with a spin kick to the head and they scramble to the mat late. 10-9 Sopaj, 29-28 Sopaj.

Official Result- Bernardo Sopaj def. Ricky Turcios by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Rinya Nakamura (9-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Muin Gafurov (19-6, 1-2 UFC)

Nakamura lands a leg kick after Gafurov barely lands. Nakamura with a body kick. Gafurov with a left hook and a hard right hand. Gafurov lands a head kick but slipped on it. Gafurov lands a body kick. Nakamura landing lots of leg kicks. Gafurov with a left hook. Gafurov with a head kick. Gafurov lands a big right hand and Nakamura gets tripped up to the mat. Gafurov lands from the top and goes into the guard. Gafurov lands some shots from the top. He lands more from the top to end the round. 10-9 Gafurov.

Gafurov lands a body kick. Nakamura lands a left hand. Gafurov connects and has Nakamura stunned for a brief moment. Gafurov lands a body kick. Gafurov with a heavy right hand. Gafurov with a spin kick to the body. Nakamura lands a left hand. Nakamura shoots for a takedown but Gafurov defends. Nakamura with a leg kick. Gafurov drops Nakamura with a huge right hand. Nakamura immediately tries to go for a takedown but Gafurov sprawls and has neck control. Gafurov with some knees. He lands some more. They separate. Gafurov with a combination ending with a head kick. 10-9 Gafurov, 20-18 Gafurov.

Gafurov rocks Nakamura with a big right hand. Nakamura recovers and Gafurov lands a switch kick. Gafurov with a side kick to the body and Nakamura goes to his butt briefly. Gafurov with a spin kick. Nakamura lands a body kick. They scramble to the mat and Nakamura ends up on top. Nakamura with some left hands as he has neck control. Nakamura looking for a guillotine choke and has it locked in. Gafurov fights it off. They scramble up. Gafurov lands a left hand. Gafurov with a combination. Gafurov lands a spin kick. Gafurov with a high kick and a right hand. 10-9 Gafurov, 30-27 Gafurov.

Official Result- Muin Gafurov def. Rinya Nakamura by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #9 Karol Rosa (18-6, 7-3 UFC) vs. #13 Ailin Perez (11-2, 4-1 UFC)

Perez with a brief body lock and lands an elbow as they break. Rosa lands a leg kick. Perez scores a takedown into the half-guard. Perez landing from the top and keeping Rosa pinned on the mat. Rosa landing short punches from the bottom. Rosa lands an upkick as they get to their feet. Rosa with a pair of leg kicks. Perez with a spinning back fist. Rosa lands a leg kick. They trade jabs. Perez lands a body kick. Rosa with a pair of strong leg kicks. 10-9 Rosa.

Rosa landing some kicks and Perez complains of a groin strike. They get back to action and clinch but quickly separate. Perez with a body kick. Rosa lands a right hand. Perez with a spin kick. Rosa with a leg kick and a jab. Rosa lands a knee and Perez tries a takedown and ends up completing it. Rosa landing short shots from the bottom and staying active as Perez tries to improve position. Perez now landing from the top. They both land. 10-9 Perez, 19-19.

Rosa lands a right hand. Rosa lands a leg kick. They trade kicks. They trade and Perez clinches against the fence. They separate and Rosa lands a leg kick. Perez with a spinning back fist. Rosa lands a left hook. Rosa landing slightly more. Perez with another spinning back fist. Rosa with a combination. Rosa lands a knee and a right hand. Close fight. 10-9 Rosa, 29-28 Rosa.

Official Result- Ailin Perez def. Karol Rosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

FX PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Lightweights- Grant Dawson (22-2-1, 10-1-1 UFC) vs. Diego Ferreira (19-5, 10-5 UFC)

Dawson lands a spin kick and then a wheel kick. He lands another spinning back kick. Dawson with more kicks and they trade punches. Dawson shoots for a takedown and gets it. They scramble to their feet and Dawson has body control. They scramble and Dawson has control and lands a pair of head kicks. Dawson has it down and is on Ferreira’s back and lands some punches. They scramble and Dawson gets inside the guard of Ferreira. Dawson with punches from the top and Ferreira landed an upkick. 10-9 Dawson.

They trade and Dawson goes for a takedown but they scramble to the mat. Ferreira gets the back as they stand but Dawson shakes him off and they are separated. Ferreira with some solid right hands. Dawson with a left hand. Dawson scores a takedown. Dawson working from the top. Dawson landing to the head and body from the top. Dawson in total control from the top as he lands a big elbow. Dawson with several more elbows from the top. 10-9 Dawson, 20-18 Dawson.

They scramble right to the mat as Dawson looks for a takedown. Dawson reverses into the full guard of Ferreira. Dawson with punches from the top. They are stood up by referee Frank Trigg while Dawson was landing. Dawson rocks Ferreira on the feet and they trade punches. Dawson shoots for the leg and scores the takedown. Dawson with lots of punches and some elbows from the top. Dawson with lots of right hands from the top. Dawson with a pair of hard elbows. Dawson gets the back and lands. 10-9 Dawson, 30-27 Dawson.

Official Result- Grant Dawson def. Diego Ferreira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Light Heavyweights- #13 Bogdan Guskov (16-3, 2-1 UFC) vs. Billy Elekana (7-1, 0-0 UFC)

Guskov lands a leg kick. He lands two more. Elekana with a teet kick. Elekana gets a takedown and takes the back of Guskov. Elekana still attacking the back as Guskov is trying to escape. Elekana with some elbows from the back. Elekana looking for a choke. He lets go but is still controlling from the back and landing. Guskov escapes and starts landing punches from Elekana’s back. Guskov landing heavy shots. Guskov looks for a choke late but Elekana survives. Elekana did tap but it was after the horn sounded. 10-9 Elekana.

Guskov lands a right hand. Elekana lands a left hand and a jab. Elekana with a left hand. Guskov pressuring as both look for openings. Guskov lands to the body and then to the head. Guskov with a right hand to the body. Guskov with a combination to the head and body and starts unloading with uppercuts and two knees. Elekana goes to a knee and Guskov is landing lots of punches. Guskov landing a lot and grabs a guillotine choke and Elekana taps. It wasn’t pretty, but Guskov picks up the win.

Official Result- Bogdan Guskov def. Billy Elekana by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:33 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Zachary Reese (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Azamat Bekoev (18-3, 0-0 UFC)

Bekoev lands a body kick. Reese with a knee to the body as Bekoev looks for a takedown. Bekoev gets it down but Reese is looking for an armbar. Bekoev gets out as they both land hammerfists. Bekoev lands to the body as Reese missed an upkick. Bekoev with some heavy shots from the top. Bekoev continues to land from the top. Bekoev with a big right hand and starts teeing off and he knocks Reese out cold as it is stopped! What a debut for Bekoev!

Official Result- Azamat Bekoev def. Zachary Reese by knockout (punches) at 3:04 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Payton Talbott (9-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Raoni Barcelos (18-5, 7-4 UFC)

Barcelos looks for the takedown immediately and pushes it to the fence as he has a single leg. Talbott grabs the neck but Barcelos completes the takedown. They get to their feet. Barcelos jumps onto the back of Talbott, but he gets back to his feet. Barcelos maintains back control. Barcelos looks to get the hooks in. Barcelos looks for the choke. He lets go but lands punches. Barcelos in the mount. Barcelos with some big elbows from the top. Barcelos looking for an arm-triangle choke from the half-guard. He lets go of it. Barcelos still working from the top as he gets back to full mount. Barcelos with some shots from the top. 10-8 Barcelos.

Talbott lands a leg kick and is pressuring, but Barcelos scores a takedown. Barcelos landing from the top and keeping Talbott down. Talbott is able to scramble to his feet. Talbott lands a short right hand and Barcelos looked a little hurt from it, but Barcelos is able to score another takedown. Barcelos gets the full mount. They scramble to their feet and Barcelos lands a spinning back fist. Barcelos with an uppercut and a right hand. Talbott lands an uppercut. Talbott lands a body kick. Barcelos grabs the single leg and scores a takedown. Barcelos with a pair of big elbows from side control. 10-9 Barcelos, 20-17 Barcelos.

Talbott lands an uppercut. Barcelos looks for a takedown but Talbott reverses into his own takedown and lands from the top. Talbott controlling from the top and Barcelos is rolling for an arm, but he grabbed the fence so timeout is called. Talbott is given the position back and they trade as they stand. They trade big punches. Talbott lands a flying knee but Barcelos gets a takedown. Talbott stands and shakes Barcelos off and starts landing. Barcelos lands a right hand. Talbott lands a spin kick. Talbott lands a right hand but Barcelos scores a takedown. Barcelos in the full mount and lands to the body. Barcelos with big shots from the top as he closes the fight out strong. 10-9 Barcelos, 30-26 Barcelos.

Official Result- Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Middleweights- Kevin Holland (26-12 1 NC, 13-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Reinier de Ridder (18-2, 1-0 UFC)

de Ridder gets Holland to the mat immediately and is inside the guard of Holland. Holland is attacking the arm and throwing from the bottom. Holland throwing kicks from the bottom. de Ridder lands an elbow from the top. de Ridder with some body shots and a cut is opened up on Holland. de Ridder with some ground-and-pound from the top. de Ridder transitions to the back of Holland. Holland stands with de Ridder on his back. de Ridder looking to attack the arm but gets the body triangle locked. de Ridder locks in a rear-naked choke and Holland taps! Impressive first-round finish from de Ridder.

Official Result- Reinier de Ridder def. Kevin Holland by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:31 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #6 Jailton Almeida (21-3, 7-1 UFC) vs. #7 Serghei Spivac (17-4, 8-4 UFC)

Spivac with a body kick. Almeida lands a leg kick. They tie up and Spivac scores a takedown. He gets inside the guard of Almeida. Spivac with a right hand from the top. Spivac with some punches and elbows from the top. Almeida is able to sweep to the top. Almeida in the half-guard and then gets the mount before he takes the back of Spivac. Spivac is able to turn into the guard of Almeida and starts landing punches. Almeida is able to sweep to the top. Almeida lands some big shots on Spivac and Spivac is in trouble. Almeida gets a takedown and starts landing from the mount. Almeida gets the back and starts landing as he flattens Spivac out and it is stopped! What a finish out of nowhere from Almeida.

Official Result- Jailton Almeida def. Serghei Spivac by TKO (punches) at 4:53 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #2 Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1, 4-2 UFC) vs. #3 Jamahal Hill (12-2 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC)

Hill lands a leg kick. Prochazka lands a body kick. Prochazka with a right hand. Prochazka lands a left hand. Hill with a quick flurry and lands a knee. Prochazka lands a left hand. Hill with a jab. Prochazka lands a body kick. Prochazka drops Hill with a left hand. Hill is able to scramble up. Hill landed a nice right hand. They trade punches. Prochazka lands a combo and a pair of knees to the body. Hill lands a knee. Hill lands a right hand. Prochazka with a body kick. Prochazka with a big left hand. 10-9 Prochazka.

Prochazka with a high kick. Prochazka with a pair of body kicks. They trade high kicks. Prochazka with a jumping knee. Timeout is called for an eye poke on Hill, but they get back going fairly quickly. Hill lands a left hand. Hill with an uppercut. Prochazka lands a left hand. Prochazka gets poked in the eye and timeout is called. They get back going after a couple of minutes for Prochazka to recover. Prochazka lands a big right hand. Hill with a right hand. Hill lands a pair of right hands. Prochazka lands a left hand. Hill with a right hand. Prochazka lands a pair of kicks. They trade in close range. Close round. 10-9 Hill, 19-19.

Hill lands a left hand to the body. Prochazka with a body kick and then hurts Hill with a flurry of shots. They tie up and both land. Hill lands inside the pocket. Prochazka with a left hook. Prochazka with a right hand to the body followed by a body kick and a left hand. Hill lands a big knee. Prochazka drops Hill with a right hand and he starts landing from the back. Hill gets up and Prochazka is swarming on him and he throws Hill to the mat. Prochazka with big strikes on the ground and it is stopped! What a finish from Prochazka!

Official Result- Jiri Prochazka def. Jamahal Hill by TKO (punches) at 3:01 of Round 3

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Merab Dvalishvili (18-4, 11-2 UFC) vs. #2 Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0, 6-0 UFC)

Both being patient as no one lands inside the first minute. Nurmagomedov lands a right hand. Dvalishvili lands a right hand and a pair of leg kicks. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Both finding their range and Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown, but Dvalishvili defends and they separate. Dvalishvili with a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a body kick. Nurmagomedov lands a big right hand. Nurmagomedov with a body kick. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov with a right hand and a series of body kicks. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand as Dvalishvili was coming in. Dvalishvili grabs a leg but Nurmagomedov is able to sprawl and defend and then scores a takedown after he grabs the back of Dvalishvili. They get to their feet and separate. Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov lands a knee. Nurmagomedov with an inside leg kick. Dvalishvili pressing forward and lands to the body. Dvalishvili with a right hand and looks for a takedown. They separate. Nurmagomedov lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a body kick. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

They trade and Dvalishvili briefly gets it down but they scramble right up. Dvalishvili lands a big right hand. Dvalishvili pressing forward and lands more. Nurmagomedov with an inside leg kick. Dvalishvili lands as he comes forward. Dvalishvili comes forward and just throws punches but a few do connect. Dvalishvili gets a takedown but lets Nurmagomedov right back up. Dvalishvili gets a takedown but Nurmagomedov is able to reverse immediately to the feet. They are tied up but break apart. Nurmagomedov with an inside leg kick. Nurmagomedov grabs a leg and then takes the back. He is able to get it down as Dvalishvili was showboating. 10-9 Dvalishvili, 29-28 Nurmagomedov.

Dvalishvili with a right hand to the body. Dvalishvili almost gets a takedown. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand. They trade inside the pocket. Dvalishvili gets a takedown but Nurmagomedov gets up. Dvalishvili shoots for a takedown against the fence and they fall to the mat, but get up and Dvalishvili lands a knee on the break. Dvalishvili with a right hand. Nurmagomedov with a head kick that is blocked. They trade punches. Dvalishvili with a combo. They trade jabs and Dvalishvili lands a right hand. Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown but Dvalishvili slips away. Dvalishvili with a pair of right hands. Dvalishvili lands a left hand. Nurmagomedov is looking tired. Dvalishvili with a left hand then a big right hand. Dvalishvili scores a takedown. They get up and Dvalishvili lands against the fence. 10-9 Dvalishvili, 38-38.

Dvalishvili pressing forward and looks for a takedown but Nurmagomedov defends. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand. Dvalishvili with a pair of leg kicks. Dvalishvili looks for a leg and lands a right hand. Dvalishvili with a right hand. Nurmagomedov lands a left hand. Dvalishvili looks for the takedown against the fence. Dvalishvili lands as they separate. Nurmagomedov looks for a takedown but to no success. Dvalishvili gets a brief takedown and lands as they separate. They trade punches. Nurmagomedov with a left hand and a body kick. Nurmagomedov with a pair of kicks but eats a big right hand from Dvalishvili and then Dvalishvili gets a takedown, but Nurmagomedov pops right up. Dvalishvili gets another takedown from the back. They stand and Dvalishvili gets another takedown. Dvalishvili taunts late. 10-9 Dvalishvili, 48-47 Dvalishvili.

Official Result- Merab Dvalishvili def. Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Bantamweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship- C Islam Makhachev (26-1, 15-1 UFC) vs. #10 Renato Moicano (20-5-1, 12-5 UFC)

Moicano with a high kick. Moicano with a leg kick and a right hand. Makhachev lands a left hand. Moicano with a leg kick. Makhachev lands a body kick. Makhachev lands a left hand. Moicano connects with a left hand and Makhachev almost went down and he was hurt from it. Makhachev scores a takedown. Makhachev lands some short left hands. Makhachev locks in a D’Arce choke and it gets Moicano to tap! Easy night at the office for Makhachev as he defends the title.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Renato Moicano by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:05 of Round 1 to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship

Daily Update: UFC 311 card changes, Chris Weidman, Logan Paul

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

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This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Friday Update

– Our weekend schedule is that I’ll be doing a week in review show with Garrett Gonzales today and it’s a huge week of news. We will also be back tomorrow night talking about the weekend news and the first UFC PPV event of the year.

– The new issue of the Observer up on the site is a monster issue with our annual business year in review:

  • The biggest attended shows in combat sports of 2024
  • Who drew the most big crowds of the year
  • What companies drew the biggest crowds
  • Amazing UFC PPV gates
  • The biggest pro wrestling drawing card by year from 1916 to 2024
  • The biggest enduring drawing cards of all-time and where the modern stars rank with the historical stars
  • Updating all the Vince McMahon legal issues, from the SEC findings, the criminal investigation and the lawsuits, plus several things that have happened regarding the Grant case this past week and who are with Vince for his start of a new company
  • WWE and NBC book Saturday Night’s Main Event head-to-head with All In Texas
  • The history of this tactic, and an estimate of how much revenue it would cost AEW
  • WWE on Netflix, what episode one did for business, trying to figure out what the numbers mean, time of show and more
  • WWE & TNA make deal
  • New Japan Battle in the Valley coverage
  • The arenas in the U.S. that have held pro wrestling for the longest amount of time
  • Bret Hart talks his favorite wrestler and the life of Sweet Daddy Siki
  • What is up with Corey Graves
  • Death of Ray Richard
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week and key takes
  • Blue Panther vs. Hechicero
  • Athena tours Stardom
  • New Japan big shows coming up
  • Thoughts on the death of Bob Uecker
  • VOW best wrestlers of 2024
  • More on the AEW show in Brisbane, Australia
  • Lots more on AEW ratings declines and where
  • Darby Allin update
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • International TV ratings and streaming numbers
  • Conor McGregor sued again in a sex case
  • PFL drops the Bellator name, releases Bellator’s biggest star and cuts tournament prize money in half
  • Lots of new stuff from GFL
  • WWE sets more business records
  • Notes on the next Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • Paul Heyman talks booking

– Arman Tsarukyan’s back went out while riding a stationary bike last night. UFC tried to get him medical help but there was no way he could fight tomorrow, so Islam Makhachev will now defend the lightweight title against Renato Moicano. Moicano was scheduled against Beneil Dariush but that’s off and Dariush isn’t fighting. Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spirvac is being moved to the PPV show and Merab Dvalishvili’s bantamweight title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov is now going on last. The show is sold out at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

– Dana White said that Moicano was told about the change before weigh-ins because Moicano had to make 155, rather than 156 for a non-title fight. White said that when they told Makhachev about Tsarukyan being out and offered Moicano, he agreed to it without hesitation. Tsarukayn was considered a far tougher opponent.

– The prelims, originally on ESPN News, will still be there but FX is also going to be airing them.  Disney + is as well.

New lineup starts at 6 p.m. Eastern on Disney +, FX and ESPN+

  • Tagir Ulanbekov (125.5) vs Clayton Carpenter (125.5)
  • Ricky Turcios (136) vs. Bernardo Sopai (135)
  • Rinya Nakamura (135.5) vs. Muin Gafurov (136)
  • Karol  Rosa (135.5) vs. Allin Perez (135)
  • Zachary Reece (185.5) vs. Azamat Bekoev (185.5)
  • Grant Dawson (156) vs. Diego Ferreria (156)
  • Bogdan Guskov (205.5) vs. Billy Elekana (200)
  • Payton Talbott (135.5) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135.5)

PPV at 10 p.m.

  • Kevin Holland (183.5) vs. Reinier de Ridder (184.5)
  • Jailton Almeida (235) vs. Serghei Spivac (233)
  • Jiri Prochazka (204.5) vs. Jamahal Hill (205.5)
  • Islam Makhachev (154.5) vs. Renato Moicano (155) for the lightweight title
  • Merab Dvalishvili (134) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135) for the bantamweight title

– Want to thank people for the feedback on the Sweet Daddy Siki story in today’s issue.

–SmackDown is tonight in San Diego. Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley for the women’s title, Nia Jax & Candice LeRae vs. Bianca Belair & Naomi, Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes plus Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas for a tag team title match have been announced, along with the return of Solo Sikoa. They had 9,800 tickets out as of last night and a sellout for the set-up is 10,700 so it should end up sold out.

– Chris Weidman, 40, the former UFC middleweight champion who ended Anderson Silva’s reign as champion in one of the biggest fights in history, announced his retirement today.  Weidman lost his last fight in December to Eryk Anders.

– The NCAA announced that women’s wrestling has been added as a recognized championship sport and the first national tournament will be for the 2026 season. There were 76 schools that had women’s wrestling teams last season.

– Tammy Sytch’s appeal to get her prison sentence cut back was denied.

– A few notes on the AEW quarter hours from Wednesday. The high point of viewers, as is almost always the case, was Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage (831,000/0.19) at the start of the show. The high point with men 18-49, overall 18-49 was the Casino Battle Royal. Jon Moxley vs. Powerhouse Hobbs at the end was the second highest in 18-49 behind the Casino Battle Royal. The high point in every women’s demo was Omega vs. Cage, but the first segment almost always is that because so many women watch Big Bang Theory that Q1 is always the strongest for them. For 18-34 the high point was MJF and Jeff Jarrett. Keep in mind this is only TV viewers and doesn’t include MAX viewership.

– Logan Paul on his podcast said that Conor McGregor called him and said that the boxing match McGregor has talked about could happen in India. Paul said if the $250 million purse is real, he’s got to take that unless Nick Khan matches it. Like that’s going to happen. Paul noted that McGregor couldn’t do the fight without UFC approval. Dana White has said that the fight isn’t going to happen.

– The reason we haven’t heard much on the Dark Side of the Cage ratings is because episode one on 1/8 featuring Kimbo Slice only did 51,000 viewers. That’s well under half of what event the lowest rated wrestling episodes have done.

– CMLL is now headlining Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Neon as The Sky Team. Basically they are going to be the top main event trio going forward. Their first match together since being given the name is tonight at Arena Mexico against Volador Jr. & Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja.  Tonight also features a rematch of one of the best matches of last year at Arena Mexico with Hechicero vs. Euforia vs Valiente vs. Esfinge, the anniversary show main event.

– Clay Guida is off the UFC roster. He’s been with the company since 2006 and has had the fourth most bouts in UFC history. Giuda had lost three in a row and had some of the greatest fights in history with the likes of Diego Sanchez and Benson Henderson. If he wants to continue, the GFL is being built on 40+ year old former UFC stars.

– Ozawa makes his first GHC title defense on 2/11 against Galeno del Mal, the son of Dr. Wagner Jr.

– GCW’s show on Sunday at the Hammerstein Ballroom will start at 7 p.m. Eastern.

UFC on ESPN+ 107 live results: Mackenzie Dern vs. Amanda Ribas 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC kicks off their 2025 schedule with the Octagon inside of the UFC Apex in Las Vegas for UFC on ESPN+ 107.

The main event is a five-round rematch in the women’s strawweight division as Mackenzie Dern takes on Amanda Ribas.

The two first squared off in October 2019 in a bout won by Ribas. Both remain on the cusp of title contention over five years later as Dern is looking to score her second straight win while Ribas is looking to get back into the win column.

In other main card bouts, Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Carlston Harris in welterweight action; a middleweight slugfest sees Cesar Almeida battling Abdul Razak Alhassan; Chris Curtis takes on Roman Kopylov in a middleweight bout between two fighters on the cusp of being ranked; and a welterweight bout opens the main card with Punahele Soriano facing Uros Medic.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Lightweights- Nurullo Aliev (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Joe Solecki (13-5, 5-3 UFC)

Neither landing inside the first minute of action. Aliev lands and gets a takedown as it looked like Solecki was pulling guard. They work to the fence. Solecki looks for the neck as he tries to use the fence to stand. Solecki then transitions looking for a triangle choke. Solecki lets go and Aliev lands a left hand from the top. Aliev with some punches from the top as he’s starting to get more active. Aliev with more punches from the top as he’s closing the round out strong. 10-9 Aliev.

Aliev lands a left hook. Aliev gets the back standing and scores a takedown. Solecki scrambles and looks for a triangle choke. Aliev tries to slam his way out and is able to as he starts landing from Solecki’s back. Aliev with punches and knees from the back. They get to their feet and Aliev lands a right hand that puts Solecki on the mat. Aliev starts teeing off from the top, but Solecki is able to get Aliev inside of his guard. Aliev maintaining top control as he lands to end the round. 10-9 Aliev, 20-18 Aliev.

Aliev with a left hand. Aliev with another left hand before he scores with a combination. Aliev with another combination as Solecki lands a left hand. Solecki landing a little bit but there’s not much behind his punches. Aliev with another series of punches as Solecki is circling away. Aliev with a big left hand. Solecki is actually connecting more as the round goes on. Aliev lands a left hand. Solecki scores a takedown. He gets the mount and lands but is unable to get the finish before time runs out. 10-9 Solecki, 29-28 Aliev.

Official Result- Nurullo Aliev def. Joe Solecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- Fatima Kline (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Viktoriia Dudakova (8-1, 2-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks early. Dudakova shoots for a takedown against the fence but Kline is defending. Kline lands some elbows before Dudakova breaks away from the takedown attempt. Dudakova then scores a takedown and Kline rolls for a leg. They scramble and Kline is on top as Dudakova is attacking an arm. Kline escapes and they get to their feet. They scramble back to the mat and Kline is on top and lands some punches and elbows. Dudakova back attacking an arm from the bottom, but it allows Kline to get to full mount. Kline with lots of shots from the top. Kline lands a solid elbow. 10-9 Kline.

Dudakova goes right for a takedown and has the body lock against the fence. They scramble and Kline has the leg and she scores a takedown. Kline gets to the mount after working from the top. They scramble to their feet and Dudakova has Kline pushed against the fence. They scramble to the mat and Kline ends up on top. Kline with lots of elbows from the top and Dudakova is covering up but it is stopped. Kline gets the finish to score her first UFC win and Dudakova is cut open.

Official Result- Fatima Kline def. Viktoriia Dudakova by TKO (elbows) at 4:27 of Round 2

> Light Heavyweights- Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Bruno Lopes (13-1, 0-0 UFC)

Gadzhiyasulov with some early leg kicks as Lopes lands one of his own. They trade leg kicks. Gadzhiyasulov lands a right hand. Lopes shoots for a takedown. Gadzhiyasulov defending with some short punches and Lopes starts landing left hands as he has pressure. They separate. Gadzhiyasulov lands a leg kick and Lopes goes back looking for the takedown as he pushes it to the fence. Lopes gets the late takedown but Gadzhiyasulov pops right back up. 10-9 Gadzhiyasulov.

Gadzhiyasulov with a pair of kicks. Lopes clinches up and pushes it to the fence. Lopes lands an elbow as they break. They clinch right back up and Lopes pushes it back to the fence. Lopes looking to get Gadzhiyasulov down to the mat. Lopes is able to score the takedown and lands from the top. They get to their feet and Lopes pushes it back against the fence, but they end up separating. They both land and then clinch, with Lopes pushing it back to the fence. They separate and clinch back up as Lopes lands a knee. Gadzhiyasulov pushes it to the fence and Lopes defends. They separate. Lopes shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. They separate and trade. 10-9 Lopes, 19-19.

Both looking for openings. Gadzhiyasulov tries for a spinning back fist, but Lopes ducks and grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence. They separate and both land leg kicks. Lopes gets a brief takedown and has the back as they stand. Lopes gets a brief takedown, but they get up and separate. Lopes lands a body kick and then goes for a takedown, which he gets. They stand and Lopes has the back. Lopes with a knee to the head of Gadzhiyasulov. Lopes with an elbow and a knee. Lopes gets it down late. 10-9 Lopes, 29-28 Lopes.

Official Result- Bruno Lopes def. Magomed Gadzhiyasulov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Ernesta Kareckaite (5-1-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Nicolle Caliari (8-2, 0-0 UFC)

Caliari lands a leg kick. Kareckaite with some body shots before they clinch against the fence. They separate and Caliari lands a combination. Caliari with a stiff right hand and a leg kick. Caliari shoots for a takedown but Kareckaite defends as they go to the fence. They separate. Caliari lands a flurry of punches as Kareckaite was pressing forward and they clinch against the fence. They separate and Kareckaite lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Caliari shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. She is able to get the trip as she gets Kareckaite down. They stand, but Caliari gets it back down, though they pop right back up. They break apart after Caliari controls for a bit. They trade right hands. 10-9 Caliari.

Caliari lands some big shots to start the second. Kareckaite lands a right hand but Caliari counters with some solid punches. They clinch against the fence but quickly separate. They trade inside the pocket. Caliari shoots for a takedown but Kareckaite defends. They go to the mat and Kareckaite is on top. Kareckaite lands to the body and they stand. Kareckaite with some more body shots on the feet. Kareckaite lands a solid left hand and then mixes to the head and body. Caliari with a right hand and a combination. Caliari with a right hand and then lands a one-two combo. Kareckaite with a series of punches. They trade inside the pocket. 10-9 Kareckaite, 19-19.

They trade in close range to start the round. Kareckaite lands a couple of solid right hands during a flurry. Caliari lands a right hand. They trade and Caliari grabs Kareckaite’s back against the fence. They quickly break apart. Kareckaite with a left hook then a combo. Caliari lands a combo and Kareckaite lands a combo. Caliari shoots for a takedown but Kareckaite defends. Caliari lands to the body. Kareckaite lands a right hand. She lands another. Caliari with a knee in a brief clinch. Caliari gets a takedown. Both landing on the mat as the fight ends. Close fight. 10-9 Kareckaite, 29-28 Kareckaite.

Official Result- Ernesta Kareckaite def. Nicole Caliari by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Preston Parsons (11-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Jacobe Smith (9-0, 0-0 UFC)

Smith lands a body kick. Smith lands a right hand as Parsons landed a left hook. They tie up but quickly separate. Smith with a knee to the body. Smith drops Parsons with a left hook and it is quickly stopped as he lands a pair of follow-up punches. An impressive debut win for Smith.

Official Result- Jacobe Smith def. Preston Parsons by knockout (punch) at 1:13 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Thiago Moises (18-8, 7-6 UFC) vs. Trey Ogden (18-6 1 NC, 3-2 1 NC UFC)

Moises with a leg kick. Ogden lands a left hand. Moises with a heavy leg kick. Moises with a heavy right hand. Ogden lands a leg kick. Ogden lands a jab as Moises lands a leg kick. He lands another. Ogden lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Ogden lands a right hand. Ogden throwing more, though Moises is doing more damage when he lands. Ogden with an inside leg kick. Ogden with a flurry of shots, mixing punches and leg kicks. Ogden with a pair of leg kicks. Ogden lands a right hand. 10-9 Ogden.

They trade to start the second as Moises lands a leg kick. Moises lands a right hand. Ogden with a close combo and lands a right hand. Moises with a heavy leg kick and Ogden goes down to the mat. Moises with a big right hand as he goes into Ogden’s guard. Moises with some elbows from the top. Moises with a bunch of big punches from the top and lands some hard elbows. Moises with more big elbows. 10-9 Moises, 19-19.

Ogden lands a leg kick. Ogden looks for a takedown and gets the back of Moises as they scramble down. Moises ends up inside the guard of Ogden. Moises with an elbow from the top. Moises smothering from the top. Moises with more elbows from the top. Moises staying on top and staying active, mixing to the head and body. Moises lands and stands late, delivering one last big right hand. 10-9 Moises, 29-28 Moises.

Official Result- Thiago Moises def. Trey Ogden by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights*- Marco Tulio (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ihor Potieria (21-7, 2-4 UFC)

*Potieria missed weight by two pounds

Tulio lands a right hand. They trade right hands. Tulio lands a left hand. Tulio with a mixture of kicks and time out is called for a clash of heads. They get back going. They trade and Tulio is landing more. Tulio lands a low blow and time out is called again. They get back to action. Tulio lands a right hand and then another that drops Potieria. Tulio starts teeing off from the top. Potieria is cut open and Tulio keeps pouring it on from the back and it is stopped! What a brutal finish from Tulio to win his UFC debut.

Official Result- Marco Tulio def. Ihor Potieria by TKO (punches) at 3:04 of Round 1

> Flyweights*- Jose Johnson (16-9, 1-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Bunes (13-7, 0-1 UFC)

*Johnson missed weight by 2.5 pounds

Johnson with a calf kick. They trade and scramble down to the mat with Johnson on top. Bunes goes for the armbar and has it in but Johnson is able to scramble. Bunes gets the armbar locked back in and Johnson taps! A nice finish from Bunes to pick up the win.

Official Result- Felipe Bunes def. Jose Johnson by submission (armbar) at 2:04 of Round 1

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> Welterweights- Punahele Soriano (10-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Uros Medic (10-2, 4-2 UFC)

Soriano lands a solid left hand. Medic lands to the body but then gets dropped by a right hand from Soriano. Soriano starts teeing off from the top and it is all over! What a finish from Soriano!

Official Result- Punahele Soriano def. Uros Medic by knockout (punch) at :31 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Christian Rodriguez (11-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Austin Bashi (13-0, 0-0 UFC)

Bashi with a leg kick and Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands some follow-up shots and Bashi goes for a takedown but Rodriguez sprawls. Rodriguez has the neck and is cranking for a guillotine choke as Bashi is defending on the feet. Rodriguez lets go, landing a knee as he does. Bashi lands a leg kick, but Rodriguez grabs it and scores a takedown. They stand and Rodriguez lands a knee to the body as they break. Bashi gets the back of Rodriguez and jumps up on it as they’re on the feet. Bashi lets go and they separate. Rodriguez with a right hand and a knee as Bashi shoots for a takedown. He is able to pick Rodriguez up and drop him to the mat. Rodriguez reverses to the top. They stand and Bashi pushes it to the fence. Rodriguez with a spinning elbow and Bashi lands a right hand. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Bashi grabs the single leg and gets it down briefly, but they get up and are clinched against the fence. Bashi picks Rodriguez up and slams him down to the mat. Rodriguez with some elbows from the bottom. They scramble and Bashi climbs up on the back of Rodriguez as they stand. Bashi has the body triangle locked on. Bashi gets back on his feet and Rodriguez lands a knee before they separate. Rodriguez with a pair of jabs. Bashi shoots for the single leg and pushes it to the fence. Bashi gets it down and is in side control. They scramble up and they trade. Bashi looks to get it back down and is able to briefly late. Bashi lands a knee. 10-9 Bashi, 19-19.

Bashi with a front kick to the face of Rodriguez. Bashi looks for a takedown, but Rodriguez defends and they push it to the fence. Rodriguez gets a scramble to the mat and is on top. Bashi is attacking the arm for a kimura. Rodriguez with some elbows to the body as they get to their feet. Rodriguez lands a combination. Bashi looks for a takedown as they go to the fence. Rodriguez defends and lands a big knee followed by a right hand as they break. Rodriguez with a combination ending with a knee. Rodriguez with another combination against the fence. They clinch and Rodriguez lands a knee as they break. Rodriguez with a step-in knee. 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Rodriguez.

Official Result- Christian Rodriguez def. Austin Bashi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Chris Curtis (31-11 1 NC, 5-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Roman Kopylov (13-3, 5-3 UFC)

Kopylov lands a high kick. They trade jabs. Curtis with a series of jabs. Kopylov with a right hand to the body. Curtis lands a leg kick. Kopylov with a leg kick. Kopylov lands a right hand. They’re trading in close range. Curtis lands a combination. Both are landing with lots of volume with Kopylov landing slightly more. Kopylov with some leg kicks as Curtis lands a left hand. Curtis lands the double jab. Close round. 10-9 Kopylov.

Curtis lands the jab. They trade left hands. Curtis with a jab. They trade inside the pocket. Curtis lands a left hand and Kopylov’s nose is busted open. Curtis with an uppercut. Curtis with a right hand. Kopylov lands a right hand to the groin of Curtis and time out is called. They get right back to action. Curtis landing with some right hands. Kopylov lands a left hand. Time out is called for an eye poke on Curtis. They get back to action and trade jabs. Kopylov lands a left hand that stuns Curtis for a moment. Curtis is starting to pull away on volume as he lands a pair of stiff jabs. Curtis with a series of jabs as Kopylov lands a leg kick. Kopylov with a leg kick. Kopylov is bleeding pretty good. Kopylov with a combo. Kopylov stuns Curtis with a left hand late. 10-9 Curtis, 19-19.

Kopylov with a leg kick. Curtis with a combination. Kopylov lands an uppercut. They’re trading in close range. Curtis with a right hook. Kopylov lands a jab. Curtis lands a jab. Kopylov with a pair of leg kicks. Kopylov lands a leg kick and Curtis is having trouble on his feet. Kopylov lands to the body. Kopylov with a leg kick. Curtis lands a left hand. Curtis with a double jab. Kopylov gets a takedown. They scramble up and Kopylov lands a head kick. Kopylov with a big combination. Kopylov lands a left hand. They clinch and Curtis with a knee. They separate and Kopylov drops Curtis with a head kick and it is stopped with one second left! What a finish from Kopylov!

Official Result- Roman Kopylov def. Chris Curtis by TKO (head kick) at 4:59 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Cesar Almeida (6-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan (12-6 1 NC, 6-6 1 NC UFC)

Almeida with a leg kick. Almeida lands a body kick. Almeida lands a leg kick. Alhassan with a left hand. Alhassan with a combination. Alhassan lands a head kick. Almeida lands a combination. Alhassan lands a stiff right hand. They trade body kicks. Alhassan with a pair of body kicks. Alhassan looks for a takedown as he pushes it to the fence. Almeida with a knee to Alhassan’s body. They separate. Alhassan drops Almeida with a right hand. Alhassan with some punches as they get to their feet. They stand and Alhassan lands some big shots but Almeida lands a massive left hand that knocks Alhassan out cold! What a finish from Almeida!

Official Result- Cesar Almeida def. Abdul Razak Alhassan by knockout (punch) at 4:16 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-8, 11-7 UFC) vs. Carlston Harris (19-6, 4-2 UFC)

Harris with a short leg kick. He lands a jab. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Ponzinibbio lands a big right hand. Ponzinibbio with a combo to the body. They trade leg kicks. They trade right hands. Harris with a right hand to the body. Harris shoots for a takedown but Ponzinibbio defends. Harris lands an inside leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. Harris is pressuring and landing with more volume. Harris lands a right hand and Ponzinibbio goes to his knees but gets right up. Harris drops Ponzinibbio with a combination but is able to get up. 10-9 Harris.

Ponzinibbio lands a pair of leg kicks. Harris with an inside leg kick. They trade punches. Harris lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio lands a straight right hand. Harris shoots for a takedown but Ponzinibbio sprawls away and they stay on the feet. Harris lands an uppercut to the body. They trade punches. Ponzinibbio lands a jab. They trade jabs. Harris with a jab and a leg kick. Harris with another leg kick. Harris with a pair of left hands to the body. They trade in close range. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Ponzinibbio with a pair of stiff jabs. 10-9 Ponzinibbio, 19-19.

Harris looks for a takedown but Ponzinibbio pushes him off to the mat. Ponzinibbio with some kicks as Harris is on his back. Harris stands and they trade jabs. Harris lands a left hook to the body. Ponzinibbio lands a stiff right hand. Ponzinibbio lands again and Harris stumbles back. Ponzinibbio is pressuring and lands and Harris is having trouble standing. Ponzinibbio lands and Harris goes down. Ponzinibbio lands from the top but lets Harris up. Ponzinibbio lands a right hand and is landing as they’re on the feet and it is stopped standing. What a finish from Ponzinibbio!

Official Result- Santiago Ponzinibbio def. Carlston Harris by TKO (punches) at 3:13 of Round 3

> Women’s Strawweights- #6 Mackenzie Dern (14-5, 9-5 UFC) vs. #8 Amanda Ribas (13-5, 7-4 UFC)

Dern with a pair of early leg kicks. Ribas lands a leg kick and Dern lands one in return. Dern with a combination. Dern lands a leg kick and Ribas lands a counter right hand. Dern with a leg kick. Ribas lands a right hand. Dern with a body kick. Dern lands a right hand. Dern scores a takedown and is inside the guard of Ribas. Ribas with some elbows from the bottom. Dern with some body shots. Dern lands some left hands and a few hammerfists. 10-9 Dern.

Dern with an inside leg kick. Dern tries a takedown but Ribas ends up on top inside the guard of Dern. Dern lands an elbow from the bottom that cuts Ribas open. Ribas with a few left hands from the top. Dern with a pair of elbows from the bottom. Ribas still in control from the top. Dern looks for an arm from the bottom and Ribas tries to roll out. Dern has Ribas tied up and ends up on top in a scramble. They both land late. 10-9 Ribas, 19-19.

Ribas with a body kick. Dern looks for a takedown and has the body lock against the fence. Ribas trips Dern to the mat and is in side control. Ribas with some body shots. Dern looks for an armbar from the bottom. Ribas is defending for now. Ribas with some knees to the body of Dern. Dern sweeps to the top and is still attacking the arm of Ribas. Dern lets go as she now has the mount. Dern with punches from the top as she looks for the arm. Dern goes for an armbar and has it locked in and Ribas taps! Dern pulls out the win with time running out in the third.

Official Result- Mackenzie Dern def. Amanda Ribas by submission (armbar) at 4:56 of Round 3

UFC looking for more than $1 billion annually in new TV rights deal

Posted on by Josh Nason

One of the last big sports TV rights deals available for some time will come with a hefty price tag as the UFC is reportedly looking for more than $1 billion annually in their next TV rights package.

The number was reported by Bloomberg on Friday noting that in addition to ESPN, possible suitors include Netflix, Amazon, WBD, and YouTube for the pay-per-view component. ESPN & UFC/TKO are currently in their exclusive negotiating window that lasts through mid-April.

Splitting rights remains a possibility as TKO head Mark Shapiro has discussed in the past.

UFC is about to complete a five-year, $1.5 billion contract with ESPN at the end of this year. That includes the exclusive rights to offer UFC PPVs via their ESPN+ platform in addition to Fight Night events, The Ultimate Fighter, and access to library content.

It will be the second of three straight years of TV rights financial windfalls for TKO properties following the January 2025 kickoff of a 10-year, $5 billion worldwide deal between WWE and Netflix; a five-year, $1.4 billion domestic deal between WWE and NBC Universal that began in October 2024, and next year’s WWE domestic PLE/library rights currently on Peacock that comes up in March 2026.

Ronda Rousey gives birth to second daughter

Posted on by Ethan Renner

UFC Hall of Famer and former three-time WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and husband Travis Browne have welcomed the birth of their second child together.

In an Instagram post Thursday, Rousey announced the birth of the couple’s second daughter, Liko’ula Pa’uomahinakaipiha Browne. The Southern California residents made reference to the wildfires ravaging the area in the post’s caption:

“Our little girl came into this world during a windstorm into a city on fire, so grateful she made it safe and sound
Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha Browne“

Rousey had two separate WWE runs sandwiched around the birth of her first daughter in 2021. She made a brief foray into the independent scene after leaving WWE in 2023, and wrestled on one Ring of Honor taping. Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 after retiring from MMA in 2016.

Browne and Rousey have been together since 2015 and married since 2017. Browne is also a former UFC fighter. Browne has two children from a prior relationship in addition to the two daughters with Rousey.

Daily Update: WWE SNME & UFC fallout, Chris Jericho

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • The notes of just how much of the young audience AEW has lost
  • All In at Globe Life Field both realities and perception
  • History of famous promotional wars and how they turned out and why
  • Why the few incumbents that lost did
  • The rise and fall of WCW
  • The finances of AEW
  • The issue with all non-Raw and Smackdown shows in the U.S. market right now not involving AEW
  • History of Saturday Night’s Main Event
  • High water marks for the show in the 80s
  • The Hogan vs. Andre match
  • Why SNME went away and its return and why that didn’t work as well
  • Preview of tomorrow’s show and betting odds
  • AEW Worlds End notes and WWE’s head-to-head show in Orlando
  • Full coverage of NXT Deadline
  • Full coverage of UFC 310
  • Tokyo Sports Awards, including unique things Zack Sabre Jr. has done and the history of all 51 MVP winners since 1974
  • More on the new Global Fight League, which features tons of post-40 UFC champions and major stars, to be debuting soon
  • For those outside the U.S. where the WWE Network moves to Netflix, what non-live shows will Netflix be airing and how little it is as compared to the WWE Network
  • Preview of both Tokyo Dome shows in January
  • The death of Karloff Lagarde Jr.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the U.S. TV shows, comparisons to one year ago, segment-by-segment and rankings for the night and week.
  • What CMLL star trained with the Olympic team only a few years ago
  • Pentagon Jr. update
  • Tag team tournament finals in Japan
  • Top star in Japanese group gets suspended
  • Another top star cutting down his schedule
  • International TV ratings
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
  • Tag team getting a non-wrestling national television show
  • Wrestling legend getting a non-wrestling TV show
  • Notes on the new season of Dark Side of the Ring
  • Willie Mack situation in GCW
  • What wrestler was GCW hoping to get for the Hammerstein Ballroom
  • Tessa Blanchard update
  • Lots of notes about the AEW on sale in Texas
  • Update on Rey Fenix situation
  • Most viewed streaming segments of AEW & WWE this past month
  • Steroids in BJJ
  • MMA Awards
  • Mark Shapiro talks future in WWE, UFC and even boxing ideas*WWE injury updates
  • Lots of notes about WWE shows on A&E in 2025
  • Son of sports legend makes quiet WWE debut
  • Janel Grant case updates
  • Dwayne Johnson movie updates

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Sunday Update

  • We have both weekend shows up on the site. Our week in review show with Garrett Gonzales saw us get into detail with the problems with AEW, Rey Fenix, plus we talked about Saturday Night’s Main Event history and the rest of the news.
  • Bryan and I had a show last night covering Saturday Night’s Main Event, Collision, other big matches of the week and UFC from last night. Bryan and I will be back tomorrow night covering Raw.
  • For those in Canada who have been asking, the January 3 episode of Smackdown will be airing on the WWE YouTube channel only for Canada as Sportsnet is dropping it at the end of the year. Netflix picks it up on January 6. NXT on January 7 and Smackdown on January 10 will both be live on Netflix in Canada.
  • I know most know this, but the post-match attack after last night’s show where Kevin Owens attacked Cody Rhodes when he was doing his promo and gave him a package piledriver was exactly as it was supposed to have been. Some thought they had to cut away before the angle because the show went long, but that was not the case.
  • It was very interesting to see Paul Levesque’s approach last for a show aimed at people who would be new to the product. The so-called booking for casuals was fast paced matches with no slow spots, mostly wrestling and videos with a little nostalgia thrown in, and very few angles.  The idea was to keep it simple. I talked a lot on the show about the in-ring style because I found it so fascinating what type of style they went with.
  • At the UFC post-fight press conference last night Dana White said it is guaranteed that Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall for the heavyweight title unification will take place in 2025 and also said he expects the show to break records. He said it would be the biggest fight in heavyweight history. It is interesting that no PPV numbers have come out for Jones vs. Stipe Miocic in November, which was expected to do the biggest PPV numbers in more than a year. Aspinall also said he was told that the match would be taking place.
  • It was interesting that they didn’t book Hulk Hogan on last night’s show but Hogan did appear on the UFC show. Hogan was in Colby Covington’s corner with Chael Sonnen and Covington came out to “Real American.” Covington was hammered by Joaquin Buckley and lost via stoppage due to blood.  
  • The Chris Jericho deal last night at the GCW show in Los Angeles was not a detailed thing.  Basically Jericho was in Los Angeles last night already for Kuarantine at the Whisky and GCW was there and Jericho figured he could shoot an angle with Matt Cardona.  GCW wasn’t going to have any problem with a surprise appearance of Jericho on their show and laying out Effy just made sense for all concerned.
  • At last night’s UFC show they announced for 2/1 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia the main event will be Israel Adesanya vs.  Nassourdine Imavov and Michael Venom Page vs. Shara Magomedov.
  • Corey Anderson, who was announced to be fighting Vadim Nemkov on 1/25 in Abu Dhabi earlier in the week, on the PFL/Bellator show, said that he was told this morning that Nemkov refused to fight him.
  • For Sunday at Korakuen Hall, the final King of Pro Wrestling title match of the year at Korakuen Hall will be Great-O-Khan defending against Taichi. Fans will vote on the stips. O’Khan wants no DQ and falls count anywhere. Taichi wants a 2/3 fall match with the first fall being sumo style, the second fall has Yoshinobu Kanemaru as referee, and the third fall will be last man standing.
  • Matches I was told to go out of your way to see for this week were Sareee vs. Nanae Takahashi for the Marigold title and Flip Gordon vs. Rocky Romero for the Historic middleweight title at  Arena Mexico from Friday. I definitely would also recommend Kile Fletcher vs Mark Briscoe as the best match on U.S. television this weekend.
  • New Japan at 7:30 p.m. Eastern tonight on New Japan World
    • Matt Vandagriff vs. Zane Jay
    • Mina Shirakawa vs. Johnnie Robbie
    • Grizzled Young Veterans vs. Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs for Strong tag titles
    • Clark Connors vs.  Kushida vs. TJP vs. Kosei Fujita
    • Lio Rush vs. Hechicero
    • Titan & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Jacob Austin Young & Templario
    • Gabe Kidd vs. Ryohei Oiwa for the Strong title
    • Zack Sabre Jr. & Bad Dude Tito & Shane Haste vs. Shota Umino &  Jack Perry & Konoske Takeshita
    • Mercedes Mone vs. Hazuki for the Strong women’s title.
  • The UFC Fight Night on ESPN 2 last night did 200,000 Google searches. Saturday Night’s Main Event had 100,000. Both are high for TV shows.
  • Hank Walker & Tank Ledger won the tag team titles last night for Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling group.
  • Boca Raton Championship Wrestling today has a show with MJF vs. QT Marshall, Matt Riddle & Stallion Rogers vs. Anthony Greene & Matt Taven, Chris Masters vs. Madman Fulton, Colt Cabana vs. Bull James and Deonna Purrazzo vs. Chelsea Durden plus Missy Hyatt, Brutus Beefcake and Ricardo Rodriguez were there.
  • Kirk White’s Big Time Wrestling from Friday night in Newark, CA: Jeri Giggalow b Levi Shapiro, Ray Rico b Jiah Jewell, Beatrice Domino b Angie Savage, Starboy Charlie b Jack Cartwheel, Marcus Lewis b Zane Jay, Too Fresh b Lights Camera Action, Will Hobbs b Vinnie Massaro, Aaron Solo b Fred Rosser (thanks to Jim Davis and Johnny Poon)