Tag: cain velasquez

Daily Update: Cain Velasquez, Hobbs & Shaw, Harley Race

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Raw is live on Monday from Pittsburgh.  Brock Lesnar will appear on the show.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday night in Detroit.

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX FROM HAMAMATSU AT 5:30 A.M WEDNESDAY MORNING ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Toru Yano & Yota Tsuji & Yuya Uemura vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Jon Moxley & Shota Umino
  • Juice Robinson & Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare vs. Jay White & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita vs,. Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi & Bushi
  • Sanada vs. Lance Archer
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • Will Ospreay vs. KENTA
  • Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil

F4W NEWSLETTER: Raw Reunion and WWE nostalgia

Joseph Currier looks at the successes and failures of WWE’s latest nostalgia episode.

WWE went back to the nostalgia well for last week’s Raw Reunion episode.

The show featured dozens of returns and was capped off by Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan all making appearances. Austin led a toast to Monday Night Raw to close the episode, with all of the returning wrestlers coming out and taking part in what was genuinely a sincere moment. Austin didn’t give out stunners to anyone. There was no one to come crash the segment. He spoke about all of the returners being a family, and it was intended to be a real celebration for all of them.

Raw Reunion also included an increasingly rare appearance by John Cena, D-Generation X, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall saved Seth Rollins from AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Bray Wyatt attacked Mick Foley and put him in the Mandible Claw, and there were nine 24/7 title changes. R-Truth started and ended the night as 24/7 Champion, with Drake Maverick (twice), Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, Kelly Kelly, Candice Michelle, Madusa, and Ted DiBiase holding the title between Truth’s reigns.

WON NEWSLETTER: August 5, 2019 Observer Newsletter: WWE financials breakdown, AEW TV taping details, more

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has details on WWE’s second quarter financials. Financially, things look great. But product popularity continues to fall, slowly but steadily.

We cover how WWE was able to beat most projections and bring in higher profits in the second quarter, even with most key metrics showing declines. 

We discuss how the company’s finances look going forward, as well as two big television deals on the horizon. 

We also have news on what could end up being the most important pro wrestling show of the year, AEW’s TV debut. We break down the two key busiess aspects to the story, and discuss what those in the TV industry expect in terms of ratings for the show. 

We cover Jerry Lawler’s lawsuit against Hardeman County, TN regarding the death of son Brian one year ago.

The new issue also covers C.M. Punk and the rumor mill that seems to follow him everywhere. We talk about the reaction to his discussion of AEW in a recent interview, as well as those who say they expect him to go back to WWE. 

We also have the latest on the SummerSlam card, and how the show is doing on the secondary ticket market. We also cover how the other WWE shows in Toronto that week are doing in terms of ticket sales. 

We have coverage of UFC 240 from this past weekend, and have business notes on nthe show, and also detailed television ratings for the prelims. 

There’s also a run down of the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows and 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.

SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE

We have three different weekend shows up on the site, a Friday show with Bugsy McGraw and talking AEW, a show last night covering G-1 and TripleMania as well as the latest news, and a show with Fumi Saito and Jim Valley talking Harley Race.

Colby Covington was the third most searched topic yesterday on the Internet with 200,000. President Trump called him up after his win over Robbie Lawler and Trump’s sons were at cageside for the fight.  There were more than 200,000 searches.  The only topics ahead were the shootings in El Paso and Dayton.  Harley Race’s was the 8th most searched term on Thursday with 100,000.  Cain Velasquez and the AEW sellouts did not track.

Hobbs & Shaw is estimated at $60.8 million for the weekend, easily No. 1.  That’s exactly at the $60 million mark projected by the studios.  The movie did another $120 million outside North America, the fifth largest worldwide opening in the history of Universal Studios.  It was No. 1 in 52 of 63 countries it opened in this past weekend.

My story on Cain Velasquez with quotes from his coach and AEW stars for MMA Fighting. Cody and Psycho Clown talked to ESPN about Velasquez.

Trevor Murdoch noted that a few days ago that Harley Race needed to be transferred from the hospital in Atlanta to St. Louis and take a Med flight because he was in bad shape.  Medicare wouldn’t cover it.  A call was made to WWE and Vince McMahon paid for it. 

WWE

  • WWE will debut a documentary on Kofi Kingston Sunday after SummerSlam on the WWE Network.
  • Matt Riddle threw out the first pitch at a Tampa Bay Devil Rays game and then did a running cross body to mascot Raymond.  This clip got a lot of sports coverage.  

UFC

  • Proper No. 12, Conor McGregor’s Irish whiskey, will be debuting in Canada after selling 200,000 cases in its first six months in the U.S,.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Ads for the first AEW TV show were played this weekend before Hobbs & Shaw at AMC Cinemas.
  • Harley Race’s World League Wrestling show went on as scheduled last night in Troy, MO:  Moses b Rahim de la Suede, Jaden b Colton Vaught, Lucy Mendez b Seishin,Jon Webb b Kenny Alfonso, Da’Marius Jones b Kyle Roberts, Deek Stone NC Camaro Jackson, Leland Race & Camaro Jackson &  Kenny Alfonso b Derek Stone & Jon Webb & Jaden.  (thanks to Patrick Brandmeyer)
  • Regarding Bugsy McGraw, whose book “Brute Power” comes highly regarded, here’s the Facebook page for the book, as well as the Amazon link if people are interested in purchasing it.
  • Stardom results from yesterday in Tokyo:  Saya Iida won three-way over Rina and Hina, Tam Nakano d Starlight Kid 15:00, Hazuki & Natsuko Tora & Jamie Hayter b Zoe Lucas & Bobbi Tyler & Ruaka, Kagetsu & Andras Miyagi & Natsu Sumire b Bea Priestley & Momo Watanabe & AZM, Utami Hayashishita retained the Future of Stardom title over Leo Onozaki, Hana Kimura & Jungle Kyona & Konami b Mayu Iwatani & Arisa Hoshiki & Saki Kashima (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • Jayla Dark from Scotland, after keeping her title yesterday on the Ice Ribbon show in Osaka, announced she would be retiring after a match on 9/28 for Pro Wrestling Eve in the U.K. against Tsukasa Fujimoto.  Dark follows Kris Wolf and Charlie Morgan this year in having retirement matches with Eve.
  • All Pro Wrestling on Friday night in Daly City,CA before 400 fans:  Steve Tesario won three-way over Aaron Solow and Wiseguy, Will Hobbs b Zicky Dice, Chavo Guerrero Jr. b Papa Esco, Marcus Lewis & Keita Murray b RJ Santos & Dom Kubrick, Dominic Teixeira & Derek Slade & Boyce LeGrande & Rik Luxury b Jody Kristofferson & Ring Crew Charlie & Alpha Zo & D-Dre, Levi Shapiro b Dave Dutra to keep Internet title, JR Kratos b Jake Frost, Shawn Spears b Matt Cross, Jake Atlas b Jacob Fatu to win APW Universal title.  Main event said to be outstanding.  I’m really surprised nobody has signed Atlas yet.  Nobody has improved more over the last year and he’s got star charisma. (thanks to Matthew Mann)
  • I Believe in Wrestling from Friday night in Orlando:  Mike Reed & Jake Shadows b Carlos Gabriel & Jay Sky, Lexi Gomez b Sofia Castillo, JD Amazing b Kwame Nas, Jarett Diaz won 12 way, Amber Nova b Blake Banks, Chasyn Rance b Deon James, Kaci Lennox b Gia Roman, Aaron Epic b Andrew Merlin.  Next show at the Dojo is 9/6 (thanks to Al Haft)
  • I Believe in Wrestling early earlier today in Orlando:  Ariel Dominguez & Jake Shadows & Jay Sky b Kwame Nas & Christian Mills & Ahmed Ayooti, Djokovic Rabbit b Jarett Diaz, Deon James b Cisco Sucio, Kaci Lennox b Gia Roman, Chasyn Rance b Aaron Epic to win Florida title
  • Wrestling Go from Friday night in Sydney, Australia:  Artificial Jude & Paris De Silva b Jason Dewhusrt & Nikki Van Blair, Will Kedis b Gatt, Bee Boy b Bel Pierce, Kai Drake won four-way over Matty Wahlberg, Robbie Eagles and Zac Reynolds, Jessica Troy b Mick Moretti, Silvio Milano won Battle Royal, Bee Boy won three-way over Kai Drake and Will Kiedis to win the Ewan Monkleigh Memorial Cup, Massive Q b Ricky South to keep the gold medal, TJ Perkins b Michael Spencer (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • There will be an autograph signing with Cryme Tyme, Godfather, Teddy Long, Ron Simmons and Chavo Guerrero Jr. on 9/28 from Noon to 3 p.m.  at Harry’s Hofbrau in San Leandro CA.
  • CWE this coming Saturday in Winnipeg at Buhler Park.
  • Rocket City Wrestling in Hazel Creek, AL on 8/17 has announced an ECW themed show with autograph signings with Jerry Lynn, Francine, Super Crazy, Raven and Sandman.
  • Mike Mooneyham talks “The Gathering,” a wrestling convention upcoming.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Lex Luger wins WCW title from Hollywood Hogan

CONTACT INFORMATION

AAA Triplemania XXVII live results: Cain Velasquez debuts

Posted on by Bryan Rose

AAA’s biggest card of the year, TripleMania XXVII, takes place tonight in Mexico City.

The card will be headlined by Blue Demon Jr. putting his mask on the line against Dr. Wagner Jr.’s hair.

AEW will be represented on the card, as a rematch from Fyter Fest will take place. Kenny Omega, making his AAA debut, will team with The Young Bucks to take on Pentagon Jr., Fenix & Laredo Kid.

In a most interesting six-man tag team match, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will make his professional wrestling debut, teaming with Psycho Clown and AEW’s Cody Rhodes against Taurus, Texano Jr. and a mystery partner. Cody is seeking revenge after an attack by his opponents several months ago.

Other title matches include Keyra defending the Reina de Reinas championship in a TLC match and Big Mami & Nino Hamburugesa defending the mixed Tag Team Championship in a four-way bout against AEW’s Sammy Guevara & Scarlett Bordeaux, Lady Maravilla & Villano III Jr., and Australian Suicide & Vanilla.

The pre-show starts at 8 p.m. EST on AAA’s Twitch account, with the main card starting an hour later.

**********

Astrolux, Arkangel Divino and Dragon Bane defeated Aramis, Arez and Toxin

This was a wild opener, exactly the kind you need on a big show like this. If you love matches that go 200 miles an hour with tons of hot spots, this is for you.

Dragon Bane and Aramis have good chemistry with one another, they start things off. Lots of fast action. Lots of dives to the outside that takes everyone out. Triple 450 splashes by Divino, Arez and Bane for a two count.

Astrolux came in and faced off against both Toxin and Aramis, then tagged in Divino who did a cool springboard super rana off the top rope. Toxin jumped on Divino and laid out Bane with a reverse rana. 

Bane did a crazy tornillo on the outside, with Aramis following up with a big dive. Arkangel cut off Toxin and gave him a hurricanrana to the outside that wiped everyone out. Astrolux soon followed with a running spanish fly to the outside. 

After all the wreckage, Dragon Bane landed a 630 on Arez for the win.

They opened with a ceremony that involved flags with the AAA logo and the two people who were in charge of AAA, founder Antonio Pena and Joquain Roldan.

Lady Maravilla & Villano III Jr. defeated Big Mami & Nino Hamburgeresa, Scarlett Bordeaux & Sammy Guevara and Australian Suicide & Vanilla for the AAA Mixed Tag Team titles 

In-ring wise this was just there. Lots of stuff going on. Some cool moves, and Hamburgeresa and Mami are way over, but they’re very limited.

Bordeaux and Vanilla went at it soon after the bell. She planted Vanilla with an iconoclasm as Suicide came in for the save. They took out Guevara with a 619 by Suicide into a German suplex by Vanilla. Suicide took out Guevara with a big dive.

Big Mami came in and confronted Bordeaux, then hit Vanilla with a Gory bomb. Maravilla and Villlano came in and confronted the champions. After botching some sort of double team maneuver badly, Villano lifted Hamburgeresa on his shoulders and planted him. They stacked both Maravilla and Villano together as Hamburgeresa hit a running cannonball in the corner.

Vanilla and Suicide came back in with stereo dropkicks as they took out people on the outside with splashes. Bordeaux and Guevara came back in, but Guevara was dispatched as Big Mami stinkfaced Bordeaux in the corner.

They built up to a spot where Hamburgeresa took out everyone with what I guess was a dive to the outside. That led to Big Mami laying everyone out with a crossbody to the outside. Back in the ring, everyone went after one another. Big Mami whipped Maravilla but she fell, grabbing her leg. Nino Hamburgeresa, who is currently in a love triangle between her and Mami, tended to Maravilla as Big Mami splashed Villano. Right before she was able to cover, Maravilla low blowed Hamburgeresa and rolled him up for the titles. 

Big Mami cut a promo after the match, calling out Lady Maravilla.

El Hijo del Vikingo, Myzsteziz Jr. and Golden Magic defeated El Nuevo Poder del Norte (Mocho Cota Jr., Carta Brava Jr. and Tito Santana & Pimpinela Escarlata, Mamba and Maximo

This was alright, much like the other matches with fast paced action. 

Everyone came out and did things to start things off. Mystesis, Tito Santana, El Hijo de Vikingo came in. Puedo de Norte came in dominated until Vikino took out one of them with a giant hurricanrana. Mamba took out Myzsteziz outside which allowed Pimpi and Maximo to come out with big dives. Golden Magic followed, then Vikingo, but I don’t know what he did because the camera freaked out upon execution.

Vikingo and Mystesis brought out a table. Back in the ring, Maximo was dragged out of the ring by Norte as Mocho did a big dive that sent Maximo through the table. Golden Magic took out Mamba and delivered a 450 but Pimpi came in and broke it in. Norte came back in, but Maximo and Mamba came in for the save. The other team all did stereo sunset flips for a near fall.

Pimpi took out everyone on the outside with a dive, Cota followed soon after. Brava and Vikino were in the ring as Vikingo landed a running death valley driver into the turnbuckle, then hit the inverted 450 splash for the win.

Pagano won the Copa TripleMania

The good news is that since the rules were explained this year, it was better than the other Copa Triplemania matches in the past. It’s still a battle royal, and not a very good one, but at least it was more coherent.

Daga and Eclipse Jr. started things off. Seems like minute intervals in between entrants. Drago came in, then Superfly, followed by Murder Clown, who came in and started to throw people around, including a fallaway slam/samoan drop combo on a number of wrestlers. Drago and Superfly took chokeslams.

Aerostar came next on top of a platform way above the ring. If you thought his last insane stunt didn’t scare him, well you’re right because he did a big crossbody at least 20-30 feet in the air. Monsther Clown. Aerostar ripped up Monsther’s mask; Monsther then retaliated with a steel chair shot. Puma King followed next.

Superfly was the first eliminated as Konnan came out next. He’s wearing a Donald Trump t-shirt. He low blowed Drago and watched as the Clowns and Daga beat up everyone else. Chessman entered next, then guess who? Vampiro. Konnan wasn’t happy about that. Vampiro took everyone out as he and Konnan went at it, with Vampiro eliminating Konnan. 

Pagano came next as Vampiro just straight up left without being eliminated. Averno came in, then Rey Escorpion, followed by La Parka, who i think is the last person in. Daga and Averno work together against Puma King but he fights through, taking out Averno with a top rope hurricanrana for an elimination. Chessman grabs Puma King soon over and dumps him to the outside.

Meanwhile, Dave the Clown comes in and distracts La Parka long enough for him to be rolled up and eliminated. Pagano and Daga went at it, with Pagano scoring the elimination over him by dumping him to the floor. Rey Escoprion comes in and legdrops Rey Escorpion. Despite working with him, Escorpion gets upset with Escorpion as he ends up getting eliminated.

The last two are Pagano and Chessman. Pagano hit a cutter that Chessman took badly as Chessman countered with a spear. Pagano fought back and finished him off with an air raid clash off the top rope for the win.

The lights went out as suddenly LA Park was in the ring with his sons. Park jumped Pagano and destroyed the trophy as the sons beat him up with a steel chair. He said a lot of words that I know are bad words. I believe he made a challenge to Pagano, mask vs. hair. He then said some words to Marisela Peña before leaving. I dont think this is the hair vs mask match people want, but it’s probably the one that is most feasible.

Keyra came out to the ring in a wheelchair, as she blew out her knee a couple of weeks ago. It seems like the title is now vacant and the winner of the TLC match will become the new Reina de Reinas champion. Chika Tormenta turned over her wheelchair and was beating on her when Ayako Hamada came out to take Keyra’s place. 

Tessa Blanchard defeated Lady Shani, Taya, Faby Apache, Chik Tormenta and Ayako Hamada in a TLC match to win the Reina de Reinas championship

This felt like a shorter version of a standard type of hardcore ladder match. Everyone worked hard and did spots you’d expect in a TLC match. A good brawl.

Hamada came to the ring and started beating on people with the chair. Lots of weapons. Taya introduced a staple gun and stapled 8×10’s on Tormenta’s forehead. Faby got the gun and put a few staples on Taya’s head as well.

Taya took out Hamada with chair shots as they were both on the ladder, but Tessa came in and took her out with a Canadian destroyer. Shani planted Tessa with a sitout piledriver. She introduced a piledriver as she gave Hierda a DDT into the tacks.

Tormenta set Taya on top of a ladder but Tessa attacked her and shoved her off the post, sending her to the floor and missing the ladder. Tormenta was taken out by medical staff as Taya and Tessa battled on top of the ladder. Tessa got the better of it and grabbed the title.

Faby Apache wasn’t happy and spat at Tessa after a confrontation. Taya also got into it with Tessa.

Cain Velasquez, Cody Rhodes and Psycho Clown defeated El Texano Jr., Killer Kross and Taurus

Killer Kross was the mystery tag team partner.

So if you’re wondering how Cain did, I can tell you…he looked good! He was protected well and did some cool spots, including a hurricanrana. The match as a whole was designed to get him over as a wrestler, and while the match wasn’t much to speak about it, it did its job well overall.

Psycho Clown and Texano start things off. Psycho gets the better of things and tags in Cody, while Taurus is tagged in. Cody hits a long vertical suplex and a superkick that sends Taurus tagging in Killer Kross. Cody motions to Cain and tags him in.

Nobody wants to fight Cain as they all tag in one another. Taurus tags in and landed a hurricanrana. Yes. Kross came in and after Cain slapped him, his partners came in and took out everyone. 

Texano came in with his rope and started attacking Psycho Clown in the ring as Kross posted Cain on the outside. He threw him back in which allowed Texano to whip Cain with the rope. Cain came back with a spinning heel kick to Kross as he and Psycho Clown double teamed Taurus, with Cody joining in. Taurus was taken to the outside where Cody did a suicide dive. Kross was set up on a table that collapsed as Psycho Clown went on the apron. Cody set it back up as Psycho splashed Kross through the table.

Cain grabbed Texano, rolled him around then put him in the kimura for the submission.

Cain’s wife and daughter were seen at ringside after the match. The rest of Los Mercenarios came in and jumped Psycho Clown as Cody and Cain chased them off, then celebrated with people at ringside, including a photo op with Marisela Peña.

Pentagon Jr., Fenix and Laredo Kid defeated Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks

This was real good, about on par with their Fyter Fest match. The crowd wasn’t as hot as that match, but it picked up towards the closing moments of the match, giving it a hot finish.

Nick and Fenix were in first and traded some really nice offense. Omega and Pentagon Jr. followed. The Elite hit superkicks on their opponents, but they countered with huge dives to the outside.

Matt worked on Fenix in the ring as Nick and Omega beat up the others on the outside. The Elite continued to dominate the match, putting everyone in stereo sharpshooters. Pentagon avoids a crossbody attempt by Nick as he fights off the trio. Fenix comes in and makes the save, with Pentagon giving Matt a piledriver on the apron.

Laredo followed with a spanish fly on Omega and a swanton by Fenix, but Matt pulled out the referee before he could count to 3. Lucha Bros. and Laredo Kid took everyone out with superkicks as a ref bump soon followed. A flurry of offense sends everyone down except Omega. Fenix hit a cutter, but the referee was still out. 

The Elite land a triple low blow as they all plant their opponents with powerbombs. Nick assisted with a double Indytaker, but Fenix pulled out the referee. Omega ripped off the mask of Fenix He lifted him for the One Winged Angel but Fenix grabbed the mask and hit a reverse rana that looked pretty ugly, he landed right on his head.

After an assisted package piledriver, Laredo Kid hit a 450 splash on Omega. They then hit another assisted package piledrive, this time on Matt. Laredo Kid and Fenix hit double suicide dives as Pentagon covered Matt for the win. 

Kenny Omega took the mic after the match. He told Fenix that he wanted his belt (AAA Mega title) and he’ll come back to Mexico to get the title shot. Fenix said he’s excited about this match and his answer is yes. Omega says he’s happy that he accepted his challenge, but he just made the biggest mistake of his life as he will prove that AEW is better than AAA.

Blue Demon Jr. defeated Dr. Wagner Jr. in a hair vs. mask match

This was one of the bloodiest brawls I’ve seen in some time. Both men bled early and by the end there was literal puddles of blood everywhere. Blood and guts is a term that’s been thrown around a lot recently; if you want to see a real bloody match, this is going to be it for some while.

They started outside of the ring as they brawled. Wagner was already bleeding about a minute into the match. Demon blasted Wagner with a beer bottle. Wagner took down Demon but Demon jumped right back. They brawled around the ring, and when back in the ring Wagner began to rip Demon’s mask.

Blue Demon, who is literally pouring blood out of his forehead, grabs a hammer and starts attacking Wagner with it. He sinks in a Fujiwara armbar, but Wagner grabs the ropes. Wagner throws him headfirst into a baking sheet on the post.

Demon applies another submission, but Wagner grabs a leg and gets himself free. Wagner tapped at one point, but heel ref Tirantes didn’t see it. Wagner rolled him up, but Demon kicked out. He also kicked out of the Wagner driver. After a third, Blue Demon’s entourage pulled the ref away. He came into the ring with a literal ragged looking rock. Wagner’s reps took Blue Demon away as Blue Demon blasted Wagner with the rock and got the pin.

After the haircut, Dr. Wagner Jr. said that he is officially retiring from pro wrestling. Cubsfan is saying he is literally booked for a match tomorrow, so write this one down. Blue Demon says that none of the Wagners will ever come close to being what his son will be.

Daily Update: AEW sells out again, Cain Velasquez, Jim Smallman

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

We’re two polls this weekend, for both NJPW G-1 shows in Osaka, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match from both shows to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]

We’re also looking for reports on tonight’s Raw house show in Fort Wayne, IN to [email protected]

CMLL TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN ON THE CMLL YOUTUBE PAGE

  • Super Astro Jr.& Oro Jr.vs. Espanto Jr.& Akuma
  • Microman & Gallito & Atomo vs. Chuamuel & Perico Zakarias & Guapito
  • Universal women’s title elimination match:  Marcela, Amapola, Metalica, Tiffany, Sanely, La Infernal, La Maligna, La Guerrera, Seductora and Avispa Dorada
  • Dragon Lee vs. Gran Guerrero
  • Rush & Ciber the Main Man & El Terrible vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Mr. Niebla & Cavernario
  • Caristico & Volador Jr. & Mistico vs. Sanson & Cuatrero & Forastero

IMPACT ON TWITCH AT 10 P.M. TONIGHT ON PURSUIT AND TWITCH

IMPACT ON IMPACT+ AT 11P.M EASTERN FROM SANTA ANA, CA AT ESPORTS ARENA

  • Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard for title shot
  • Rhino vs. Moose
  • Scott Steiner & Petey Williams & Jordynne Grace vs. ?
  • Taya Valkyrie vs. Jessicka Havok for Knockouts title
  • Ethan Page & Josh Alexander vs. Reno Scum vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack for tag titles
  • Michael Elgin vs. Eddie Edwards

COMBATE AMERICAS FROM TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT EASTERN FROM FRESNO ON UNIVISION, UNIVISION DEPORTES AND DZAN

  • Zoila Frausto (129.6) vs. Reina Cordoba (128.1)
  • J.C. Llamas (175.5) vs. Ivan Castillo (174.9)
  • Isaiah Batin-Gonzalez (135.5) vs. Jesse Strader (135.8)

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT IN OSAKA EDION ARENA AT 4 A.M. EASTERN LATE TONIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AND 9 P.M. SATURDAY ON AXS TV

  • Juice Robinson & Toa Henare vs. Ren Narita & Yota Tsuji
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Toru Yano & Jeff Cobb & Tomoaki Honma
  • Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi & Bushi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Jon Moxley & Shota Umino vs. Jay White & Chase Owens
  • KENTA vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Lance Archer
  • Will Ospreay vs. Evil
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Sanada

We’re looking for reports on Saturday night’s WWE Raw house show in Toledo to [email protected]

UFC FROM NEWARK, NJ ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON

ESPN at Noon Eastern time

  • Hannah Goldy (125) vs. Miranda Granger (125)
  • Claudio Silva (170.25) vs. Cole Williams (176)*
  • Mara Romero Borella (125) vs. Lauren Murphy (126)
  • Jordan Espinosa (126) vs Matt Schnell (126)
  • Lucie Pudilova (125.25) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (125)
  • Mickey Gall (169.75) vs. Salim Touahri (170)

ESPN+ at 3 p.m. Eastern

  • Kennedy Nzechukwu (205.5) vs. Darko Stosic (206)
  • Scott Holtzman (156) vs.; Dong Hyun Ma (158)*
  • Trevin Giles (185) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185.5)
  • Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Joaquim Silva (155.25)
  • Clay Guida (154.5) vs. Jim Miller (154.75)
  • Colby Covington (171) vs. Robbie Lawler (170)

MLW ON BEIN SPORTS AT 9 P.M. SATURDAY

IMPACT ON TWITCH AT 8 P.M. EASTERN FROM FLORENTINE GARDENS IN LOS ANGELES

  • Josh Alexander & Ethan Page vs. Tommy Dreamer & Rhino
  • Michael Elgin vs. Rich Swann
  • Moose vs. Eddie Edwards street fight
  • Sami Callihan vs. Willie Mack
  • Jake Crist vs. Ace Austin vs. Trey Miguel for X title

AAA TRIPLEMANIA FROM ARENA CIUDAD IN MEXICO CITY AT 9 P.M. EASTERN ON TWITCH

  • Copa TripleMania rumble match
  • Nino Hamburguesa & Big Mami vs. Sammy Guevara & Scarlett Bordeaux vs. Villano III Jr. & Lady Maravilla vs. Australian Suicide & Vanilla Vegas for mixed tag titles
  • Keyra vs. Taya Valkyrie vs. Lady Shani vs. Tessa Blanchard vs. Faby Apache vs. Chik Tormenta vs. La Hiedra in a TLC match for Reina de Reinas title
  • El Hijo del Vikingo & Golden Magic & Myzteziz Jr. vs. Mocho Cota Jr. & Carta Brava Jr. & Tito Santana vs. Pimpinela Escarlata & Mamba & Maximo
  • Cody Rhodes & Cain Velasquez & Psycho Clown vs. El Texano Jr. & Black Taurus & ?
  • Young Bucks & Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr. & Fenix & Laredo Kid
  • Blue Demon Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr mask vs. hair

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT IN OSAKA EDION ARENA AT 2 A.M. EASTERN LATE SATURDAY NIGHT ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Toa Henare & Yuya Uemura vs. Shota Umino & Ren Narita
  • Evil & Sanada & Bushi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. & Lance Archer
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
  • Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay & Yoshi-Hashi vs. KENTA & Clark Conners & Karl Fredericks
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Toru Yano
  • Juice Robinson vs. Taichi
  • Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb
  • Jon Moxley vs. Jay White
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi

Sunday has a Raw house show in Erie, PA.

Raw is live on Monday from Pittsburgh.  Brock Lesnar will appear on the show.

Smackdown and 205 Live will be taped Tuesday night in Detroit

F4W NEWSLETTER: Raw Reunion and WWE nostalgia

Joseph Currier looks at the successes and failures of WWE’s latest nostalgia episode.

WWE went back to the nostalgia well for last week’s Raw Reunion episode.

The show featured dozens of returns and was capped off by Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan all making appearances. Austin led a toast to Monday Night Raw to close the episode, with all of the returning wrestlers coming out and taking part in what was genuinely a sincere moment. Austin didn’t give out stunners to anyone. There was no one to come crash the segment. He spoke about all of the returners being a family, and it was intended to be a real celebration for all of them.

Raw Reunion also included an increasingly rare appearance by John Cena, D-Generation X, Kevin Nash & Scott Hall saved Seth Rollins from AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Bray Wyatt attacked Mick Foley and put him in the Mandible Claw, and there were nine 24/7 title changes. R-Truth started and ended the night as 24/7 Champion, with Drake Maverick (twice), Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco, Kelly Kelly, Candice Michelle, Madusa, and Ted DiBiase holding the title between Truth’s reigns.

WON NEWSLETTER: August 5, 2019 Observer Newsletter: WWE financials breakdown, AEW TV taping details, more

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has details on WWE’s second quarter financials. Financially, things look great. But product popularity continues to fall, slowly but steadily.

We cover how WWE was able to beat most projections and bring in higher profits in the second quarter, even with most key metrics showing declines. 

We discuss how the company’s finances look going forward, as well as two big television deals on the horizon. 

We also have news on what could end up being the most important pro wrestling show of the year, AEW’s TV debut. We break down the two key busiess aspects to the story, and discuss what those in the TV industry expect in terms of ratings for the show. 

We cover Jerry Lawler’s lawsuit against Hardeman County, TN regarding the death of son Brian one year ago.

The new issue also covers C.M. Punk and the rumor mill that seems to follow him everywhere. We talk about the reaction to his discussion of AEW in a recent interview, as well as those who say they expect him to go back to WWE. 

We also have the latest on the SummerSlam card, and how the show is doing on the secondary ticket market. We also cover how the other WWE shows in Toronto that week are doing in terms of ticket sales. 

We have coverage of UFC 240 from this past weekend, and have business notes on nthe show, and also detailed television ratings for the prelims. 

There’s also a run down of the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows and 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.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

We will be doing two shows today and one tomorrow, with a show with Garrett Gonzalez today and another tomorrow covering the latest news and G-1, plus Fumi Saito and Jim Valley and I are doing a show today on Harley Race. 

With all kinds of issues holding up ticket sales on the Ticketmaster end, it took three hours for AEW to sell out the 10/2 show in Washington, DC. There were 1,800 tickets up at one point on the secondary market, so as noted, the scalpers were ready for this one.  This is the first AEW show with any legit scalper buy aspects to it based on that industry sleeping on All Out.  There will also be about 1,000 tickets released within the next week or so after more production issues are figured out and seats will be released.

Cain Velasquez said in an interview today that he has two more dates with AAA after TripleMania. He didn’t say what they were but presumably that’s the Madison Square Garden and Forum in Los Angeles shows.  I do know that when the deal was made for Velasquez, the idea was he would do MSG if he didn’t fight on 9/21 in Mexico City, and he’s not fighting on that show.

This is a great article on movie stars and booking control including Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel and their demands regarding fight scenes

Jim Smallman, who has been the man in charge at Progress since its inception, officially announced he will be leaving the company at the end of the year. Smallman has been working and will continue to work for WWE U.K. running shows and creative.

WWE

  • The WWE vs. MMA edition of Celebrity Family Feud taped months ago will air on 8/18 on ABC with The Bella Twins, J.J. Garcia, Lauren Garcia, and mother Kathy against Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, Ryan Bader and Tyron Woodley.
  • For Monday’s Raw in Pittsburgh, you can get 25 percent off all tickets by using the promo code WWEKW.  The sale runs until Noon on Monday.
  • WWE and DK Publishing are releasing a book called Beyond Extreme, about the wildest matches in WWE history.
  • Kambi has put up the star ratings for both Takeover and SummerSlam for betting purposes. You can bet over or under (thanks to David Taylor and wweleaks.org):
    Candice LeRae vs. Io Shirai **3/4
    Shayna Baszler vs. Mia Yim ***1/2
    Street Profits vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly ****1/4
    Velveteen Dream vs. Roderick Strong vs. Pete Dunne ****1/2
    Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano *****
    Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus **3/4
    Finn Balor vs. The Fiend **
    Kevin Owens vs, Shane McMahon **1/2
    Natalya vs. Becky Lynch ***1/2
    A.J. Styles vs. Ricochet ****
    Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins ****
    Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton ***1/4

UFC

  • Jon Anik responds to Cris Cyborg’s criticism of his announcing.
  • Martin Bravo vs. Steven Peterson has been added to the 9/21 show in Mexico City. 

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Jon Moxley, Luchasaurus and Penelope Ford have been added to the Jericho cruise from 1/20 to  1/24. 
  • The first-ever singles match with Dragon Lee vs. Volador Jr. takes place on Monday night in Puebla.  The NWA world  welterweight title will be at stake.  It will stream live.  Also on the show has Electrico defending the Mexican national lightweight title against Virus.
  • The NWA tribute to Harley Race is at https://youtu.be/N0PkgQrOykY
  • A Missouri FOX affiliate with an article on Harley Race’s passing..
  • Race talks how he’d like to be remembered.
  • TJP vs. Damian Slater was announced for 8/31 in Perth, Western Australia for EPW.
  • Dan Severn vs. DCT  and Ken Shamrock & Carlo Cannon vs. Jonathan & Sean Preston are on the BCW show on 8/30 in Melbourne (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
  • Bellator announced a 10/12 show in Milan, Italy with both MMA and kickboxing.  The show will air on Paramount no a tape delay with Vadim Nemkov vs. Rafael Carvalho as the main event for the U.S.  There will be a live component that will air on Bellator’s web site in the U.S.and live on Ch. 5 in the U.K. featuring Melvin Manhoef vs. Yannick Bahati and Alessio Sakara vs. Canan Grigsby.
  • Bar Wrestling from last night in Baldwin Park,CA:  Jake Atlas & Heather Monroe & Andy Brown & Dom Kubrick b Yuma & NHK & Watts & Ryan Taylor, Luchasaurus b Brandon Cutler, Taya Valkyrie b Ethan Page, Delilah Doom & Eli Everfly won over Reno Scum, Phoenix Star & Zokre and Peter Avalon & Ray Rosas, Tyler Batman b Tommy Dreamer, Brian Cage & Scott Steiner b Joey Ryan & Orange Cassidy (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
  • PCW Ultra on 8/9 in Wilmington, CA has Josef Samael & Jacob Fatu vs. Homicide & Eddie Kingston, Mil Muertes vs. Dan Maff, Tessa Blanchard vs. Sumie Sakai, Jake Atlas vs. TJ Perkins, Matt Sydal vs. Artemis Spencer, Douglas James vs. Schaff  vs. Brian Pillman Jr., Daga vs. Puma King and a meet and greet with Barbara Blank, better known as Kelly Kellly.
  • Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins will appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS on 8/7.
  • Newspaper story regarding Davey Boy Smith Jr’s Great North Wrestling Triple Threat Match vs Ted Hart vs Hannibal next Saturday Aug 10 at the Petawawa Civic Center in the Ottawa Valley.  Rene Dupree and Wes Brisco will also be on the card as well as Max Testosterone and Lady Yasmine who are both participating in WWE’s Canadian Try Out in Toronto next week.
  • Ubisoft announced today that three iconic WWE theme songs will be making their way to the critically acclaimed Rocksmtih 2014. The three tracks include the entrance themes for Steve Austin, The Rock, and Chris Jericho. No word on if more are to come, but the songs will be available starting August 6th, 2019.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Ron Simmons wins WCW World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cain Velasquez’s debut, Fyter Fest rematch set for Triplemania XXVII

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With AAA revealing the card for Triplemania XXVII at a press conference today, we now know who former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez will be facing in his professional wrestling debut.

Psycho Clown, Cody Rhodes & Velasquez will take on El Texano Jr., Taurus and a mystery partner. Velasquez appeared at a press conference for AAA in March, with it being announced that he would be making his debut at Triplemania.

It appears that Texano & Taurus’ mystery partner may be Killer Kross.

Triplemania will also feature a rematch from AEW’s Fyter Fest event. The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix) will again team with Laredo Kid against The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) & Kenny Omega.

Triplemania will be headlined by Blue Demon Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. in a mask vs. hair match. The show is taking place at Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City on Saturday, August 3 and will air live on Twitch.

Here’s the full card:

  • Blue Demon Jr. vs. Dr. Wagner Jr. in a mask vs. hair match
  • The Lucha Bros & Laredo Kid vs. The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega
  • Psycho Clown, Cody Rhodes & Cain Velasquez vs. El Texano Jr., Taurus and a mystery partner
  • Reina de Reinas Champion Keyra defending against Lady Shani, Taya Valkyrie, Tessa Blanchard, Faby Apache, Chik Tormenta, and La Hiedra in a TLC match
  • Copa Triplemania battle royal (La Parka, Pagano, OGT’s, Puma King, Aerostar, Drago, and many more)
  • Hijo del Vikingo, Myzteziz Jr. & Golden Magic vs. Mocho Cota Jr., Carta Brava Jr. & AAA’s Tito Santana vs. Pimpinela Escarlata, Maximo & Mamba
  • Mixed Tag Team Champions Nino Hamburguesa & Big Mami defending against Sammy Guevara & Scarlett Bordeaux, Lady Maravilla & Villano III Jr., and Australian Suicide & Vanilla

UFC’s Cain Velasquez in Mexico City for Triplemania press conference

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

What was hinted about recently in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter may be announced Tuesday as former two-time UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez is in Mexico City for the Triplemania press conference.

As part of an angle, the 36-year-old casually made a remark about Lucha Libre not being real which led to AAA stars like La Parka and Psycho Clown wanting to show him how real it is.

Velasquez spent one week training at the WWE Performance Center last year and is a lifelong fan, as is training partner and UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier. Velasquez is under a UFC contract, so the organization would have to agree to allow him to do the show. They have been hit-and-miss over the years about allowing their fighters to do pro wrestling, but seem to have relaxed that in recent years.

Velasquez was the company’s flagship fighter in Mexico when it first expanded into Mexico City. Unfortunately due to injuries, and a loss to Fabricio Werdum due to miscalculating the affect the altitude would have on his legendary cardio, he never fully reached his potential in that market. But, he is still the biggest MMA name in the country.

Triplemania takes place on August 3rd at Arena Ciudad in Mexico City and is considered one of the two biggest pro wrestling events of the year in Mexico, along with the CMLL anniversary show that traditionally takes place in September. This year’s show is headlined by Dr. Wagner Jr. putting up his hair against the mask of Blue Demon Jr.

UFC on ESPN 1 live results: Francis Ngannou vs. Cain Velasquez

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN 1: Ngannou vs. Velasquez, which is taking place at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Octagon heads back to Phoenix for the first time in just over two years for their first full main card airing on ESPN headlined by a heavyweight knockout artist welcoming a former UFC champion back to action.

Heavyweight power house Francis Ngannou goes for his second straight win as he takes on former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez in the five-round main event. Ngannou is coming off a 45-second win over Curtis Blaydes in November. Velasquez fights for the first time since UFC 200 in July 2016, as injuries and contract talks have delayed his return, but arguably the greatest UFC heavyweight of all-time is looking to get back to action and a title shot with an impressive win.

In the co-main event, it will be a lightweight battle between action fighters as James Vick takes on Paul Felder. Also on the main card is a women’s strawweight bout between Cortney Casey and Cynthia Calvillo, as well as a featherweight bout pitting Alex Caceres against the UFC debut of Kron Gracie. Prelims will air on ESPN, as well as ESPN+, capped off by a pivotal bantamweight bout between Jimmie Rivera and Aljamain Sterling.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT

> Aleksandra Albu (3-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Emily Whitmire (3-2, 1-1 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Whitmire gets a takedown 10 seconds in. She’s the much larger fighter as she used to fight at bantamweight. Albu briefly up. Whitemire takes her back and secures a rear naked choke and gets the quick tap. 

Official result – Emily Whitmire (4-2) by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:01

That was the fastest submission in UFC strawweight history. She was so happy in her post-fight promo. She talked about how much she loved Phoenix. She plans to keep training hard and hopes to fight again soon. 

> Renan Barao (34-7 1 NC, 9-6 UFC) vs. Luke Sanders (12-3, 2-3 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Barao missed weight by 2 pounds)

Barao backs up Sanders with a front kick early. A leg kick from Barao stumbles Sanders. Sanders with a punch combo. Barao with a kick combo, including a hard body kick but slips after throwing another. Sanders lets him up. Sanders’ body is already starting to redden. Sanders bleeding from the forehead after a high kick. Sanders keeps trying to clinch but Barao wants to stay standing. Body strikes landed are 18-4 for Barao through 4 minutes. Barao lands a hard high kick and Sanders has a mouse under his left eye. Sanders throws down Barao at the end of the round but he gets right up. 10-9 Barao

Nice punch exchange 30 seconds in with Sanders landing the hardest one. Barao still throwing a variety of kicks. Sanders lands a nice punch combo that rocks Barao and then an elbow to the head. Sanders knocks Barao down and finishes him with punches. Barao was out cold when he hit the canvas. 

Official result – Luke Sanders (13-3) by TKO (punches) at 1:01 of Round 2

Sanders said it’s been a tough camp and he almost didn’t make it to the fight. He put over Barao as a legend of the sport. 

ESPN PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Scott Holtzman (12-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Nik Lentz (29-9-2 1 NC, 13-6-1 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights

Lentz gets off the first punch combo. Holtzman controlling the center of the Octagon. Another punch combo from Lentz that backs up Holtzman to the cage. Holtzman connecting with leg kicks. Holtzman with a nice punch combo. Lentz with a takedown attempt but Holtzman defends well. Lentz briefly gets him down but Holtzman right up. Lentz controlling the back, though, and landing knees to the back of the legs. Lentz keeps fighting for the takedown but never loses control of the back. He’s tripping Holtzman to get him down and trying to secure a body lock each time nad Holtzman has no answer for it. 10-9 Lentz

Holtzman pushing the pace to start round 2. Both guys landing nice kicks early. Holtzman rocks Lentz with a punch combo and goes for a desparation takedown but misses badly. Lentuz with a mouse under his left eye. Head strikes are 37-16 for Lentz. Lentz landing some hard punches of his own. He’s cut under his right eye now as well. Holtzman landing more punches to the head and Lentz bleeding from the nose. Holtzman defending a takedown attempt but allows Lentz to control the clinch. Lentz gets him down briefly. Holtzman up but Lentz secures a guillotine. It’s a weird angle and Holtzman doesn’t tap and gets up. Lentz controlling the back again though. Lentz gets another takedown with 30 seconds left. Holtzmn up quickly but Lentz still controlling him He’s 5/11 on takedown attempts. Tough round to score. I go 10-9 Holtzman and 19-19 overall

Holtzman’s corner told him he lost both rounds and needs a finish. It’s probably better to say that when you’ve got a close round and he might be right. Holtzman advancing to start and hurts Lentz with some punches to the head. Lentz firing back with punches as well. Holtzman blocks a takedown attempt. Lentz with a punch/kick combo. Holtzman landing hard punches but not even phasing Lentz. Lentz takes the back standing but Holtzman manages to break free. Lentz takes the back and drags Holtzman to the canvas. Hotlzman up but Lentz still controlling his body. Lentz 7/15 on takedown attempts now. Holtzman with elbows to the head as Lentz is working for the takedown. Elbows are doing damage and Lentz is barely holding on. Holtzman advancing and Lentz’ face is a bloddy mess. Holtzman landing hard punches standing and then a flying knee. Lentz with another takedown but Holtzman right up. Lentz controlling the body. 10-9 Holtzman, 29-28 but last two rounds were really tough to score. 

Official result – Nik Lentz (30-9-2) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

Crowd booed the decision. Lentz said he’s a tough opponent and probably a top 5 guy. 

> Ashlee Evans-Smith (#12, 6-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Andrea Lee (#14, 9-2, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Lee landing the harder punches to start. Smith with front kicks that are landing hard. Lee with a kick/punch combo. Lee with a counter punch combo. Smith almost exclusively throwing kicks and knocks down Lee with one but lets her back up. Lee down again and right up. Lee moves forward with a punch combo. Lee landing a lot of combos but not doing damage and Smith’s kicks are landing harder, making it difficult to score. Smith lands a series of jabs that back up Lee. Lee with a late takeddown and ends the round controlling the back. 10-9 Lee but very close

Significant strikes are 46-30 for Lee. Lee lands some kicks early and then attempts a takedown but stuffed. Lee with a punch/kick combo. Smith fires back with punches. Lee backs up Smith to the cage with punches and landing knees to the body. Smith bleeding from a cut under her left eye. Smith gets a takedown and lands right in side control. Smith just laying on her, not even attempting ground and pound. Lee gives up her back in and gets to her feet with 2 minutes left. Smith did no damage on the ground. Lee blocks a takedown attempt. She has a cut on her nose know as well. Lee with a 30-3 advantage in round 2 in significant strikes landed. Nice punch exchange with 30 seconds left. Lee blocks another takedown attempt and lands punches and knees to the body. 10-9 Lee, 20-18

Lee’s corner said that Smith had a tell when she’s about to shoot for a takedown. Lee lands a hard uppercut 45 seconds in. Smith attempts a takedown and Lee blocks it and lands some strikes in the process. Body punch combo from Lee. Lee with kicks to the legs and body. Smith is landing occasional punches but no combos. Smth stuffed on a takedown and Lee briefly attempted a front choke but let it go. Lee backs up Smith with a punch combo and Smith attempts another takedown but stuffed. Nice punch exchange with a minute left. Lee attempts a takedown and ends up controlling the cage clinch. Lee stuffs a takedown attempt. Smith does end up on top as the round ends. 10-9 Lee, 30-27

Official result – Andrea Lee (10-2) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

> Benito Lopez (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Manny Bermudez (13-0, 2-0 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Bermudez missed weight by 4 pounds)

Bermudez gets an early takedown and working for a rear naked choke but Lopez works him back to guard. Bermudez landing hard punches to the head and body. Lopez to his feet but Bermudez still controlling his body. Lopez takes control of the clinch. Bermudez with a couple of attempts at a standing guillotine. He uses that to drag Lopez to the ground. Bermudez secures a D’Arce choke and gets a quick tap.

Official result – Manny Bermudez (14-0) by submission (D’Arce choke) at 3:09

Bermudez wants to fight another unbeaten bantamweight next and brought up the names of Brad Katona and Shawn O’Malley. Either fight would be good and I could easily see them booking him against Katona. 

> Jimmie Rivera (#5, 22-2, 6-1 UFC) vs. Aljamain Sterling (#7, 16-3, 8-3 UFC)
Bantamweights

Sterling with a takedown attempt to strt and ends up controlling the cage clinch. Rivera takes control as the ref warns them to improve position. Crowd booing so they separate, which they like. Both guys throwing kicks from distance while standing. Rivera stuffs another takedown attempt. Rivera with elbows to the head. Ref warning them early to improve so he’s probably not going to let this go ontoo long. Sterling manages to get Rivera into the air but Rivera manages to fight off the takedown. Sterling with foot stomps. Crowd booing heavily again. Ref breaks them up with 90 seconds left. Rivera with a takedown attempt after ducking a head kick. Sterling with light punches to the head and Rivera targeting the body as he works for the takedown. 10-9 Sterling but close round

Sterling lands some kicks to open and Rivera gets a quick takedown. Sterling attempting a triangle from his back and kicks off Rivera to get to his feet quickly. Rivera blocks a takedown. Boos starting already less than a minute into the round. Sterling with knees to the legs. Ref warns them to improve. Rivera takes control and separates. Rivera with a punch combo. Sterling connects hard with a spinning back fist. Sterling has Rivera backed up and hurt. Sterling landing hard jabs and then punch combos. Rivera has dropped his mouth piece three times and the ref warns him if it happens again, he’ll lose a point. Rivera blocks a takedown attempt with a front headlock. Rivera with punches to the body and then lets Sterling up. Sterling with a nice punch/elbow combo and has a 30-8 advantage in significant strikes landed this round. 10-9 Sterling, 20-18 overall

Rivera catches a kick and Sterling slips but Rivera lets him back up. Sterling stuffed on a takedown attempt. Sterling landing jabs from distance and keeping Rivera’s back to the cage. Rivera landing occasional punches but his output has really slowed since hte first. Sterling ahead 74-31 in signficant strikes landed. Sterling slips while throwing a kick and Rivera pounces on him and moves into half guard. Sterling to his knees and then up fairly easily. Punch combo from Rivera. Rivera lands some punches and chases Starling briefly but Sterling regains center control. Rivera blocks a takedown attempt and has a guillotine as the fight ends. 10-9 Sterling, 30-27 overall

Official result – Aljamain Sterling (17-3) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)

Sterling asked for a rematch with Marlon Moraes, saying he got lucky the first time they fought. He thinks they should be fighting for the next title shot. 

ESPN MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Andre Fili (18-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. Myles Jury (17-3, 8-3 UFC)
Featherweights

Both guys keeping their distance early. Fili is landing occasional jabs from distance. Jury lands a couple punches but Fili way more active. Fili lands a hard jab that may have broken the nose of Jury as he’s bleeding immediately. Jury starting to time his jabs better in the 2nd half of the round. Crowd getting restless as not a lot happening. Fili mixing in leg kicks. Jury lands some shots that hurt Fili in the last 30 seconds. 10-9 Fili

Jury throwing jabs and leg kicks early. Fili answering back with jabs of his own and targeting the nose, which the corner stopped from bleeding between rounds. Head strikes are 16-9 for Fili. Nice punch exchange with both guys landing hard shots. Loud boos from the crowd. Not sure why cause action has picked up. Maybe something going on off camera. Jury has closed the gap this round in significant strikes landed and actually has more in the 2nd. Jury knocks down Fili with a spinning back fist and all over him with punches on the ground. Jury moves into mount but only 30 seconds left. Fili kicks him off and works Jury back to guard. Jury landing punches to the body as the round ends. 10-9 Jury, 19-19

Fili landing jabs to start the round. Jury with body kicks. Jury pushing the action but neither guy landing a ton in the first half. Jury starting to taunt Fili, who is still landing more jabs. Significant strikes are 26-14 Fili in round 3 with a minute left. Jury with a nice punch combo with 15 seconds left but too little, too late. 10-9 Fili, 29-28 overall

Official result – Andre Fili (19-6) by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)

Fili said he loves the sport but doesn’t get paid enough, which surprisingly draws some boos. Says he’ll be a future world champion. 

> Vicente Luque (14-6-1, 7-2 UFC) vs. Bryan Barberena (14-5, 5-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Barberena gets a nice hometown pop as he’s announced as being from Arizona. Barberena gets off the first punch combo while retreating. Barberena landing leg kicks. Luque is pushing the pace. Luque with a kick/punch combo. Luque hurts Barberena with punches but Barberena firing back, which the crowd love. Luque just picking Barberena apart though. Barberena with a nice punch combo. Luque mixing in elbows with his punches to the head now. They clinch in the center and trade body punches. Luque with a 23-8 advantage in head strikes landed with 90 seconds left. Barberena drops Luque with a punch and goes to the ground but Luque takes the back and secures a choke. Angle is not quite wrong but Luque squeezing. Barberena somehow escapes. Luque transitions to a D’Arce choke. Barberena escapes and landing punches and elbows as the round ends. 10-9 Luque

Both guys firing punches at the start of the round. Barberena looks fresher. Barberena with a nice punch combo 45 seconds in. Barberena rocks Luque with punches to the head. Luque answers with elbows to the head. Barberena walking away with his hands down. Barberena with elbows and punches the the head. Luque starting to target the body more. Barberena with a nice punch combo. Crowd exploding every time Barberena lands anything. Barberena cut under his right eye. Barberena with a nice punch combo. Barberena with a 60-54 advantage in significant strikes landed. Head kick lands flush from Luque. Luque cut under his right eye now. Great punch combo from Luque. Barberena with a great punch combo with 30 seconds left. Both guys throwing bombs and crowd going nuts. Barberena down after a body shot. Luque takes the back but Barberena up. Great round. 10-9 Barberena, 19-19

Both trade leg kicks early. Great punch exchange with both guys landing hard shots. Head kick from Luque backs up Barberena. Knee to the body followed by punches from Barberena. Signfiicant strikes landed are 97-95 for Luque. Both guys land hard shots to the head and get rocked. In 40 combined fights, neither has ever been knocked out, which explains a lot. Barberena turning up the pace at 2;00 and lands a ton of unanswered shots. Luque starts to block some of them and then firing back with elbows and punches to the head. Knee to the body from Barberena. Series of elbows to the head from Luque and Barberena fires back with punches. Barberena has a 37-28 advantage in head strikes landed this round with 90 seconds left. Luque with a punch/kick combo and Barberena briefly down but Luque lets him up. Both guys firing bombs with 30 seconds left and the crowd is going nuts. Luque landing hard shots. Barberena down and collapses and the ref stops it. This was one of the best fights you will EVER see and worth going out of your way to see. 

Official result – Vicent Luque (15-6-1) by TKO (punches) at 4:54 of the 3rd round

They embrace before the post-fight interview and both are going to get to speak. Luque says he’s getting married next month and his face won’t look too good. Luque says he’s a top ten fighter and just proved it. His 8 wins by finish are tied for 4th most in welterweight history. He may have needed the finish to get the win in a close fight and he pulled it out. 

Barberena got a standing ovation from the crowd. He put over Luque as a warrior. He says he’ll keep improving, get better and bounce back. 

> Alex Caceres (14-11 1 NC, 9-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Kron Gracie (4-0, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Gracie lands the first strike of the fight that backs up Caceres, a punch. Gracie takes the back standing. Gracie drags him to the mat, while still in back control. Gracie with a body lock and working for the rear naked choke. Gracie secures the choke. Caceres fights it for longer than he probably should’ve and taps as he was about to pass out. 

Offiical result – Kron Gracie (5-0) by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:06

Gracie started his promo by saying “Whoomp, there it is”. Crowd didn’t quite know how to take that. He says he’d like to fight again as soon as possible. Nick Diaz was shown in his corner but not identified. He swore and the audio was cut out and he apologized for it. 

> Cortney Casey (#11, 8-6, 4-5 UFC) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (#12, 7-1, 4-1 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Casey pushing the pace to start. Calvillo with a takedown attempt blocked and then lands a punch/kick combo. Casey with a punch combo. Casey lands a punch combo and tries to push Calvillo to the cage but she breaks away. Nice punch exchange with Casey getting the best of it. A couple of wild exchanges where both women land a bunch at the 3 minute mark. Calvillo with a partial takedown but lets Casey back up without going to the ground with her. Calvillo does some damage with a punch combo. 10-9 Calvillo, close round

Calvillo with an 18-8 advantage in leg kicks landed and that’s her main weapon early in round 2. Both throwing shots from distance and not really engaging and crowd starting to get restless 90 seconds in. Calvillo rocks Casey with a punch and takes her back standing. Calvillo kind of working a head and arm choke but Casey escapes and they separate. Casey blocks a takedown attempt. Calvillo with a punch combo with a minute left. Casey starting to land leg kicks at the end of the round. Crowd doing the wave and Anik thinks they’re reacting to the fight, which they’ve completely lost interest in. Calvillo closes with a great punch combo. 10-9 Calvillo, 20-18

Casey’s lead leg really bothering her between rounds because of all the kicks she’s absorbed. Crowd booing again a minute in as they’re again not egnaging much. Calvillo takes it to the cage clinch after eating some punches. Calvillo catches a kick and attempts a takedown but gives it up fairly quickly. Boos getting really lound at the midway mark of the round. Punch combo from Calvillo at 3;00 as the crowd starts singing the OLE song. Casey starting to throw more in bunches now but missing most of them. Calvillo with a punch combo. Calvillo with punches to the body and another leg kick. Total strikes in round 3 are 19-11 for Casey. Punch/kick combo from Calvillo. Both ladies throwing down like crazy at the end of the fight and the crowd finally cheers. 10-9 Casey, 29-28 Calvillo overall

Official result – Cynthia Calvillo (8-1) by unanimous decision (30-27; 29-28 x 2)

Crowd boos the decision despite the fact that Calvillo and Casey embraced afterward. Boos get louder during her promo even though she was putting over her opponent by saying how tough the fight was. They just didn’t care about her unfortunately. Says she wishes she’d have performed better and asked for a top 5 fighter next. Brought up the name Tatiana Suarez, which drew more boos. Then she spoke in Spansh and they cheered. Weird. 

> James Vick (#10, 13-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. Paul Felder (15-4, 7-4 UFC)
Lightweights

Both keeping their distance early. Vick lands a body kick for the first contact of the fight. Felder connects with a punch combo that stuns Vick. Vick really targeting the body early. Vick with a punch combo. Vick really making good use of his reach by connecting and backing away before Felder can reach him. Felder does connect with a spinning elbow and also starting to land leg kicks. Crowd getting restless again. Felder takes it to the cage clinch with a minute left. They separate quickly. Felder rocks Vick with 15 seconds left and takes him to the cage. Vick trying to just hold him and ride out the round. 10-9 Felder

Vick grabs the next standing but Felder fights off the choke. Vick in control of a cage clinch. Crowd booing heavily at the clinch work. Felder takes control and separates. Crowd booing so loud you can barely hear the commentators. Nice punch exchange follows with both guys landing hard. Felder continuing to land leg kicks. Felder rocks Vick with a punch combo. Vick lands a nice combo that backs up Felder. Felder with a spinning elbow that gets blocked but looked good. Vick clinches up on the cage. Cue the boos. Separation on their own. Vick lands a flying knee that backs up Felder. Felder with a punch combo. Felder with a hard leg kick that hurts Vick and he switches stances. 10-9 Vick, 19-19

Felder teasing the leg kick and Vick switches stances a couple times in the opening minute. Spin kick from Felder lands to the body of Vick. Felder with a punch combo and then clinches up on the cage. Felder with an elbow to the head and separates. Vick throwing leg kicks now. Felder lands a couple more and Vick is limping. Knee/punch combo from Vick. Nice punch combo from Felder. More leg kicks from Felder, 19 so far in the fight. Felder rocks Vick with a left hook to the body. Vick connects with a punch combo and moves in for a takedown. Felder defending well. They separate on their own. Great punch exchange with both guys landing hard. Felder clinches up on the cage with a minute left. Vick takes control. Separation with 30 seconds left. Felder with a 57-46 advantage in significant strikes landed and 23-14 in the 3rd round. 10-9 Felder, 29-28 overall

Official result – Paul Felder (16-4) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)

Felder said that UFC is in his hometown of Philadelphia and he won’t be ready to fight but he’ll be working the show and he wants Justin Gaethje, win or lose, for his next fight. Good callout. 

> Francis Ngannou (#3, 12-3, 7-2 UFC) vs. Cain Velasquez (14-2, 12-2 UFC)
Heavyweights

Cain is the massive crowd favorite here, returning after almost 3 years away and N’Gannou is booed as heavily as Cain is cheered. For the first time I can recall, at least pre-fight, Cain looks old. 

Cain bouncing around a lot early and throwing kicks. N’Gannou lands hard punches and knocks Cain down. Cain twisted his knee on the way down and N’Gannou finished him with punches. 

Official result – Francis Ngannou (13-3) by TKO (punches) in 26 seconds

Ngannou dedicated the fight to his aunt, who just passed away. He promised the fans that he’s back. Says he’s honored that Cain accepted the fight. 

Jon Anik called Cain a future Hall of Famer and Cain asked the fans to give it up for Francis and they gave him a nice ovation. He says he let himself get to close and paid the price. He says he’ll fight again as soon as he feels good again. He apologized to the fans and they gave him an ovation anyway. 

JNPO: 65 minutes of UFC & Bellator MMA talk

Posted on by Josh Nason

On a Presidents Day weekend edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, old friend Brian Martin, deputy sports editor of the SoCal News Group, returns to talk about Tunney, White, Washington, Lincoln, Obama, and Trump.

With a weekend featuring shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, yours truly and Brian go through several different topics looking at this weekend and even a little bit from last Saturday’s UFC even in Australia.

  • What do we make of the UFC’s strange middleweight division and who do we want to see the big players match up against next?
  • What do we make of Kelvin Gastelum’s Saturday walking around with a UFC belt and proclaiming himself champion?
  • Sunday features the return of “Sea Level” Cain Velasquez to the UFC following a two year layoff. What do we expect?
  • What are most looking forward to for Sunday’s ESPN debut show?
  • Why is Bellator’s biggest blood feud on DAZN instead of Paramount Network and why is the promotion running back to back events?

Hear all that and get some thoughts on why you should stay in for Valentine’s Day next year on the latest JNPO.

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Cain Velasquez-Francis Ngannou to headline February UFC on ESPN event

Posted on by Josh Nason

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez headlined the first-ever UFC main event on Fox and will now headline the first-ever main event on ESPN.

UFC president Dana White confirmed to ESPN’s Brett Okamato late Friday night that Velasquez will face former title challenger Francis Ngannou in the main event of the February 17th UFC Fight Night event in Phoenix — the first full card set for ESPN “linear” TV.

The 36-year-old has been on the shelf since defeating Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016. Injury-prone, Velasquez (13-2) has only fought twice since 2015.

The 32-year-old Ngannou (12-3) is coming off a first round TKO win over Curtis Blaydes last month, snapping a two-fight losing streak that saw him dominated (a January heavyweight title fight vs. Stipe Miocic) and an embarassing decision loss to Derrick Lewis in July in which he barely threw any punches. 

Velasquez was in the main event of the UFC’s maiden voyage on another network — Fox — back in November 2011 when he lost the heavyweight title to Junior dos Santos in just 64 seconds.

The UFC will debut on ESPN+ in January, officially kicking off a five year deal.

UFC’s Cain Velasquez visits WWE Performance Center

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez visited the WWE Performance Center this week.

After the 35-year-old Velasquez was in attendance for last night’s NXT television tapings, WWE.com posted an article today about Velasquez training at the Performance Center during his visit. WWE noted that Velasquez worked with Norman Smiley in the ring, participated in a DDP Yoga session with Diamond Dallas Page (who is guest coaching this week), and worked out in the weight room.

“My experience so far here at the WWE Performance Center has been amazing,” Velasquez told WWE.com. “All of the athletes here have been just really easy to talk to — ask questions and get good feedback. I’m just looking [forward] to being here and to learn as much as I can the time that I’m here. I’ve been a fan of the sport since I was a little kid, and now I get to participate in it, so it’s great that I have all this accessible to me.”

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani tweeted about Velasquez’s Performance Center visit: “Velasquez enjoyed his time there, I’m told, and is open to ‘options.’ He is healthier than he’s been in a while. His team wouldn’t comment on his contract status though.”

Velasquez was one of several UFC fighters who attended WWE’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in Las Vegas this February, which was one of Ronda Rousey’s first appearances for the company. He tweeted that he “could feel at home here” after the PPV and teased taking another title from Brock Lesnar. He didn’t mention whether or not he has legitimate ambitions in pro wrestling when tweeting a thank you to WWE today for inviting him to the Performance Center.

Velasquez won the UFC heavyweight title from Lesnar in 2010 and has had two reigns with the championship during his career. He hasn’t fought since defeating Travis Browne at UFC 200 in July 2016 and being pulled from a scheduled bout against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 207 later that year.

Cain Velasquez out of UFC 207 fight against Fabricio Werdum

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Additional notes added by Dave Meltzer

The holiday weekend wasn’t particularly festive for the UFC, as Christmas Eve brought a blow to next Friday’s UFC 207 card.

After days of rumors, ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported that Cain Velasquez is out of his previously scheduled fight against Fabricio Werdum after being pulled by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for medical reasons.

Velasquez took to Twitter after the news broke to express confusion about being pulled from the card. He said that he hadn’t heard that he was off the show and that he had been cleared by his doctor, but Okamoto then tweeted that NSAC executive director Bob Bennett had confirmed on the record that Velasquez’s license had been suspended because of the medical issue.

“Based on medical records, interviews and the best judgment of Chairman Anthony Marnell, Attorney General J. Brin Gibson, the executive director’s office and our physicians, in an effort to protect the heal and safety of the athletes, it’s been determined Cain Velasquez is unfit to fight,” said the commission.

“The financial incentive for fighters to compete is strongly compelling, and it is the responsibility and obligation of this commission to intervene when excessive risks are evident. It’s obvious Mr. Velasquez is physically compromised and competing would place him in significant physical risk.”

The status of the fight was put into question earlier this week with speculation that Velasquez had pulled out of the bout. Dave Meltzer noted in Thursday’s daily update that those rumors weren’t true, but that the former heavyweight champion had a back injury that would require surgery after the fight. The surgery was scheduled for January 4th.

Velasquez addressed the rumors and his injury status yesterday in an interview with Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting, where he said that the UFC asked him to get further clearance after he had revealed the injury.

Ronda Rousey’s return to the Octagon for the first time in over a year after her loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 headlines next Friday’s card in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rousey will challenge Amanda Nunes for the women’s bantamweight championship. Dominick Cruz will put his bantamweight title on the line against Cody Garbrandt in the semi-main event.

Velasquez vs. Werdum was scheduled to be the third fight from the top with the winner becoming the most likely challenger for heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic. It would’ve been the second fight between the two after Velasquez lost to Werdum at UFC 188 in his first fight back after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury.

UPDATE: In a statement, the UFC said that UFC 207 will proceed with 10 fights now that Velasquez vs. Werdum is off the card. That means that Werdum won’t get a replacement opponent.

JNPO: MMA Fighting’s Dave Doyle & UFC Fight Week’s 10 most intriguing fighters

Posted on by Josh Nason

36 fights. 72 fighters. Three shows. Lots of punches.

That’s what we’re looking at as International Fight Week kicks into full swing Thursday night as the first of three UFC shows in Las Vegas happens, headlined by lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos defending the belt against Eddie Alvarez on UFC Fight Pass. After Friday night’s TUF Finale show on FS1, the big one is upon us: UFC 200 — arguably the greatest card that has ever been assembled…on paper, anyway.

But with all of those fights and fighters, surely some stand out more than others, right? That’s why Josh brought in special guest Dave Doyle of MMA Fighting to help him preview the week in a slightly different way.

Both Josh and Dave jotted down 10 fighters competing over the next three days that they are most interested in seeing how this week plays out for. While there was a little bit of crossover, both guys had distinct picks and rationale for why they’re so intriguing to them. There’s a few names you might expect (Brock, Cain), but many that you might not expect.

Click below to listen to a special 45-minute conversation that will get you ready for all three UFC events!

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Cain Velasquez injured, out of UFC 196; Fabricio Werdum vs. Stipe Miocic now headlines UFC 196

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

A back injury has forced former UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez (13-2, 11-2 UFC) from his chance at regaining the championship next month. Velasquez has been forced to pull out of the main event of UFC 196, where he was scheduled to fight UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum (20-5-1, 8-2 UFC) in the main event of the February 6 event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Werdum will now defend the championship against Stipe Miocic (14-2, 8-2 UFC) at the event in the headline bout. UFC President Dana White made the announcement on Sunday on his Twitter page.

Cain Velasquez is out with a back injury. Stipe vs Werdum for the heavyweight championship February 6th. pic.twitter.com/vPRJYJvOjL

— Dana White (@danawhite) January 24, 2016

Miocic gets the title shot after scoring a 54-second knockout win over Andrei Arlovski at UFC 195 earlier this month. Miocic was expected to fight the winner of the bout between Werdum and Velasquez, but his title opportunity will come on less than two weeks’ notice. Miocic has won five of his last six fights overall.

It will be the first title defense for Werdum after he submittied Velasquez to win the championship at UFC 188 in June. Werdum has won six straight fights overall.

UFC 196 takes place from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Super Bowl Weekend and airs on pay-per-view. Former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks takes on Stephen Thompson in the co-main event.

The following was post to Cain’s FB Page after the announcement:

I’m sure you’ve heard the news that I won’t be able to fight at UFC 196. I can’t begin to tell you how disappointed I am and how I feel I’m letting you all down. I’ve heard and read all of your messages of support since my last fight and during this camp and for that I thank you.

Training camp has been difficult for the last few weeks, but sometimes no matter how much the heart and mind want to fight through an injury, healing has its own timeline. We thought we’d get through it, but we had to face the truth that it wasn’t going to be OK in time to fight. All of us fighters have all fought injured at one time or another, but I can’t ignore this injury, as my doctor has indicated that not addressing the problems with my sciatic nerve could have longer-term consequences.

My fans deserve to see me compete as close to 100% as possible. I’m committed to giving them that. I’m not going to let my fans down, and I want to make sure I do the right things to ensure a long career.

Fabricio, I hope that you accept my sincere apology. I understand how you may think this is an excuse. From one professional to another, I can tell you I was committed and looking forward to competing with you again. I greatly respect you as a fighter and man, and we will meet soon.

I will get this taken care of as soon as possible. I will heal and will come back and show you the Cain Velasquez you all deserve to see.

Sincerely,

Cain