Tag: ufc

TKO announces new multi-year deal in Arizona for WWE, UFC, Zuffa boxing & PBR events

Posted on by Josh Nason

TKO — the parent company of WWE, UFC, Zuffa Boxing and Professional Bull Riding — announced a multi-year deal with the Arizona Sports & Events Alliance on Tuesday that will bring seven events to the state.

No further information was announced in terms of what events, when they could begin to take place or even where they could be held. No financials were disclosed to this point either.

For those perhaps looking ahead at potential WWE PLEs being held in a stadium or baseball park, WWE held the Royal Rumble at Chase Field in 2019 with 2010’s WrestleMania XXVI held at what is now known as State Farm Stadium in 2010. Several events have been held at indoor venues as well. UFC has also held events at the Footprint Center like UFC 274 in May 2022.

The agreement is the latest in TKO’s effort to secure guaranteed site fees and financial incentives (what TKO head Mark Shapiro recently coined as financial incentive packages) from municipalities for bringing their various events to town.

Daily Update: UFC & WWE Backlash fallout, BTS at Arena Mexico

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • Ted Turner’s legacy in sports
  • The history of pro wrestling on the Turner Networks
  • The skyrocketing success and rapid decline of WCW
  • The television heyday of Georgia Championship Wrestling
  • How Ted Turner first got involved in pro wrestling
  • Why Vince McMahon hated Ted Turner and how irrational it was at times
  • The local TV business in the early 70s
  • The 1972-74 Atlanta wrestling war, how it started and ended
  • The start of Gordon Solie and Tony Schiavone on TBS
  • The growth of TBS
  • The launching of CNN
  • How Vince McMahon got on TBS
  • Why McMahon and Turner had issues during their year working together
  • The role Jim Barnett played
  • The death of Mid South Wrestling
  • The death of Jim Crockett Promotions
  • The death of WCW
  • How Barnett manipulated the Crocketts getting on TBS
  • Vince McMahon’s cable power plays and Turner’s reactions
  • The signing of Hulk Hogan and rise of Eric Bischoff
  • Hall, Nash and Bret Hart come to WCW
  • How Bischoff nearly purchased WCW and how it fell through
  • A reprint of a 2001 article on the closing of WCW that Ted Turner himself read and praised
  • Reaction to the death of WCW
  • Numerous people react to the death
  • The tribute on AEW television
  • His exploits in other sports
  • Rupert Murdoch, Ric Flair, Jane Fonda, Tony Khan and others in sports comment on Turner’s death
  • Turner’s life after he lost control of the networks
  • His charitable work
  • Update on Tanea “Rebel” Brooks
  • A first look at how UFC is performing and its revenue driven vs. expense for Paramount
  • WWE cuts continue and are looked at
  • A crazy note about the income of just four of TKO’s top executives and how it compares to the pay for UFC and WWE athletes. This is absolutely shocking
  • Nick Khan’s new contract with TKO
  • Why so many cuts were made this year and more notes on the pay cuts
  • New Day bid farewell
  • WWE & UFC first quarter financials looked at
  • More talk regarding Middle East shows, Zuffa Boxing, and complaints regarding WWE and UFC
  • Backlash preview, business notes and odds
  • Notes on AEW Double or Nothing
  • New Japan Dontaku coverage
  • Nico Ali Walsh on Nick Khan’s testimony before Congress
  • NOAH big show notes
  • The most detailed look at the TV ratings from the pro wrestling and MMA shows this past week
  • Fantastica Mania Mexico
  • CMLL vs. MLW at Arena Mexico notes
  • Grande Americano vs. Grande Americano
  • Lots of injury updates
  • Who in AEW was set for a major push that is now on hold
  • Champion Carnival down to final four
  • Cuatrero convicted in domestic violence case involving Stephanie Vaquer
  • Raja Jackson case coming to a close
  • Former WWE wrestler murder case makes pub again
  • Worldwide YouTuber numbers
  • Dana White talks McGregor’s return
  • Notes on Roman Reigns and his schedule
  • When did Nick Khan learn Vince McMahon was being investigate for sex trafficking
  • Janel Grant gets more public
  • Notes from WWE’s television contracts

This Week’s Back Issue

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Sunday Update

Mistico wears a BTS-influenced jacket
Mistico wears a BTS-influenced jacket (Image credit: CMLL)

— We have two weekend shows up right now. Last night Bryan and I talked about Backlash, Collision, Ted Turner, Mistico, WWE business and other subjects. Today’s show with Garret, with questions from the current issue of the Observer, the UFC 328 show and more on Ted Turner, wrestling, baseball and cable.

— Happy Mother’s Day for all the mothers out there.

— Last night’s UFC show did the largest numbers the company has done since the first major show on Paramount. So I expect big numbers for CBS when they come out on Tuesday. It was the No. 1 rated show worldwide on Paramount+ for the day, even beating South Park. In fact it was so big that old UFC shows placed No. 10 for the day. Outside of Europe and Australia (where it aired after midnight so it wouldn’t be listed until tomorrow), it was the No. 1 show in every market it aired in on Paramount + other than the U.S., where it was No. 2 to South Park.

— Not a lot coming out of Backlash, although the post-match made it appear that Roman Reigns would be doing something to try and get Jacob Fatu out of WWE starting on tomorrow’s Raw.

— Regarding the details of the John Cena Invitational, we were just told today that this is a work in progress. They wanted to make the announcement but as far as what it is, that is not decided so any speculation of tournament vs. individual matches or how the champions will be set up is just speculation.

— We’re looking for your thoughts on Backlash, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to dave@wrestliing observer.com

— For Google searches, last night’s UFC show led by Sean Strickland’s middleweight title win over Khamzat Chimaev did 1,360,000 searches. WWE Backlash did 254,000. Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano did 10,000.

— There were two very close decisions on last night’s UFC show. Sean Strickland beat Khamzat Chimaev on 47-48, 48-47 and 48-47 scores. I had Chimaev clearly winning rounds and and four, Strickland winning round two and I did have Strickland three and five but both were so close they could have gone the other way. Media scores were 54 percent for Chimaev. This could have gone either way. I still had it open in the last ten seconds that if Chimaev landed strongly I had him winning. Chimaev is not going to ask for a rematch because he’s moving to light heavyweight. He had way too much weight to cut and it made a difference with his stamina.

— Judge Eric Clon went for Strickland winning rounds two, three and five. Sal D’Amato gave Strickland the same three rounds. Sue Sanidad had Strickland winning two and three and Chimaev winning one, four and five. In Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, had Cortez-Acosta winning one and three but most had it the other way. Media scores were 80 percent in favor of Volkov, who won. Judge Jon Bilyk had all three rounds for Vokov. Henry Krawiec had one and two for Volkov. Dave Tirelli had two and three for Volkov.

— Not much in the way of reports on great matches this weekend. Aside from Backlash and the Darby Allin vs. Pac match, we didn’t get anything in the way of recommendations.

— At Arena Mexico on Friday, members of the band BTS were in the front row. Mistico came out with a BTS jacket. Then last night at the BTS concert before 65,000 fans at Estadio GNP Seguros, Jin had a Mistico jacket on and they led the crowd in chants for Mistico. BTS ran three shows in Mexico City. It was reported that when tickets were put on sale that there were 2.1 million people in the queue to buy tickets. Reports were that they turned away 40,000 fans at the stadium last night.

— Group member Yoongi talked last night about being a lifelong fan and his favorites being Rey Mystreio and Eddy Guerrero. Backstage group members were trying to do Mistico moves on each other last night.

— Tonight at Arena Mexico has Mistico & Mascara Drada & Atlantis Jr. vs Averno & Soberano Jr. & Hechicero as the main event.

— The A&E Biography today is on The Four Horsemen at 8 p.m. LFG airs at 10 p.m. and WWE’s Greatest Moments air at 11 and 11:30 p.m. The 11 p.m. show will be on Nitro and the 11:30 p.m. show will be a history of Backlash.

— Tito Santana, born Merced Solis, turned 73 today. Frankie Hill Murdoch, the father of Dick Murdoch, was born on this day in 1909. Billy Sandow, one of the most important figures in pro wrestling history, was born on this day in 1912. Jerry Brown of the Hollywood Blonds tag team was born on this day 1937. Hall of Fame promoter Frank Tunney of Toronto died 43 years ago today at the age of 70. He was the uncle of Jack Tunney, who took over Maple Leaf Wrestling after Frank’s death. Ilio DiPaolo, the biggest pro wrestling regional star ever in Buffalo and also well known for the Italian Restaurant DiPaolo’s (which still exists today after 61 years), died 21 years ago today at 68. Mack York was 90 when he died ten years ago today. Bob Bruggers was 80 when he died two years ago today. So this week’s Observer in 2024 had the story on the 1972 Class of Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson trainees, which included Bruggers, Ric Flair, Ken Patera, Iron Sheik, Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell. The two expected to be the biggest stars were Patera and Bruggers, who was a high school basketball legend and former NFL player. (thanks to Tony Richards)

— CNN aired a documentary last night on the life of Ted Turner. There was no mention of pro wrestling in the documentary.

UFC 328 live results: Chimaev vs. Strickland; Van vs. Taira

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

One of the most anticipated fights of the year headlines a stacked card capped off with two title fights as UFC 328 takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The main event sees a heated rivalry culminate in a championship setting as UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev defends against former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland. Chimaev is making his first title defense after defeating Dricus Du Plessis for the title in August. Strickland gets his long-awaited chance to regain championship gold following his win over Anthony Hernandez in February.

The co-main event sees a second title fight as UFC Flyweight Champion Joshua Van defends against Tatsuro Taira. Van is making his first title defense after winning the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December. Taira gets his chance to become the first-ever Japanese UFC Champion on the heels of two straight wins.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout pitting Alexander Volkov against Waldo Cortes-Acosta; a welterweight fight between Sean Brady and Joaquin Buckley; and a battle of long-time UFC veterans as King Green takes on Jeremy Stephens.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET | 2 PM PT

> Flyweights- Clayton Carpenter (8-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Jose Ochoa (8-2 1 NC, 1-2 UFC)

They come out trading and Ochoa lands a stiff left hand. Carpenter lands a left hook. Ochoa lands a combination. They trade kicks and Ochoa lands a pair of body shots. Carpenter looks for a takedown, but Ochoa grabs the neck and they get to the feet. Ochoa lands to the body. They both swing in close range. Ochoa with a front kick to the body. Ochoa lands to the body and follows it with a combination. Ochoa is working the body of Carpenter well. They trade leg kicks. They clinch and Carpenter lands a few knees. They separate and Ochoa lands a flurry. Ochoa lands a lot against the fence and down goes Carpenter. Carpenter gets up looking for a takedown and attacks the leg. Ochoa defends with some hammerfists and Carpenter is leaking from his nose. They get to their feet. They trade right hands. 10-9 Ochoa.

Carpenter lands a leg kick. Ochoa lands a combination. Ochoa lands a big flurry to the head and body against the fence. Ochoa lands to the body and Carpenter lands a body kick. Carpenter catches a kick and jumps on the back of Ochoa standing. Ochoa shakes him off but Carpenter grabs a leg. They get to their feet and both land combinations. They trade leg kicks. Carpenter lands a left hook as Ochoa throws a kick. They trade as Carpenter comes forward. Ochoa lands a spinning back fist. Ochoa lands a switch kick right to the chin of Carpenter. 10-9 Ochoa, 20-18 Ochoa.

Ochoa pressing forward and mixing punches and kicks to start the third. Ochoa looks for a jumping knee but Carpenter catches him and scores a takedown. Ochoa landing from the bottom as Carpenter is looking to set up a choke. Ochoa with more body shots from the bottom. Carpenter looks for the back but is too high and Ochoa shakes him off as they get to their feet. Ochoa lands a combination. Ochoa lands a big flurry against the fence. Carpenter circles away and lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Ochoa works the jab and Carpenter lands a pair of body kicks. They trade and Ochoa lands a pair of stiff jabs. Ochoa lands a big series of punches. 10-9 Ochoa, 30-27 Ochoa.

Fight Result- Jose Ochoa def. Clayton Carpenter by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights- Baisangur Susurkaev (11-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Djorden Santos (11-2, 1-1 UFC)

Susurkaev lands a front kick to the body. Susurkaev lands a pair of kicks. Susurkaev with a combo ending with a head kick and then lands a body kick. Santos lands a calf kick. Santos lands a pair of leg kicks. Susurkaev with a big right hand. Susurkaev lands some more kicks. They trade and both land leg kicks. Susurkaev with a body kick and Santos lands a combo. They trade late. 10-9 Susurkaev.

Both are landing to start the second with Susurkaev landing with more volume. Susurkaev lands some leg kicks and combinations. Santos with an uppercut. They trade right hands. Santos lands an elbow. They trade inside the pocket. Santos grabs the body lock and pushes Susurkaev against the fence. Susurkaev is playing to the crowd as Santos is just holding on. They separate. Susurkaev lands a combination and Santos lands an uppercut. They trade late. 10-9 Susurkaev, 20-18 Susurkaev.

They both come out landing as Susurkaev lands to the body and Santos lands a small flurry. Susurkaev lands a right hand followed by a low kick. Susurkaev grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence. They break apart and Susurkaev lands an uppercut. They trade in close range. Susurkaev lands a pair of big punches and Santos looked stunned briefly. They clinch and Susurkaev gets a takedown and starts landing from the back. Susurkaev locks in a rear-naked choke. It is in tight and Santos goes out cold! Susurkaev remains undefeated.

Fight Result- Baisangur Susurkaev def. Djorden Santos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:12 of Round 3

> Featherweights- Pat Sabatini (21-5, 8-2 UFC) vs. William Gomis (15-3, 5-1 UFC)

Sabatini immediately shoots for a takedown against the fence. Gomis is defending. Sabatini almost gets it down but Gomis keeps it upright. Sabatini gets the back as he’s still attacking for a takedown. Sabatini lands some punches from the back. Gomis spins and lands a knee as Sabatini keeps body control. Sabatini lands a knee. Gomis gives his back up and Sabatini lands some knees and right hands. Sabatini continues to attack a single leg. Gomis lands some and Sabatini gets a takedown. They get up at the horn. 10-9 Sabatini.

Sabatini pressing forward and throws some strikes as he shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Sabatini has neck control. Sabatini attacking the leg and is able to get a big takedown and takes the back of Gomis as they work to the feet. They break apart and Sabatini lands a right hand. Gomis lands a body kick. They tie up and both land while clinched before separating. They trade and both connect late. 10-9 Sabatini, 20-18 Sabatini.

Sabatini lands a pair of leg kicks. Sabatini with a leg kick and a right hand. Sabatini shoots for a takedown but Gomis sprawls and Gomis lands an elbow. They trade kicks. Sabatini lands a right hand and looks for a takedown against the fence. Sabatini with some short knees. Sabatini is working for the takedown as he has control of a leg. Sabatini lands to the body and gets Gomis to the mat. They get up and Sabatini has back control along the fence. Gomis lands a pair of elbows as Sabatini is working to get it down. Sabatini holds Gomis against the fence to the end. 10-9 Sabatini, 30-27 Sabatini.

Fight Result- Pat Sabatini def. William Gomis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Roman Kopylov (14-5, 6-5 UFC) vs. Marco Tulio (14-2, 2-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks as Tulio lands to the body. Tulio with a right hand but Kopylov circles away at the right moment. They both land leg kicks. Kopylov lands a body kick. Kopylov lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. Tulio lands a right hand. Kopylov with a left hand. Tulio lands a head kick. Tulio with a straight right hand. Kopylov with a high kick and he lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. They trade punches. 10-9 Tulio.

Kopylov lands a big right hook to start the second. Tulio works the jab and Kopylov lands a combination. Kopylov with a combination. Both connect and Tulio lands a combination. Tulio with a high kick. Kopylov lands a left hand as Tulio threw a high kick. Tulio lands a right hand. Tulio lands another right hand. Kopylov is bleeding around his eye. Kopylov lands a combination. Kopylov drops Tulio with a punch and starts landing as Tulio stands. Kopylov landing punches and Tulio goes back down. Kopylov landing from the top and Tulio gets to his feet and Kopylov grabs the body lock. 10-9 Kopylov, 19-19.

Kopylov drops Tulio again with another left hand. Tulio gets up but gets dropped again after a big combination from Kopylov. Kopylov is landing and Tulio stands. Kopylov gets a takedown. Kopylov lands from the top and they get back to their feet. They separate. Tulio lands a leg kick as Kopylov lands a jab. Kopylov lands a body kick as Tulio connects with a few punches. Kopylov lands a left hand. Kopylov with a high kick. Kopylov with a right hook. Tulio with a spin kick. They trade big punches at the end. 10-9 Kopylov, 29-28 Kopylov.

Fight Result- Roman Kopylov def. Marco Tulio by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Jim Miller (38-19 1 NC, 27-18 1 NC UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (21-8 1 NC, 9-7 1 NC UFC)

Gordon with a high kick as Miller lands a right hand. Miller lands a combination against the fence and Gordon was briefly hurt. They clinch and separate as Gordon lands a body kick. Miller throws a kick and Gordon grabs the leg and gets a brief takedown. They get to their feet. They trade combinations after a brief timeout for a groin strike. Miller lands a right hook. Miller grabs a guillotine choke as they go to the mat. It is in deep and Gordon is trying to fight it off. Gordon taps! Miller picks up yet another UFC win!

Fight Result- Jim Miller def. Jared Gordon by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:29 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Grant Dawson (23-3-1, 11-2-1 UFC) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (20-4, 4-3 UFC)

Dawson lands a head kick and a knee. Dawson lands a knee as Rebecki looks for a takedown and they scramble on the mat. Dawson lands a knee as they sprawl up. Dawson gets the back of Rebecki as they get to the fence. Dawson is on the back of Rebecki as they stand. Rebecki is busted open around his eye and Dawson gets a pair of warnings about grabbing the fence. Dawson is attacking for a choke but lets go to land punches. Rebecki is able to spin into top control. Rebecki has the back as they get up. Rebecki with some punches from the back. Dawson lands a short elbow. Rebecki lands an uppercut as they separate. Rebecki with a right hand. Dawson lands a right hand and Rebecki sweeps his leg to the mat. 10-9 Dawson.

Dawson lands a knee and body kick. Dawson with another pair of body kicks. They trade and Rebecki lands a right hand and Dawson goes to his butt. Rebecki landing punches from the back. Rebecki has back control against the fence on the feet. Rebecki with some right hands from the back. Rebecki lands as they separate. Dawson lands a head kick. Dawson lands a body kick as Rebecki lands a left hand. Dawson with a leg kick. Dawson pressuring with lots of volume. Rebecki lands a right hand. Dawson with a combination. They trade leg kicks. Rebecki lands a left hand. Dawson lands a combo. Rebecki lands a right hand and then another right hook. Dawson with a knee to the body then a high kick. Rebecki scores a takedown. 10-9 Rebecki, 19-19.

Dawson lands a high kick but slips to the mat. They scramble and Dawson gets on the back of Rebecki. Dawson has the body triangle locked on. Dawson is looking for a rear-naked choke but Rebecki defends. Dawson almost had it in but let go as Rebecki defended. Dawson lands some punches and goes back for the choke. Dawson lets go and keeps back control and lands more punches. Dawson smothering from the back and attacks a choke. Dawson looks for the choke and has it in and Rebecki taps!

Fight Result- Grant Dawson def. Mateusz Rebecki by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:42 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Joel Alvarez (23-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. #14 Yaroslav Amosov (29-1, 1-0 UFC)

Amosov lands some leg kicks and connects with some punches and scores a takedown. They stand and Amosov is looking for a standing arm-triangle choke. He lets go and gets Alvarez back down to the mat. They get up and Amosov has back control and lands some punches. Amosov gets a late takedown. 10-9 Amosov.

Alvarez throws a combo but eats a counter right hand by Amosov. Amosov with a high kick. Amosov lands a pair of leg kicks. Alvarez lands some punches. Amosov gets the back and scores a big takedown. Amosov gets on top and locks in an arm-triangle choke and Alvarez taps! Amosov with a dominant win and he celebrates by break dancing.

Fight Result- Yaroslav Amosov def. Joel Alvarez by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 1:13 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Ateba Gautier (10-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Ozzy Diaz (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

Gautier lands a calf kick. Gautier lands a left hand followed by an uppercut. Gautier with a combination. Gautier with a left hand. Diaz lands a right hand. Gautier lands and Diaz forces a clinch. Diaz works hard for a takedown but Gautier lands a knee on the break. Gautier lands a right hand. Gautier with a calf kick. Diaz lands a jab. Gautier with an uppercut. They trade jabs. Diaz looks for a takedown and gets the back of Gautier against the fence. 10-9 Gautier.

Gautier lands to the body. Gautier with a high kick and a right hand to the body. Diaz lands a right hand. Gautier lands a right hand and Diaz goes down and some follow-up shots end it. Diaz was protesting but he was in real trouble. Gautier picks up another big win.

Fight Result- Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz by knockout (punch) at 1:10 of Round 2

MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET | 6 PM PT

> Lightweights*- King Green (34-17-1 1 NC, 15-12-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (29-22 1 NC, 15-19 1 NC UFC)

*Stephens missed weight by four pounds

Green lands a left hand. Stephens lands a leg kick. They clinch and Stephens lands a right hand as they break. Green lands a big jab and then hurts Stephens with a left hand. Green lands a combo and has Stephens in trouble. Green then lands a kick right to the groin and timeout is called. They return to action and Green lands a combo and a body kick. Green gets a takedown and starts landing a big flurry from the top. Green with some big elbows and tons of left hands from the top. Stephens looks for an arm but Green lands big elbows and is teeing off from the top. Green gets the back and locks in a tight rear-naked choke and Stephens taps!

Fight Result- King Green def. Jeremy Stephens by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:20 of Round 1

> Welterweights- #6 Sean Brady (18-2, 8-2 UFC) vs. #9 Joaquin Buckley (21-7, 11-5 UFC)

Brady lands a left hand and looks for a takedown. Brady looks for a takedown but Buckley defends. Brady lands a left hand. Buckley lands a leg kick but Brady is able to turn it into a takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing a lot of punches. Brady with lots of shots and Buckley is in big trouble. Brady landing a lot and looks for an arm for a kimura. Buckley is trying to fight it. Brady lands on top to end the round. 10-9 Brady.

Brady lands a head kick. Brady gets the back and drags Buckley to the mat. Brady gets into side control. Brady controlling and landing and looked for a choke, but Buckley forced a scramble up. Buckley looked to land and throws a kick, but Brady catches it and scores a takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing lots of punches. Buckley is blocking a lot of them, but Brady starts landing elbows. Brady with lots of shots from the top. Brady lands a big elbow and ends the round in the mount. 10-9 Brady, 20-18 Brady.

Brady looks for a takedown, but Buckley defends. Brady shoots for another takedown and pushes Buckley to the fence. Brady completes the takedown. Brady gets the mount and is landing lots of punches as Buckley is pinned on the bottom. Brady landing a lot from the top. Brady with elbows and punches from the top. Just complete dominance so far. Brady with tons of shots from the top as he is pouring it on late. 10-8 Brady, 30-26 Brady.

Fight Result- Sean Brady def. Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)

> Heavyweights- #2 Alexander Volkov (39-11, 13-5 UFC) vs. #4 Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2, 10-2 UFC)

Volkov with a pair of inside leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Volkov lands some more leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta lands a stiff jab. Volkov with more inside leg kicks. He lands some more and Cortes-Acosta fires some punches in there, but nothing really connects. Volkov lands a leg kick and a left hand as Cortes-Acosta was rushing in. They trade leg kicks. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. They both land big punches in close range. They trade leg kicks. Volkov with a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a left hand. Volkov with more leg kicks. 10-9 Volkov.

They both land big punches to start the second. Volkov lands a leg kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. They trade leg kicks. Volkov with an inside leg kick and Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Cortes-Acosta swings big but just misses. Cortes-Acosta lands a jab. Volkov hurts Cortes-Acosta with a left hand and Cortes-Acosta backs up. Volkov lands a combo. Cortes-Acosta lands a leg kick. Volkov with a kick to the body. Volkov lands a pair of jabs and a leg kick. Volkov hurts Cortes-Acosta with a leg kick and then a body kick. 10-9 Volkov, 20-18 Volkov.

Volkov lands a body kick. Volkov with a pair of kicks. Timeout is called after an eye poke by Cortes-Acosta. They get back going and Cortes-Acosta lands a combination. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Volkov lands a stiff jab. Volkov lands a jab and a body kick. Cortes-Acosta misses a right hand but lands a jab. Volkov is bleeding from the nose. Cortes-Acosta connects. Cortes-Acosta lands an uppercut. Volkov lands a body kick. Volkov with a body kick and Cortes-Acosta looks for a takedown. Cortes-Acosta lands a knee as they separate. Volkov with a body kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a right hand. Volkov lands a stiff jab. Volkov with a front kick to the body followed by a right hand. Volkov lands a calf kick. Cortes-Acosta lands a combo. Cortes-Acosta with a right hand. 10-9 Cortes-Acosta, 29-28 Volkov.

Fight Result- Alexander Volkov def. Waldo Cortes-Acosta by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Joshua Van (16-2, 9-1 UFC) vs. #3 Tatsuro Taira (18-1, 8-1 UFC)

Taira lands a calf kick. Taira with another calf kick. Taira shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Taira scores the takedown and gets right into the mount. Taira controlling from the top and gets into side control. Van tries to get up and Taira has neck control. Van is able to get to his feet. Van lands a jab. Taira with a leg kick. Taira gets another takedown. They get to their feet and Taira has Van pinned against the fence. Taira lands some knees. Taira gets it back down and lands some shots as they stand. 10-9 Taira.

Taira lands a combination. Taira shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Van is fighting the hands. Taira lands a knee and separates. Taira with a right hand. He lands another. Van lands a jab. Van lands another and is connecting as he lands a right hand. Taira scores a takedown. Taira controlling from the top. Taira gets the mount. Van with some elbows to the body from the bottom. Taira attacking the neck and looks for a D’Arce choke. They stand and separate. Van drops Taira with a right hand and starts landing from the top. Van lands from the top but Taira is able to survive. 10-9 Van, 19-19.

Taira is chasing the takedown as Van is stalking him. Taira lands a jab. Van lands a combination. Van lands some big punches. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends. Van lands a big combination to the head and body. Van with a jab and a right hand. Taira lands a calf kick. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van lands a big knee. Van follows with a flurry and Taira circles away. Van lands a big uppercut and then a right hand. Van with a double jab and Taira goes down. Van starts landing shots from the top. They get up and Van drags Taira down. Van looking for a rear-naked choke. Van landing left hands. They get to their feet. Taira lands a left hand. Van with two right hands. Van with an uppercut. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends. Taira scores a takedown. They get up. Taira lands a left hand. 10-9 Van, 29-28 Van.

Taira lands a heavy calf kick. Taira lands an uppercut and they trade punches. Taira shoots for a takedown and is able to score it. Taira is able to work his way to the mount position. Taira is smothering from the top. Taira lands an elbow. Van is able to spin to the top and Taira goes for a triangle choke. Van escapes and they stand. They trade jabs. Van hurts Taira with a right hand and some follow-up punches. They trade. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends against the fence. They separate as Van lands a jab. 10-9 Taira, 38-38.

Van landing to start the round as he connects with a right hand. Taira lands a right hand. Taira shoots for a takedown but Van defends it. Van lands a combo. Taira gets a clinch but Van connects to the body to break it. Taira looks for a takedown but Van defends and lands to the body. Van lands some big shots and Taira is having trouble on his feet but stays on it though it it stopped! Van picks up the win and keeps the title.

Fight Result- Joshua Van def. Tatsuro Taira by TKO (punches) at 1:32 of Round 5 to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship

> UFC Middleweight Championship- C Khamzat Chimaev (15-0, 9-0 UFC) vs. #3 Sean Strickland (30-7, 17-7 UFC)

Chimaev with a body kick. Chimaev gets a takedown. Chimaev gets the back and is keeping Strickland down. He is looking to lock in a choke. Chimaev with a left hand. Chimaev gets the hooks locked in. Chimaev lets the hooks go but keeps full back control. Chimaev gets the mount position and lands a right hand. He gets the back of Strickland as they stand and gets it right back down. Chimaev looks for the choke and has it around the chin. Strickland defends. 10-9 Chimaev.

Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland with a jab. Strickland just misses a right hand. Strickland with a counter right hand after Chimaev lands to the body. They trade jabs and Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Strickland defends and is on top. Strickland with a left hand from the top. They get to their feet. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev shoots for a takedown but Strickland defends. Strickland gets on top and lands some big ground strikes. Strickland controlling from the top. 10-9 Strickland, 19-19.

They trade jabs and Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland works the jab and Chimaev lands two kicks. Strickland with a combination. Both are working the jab. Strickland just working the jab and lands a right hand. Strickland with a right hand. Strickland lands a big right hand. Chimaev is pushing forward and lands to the body as Strickland works the jab. Strickland tagging Chimaev with the jab. Strickland landing the jab and Chimaev lands a right hand. They’re trading jabs. They continue to trade and Strickland is getting the better of it. 10-9 Strickland, 29-28 Strickland.

They trade jabs. They trade and Strickland circles away. Strickland peppering punches in there. Chimaev lands a leg kick and a body shot. Chimaev lands a big right hand. Chimaev lands a body kick. Strickland is working the jab but it doesn’t have the same impact. Strickland then lands a right hand. Chimaev with a right hand. Chimaev with a left hook to the body and lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Chimaev lands to the body. Strickland continues to work the jab. Chimaev scores a takedown. Chimaev gets the back of Strickland. Chimaev landing as he has control. Chimaev keeps the back. 10-9 Chimaev, 38-38.

Chimaev gets the takedown and has the back as they work to the fence and to their feet. Strickland spins and Chimaev still has control against the fence. Chimaev attacking the back. Strickland with a knee and Chimaev lands to the body as they separate. They trade jabs. They trade them again. Chimaev lands a right hand. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev lands a calf kick. Strickland works the jab. Chimaev is pressing forward. Strickland lands a jab. Chimaev scores with a right hand. Chimaev scores a takedown but they get to their feet. Chimaev holding onto Strickland’s back. Chimaev lands to the body as they break apart. Strickland lands a right hand. Chimaev with a big right hand. Strickland lands a jab. Close fight. 10-9 Chimaev, 48-47 Chimaev.

Fight Result- Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) to win the UFC Middleweight Championship

WWE & UFC ‘firmly moving ahead’ with planned Saudi Arabia events

Posted on by Josh Nason

Despite “a challenging environment,” both WWE, UFC and Zuffa Boxing are still heading to Saudi Arabia this year and expect to keep their commitments in the Middle East in 2026.

That news was revealed by TKO head Mark Shapiro during Wednesday’s TKO investors call with Shapiro confirming the news during his pre-recorded opening monologue.

Shapiro said he wanted to “address activity in the Middle East and neighboring markets” by saying “we are firmly moving ahead with our scheduled events” that includes a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan and WWE Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — both on June 27 — made possible by their own commitment and their respective partners “even and despite a challenging environment.”

He then added that despite Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fun pulling their funding of the LIV Golf league, “our partners in Saudi Arabia have confirmed that will not be the case with TKO. Their commitment to our properties in 2026 and beyond is unwavering.”

He then added that after June 27, they expect the remaining six WWE, UFC and Zuffa Boxing events will take place in the Middle East as planned.

“The demand is real, our partners are committed, and we are leaning in,” he said.

WWE president Nick Khan said in late-April that they will only return to Saudi Arabia “if it’s safe and if we’re allowed there.”

WWE & UFC revenue up big in TKO quarterly report, creative criticism addressed

Posted on by Josh Nason

WWE & UFC continue to perform for TKO in yet another big quarter for the combat sports and hospitality buoyed company.

TKO announced their financials Wednesday ahead of their 5 PM Eastern investors call, the notes of which can be found below.

TKO’s total revenues increased to $1.597 year over year (YOY), powered by WWE’s $475.7 million (up $84.2 YOY) and UFC’s $401.2 million (up $41.5 million). IMG/On Location was the biggest performer of them all, seeing an increase of $179.1 million to $655.4 million YOY thanks to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

*****

Specifically for WWE, the first quarter saw them take in $281.7 million in media rights, $123.5 million in live events and hospitality, $26.2 million in partnerships & marketing, and $44.3 million in consumer products & licensing.

The live events & hospitality segment saw the biggest increase YOY, followed by media rights. The driver was the Royal Rumble being held in Saudi Arabia.

Of note, legal costs increased to $23.2 million, up from $6.5 million in Q1 of 2025. The reason, among others, are “costs, net of insurance recoveries, related to certain litigation matters including antitrust lawsuits for UFC and stockholder litigation for WWE and Endeavor.”

Call Notes/Prepared Remarks

  • Mark Shapiro said they are “firmly moving ahead with scheduled events in Saudi Arabia and the region” for both WWE and UFC, “even and despite a challenging environment.” He confirmed Saudi Arabia’s PIF will not withdraw their financial commitment to TKO as they did with LIV Golf. He said they are planning on all six events after those shows with WWE/UFC/Zuffa boxing to take place in the region as planned.
  • Shapiro said they still plan on losing $30 million for the UFC White House card.
  • Shapiro said WWE Elimination Chamber had a “meaningful” YOY increase in its debut on ESPN, and was the second highest arena gate in company history.
  • Shapiro said they were “not concerned about ticket performance whatsoever” for WWE WrestleMania 42 and that it was “unrealistic” to expect growth there year over year. He said it was still one of the highest gates in WWE history and outperformed anywhere else they could have held it.
  • He followed that up by addressing criticism of WWE creative. He defended it, saying they listen to all feedback but that what they have been hearing is “not new criticism” and there there will always be “periodic dissatisfaction” with creative.

Q&A

Shapiro was asked during the call about the fan criticism about WWE and he re-iterated some of the points he made on the recorded call, saying listening to any and all feedback is “high priority” for them and while they listen and learn, “balancing the fan experience with the business of sports is never easy,” comparing it with complaints about Hollywood, movies, and ticket prices.

He said change takes getting used to and that fans used to complain about NBA sponsor patches and that even the L.A. Dodgers added a rights partner on the field at Dodgers Stadium. He also mentioned the critics for when ads were introduced in key times for the NCAA Final Four, NFL games, etc.

He said there is “no magic formula and no magic serum” to adding the commercial element into WWE’s presentation and that it’s a trial and error over time and that they have pushed boundaries for events, leaning into some more than others.

“Most important, our product comes first,” he said, noting that fans are unique, super passionate and how marketers want access to their IP. They are working to do that while maintaining a balance and that “revenue allows us to be more creative with our product and our superstars.”

He added that, “Our audience is resilient. We can’t take them for granted. Currently, we have record attendance, record viewers, and record engagement,” he said.

He was later asked about similar critiques about UFC fight cards which he replied, “Bottom line, we don’t buy it.” He put over the last numbered event, the amount of young fighters making their way up the ranks, and that with any sport, there are natural ebbs and flows with star power, comparing it to a time in the NBA when fans had similar complaints.

Asked about the success of one off events in the MMA space and competition, TKO CFO Andrew Schleimer said they made an eight figure investment in doubling fighter bonuses and that fighter compensation continues to grow as “we would never turn a blind eye to our most meaningful investment.” Shapiro that that everything is competition in combat sports with other events, but didn’t seem to have any concerns about those competitors.

Dave Meltzer analyzes UFC’s financial effect on Paramount Skydance | For subscribers

Posted on by F4W Staff

With Paramount Skydance having announced their 2026 financials for the first quarter, we have some insight into the effect the UFC deal had on Paramount+ subscribers.

Dave Meltzer has done some analysis and weighed in with some thoughts and insights for our subscribers.

Click here to read (sub needed)

UFC Fight Night 275 live results: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon heads back down under this weekend as a busy stretch of UFC events continues with UFC Fight Night 275 from the RAC Arena in Perth.

The main event is a pivotal five-round bout in the welterweight division as former UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena takes on Carlos Prates. Della Maddalena fights for the first time since dropping the welterweight title to Islam Makhachev in November, and he’s eager to get back to a rematch. Prates comes into this fight on a two-fight win streak after knocking out former champion Leon Edwards in November.

In the co-main event, long-time lightweight contender Beneil Dariush looks to get back into the win column as he battles surging prospect Quillan Salkilld, winner of eleven straight fights, including four straight to start his UFC career.

Also on the main card is a battle between former flyweight title challengers as Tim Elliott takes on Steve Erceg; plus, a pair of heavyweight fights that sees Shamil Gaziev take on Brando Pericic, and fan favorite Tai Tuivasa looks to end a winless drought against Louie Sutherland.

PRELIMS | 4 AM ET | 1 AM PT

> Lightweights- Dom Mar Fan (9-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Kody Steele (7-1, 0-1 UFC)

Mar Fan with a front kick. He lands a leg kick. Steele scores a takedown and starts pressuring with his shoulder from the top. Steele lands some body shots from the top. Steele hunting for the crucifix position. Steele now looking for an arm-triangle choke. Mar Fan is able to sweep and reverse to the top. They scramble and Mar Fan remains on top. Steele forces a scramble as he attacks the leg. Mar Fan lands a few punches as Steele locks in a kneebar. It is on tight and Mar Fan taps! Steele picks up his first UFC win.

Fight Result- Kody Steele def. Dom Mar Fan by submission (heel hook) at 3:56 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Jonathan Micallef (9-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Themba Gorimbo (14-6, 4-3 UFC)

Gorimbo with a high kick. They trade and Micallef lands a right hand. Micallef with a body kick and Gorimbo counters with a pair of kicks. Gorimbo throws a right hand and looks for a takedown against the fence. Micallef defends and they separate. Gorimbo lands a calf kick. Micallef with an inside leg kick. Gorimbo lands a right hand as Micallef comes forward. Micallef lands a left hand as Gorimbo lands a leg kick. Gorimbo lands a clean right hand in an exchange. Micallef lands a pair of left hands and they tie up. Micallef is pressing Gorimbo against the fence. Micallef with a knee. Gorimbo with a few knees but Micallef is able to sweep a leg and score a takedown. Micallef lands some shots from the top. Micallef keeps control as they get to their feet. Gorimbo escapes and Micallef lands a body kick and left hand. 10-9 Micallef.

Gorimbo lands a leg kick and Micallef pushes it against the fence. They both battle for the takedown against the fence. Gorimbo briefly gets it down and they battle for control as they stand. Micallef grabs the single leg and looks for a takedown but Gorimbo defends. They go to the mat and Gorimbo ends up on top. Micallef looks for a triangle choke from the bottom, but Gorimbo escapes and remains on top. Micallef pushes Gorimbo off with his feet, but Gorimbo gets right back on top. They battle for position as Gorimbo has the body triangle on but Micallef is able to turn in and is on top landing some punches. Gorimbo with an upkick. 10-9 Gorimbo, 19-19.

Micallef lands a high kick. They trade punches. Gorimbo lands a few leg kicks and Micallef lands a body kick. Gorimbo lands a right hand. Micallef throws but Gorimbo ducks under and gets a takedown, but Micallef forces it to the feet almost immediately. They separate and Micallef lands a body kick. Gorimbo lands a few punches. They trade leg kicks. Both land in close range. Micallef lands a quick combo. Gorimbo gets the leg and looks for a takedown but Micallef defends it. They break apart and Micallef lands a flurry including a pair of body kicks. Micallef landing with more volume late. Gorimbo lands an inside leg kick. Gorimbo lands a couple of punches and looks for a takedown. Micallef defends against the fence and lands a spinning back fist on the break. Micallef lands a body kick as Gorimbo lands a right hand. Micallef with a pair of kicks. Micallef lands late. 10-9 Micallef, 29-28 Micallef.

Fight Result- Jonathan Micallef def. Themba Gorimbo by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Ben Johnston (5-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Wes Schultz (8-3, 0-1 UFC)

Schultz immediately looks for a takedown, but it is Johnston who ends up scoring a takedown. Johnston with a big elbow from the top. Schultz looked for the neck but Johnston escaped and got in the full guard and lands from the top. Johnston lands more shots from the top. Schultz is able to force a scramble to the feet. Schultz looking for a takedown but Johnston ends up on top as they go to the mat. Johnston lands some from inside the guard. Schultz forces it up and Johnston lands a pair of knees. Schultz pulls guard and Johnston attacks the arm from the top. Johnston with more action from the top. 10-9 Johnston.

They tie up and Schultz lands a knee and gets on top on the mat. Schultz attacks for a guillotine choke but Johnston is able to get out. Schultz now looks for a D’Arce choke from the top. Johnston escapes and ends up on top. Johnston lands an elbow. They scramble up and back down and Schultz ends up in side control. Schultz tries to get the back but Johnston slips out and ends up on top. Schultz attacks the neck for a guillotine choke. Johnston escapes. Johnston lands a big shot from the top. Johnston with some short elbows from side control. Johnston ends the round on top. 10-9 Johnston, 20-18 Johnston.

Johnston gets a takedown and Schultz looks for a choke, but Johnston escapes and they get back on their feet. Both are landing and Johnston gets the body lock and Schultz just weasles out and goes to the ground. Johnston lands and gets on top. Schultz scrambles and looks for the guillotine choke again. Schultz has it locked in and Johnston taps! Schultz gets the finish out of nowhere.

Fight Result- Wes Schultz def. Ben Johnston by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:50 of Round 3

> Bantamweights- Colby Thicknesse (8-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Vince Morales (16-10, 3-8 UFC)

Thicknesse lands a high kick and they trade punches. They both land leg kicks after Morales lands a few punches. Thicknesse with a body kick. They go to the mat as Thicknesse is attacking the neck for a guillotine choke, but he lets it go. They get to their feet and Thicknesse jumps on the back. Morales gets out and on top as they go the mat. Thicknesse attacks the arm and then locks in a triangle choke. Morales escapes the choke but Thicknesse has an armbar locked on. Thicknesse lets go and goes back for a triangle choke. Thicknesse landing elbows as Morales is trying to defend. Morales is able to escape and Thicknesse scrambles to side control. Thicknesse gets back control and is looking for a rear-naked choke. Morales escapes and sweeps to the top. 10-9 Thicknesse.

They trade inside the pocket. Morales lands a right hand after Thicknesse lands a leg kick. Morales with another right hand. Morales lands a counter right hand after Thicknesse throws. Thicknesse lands a leg kick. Morales with a leg kick. Thicknesse tries to grapple but Morales gets away. Thicknesse with a high kick. Thicknesse lands a few more kicks. Morales lands to the body. Thicknesse with a body kick followed by a spinning back elbow. Morales is controlling the Octagon and lands. Thicknesse looks for a takedown against the fence. Morales is able to break apart and Thicknesse lands a right hand. Thicknesse with a right hand. Morales lands a right hand. 10-9 Thicknesse, 20-18 Thicknesse.

Thicknesse with a pair of kicks and then he lands a high kick. Morales lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Thicknesse with a right hand. Morales lands a right hand. They trade and Morales lands a few shots. Morales with a knee. Thicknesse with a leg kick. Thicknesse tried a takedown but Morales keeps it up. Morales hurts Thicknesse with a pair of right hands and he is pressuring. Thicknesse is on shaky legs and circles away. Morales lands a right hand and Thicknesse shoots for a takedown. Morales defends and has the neck. Morales looks for a Peruvian neck tie but loses position. Morales ends up getting the back against the fence. They go the distance. 10-9 Morales, 29-28 Thicknesse.

Fight Result- Colby Thicknesse def. Vince Morales by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights*- Jacob Malkoun (9-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (37-21, 12-13 UFC)

*Meerschaert missed weight by four pounds

Malkoun is pressuring early. Meerschaert lands a left hand to the body. Malkoun lands a combo and then a right hand. Malkoun gets the single leg and Meerschaert attacks the neck as they go to the mat. Meerschaert is able to get to the top. Meerschaert is controlling from the top with neck control. Malkoun gets Meerschaert inside his full guard and throws from the bottom. Meerschaert gets to the half-guard. Meerschaert throws from the top. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Meerschaert attacks the neck. 10-9 Meerschaert.

Malkoun lands a right hand. Malkoun works the jab and he is pressing forward. Malkoun with another right hand and he pushes Meerschaert away after a grappling attempt. Malkoun back working the jab. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Malkoun with a few jabs. They trade in close range. Meerschaert with a high kick. Malkoun lands a right hand. Meerschaert shoots for a takedown and ends up pulling guard. Malkoun with some left hands from the top. Malkoun stands and Meerschaert is ordered to his feet. Malkoun lands a combination. Meerschaert lands a left hand. 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19.

Malkoun lands a left hook. Meerschaert lands a jab. They trade in close range. Meerschaert lands a combination. Malkoun with a series of shots. Meerschaert with a left hand. Malkoun with a big right hand. He lands another right hand and Malkoun scores a takedown. He works from the top a little but loses position and they get to their feet. Meerschaert with a left hand. Malkoun gets a late takedown and Meerschaert grabs the neck. Malkoun defends the choke. 10-9 Malkoun, 29-28 Malkoun.

Fight Result- Jacob Malkoun def. Gerald Meerschaert by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Junior Tafa (6-5, 2-5 UFC) vs. Kevin Christian (9-3, 0-1 UFC)

Christian lands a leg kick. Tafa just misses a left hook. Tafa lands a combination. Christian with a leg kick and Tafa reacts big and is limping. Christian lands another leg kick as Tafa connects with a right hand. Tafa with a right hand and he connects again and Christian backs up. Christian lands a leg kick as Tafa lands a right hand. Tafa connects with some shots and gets on top and starts throwing elbows from the top and Christian ends up going out cold! Nasty elbows from Tafa end it.

Fight Result- Junior Tafa def. Kevin Christian by knockout (elbows) at 2:42 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Cam Rowston (14-3, 2-0 UFC) vs. Robert Bryczek (18-6, 1-1 UFC)

Rowston with a leg kick and a right hand. Rowston with a front kick. Rowston lands a right hand. Rowston with more leg kicks as Bryczek is unable to land. Rowston lands and Bryczek lands a body shot and a leg kick. Bryczek lands a big combo to the body inside the pocket. Rowston goes for the takedown and gets Bryczek down. They get to their feet and Rowston lands a front kick. Rowston gets a takedown against the fence. Rowston lands from the top. Rowston with a solid right hand from the top. Bryczek kicks Rowston off and tries to stand, but Rowston stays on top and lands a big elbow. 10-9 Rowston.

Rowston lands a right hand. He lands again and Bryczek loses his mouth piece. Rowston looks for a takedown against the fence. He abandons it but lands a combo. Rowston with a leg kick. Rowston lands an elbow. Bryczek with a pair of leg kicks. Rowston lands a stiff jab followed by a combination. Rowston looks for a takedown and gets it. Rowston gets side control and lands. Rowston lands lots of shots from the top and has Bryczek in trouble. Rowston with more shots from the top. 10-9 Rowston, 20-18 Rowston.

Rowston landing more punches to get the third started. Rowston lands a high kick. Rowston with a combination ending with a knee before he scores a takedown. Rowston gets to side control and is in total control. Rowston gets back inside the guard of Bryczek and is landing a lot of punches. Rowston gets into side control before Bryczek gives up his back. Rowston lands from the back and ends up back on top and keeps landing. Bryczek throws some hammerfists from the bottom and looks for a leg. Rowston spins out and gets the mount and reigns down with punches until the horn sounds. 10-9 Rowston, 30-27 Rowston.

Fight Result- Cam Rowston def. Robert Bryczek by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

MAIN CARD | 7 AM ET | 4 AM PT

> Heavyweights- Tai Tuivasa (14-9, 8-9 UFC) vs. Louie Sutherland (10-5, 0-2 UFC)

Sutherland lands a leg kick. Sutherland shoots for a takedown and Tuivasa has the neck but lets go and they separate. Sutherland scores a takedown but Tuivasa butt scoots to the fence. Tuivasa uses the neck to get to his feet and they are tied up against the fence. Tuivasa lands a big elbow on the break. Sutherland lands a spinning elbow and a knee up the middle. Sutherland shoots for a takedown but Tuivasa defends and lands from the back. They scramble and Sutherland ends up in the mount. Sutherland controlling from the top but not a ton of action from the top. Sutherland with some shots from the top. 10-9 Sutherland.

Sutherland lands a leg kick. He lands another. Sutherland shoots for a takedown but Tuivasa defends and lands a knee as he has the neck. They are tied up against the fence. Sutherland gets Tuivasa down, but they get to their feet. Sutherland throws Tuivasa down to the ground. Sutherland in side control. There is nothing happening here. Sutherland gets the mount as he controls from the top. Sutherland looks for an arm-triangle choke. He abandons it and lands from the half-guard. They get to their feet and Tuivasa lands a pair of hammerfists, but Sutherland gets him back down. Sutherland controls from the back. 10-9 Sutherland, 20-18 Sutherland.

Tuivasa lands a right hand. Sutherland with a leg kick. Sutherland looks for a takedown and Tuivasa sprawls, but Sutherland trips him to the mat. Sutherland is in side control and lands short punches. Tuivasa attacks the neck from the bottom and lands a weird knee that may have been illegal. Sutherland back in side control and lands short elbows. Sutherland lands some punches. Sutherland gets the half-guard and lands some small punches. They are stood up by the referee. Sutherland grabs Tuivasa and pulls guard. Tuivasa gets the back and lands some punches. Sutherland reverses to side control. Tuivasa landed an illegal knee and lost a point late. 10-8 Sutherland, 30-26 Sutherland.

Fight Result- Louie Sutherland def. Tai Tuivasa by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Heavyweights- #14 Shamil Gaziev (14-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Brando Pericic (6-1, 2-0 UFC)

Pericic lands a pair of kicks before they have a heavy exchange against the feet. Gaziev lands a solid right hand and scores a takedown. Pericic works to his feet as Gaziev has back control. Gaziev with some knees to the back of Pericic’s legs. They are separated by the referee. Pericic lands a quick combination. Gaziev with a right hand. Pericic lands a flurry of right hands and it snaps Gaziev’s head back. Pericic lands to the body and some uppercuts. Pericic with big punches and Gaziev is backing up. Gaziev forces a clinch. Gaziev lands a knee. They are separated again. They trade big punches. Gaziev rocks Pericic with a combo. Pericic lands a right hand. They tie back up. 10-9 Pericic.

They start slugging away to start the round. Gaziev lands a jab and Pericic lands some leg kicks. They trade and both land body kicks. Pericic with a double jab. Gaziev lands a big combination. Pericic lands a big right hand. Pericic lands a big flurry that has Gaziev backing up. They trade in close range. Pericic lands a massive right hand. Pericic with a quick flurry and lands a knee as Gaziev pushes it against the fence. They are separated again. They trade punches and Pericic rocks Gaziev with a right hand. Pericic then drops Gaziev with a right hand and it is all over! What a fight!

Fight Result- Brando Pericic def. Shamil Gaziev by knockout (punch) at 3:44 of Round 2

> Featherweights- Marwan Rahiki (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ollie Schmid (4-2, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Rahiki lands a body kick. Rahiki with a high kick. Schmid just misses a big right hand. Rahiki lands a combo and a leg kick. Rahiki continues to land kicks. Schmid rushes in but eats a right hand from Rahiki. Rahiki drops Schmid with a left hand and finishes it off with some shots from the top! What a performance from Rahiki!

Fight Result- Marwan Rahiki def. Ollie Schmid by TKO (punches) at 2:47 of Round 1

> Flyweights- #11 Tim Elliott (21-13-1, 10-11 UFC) vs. #12 Steve Erceg (13-4, 4-3 UFC)

Elliott with front side kicks to start, though he’s not landing many of them. Elliott lands a body kick. Elliott looked for a jumping knee but Erceg lands a right hand. Elliott with a leg kick. Elliott with a quick combination. Elliott with a left hand. They trade punches. Elliott lands a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Elliott with a double left hand. Elliott clips Erceg with a left hand. Erceg lands as Elliott misses a left hand. Elliott clips Erceg with a left hand. They both land and Elliott gets a brief takedown, but they get up and separate. Erceg lands a high kick. Elliott scores a takedown. 10-9 Elliott.

Elliott mixing some kicks to start the second. Erceg lands a right hand. He lands another as Elliott lands a leg kick. Erceg lands a left hook and a jab. Erceg lands a left hand. Erceg with some jabs and Elliott lands a combination. Erceg with a right hand. Erceg lands a combination. Elliott scores a takedown and has the back as they stand. They separate and Erceg lands a left hook. Elliott lands a body kick then a leg kick. Erceg gets a takedown and has the back, but Elliott escapes to his feet. Elliott gets a takedown, but Erceg gets to his feet. Erceg lands a combination. He lands another combo. Elliott gets a takedown and they scramble. They get to their feet and Erceg lands several punches late. 10-9 Erceg, 19-19.

Erceg with two left hands and he lands a right hand. Erceg with a few jabs. Erceg lands a head kick and is landing with more volume. Erceg lands a right hand. Erceg lands a combo after Elliott defends a takedown attempt. They trade in close range. Erceg lands a combination and a right hand. They trade but Erceg is landing more and landing cleaner. Erceg with a right hand. Erceg lands a combination. Erceg lands and Elliott lands a counter left hand. Elliott shoots for a takedown but Erceg defends. Erceg lands some good punches. 10-9 Erceg, 29-28 Erceg.

Fight Result- Steve Erceg def. Tim Elliott by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #12 Beneil Dariush (23-7-1, 16-7-1 UFC) vs. Quillan Salkilld (11-1, 4-0 UFC)

Dariush stuns Salkilld early with a punch and rushes in to score a takedown. Dariush working hard for the takedown against the fence. Salkilld is defending as Dariush has control of a leg. There isn’t much happening otherwise. They separate and both swing and land. Salkilld lands a right hand and Dariush goes down. Salkilld gets the back and is landing and it is stopped! Salkilld gets the big finish!

Fight Result- Quillan Salkilld def. Beneil Dariush by TKO (punches) at 3:29 of Round 1

> Welterweights- #1 Jack Della Maddalena (18-3, 8-1 UFC) vs. #5 Carlos Prates (23-7, 6-1 UFC)

Prates with a pair of leg kicks. Maddalena lands to the body. Maddalena lands a right hook. Maddalena works the jab and Prates lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. They land leg kicks at the same time. Prates lands a left hand. Prates with a leg kick followed by a combo. Maddalena lands a leg kick. Prates with a heavy calf kick then a body kick. Maddalena rushes in and both land. Prates with a leg kick. Prates scores with a body kick. Prates with a combo and a knee. Prates lands a combination. Maddalena gets a takedown. Maddalena ends the round on top. 10-9 Prates.

Prates lands a body kick. Maddalena lands a counter left hand. Prates lands a left hand and is scoring with his punches. Maddalena gets a brief takedown and tries to take the back, but Prates shakes him off and they stand. Prates with an elbow, then a knee and two left hands. Prates with a stiff left hand. Maddalena lands an uppercut then a left hand. Maddalena looks for a takedown against the fence but Prates defends. They separate and Maddalena lands to the body and Prates lands a left hand. Prates lands a knee and then stuns Maddalena with a kick and is landing a flurry looking for a finish. Prates with a knee and Maddalena fires back with an uppercut. Prates with a heavy calf kick and Maddalena is limping. Prates with a big knee. Prates lands a left hand. Big elbow against the fence by Prates. Prates lands a leg kick and Maddalena goes to the mat. 10-9 Prates, 20-18 Prates.

Prates lands to start the third. Maddalena looks for a takedown but Prates defends. Prates lands a big leg kick and more shots and Maddalena covers up. Prates with a knee. Maddalena is cut open. Prates lands two left hands and another kick and Maddalena goes down. Maddalena gets up and Prates unleashes a lot of shots. Prates lands from the top and backs off to let Maddalena up. Prates with a combo ending with a knee. Prates lands an elbow. Prates with two leg kicks and Maddalena goes down. Prates lands more leg kicks then starts landing punches from the top. Prates with hammerfists and it is stopped! Big finish from Prates!

Fight Result- Carlos Prates def. Jack Della Maddalena by TKO (punches) at 3:17 of Round 3

UFC Fight Night 274 live results: Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC closes out a busy month of April with the Octagon back inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas for UFC Fight Night 274.

The main event is a pivotal five-round bout at featherweight as former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling takes on Youssef Zalal. Sterling is gunning to become a two-division champion and is looking to score his second straight win on the path to a title shot. Zalal has risen up the 145-pound rankings during his second UFC stint, winning eight straight fights overall and all five of his UFC bouts during his second run.

The co-main event is a battle of ranked women’s bantamweights as Norma Dumont battles Joselyne Edwards. Also on the main card is a lightweight fight between Rafa Garcia and Alexander Hernandez; a bantamweight bout pitting Montel Jackson against Raoni Barcelos; and a heavyweight opener between Marcus Buchecha and Ryan Spann.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- Talita Alencar (7-1-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Julia Polastri (14-5, 2-2 UFC)

Both looking to establish their range in the first minute as they don’t trade until a minute in. They trade kicks. Polastri lands a hard body kick. Alencar lands a high kick. Alencar lands a right hand and Polastri counters with a leg kick. Polastri lands a series of kicks. Polastri lands a stiff jab. Alencar with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Alencar scores with a body kick. Polastri lands a jab followed by a body kick. Polastri lands a body kick and they trade right hands before Polastri puts it against the fence, but they break the clinch. Alencar scores a takedown but Polastri is throwing upkicks. Alencar with a leg kick as Polastri is on her back. Polastri tries to get up, but Alencar keeps it down and gets to side control. Alencar with a few shots from the top. 10-9 Alencar.

Polastri lands a stiff jab. Alencar lands a right hand. Polastri with a stiff inside leg kick. They trade kicks before both land punches in close range. Polastri starting to land with more volume as she lands a body kick. Polastri lands a jab. Alencar throws some kicks that Polastri blocks, but Alencar lands a combo. Polastri lands a high kick. They trade inside the pocket. Polastri lands a body kick. Polastri snaps Alencar’s head back with a jab. Polastri lands a body kick, but Alencar grabs it and scores a takedown. Alencar gets into the half-guard. Alencar lands a pair of elbows, though she got warned for back to the head shots. Alencar lands to the body from the top. Alencar lands some elbows from the top. 10-9 Alencar, 20-18 Alencar.

Alencar with a body kick and a spinning back fist. Alencar lands a combo as Polastri lands a leg kick. Polastri with a body kick and Alencar lands a right hand. They trade jabs. They trade as Alencar looks for a takedown. Alencar with a right hand followed by a high kick. They trade. Polastri lands a right hand. Alencar lands a solid combination. Polastri with a leg kick. Alencar lands a solid right hand. They trade kicks and Polastri lands a jab. Alencar lands a body kick. Polastri lands a combo. Alencar with a right hand and they trade at the end. 10-9 Polastri, 29-28 Alencar.

Fight Result- Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Max Griffin (20-12, 8-10 UFC) vs. Victor Valenzuela (13-4, 0-0 UFC)

Neither has landed in the first 90 seconds. Valenzuela lands a leg kick. Griffin lands as they almost clinch up. Valenzuela lands and then lands a body kick. Valenzuela shoots for a takedown but Griffin defends and just misses a right hand. Griffin lands a short combo. Griffin lands a right hand as Valenzuela comes forward. Valenzuela with an inside leg kick. They trade and Valenzuela lands a body kick. Valenzuela lands a pair of right hands and Griffin counters and almost gets a takedown. Valenzuela defends as they work to the feet. 10-9 Valenzuela.

Valenzuela lands a pair of body kicks. Griffin with a leg kick. Valenzuela lands a left hand as he comes forward. Griffin lands a leg kick. Valenzuela lands a spinning back fist as Griffin scores a takedown and he nearly had a choke locked in as they scramble up and separate. Griffin lands a leg kick and looks for a takedown, but lands a right hand as he abandons the attempt. Griffin with a short combo as he advances. Valenzuela tries a wheel kick but Griffin ducks under and scores a takedown. They scramble up and Griffin lands an elbow in the clinch. Valenzuela has the body lock and drags it to the knees. They separate and both land combinations. 10-9 Griffin, 19-19.

Valenzuela lands a big combination and had Griffin in trouble. Griffin recovers and scores a takedown. Griffin controls for a moment before they work to their feet. They trade and Valenzuela connects with a solid right hand. Valenzuela lands a right hand as Griffin is backing up. Valenzuela lands a jab. Griffin lands a combination. Griffin looks for a takedown but Valenzuela defends. Valenzuela with a short uppercut. Valenzuela lands a left hand and pushes Griffin to the mat. Valenzuela lands an elbow and a knee. Griffin lands a right hand. Valenzuela with a small combination and he lands a body kick. Valenzuela lands a knee and Griffin lands a right hand. Griffin lands a knee. Valenzuela with a high kick and lands a combo. 10-9 Valenzuela, 29-28 Valenzuela.

Fight Result- Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Francis Marshall (9-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Lucas Brennan (11-2, 0-0 UFC)

Marshall lands a right hand followed by a leg kick. Marshall with a quick combination and lands a right hand that forces Brennan to look for a takedown. Marshall scores a takedown and lands from the top. Marshall continues to land and control from the top. Marshall working inside the half-guard of Brennan. Marshall lands to the body. Brennan looks for a heel hook as he attacks the leg. Marshall escapes and ends up back on top. Marshall lands an elbow. They get to their feet. 10-9 Marshall.

Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with another right hand. Marshall lands a big right hand that stuns Brennan. Brennan shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence, but Marshall defends and has control against the fence. Brennan reverses and lands some knees to the legs of Marshall. Marshall lands some and gets Brennan down to the mat. Marshall smothering from the top and lands from side control. Brennan with some knees to the body from the bottom. Marshall with a knee from the top. 10-9 Marshall, 20-18 Marshall.

Marshall with a high kick. Brennan lands a body kick, but Marshall catches it and trips Brennan to the mat. Brennan gets back to his feet. Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with a quick combo. Brennan lands a left hand. Marshall lands a right hand as Brennan tried a spinning attack. Marshall with a leg kick. Marshall lands a right hand. Brennan connects. Marshall with a right hand. Marshall lands to the body. They trade and Marshall lands a right hand. Marshall with another right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Marshall, 30-27 Marshall.

Fight Result- Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Jafel Filho (17-4, 3-2 UFC) vs. Cody Durden (17-10-1, 6-8-1 UFC)

Durden lands a right hand after Filho lands a leg kick. Durden with a high kick. Durden grabs a leg and lands a right hand before getting Filho to the mat. Durden lands from the top as Filho tries to sweep up, but Durden keeps it down. Filho is able to scramble to the top. They stand with Filho on the back. Durden landing short punches to defend. They separate. Durden lands a right hand. Filho with a left hook. Durden gets Filho down and lands a few right hands from the top. Both are attacking the leg. They scramble up and Durden lands. 10-9 Durden.

Durden lands a right hand. Filho lands a leg kick. Durden with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Durden lands an inside leg kick. Durden with a right hand. Durden grabs a leg and gets a brief takedown, and Filho lands an upkick before he stands. Durden looks for a takedown and Filho tried to grab the fence, but Durden got him down. Durden lands an axe kick to the groin and timeout is called. They return to action. Durden with a leg kick. Filho lands a right hand. Durden with a leg kick. Durden with a jab and Filho scores a takedown. Filho gets the back and looked for a choke, but let go to land before the round ends. 10-9 Filho, 19-19.

Durden lands a right hand. He lands another. Both are landing in close range before Filho initiates a clinch and pushes it to the fence. Filho lands an elbow and left hook on the break. They trade big punches and Filho looks for a takedown. Durden looked for a choke but Filho escaped and they’re tied up along the fence. Filho lands some knees to the body. Durden is able to get Filho down. Filho escapes and Durden lands a body kick as Filho was on the mat. Durden gets back on top. Filho with shots from the bottom. Durden has the back and is controlling. Durden is looking for a choke and is cranking. Durden lets go and lands from the back. 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Durden.

Fight Result- Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #12 Mayra Bueno Silva (10-6-1 1 NC, 5-6-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Michelle Montague (7-0, 1-0 UFC)

Montague quickly lands and scores a big takedown. Montague lands lots of punches from the top as Silva is able to recover the half-guard. Montague attacks the neck. Montague continues to control from the top. Montague transitions to side control and lands some hammerfists. Silva gives up her back and Montague lands punches with a few elbows mixed in. Montague keeps on top and continues to land to end the round. 10-8 Montague.

Montague lands and connects with a right hand. Montague looks for a takedown but Silva defends and lands. Montague pushes Silva against the fence and Silva grabs the neck for a choke. Montague drops to the mat to escape and they are back at a distance. Silva with a pair of kicks. Montague lands a combination. Silva lands a body kick that hurts Montague. Montague shoots for a takedown but Silva sprawls. Silva looks to take the back of Montague. Silva is attacking for a kimura. Montague gets free and is able to get back on top and starts landing and controlling. Silva lands an upkick right to the face of Montague while she was down and it’s an illegal kick. They get back going on the feet. Silva with a body shot and a pair of calf kicks. Montague looks for a takedown against the fence. They separate and trade to end the round. 10-9 Montague, 20-17 Montague.

Montague lands a stiff combination. Montague with a quick flurry. Silva lands some kicks. Montague scores a takedown. Montague lands from the top, but Silva is able to get the back and is on the back as Montague stands with Silva on her back. Montague is able to get out and gets into side control and lands elbows to the body. Montague lands lots of shots from the top as they go the distance. 10-9 Montague, 30-26 Montague.

Fight Result- Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Jackson McVey (6-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. Sedriques Dumas (10-4 1 NC, 3-4 1 NC UFC)

McVey quickly pushes Dumas against the fence. They trade knees along the fence. McVey with some knees. They continue to trade knees. McVey with some shoulder strikes. Dumas lands a right hand as they break. McVey drops Dumas with an uppercut and starts landing from the top. McVey landing lots of shots and then attempts a D’Arce choke. He has it locked in and Dumas taps! McVey picks up the win.

Fight Result- Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas by submission (D’Arce choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Rodolfo Vieira (11-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Eric McConico (10-4-1, 1-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and McConico goes down after Vieira lands a right hand. He gets up and they tie up and Vieira gets the back and looked for a choke. McConico escapes and Vieira locks in an armbar. McConico escapes and has the back of Vieira. They break apart. McConico lands a knee. They trade leg kicks and Vieira gets a brief takedown and has the back on the feet. They scramble and Vieira keeps back control. Vieira still controlling along the fence and lands a knee as they break. McConico lands a left hand and a pair of body kicks. They trade punches. 10-9 Vieira.

Both are landing and McConico is landing some solid combinations to start the second. McConico lands a left hand and a high kick. Vieira lands a leg kick. Vieira lands a right hand to the body. McConico with a combination and lands a big left hand. Vieira with a right hand and he looks for a takedown. McConico is defending against the fence. Vieira keeping body control and McConico spins to give up his back. McConico with a body punch as they separate to the center. They trade right hands. 10-9 McConico, 19-19.

Vieira with a leg kick. He lands another. McConico lands a few jabs and then a left hand. McConico with a combination. Vieira with a leg kick and a right hand. Vieira looks for a takedown but McConico defends as they tie up against the fence. Vieira tries a takedown but McConico ends up on top and lands an elbow. McConico lands a right hand as they break the tie-up. McConico with a left hand. Vieira lands a right hand. McConico with a jab. McConico lands a left hand. McConico with a stiff jab and a left hand. 10-9 McConico, 29-28 McConico.

Fight Result- Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> Heavyweights- Marcus Buchecha (5-2-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. Ryan Spann (23-11, 9-6 UFC)

Buchecha lands a leg kick. Buchecha looks for a takedown but Spann defends and Spann lands some punches from the top. Spann gets to side control. Buchecha gives up his back and Spann lands shots to the back. Buchecha reverses to the feet and has the back of Spann. Buchecha gets Spann to the mat. Buchecha tries to get the back of Spann, but Spann is able to escape to his feet. Buchecha with a front kick. Buchecha shoots for a takedown as Spann lands an uppercut. Buchecha gets to sprawl position. Spann is trying to get his arm free and lands a knee to the body and stands and backs away. Buchecha is ordered up. Spann with a front kick. Buchecha with a heavy leg kick and shoots for a takedown. Buchecha pulls guard to attack the leg, but Spann escapes. Spann gets the neck to get Buchecha down. Spann has back control. Spann lands a pair of hammerfists and stands. 10-9 Spann.

Buchecha gets a warning for his fingers being extended. Buchecha gets another warning. Buchecha lands a leg kick and shoots for a takedown but Spann defends as he grabs the neck. They stand. Buchecha lands a jab. Spann lands a massive right hand and Buchecha goes down and it is all over!

Fight Result- Ryan Spann def. Marcus Buchecha by knockout (punch) at 2:10 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #14 Montel Jackson (15-3, 9-3 UFC) vs. Raoni Barcelos (21-5, 10-4 UFC)

Jackson drops Barcelos with a body kick and starts landing from the top. Jackson with lots of punches as Barcelos is trying to get to his feet. Barcelos is up and has Jackson against the fence. They break apart and Jackson lands a left hand and a body kick. Jackson with another body kick, but Barcelos grabs the leg and scores a takedown. Jackson is able to work his way up and they break apart. Barcelos gets another takedown and has the back as they scramble. Barcelos is looking for a choke late but time runs out. 10-9 Jackson.

Jackson lands a body kick. Barcelos with a right hand. Barcelos lands a body kick followed by a leg kick. Jackson lands a left hand followed by a jab. Barcelos looks for a takedown but Jackson defends it. Barcelos shoots for a takedown against the fence and is able to briefly get him down. Barcelos keeps body control and has Jackson pushed against the fence. Jackson lands a knee and a couple more. Barcelos trips Jackson to the mat. Barcelos gets the full mount. Barcelos gets the back of Jackson and locks in a rear-naked choke but Jackson survives yet again. 10-9 Barcelos, 19-19.

Barcelos looks for an immediate takedown as he pushes it against the fence. Jackson lands to defend and they separate. Barcelos lands a leg kick. Jackson lands a combination. Barcelos looks for a takedown and is able to score it. They scramble up and go to the fence. Jackson lands a knee. They break apart and Jackson lands the jab. Jackson with a high kick. Jackson back to the jab. Barcelos shoots for a takedown and gets it, but they get right to their feet. They trade kicks as they separate. Barcelos gets a takedown and works for a choke late and is on Jackson’s back as the fight ends. Close fight. 10-9 Jackson, 29-28 Jackson.

Fight Result- Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Davey Grant (15-8, 8-7 UFC) vs. Adrian Luna Martinetti (17-1, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks to start. Grant lands a heavy calf kick. Grant with a body kick and a right hand. They both land punches. Grant with a switch kick and he lands an overhand right. Martinetti lands an uppercut. Martinetti with a leg kick and Grant lands a right hand. Grant connects with a solid left hand. Grant with a calf kick and lands another. Grant with more leg kicks. Grant lands a left hand followed by a leg kick. Grant with a leg kick as he continues to land with more volume. Grant with another calf kick. Grant with a combo to the body. Martinetti with a jumping knee. 10-9 Grant.

Grant landing low kicks to start and Martinetti lands a combination. Martinetti with a right hand. Martinetti lands another right hand. Grant lands a calf kick. Grant with a leg kick. Martinetti lands a left hand. Grant with an inside leg kick and he lands a side kick. Martinetti with a left hand. He lands another to the body. Grant with a leg kick. Martinetti lands a flurry against the fence. Grant with a combination and a high kick. Grant lands a combo. Martinetti lands a left hand. Grant with a right hand. Grant with a heavy overhand right. Grant lands another right hand and follows with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Grant with a calf kick. They trade and Grant lands a big right hand. Martinetti with a spinning back fist. Grant with more calf kicks. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.

They trade and Martinetti looks for a takedown, but Grant defends. Grant lands an uppercut. They trade leg kicks. Grant lands to the body and follows with a leg kick. Martinetti with a front kick to the face. Martinetti with an uppercut. Grant with a right hand and they trade inside the pocket. Martinetti lands a teet kick. Grant lands a combo. Grant with a left hand and a leg kick. Martinetti with a short elbow. Grant with a right hand and he continues to land leg kicks. Grant with a left hook. Grant lands a knee. Martinetti scores a takedown. Martinetti looks for the back on the mat. They get to their feet. Martinetti drags it down briefly but they stand and both start landing. Grant with a combo. 10-9 Grant, 30-27 Grant.

Fight Result- Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Rafa Garcia (18-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Alexander Hernandez (18-8, 10-7 UFC)

Garcia lands a right hand. Garcia with a leg kick. Hernandez lands a body kick. Garcia with a leg kick. Hernandez with a knee to the body. Garcia lands a few more leg kicks. Hernandez lands a body kick. Hernandez lands a left hand. Garcia with a right hand and he scores a takedown, but they get right to their feet. They separate. Garcia with a right hand. 10-9 Garcia.

Hernandez lands a right hand. Garcia lands a solid left hand. They trade in close range. Garcia is chasing Hernandez down as Hernandez is circling round. Hernandez is busted up a little. Garcia with a combo. Garcia lands a jab and a right hand. Garcia with a combo to the body. Hernandez lands a body kick. Garcia with a heavy calf kick. Garcia picking up the volume as he connects with a right hand. Garcia with another right hand. They both land in close range. Hernandez with a stiff jab. Hernandez lands a right hand. Garcia lands. 10-9 Garcia, 20-18 Garcia.

Garcia lands a double right hand. Hernandez with a combo and he lands to the body as Garcia lands to the head. They trade and Garcia looks for a takedown, but Hernandez defends it. Garcia lands a pair of right hands. They trade jabs and Hernandez lands a left hand. Garcia with a jab and Hernandez lands a combo. Garcia scores a brief takedown and has control against the fence as they stand. Garcia with some foot stomps. Garcia lands a series of left hands. Garcia with more left hands. Garcia with a short knee against the fence. Garcia gets it down but they get right up. Garcia lands a right hand as they break. Garcia with a right hand and they trade shots. They trade and both land heavy shots. They trade inside the pocket to end it. 10-9 Garcia, 30-27 Garcia.

Fight Result- Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Women’s Bantamweights- #3 Norma Dumont (13-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. #11 Joselyne Edwards (17-6, 8-4 UFC)

They trade right hands as Dumont lands a pair of leg kicks. Dumont with a body kick and a quick right hand. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a big flurry of punches before Dumont grabs the body lock and scores a takedown. They get up and Dumont keeps body control against the fence. Edwards lands some knees as she reverses. Edwards with some stiff knees. Dumont lands short punches as she’s defending. Dumont drags Edwards to the ground. Dumont is in the half-guard and looking to set up an arm-triangle choke. Edwards with some elbows from the bottom as Dumont controls. Edwards is able to reverse to the top. Edwards slams Dumont down trying to break the grip. 10-9 Edwards.

Dumont lands a leg kick. Edwards fires back with a leg kick. Dumont lands another leg kick. Dumont lands a right hand. Edwards with a right hand to the body. Neither are really landing their punches. Dumont lands a leg kick. She lands another. Dumont with a combo as Edwards was covering up. They trade kicks. Edwards with a switch kick to the body. Edwards with a right hand and they trade leg kicks. Dumont with a right hand. Dumont with a combination to the body. Edwards with a front kick. Dumont lands and Edwards fires back. Dumont with a leg kick and they tie up. Edwards with an elbow. 10-9 Dumont, 19-19.

They trade in close range and Edwards lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Edwards is pressing forward and throws a front kick. Dumont lands a right hand. Edwards throws a combo but barely lands. Dumont with a leg kick as Edwards fires in punches. Edwards gets the body lock against the fence and Dumont lands some knees. Dumont lands a knee and they separate. They trade kicks. Dumont lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks and punches as Edwards lands a combo ending with a nice right hand. Edwards with a high kick. They trade leg kicks and Edwards lands a jab. Edwards with a combo. Edwards lands a spinning back fist. 10-9 Edwards, 29-28 Edwards.

Fight Result- Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #5 Aljamain Sterling (25-5, 17-5 UFC) vs. #7 Youssef Zalal (18-5-1, 8-3-1 UFC)

Sterling with a leg kick. Zalal lands a right hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling with a jab. Zalal lands a leg kick. Sterling with a right hand. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. Sterling lets go as he trips Zalal up. Sterling trips Zalal as Zalal was throwing a kick and Sterling gets on top. Sterling passes to the half-guard. Zalal looks for an arm and Sterling is trying to free his arm. Sterling gets back into the guard of Zalal. Zalal almost forces it up and Sterling lands to the body. Sterling with some knees. 10-9 Sterling.

Sterling lands a pair of leg kicks. Sterling looks for a takedown against the fence. They break apart. Zalal lands a combination. Zalal lands a knee. Zalal with a leg kick and Sterling lands a right hand. Sterling lands a body kick. Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence and lands before Zalal circles away. Sterling gets it down and lands from the top and gets the back of Zalal. Sterling has the body triangle locked on. Sterling with big shots from the back. Sterling with hammerfists as he’s controlling Zalal from the back. Sterling lands more from the back. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 Sterling.

Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence and scores a takedown. Zalal has the neck with a guillotine choke locked in but Sterling is able to get out and Zalal ends up on top. Zalal with some elbows from the top. Zalal working inside the guard of Sterling. Zalal gets to the feet and Sterling lands an upkick. Zalal gets to side control. Zalal gets the back and is working for a choke. Sterling is defending well as Zalal has the hooks on and is working to get his arm under the neck. 10-9 Zalal, 29-28 Sterling.

Sterling with a pair of leg kicks and he pushes Zalal against the fence. Sterling has the back and gets it down and has the hooks on the back. Sterling landing from the back and is looking for an opening for a choke. Zalal is defending and Sterling is being patient in looking for the choke. Sterling controlling and lands some punches from the back. Sterling gets on top and is landing punches. Sterling lands to the body. Sterling with some left hands. They get to their feet and Sterling lands a right hand. 10-8 Sterling, 39-36 Sterling.

Zalal pressing forward and lands a right hand. They tie up against the fence. Sterling pushes Zalal against the fence. Sterling has the body lock. Sterling controlling against the fence and they separate. Sterling with a right hand and he connects with a combo before getting Zalal to the mat. Sterling working in the half-guard. Sterling gets the back and has the hooks on and is landing from the back. They get to their feet at the end and Sterling lands. 10-9 Sterling, 49-45 Sterling.

Fight Result- Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45)

TKO exec felt Vince McMahon wasn’t necessary post-WWE & UFC merger, contradicts SEC statement

Posted on by Josh Nason

Newly released testimony from a deposition in the WWE shareholders lawsuit has revealed that TKO president Mark Shapiro didn’t feel that keeping Vince McMahon around as part of the UFC/WWE merger was necessary “especially with all the baggage.”

The issue is that contradicts statements made in filings with the SEC that illustrated why it was felt McMahon needed to earn the compensation package and role he received to be part of the deal.

First reported by Post Wrestling’s Brandon Thurston, Shapiro was asked in his deposition if he personally didn’t view McMahon “being in the executive chair role as a necessary condition for the future success of the combined company.”

Shapiro answered, “Correct, especially with all the baggage.”

He was asked if McMahon remaining on board as TKO executive chairman was a goal of McMahon’s and not of what would become TKO leadership.

“Wasn’t a goal of ours, no, no, it was not,” he answered.

With the September 2023 merger of UFC and WWE that created TKO, McMahon received his lifetime role as TKO executive chairman, Board nomination rights, and veto power over certain transactions in addition to six extra percentage points of the combined company, worth roughly $1 billion in value.

The testimony also showed McMahon wanted to initially be TKO CEO, but that did not happen.

The lawsuit claims that McMahon’s drive to merge WWE with UFC was predetermined while other better offers were on the table because he wanted a role within it. He stepped down from his TKO position when the Janel Grant lawsuit first came to light in January 2024, but remains the company’s largest single person stockholder.

In an interview on CNBC that famously featured Emanuel next to a mustachioed McMahon, Emanuel joked he would have bodyslammed the WWE head if he didn’t come along for the ride. McMahon was asked if he would have walked away from WWE if that were the terms of any deal to which said he would have.

From Thurston’s report:

“The (SEC) filing further stated that McMahon “had not, and was not, requesting or proposing such rights.” According to WWE’s narrative, guaranteeing McMahon’s continued role was key to Endeavor agreeing to raise WWE’s split of the combined company from 43% to 49%.”

UFC Fight Night 273 live results: Gilbert Burns vs. Mike Malott

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns north of the border and arrives in Winnipeg, Manitoba for the first time in nearly a decade as UFC Fight Night 273 takes place at the Canada Life Centre.

The main event is a five-round welterweight bout that sees former title contender Gilbert Burns battle rising Canadian contender Mike Malott. Burns is looking to end a four-fight losing skid in his first fight in nearly a year. Malott gets his first UFC headliner on the heels of three straight wins, and is coming off a win over Kevin Holland in October.

The co-main event is an exciting bantamweight bout as Kyler Phillips takes on Charles Jourdain. Also on the main card is a lightweight bout pitting debuting Mandel Nallo against Jai Herbert; a battle of ranked women’s flyweights as Jasmine Jasudavicius fights Karine Silva; and a lightweight fight pitting Thiago Moises against Gauge Young.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Bantamweights- Jamie Siraj (14-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. John Yannis (9-4, 0-1 UFC)

Siraj lands a quick combo and a leg kick. Siraj with a right hand. Yannis lands a leg kick as Siraj comes inside. Siraj lands a quick body kick but then gets dropped by a right hand from Yannis. Siraj stands and they trade as Yannis lands another right hand. Yannis lands another right hand that hurts Siraj, but he quickly recovers. They both land as Siraj comes forward. Siraj looks for a takedown but Yannis defends and starts landing elbows from the top and it is stopped! Big finish from Yannis!

Fight Result- John Yannis def. Jamie Siraj by TKO (elbows) at 2:43 of Round 1

> 139-pound Catchweights- John Castaneda (21-8, 4-4 UFC) vs. Mark Vologdin (12-4-1, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Vologdin landing some leg kicks. Castaneda lands a pair of inside leg kicks. They tie up against the fence and Castaneda lands a knee. Vologdin lands a knee as they separate. Vologdin lands a kick and Castaneda trips to the mat, and Vologdin lets him stand back up. Castaneda lands a kick to the groin of Vologdin and timeout is called. They get back to action. They trade and Castaneda lands a right hand. Vologdin lands a calf kick and a left hook. Castaneda lands a pair of kicks and they tie up. They break apart and Castaneda lands a body kick. Vologdin lands a left hand. Castaneda with a body kick. Vologdin with a leg kick and a right hand. Castaneda lands a body kick. 10-9 Vologdin.

They trade kicks. Vologdin lands a few kicks and connects with a right hand. Vologdin lands to the body and Castaneda lands a pair of leg kicks. They trade and Castaneda lands a right hand. Vologdin looks for a takedown as he has the single leg against the fence. Castaneda looks for a neck but gets dumped to the mat by Vologdin. They stand and separate. Castaneda connects and has Vologdin hurt, but it was from another groin strike and timeout is called again. Castaneda has a point taken away. They get back to action and both land. They land in close range. They tie up against the fence and Castaneda lands a spinning elbow and Vologdin lands a left hand. Castaneda lands a combo. They trade late. 9-9 round due to the point deduction, 19-18 Vologdin.

Castaneda landing more to start the third. Castaneda lands a combination. They clinch and both land against the fence as Castaneda is pressuring. Castaneda lands a leg kick and a right hand. Vologdin lands a punch. Castaneda with a solid right hand. Castaneda lands a right hand against the fence. Vologdin lands and Castaneda lands a body kick. Both land as Castaneda continues to pressure. Vologdin shoots for a takedown but Castaneda sprawls and they scramble up. Vologdin lands an elbow. Castaneda with a short combo. They both land a right hand. Castaneda lands a big right hand. Vologdin looks for a takedown but Castaneda defends and lands a big flurry. They trade and Castaneda lands a big right hand. They both land as Castaneda lands a body kick. Castaneda with a big flurry. Vologdin lands as they tie up. They break to the center and both land big punches. They trade kicks. Vologdin gets a late takedown. Wild fight. 10-9 Castaneda, 28-28 DRAW.

Fight Result- John Castaneda vs. Mark Vologdin ruled a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #14 JJ Aldrich (14-7, 10-6 UFC) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (9-2, 4-2 UFC)

They trade to start. Aldrich lands a combination. Aldrich lands a leg kick and Horth lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Horth with a front kick and a right hand. Aldrich tries a spin kick but Horth lands a combination. They trade and Aldrich pushes it against the fence. Aldrich controlling but they end up separating. Horth with a high kick and Aldrich throws but doesn’t land much. Horth lands a right hand. Horth with a good combination. 10-9 Horth.

Aldrich with a high kick. They trade kicks and Horth lands a right hand. Horth with a pair of short leg kicks as Aldrich lands a left hand. Aldrich lands a leg kick. Both are looking for an opening. Horth lands a kick. They trade inside the pocket. Horth lands a quick flurry as Aldrich connects with a right hand. They both land while close. They trade kicks and Horth lands a combination. Aldrich works the jab. Horth lands a jab. 10-9 Horth, 20-18 Horth.

Aldrich lands a right hand. Horth with a few short kicks. Aldrich with a quick combo. They both land after Aldrich lands a right hook and Horth rushes forward. Aldrich with a left hand and a high kick. They trade kicks and Horth lands a series of punches. Aldrich with a stiff jab and a left hand. Aldrich lands a combo. Aldrich lands a left hand. Horth throws a knee but connects with a right hand. They both land solid punches in a late exchange to end it. 10-9 Horth, 30-27 Horth.

Fight Result- JJ Aldrich def. Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Bantamweights- Melissa Croden (7-3, 1-1 UFC) vs. Darya Zhelezniakova (10-2, 2-1 UFC)

They trade and both land knees in a brief clinch. Zhelezniakova with a short combination. Croden lands a jab as Zhelezniakova lands a leg kick. They clinch and both land a knee before separating. Zhelezniakova lands a right hook and Croden connects as Zhelezniakova was circling away. Zhelezniakova with a leg kick. Croden gets the body lock against the fence. They break apart. Croden is bloody. 10-9 Zhelezniakova.

Zhelezniakova lands a leg kick. They trade but not a lot is going on. Croden connects and Zhelezniakova starts running away and Croden chases her down and connects. They tie up against the fence and Croden lands some knees. They trade after breaking and Croden is still stalking Zhelezniakova down. Croden lands as they clinch and Zhelezniakova grabs the fence. Croden gets a takedown and lands from the back. Croden lands some knees as they stand then some punches and elbows and a high kick. 10-9 Croden, 19-19.

They trade in close range to start the third. Zhelezniakova lands a solid right hand. Croden is pressing forward and both connect. Croden lands a knee and forces Zhelezniakova against the fence. Croden lands short strikes and they separate. Croden ducks under a punch and scores a takedown. Zhelezniakova grabs the fence again as they work to their feet. Croden looks for a standing arm-triangle choke. She uses it to try to take Zhelezniakova down and Zhelezniakova grabs the fence for a third time. Croden gets Zhelezniakova down but lets the choke go. Croden is on top and lands some left hands. Croden lands a pair of knees as they get up. Croden with more knees and an elbow. They break and trade before Croden gets a takedown right into the mount. Croden lands and gets the back and lands lots of shots as they go the distance. 10-9 Croden, 29-28 Croden.

Fight Result- Melissa Croden def. Darya Zhelezniakova by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- Tanner Boser (22-10-1, 5-5 UFC) vs. Gokhan Saricam (11-2, 0-0 UFC)

Saricam lands a leg kick. They trade punches. Boser lands a right hand but Saricam fires back and lands a big combo. Saricam shoots for a takedown but Boser defends as they go to the fence. They break apart and Saricam stumbles to the ground but gets up. They trade and clinch against the fence. They separate and Saricam lands a combination. They trade and Saricam lands a right hand. Saricam with a head kick. They trade big punches and Saricam hurts Boser with a flurry and is teeing off. Boser defends a takedown attempt as they’re tied up against the fence. Boser lands as they break apart. 10-9 Saricam.

They trade punches. Boser lands a leg kick and Saricam fires one back. Boser lands a right hand. Saricam lands a combination. Boser lands a right hand. Saricam lands a right hand as Boser slips and falls down. Saricam was throwing as Boser got up and they separate. They both land inside the pocket and tie up. Boser pushes it to the fence. Boser lands a combination as they break the clinch. They trade leg kicks. Saricam with a jab and Boser lands a right hand. Boser lands a flurry in close range and Boser lands a few elbows while clinched up. Saricam lands a combination as they break apart. Saricam lands a right hand. Boser with a calf kick. Saricam drops Boser with a right hand and a few big shots from the top ends it. Really fun fight.

Fight Result- Gokhan Saricam def. Tanner Boser by TKO (punches) at 4:43 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Julien LeBlanc (10-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Robert Valentin (10-6 1 NC, 0-3 UFC)

Valentin lands a series of leg kicks after they trade. Valentin with a right hand and he scores a takedown and gets right into the mount. LeBlanc gives up his back and Valentin has the hooks on and lands from the back. Valentin is looking for a choke from the back. Valentin has it around the chin. He gets it under the chin and LeBlanc taps. Valentin picks up his first UFC win.

Fight Result- Robert Valentin def. Julien LeBlanc by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:22 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Dennis Buzukja (12-5, 1-3 UFC) vs. Marcio Barbosa (17-2, 0-0 UFC)

Buzukja lands a leg kick. Buzukja with a combo followed by a pair of kicks. They both land a jab. Buzukja lands a leg kick. Buzukja lands to the body and Barbosa lands a counter left hand that knocks Buzukja out cold! What a knockout!

Fight Result- Marcio Barbosa def. Dennis Buzukja by knockout (punch) at 1:20 of Round 1

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Lightweights- Thiago Moises (19-9, 8-7 UFC) vs. Gauge Young (10-3, 1-1 UFC)

Moises immediately initiates the clinch and pushes it against the fence. Young is able to escape and lands a leg kick. They trade kicks. They trade leg kicks. Young works the jab. Young lands a left hand. Moises with a leg kick. Moises scores a takedown. Moises gets the back as they go to the fence. Young stands with Moises on his back. They go to the mat and Moises lands from the back. Young is trying to turn in but Moises now has him in a weird position. Young lands an elbow. Young reverses to the top as Moises attacks an arm. Young lands some punches. 10-9 Moises.

Young lands a combination. Moises lands a calf kick. Young lands to the body. Moises lands a right hand and looks for a takedown. Young defends as they tie up along the fence. They separate as Moises lands a jab. Young lands a pair of kicks. Young looks for a takedown but Moises defends. Moises lands a calf kick but eats a combo from Young. Young keeping Moises at a distance with teet kicks. Young works the jab but eats a leg kick by Moises. Young works the jab. Young staying active. They trade left hands and Moises lands a right hand. Moises looks for a takedown but Young slips away. Moises lands and Young slips and Moises just misses a head kick as Young was getting up. Moises lands a right hand but eats some counters from Young. 10-9 Young, 19-19.

Moises lands a right hand. Young lands a right hand and a front kick. Moises looks for a takedown but Young defends. Young lands a jab as Moises misses a takedown attempt. Young lands a nice right hand and Moises is slowing down. Young with a calf kick. Moises lands a calf kick. Moises shoots for another takedown that Young defends. Moises lands a right hand and goes for another takedown, and Young defends it again. Moises is busted up. Moises lands a solid left hand. Young lands a right hand and Moises goes down. Young lands some from the top. Moises is laying on the ground as Young stands and Moises is ordered to his feet. Young lands a leg kick and a stiff left hand. Moises lands a right hand. Young with a left hand. Moises lands a right hand. Young with a combination. Moises lands a big right hand and Young lands a combo. They have a big exchange to end it. 10-9 Young, 29-28 Young.

Fight Result- Gauge Young def. Thiago Moises by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #7 Jasmine Jasudavicius (14-4, 8-3 UFC) vs. #9 Karine Silva (19-6, 5-2 UFC)

Silva lands a leg kick. She lands another. They trade punches. They have a quick exchange before a brief clinch. They clinch back up and Jasudavicius lands a knee and scores a takedown. Silva throws her legs up and is landing punches from the bottom. She is looking for a triangle choke as Jasudavicius is trying to defend. Silva lands some more from the bottom. 10-9 Silva.

They trade leg kicks. Jasudavicius lands a leg kick. Jasudavicius lands a kick and they trade in close range. They trade and Jasudavicius shoots for a takedown but Silva jumps for a guillotine choke. Jasudavicius is trying to fight the hands and escapes. Jasudavicius gets a takedown but Silva grabs the neck looking for a choke. Jasudavicius lands some knees to the body and short punches. Jasudavicius with some short elbows. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 19-19.

Jasudavicius lands a quick combo as she is pressing forward. Jasudavicius scores a takedown. Silva landing small punches from the bottom and looks for a triangle choke. Jasudavicius with some short elbows as she moves to the half-guard. Silva lands some from the bottom as Jasudavicius is smothering from the top. Silva is looking for a buggy choke from the bottom. Silva escapes and Jasudavicius starts landing from the back and gets back on top and lands as the fight ends. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 29-28 Jasudavicius.

Fight Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Karine Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Mandel Nallo (14-3 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jai Herbert (13-6-1, 3-5-1 UFC)

Nallo lands a leg kick. He lands a right hand and Herbert briefly stumbles. Nallo lands some more kicks. Nallo stuns Herbert with a pair of right hands and had him in trouble for a moment. Nallo lands a big right hand and Herbert is in trouble and on shaky legs. Herbert then drops Nallo with a big right hand and starts teeing off from the top. Nallo is surviving for now and looks for a leg lock but Herbert spins out and they stand. Herbert drops Nallo again with a right hand and some big shots from the top end it! What a comeback from Herbert!

Fight Result- Jai Herbert def. Mandel Nallo by TKO (punches) at 2:05 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Kyler Phillips (12-4, 6-3 UFC) vs. Charles Jourdain (17-8-1, 8-7-1 UFC)

Phillips lands a leg kick and then lands a punch as Jourdain slips to his back. Phillips gets on top and Jourdain looks for a triangle choke, but Phillips escapes. Phillips gets back on top and looks for the mount as Jourdain stays active off his back. Phillips with an elbow from the top. They scramble to the feet. Phillips gets Jourdain back down and controls as Jourdain is staying active. Jourdain looks for the neck but Phillips gets out and they remain in motion on the mount. Phillips ends up back inside the guard of Jourdain and lands an elbow. Jourdain tries for a triangle choke but Phillips slams his way out. They scramble up momentarily and Phillips gets it back down. Phillips has the back as they stand and Jourdain lands some back elbows. Phillips with a knee and they separate. Jourdain lands a left hand. They trade and Phillips lands a right hand. They clinch along the fence. Close round. 10-9 Phillips.

Phillips lands a right hand. Jourdain lands a body kick, but Phillips grabs the leg and trips Jourdain to the mat and gets on top. They get to their feet and Phillips keeps body control and drags it back down to the mat. They stand and Jourdain lands a right hand and they end up separating. Phillips lands a right hand. Jourdain lands to the body as they clinch. Phillips with a high kick. Phillips lands a big elbow and Jourdain lands some shots in close. Jourdain lands a front kick to the body. Jourdain lands some body kicks and is landing with more volume. Phillips grabs the body lock at the fence. Jourdain lands a knee and they break apart. Jourdain with a leg kick. Phillips lands two right hands. Jourdain gets a takedown after missing a spin attack. Jourdain looks for the neck. Phillips escapes and lands as they stand. Jourdain lands a body kick and Phillips with an uppercut. Jourdain with a flying knee. 10-9 Jourdain, 19-19.

Phillips lands a left hand. Jourdain with a high kick. Phillips lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Phillips lands two right hands. Jourdain with a heavy leg kick. Phillips lands another right hand. Phillips gets the body and scores a takedown. They stand and Phillips has back control. Jourdain spins and lands some uppercuts and a high kick after they separate. Phillips lands a right hand. Phillips with an uppercut and a combination. Jourdain tries a flying knee but Phillips catches him and scores a takedown. Jourdain is attacking an arm from the bottom. Phillips escapes and has top control. They stand with Phillips having back control. They break apart. Jourdain lands a body kick and Phillips grabs the body. Phillips lands an elbow on the break but is bleeding. They trade in close range. Jourdain with a body kick but Phillips gets a brief takedown. They stand and trade. They clinch and scramble and trade late. Fun fight. Close fight. 10-9 Jourdain, 29-28 Jourdain.

Fight Result- Charles Jourdain def. Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #11 Gilbert Burns (22-9, 15-9 UFC) vs. Mike Malott (13-2-1, 6-1 UFC)

The first strike landed is a low blow by Burns, but they keep going. They trade punches and Burns lands a leg kick. Burns lands a right hand. Malott lands an uppercut. Burns with a right hand. Malott lands a combo as Burns came forward. Malott with a leg kick. Burns with a leg kick. Burns looks for a takedown but Malott defends. Malott lands two right hands. Burns connects with a straight right hand. Malott hurts Burns with a right hook. Burns lands a calf kick. Malott with a leg kick. Malott with a high kick. 10-9 Malott.

Malott lands and Burns looks for a takedown, but Malott defends. Burns lands a right hand. Burns with a calf kick and he lands a left hook. Malott lands an uppercut and Burns is retreating and covering up. Malott lands a right hand. Malott lands another uppercut and a right hand. Malott with a combination and an uppercut. Malott lands a jab. Malott lands another uppercut and they trade against the fence. Burns shoots for a takedown but Malott defends. Burns lands to the body. Malott lands a jab. Malott with another jab. 10-9 Malott, 20-18 Malott.

Burns lands a right hand and a leg kick. Burns with another leg kick and he looks for a takedown, but Malott defends. Malott lands a jab and is pressing forward. Malott lands a right hand. Malott drops Burns with a combination, but he gets up. Malott lands a right hand and Burns goes down again. Malott is landing big punches and Burns is covering up and Herb Dean steps in to stop it! Malott gets the big main event win!

Fight Result- Mike Malott def. Gilbert Burns by TKO (punches) at 2:08 of Round 3

Gable Steveson signs with UFC, debut date set

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

After months of waiting, Gable Steveson has finally signed with UFC.

Last year, in September 2025, the Olympic gold medalist made his MMA debut following a transition from a successful wrestling career. A storied wrestling career, Steveson won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before also experiencing a brief WWE run.

With three knockout victories following his MMA debut, it was announced during the main card of UFC 327 on April 11, 2026, that Steveson, 25, had now signed to the UFC.

Shortly after his UFC signing announcement, it was also shared that he will make his UFC debut on International Fight Week at UFC 329.

The UFC 329 is scheduled to take place on July 11, 2026, where UFC veteran Conor McGregor is also being targeted to make his comeback.

“Heavyweight got interesting tonight. With Gable coming to the UFC, that is absolutely huge, that guy is my number one prospect in the heavyweight division, he is a tremendous athlete, moves like a cat, that guy is the man, I’m very excited to see him in the UFC,” Joe Rogan said during the broadcast.

3-0 in his MMA career, Steveson currently trains with UFC veteran Jon Jones and sat with him during UFC 327. Steveson’s list of achievements includes two national championships, two Dan Hodge Trophy wins, five All-American honors, an Olympic gold medal, and multiple other International medals. He is also signed to the Heavyweight division of RAF (Real American Freestyle).

UFC 327 live results: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

A new champion will be crowned as the Octagon heads back to The Sunshine State for UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

The main event will see the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship on the line as former champion Jiri Prochazka looks to start another reign at top when he takes on Carlos Ulberg. Prochazka comes in on a two-fight win streak and a third-round knockout win over Khalil Rountree in an incredible fight in October. Ulberg looks to bring another UFC title to New Zealand on the heels of nine consecutive wins.

In the co-main event, undefeated light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov looks to earn a title shot and a 17th straight win as he battles former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa.

Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout pitting Curtis Blaydes against Josh Hokit; light heavyweight bout between Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker; and long-time UFC and WEC veteran Cub Swanson in his retirement bout against Nate Landwehr.

A two-hour block of fights airs on CBS at 8 p.m. eastern time, featuring the main card bouts between Reyes and Walker, and Swanson and Landwehr. Two prelim bouts also air which sees a battle of former Bellator stars Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico; and Kevin Holland takes on Randy Brown.

PRELIMS | 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT

> Welterweights- Charles Radtke (11-5, 4-2 UFC) vs. Francisco Prado (12-4, 1-4 UFC)

They trade and Prado lands a left hook and then one to the body and a body kick. Radtke briefly hurts Prado with a jab. Radtke scores a takedown. They scramble and Radtke is able to remain on top. Radtke lands and they scramble, but Radtke is able to keep it down and is on the back of Prado. Prado is able to spin, but Radtke remains on top and is landing punches. Prado rolls for a leg and looks for a leg lock, but Radtke lands a left hand and stands to escape. Radtke gets back on top and lands some left hands. Radtke lands an elbow and a couple more to end the round. 10-9 Radtke.

Radtke lands a left hand as Prado lands a kick. Radtke with another jab. He lands another. Radtke scores a takedown and takes the back. Radtke has the hooks on as Prado is standing with Radtke on his back. Radtke is attacking an arm. They’re now fully on the mat and Radtke lands from the back. Prado is able to spin into the guard of Radtke and lands an elbow. Prado stands and lands and jumps back into the half-guard of Radtke. Radtke lands from the bottom and Prado with a pair of elbows to the body and head. Radtke with some elbows from the bottom that cut Prado open. Prado is bleeding badly, though he lands from the top. Both land elbows. 10-9 Radtke, 20-18 Radtke.

Radtke lands a combination and Prado lands a leg kick. Both land in close range. Radtke lands a right hand. Radtke with a left to the body but gets poked in the eye and timeout is called. Prado gets a point taken away and they get back to action. Radtke looks for a takedown but Prado defends it and lands a body kick. Radtke looks for another takedown but Prado defends it. Prado lands as they break and Radtke lands a right hand. They trade and Radtke looks for a takedown as Prado locks in a guillotine choke. It is in tight but Radtke is able to escape. Radtke is on top and lands. Radtke jumps on the back and looks for a choke. Prado is able to reverse to the top and lands. 9-9 round due to the point deduction, 29-27 Radtke.

Fight Result- Charles Radtke def. Francisco Prado by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Middleweights- Kelvin Gastelum (20-10 1 NC, 14-10 1 NC UFC) vs. Vicente Luque (23-12-1, 16-8 UFC)

Luque lands a leg kick. Gastelum lands a pair of left hands. Luque lands a kick but eats another overhand left from Gastelum. Luque lands a pair of leg kicks but eats a combination from Gastelum. They trade and Gastelum scores a takedown. Gastelum lands and they stand. Luque lands a right hook and Gastelum goes down. Luque gets into the guard of Gastelum and lands a pair of elbows. Luque looking for a front choke and a D’Arce choke. He has an anaconda choke locked in and Gastelum taps! Luque picks up the submission win.

Fight Result- Vicente Luque def. Kelvin Gastelum by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:08 of Round 1

> Lightweights*- Chris Padilla (17-6, 4-0 UFC) vs. MarQuel Mederos (11-1, 3-0 UFC)

*Padilla missed weight by two pounds

Padilla lands a jab. They clinch and Mederos lands a knee as Padilla has advantage. Mederos lands another knee and they separate. Padilla lands a leg kick and Mederos returns one of his own. Padilla with a right hand. Padilla lands a pair of right hands. They clinch and both land a knee. Padilla has Mederos against the fence and lands a pair of knees. Mederos lands two elbows to force separation. Mederos lands a combo and they tie back up. They break apart. Padilla lands and lands some knees in a brief clinch. Padilla lands a leg kick and a right hand. They trade leg kicks and Mederos lands an elbow. Padilla lands in close range. Padilla with a combo and they clinch. They break apart and Mederos lands a leg kick. Mederos lands an elbow that cuts Padilla open. Padilla with some knees against the fence. 10-9 Padilla.

Mederos lands a leg kick and Padilla connects with a right hand. Mederos lands a combination. Padilla lands a series of leg kicks. They both land inside the pocket. Padilla with a leg kick followed by a body kick as he’s landing with more volume. They clinch and Padilla lands before they separate. Mederos lands a nice elbow. They both land in the pocket against the fence. Padilla works the jab and lands an elbow. Timeout is called for an eye poke by Mederos. They quickly get back to action. Padilla lands a right hand. Mederos with an inside kick. Padilla lands to the body as Mederos connects with an elbow. They’re both landing with high volume in close range. Padilla hurts Mederos briefly with an elbow. Mederos lands some kicks. Padilla staying active but Mederos connects with a right hand. Padilla lands an elbow and a leg kick as Mederos lands a combo. Padilla lands some leg kicks and Mederos gets a late takedown. 10-9 Padilla, 20-18 Padilla.

They trade in close range as Padilla pushes it to the fence, but Mederos circles away. Mederos lands an elbow. Padilla lands a knee but eats a combo from Mederos. Mederos with another elbow. Padilla pressing forward as Mederos circles out. Mederos lands a right hand. Padilla with a combo against the fence and he scores a takedown. Padilla has control from the back. Mederos grabs the fence twice as they work to their feet and he forces a break. Mederos lands a right hand. He lands another. Mederos with an elbow. Padilla lands an elbow as they tie up and he is pouring on the quick volume. Padilla mixes to the head and body. Padilla with a right hand and Mederos lands a counter short flurry. Mederos lands a knee but pokes Padilla in the eye at the same time. Mederos has a point taken away and they get back going. Padilla lands more as they get back going. Mederos with a leg kick. They trade late and Padilla lands a pair of knees. 10-8 Padilla, 30-26 Padilla.

Fight Result- Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos declared a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #2 Tatiana Suarez (11-1, 8-1 UFC) vs. #6 Loopy Godinez (14-5, 9-5 UFC)

Suarez throwing punches and lands a front body kick. Godinez lands a right hand and has Suarez hurt. Godinez lands a series of punches on the ground as she has the back of Suarez. They scramble up and Godinez has the back and gets a big suplex takedown. Suarez gets up and Godinez lands a knee to the body. Godinez with some elbows against the fence and Suarez is able to score a takedown. Suarez landing punches to the head and body from the top. Godinez lands an elbow from the bottom. Suarez with a hammerfist. Suarez with lots of shots from the top. 10-9 Suarez.

They trade before clinching and Suarez lands some knees. Suarez grabs the neck but lets go and is working for a takedown against the fence. Suarez has the back and Godinez grabs the fence, but Suarez gets Godinez down. Suarez locks in a rear-naked choke but doesn’t have it on with both hands. She locks in it tighter and Godinez taps! Suarez picks up a dominant win.

Fight Result- Tatiana Suarez def. Loopy Godinez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:29 of Round 2

> Lightweights- #8 Mateusz Gamrot (25-4 1 NC, 8-4 UFC) vs. Esteban Ribovics (15-2, 4-2 UFC)

Gamrot lands the jab. They trade left hands and Gamrot back working the jab. Gamrot scores a takedown and is in side control. Gamrot lands an elbow and then a left hand from the side. Gamrot has the back as Ribovics is trying to scramble up. They stand but Gamrot drags it back down from the back. Ribovics tries to get out but Gamrot ends up back on top in side control. Gamrot with some elbows to the body. 10-9 Gamrot.

Ribovics lands a front kick. Ribovics with a leg kick. Gamrot with a body kick. Gamrot lands a jab and looks for a takedown, but Ribovics sprawls. Ribovics lands a left hand. Gamrot ducks under and scores a takedown. They scramble up and Gamrot gets it back down and has the back. Gamrot rolls to side control. Gamrot lands an elbow from the top. Gamrot gets an arm-triangle choke locked in. Ribovics is defending but it is in tight. Ribovics looks almost out but he ends up tapping out.

Fight Result- Mateusz Gamrot def. Esteban Ribovics by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:19 of Round 2

> Welterweights- Kevin Holland (28-15 1 NC, 15-12 1 NC UFC) vs. Randy Brown (20-7, 14-7 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Brown lands a right hand and Holland lands a calf kick. Brown lands a big left hook. Holland lands a calf kick and Brown buckles a little. Holland with another hard calf kick but Brown is landing punches. They trade punches and Brown slips to the mat. Holland gets on top and lands some punches. Brown gets Holland inside his full guard. Brown with some elbows from the bottom. Holland lands to the body as Brown is looking for a triangle choke. Holland slams himself out of trouble but Brown lands a pair of upkicks. Brown looks for an armbar. They both land on the mat and Holland with some shots. 10-9 Brown.

They trade. Holland lands a leg kick. Brown lands a right hand. Holland with a side kick to the body followed by a leg kick. Holland grabs the neck and locks in an anaconda choke and drags it down to the mat. Brown is fighting it and Holland locks in it deeper. Brown was able to fight it off and they stand and both land knees. Holland lands a spinning elbow as they separate. Holland lands a leg kick. Holland looks for a takedown and lands a spinning elbow. Holland grabs the neck but lets go against the fence. Brown lands to the body. 10-9 Holland, 19-19.

Holland lands a right hand as Brown works the jab. Holland lands some short uppercuts. Holland with a pair of leg kicks. Brown with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. Holland with some slaps to the ears of Brown. Holland has body control but Brown lands a knee. They separate and both throw. Holland with a pair of jabs and a right hand. Holland lands a leg kick. Brown pushes Holland against the fence looking for a takedown. They battle in the clinch and Holland lands short punches. Holland with elbows along the fence. Holland with some shoulder strikes. Close fight. 10-9 Holland, 29-28 Holland.

Fight Result- Kevin Holland def. Randy Brown by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #13 Patricio Pitbull (37-8, 1-1 UFC) vs. Aaron Pico (13-5, 0-1 UFC)

Pico lands a left hand and some leg kicks. Pitbull lands a right hand. Pitbull with another right hand and Pico almost gets a takedown. Pitbull shakes loose against the fence. Pitbull with a calf kick. Pitbull with a combo and a leg kick as Pico lands a pair of right hands. They trade left hands. Pico lands a left hand and scores a takedown. Pitbull scrambles up but Pico has the back along the fence. They separate. Pico lands a right hand. Pico lands a hard combination. Pico with a leg kick. Pico lands another right hand. Pitbull lands a combo. 10-9 Pico.

Pitbull lands a combo. Pico lands a combo and a left hand. Pico with another hard left hand. Pico with a leg kick followed by a combo, and he then hurts Pitbull with a punch. Pitbull with an inside leg kick and then lands a calf kick. Pico with a takedown, but Pitbull gets right back to his feet. Pico with an elbow as they break. Pico lands a combo and a body kick. Pico with a left hook and Pitbull lands a leg kick. Pico lands to the body. Pico hurts Pitbull with a big right hand. Pico with a left hook to the body. Pico with another combo. Pico lands a right hand. They trade and Pico lands two big right hands. Pico scores a takedown. Pico with a pair of elbows and some left hands from the top. 10-9 Pico, 20-18 Pico.

Pico lands a combination and then a left hook to the body. Pico with a body kick. Pitbull lands a leg kick. Pico lands a combination. Pitbull lands a right hand. Pico grabs the body lock and looks for a takedown. They’re clinched and both land knees to the body. Pico lands a combo as they separate. Pico gets the back and scores a takedown. Pitbull tries to get up but Pico keeps him down. They separate. 10-9 Pico, 30-27 Pico.

Fight Result- Aaron Pico def. Patricio Pitbull by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Featherweights- Cub Swanson (30-14, 14-10 UFC) vs. Nate Landwehr (18-7, 5-5 UFC)

Swanson lands a pair of leg kicks. Swanson with a left hand to the body followed by a calf kick. Landwehr lands a leg kick. Swanson lands a jab. Landwehr lands a calf kick. Swanson lands a right hand. Swanson lands a combination. Swanson lands to the body. He lands a big right hand to the body followed by a flurry that had Landwehr briefly hurt. Swanson lands a right hand. Landwehr lands a right hand after Swanson connects. Swanson lands a left hand and Landwehr goes down. Landwehr gets up but gets put back down after Swanson lands. They stand and Swanson lands to the body. Swanson with a calf kick. Swanson drops Landwehr with a massive right hand and it is stopped! What a performance from Swanson in his retirement.

Fight Result- Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr by TKO (punch) at 4:06 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #10 Dominick Reyes (15-5, 9-5 UFC) vs. #12 Johnny Walker (22-9 1 NC, 8-6 1 NC UFC)

Walker lands a leg kick. Reyes with a head kick that Walker partially blocks. Walker lands a pair of leg kicks. Walker with more leg kicks. Reyes lands a leg kick and a left hand just misses. Reyes lands a body kick. Walker with a leg kick and Reyes lands a high kick. Walker with a high kick. Walker with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Walker with two leg kicks as Reyes lands a left hand. Walker with a pair of kicks and both misses punch attempts. 10-9 Walker.

Reyes lands a leg kick. Walker with a leg kick. Reyes lands a body kick. Walker with a pair of kicks. Reyes lands a left hand. Walker with a body kick. They trade punches. Reyes lands a high kick. Walker with an inside leg kick. Walker lands a pair of leg kicks. Reyes with a body kick. Walker with a high kick. Reyes lands a left hand. Walker lands a high kick and looks for a takedown, but Reyes defends. 10-9 Reyes, 19-19.

They trade kicks. Reyes with a leg kick. Reyes lands a high kick. Reyes with a leg kick. Walker with a high kick as they’re barely fighting. They trade leg kicks. Walker with a pair of leg kicks. Reyes lands a pair of kicks. They trade kicks. Reyes with a pair of kicks. Walker with a front kick. A totally boring fight. 10-9 Walker, 29-28 Walker.

Fight Result- Dominick Reyes def. Johnny Walker by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Heavyweights- #5 Curtis Blaydes (19-5 1 NC, 14-5 1 NC UFC) vs. Josh Hokit (8-0, 2-0 UFC)

Hokit lands a right hand. Blaydes grabs a single leg but Hokit spins out. Blaydes rocks Hokit with a jab but then Hokit hurts Blaydes with a right hand. They trade. Hokit lands a combo. Hokit lands a right hand and Blaydes is hurt. They trade big punches. Blaydes gets the back and briefly gets Hokit down. Blaydes is busted up but lands from the back. They break apart. Blaydes gets Hokit back down but they stand with Blaydes on the back. Blaydes with some uppercuts from the back and a knee. Blaydes lands a right hand as they break. Blaydes lands a jab. Hokit is running away. Blaydes teeing off against the fence on Hokit. Hokit connects and Blaydes lands an uppercut. Blaydes with big punches. Blaydes lands an elbow. Blaydes lands to the body. They break apart. Hokit loses his mouth piece. They are both exhausted. 10-9 Blaydes.

They’re trading to start the second. Blaydes looks for a takedown but Hokit defends and they separate. Hokit lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. They both land a right hand. Hokit with a pair of uppercuts and they clinch against the fence. Blaydes lands a right hand. Blaydes lands an uppercut. Blaydes with a double jab. They tie up and both land an uppercut. Blaydes lands to the body and they break. Hokit lands a right hand. Hokit lands again and Blaydes is hurt. Hokit lands a big combination. Blaydes lands an uppercut. Blaydes now hurts Hokit. Blaydes with a pair of leg kicks. They tie up and Blaydes lands to the body. Blaydes with a series of uppercuts. They separate. Blaydes lands a right hand. Blaydes lands while tied up and then lands a big right hand. 10-9 Hokit, 19-19.

They come out trading and Blaydes lands a big leg kick. Blaydes looks for a takedown but Hokit slips out. Blaydes lands a big right hand. They tie up and Blaydes with some short uppercuts. Hokit lands a left hand. They trade jabs. Hokit lands a stiff jab. Blaydes lands a right hand. Blaydes lands a big left hand. They trade punches and Blaydes lands a right hand. They trade elbows while tied up. Blaydes lands a jab. Blaydes with a right hand. Hokit lands some elbows while tied up. Hokit lands a combo. Blaydes connects with a right hand. Blaydes with an elbow. They trade uppercuts in the clinch. They trade right hands. Hokit lands a right hand. Blaydes lands a combination. Hokit with an elbow. They trade late. Close fight. 10-9 Hokit, 29-28 Hokit.

Fight Result- Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- #6 Azamat Murzakanov (16-0, 6-0 UFC) vs. #14 MW Paulo Costa (15-4, 7-4 UFC)

Costa lands a leg kick. He lands another that trips Murzakanov up. Murzakanov lands a jab. Costa with a leg kick. Costa with a head kick then a hard body kick. Murzakanov continues to press forward and lands to the body. Costa with an inside leg kick. Costa lands a body kick. Murzakanov just barely lands a left hand but gets poked in the eye, so timeout is called. They return to action. Costa with an inside leg kick. Costa connects with a body kick. Murzakanov lands and Costa lands a knee. Costa with a right hand. Another leg kick lands by Costa. Costa hurts Murzakanov with a punch and Murzakanov slips to the mat. Costa gets on top and lands. Costa with a pair of elbows. Costa lands and hurts Murzakanov as he stands. Costa lands a head kick and a right hand. 10-9 Costa.

Costa with a head kick. Costa with another inside leg kick. Murzakanov lands a spinning back fist. Costa with a body kick. Murzakanov lands a jab. Murzakanov lands to the body and lands a right hand. Costa lands a right hand. Murzakanov lands a left hand. Murzakanov lands a combination and Costa is hurt. Murzakanov briefly gets Costa down but they get right up. Murzakanov lands a left hand to the body and to the head. Costa lands a body shot and Murzakanov then gets Costa down. Murzakanov had a choke in but Costa escapes. Murzakanov lands a knee and Costa lands one. 10-9 Murzakanov, 19-19.

Costa lands a leg kick followed by a body kick. He lands a head kick and a right hand. Murzakanov lands a left hand. Costa with two more right hands and works the jab and lands a high kick. Costa with a right hand to the body. Costa lands a body kick. Costa rocks Murzakanov with a head kick and Murzakanov ends up going down and it is all over! What a finish from Costa!

Fight Result- Paulo Costa def. Azamat Murzakanov by TKO (head kick) at 1:23 of Round 3

> UFC Light Heavyweight Championship- Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1, 6-2 UFC) vs. Carlos Ulberg (13-1, 9-1 UFC)

Ulberg starts with a pair of leg kicks. Prochazka lands a leg kick. Ulberg lands a leg kick. He lands another one. Prochazka with a left hook. They trade and Prochazka lands a pair of leg kicks. Prochazka lands a jab and Ulberg’s leg is hurt. Ulberg with a combo. Prochazka lands a pair of leg kicks. Ulberg seems to have a knee injury but he’s still fighting. Ulberg with a high kick but he’s having trouble standing. Prochazka lands a leg kick. Ulberg drops Prochazka with a left hand and is landing shots from the top and Prochazka goes out! Wow, what a finish from Ulberg despite being on one leg!

Fight Result- Carlos Ulberg def. Jiri Prochazka by knockout (punches) at 3:45 of Round 1 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

UFC Fight Night 272 live results: Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Another busy month of fight cards for the UFC kicks off this weekend as the Octagon returns to the Meta Apex in Las Vegas for UFC Fight Night 272.

The five-round main event sees a battle of two American Top Team teammates as former lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano takes on Chris Duncan. Moicano returns to action for the first time in nearly ten months as he looks to end his two-fight losing skid. In his first UFC main event, Duncan is looking to break into the rankings and notch his fifth consecutive win.

In the co-main event, Virna Jandiroba, fresh off a title fight loss, looks to get back into contention against Tabatha Ricci in a women’s strawweight bout. Also on the main card is surging prospect Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev taking on Brendson Ribeiro in light heavyweight action; a bantamweight bout between Ethyn Ewing and Rafael Estevam; and a debuting Tommy McMillen taking on Manolo Zecchini in a featherweight tilt.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Lightweights- Kai Kamaka (17-7-1, 1-2-1 UFC) vs. Dakota Hope (11-1, 0-0 UFC)

Hope rushes forward and starts throwing and they clinch. Hope lands to the body and head as they break. Hope lands a right hand. Hand with a left hand and they clinch. Kamaka lands to the body as Hope is landing knees to the body. They break apart and Hope lands a right hand. Kamaka lands a combo. Hope lands a series of right hands. Kamaka with a front kick to the body. Kamaka lands a left hand and a leg kick. Kamaka lands a pair of kicks. Hope rushes in landing a combination followed by a knee. They break and both are swinging inside the pocket and Hope lands and Kamaka goes down. Hope starts attacking with tons of hammerfists and punches as Kamaka gets back to his feet. They tie up and Hope lands to the body. They break. Kamaka lands a stiff calf kick. He lands another. They clinch and Hope lands an elbow before they break. Kamaka lands a body kick but eats a combo from Hope. They clinch and both land knees. Hope with a pair of elbows as they separate. 10-9 Hope.

They trade inside the pocket and Hope connects and Kamaka was hurt but the fence kept him standing. They tie up against the fence and Kamaka lands some short punches. They separate and Kamaka lands a leg kick. Both are swinging and connecting to the head and body in close range. Kamaka briefly hurts Hope with a left hook and then lands a calf kick. They clinch and Kamaka lands a pair of stiff knees and Hope lands an elbow and they break. Kamaka lands a stiff body shot but eats a right hand from Hope. Both are landing stiff shots. Kamaka lands a body kick and left hand to the body. 10-9 Kamaka, 19-19.

Kamaka with a pair of body kicks and leg kicks as they trade. Kamaka connects with a left hand and have a brief clinch. Kamaka lands after they separate. They trade before clinching, and Kamaka lands some short punches. Kamaka lands to the body as they separate. Hope lands a left hand. Hope looks for a takedown but Kamaka defends it, though Hope lands an elbow. They trade and Kamaka lands a knee. Hope lands a quick flurry and pushes it against the fence, but Kamaka lands as they break. They clash heads, which they have done a couple of times already. Kamaka lands a left hand. Kamaka lands to the body. Hope gets a takedown but Kamaka quickly gets up and Hope has the back. Really fun fight. 10-9 Kamaka, 29-28 Kamaka.

Fight Result- Kai Kamaka def. Dakota Hope by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Dione Barbosa (8-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Melissa Gatto (9-2-2, 3-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Gatto works the jab and lands a body kick. Gatto lands a right hand. Barbosa with a spin kick and she lands a left hand. Gatto with a solid right hand. Barbosa lands a solid combo and a big right hand and lands as they break a brief clinch. They clinch against the fence after an exchange and both land short knees. They break and both land. Barbosa looks for a spinning elbow but Gatto ducks under and grabs the back and gets a takedown. They scramble and Gatto is on top but Barbosa lands some elbows from the bottom. Barbosa attacks for an armbar late but Gatto escapes. 10-9 Barbosa.

Gatto lands a leg kick. Barbosa lands and Gatto shoots for a takedown, but Barbosa reverses and ends up on top. Not much happens and Barbosa stands and Gatto tries to stand up and Barbosa lands a head kick and Gatto is out cold. It may have been illegal and replay shows that Gatto was a downed opponent. Wow, the fight is continuing and Barbosa has a point taken away. They get back to action and Gatto goes for a takedown but eats a knee from Barbosa. Gatto completes the takedown and Barbosa is attacking the neck for a guillotine choke. They scramble up and Barbosa scores a takedown. They get up and Barbosa lands a spinning elbow. Gatto scores a takedown. Barbosa is landing from the bottom. Gatto with some short hammerfists from the top. Barbosa with elbows from the bottom. 9-9, 19-18 Barbosa.

Gatto lands a combination followed by a right hand. Barbosa throws a kick and Gatto catches it and scores a takedown, but Barbosa scrambles to the top. Barbosa with a pair of elbows from the half-guard and then lands some punches and elbows to the body. Barbosa with more elbows to the body from the top. Barbosa attacks for an armbar but Gatto is defending from the top and gets her arm free. She lands from inside the guard of Barbosa. Barbosa is able to sweep to the top and lands. They scramble and Gatto is attacking for a kimura. Gatto rolls and looks for an armbar. Barbosa with some elbows. 10-9 Barbosa, 29-27 Barbosa.

Fight Result- Dione Barbosa def. Melissa Gatto by majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

> Middleweights- Azamat Bekoev (20-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Tresean Gore (5-4, 2-4 UFC)

Gore lands a leg kick. Bekoev lands a calf kick. Gore connects with a right hand. Bekoev with a front kick to the face. They trade kicks. Gore with a left hand. Bekoev with a calf kick. They trade leg kicks. Gore with a big body kick. They trade kicks and Bekoev lands a right hand. They trade punches. Bekoev lands a quick uppercut. Bekoev with a hard body kick and follows with a right hand. Bekoev with a left hook. Bekoev lands a body kick. Gore lands a spinning back fist and follows with a right hand. Bekoev looked for a takedown but Gore defends and pushes it to the fence. They break apart and trade back-and-forth before Bekoev pushes it against the fence. 10-9 Bekoev.

Bekoev lands some leg kicks. Bekoev shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Bekoev lands a knee and they break. Bekoev drops Gore with a punch and starts landing from the top. Gore is trying to get up but Bekoev keeps landing. Gore stands and Bekoev lands but Gore lands a big right hand. Bekoev shoots for a takedown and gets it. Bekoev lands and has the back as they stand. Gore spins and lands in the clinch. Bekoev lands to the body. They trade elbows and break. Bekoev with an elbow. They trade right hands. Bekoev gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Gore scores a takedown. Gore lands but Bekoev is able to get it back to the feet. Gore lands a right hand. Gore forces the clinch and lands a right hand on the break. Wild round. 10-9 Bekoev, 20-18 Bekoev.

Gore lands a leg kick and a right hand. Gore with another heavy leg kick and Bekoev is having trouble standing. Gore lands another. Gore lands a right hand and a body kick. Gore with a combo as he catches a kick from Bekoev. Bekoev with an uppercut and Gore lands a combo. Gore scores a takedown. Bekoev with short punches from the bottom. Gore lands an elbow from the top. Gore gets the mount and lands an elbow. Gore lands a big elbow from the top and looks for an arm-triangle choke. Bekoev scrambles and Gore looks for a guillotine choke. Bekoev goes out cold! What a comeback from Gore!

Fight Result- Tresean Gore def. Azamat Bekoev by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:27 of Round 3

> Women’s Bantamweights- Alice Pereira (5-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Hailey Cowan (7-4, 0-2 UFC)

Pereira lands a combo as Cowan connects with a right hand. Pereira lands a combo and a knee. Pereira with a Superwoman punch and a right hand. Cowan lands a knee. They clinch but break easily. Pereira with another Superwoman punch. Pereira rocks Cowan with a right hand. Pereira lands a combo and Cowan gets a brief takedown and they scramble up. Pereira lands a combination. Cowan with a body kick and she lands a knee. Pereira with a left hand as Cowan was rushing in. Both land while clinched and Pereira lands a right hand on the break. Cowan with a left hand and lands a knee. Cowan catches a leg. 10-9 Pereira.

They trade and Cowan lands a counter left hand. Pereira with a combo and Cowan scores a big takedown. Both landing on the mat as Cowan connects with punches and elbows from the top. Pereira looks to throw her legs up as Cowan is trying to pass the guard. Pereira lands from the bottom but Cowan is keeping control from the top. Cowan lands an elbow from the top. Pereira pushes Cowan off with her feet and they get to their feet. Pereira lands a combination and then drops Cowan with a massive knee and Cowan is out cold! What a finish from Pereira!

Fight Result- Alice Pereira def. Hailey Cowan by knockout (knee) at 4:24 of Round 2

> Lightweights*- Lando Vannata (12-7-2, 4-7-2 UFC) vs. Darrius Flowers (12-8-1, 0-3 UFC)

*Flowers missed weight by a half-pound

They trade and Vannata gets a takedown, but Flowers forces a scramble up. They trade leg kicks. Vannata lands and looks for a takedown, but Flowers defends. Vannata catches a kick and scores a takedown. Flowers looks for an arm from the bottom. Vannata gets his arm free and is inside the guard of Flowers. Vannata lands from the top. Flowers tries to scramble up but Vannata quickly grabs the body and keeps him down. Flowers tries to force a scramble but Vannata stays on top. Flowers almost had an armbar but Vannata escapes and they stand. Vannata lands a body kick and a right hand. Flowers slams Vannata to the mat and Vannata looks hurt. Flowers lands punches from the top. Flowrs with big punches to end the round. 10-9 Flowers.

Vannata lands a right hand and a leg kick. Vannata looks for a takedown but Flowers trips him down and starts landing from the top and it is stopped. Flowers picks up his first UFC win.

Fight Result- Darrius Flowers def. Lando Vannata by TKO (punches) at :52 of Round 2

> Flyweights- Alessandro Costa (14-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-2, 0-2 UFC)

Costa lands some leg kicks early and Nicoll mixes some kicks to the body and legs. Costa lands a combination. Nicoll with a leg kick but eats a counter combination from Costa. Nicoll with an inside leg kick. Costa lands to the body. Costa lands a right hand that stuns Nicoll. Nicoll lands a body kick. They trade combinations in close range. Nicoll looks for a takedown but Costa defends. Costa lands a left hand and a knee. Costa hurts Nicoll with a body shot. Nicoll with a spinning back fist. Costa lands a right hand and Nicoll circles away. 10-9 Costa.

They trade and Costa lands a leg kick. They trade right hands. Costa looks for a takedown but Nicoll defends and Costa gets the back. Costa almost had it down and is on the back of Nicoll. Nicoll escapes and they circle to the center. They trade front kicks and Nicoll lands a right hand. Nicoll looks for a takedown but Costa defends. Costa has the body lock and looks for a takedown along the fence. He lands as they break. Nicoll lands a right hand. Costa lands a right hand and a combination. Nicoll shoots for a long takedown but Costa escapes. Nicoll lands a right hand to the body. Costa with a spinning elbow and lands a knee and is landing as Nicoll is hurt and trying to run away. Costa grabs the body lock and drags it down. They separate. Costa lands a combo. Costa hurts Nicoll with a liver shot and Nicoll goes down and a couple of follow-up shots end it. What a finish from Costa!

Fight Result- Alessandro Costa def. Stewart Nicoll by TKO (punches) at 4:56 of Round 2

> Heavyweights- Guilherme Pat (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Thomas Petersen (10-4, 2-3 UFC)

Petersen lands a leg kick. Pat lands a high kick. Pat lands a hard body kick. Pat with a leg kick. Petersen just misses a right hand but they clinch along the fence. Petersen lands a knee. Petersen working hard to get it down but Pat is defending well. They break apart and Petersen lands a leg kick. Pat lands a hard calf kick. Pat with a snap jab. Pat lands a heavy leg kick. Petersen rushes in and lands before getting the clinch. They separate. Not much of a round. 10-9 Petersen.

They trade and Petersen initiates the clinch and pushes it against the fence. They break after no action. Pat lands a high kick. Pat lands a stiff jab. Petersen rushes forward throwing but nothing connects. Petersen lands a body kick. Pat lands a combination and they clinch against the fence. Petersen lands a knee. Pat lands a knee as Petersen lands to the body against the fence. Pat lands a leg kick after they separate. 10-9 Petersen, 20-18 Petersen.

Petersen gets Pat down to the mat and lands heavy shots from the top. They stand and Petersen lands a knee and Pat lands a right hand but Petersen lands an uppercut and Pat goes down. Petersen gets on top and starts landing punches and elbows. Petersen with some big right hands. Petersen controlling from the top and lands a pair of right hands. Petersen continues to land from the top. Pat is gassed out on the bottom. Petersen with more shots from the top. Petersen with an elbow. They trade on the mat. 10-9 Petersen, 30-27 Petersen.

Fight Result- Thomas Petersen def. Guilherme Pat by majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Featherweights- Jose Delano (16-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Robert Ruchala (11-2, 0-1 UFC)

Delano landing more to start as he connects with a right hand and a body kick. Delano with a pair of body kicks. Ruchala tries to tie up but Delano throws him off. Ruchala with a spinning back fist. Ruchala lands a right hand. Ruchala lands a leg kick followed by a right hand. Delano with a hard body kick. They trade inside the pocket. They tie up against the fence. They break and trade. Ruchala lands a high kick. They trade and Delano looks to grapple but they separate. Ruchala with a leg kick then a high kick. Ruchala lands a leg kick and a right hand. Ruchala with a high kick. Ruchala lands a body kick and a head kick. Close round. 10-9 Delano.

Ruchala lands a leg kick and a left hand. They clinch and Ruchala lands a knee but then Delano starts pressing forward and lands. Ruchala lands a spin kick to the body. Ruchala with a pair of kicks. Ruchala lands a right hand and a spin kick. Delano with an inside leg kick. Ruchala lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks as Delano lands a combination. Delano with a left hand and Ruchala is backing up. Delano lands a combination. Delano landing with more volume as the round goes on. Ruchala lands a right hand. Delano with a knee and some left hands in the clinch. Ruchala lands a right hand. Delano with a pair of left hands and a body kick. Delano lands some more. Delano stuns Ruchala with a jab. They clinch and Delano lands. Delano with a combo and a body kick. 10-9 Delano, 20-18 Delano.

They trade in a tie up to start the third. Ruchala lands a body kick as they separate. Ruchala lands a body punch and Delano lands a body kick. They both land inside the pocket. Delano lands a right hand. Ruchala with a combination. Delano lands to the body. Ruchala lands a body kick. Ruchala with a high kick. They clinch and Delano lands a series of right hands. Ruchala lands to the body. Delano with a body kick. Delano with a pair of knees. Delano lands some punches and kicks to the body. They tie up against the fence. Delano looks for a takedown and Ruchala grabs the fence clearly in front of the referee and timeout is called. Ruchala gets a point taken away They get back going. They break and Delano lands a body kick and a left hand. Delano lands a combination. Delano with a straight right hand. Delano lands a combo and a left hand. They trade at the end. 10-8 Delano, 30-26 Delano.

Fight Result- Jose Delano def. Robert Ruchala by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)

> Featherweights- Tommy McMillen (9-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Manolo Zecchini (11-4, 0-1 UFC)

McMillen lands a combination and Zecchini lands a right hand. McMillen lands a combo and Zecchini looks for a takedown, but McMillen defends and lands another combo. Zecchini lands a right hand and McMillen hurts Zecchini with a right hand. They trade knees. McMillen lands a right hand. Zecchini with a right hand and McMillen lands a knee to the groin and timeout is called. They get back to action and McMillen lands a right hand. They trade right hands. McMillen lands a combo. McMillen with a pair of jabs. Zecchini lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. McMillen hurts Zecchini with a flurry of punches and knees. McMillen landing against the fence and Zecchini goes down after a pair of knees and McMillen finishes it off! Big win for McMillen!

Fight Result- Tommy McMillen def. Manolo Zecchini by TKO (strikes) at 3:57 of Round 1

> Bantamweights*- Ethyn Ewing (9-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Rafael Estevam (14-0, 3-0 UFC)

*Estevam missed weight by a half-pound

Estevam lands a leg kick. He lands another. Ewing lands a combination. They trade leg kicks and Ewing works the jab. Estevam lands a combination. Estevam shoots for a takedown but Ewing sprawls and defends. They separate. Ewing lands a left hook and a leg kick. Estevam rushes in to land and Ewing lands a combination. Estevam with a combo. Timeout is called for a groin strike by Ewing. They get back to action and Estevam lands a leg kick. Ewing with a combo and a right hand. Estevam looks for a takedown but Ewing defends. Ewing with a leg kick and a solid right hand and a combo. Estevam shoots for a takedown but Ewing sprawls and Ewing lands a big combination and has Estevam hurt late but the bell sounds. 10-9 Ewing.

Estevam lands a quick combo and a leg kick. They tie up and Ewing lands a knee. Ewing lands some big combinations and Estevam’s nose is busted up. Ewing with a combo and an elbow. Ewing working the jab. Ewing lands an uppercut and follows with a left hook. Ewing with a stiff calf kick. Ewing is way ahead on volume this round. Ewing with a pair of right hands. Ewing hurts Estevam with a big right hand. Estevam tried a takedown but Ewing defended and Estevam was wobbly on his feet. Ewing lands a big flurry against the fence. Estevam shoots and Ewing defends again and then lands a combination. Estevam shoots again and Ewing defends and lands a head kick. Ewing lands against the fence. 10-9 Ewing, 20-18 Ewing.

They trade in close range. Ewing lands a leg kick. Ewing with a jab. He lands more jabs. Ewing snaps Estevam’s head back with a jab. Estevam lands a leg kick. Ewing with more jabs. Ewing hurts Estevam with a right hand. Ewing with a right hand and he then drops Estevam with a left hand to the liver and it is all over! What a performance from Ewing!

Fight Result- Ethyn Ewing def. Rafael Estevam by TKO (punch) at 1:44 of Round 3

> Light Heavyweights- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (17-9, 2-4 UFC)

Ribeiro lands a leg kick and a right hand that briefly hurts Yakhyaev. Yakhyaev then lands two right hands but gets clipped by Ribeiro. Yakhyaev looks for a takedown but Ribeiro defends. Yakhyaev lands a left hand. Yakhyaev catches a kick and takes Ribeiro down. Yakhyaev has the body lock on the mat and lands some big punches. Yakhyaev with punches from the back. Yakhyaev drags it back down. Yakhyaev locks in a rear-naked choke and Ribeiro taps! Yakhyaev gets another finish.

Fight Result- Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Brendson Ribeiro by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:52 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- #3 Virna Jandiroba (22-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. #7 Tabatha Ricci (12-3, 7-3 UFC)

Jandiroba lands a combo. Jandiroba scores a takedown, but they get up. Jandiroba scores another takedown. They get up and Jandiroba continues to chase the takedown and gets it. Jandiroba gets the back and controls until the end of the round. There was very little action. 10-9 Jandiroba.

Jandiroba lands a combination. Ricci swings and Jandiroba scores a takedown. Jandiroba lands some shots from the top. Jandiroba keeping top control as Ricci tries to scramble out. Ricci with some elbows from the bottom. Jandiroba lands from the top but Ricci kicks her off and they get to their feet. Jandiroba lands a right hand and Ricci goes to the mat, but gets up. Jandiroba scores a takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Jandiroba, 20-18 Jandiroba.

They trade and Jandiroba lands a jab. Ricci scores a takedown but Jandiroba is able to sweep to the feet and they clinch against the fence. They separate. Ricci lands a leg kick. Ricci with a knee as Jandiroba lands a right hand. Jandiroba lands a jab and shoots for a takedown, but Ricci defends. They trade after they separate. Jandiroba lands a right hand as Ricci lands one. Ricci lands a combination. Ricci with a head kick and Jandiroba lands a right hand. Ricci with another combo. Ricci with a right hand. They trade punches. Jandiroba looks for a takedown as she grabs a leg. Jandiroba grabs the body and scores a takedown. Jandiroba takes the back of Ricci. Jandiroba landing from the back. 10-9 Jandiroba, 30-27 Jandiroba.

Fight Result- Virna Jandiroba def. Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #10 Renato Moicano (20-7-1, 12-7 UFC) vs. Chris Duncan (15-2, 6-1 UFC)

Duncan lands some early leg kicks. Duncan with a leg kick and a combination. Moicano looks for a takedown as he clinches against the fence. Duncan lands some knees. They separate. Moicano lands a right hand. He lands another right hand. Moicano with a leg kick. Duncan almost lands a head kick. Moicano lands a jab and grabs the single leg and pushes it against the fence. They end up breaking apart. Moicano lands a jab and another. Moicano lands a knee in a brief tie-up. Moicano with another jab. Duncan lands a leg kick and a left hook. Moicano with a front kick. Duncan with a high kick. 10-9 Moicano.

Duncan with a pair of leg kicks. Moicano lands a front kick. Duncan lands a right hand and a leg kick. They exchange punches in close range. Moicano looks for a takedown but Duncan defends. Duncan lands a series of strikes. Moicano hurts Duncan with a punch and quickly gets on the back as they go to the mat. Moicano lands some hammerfists and almost had a choke in. Duncan is bleeding heavily from his nose. Moicano has the hooks locked on from the back. Moicano lands to the body. Moicano with lots of punches from the back. Moicano locks in a choke and Duncan quickly taps! Moicano picks up the win in the main event.

Fight Result- Renato Moicano def. Chris Duncan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:14 of Round 2

Israel Adesanya pays tribute to Oba Femi during UFC Fight Night event

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

During the main event of UFC Fight Night: Seattle, Israel Adesanya paid a surprising tribute to former WWE NXT Champion Oba Femi.

Ahead of his match against Joe Pyfer, fans saw Adesanya enter the octagon while performing Femi’s WWE entrance strut. However, despite channeling his inner Femi, Adesanya left the octagon a defeated man.

Pyfer defeated Adesanya in the second round, after getting him on his back and dropping him with rapid punches. Shortly after, the referee was forced to stop the fight and declare Pyfer as the winner.

Tonight’s match was Adesanya’s first fight since February 2025, when he lost to Nassourdine Imavov by TKO. The Kiwi has now lost four straight fights.

Adesanya’s tribute to Femi became a talking point tonight after his previous positive comments on the 27-year-old.

UFC Fight Night 271 live results: Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC closes out the month of March on Paramount+ with the Octagon returning to Seattle with UFC Fight Night 271 taking place at the Climate Pledge Arena.

The main event sees the return of former UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, fighting for the first time in over a year, taking on Joe Pyfer in the five-round headliner. Adesanya is looking to get back into title form and end a three-fight losing skid, while Pyfer is looking to score the biggest win of his career and extend his three-fight win streak.

In the co-main event, former UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso takes on Maycee Barber in a rematch of a February 2021 bout won by Grasso. Also on the main card is a battle of veterans as Michael Chiesa takes on Niko Price in a double retirement bout; a middleweight fight between rising propsects Mansur Abdul-Malik and Yousri Belgaroui; and a lightweight fight pitting Terrance McKinney against Kyle Nelson.

PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Women’s Strawweights- #13 Alexia Thainara (13-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Bruna Brasil (11-6-1, 3-4 UFC)

They trade and Thainara lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Thainara lands a combo then a pair of leg kicks. Thainara gets a takedown and lands a combo as Brasil stands. Brasil lands a leg kick. They trade and Thainara scores another takedown. Thainara lands and they get to their feet. Thainara lands a right hand as Brasil looks for a takedown opening. Brasil lands a left hook. Brasil lands a leg kick as Thainara lands a series of punches. Brasil with a body kick and a leg kick though Thainara counters into a takedown. Thainara is pressuring the neck and lands an elbow from the top. Thainara lands from the top. 10-9 Thainara.

Thainara lands a leg kick and a combination. Thainara lands a solid right hand after a series of shots. Thainara pushes Brasil against the fence and lands a knee. Brasil lands a knee and they break, and Brasil lands a knee as Thainara lands a series of punches. Thainara grabs the body lock and pushes it against the fence as they trade knees. Thainara keeps it pushed against the fence as both are landing knees. Thainara lands a combination as they separate, and then lands a pair of combinations. Brasil lands a spin kick to the body but eats a right hand from Thainara. Brasil lands a knee and Thainara scores a takedown off of it. Thainara pressuring from the top. Thainara with an elbow. Thainara lands from the top as Brasil kicks her off, but Thainara ends up back on top and lands to end the round. 10-9 Thainara, 20-18 Thainara.

They trade kicks. Brasil lands a head kick, but Thainara grabs it and dumps Brasil to the mat. Thainara gets inside the guard of Brasil and lands. Thainara lands a few elbows from the top. Thainara lands some right hands from the top. Thainara has the back as they stand and lands before they get into clinch position. They break apart and Thainara lands a right hand and a calf kick. Thainara with a combination and a calf kick and lands another solid right hand. Thainara lands another right hand. Thainara with a quick flurry and Brasil looks gassed. Thainara gets a takedown. Thainara lands from the top before standing, and Brasil stands. Brasil lands a spin kick right to the face that stunned Thainara and Thainara grabs the back of Brasil. Thainara lands some knees against the fence. Thainara lands as they break at the end. 10-9 Thainara, 30-27 Thainara.

Fight Result- Alexia Thainara def. Bruna Brasil by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Bantamweights- Ricky Simon (22-7, 10-6 UFC) vs. Adrian Yanez (17-6, 6-3 UFC)

Yanez works the jab as Simon is looking for a takedown opening. Simon lands a leg kick. Yanez working the jab. They trade left hooks. They both work the jab. Simon lands a leg kick and looks for a takedown but Yanez escapes. Yanez lands some punches. Simon just misses a spinning back fist. Simon with a stiff jab. They trade in close range as Yanez lands a quick combo. They trade jabs as Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez with a jab followed by a right hand. Simon lands a body kick. Both land in close range. Simon with an uppercut. Yanez lands a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Yanez.

Simon lands a right hand. Simon with a front kick. Simon lands a right hand. They both land inside the pocket. Yanez with a double jab as Simon lands a leg kick. They both land a right hand. Simon lands a jab and scores a takedown. Simon lands from the top. Yanez is able to scramble up and Simon has the back against the fence. Yanez grabs the fence. Simon lands a knee. Simon gets another takedown and lands a knee before Yanez gets up. Simon trying hard to get Yanez back down against the fence. Simon lands an elbow as they break apart. Yanez lands a solid right hand. Yanez lands a double jab followed by a combo. Simon with a head kick that Yanez blocks, and Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez with a combo. They trade jabs. 10-9 Simon, 19-19.

Yanez lands a combination. Yanez with a leg kick followed by a stiff right hand. Yanez with another right hand. Yanez with another combination. They trade inside the pocket. They trade jabs and Simon lands a solid left hook that stuns Yanez for a moment. Yanez lands and Simon is cut open. Yanez working the jab. Yanez lands a right hand. Simon lands a jab. Yanez lands a right hand and Simon is hurt. Yanez with a jab as Simon is circling away. Yanez lands as Simon was coming forward. Yanez lands another combo. Yanez lands a jab as they trade in close range. Yanez lands a right hand. Yanez with another combo. Yanez drops Simon with a right hand late and is landing lots of shots late but Simon is able to make it to the end. 10-9 Yanez, 29-28 Yanez.

Fight Result- Ricky Simon vs. Adrian Yanez ruled a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Navajo Stirling (8-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Bruno Lopes (14-2, 1-1 UFC)

They both land a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Stirling with a high kick. Stirling lands a body kick. They both land big shots during an exchange. Stirling lands a left hand. Stirling with a head kick and Lopes catches the leg and tries for a takedown as Stirling gets the leg free, but Lopes gets the back. They separate after Lopes lands an elbow. Lopes looks for a takedown but Stirling defends and lands a knee. Stirling with a left hook to the body and then lands a big combination. Lopes grabs a Stirling body kick but Stirling squirms away. Stirling lands a right hand. They trade and Lopes looks for a takedown as he gets the back, but Stirling gets away. Stirling lands a combo and a head kick. 10-9 Stirling.

Stirling pressuring and landing as he lands to the body. Lopes lands a counter right hand. Stirling with a jab and a right hand. Lopes lands a right hand. They trade and Stirling hurts Lopes with two right hands. Stirling then drops Lopes with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Stirling lands and grabs the neck as they stand. Stirling lands a big right hand and Lopes is stumbling around as he is hurt and Stirling is landing lots of punches and elbows. Stirling with lots of left hands from the back. Lopes is badly busted open as Stirling is landing from the mount. Stirling with more big shots and it is finally stopped. Big finish from Stirling!

Fight Result- Navajo Stirling def. Bruno Lopes by TKO (punches) at 4:05 of Round 2

> Women’s Flyweights- #12 Casey O’Neill (10-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. #14 Gabriella Fernandes (11-3, 3-2 UFC)

O’Neill lands a leg kick. She lands another. Fernandes with a left hand and a high kick. O’Neill lands a combo. O’Neill with another leg kick. O’Neill lands another leg kick and follows with a right hand. O’Neill with a right hand. O’Neill works the jab and lands to the body and a body kick. Fernandes with a quick combo and a leg kick. O’Neill rushes in and lands. O’Neill hurts Fernandes with a right hand and starts teeing off with big shots against the fence and Fernandes goes down and it is all over! What a finish from O’Neill!

Fight Result- Casey O’Neill def. Gabriella Fernandes by knockout (punches) at 3:11 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- #8 Marcin Tybura (27-10, 14-9 UFC) vs. Tyrell Fortune (17-3, 0-0 UFC)

Not much has happened in the first minute. Fortune lands before scoring a big takedown and starts unloading with punches from the top. Fortune has Tybura pinned against the fence. Tybura is trying to work to his feet and does but Fortune lands a big right hand. Fortune looks for the takedown against the fence. Tybura lands a big knee. They break apart. Tybura with a high kick. They trade right hands. Fortune with a right hand as Tybura lands a teet kick. 10-9 Fortune.

Fortune lands a right hand. Fortune lands another hard right hand. Tybura lands a leg kick and a pair of teet kicks, though one goes low and timeout is called. They get back going and Fortune lands a right hand. Fortune lands a pair of right hands. Fortune lands a right hand. Tybura is pressuring and lands a big left hand. Fortune lands a right hand. Tybura with a right hand. Fortune with a left hand and Tybura lands a body kick. Fortune lands a right hand. Fortune with another right hand. 10-9 Fortune, 20-18 Fortune.

Fortune pushes it against the fence and is controlling Tybura. They separate after no action. They clinch back up and Tybura pushes it to the fence. They break apart and Tybura lands some teet kicks and they clinch against the fence. Fortune lands an elbow. They separate. Tybura lands a right hand. Fortune with a combination. Fortune scores a takedown and has back control as they stand. Fortune drags it back down. Fortune with some big right hands as they get to their feet and Fortune keeps control along the fence. Tybura reverses and lands. Fortune reverses back and Tybura lands a knee. Fortune with a knee and Tybura lands a left hand. Tybura lands a combo as he pushes Fortune against the fence. Tybura with a front kick and lands a combo. They trade at the end. 10-9 Tybura, 29-28 Fortune.

Fight Result- Tyrell Fortune def. Marcin Tybura by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Chase Hooper (16-4-1, 8-4 UFC) vs. Lance Gibson Jr. (9-2, 0-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Hooper with a quick combo. Both land a leg kick. Hooper with a high kick. Hooper shoots for a takedown as he has a single leg and Gibson is defending by landing punches and elbows. Hooper lets go. Gibson with a leg kick. Hooper lands a body kick as Gibson lands to the body. Hooper lands a head kick. Gibson with a left hook. They clinch and Gibson badly hurts Hooper with an elbow and then lands a head kick. Gibson is landing some knees and Hooper is down and the fight is stopped! Weird finish but Hooper isn’t protesting and he was hurt badly.

Fight Result- Lance Gibson Jr. def. Chase Hooper by TKO (strikes) at 2:56 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Ignacio Bahamondes (17-6, 6-3 UFC) vs. Tofiq Musayev (22-6, 0-1 UFC)

Bahamondes lands some kicks early. Musayev lands a right hand and Bahamondes lands a solid counter combination. Musayev with a leg kick. Musayev catches a kick and both swing and land. Bahamondes lands a leg kick. Bahamondes with a high kick and then lands another. Bahamondes with a pair of inside leg kicks. They trade kicks. Musayev lands a right hand as they tie up and Musayev pushes it to the fence. They trade elbows as they break. Musayev lands a leg kick. Bahamondes with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Musayev with a leg kick. Musayev lands a heavy combination. Bahamondes with a combination. They trade body kicks and Musayev gets a late takedown and lands some punches from the top. 10-9 Bahamondes.

Bahamondes drops Musayev with a right hand and starts teeing off from the top. He gets up and Bahamondes tried twice to take him down but Musayev grabbed the fence both times. They separate and both land body kicks. Musayev gets Bahamondes down and Bahamondes looks for a guillotine choke. Musayev escapes and is on top. Musayev lands a big elbow and Bahamondes is cut open badly. Bahamondes looks for an armbar but Musayev escapes. Bahamondes is badly bleeding as Musayev lands from the top. Musayev with an illegal headbutt that the referee misses. Musayev with a big elbow and right hand from the top. Musayev with some big shots from the top and he has Bahamondes hurt. Musayev with more big shots from the top and Bahamondes is a ten on The Muta Scale. Musayev with more big shots. Bahamondes survives. 10-9 Musayev, 19-19.

Musayev lands a right hand. Bahamondes with a spinning elbow. Musayev lands a combination. They tie up and Musayev scores a takedown. Musayev lands from the top as he controls. Bahamondes with an elbow from the bottom. Musayev lands from the top. Bahamondes is trying to scramble up but he is bleeding everywhere and slippery and Musayev is keeping it down. Bahamondes is able to sweep and takes the back of Musayev. Bahamondes is working for a choke. Bahamondes is looking for it but Musayev escapes and lands from the top. 10-9 Musayev, 29-28 Musayev.

Fight Result- Tofiq Musayev def. Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Lightweights- Terrance McKinney (17-8, 7-5 UFC) vs. Kyle Nelson (17-6-1, 5-5-1 UFC)

McKinney working the jab early and he drops Nelson with a head kick. McKinney with tons of hammerfists from the top and Nelson is covering up. McKinney just pouring on the hammerfists and it is stopped! What a finish from McKinney!

Fight Result- Terrance McKinney def. Kyle Nelson by TKO (punches) at :24 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Mansur Abdul-Malik (9-0-1, 3-0-1 UFC) vs. Yousri Belgaroui (9-3, 1-0 UFC)

They both land a leg kick. Belgaroui lands a leg kick. He lands another one. Abdul-Malik with a front kick. Belgaroui lands a front kick to the body. They trade leg kicks. Both land a body kick. Belgaroui lands a nasty calf kick. He lands a pair of leg kicks. Abdul-Malik lands a right hand. Belgaroui with a pair of calf kicks. He lands another. Belgaroui landing all sorts of kicks. They trade late and Belgaroui lands a high kick. 10-9 Belgaroui.

They trade kicks. Belgaroui lands a pair of calf kicks as Abdul-Malik was pressing forward. Belgaroui lands a pair of right hands. Abdul-Malik grabs ahold and tries to get a slam but Belgaroui stays on his feet. They break apart. Abdul-Malik pressing forward and throws but Belgaroui is circling away. Abdul-Malik rushes in looking to land but misses. Belgaroui with a knee and a right hand. Abdul-Malik gets a brief takedown and takes the back and drags it back down. Abdul-Malik trying to get the hooks in. Belgaroui is able to escape and has the back as they stand and he lands. Belgaroui lands some knees and some right hands as they break apart. Belgaroui lands a right hand. Belgaroui lands a pair of knees. They trade knees. Belgaroui lands an uppercut and a knee. Abdul-Malik looks hurt and gassed. They trade knees as Belgaroui lands an elbow. Belgaroui drops Abdul-Malik at the end but the horn sounds. 10-9 Belgaroui, 20-18 Belgaroui.

Belgaroui lands a calf kick. They trade kicks. Belgaroui with a pair of jabs and a right hand. Belgaroui lands a knee. Belgaroui lands a head kick then a series of punches. Abdul-Malik with a spinning elbow. Abdul-Malik gets a takedown and has the back as they go to the fence. Abdul-Malik with back control on the feet. They break apart. Belgaroui hurts Abdul-Malik badly with a knee and a right hand. Abdul-Malik lands a right hand. Abdul-Malik tries a lunging takedown but Belgaroui defends. Belgaroui lands a right hand and a jab and then lands to the body. Belgarouri drops Abdul-Malik with a knee to the body and it is stopped! Brutal finish from Belgaroui!

Fight Result- Yousri Belgaroui def. Mansur Abdul-Malik by TKO (knee) at 3:39 of Round 3

> Featherweights- Julian Erosa (31-12, 9-8 UFC) vs. Lerryan Douglas (13-5, 0-0 UFC)

Douglas lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Erosa with a high kick. Douglas lands a leg kick. Douglas lands a solid left hook by a hard calf kick and Erosa’s leg is already compromised. Erosa lands a combo. Douglas stumbles Erosa with a right hand. Douglas with another heavy leg kick. Douglas lands a combo. Erosa lands a right hand. Erosa lands a combo. Erosa lands against the fence and Douglas lands big punches in return. Douglas stumbles Erosa with a jab and then drops him with another one. Erosa gets up but is hurt. Douglas lands another stiff jab. He lands another that rocks Erosa and then a right hand. Douglas drops Erosa and Erosa gets up, but Douglas lands a big punch and Erosa goes down again and it’s over! What a finish from Douglas!

Fight Result- Lerryan Douglas def. Julian Erosa by knockout (punches) at 3:33 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Michael Chiesa (19-7, 14-7 UFC) vs. Niko Price (16-10 2 NC, 8-10 2 NC UFC)

Price lands a right hand. They tie up and Chiesa has the body lock. Price is able to score the takedown but Chiesa scrambles up and slams Price to the mat and takes the back. Price tries to get out but Chiesa gets the rear-naked choke locked in and Price taps!

Fight Result- Michael Chiesa def. Niko Price by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:03 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #3 Alexa Grasso (16-5-1, 8-5-1 UFC) vs. #5 Maycee Barber (15-2, 10-2 UFC)

Grasso lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Barber lands a quick flurry and Grasso counters with a right hand. Barber with a leg kick. Grasso lands a high kick. Grasso lands a counter combination as Barber was pressing forward. Grasso then drops Barber with a massive left hand and immediately jumps on the back with a rear-naked choke locked on and Barber is out cold! What a brutal finish by Grasso.

Fight Result- Alexa Grasso def. Maycee Barber by knockout (punch) at 2:42 of Round 1

> Middleweights- #4 Israel Adesanya (24-5, 13-5 UFC) vs. #14 Joe Pyfer (15-3, 6-1 UFC)

Adesanya lands a leg kick. Pyfer shoots for a takedown and has the body lock against the fence. Adesanya landing defensive punches as Pyfer is just trying to get it down. Adesanya escapes the position. Adesanya lands a body kick. Pyfer just misses a right hand. Adesanya with an inside leg kick and lands a knee to the body. Adesanya lands another leg kick. Pyfer lands a left hook. Adesanya works the jab as he lands a leg kick. Pyfer shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. They break apart and Adesanya lands a body kick. Adesanya with a stiff leg kick. Pyfer lands a leg kick. Adesanya lands a left hand followed by a body kick and a calf kick. Pyfer gets a takedown. He lands an elbow from the top. 10-9 Adesanya.

Adesanya lands a body kick. He lands another. Adesanya lands a hard calf kick and timeout is called for an eye poke. They get back to action and Adesanya is pressing forward. Pyfer shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence but they quickly break apart. Pyfer lands a left hand and a couple of uppercuts and Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya hurts Pyfer with a combination. Adesanya lands a left hook to the body. Pyfer looks for a takedown but Adesanya defends. Adesanya lands a combo. Pyfer with a right hand. Pyfer connects. Adesanya lands a combo and a high kick. Pyfer lands some shots against the fence and Adesanya is covering up. Pyfer gets a takedown and gets the mount. Adesanya gives up his back and Pyfer gets the hooks on. Pyfer switches back to the mount. Adesanya rolls and gives up his back again. Pyfer landing lots of shots from the back as Adesanya is covering up and it is stopped! Massive win for Pyfer.

Fight Result- Joe Pyfer def. Israel Adesanya by TKO (punches) at 4:18 of Round 2