In an interview with TMZ, UFC president Dana White said that Jon Jones is next in line for a heavyweight title shot.
White said that Jones wants the winner of the upcoming Stipe Miocic vs. Francis Ngannou rematch and “he’s gonna get it.” Jones declared he was moving up to heavyweight after vacating the light heavyweight title last year following three successful title defenses in his second reign with the belt.
Miocic is set to defend the title against Ngannou at March 27th’s UFC 260. White said if that fight goes off as planned, the Jones fight could happen this summer. Despite extended periods of time off due to USADA violations, the 33-year-old has only been defeated once in 28 fights with that one loss a controversial one to Matt Hamill relatively early in his UFC run. He was last seen in action edging out Dominick Reyes in February of last year.
Some other notes from the TMZ interview and another he did with ESPN:
A trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor “makes sense.” He said both guys wants the rematch but it won’t be for the title.
A May-July return for McGregor is realistic.
White said they aren’t doing an official tournament but said all the lightweights (ranked 1-7) are going to end up fighting each other with McGregor in that mix. They will get down to the top two guys and have them fight for the belt.
White is talking to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov soon in Las Vegas and is still holding out hope he will fight again. He said he truly believes he will return to fight whoever emerges from the lightweight mix.
He’s unsure if Israel Adesanya will return quickly to middleweight after his March champion vs. champion fight against light heavyweight titleholder Jan Blachowicz.
He said he’s 99.9% sure they will do women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas in Asia and are working on that.
Even though videos have surfaced of Georges St. Pierre training, White said he doesn’t see an Octagon return in his future.
Nick Diaz is indeed interested in fighting again.
White said they will be announcing news people want to hear with Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington and a possible coaching stint on TUF.
White promised some big “game changing, next level” announcements and moves this summer.
In a move that may further outline the future of two divisions, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones said on Twitter Monday that he is vacating the light heavyweight championship he has held since December 2018.
He tweeted (sic), “Just got off the phone with UFC, today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, Ufc and most importantly you fans.”
He later tweeted (sic), “The last I spoke with UFC about my salary there was no negotiating. If that ever changes, i’d love to come back and compete again as a heavyweight. Until then, I’ll be enjoying Ufc has a fan and doing my best to take care of my family and community” and “In good faith I will be staying in the testing pool for probably the next half year or so. I’ll continue to lift weights and train all the different martial arts”.
The move comes on the heels of the UFC reportedly booking a September 26th fight between top contenders Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz, two men thought to be the top challenger to Jones and the 205-pound title. If that fight comes to be and if the Jones vacating of the title is true, it’s fully expected that fight will be for the title.
Reyes lost to Jones via a somewhat controversial unanimous decision in February for the first loss in his career while Blachowicz has won seven of his last eight with three finishes in his last four wins.
In late-May, Jones publicly campaigned for a fight with Francis Ngannou but wanted more money for doing so, something that caused issues with Dana White. At the time, Jones offered to relinquish the title and that Reyes and Blachowicz should fight for it. There was speculation over the weekend that perhaps Jones might be the next in line to fight UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic as Jones was very active on Twitter during the Miocic-Daniel Cormeir fight Saturday.
After Saturday’s event, White said that Ngannou is next in line for a heavyweight title shot but that Jones at heavyweight “is interesting.”
About an hour after announcing the vacation, Jones tweeted (sic), “Just had a really positive conversation with UFC. Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.” He also challenged any light heavyweight to defend the title six times in a row and he’d donate $100,000 to a charity of their choice. He said he was going to offer that up for breaking his defense record (11) but “that’s probably not happening in my lifetime.”
A look at the life of James “Kamala” Harris, one of pro wrestling’s biggest stars of the 80s, and Daniel Cormier, one of the biggest MMA stars of all-time, are the lead stories in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
The Kamala story goes through how he got the Kamala gimmick, who came up with the idea, the story around the video that instantly made him a star, how Kamala worked in that time but wouldn’t now, how he was as a draw against Hulk Hogan, his late life health issues, his original meeting with Bobo Brazil, how he started watching wrestling, his pre-Kamala career, going to Europe, how J.J. Dillon was a key in getting him over and a look weekly at the first Memphis run that made him a big star.
His rivalry with Andre the Giant and how it was ugly early on, the feud with Bruiser Brody and every WWF run. We look at his career peak in 1986-87 and the gates and payoffs he got, his working Mexico, his last big WWF run, and the declines of his health.
Daniel Cormier’s quest for the storybook ending, others who tried to have that ending, the greatest heavyweight of all-time, his tragic upbringing, growing up as a wrestler, competing with Cael Sanderson, his Olympic dream crushed, his MMA beginnings, his word title wins, and more building the fight with Stipe Miocic.
Also in this issue:
Return of ROH to action, what the new TV will be about, the creative involved, testing and more.
How Kevin Reilly is one of the key people who fell into place and without him there would be no AEW. We look at the changes in TNT management including a unique note about Reilly’s successor.
A scary scene at NXT tapings, Dwayne Johnson’s earnings for the year, New contracts signed in WWE, Sports ratings, U.K. ratings and Canadian ratings, Lawler 50th anniversary sow, WWE market value, and most-watched shows on WWE Network.
WWE moving TV into the Amway Center, Takeover and SummerSlam news updates and creative.
COVID updates from Japan, with many shows canceled this past week, why they were, and what this says about Japan in comparison with the U.S.
New Japan’s Jingu Stadium show for the end of the month.
WWE Network featuring independents.
Saturday’s UFC show with a complete rundown and match-by-match coverage.
Kenny Omega and Michael Nakazawa doing a lecture for students at Tokai University on sports entertainment during the COVID era, with notes on AEW profitability, ad spending, how COVID has changed the world, how the AEW audience has changed, A.J. Styles, personal goals and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
New Japan, All Japan and NOAH have their biggest tournaments of the year at the same time.
CMLL’s planned return.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We have two weekend shows up. Last night’s show has Bryan and I talking UFC 252, Smackdown, Wednesday & Friday ratings, and other topics. We also had an afternoon discussion with Lance Storm regarding a number of different subjects.
Regarding Daria Berenato (Sonya Deville), she is said to be doing okay all things considered.
Ariel Helwani of ESPN reported that Daniel Cormier suffered a torn cornea in round three from an eye poke. Cormier fought the last two rounds of the fight without any vision in his left eye, and even won round four under those circumstances. Realistically the fight should have been stopped and medical checks and balances should be a lot better than fans at home and announcers making it clear he can’t see and the fight still not ending. Cormier won’t immediately need surgery but the situation is being monitored.
As far as the judging went, 88% of media scores went to Miocic and 12% for Cormier. Most were 48-47, however the actual judges had 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47. Derek Clearly had Cormier only winning round one. Sal D’Amato had Cormier only winning round four. Junichiro Kamijo had Cormier winning rounds one and four.
UFC 252 had about 2.35 million searches, which is the level of a pretty major show, but not a 1 million buy show. UFC 252 was the second most searched term on the Internet yesterday at 2 million, trailing only Robert Trump’s death. This number would cover searches for Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic. Other top searches were Sean O’Malley at No. 5 with 200,000, Jared Rozenstruik at No. 7 with 100,000 and Merab Dvalishvili at No. 18 with 50,000. During the past week, there were no other boxing, wrestling or MMA searches. My gut says that Kamala searches on Sunday that were near the top were at least some for Kamala, as opposed to Kamala Harris, that they were credited to.
Jon Jones last night was tweeting about how he wanted Stipe Miocic. Really Francis Ngannou deserves the next shot at Miocic, but if Jones beats Dominick Reyes in a rematch, he should be able to then face the champion should he want that fight. Jones is clearly goading for another Daniel Cormier fight, saying that you can’t go out with a loss in a show with no fans.
Based on what we’re told, the 8/22 Dynamite show will be airing at 6 p.m. on TSN 3 and midnight on TSN 1 that night.
WWE
Independent content from Evolve, wXw and Progress debuted yesterday on the WWE Network.
The Miz on Instagram noted that he and his wife have a new television series in development which would be a joint venture of Mad Rose Productions, their company and WWE Studios.
The Miz’s TV show Cannonball airs tonight on NBC at 6 p.m. Eastern. They will also air another episode next Sunday.
A WWE Timeline special on the Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart feud is on the WWE Network.
WWE Network News reported that the WWE Network will be adding Superstars shows from 3/20/93 to 5/22/93 tomorrow.
UFC
Sportsbetting.ag has released these prospective odds:
Stipe Miocic +180 vs. Francis Ngannou -210
Stipe Miocic +130 vs. Jon Jones -150
Jon Jones +125 vs. Francis Ngannou -145
BetOnline.ag:
Stipe Miocic +190 vs. Francis Ngannou -225
Stipe Miocic +155 vs. Jon Jones -180
Jon Jones +105 vs. Francis Ngannou -125
CWE from Friday night in St. Albert, Alberta: Gabriel Lestat b Travis Cole, Alix Zwicker b Kylie Morgan, Shaun Martens b Lumberjack Larry-DQ to keep the HIW Grand Championship, Bobby Sharp b Kevy Chevy, Chris Perish b Danny Duggan, Marky & Jude Hawkins b AJ Sanchez & Kevin O’Doyle. Next show in St Albert is 10/24.
The Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling Facebook has an interview with Gerald Brisco talking about The Funks, Hulk Hogan and St. Louis Wrestling.
Championship Wrestling from Hollywood will be taping at the Oceanview Pavilion with safety measures in place including mandatory COVID-19 testing for talent and staff. Fans are not allowed in. Multiple episodes are being filmed for distribution starting in September. They will be doing similar procedures as New Japan did for its U.S. tapings.
2020 will go down as a year that has been the worst of most of our lifetimes, a combination of 1918 and 1929, where we had to deal with the loss of jobs, freedom, many of us or our families were directly affected by health issues, loss of entertainment, far too many out of touch and outright stupid people we voted into leadership roles and all the assorted mental health issues that were sure to follow.
You all know the story. You all know about the divisiveness, the intolerance, and political leaders on both sides being oblivious and making a bad situation much worse. It was a time when, at the end of the day, there was going to be a huge magnifying glass on people in power, heads of state and heads of businesses. We would see very strongly the good, the evil, those who really care, and those who only care about themselves.
The turbulent relationship between Dana White, the UFC, and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones continued through the weekend with the latest chess move being a surprising one made Sunday afternoon.
On Twitter, Jones said he was willing to relinquish his championship (“Veni, vidi, vici”) and that top contenders Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz should fight for the title instead. When a fan asked him if he was “revoking” his title, he answered yes.
“As of right now, I got nothing to really gain fighting either of them. Let me know if you guys want to set up a day in 2021 for that Izzy fight. Hopefully you guys will be willing to pay by then,”he tweeted, ‘Izzy’ is in reference to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
After hearing White’s post-UFC Fight Night press conference Saturday in which the UFC president continued to say it was “crazy” for Jones to ask for $20 or $30 million to fight top contender Francis Ngannou at heavyweight, Jones (on Twitter) questioned why he was being painted in such a light and asked for his release:
“The reporter asked Dana to show the text messages instead he gives a 55 second response talking about why would I lie. At no point did I ever demand anything from you Dana, I simply asked for a Super fight and asked to be compensated for it. You are the one who started talking negotiations publicly and showing the world how much you’ve been withholding from your athletes this whole time.
“Hunter and I had a very respectful conversation, I love how you’re trying to paint this picture of me being some angry guy disrespectfully demanding money. And then bringing up my out of the cage affairs to justify under paying me by tens of millions for years You’re talking all that big guy stuff about not caring, put your money where your mouth is and release me from that contract.”
These recent issues started when White said the heavyweight superfight between Jones and Ngannou wasn’t happening due to Jones’ money demands. While he initially was vague about the amount, White later said Jones (26-1-0-1) was asking for “Deontay Wilder money”, a reference to the heavyweight champion boxer who made $30 million for a recent fight.
Indications are that Jones, who recently signed a new deal, was asking for $15 million given the magnitude of the fight and denied asking for $30 million. White said text messages exist that prove it, but is declining to release them. ‘Hunter’ is UFC EVP Hunter Campbell who White is deferring management of this situation to.
The 32-year-old and the UFC have had problems in the past given Jones’ proclivity to legal issues ranging from drug test failures (PEDs and cocaine) to a 2015 hit and run incident involving a pregnant woman. There was also a dispute with UFC 151 in August 2012 when Jones declined to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice when Dan Henderson had to pull out. White canceled the event and sent out a press release says Jones and head coach Greg Jackson “murdered” the event by not taking the fight.
Yet, the UFC has brought him back repeatedly and put him in championship opportunities with White calling him the greatest fighter of all time as recent as Friday. Jones has three successful defenses in his current title reign, last defeating Reyes in a controversial unanimous decision in February.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Jon Jones and Dana White have been firing back and forth yesterday and today. Basically each is calling the other a liar. White claimed Jones was asking for $30 million to do the fight with Francis Ngannou. Jones said he never asked for a dollar figure but said he signed a new deal but feels he deserves more for a superfight. White said that he had text messages that prove otherwise. Jones then told White to release the text messages. Jones also suggested to White that if he doesn’t want to pay him, release him so he can be a free agent. Dana White suggested both take a lie detector test. Releasing the text messages would be more enlightening. Jones did say that he makes more than $5 million per fight but believes he should be paid more for a fight with Ngannou.
Christopher DeJoseph, who was one of the lead writers of Smackdown, was let go. No other details are available.
Here are the weigh-in results for tomorrow’s UFC show on ESPN which starts at 6 p.m. Eastern
Chris Gutierrez (145.5) vs. Vince Morales (145.5)
Casey Kenney (136) vs. Louis Smolka (136)
Tim Elliott (126) vs. Brandon Royval (125.5)
Klidson Abreau (206) vs. Jamahal Hill (205.5)
Billy Quarantillo (149.5) vs. Spike Carlyle (150) – they agreed to a 150 pound catch weight fight
Katlyn Chookagian (126) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (125.5)
Mackenzie Dern (115.5) vs. Hannah Cifers (115.5)
Brok Weaver (157.5) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (156) – Weaver missed weight by 1.5 pounds
Daniel Rodriguez (170) vs. Gabriel Green (170.5)
Augusto Sakai (259.5) vs. Blagoy Ivanov (255.5)
Tyron Woodley (170.5) vs. Gilbert Burns (170.5)
As part of Ric Flair’s new contract, he sold rights to the term “The Man” to WWE that he had attempted to trademark which led to a business dispute with WWE who had been using the term for Becky Lynch.
The Adam Cole vs. Velveteen Dream NXT title match for 6/7 was filmed last night until 1:30 a.m.
WWE
WWE has just added a Best of Shayna Baszler show on the WWE Network.
Announced 205 Live matches for tonight include Danny Burch vs. Tehuti Miles and Tyler Breeze vs. Tony Nese.
Bob Kulivk, who produced and played lead guitar on the song “The Game” for HHH, passed away at the age of 70. He also worked with Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy early on.
The Fox station in Columbus, OH has a feature with Elias. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
UFC
In an interview with Aaron Bronster, Dana White was asked why Ronaldo Jacare Souza wasn’t sent home when he arrived in Jacksonville after telling the UFC he had been in contact with someone who had COVID-19. White defended it saying that they were waiting for his test result first. “Because I didn’t want to. It’s my show. I’ll do what I want to do. I didn’t want to. I wanted to wait for the test to come in.”
There is another controversy brewing for tomorrow’s show. According to Ariel Helwani, Nevada wants everyone in attendance at the shows to wear a mask. White told reporters he would not be wearing a mask, and if he’s forced to, will watch the show from a private room instead.
The LFA noted that five alumni of the promotion, Brandon Royval, Mackenzie Dern, Spike Carlyle, Tim Elliott, Chris Gutierrez and Casey Kenney are fighting on tomorrow night’s show.
MISCELLANEOUS
ROH, Pro Wrestling Tees and the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown are celebrating Pride Month with a limited edition Ian Riccaboni Micro Brawlers with proceeds being donated to the Bradbury-Sullivan Center in support of community programs and initiatives. There will be only 500 figures produced and they are available from ROHProShop.com and ProWrestlingTees.com
ROH has announced that 50 matches from the past will be added to Honor Club ever Friday night starting today. Among the matches added today are:
DoFixer vs Blood Generation which won the 2006 Match of the Year award in the Observer poll
Samoa Joe & Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA & Naomichi Marufuji
Christopher Daniels vs. Roderick Strong for the ROH title
Nigel McGuinness vs. Claudio Castagnoli for the Pure title
Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. A.J. Styles & Matt Sydal
Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Roderick Strong & Jack Evans
Mercedes Martinez vs. Lacey vs. Daizee Haze vs. Allison Danger
A graffiti tribute to Shad Gaspard in Somerset, KY is just off the street where Old Monticello St and Beecher St meet if anyone with access wants to visit it.
IWTW starting 6/2 will introduce a new weekly streaming block of Japanese wrestling from the Freedoms promotion.
Western Australia announced they will be going to Stage 3 on 6/6 meaning that EPW will reopen its wrestling school.
Philippine Wrestling Revolution’s Homecoming show from last year that features Jeff Cobb and TJP will be streamed as an iPPV on Sunday. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
MLW is releasing a new weekly digital short series called MLW Pulp Fusion on its YouTube channel and page. The first episode features The Dynasty, Tom Lawlor, Dominic Garrini, Konnan, Myron Reed, L.A. Park and Kevin & Ross & Marshall Von Erich.
This week’s MLW Anthology show at 10 p.m. tomorrow on Bein Sports and 6:05 p.m. tomorrow on YouTube is built around Low Ki, including matches with Shane Strickland and Homicide.
A story on Joe Perri, a longtime Pittsburgh area fan, who passed away due to cancer. (thanks to Lee Wall)
CWE’s 11th anniversary show will be on its Facebook page live tonight. There will be attempts to raise money such as you get a shoutout for a $25 donation, plus autographs, phone calls from talent and other things can be had with donations. The empty arena show starts at 8 p.m. Eastern live from Winnipeg with a tag team tournament.
UFC president Dana White did a 25-minute interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto Thursday where he addressed the recent Jon Jones-Francis Ngannou fight rumors, Mike Tyson’s fighting future, and some title fights they are looking to make.
On the prospects of Jones-Ngannou at heavyweight, White said that Jones “couldn’t be asking for a more absurd amount of money at a worse time” and questioned why he was angling for a fight when he’s never wanted to go up a weight class. He said a rematch with Dominic Reyes makes more sense while Jan Blachowicz also remains an option. White put over Jones as the greatest of all time with “no debate”.
On Twitter, Jones retorted that he didn’t ask for a pay increase and that they never made a number off. “Immediately the conversation was that I already made enough,” he tweeted, later adding he’s not mad at White or the UFC but is disappointed this went that route.
On Friday’s ESPN First Take, White said he wasn’t lying and doubled down that he was asking for “an obscene amount of money” and if Jones wants to speak up about what he asked for, that’s up to him. White said they told him if he ever wanted to move to heavyweight, they would do a new deal and that was factored into a new deal he signed.
White also did an interesting, and sometimes contentious, interview with ESPN’s Dan Le Betard Friday where he discussed fighter pay and unions among other news, but also said that their deal with Reebok is coming to an end and that they “are talking to people now”. They will not revert back to letting fighters get their own sponsorship deals for placement on shorts like they used to.
Other notes from the Okamoto interview:
White said he got Mike Tyson a TV show to keep him away from returning to boxing but that he’s a grown man and if he wants to fight again, he will find a way to be there even if no fans are allowed. He said Tyson had something lined up and that it’s something big.
White will stay at Fight Island for a month when it gets up and running with the assumption they will run three or four shows there. The infrastructure being built is for training, food service, and for sleeping arrangements. He was not asked if the facility was in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
After their next two shows in Las Vegas, White said UFC will be back on track with their 2020 schedule, running Saturdays unless ESPN wanted more shows.
He confirmed that The Ultimate Fighter will return to UFC Fight Pass this year with some changes but the same style of show with coaches, etc.
He confirmed that the Tuesday Night Contender Series will return this year and said he is working on how to combat the issue of regional MMA being on hold for the time being.
He put over Fightlore on Fight Pass as a show people need to see.
While not giving any timeframes, he said flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanne Calderwood, heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier III, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya vs. Paulo Costa, and Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title are all being worked on. Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till is also a fight they want to make.
As far as welterweight, he said there’s a lot of drama and “social media b.s.” going on and that things should shake out soon.
Less than a week after he was arrested for aggravated DWI, possession of an open container, driving without proof of insurance, and a firearm charge, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones reached a plea deal.
MMA Fighting reported the 32-year-old pled guilty to the DWI charge and got four days of house arrest, a year of probation, 48 hours of community service, and a $500 fine. He also has to complete a 90-day drug treatment outpatient program and install an ignition interlock (breathalyzer) device in his car. He also may need to wear an ankle monitor during his four days.
The weapons charge, open container, and insurance charges were all dropped as part of the deal. He was set to appear in court on April 8th.
This was just the latest run in Jones has had through local authorities which includes a 2012 DUI charge, a 2015 incident where he fled the scene of an accident that injured a pregnant woman. and a late 2019 disorderly conduct charge.
This is Jon Jones’ first statement since last week’s arrest.
“… I accept full responsibility for my actions and I know that I have some personal work to do to which involves the unhealthy relationship I have with alcohol. …”
Image: ESPN | This story was updated at 3:30 PM Eastern.
Even during a global pandemic, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones managed to still run afoul of the law.
Jones was charged with aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and possession of an open container by Albuquerque, New Mexico, police at 1 AM local time Thursday morning, first reported by local TV outlet KOAT.
He has been released from custody.
Police were responding to calls of gunshots firing in a specific neighborhood and when they arrived, Jones was inside his car with the engine running. He denied knowing anything about the gunshots, but said they noticed signs Jones was intoxicated. He did poorly on a field sobriety test and a Breathalyzer test showed he tested twice above the legal limit.
Upon a search of the car, a black handgun was found under the driver’s seat and a half empty bottle of mezcal was behind the passenger’s seat.
This is Jones’ second DUI charge dating back to May 2012. The 32-year-old has been in and out of trouble with the law through the years and has been suspended by the UFC three times since 2015, twice for USADA violations.
Jones (26-1-0-1) last fought in February, edging out Dominick Reyes in a unanimous decision win at UFC 247 and is awaiting his next fight. Neither Jones or his management team has responded publicly, but the UFC told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that they are aware of the situation, have been in contact with Jones’ management team, and are gathering additional information.
Just last week, Jones was on social media, saying how important it is to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic and that we need to stay home, stay positive, and keep a positive outlook.
A look at next year’s WrestleMania in Los Angeles is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer. We look at the back story, regarding why the city wanted it in 2021 and WWE wanted it in 2022 and how the compromise was made. We note deals of the new stadium, attendance, the legit all-time company attendance record, , notes from the press conference and a look back at the previous WrestleMania in Los Angeles.
Also covered in the new issue:
2019 WWE business rundown in every category, what was up, what was down, how much the new television deals added in this year’s fourth quarter, why there is uncertainty about stock analysts about the company, and TV deals late in renewing,. We look at how badly the value of the company has dropped of late, what analysts are saying right now and what they are has to be done to get the company value back up.
Roster expansion, why production costs are so much higher, the decline over the past year in both network and PPV revenue, the arena business, the NXT house show business, merchandise, licensing, as well as a look at the company’s revenue and profits annually dating back to 1994.
More on the firing of Michelle Wilson and George Barrios from WWE, return of John Cena, Three more new members of WWE Hall of Fame, Becky Lynch talks pay, what wrestler looks to be leaving, future of MVP in WWE, UK ratings, most-watched shows on WWE Network and details of the weekend main roster and NXT arena events with business notes, results and highlights.
New Japan’s next show in Madison Square Garden, who are the key players and more dates for this year’s G-1 tournament.
Full coverage of New Beginning in Osaka, with business and creative notes, notes on all the upcoming title matches around the world, the latest angles, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
XFL’s first week of television, the good, the bad, the TV deals and what it needs to stay at to be successful, plus live attendance and why the chances of survival are very different from the first time.
WWE Super Showdown, and Elimination Chamber shows.
Full coverage of UFC 247, with the background on the show, business notes, match-by-match coverage and poll results.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
We’re looking for reports from the WWE shows over the weekend in Eugene, OR and Kennewick, WA and the Warrior Wrestling show in Chicago to [email protected]. We’re also looking for your thoughts on the NXT Takeover show last night, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]”>[email protected]
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Raw and the latest news. You can send questions for the show to [email protected]
NXT Takeover didn’t crack the Google trends, although it almost never does. Perhaps surprising is that the XFL didn’t on either Saturday or Sunday, with the weekend dominated by two sports events, the Daytona 500 (4 million) and the NBA All-Star game (3.5 million).
Being the Elite this week did have a thing related to Wednesday where Adam Page, in the guise of being their friends, told several of the other teams about the Young Bucks’ weaknesses after finding out they were in the tournament.
Impact announced that their Impact Plus VOD service will add a new event from Ontario-based Alpha 1 Wrestling, which is Ethan Page’s promotion. They will be uploading the 2/16 show in Hamilton, ONT.
I’ve never seen a WWE doc getting such vehement negative reviews as the one on the Ruthless Aggression era. I’ve been reading Jim Ross’ book that should be out soon, and let’s just say his version of the same events not only is 180 degrees different but in some cases even acknowledges the mindset that led to the issues.
WWE
I would just say if you didn’t see the Takeover show last night, I’d go out of your way to watch it.
Scheduled for Raw tonight in Everett, WA is Randy Orton vs. Matt Hardy no holds barred, Bobby Lashley & Angel Garza vs. Rusev & Humberto Carrillo. We were just told neither Rhea Ripley nor Big Show will be on tonight’s show. There had been reports of both. Things constantly change.
The company will be doing a four-day open tryout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.
Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre was added to the 3/22 show in Madison Square Garden.
The writer and artist of Spiderman Absolute Carnage were made aware and discussed Johnny Gargano comic inspired ring gear. Although both he and Seth Rollins have worn a number of comic inspired gear, this was the first time the creators were aware. (thanks to Michael O’Brien).
UFC
In a nutshell. this is the big problem, when commissions continue to book judges that have repeatedly given bad scores. And Jones-Reyes was not Soliz’s biggest issue of late or even on that show.
NBA regional game ratings are down 13 percent so far this season as compared to last year for all the same reasons the national games are down. Still, 13 teams are up and 14 are down with not enough detail on the other three based on a story in Sports Business Journal.
New Jack (Jerome Young) has released an autobiography called “New Jack: Memoir of a Pro Wrestling Extremist” by New Jack and Jason Norman through McFarland Publishing.
Impact lineup on AXS tomorrow night
Tessa Blanchard & Trey Miguel & Tommy Dreamer vs. Ace Austin & Reno Scum
Josh Alexander vs.; TJP
Michael Elgin vs. Eddie Edwards
Madison Rayne open challenge
EVE on FITE on 3/7 at 3 p.m. Eastern from London has Rhia O’Reilly vs. Jazzy Gabert for the Eve title, Sammii Jayne vs. Gisele Shaw for the International title, Holidead vs. Kasey, Jetta vs. Clementine, Zoe Lucas vs. Session Moth Martina plus more.
Rhino & Cody Deaner & Harley Davidson vs. Rob Rage and two surprise partners headlines Pro Wrestling Eclipse on 3/1 in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43.
CWE on 3/1 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is headlined by Nick Dinsmore vs. Dice Steele. Former UFC fighter Mitch Clarke will wrestle on the show. Dinsmore will also be doing seminars before the 2/28 show in Winnipeg, the 2/29 show in Regina and the 3/1 how in Saskatoon.
MLW announced the signing of Zachary Cooper, who will debut on the 4/18 show in Chicago. Cooper has been wrestling in wXw in Germany as well as the U.K. He is from Tampa and is billed at 6-foot-3 and 267 pounds.
Defy runs Friday night at Washington Hall in Seattle with talent from The crash, plus Jeff Cobb vs. Cody Chhun, Schaff defends his Defy title against Randy Myers, Ricky Gibson & Eddie Pearl defend the tag titles against Damian 666 & Guillermo Rosas. Crash tag champs Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf 450 defend against The Amerikan Guns. You must be 21 to attend.
IWF announced a buy one get one free tickets to its 23rd anniversary show on 4/18 in Nutley, NJ. Tony Atlas, Terri Runnels, Bull James and Kevin Knight will be appearing at the show.
Low Ki beat Tom Lawlor on the NHPW show on Saturday in Perth, Western Australia. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Dan Lambert did an interview with The Wrestling Estate discussing his 40-year love of pro wrestling, working with Impact, King Mo joining MLW and much more.
We look at the changes in WWE business and details on what Vince McMahon was talking about regarding changes in the network and PPV distribution in the lead story of the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We examine the departure of Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, the drop in the stock price, what it will take to get the price back up, McMahon talking business options, what WWE can learn from how UFC handled a similar situation, the business of WrestleMania, the key players, the different options, the UFC PPV deal, and McMahon talks AEW.
Also in this issue:
WWE fourth quarter numbers in every category, profits, losses, arena business, corporate spending and all categories.
McGregor vs. Cerrone business including details of it being the largest streaming PPV in history, how it did on traditional PPV, how UFC ha helped ESPN+ numbers, ESPN+ subscribers as well a the bundle with Hulu and Disney Plus, and how successful it has been financially.
WrestleMania and the net Saudi Arabia show, a new WWE TV deal, Takeover Portland, what medical treatment wrestlers from many different companies are looking at doing, new WWE signings, John Cena in Fast 9, update on talent that has wanted their release, Jake Atlas debut, lots of ratings info, WWE Network price notes, Mauro Ranallo talks getting off twitter, Total Bellas story lines, Bret Hart update, most watched shows on WWE Network and coverage of all of last week’s WWE arena events.
New Beginning shows in Sapporo, with a full rundown of the booking, the business, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
A feature on the Jericho Cruise, the top matches, how TV was taped, and what happened.
UFC event from Raleigh with match-by-match coverage and business notes.
A feature on the death of Romeo Cormier and the famous Burke/Martin/Cormier family and the heyday of pro wrestling in Eastern Canada.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I did our weekend show covering UFC 247 and WWE business which is on the site.Garrett Gonzalez and I talk about the business of WWE major shows and why Vince McMahon is looking to make the move, Wednesday ratings and answer questions.
We’re also looking for reports from the NXT show in Phoenix on Friday and tonight’s show in Riverside, CA, the ROH show in Baltimore today and WWE house shows in Oakland last night and Fresno tonight to [email protected]. We’re doing weekend polls on UFC 247 and New Japan New Beginning in Osaka, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match for each show to [email protected]
The announcement of the location of the 2021 WrestleMania will be made at 9 a.m. tomorrow. I’m not allowed to officially say where it will be, past it will be where everyone expected either the 2021 or 2022 Mania to be all along.
For the weekend, the XFL had a lot of interest with 3 million Google searches. It and UFC (2.1 million) were the two most searched topics of the weekend. UFC numbers are what would have been expected for a Jon Jones headlined show. Halle Berry was trending today based on UFC, in the sense she went to the show last night to support Valentina Shevchenko. There were also 100,000 searches for Ryan Cabrera after the news got out that he was dating Alexa Bliss.
Based on reporters scores, the last stuff I saw was 68 percent had it for Dominic Reyes and 32 percent for Jon Jones. Every scorecard listed was 48-47 in either direction. As far as the actual scores went, Chris Lee gave Jones rounds three through five. Marcos Rosales gave Jones 2, 4 and 5. Joe Soliz gave Jones 2 through five. To me, rounds one and three were very clear for Reyes, round two I had for Reyes but Jones did come on strong at the end, and rounds four and five were clearly for Jones.
The plan for New Japan on 8/22 in Madison Square Garden is to do a WrestleKingdom type of event. It’s going to be very interesting as they are going head-to-head with NXT Takeover in Boston, the day before SummerSlam in Boston, and one week before AEW’s All Out show in Chicago so there is going to be a lot of competition for the fly-in crowd over that two week period.
WWE
Samoa Joe returned from his concussion at the house show in Oakland last night.
For Raw tomorrow in Ontario, CA, Becky Lynch defends the women’s title against Asuka and there is an eight-man tag with Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe & Viking Raiders vs. AOP & Murphy & Seth Rollins.
Matt Riddle did a post-match promo after the NXT Las Vegas house show main event last night and talked about how he was fired by Dana White (they were at The Pearl, a building UFC often runs), how some people don’t like him, and that he would be the guy who retires Brock Lesnar. From what I’m told, NXT has given him permission to follow up on the Lesnar stuff.
Walt Harris returns to action after the death of his stepdaughter for the first time with a 4/11 main event in Portland, OR at the Moda Center against Alistair Overeem.
MISCELLANEOUS
Besides Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryu Lee and Minoru Suzuki vs. Jon Moxley, the other weekend match I was told to go out of my way to see was the Naruki Doi vs. Kzy title match from the Dragon Gate show at Korakuen Hall.
Tessa Blanchard vs. Eddie Kingston vs. Michael Elgin in a three-way will headline the next Impact PPV show on 4/19 in New York.
A very interesting story regarding Dr. Bennet Omalu, who first made the findings about CTE and who the movie ”Concussion” was based on. (thanks to Barry Werner)
XFL merchandise sold very well with hats of many of the teams selling out.
All Japan has a live show from Korakuen Hall on early Tuesday morning with the Kento Miyahara vs.; Yuma Aoyagi Triple Crown title match with the angle shot on 1/3 where Aoyagi, Miyahara’s tag team partner, turned on him, giving him a German suplex when putting the belt on him after Miyahara had beaten Jake Lee. Miyahara is one of the best, like one of the two best, world champions in the industry right now, and bell to bell, probably the best. Every title match comes off as epic.
Warrior Wrestling has a huge show on 2/15 at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights with The Rascalz vs. The Strong Hearts, eight way men’s and women’s title matches, Daga vs. Jonathan Gresham, Templario vs. Cavernario, Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Bully Ray, the North vs Space Pirates, Alex Shelley vs. Ren Narita and more. The men’s title match has Lance Archer, Michael Elgin, Sam Adonis, Andrew Everett, Aramis, Black Taurus and Alex Zayne. It’s a series of elimination matches. The women’s match has Tessa Blanchard defending her title against Kylie Rae, Madison Rayne, Taya Valkyrie, Tasha Steelz, Big Swole,Ray Lyn and Dr. Britt Baker.
BANG TV on 2/29 in Belleview, FL at the High School Gym will feature appearances at a meet and greet with Rick & Scott Steiner.
EPW from yesterday in Australia: Marcius Pit b Dan Moore, Gavin McGavin b Bruno Nitro, Taylor King & Jack Edwards & Tipene b Tyler Jacobs & Chadwick Jackson & Junior Li, Michael Morleone b Damian Slater, Aaron Hawk & Dan Steel b Gorgeous Gary & Ryan Allen, Mikey Nicholls b Julian West to keep EPW title. Next show is 3/7 with Marcius Pitt vs Davis Storm with the Coastal title vs Storm’s career.
RCW from yesterday in Adelaide, Australia: Mike Boomer b Eli Theseus, Barren b Jonathan Corvidae, Adam Brooks b Nick Armstrong, Rocky Menaro b Mick Moretti to keep RCW title, Steve Miller NC Jett Armstrong, Royce Chambers won over Havok, Dean Brady and Cadie Tre, Chris Basso & Matt Hayter b Brodie Marshall & Matt Bosso to win the RCW tag titles (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Stardom from yesterday for a legit sellout at Korakuen Hall: Itsuki Hoshino b Leo Onozaki, Death Yama-san & Leyla Hirsch won gauntlet over Jamie Hayter & Zoey Skye, Starlight Kid & Tam Nakano, Rina & Hina and, Saya Iida & Saya Kamitani, Natsuko Tora & Saki Kashima & Natsu Sumire b Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona & Konami, Giulia & Syuri &Maiki b Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita & AZM to win the Artist of Stardom trios title, Arisa Hoshiki b Bea Priestley to win the Wonder of Stardom title, Takumi Iroha b Mayu Iwatani to set up a World of Stardom title match.
Bar Wrestling from Wednesday night in Los Angeles: Dom Kubrick won four-way over Eli Everfly, Douglas James and Lucas Riley, Watts b Zicky Dice, Yuma & BHK b Ray Rosas & Andy Brown, Holidead b Joey Ryan, Heather Monroe b Jamie Senegal, B-Boy & Adrian Quest & Phoenix Star & Zokre b Rocky Romero & Shota Umino & Ren Narita & Chins Bey/
CZW from last night in Voorhees, NJ for the 21st anniversary show: Kris Bishop won over Leroy Green, Boom Harden and DK Meadows, Eran Ashe b Gabriel Skye, Team Rayo Victorious b Team Pesadilla, Nate Carter & David McCall b The Skulk to keep tag titles, KC Navarro b AR Fox to win the Wired title, Bear Country b Anthony Greene & Eva Everett, Brandon Kirk b John Silver, Masada b Casanova Valentine in a bloody no rope barbed wire match. Necro Butcher was also inducted into their Hall of Fame along with Shawn KIernaghan who works on their ring crew. Dewey Donovan and Maven Bentley said that CZW wouldn’t function without Kernaghan. (thanks to Bob Magee)
PWE on 3/1 in Oshawa, ONT at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 headlined by Rhino.
365 Pro Wrestling on 2/22 in Campbell River, BC at the Willow Point Lions Club. They also run 3/21 in Guelph, ONT at the Red Chevron.
SKM in Hagersville, ONT at the Community Centre.
BattlArts on 2/15 the Battlarts Academy in Mississauga. ONT with Cryme Tyme.
Mike Mooneyham has a story on wrestling deaths in 2019. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 247: Jones vs. Reyes, emanating from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The UFC returns to Houston for the first time in three years with two title fights featuring two of the most dominant champions in the sport today.
In the main event, long-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his next title defense against undefeated challenger Dominick Reyes. Jones looks to further cement his status as the greatest fighter of all-time against an upstart Reyes, who has won his first twelve career fights to earn himself the next shot at Jones.
In the co-main event, dominant UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko makes her third title defense against Katlyn Chookagian. Shevchenko looks to keep her momentum going from the last two years as she looks for her fifth straight win while Chookagian looks to score one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
Also on the main card is an exciting featherweight battle as Dan Ige looks for his fifth straight win against Mirsad Bektic, while fan favorite Derrick Lewis looks to make it two straight wins when he welcomes Ilir Latifi to the heavyweight division.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
Lingo coming forward and landing early before they clinch. Lingo lands a knee before they break and Zalal with a leg kick and then one high. Zalal looks for a takedown but Lingo defends against the fence. Lingo with some body punches before they break. They trade right hands. Zalal gets Lingo down for a second but they get up and Zalal with some knees. Lingo has a bloody nose from a kick by Zalal. They trade in close range and Lingo lands a good combo. Lingo lands a right hand. Zalal gets a takedown with less than a minute to go in the round. They scramble up and Lingo takes the back standing. Lingo with a late takedown. 10-9 Zalal.
Zalal going right for the single leg against the fence. Zalal completes the takedown. Zalal working in the guard of Lingo. Not much is happening as Zalal is keeping Lingo pinned down. Zalal moves to looking for a D’arce choke. Lingo gets to his feet but Zalal still has the neck. Zalal looking for a guillotine as he drops down. He’s now rolling for an anaconda but Lingo escapes and they stand. Zalal with a head kick. Lingo lands a left hand. Zalal gets another takedown but Lingo has the neck. They stand late and Zalal with a head kick. 10-9 Zalal, 20-18 Zalal.
They trade to start the third as Lingo is pressing the action. Zalal with some leg kicks. Lingo with a leg kick. Lingo pressing forward throwing and Zalal lands a knee. Zalal gets another takedown and has side control. Zalal looking for the neck. Zalal now back in the full guard of Lingo. Zalal really controlling from the top. He lands some elbows and they then stand. Zalal grabs the neck standing and lands some knees and pulls Lingo to the mat. They stand and break. Lingo with some body punches. Zalal with a body kick. Zalal gets another takedown. Zalal has the neck but Lingo escapes. Zalal with a late choke attempt. 10-9 Zalal, 30-27 Zalal.
Official Result- Youseff Zalal def. Austin Lingo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Andre Ewell (15-6, 2-2 UFC) vs. Jonathan Martinez (11-2, 2-1 UFC) Bantamweights
They trade kicks to start. Martinez with some low kicks. Ewell lands a right hand. Martinez with a high kick. He lands another. Ewell with a left hand to the body. Martinez with a kick that may have gone low but not called and then lands a high kick. Ewell drops Martinez briefly with a left hand. Ewell with a combo to the body. Ewell with some good punches in close range. Martinez with a front kick. Ewell with a combo and Martinez shoots in but Ewell defends against the fence. They break and throw big bombs late and Ewell lands some good shots. That was a crazy sequence to end the round. 10-9 Ewell.
Ewell attacking the body early in the second. He lands a left hand. Martinez with some leg kicks but Ewell firing left hands back. Ewell with a nice left hand to the body. Ewell with a combo and lands a good right hook. Ewell with a body kick. Ewell with a jumping knee and follows up with more good knees but Martinez lands a left hand that stops him. Martinez shoots in and Ewell defends well. Martinez with a high kick and Ewell counters with a combo. They are both throwing big punches. Ewell stuffs a takedown and lands a good combo in return. Martinez with a body kick. Martinez stuns Ewell with a body kick and then lands some good punches. Martinez with a flurry as Ewell is hurting. Martinez with a good combo. Martinez with a leg kick trips Ewell up. 10-9 Martinez, 19-19.
Ewell with a right hand to the body. Ewell with a sledgehammer fist. Martinez with some kicks. They trade in close range. Ewell lands a nice left hand after Martinez lands a leg kick. Ewell lands some good body shots. Martinez still working the leg kicks. Martinez with a nice body kick. They trade some big punches late. Martinez lands good late. This was a great fight. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 Martinez.
Official Result- Andre Ewell def. Jonathan Martinez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Pilarte with a head kick right away. He lands another. Pilarte with a quick combo. Newson then drops Pilarte with a right hand and then swarms on him with punches and finishes it. Great finish by Newson.
Official Result- Journey Newson def. Domingo Pilarte by TKO (punches) at :38 of Round 1
ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Miles Johns (10-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Mario Bautista (7-1, 1-1 UFC) Bantamweights
Bautista tries a flying knee that misses but lands a right hand as he was coming down. Johns lands a nice left hand. Johns with a nice right hand. Bautista with a right hand. Bautista with an upper body kick. Johns with a leg kick. Bautista with a leg kick. Bautista with a body kick. Johns with a hard right hand that almost sends Bautista to the mat. Both are just looking for the right opening to capitalize. Johns with a right hand. Bautista lands a right hand followed by a knee. Close round. 10-9 Johns.
Bautista comes out firing to start the second round. Johns is trying to land the right hand but Bautista is slipping away. Bautista drops Johns with a big knee and swarms on him with punches and finishes him off. Great stoppage by Bautista.
Official Result- Mario Bautista def. Miles Johns by TKO (strikes) at 1:41 of Round 2
> Alex Morono (17-5 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (9-1, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
They come out firing and Williams rocks Morono with a left hand and then drops him with an uppercut and finishes him off. This was wild and an incredible stoppage by Williams in his UFC debut.
Official Result- Khaos Williams def. Alex Morono by knockout (punches) at :27 of Round 1
> Lauren Murphy (#7, 11-4, 3-4 UFC) vs. Andrea Lee (#8, 11-3, 3-1 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
They trade early. Murphy already red under her eye less than a minute in. Lee landing to the body. Murphy landing some good shots in close range. They clinch and both land elbows. Murphy punches Lee and Lee loses her mouthpiece. That’s happened twice. They trade in close. Lee with a head kick. Lee follows it with a flurry. Both women are red. They are trading wildly. Lee with an overhand right. They both score on a takedown and Murphy ends up on top. They get up late. Frantic round. 10-9 Lee.
Murphy lands a right hand. Lee landing some good combos. They trade in close and Murphy with a knee. They clinch for a second and Murphy with another knee. Lee with a body kick. Lee with a combo. Murphy goes for a takedown but Lee defends. Lee with a high kick. Lee with a leg kick and Murphy clinches with her against the fence. They break and Lee with a solid combo. Murphy gets a late takedown and ends the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Murphy, 19-19.
They trade combos to start the third. Lee landing a little more to start the round. Murphy hurts Lee with a left hand. Murphy tries a flying knee but Lee lands a left as she’s in the air and Murphy falls to the ground. Lee quickly grabs the neck and is applying pressure. Lee trying a guillotine but she doesn’t have it properly locked in. She’s looking to get it locked in tighter as Murphy lands some body punches and Murphy escapes. Lee gets to her feet and they separate. They trade in close range. Murphy with some jabs. Lee with a spin kick to the body. Lee shoots for a takedown but Murphy defends. Murphy now has the body lock against the fence. They are both battling for the takedown. They break and clinch at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Lee, 29-28 Lee.
Official Result- Lauren Murphy def. Andrea Lee by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
> Trevin Giles (11-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. James Krause (27-7, 8-3 UFC) Middleweights
Krause took this fight just 30 hours ago. Giles lands some good punches early. They clinch and Krause with a takedown and he works to the back as they stand. Krause looking to get his arm under the neck. He has it locked in. Giles fighting it. They go to the mat and Krause looking to lock it back in. He lets go. Krause still has the back and Giles is defending with his hands. It’s locked in now but Giles somehow escapes. Giles trying to spin into the guard and does. Giles with some punches from the top. He stands and lands a couple more. They stand and trade. They clinch against the fence as the round ends. 10-9 Krause.
Krause with some kicks and Giles fires back with some punches. Giles with a head kick that Krause partially blocks. Krause with some leg kicks. Giles lands a hard punch. Krause with some leg kicks but Giles lands a combo. Giles now landing punches against the fence and Krause is able to grab the body looking for a takedown. The break and Giles with more punches as Krause is pinned against the fence. They break and Giles with some hard punches. Krause tries a takedown but Giles defends and ends up on top. Giles working in the guard of Krause. Giles with some big right hands from the top and is landing more big punches. Krause looking for an armbar but lets go and Giles is landing big punches looking for the finish. This is close to being stopped. Krause survives the round. 10-9 Giles, 19-19.
Krause lands a right hand. Giles starts taunting Krause and Krause lands a hard right hand. Krause with another right hand. Krause landing some punches and a head kick and then a knee to the body. Giles was slowing down and then landed a big left hook. They trade hard punches and Giles rocks Krause for a moment. They clinch and Giles lands some as they break. They clinch and both land. Both men are exhausted. They trade and Krause tries a takedown but Giles defends. They tie up late. This was crazy. 10-9 Giles, 29-28 Giles.
Official Result- Trevin Giles def. James Krause by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Derrick Lewis (#6, 22-7 1 NC, 13-5 UFC) vs. Ilir Latifi (#12 LHW, 14-7 1 NC, 7-5 UFC) Heavyweights
Lewis got a massive reaction. They clinch after Latifi ducks under a Lewis right hand. Latifi lands some punches as they break. Lewis with a flying knee that almost sent Latifi down. Latifi trying to take Lewis down but having trouble against the fence. They are broken up after a stalemate. Lewis with a high kick. Lewis with a head kick. They tie up. They break. Lewis with another hard kick and Latifi clinches again. 10-9 Lewis.
Lewis with a high kick. Latifi with a leg kick. Lewis with a body kick. Lewis tries a flying knee again but Latifi grabs him and they clinch against the fence and the crowd is booing this. Lewis with a knee to the body. Lewis with an elbow over the top. Latifi finally gets a body lock takedown. Latifi landing some soft body punches from the top but not much else is happening. They are stood up. Lewis with a head kick. Latifi grabs Lewis and throws him to the ground and then gets on top. 10-9 Latifi, 19-19.
Lewis just misses a right hand. Lewis lands a right hand. Lewis with another jumping knee and Latifi eats it clean and they tie up against the fence. Latifi gets another takedown and is in the half-guard of Lewis. Latifi with a few body punches but Lewis is keeping him from working much and not much is happening. The crowd is booing this. Lewis gets up and they break. Lewis with a flying knee and is now throwing punches. They tie up and Lewis with a knee. Latifi now pushes Lewis against the fence. Lewis with a knee. They break. Lewis with a head kick followed by a flurry. Lewis landing some punches and Latifi is just trying to latch onto him. Latifi with the body and Lewis lands some elbows. Lewis with a combo as they break and lands some more. Lewis with an uppercut. Lewis landing big and Latifi is in trouble. The fight ends. Lewis got that round in the last 90 seconds. 10-9 Lewis, 29-28 Lewis.
Official Result- Derrick Lewis def. Ilir Latifi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Mirsad Bektic (13-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Dan Ige (12-2, 4-1 UFC) Featherweights
They quickly tie up and Ige gets a brief takedown. They break and both are throwing big punches. They clinch and trade knees and Ige gets Bektic to the ground. Ige starts landing big punches as they scramble up. Ige with a leg kick. Ige lands some punches that rock Bektic. They clinch and Ige pushes Bektic against the fence. They break and Ige lands as they break. Ige with a combo. They both land as they clinch. They break and Ige with a spin kick. 10-9 Ige.
They trade to open the second. Bektic gets the body lock and gets a takedown and Ige almost reverses but Bektic ends up on top. Ige landing from the bottom as Bektic tries to improve position. They get to their feet and Bektic still has the single leg. Ige is cut on the top of his head. They fall to the mat and Ige is looking for a leg. Bektic looking for an arm-triangle. Bektic moves to the mount and almost has it locked in. Bektic lets go and moves into Ige’s guard. Bektic ends the round on top. 10-9 Bektic, 19-19.
Ige lands a right hand as Bektic is backing up. Ige lands a body kick. Bektic is cirlcing around not doing much. Ige lands a combo. They trade in close range and tie up and Ige with an uppercut. Bektic trying for a single leg against the fence and Ige lands some elbows. Bektic still trying to take Ige down against the fence and they are broken up. Ige with a right hand. He lands another. Bektic tries a lazy shot and Ige sniffs it out. Ige with a combo. Ige with a right hand followed by a body kick. Bektic tries a takedown but Ige reverses for a moment and they are stuck in a weird positon on the mat. They scramble up and Bektic has the back. Ige tries to roll out and Bektic grabs his neck. Bektic tries to move to the back. Ige grabs a leg late. 10-9 Ige, 29-28 Ige.
Official Result- Dan Ige def. Mirsad Bektic by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Juan Adams (5-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Justin Tafa (3-1, 0-1 UFC) Heavyweights
They trade leg kicks. Tafa with some leg kicks. Tafa lands some good punches as Adams comes forward. Tafa with a hard right hook and then drops Adams with and uppercut and some follow-up punches and finishes it off.
Official Result- Justin Tafa def. Juan Adams by TKO (punches) at 1:59 of Round 1
Shevchenko with a hard leg kick. Chookagian with some leg kicks but eats a spinning back fist from Shevchenko. Shevchenko with a combo ending with a leg kick. Shevchenko with a left hand followed by a leg kick. Chookagian with a kick and Shevchenko catches it and takes her down. Shevchenko working in the full guard. She cuts open Chookagian with a hard elbow. 10-9 Shevchenko.
Shevchenko with a body kick. Shevchenko with a big body kick. Chookagian is telegraphing her shots. Shevchenko lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Shevchenko with a hard leg kick. Shevchenko with another combo ending with a hard leg kick. Shevchenko with a massive axe head kick. Shevchenko with a takedown. She’s working in the half-guard. Shevchenko now looking for an arm-triangle. She lets go and gets back into the full guard. She ends the round on top. 10-9 Shevchenko, 20-18 Shevchenko.
Chookagian with a kick and Shevchenko grabs the leg. Chookagian tries to pull guard but can’t and Shevchenko takes her down and goes right to the crucifix positon. Shevchenko reigning down punches and it is stopped. She made it look easy as Shevchenko gets the stoppage and remains the champion.
Official Result- Valentina Shevchenko def. Katlyn Chookagain by TKO (strikes) at 1:03 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship
> Jon Jones (C, 25-1 1 NC, 19-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Dominick Reyes (#4, 12-0, 6-0 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Reyes tries a left and early and Jones goes for a takedown but it is defended. Jones with the calf kicks. Reyes with a leg kick. Jones with a right hand. Jones with a leg kick and slips and Reyes lands a nice left hand. Reyes now teeing off on Jones and has him retreating. Jones pressed against the fence. Reyes with a body kick. Jones with a right hand and a leg kick. Reyes with a left hand. Reyes with a high kick and lands a eft hand and a spin kick. Reyes with a left hand. Jones with a body kick. Reyes with a body kick. Jones with a head kick. Jones with another. 10-9 Reyes.
Reyes with a left hand to the body. Jones with a left hand. Reyes with a body kick. Reyes landing some big punches and Jones is retreating. Jones ducking under and runs away. Jones with a body kick. Reyes with a leg kick and Jones counters with a left hand.Jones with a left hand. Jones with a front kick to the body. Jones with a right hand. Jones with jab wobbles Reyes. Jones with a right hand. Reyes lands a left. Jones with an inside leg kick. Jones with a left hand. Jones with a leg kick and then a side kick to the body. Reyes lands two hard left hands and then another. Reyes with a leg kick. 10-9 Reyes, 20-18 Reyes.
Jones with a leg kick. Reyes with a head kick that Jones blocks. Reyes with a body kick. Jones with a right hand and Reyes fires back with some lefts. Reyes with some leg kicks. Jones with a body kick. Reyes swinging for the fences. Reyes lands an uppercut. Jones with a head kick. Jones shoots for a takedown and Reyes defends it and they break the clinch. Jones with a left hook. Reyes with a body kick. Reyes circling around as Jones presses the action. Reyes with a left hand. 10-9 Jones, 29-28 Reyes.
Reyes landing early to start the round. Jones gets the body lock and tries a takedown but misses and now has Reyes and he finishes a takedown but they get up. Jones with a knee. They break. Jones with a leg kick. Reyes looking gassed. Jones tries a takedown but gets the back against the fence and lands a knee and they break. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a right hand. Jones with a combo and they clinch. Jones with a left hook. Reyes lands a left hand. They trade in close. Jones with a head kick. Reyes with a high kick that Jones blocks. Jones pressing forward. Jones with a combo. 10-9 Jones, 38-38.
Reyes with a right hand. Jones shoots for a takedown and gets it. Jones has the back as they stand and goes back to the front in the clinch against the fence. They break and trade punches. Jones with a right hand and Reyes counters with a left. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Jones with a leg kick and follows it with a left hand. Jones witha spin kick. Jones with a high kick and Reyes lands a left hand. Jones still applying pressure. Jones with a side kick to the body. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with another leg kick. He lands a body kick. Jones with a right hand. Reyes running away. 10-9 Jones, 48-47 Jones.
Official Result- Jon Jones def. Dominick Reyes by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
“The alleged victim told police that she was serving Jones and his brother at the strip club. She did not mention Jones’ brother by name. Both of his brothers, Chandler and Arthur, are NFL veterans. Jones, the alleged victim said, had been asking her to give him a lap dance repeatedly, but she refused due to club policy because she was a waitress and not one of the dancers. She said Jones at one point pulled her onto her lap and kissed on her neck.
Later, the alleged victim told police that Jones was waiting for shots from the bar when he put her in a “tight” rear-naked choke. She said she joked that he can put her in a choke, but she can’t put him in one because she wasn’t tall enough. Jones then picked her up off the ground, turned her in the air and was “roughhousing” with her, she told cops.
She said Jones then placed her down by the bar and smacked her in her genital region. The alleged victim said she told Jones twice he couldn’t smack her there that unless he paid her $100. She said Jones “continued to touch her until he decided to leave the establishment.”
The station provided court records that showed Jones didn’t show up for a bond arraignment for the charge in June, resulting in the bench warrant. The court sent him a letter about the warrant, but it bounced back. Made aware of the warrant, he paid the $300 bond on Sunday and the warrant was cleared. The APD said they didn’t arrest Jones because they are usually not made aware of petty misdemeanor warrants.
A court date has not yet been set.
The 32-year-old Jones is denying the allegations and a Jackson-Wink spokesperson gave the following statement to KRQE:
“Today, the media told Mr. Jones about a false accusation launched against him and that paperwork had been sent to an incorrect address. However, after receiving the documents from the press, Mr. Jones immediately went to pay the small fee, and he, and multiple witnesses, stand ready to factually refute the malicious lies being told about him to the public.”
In a series of tweets Monday morning, Jones replied to fans, saying “I’m definitely not in any trouble my friend, don’t be so quick to believe everything you read on the Internet” and “I know there’s a whole bunch of people hoping for my downfall but there’s even more who are proud of me and love seeing me do well. And screw staying inside, I love this community.. excited to keep climbing, haters going to be mad when I win in December.”
At the time of the incident, Jones was preparing for his July title defense against Thiago Santos.
We’re doing three polls this weekend, for the UFC 239 show in Las Vegas, NJPW G-1 opener in Dallas and the Impact PPV on Sunday in Dallas, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]
APW/Rev Pro King of Indies Friday in Daly City, CA
WWE Raw house show last night in Washington, DC
MLW from last night in Chicago
WWE Raw tonight in Wilkes-Barre, PA
WWE Smackdown tonight in Binghamton, NY
IMPACT SLAMMIVERSARY ON SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. EASTERN FROM GILLEY’S IN DALLAS ON PPV
TJP open challenge
Rob Van Dam vs. Moose
Eddie Edwards vs. Killer Kross first blood match
Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard
Taya Valkyrie defends the Knockouts title against Rosemary, Su Yung and Jessicka Havok in a Monster’s Ball match
The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) defend the tag titles against LAX and Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel
Rich Swann vs. Johnny Impact for X title
Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin for Impact title
Monday has Raw TV from Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center. Rey Mysterio returns Monday. There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday in Glens Falls, NY.
Smackdown and 205 take place Tuesday from Manchester, NH.
After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.
Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.
With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.
We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.
We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward. We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.
We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.
We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history. We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.
We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.
We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.
We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.
We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.
We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.
We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.
We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez. There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.
We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week. We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.
We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.
We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.
We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
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If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett Gonzalez and I will be back tonight after Impact’s Slammiversary show talking the latest news. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]. We also have a new show up for the weekend covering the G-1 and UFC 239, and have new interview shows up with both Jushin Liger and Kota Ibushi.
Luke Rockhold suffered a broken jaw in his fight with Jan Blachowicz.
All of Ben Askren’s tests reportedly came back negative so he’s okay according to Dana White after the show. He was obviously hospitalized after a brutal knockout.
No update on Jon Jones, who was helped out. Thiago Santos had minor surgery on his right knee a few months ago and blew out his left knee in the first round of the fight. Media scores were 78-22% in favor of Jones, although I felt the fight could have gone either way. Story on the surgery from MMA Fighting.
The judges scores were:
Michael Bell gave Jones rounds 2, 3 and 4
Derek Cleary gave Jones 2, 3 and 5
Junichiro Kamijo gave Jones 3 and 5. If Clearly had given Santos 5, a round many thought he won clearly, Santos would be champion. Dana White said Jones won and has no interest in making a rematch
Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who were seated not far from each other, nearly got into it last night. Security broke it up before anything serious happened and they moved Diaz to a different seat. Diaz ended up leaving the show after the Gilbert Melendez fight.
WWE
Sheamus and Natalya are both appearing at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame induction ceremony on 7/25 to 7/27 in Waterloo, IA. Gerald Brisco is doing a talent evaluation for WWE. Among others appearing for the weekend are Beth Phoenix, Ultimo Dragon, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, Thunderbolt Patterson, Nick Dinsmore, Lisa Marie Varon, Jim Ross, J.J.Dillon, Tony Garea, Brian Shields, Wes Brisco, James Beard, Brian Blair, Baron Von Raschke, Ric McCord,, Bob Roop and Brian Pillman Jr. There will also be a pro wrestlnig with an eight-man tournament and what is being billed as Blair’s retirement match.
Dolph Ziggler is doing comedy shows on Wednesday and Thursday night in Appleton, WI at Skyline Comedy. The former Hornswoggle will be on the bill with him.
UFC
Interest in last night’s show was high, as there were 2.5 million Google searches making UFC 239 the most searched for topic in the U.S. Ben Askren, at 500,000, after his spectacular knockout loss, was the third most searched term yesterday. The New Japan G-1 show did not crack the top 20, although that is not unexpected as previous show haven’t either. When it comes to big events, it’s pretty clear the UFC big events have the most mainstream interest, followed by WWE and Bellator. AEW Double or Nothing did crack the list as has Bare Knuckle Boxing, and NXT has twice at a low level.
A story in the Buffalo News on Rashad Evans going into the UFC Hall of Fame (thanks to Tom Mehs)
MISCELLANEOUS
Former pro wrestler Don Wright, and wife Sandy, lost her home and their car due to a home fire. They are raising five grandchildren who start school soon. Jon Moxley found out about a Go Fund Me set up by a coworker of Sandy and donated $5,000 enabling them to reach their goal.
Sporting News talked to Sami Callihan regarding tonight’s match with Tessa Blanchard.
In an update of something talked about on the show last night, Teddy Hart didn’t go through a door, but crashed into a ladder and seemed to hurt his back but Court Bauer said that Hart is fine today. MLW sold out Cicero for the third time in a row last night.
Dolph Ziggler will be participating in the panel “Happy Birthday Troma” for the 45th anniversary of Troma Entertainment and for Lloyd Kaufman’s 50 years as a filmmaker on 7/20 at the San Diego Comic Con in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m. Former wrestler Scott Lost, now a comic book artist, will be part of a panels on 7/18 called “Not So Strange Bedfellows: The Relationship between comics and pro wrestling in Room 29AB at 1 p.m. Rob Van Dam will appear in a panel on Independent Filmmaking for Low Budget Film, TV and web series on 7/18 in Room 25ABC at 9 p.m. Women of Wrestling at Headlocked Comics in booth #1901 on 7/20 from 1-3 p.m. has David McLane, Jeanie Buss and The Beast and 7/21 from Moon to 2 p.m. has Tessa Blanchard and McLane.
Former pro wrestler Anthony Carelli (Santino Marella) joined Neil Adams (former Olympic medalist and the brother of former pro wrestler Chris Adams) as announcers this weekend for judo’s Montreal Grand Prix. Today is the final day and it’s streams at live.ijf.org I’ve seen photos of pro wrestling legend Volk Han there.
The AAW Jim Lyman Memorial tournament takes place on 8/29 and 8/30 at the Logan Square Auditorium in Chicago.
Phil DeFries (17-6) defends the KSW heavyweight title against Damian Grabowski (22-5) in the main event of the KSW show on 9/14 at SSE Wembley in London. Tomasz Narkun (16-3) will also defend the light heavyweight title and Norman Parke (27-6-1) vs. Marian Ziolowski (21-7-1) are also announced.
AAW on 7/12 in Milwaukee at Turners Hall Ballroom has Sami Callihan vs. Fatu for the heavyweight title, Jessicka Havok vs. Taya Valkyrie for the women’s title, John Morrison vs Juventud Guerrera, Rey Fenix & Penta 0M vs. Myron Reed & A.R. Fox and Josh Briggs vs. Josh Alexander.
Warrior Wrestling 6 on 9/1 in Chicago (the day after All Out) at the Marian Catholic High School at 7 p.m. Announced as appearing are Mick Foley, Brian Cage, Tessa Blanchard, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Dragon Lee, Ultimo Guerrero, Atlantis, Caristico, Michael Elgin, Austin Aries Tom Lawlor, Daga, Sam Adonis, Brian Pillman Jr., Wardlow, Andrew Everett, Templario, Soberano Jr. and more.
Progress from yesterday in Newcastle, U.K.: Fraser Thomas & HT Drake & Screwface Ahmed b Benji & Conor Renshaw & Zeo Knox, Darren Kearney & LJ Clearly & Natthan Martin b Chuck Mambo & Spike Trivet & William Eaver-DQ, Jurn Simmons b Connor Mills, Holidead b Candy Floss, Ilja Dragunov b Jordan Devlin to become top contender for the Progress title, Paul Robinson b Primate, David Starr b Brent Banks, Walter b Eddie Kingston to keep Progress title (thanks to Paul Sosnowski)
Progress from today in Manchester, U.K.: Soner Dursun b Luke Jacobs, LJ Clearly b Chuck Mambo, Holidead b Lana Austin, Jordan Devil b Conor Mills, Jonathan Gresham b Eddie Kingston-COR, Trent Seven b Paul Robinson, Spike Trivet & William Eaver b Darren Kearney & Nathan Martin, Walter b Ilja Dragunov to keep the Progress title
Future Stars of Wrestling from Friday night in Las Vegas in a UWFI style show: Ryan Couture b Dave Mazany, Stephan Bonnar b Sinn Bohdi, Gina Mazany b Kyra Batara, Tom Lawlor b Douglas James (said to be best bout of the show), Frank Mir b Simon Grimm, Killer Kross b Dan Severn, Killer Kross NC Jon Moxley with a double knockout finish. Moxley wasn’t advertised but just showed up. (thanks to Armando Aguilar)
IWF on 10/11 in Wayne, NJ at the Wayne PAL Building with Tony Atlas, Tito Santana and Bull James Dempsey.
Impact from last night in Texas City, TX in a joint show with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling: Jordynne Grace b Alex Gracia, Jonathan Vega & Diego De La Cruz b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Moose b Mysterious Q, Brenden Steen won scramble over Ayden Cristiano, Cameron Cole, Bryan Keith, Will Allday, Isaiah, Josh Alexander, Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Ethan Page, Mad Man Fulton and Willie Mack, Brenden Steen b Josh Alexander, Sami Callihan DCOR Terrell Tempo, Michael Elgin b Moonshine Mantell (ROW champion) due to distraction from The North, Gino b Eddie Edwards, Tessa Blanchard won four-way over AQA, Hyan and Su Yung, Zack Zilla & Warren J b LAX, (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
MWE on 7/12 in St. Louis Park, MN at the Rec Center with Flash Gordon vs Kongo Kong. Nikita Koloff will appear on the show.
I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando: Carlos Gabriel b Jay Sky, JD Amazing b Caius Wolfe, Mike Reed b Danny Malo, Deon James b Antony Catena, Ali Mohammed b Reni Danilo, Chasyn Rance & Amber Nova & Lexi Gomez & Gia Roman b Blake Burke & Ahmed Ayuooti & Kaci Lennox & Dank the Clown, Josh Dawkins b Johnny Zekie, Aaron Epic d Andrew Marlin. Next show is 8/2 with Epic vs. Merlin 2/3 falls and Amber Nova vs. Blake Banks.
Tickets for Defy’s Defyane Forever show are on sale for 8/23 in Tacoma, WA at the Temple Theater which will include New Japan talent.
Innovate Wrestling on 8/10 in Kingsport, TN at the Civic Auditorium for Fire in the Mountain 2019.
Tickets for the 9/18 and 9/19 WOW TV tapings in Los Angeles at the Belasco Theater are on sale. Both nights are AXS tapings for the new season and start at 6:30 p.m.
RevPro today in London at the Cockpit: James Mason b Kenneth Halfpeny, Dan Moloney & MK McKinnan b Dan Magee & Kurtis Chapman, Gabriel Kidd b Jaxton Stone, Kyle Fletcher b Josh Bodom, Seleziya Sparks b Shazza McKenzie, Mark Davis NC Sha Samuels, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo b A-Kid & Carlos Romo, Pac b David Starr
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It is International Fight Week for the UFC, a full week of fan events capped off by what is traditionally presented as the biggest card of the year with two titles fights headlining in the UFC’s home of Las Vegas.
In the main event, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his next title defense against challenger Thiago Santos. Jones is looking to continue his reign of dominance on the 205-pound division as he makes his second title defense of 2019 after defeating Anthony Smith in March. Santos has won four straight fights, including his last three since moving up to the light heavyweight division, with all three of those wins coming by stoppage.
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes puts the bantamweight title on the line against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm. Nunes is coming off of her first-round knockout win over Cris Cyborg in December to become a double champion, and makes her next 135-pound title defense against the former champion Holm, who hasn’t fought in over a year.
Also on the main card is a welterweight fight with possible title eliminator implications involved as Jorge Masvidal looks to keep his momentum going against the undefeated Ben Askren. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold returns to action for the first time since February 2018 as he makes the move up to 205 pounds to take on Jan Blachowicz. Also, it is a battle of Ultimate Fighter winners as the original TUF champion Diego Sanchez takes on Michael Chiesa.
Among the preliminary card fights will be former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former UFC title challenger Gilbert Melendez returning from a long layoff as he fights Arnold Allen, and a women’s strawweight battle between Claudia Gadelha and Randa Markos.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
> Julia Avila (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Pannie Kianzad (11-4, 0-1 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
Avila with some leg kicks early on but Kianzad fires back with a right hand. They clinch and Kianzad has the underhooks. They trade knees in the clinch. Avila with a couple of big knees. Avila has the clinc advantage. Avila lands a right hand as they break and Kianzad fires back with a right. Kianzad with a high kick and they clinch again. Kianzad with a combo as she separates. Kianzad with another right hand. Avila lands a right. Kianzad with another right hand. She lands another combo. Avila now landing big punches against the fence. Avila with a knee in the clinch. Even on the feet but Avila landing the harder punches. Avila with a knee and elbow late. 10-9 Avila.
They quickly clinch up to start the second round. Avila lands a right hand as they break. Kianzad with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Avila with a high kick and Kianzad turns it into a takedown but they scramble to their feet. Kianzad lands a hard left hand. Kianzad lands a right hand. Avila lands a combo against the fence and they clinch. Both land as they break and Kianzad with a combo and another right hand. Kianzad with a combo as she urges Avila to come on. Avila now rocks Kianzad and lands lots of punches before they clinch. Avila is cut under her eye. Avila with a front kick to the body. Kianzad just misses a spinning back fist. Kianzad goes for a takedown but Avila scrambles. 10-9 Avila, 20-18 Avila.
Both firing away to start the third. Avila lands some punches as Kianzad covers up and backs to the fence. They clinch and trade positioning. They break and Avila drops Kianzad with a left hand and goes into her guard and lands more punches. Kianzad working for an arm but gives up her back and Avila looks to get the hooks in working for a choke. Avila now gets the mount for a moment, loses it and regains it. Avila has the back again working for the choke. Avila still working for it but Kianzad is fighting it off well. Kianzad survives the round. 10-8 Avila, 30-26 Avila.
Official Result- Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Rencountre with a leg kick and Naurdiev fires back with a kick that hits the arms of Rencountre. They tie up and Rencountre tries a throw but Naurdiev reverses it and they stand. Naurdiev with some body kicks and they tie up and scramble to the mat with Naurdiev in the guard of Rencountre. Naurdiev gets the back as they stand and lands a body kick on the break. Naurdiev with a right hand. Naurdiev with a knee and then some right hands. Rencountre grabs the single leg. Rencountre gets him down and they are against the fence. Rencountre in the half-guard looking to set up an arm-triangle. Rencountre with some body punches. Rencountre gets to side control as the round ends. 10-9 Rencountre.
Naurdiev with a high kick and Rencountre turns it into a takedown and has the back. Rencountre working for a choke. He flattens Naurdiev out and starts landing punches and gets his arm around the neck but lets go. Rencountre with more punches from the back. He flattens Naurdiev out again. Naurdiev spins and Rencountre is in the half-guard. Rencountre lands some elbows. Rencountre continues to land from the half-guard but not much going on. 10-9 Rencountre, 20-18 Rencountre.
They come out trading and Naurdiev lands a flying knee but Rencountre turns it into a takedown but they scramble back up. Rencountre lands a hard left hand. Rencountre rocks him again and goes for a takedown. Rencountre gets him down and takes the back and lands punches. Naurdiev spins out but Rencountre maintains top position. Rencountre remains on top but Naurdiev lands short punches. They get to their feet. Naurdiev with a late takedown. 10-9 Rencountre, 30-27 Rencountre.
Official Result- Chance Rencountre def. Ismail Naurdiev by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)
> Edmen Shahbazyan (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jack Marshman (23-8, 3-3 UFC) Middleweights
Shahbazyan with a leg kick. Shahbazyan lands a right hand. Shahbazyan shoots in and completes a takedown and starts landing big punches from the top. Lots of punches as Marshman is fighting to keep him off. Shahbazyan with side control and gets the back and has the rear-naked choke locked in and Marshman taps! What a performance from Shahbazyan, a real prospect.
Official Result- Edmen Shahbazyan def. Jack Marshman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round 1
ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Alejandro Perez (#14, 21-7-1, 7-2-1 UFC) vs. Song Yadong (13-4 1 NC, 3-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Yadong lands a right hand. Both men feeling each other out. Yadong lands another right. Yadong then drops Perez with a massive right hand and Perez is out cold and this is over. Wow, what a right hand by Yadong. Impressive finish.
Official Result- Song Yadong def. Alejandro Perez by knockout (punch) at 2:04 of Round 1
Gadelha with a right hand. Both women land punches. Gadelha lands a nice combo. Gadelha with another hard combo. Gadelha with more punches that land as Markos has been unable to score any offense. They both land punches inside the pocket. Gadelha with another combo. They both land late. 10-9 Gadelha.
Gadelha goes for a high kick but it doesn’t connect. Markos rushes in and misses her punches and backs away. Gadelha lands a combo. Markos hasn’t had much offense and Gadelha is being patient. They tie up and both landing in the clinch before breaking. Gadelha goes for a takedown against the fence but Markos defends. 10-9 Gadelha, 20-18 Gadelha.
Gadelha lands a couple of punches. Markos is doing almost nothing except circling away and throwing the occasional punch. Gadelha lands a short uppercut and then a left hook. Gadelha lands a right hand. Markos lands a left hand. Both land a punch. Markos lands a left hand. Markos with a leg kick but eats a counter combo from Gadelha. Gadelha with a right hand. 10-9 Gadelha, 30-27 Gadelha.
Official Result- Claudia Gadelha def. Randa Markos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Marlon Vera (13-5-1, 7-4 UFC) vs. Nohelin Hernandez (10-2, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Vera with some leg kicks early on. Vera with a body kick. They trade punches. Vera with more kicks towards the body. They trade kicks and Vera grabs the leg and gets Hernandez to the ground and has the back. Vera gets the hooks in and is working for a choke. Vera with punches from the back as he is trying to get a choke locked in. Vera now transitioning for an armbar. Hernandez escapes and starts landing hammerfists and elbows and punches from the guard of Vera. Hernandez with punches from the top and now grabs the neck of Vera. He looks for a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Vera.
Vera with a high body kick. Hernandez gets a takedown. Hernandez landing from the top and now stands and is throwing kicks to the legs of Vera on the mat. Vera finally gets up. Vera lands a knee and gets the mount as they go to the ground and lands elbows and Hernandez gives up his back and Vera gets the rear-naked choke locked in and gets Hernandez to tap. Big win for Vera.
Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:25 of Round 2
> Gilbert Melendez (22-7, 1-5 UFC) vs. Arnold Allen (14-1, 5-0 UFC) Featherweights
Allen with a high kick. Melendez with a combo. Both swinging punches that are missing. They trade punches. Allen lands a left hand. Melendez lands a right hand. They trade punches and Melendez with a body kick and Allen trips him up but Melendez gets to his feet. Allen with a jumping body kick. Allen lands a right hand and then a left to the body. Allen lands some punches against the fence. Allen landing more punches near the fence but Melendez circles away. Allen with more left hands to the body and then a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Allen.
Melendez with a leg kick. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a high kick and then a left hand to the body. Allen with a combo. They both throw wild punches and Allen gets the better of it. Allen with a left hand to the body. Allen landing with more volume here in the second. Melendez with a leg kick. 10-9 Allen, 20-18 Allen.
Melendez with a body kick. Allen tries a kick but Melendez catches the leg though Allen gets the clinch against the fence. Allen gets a takedown and is in the guard of Melendez. They get to their feet. Allen lands a high kick. Melendez circling around and landing a punch every now and then while Allen applies pressure. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a body kick. Allen with a jumping switch kick. Melendez lands a right hand late. 10-9 Allen, 30-27 Allen.
Official Result- Arnold Allen def. Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Diego Sanchez (29-11, 18-11 UFC) vs. Michael Chiesa (15-4, 8-4 UFC) Welterweights
Sanchez comes running out. Sanchez gets an early takedown but Chiesa calm and reverses. Chiesa now gets the back and is working for an arm but Sanchez escapes and is now in the guard. They work to their feet. Chiesa with a takedown but right back up. Chiesa with a knee to the body. They go back to the mat and Chiesa has the back. Chiesa landing punches and trying to set up a choke. Chiesa has it locked in but lets go. Chiesa landing elbows from the back. Sanchez escapes to his feet and has the back of Chiesa. They go to the mat and Chiesa back on top. Chiesa lands some punches from the top and then gets the back and lands some more. 10-9 Chiesa.
Chiesa gets a quick takedown. Chiesa working for a choke from the top. Sanchez giving up his back and eating punches. They get to their feet and Chiesa with some knees before he takes Sanchez back down and is just landing at will from the top. Chiesa landing more and more and Sanchez is in a whole lot of trouble. Sanchez tries for a kneebar but Chiesa rolls out and has the back. Chiesa flattens Sanchez out and landing lots of punches. This should be stopped. Sanchez just eating lots of shots. Chiesa tries for a choke but Sanchez somehow escapes and gets to his feet. Chiesa gets another takedown. Sanchez trying to roll out but Chiesa still has the back. Sanchez survives the round. 10-8 Chiesa, 20-17 Chiesa.
Chiesa grabs a leg of Sanchez and takes him down. Chiesa has the back and Sanchez manages to escape to his feet. They separate. Chiesa lands some punches and easily takes Sanchez back down. Chiesa gets the back of Sanchez. Sanchez is escaping every time Chiesa gets his back but Chiesa takes it right back. Chiesa with elbows. Chiesa has the hooks in but time is going to run out before he can find a finish. 10-8 Chiesa, 30-25 Chiesa.
Official Result- Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Jan Blachowicz (#6, 23-8, 6-5 UFC) vs. Luke Rockhold (16-4, 6-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rockhold right away with a high kick. He throws more kicks to the body and then lands a left hand. Rockhold shoots for a takedown but Blachowicz defending against the fence. Rockhold working hard for the takedown but Blachowicz defending well. Rockhold with some knees against the fence. Blachowicz lands a hard elbow. They break. Rockhold with a head kick and then a body kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Blachowicz just misses some punches. Blachowicz with a leg kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Rockhold just misses another. Rockhold with a spin kick to the body. Blachowicz lands some punches late that wobbles Rockhold and a kick that trips him up. 10-9 Blachowicz.
Blachowicz wobbles Rockhold at the start of the second. They clinch up and Rockhold lands a knee. Rockhold trying a weird strategy of tie-ups. They separate and then Blachowicz knocks Rockhold out with a nasty left hook. He knocked Rockhold down and then finished it with more punches on the ground. Big win for Blachowicz.
Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Luke Rockhold by knockout (punches) at 1:39 of Round 2
> Jorge Masvidal (#4, 33-13, 10-6 UFC) vs. Ben Askren (#5, 19-0 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) Welterweights
Oh my god. Masvidal knocked Askren out cold in less than 5 seconds with a flying knee. This was the absolute craziest thing I’ve ever seen in the UFC. Masvidal came running out with a flying knee than landed clean and Askren went out cold and he landed a couple of unneeded punches before the referee could actually stop it. That is the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history.
Official Result- Jorge Masvidal def. Ben Askren by knockout (flying knee) in :05 of Round 1
Nunes with a body kick. Nunes with a kick and then stumbles over herself. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes lands a head kick. Nunes lands a right hand. Holm with side kicks. They clinch and Nunes with a knee before they break. They trade knees in another clinch and Nunes briefly takes Holm down but they pop right back up. They trade kicks. Nunes with a right hand. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with a head kick that knocks Holm down and then she finishes it with more punches on the ground. What a great finish by Nunes as she remains the champion.
Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Holly Holm by TKO (head kick, punches) at 4:10 of Round 1, Nunes remains the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion
> Jon Jones (C, 24-1 1 NC, 18-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Thiago Santos (#2, 21-6, 13-5 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Both throwing kicks right away. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos just misses some high kicks but lands a leg kick. Santos with a body kick but Jones catches it and just misses a spinning elbow. Jones with a high kick. Santos just misses a left hook. Santos just misses a punch and Jones loses the mouthpiece. Jones with the oblique kick and Santos lands a counter punch. Jones with a spin kick. Jones with another spin kick. 10-9 Santos.
Santos with a leg kick. Santos landing punches that back Jones up and then lands another leg kick. Santos with a high kick that is blocked by Jones. Jones with a side kick. Jones knocks Santos down briefly with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a front kick. Santos backs up Jones by throwing some punches. Santos with a right hand followed by a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos throws some more. Jones with a spin kick. 10-9 Jones, 19-19.
Santos might have hurt his leg in the second round. Santos with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Santos with a high kick. Santos throwing punches and one connects as Jones backs up. Jones with a body kick and Santos falls on his butt for a second. Jones with a flying knee. Jones with some leg kicks. Santos with a leg kick. He lands another. Santos falls landing a high kick and Jones lands an elbow on him. Jones with a spin kick. They trade close. Jones with a head kick and then a side kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a spinning elbow. 10-9 Jones, 29-28 Jones.
Santos with a leg kick and lands a right hand that backs Jones up. Jones just misses a spinning head kick. Santos has slowed down some. Santos with a leg kick followed by a left hook. Santos with a leg kick. Jones just misses an uppercut. Jones misses a spinning back fist. The pace has really slowed here. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a leg kick. 10-9 Jones, 39-37 Jones.
This is a close fight heading into the fifth. Santos with a body kick. Santos lands some punches as Jones covers up. Santos with a leg kick. Santos just misses a left hand after landing a jab. Santos with a left hand and then another. Santos with a body kick. Jones with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a body kick and his knee is hurting from earlier. Santos lands a left. Jones misses a flying knee attempt. Santos with a punch. Santos catches a kick attempt by Jones. Santos with a leg kick. Crowd booing the end but this was a good fight. 10-9 Santos, 48-47 Jones.
Official Result- Jon Jones def. Thiago Santos by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47), Jones remains the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
