Tag: charles oliveira

UFC 326 live results: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2 BMF Title fight

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Two bonafide future UFC Hall of Fame fighters step inside the Octagon to do battle this weekend as UFC 326 takes place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, airing on Paramount+ with a special two-hour block of fights airing on CBS for the first time.

The main event sees the UFC BMF Championship on the line as current title holder Max Holloway defends against Charles Oliveira. This is a rematch of a fight that never really got going over a decade ago when Holloway scored a win over Oliveria in August 2015 when Oliveira suffered an injury less than two minutes into the fight. Both men have gone on to become champions and carve out legendary careers heading into this rematch.

The co-main event is a middleweight bout between two men aiming to get back into title contention as Caio Borralho takes on Reinier de Ridder.

Also on the main card is a bantamweight bout between Rob Font and Raul Rosas Jr.; a lightweight bout pitting Drew Dober against Michael Johnson; and a middleweight bout between Gregory Rodrigues and Brunno Ferreira.

The Dober vs. Johnson and Rodrigues vs. Ferreira bouts, as well as a bantamweight fight between Cody Garbrandt and Xiao Long, and a middleweight bout between Donte Johnson and Cody Brundage, will air on CBS, the first two-hour block of UFC action on the station under the new media rights deal. That two-hour block begins at 8 p.m. eastern time.

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

> Light Heavyweights- Luke Fernandez (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (12-3-1 1 NC, 1-1-1 1 NC UFC)

Fernandez lands a knee to the body to start. Fernandez lands a leg kick and starts working the jab. Fernandez with a right hand and a pair of uppercuts backs Bellato up and they clinch against the fence. Fernandez with some knees as Bellato lands to the body. Fernandez lands a right hand as they break. Fernandez works the jab as Bellato lands a left hook to the body. Fernandez lands a solid right hand. Fernandez with some uppercuts in a brief clinch. Bellato lands in close range and drops Fernandez. Bellato starts teeing off on the ground and Fernandez gives up his back. Bellato with tons of shots and it is stopped! Bellato scores an upset in the opener.

Fight Result- Rodolfo Bellato def. Luke Fernandez by TKO (punches) at 2:42 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- Rafael Tobias (14-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Diyar Nurgozhay (10-2, 0-2 UFC)

Nurgozhay lands some straight left hands and a front kick to the body. Tobias swings and misses as Nurgozhay lands to the body. Nurgozhay with a leg kick and lands a left hand followed by a front kick. They trade and Nurgozhay grabs the body and they go to the fence. Nurgozhay lands a groin strike and Tobias is hurt as Nurgozhay is continuing to land and Herb Dean calls a stop to call timeout for the groin shot. They return to action and Nurgozhay lands a combination. Nurgozhay with a leg kick. Tobias lands a leg kick. Nurgozhay with a left hand. Nurgozhay lands to the body. Tobias with a high kick. Tobias lands a right hand but eats a counter combo from Nurgozhay. They trade and Nurgozhay lands a body kick. Tobias lands a right hand. They both connect in close range. Nurgozhay lands a right hand and Tobias lands a right hand. 10-9 Nurgozhay.

Nurgozhay lands a combo and a leg kick. Nurgozhay with a left hand. Nurgozhay lands another left hand. Nurgozhay with a leg kick followed by a left hand. Tobias isn’t really landing much. Nurgozhay lands a stiff left hand. Tobias grabs a leg but lets go and lands a combo. Tobias looks for a takedown against the fence but Nurgozhay grabs the fence to block it. Tobias is working hard for the takedown but Nurgozhay is defending. They separate. Tobias lands a big right hand and another punch and Nurgozhay is hurt. Tobias scores a takedown and gets the mount. Tobias landing left hands from the top. Tobias is looking to set up a choke but Nurgozhay reverses into the guard of Tobias. Nurgozhay landing big shots from the top. Nurgozhay stands and Tobias is just laying on the ground and is ordered up at the end of the round. 10-9 Nurgozhay, 20-18 Nurgozhay.

Nurgozhay lands a pair of body kicks. He lands another as Tobias lands a left hand. Nurgozhay lands a straight left hand to the body. Nurgozhay lands a left hand and a front kick to the body. Nurgozhay with some leg kicks. Nurgozhay lands a combination and a front kick to the body again. Tobias with a body kick. They’re trading in close range but not a lot of action is happening. Tobias forces a clinch and looks for a takedown but Nurgozhay defends. Both land a knee as they battle for position. Tobias gets Nurgozhay down and has the back and jumps on it as they stand. Tobias looks for a leg. 10-9 Nurgozhay, 30-27 Nurgozhay.

Fight Result- Diyar Nurgozhay def. Rafael Tobias by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- Sumudaerji (18-7, 5-4 UFC) vs. Jesus Aguilar (12-3, 4-2 UFC)

Sumudaerji lands an inside leg kick. Sumudaerji works the jab as Aguilar lands a leg kick. Aguilar with a calf kick as Sumudaerji just misses a jumping knee. Aguilar looks for a takedown against the fence as they clinch. Aguilar with a few short knees against the fence. They break apart. Sumudaerji lands a straight left hand and a low kick that hits the groin of Aguilar and timeout is called. They get back going. Sumudaerji with a pair of kicks. Sumudaerji lands a head kick. Sumudaerji with a wheel kick that Aguilar barely blocks. Aguilar lands a leg kick but eats a combo from Sumudaerji. Sumudaerji lands a high kick. Sumudaerji with a big throw takedown and he starts landing from the top, but they quickly stand. They trade punches. 10-9 Sumudaerji.

They’re both throwing various kicks to start the second but neither really landing. Sumudaerji lands a left hand. Sumudaerji scores a takedown and lands from the top. Aguilar gets Sumudaerji inside his full guard. Sumudaerji lands but they scramble up. Sumudaerji lands an uppercut. Sumudaerji with a front kick then lands a leg kick. Aguilar looks for a takedown but Sumudaerji defends and they trade late. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 20-18 Sumudaerji.

Aguilar throws a flurry but Sumudaerji grabs him and scores a takedown. Sumudaerji tries to keep Aguilar pinned but they get up, though Sumudaerji gets Aguilar back down to the mat. They scramble up and separate. Sumudaerji lands a front kick and a jab as Aguilar lands a right hand. Sumudaerji lands a jumping knee but it allows Aguilar to get a takedown. They get up and Aguilar lands before they break apart. Sumudaerji lands a body kick followed by a solid combination. Aguilar looks for a single leg as they push to the fence. Sumudaerji lands and Aguilar backs off. Sumudaerji with a spin kick to the body. Aguilar lands a left hand. Sumudaerji lands a big left hand and a big flurry late and Aguilar briefly went down near the end. 10-9 Sumudaerji, 30-27 Sumudaerji.

Fight Result- Sumudaerji def. Jesus Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Flyweights- Cody Durden (17-9-1, 6-7-1 UFC) vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel (9-1, 1-1 UFC)

Both land leg kicks early on. Durden shoots for a takedown but Tumendemberel grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine choke. Durden is able to get out and they get up with Durden still having body control. Tumendemberel is able to force separation. They trade leg kicks and Durden shoots for a takedown. Tumendemberel grabs the neck and uses it to scramble up. Durden back attacking the takedown against the fence. Durden gets another takedown but Tumendemberel gets to sprawl position and they stand. Tumendemberel gets a big takedown and is in the guard of Durden. Durden looking for an armbar from the bottom. Tumendemberel escapes and they get to their feet. Durden gets Tumendemberel back down but eats some hard elbows at the same time. 10-9 Tumendemberel.

Tumendemberel lands a left hand and they trade in close range. Durden looks for a takedown but Tumendemberel scrambles to the top, though Durden attacks the leg. Tumendemberel is able to take the back of Durden and is working for a choke with the body triangle locked on. Durden reverses and is now on top. Tumendemberel is able to reverse and is on top in side control. Tumendemberel with a big elbow and some right hands from the top. Durden attacks the leg but Tumendemberel gets out and they stand. Tumendemberel lands a right hand right into a takedown. Tumendemberel controlling the neck as he lands a short elbow. Durden gives up his back and Tumendemberel lands some punches though one was to the back of the head. They stand and Durden lands a right hand before the bell and Tumendemberel lands a right hand way after the bell. 10-9 Tumendemberel, 20-18 Tumendemberel.

They clinch right up and scramble to the mat and go to the fence with Tumendemberel on top. Tumendemberel gets the back but Durden escapes and jumps on the back of Tumendemberel as they’re on the feet. Tumendemberel shakes Durden off and is on top and lands a pair of elbows. They stand as Tumendemberel lands some knees. Tumendemberel gets the back as they go back to the mat. Tumendemberel with a right hand from the back and he starts looking for a choke. Durden is rolling as Tumendemberel keeps the back, but Durden ends up on top. Durden looks for an arm triangle choke. He has it locked in but Tumendemberel rolls and Durden lets go and is now on the back. Durden lands from the back. Tumendemberel shakes Durden off and lands a right hand and gets into side control. Tumendemberel attacks the neck. Tumendemberel lands after the bell again. 10-9 Durden, 29-28 Tumendemberel.

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

> Featherweights- Ricky Turcios (12-5, 2-3 UFC) vs. Alberto Montes (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

Turcios lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks and Turcios looks for a takedown, but Montes defends it as they’re tied up against the fence. They trade knees against the fence before breaking apart. Montes works the jab. Turcios lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Turcios pushes Montes against the fence. They break apart and Montes lands an elbow. Montes lands a combination then a knee as they tie up for a moment. They trade combinations. Montes lands an uppercut followed by two solid right hands. Turcios gets the clinch against the fence. Montes lands a knee to the body. They break apart and both land punches. Montes grabs the neck as they sprawl. Montes with a knee to the body as they stand. Montes lands a body kick followed by a right hand and another front kick to the body. 10-9 Montes.

They trade and Turcios looks for a takedown. Montes grabs the neck and locks in an anaconda choke. It is in deep and Turcios goes out! What a finish from Montes!

Fight Result- Alberto Montes def. Ricky Turcios by submission (D’Arce choke) at :40 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Donte Johnson (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Cody Brundage (11-8-1 1 NC, 5-7-1 1 NC UFC)

Brundage gets a takedown as Johnson went to land to start. Brundage pushes it to the fence from the top. Brundage is just holding on at the moment. Johnson with short shots from the bottom as Brundage isn’t doing much on top. Brundage with a few left hands from the top. Johnson scrambles and they get to their feet. Johnson lands some kicks. Brundage lands a right hand. He lands another. They trade punches. Johnson with a combo as Brundage lands a jab. Johnson lands a pair of right hands. 10-9 Brundage.

Johnson lands a little. Brundage shoots for a takedown but Johnson sprawls and grabs the neck. They’re just laying on the mat in sprawl position. Johnson looks to transition as Brundage just stays on his knees. Brundage attacks the leg and gets Johnson down and takes the back. Brundage lands two right hands from the back. Johnson tries to stand with Brundage on his back. Brundage attacks an arm. Johnson gets out and lands big shots from the top. Brundage gives up his back and is covering up as Johnson lands. Johnson has the neck and lands some right hands. Johnson continues to control the neck and land punches. Johnson stands and backs off to let Brundage up. Timeout is called for an eye poke by Johnson. They get back going and Johnson lands. 10-9 Johnson, 19-19.

Brundage shoots for a takedown but Johnson sprawls and grabs the neck. Johnson lets go and they stand. Johnson working the jab. Johnson lands a pair of leg kicks. Brundage lands a right hand. Brundage with a leg kick. Johnson lands a left hook. Brundage lands a pair of jabs. They trade left hands. Johnson lands a left hand. Brundage still mainly working the jab. Brundage lands a leg kick. Brundage with a stiff jab. Johnson cracks Brundage with a right hand and Brundage looks for a takedown. Brundage lets go and Johnson is pressing forward and lands a left hand. Brundage looks for a takedown but Johnson sprawls. They get back up. They both throw at the end. 10-9 Johnson, 29-28 Johnson.

Fight Result- Donte Johnson def. Cody Brundage by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Cody Garbrandt (14-7, 9-7 UFC) vs. Xiao Long (27-10, 1-2 UFC)

Garbrandt lands a combination. Long lands a pair of leg kicks then a head kick. Garbrandt looks to set up a takedown and lands a knee. Garbrandt with a left hand. Long lands a body kick. Garbrandt ducks under a punch and gets the underhooks against the fence. Garbrandt lands an elbow and Long goes to a knee but gets right up. Garbrandt lands a body kick. Garbrandt with a spinning elbow. Long lands a pair of leg kicks. Garbrandt with a leg kick. Long lands a head kick. Garbrandt gets a brief takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. They break apart and Garbrandt lands an elbow on the break. Garbrandt with a quick combo. 10-9 Long.

They trade leg kicks. They tie up as both look for a takedown but they end up separating. Garbrandt with a front kick to the body. Long still working mainly leg kicks. Garbrandt lands a right hand. Long with a right hand and a body kick. Long presses forward with some punches and a body kick. Long with a leg kick that trips Garbrandt up. They clinch along the fence but quickly break apart. Long with a body kick. Long with a head kick that Garbrandt blocks. Long lands a right hand. Garbrandt lands a knee. A clash of heads sends Long down for a moment near the end of the round but he gets up. 10-9 Long, 20-18 Long.

Garbrandt lands a leg kick. Long lands a groin kick and timeout is called. They resume and Long lands another groin strike, this one worse than the last one, and timeout is called again. Garbrandt was puking into a bucket during timeout but he is going to continue. Long has a point taken away and they get back going. Garbrandt rushes out with a flying knee. They clinch against the fence. Long with a pair of knees and one landed to the groin again. Timeout is called and Long has another point taken away. They get back to action. Garbrandt lands a right hand. Garbrandt with a quick combo but not much is happening. Garbrandt with another quick combo. They briefly clinch and Garbrandt lands a knee. Long with a head kick. Long lands a knee to the head. Garbrandt lands a knee as they separate. Long gets a late takedown and ends the fight on top. 9-8 Garbrandt due to the point deductions, 28-27 Long.

Fight Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Xiao Long by unanimous decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

MAIN CARD | 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

> Middleweights- #13 Gregory Rodrigues (18-6, 9-3 UFC) vs. #15 Brunno Ferreira (15-2, 6-2 UFC)

Nothing has happened in the first minute. Ferreira lands a right hand. Rodrigues lands a massive right hand and Ferreira goes down and is out and it is all over!

Fight Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Brunno Ferreira by knockout (punch) at 1:47 of Round 1

> Lightweights- Drew Dober (28-15 1 NC, 14-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (24-19, 16-15 UFC)

Johnson lands a leg kick then a left hand. Johnson with a combination and Dober backs up due to it. Dober lands a leg kick. Johnson with an inside leg kick. Dober connects with a left hand. Johnson lands a big left hand. They trade in close range. Johnson lands a leg kick. Dober lands a right hook. Dober lands a leg kick. Dober with a left hand and a body kick. Johnson lands a leg kick and a left hand. They both land left hands. Johnson lands a solid left hand. Johnson with a leg kick. 10-9 Johnson.

They trade to start the second. Johnson lands a right hand. Dober with a leg kick. Dober lands a body kick. Dober lands a leg kick and Johnson lands a counter right hand. Dober lands a solid left hand as Johnson lands a jab. Dober lands a massive left hand and Johnson goes down and is out cold! What a knockout by Dober!

Fight Result- Drew Dober def. Michael Johnson by TKO (punch) at 1:53 of Round 2

> Bantamweights- #13 Rob Font (22-9, 12-8 UFC) vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (11-1, 5-1 UFC)

They both land leg kicks. Font with a body kick. Font lands a stiff jab. Rosas Jr. lands a leg kick. Rosas Jr. lands a leg kick and spins out of Font grabbing the leg. Rosas Jr. works the jab. Font lands a pair of body shots followed by a right hand. Rosas Jr. scores a takedown. Rosas Jr. with some body shots from the top. They almost posture up but Rosas Jr. keeps it down, though they get back up. Rosas Jr. has back control and drags Font back down, but they stand. Rosas Jr. keeps dragging Font down but they always immediately stand. Rosas Jr. keeps back control as the round ends. 10-9 Rosas Jr..

Rosas Jr. gets a takedown and Font threatens with a triangle choke, but Rosas Jr. escapes and is inside the guard of Font. They scramble up and Rosas Jr. has back control. Rosas Jr. gets Font back down from the back, but Font is able to recover his guard. Rosas Jr. looks to transition to side control. Both land elbows. Font rolls out but Rosas Jr. is able to keep him down. Rosas Jr. sweeps to the half-guard. Rosas Jr. lands from the top. 10-9 Rosas Jr., 20-18 Rosas Jr..

Font lands a right hand. Rosas Jr. scores a takedown and lands some from the top before they stand. Rosas Jr. has back control and drags Font back to the mat. Rosas Jr. gets into the half-guard. They keep getting up and Rosas Jr. keeps dragging it back down and controlling and landing from the top as they go the distance. 10-9 Rosas Jr., 30-27 Rosas Jr..

Fight Result- Raul Rosas Jr. def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights- #7 Caio Borralho (17-2 1 NC, 7-1 UFC) vs. #8 Reinier de Ridder (21-3, 4-1 UFC)

Borralho lands a spin kick. Borralho lands some leg kicks. They trade and Borralho lands a right hand and de Ridder slips to the mat but he gets right up. Borralho lands a left hand and then de Ridder lands a groin strike and timeout is called. They get back to action. Borralho lands a leg kick and de Ridder lands a combo. Borralho with a left hand and a leg kick. Borralho lands a solid combination. Both land some solid kicks. de Ridder scores a takedown and has back control as they scramble. They get back up and de Ridder maintains control and gets Borralho back down. Borralho lands an elbow and they get up. 10-9 Borralho.

Borralho lands a leg kick. Borralho lands a left hand. de Ridder grabs Borralho and is looking for a takedown as he has the body lock. de Ridder ends up letting go and they trade punches. Borralho lands a leg kick. de Ridder lands a combination. They both land and clinch at the end. 10-9 de Ridder, 19-19.

de Ridder lands a knee and Borralho is able to score a takedown. Borralho gets the half-guard and both land elbows to the body. They end up getting up after not much action. Both land punches and Borralho lands a leg kick. de Ridder lands a combination. Borralho lands a body shot. They trade late. 10-9 Borralho, 29-28 Borralho.

Fight Result- Caio Borralho def. Reinier de Ridder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> UFC BMF Championship- C Max Holloway (27-8, 23-8 UFC) vs. #3 LW Charles Oliveira (36-11 1 NC, 24-11 1 NC UFC)

Oliveira lands a pair of leg kicks. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a right hand followed by a jab. Both land combinations. They are throwing big shots and Oliveira gets a takedown. Oliveira lands a knee to the belly and then stands. Oliveira goes back down in side control and lands some elbows. Holloway gives up his back and Oliveira jumps on it as they stand. Oliveira is looking for a choke and it’s on the face. Oliveira is squeezing but lets go as Holloway escapes. Oliveira with left hands. He now lands some elbows to the body. Oliveira looks for the choke again but Holloway escapes. Holloway survives the round. 10-9 Oliveira.

They trade right hands. Holloway with a quick combination. Oliveira lands a body kick and looks for a takedown and gets it. Oliveira gets to top side mount. Oliveira is working for a choke again. Oliveira gets the back and is trying to find an opening for a choke as Holloway is defending. Oliveira lets go and lands some big elbows. Oliveira has the back with the hooks on and lands some hard elbows. Oliveira looks for a choke. Holloway fights it off. The action stalls a little late in the round. Oliveira lands a right hand. 10-8 Oliveira, 20-17 Oliveira.

I don’t know what happened in the first two minutes of round three as the Paramount+ feed completely died, but it came back on with Oliveira on top and looking for the mount. Oliveira working from the half-guard and lands to the body. Holloway is pinned on the bottom and unable to escape. Oliveira lands an elbow. Oliveira lands from the top to end the round. 10-9 Oliveira, 30-26 Oliveira.

Holloway lands a leg kick and a right hand. Holloway having success with his striking. Oliveira shoots for a takedown and has the body lock. Holloway is defending. Oliveira gets Holloway down to the mat. Oliveira gets the mount and lands some big elbows. Holloway is trying to scramble out but gives up his back. Oliveira has the body triangle locked on but not a lot of action is happening. 10-9 Oliveira, 40-35 Oliveira.

They trade and Holloway scores a takedown. Oliveira is trying to sweep out from the bottom as Holloway lands some short punches from the top. They end up back on their feet and Oliveira scores a takedown. Oliveira working from inside the guard of Holloway. Oliveira lands a pair of elbows. Oliveira gets to the half-guard as he’s pressuring from the top. They get to their feet and Oliveira has the back. They both land right hands at the end. 10-9 Oliveira, 50-44 Oliveira.

Fight Result- Charles Oliveira def. Max Holloway by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) to win the UFC BMF Championship

UFC 326 Holloway vs Oliveira 2 Predictions

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC 326 goes down on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and the fight card is loaded with genuine finish potential from top to bottom. Here are my predictions for every bout on the card.

FightPickBest path to victoryBiggest riskConfidence
Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2Max HollowayHolloway’s volume striking at 7.20 significant strikes landed per minute, combined with elite takedown defense, makes him the more reliable minute-winner over five rounds.Oliveira only needs one clean scramble or grappling entry to threaten a submission finish.High
Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de RidderCaio BorralhoBorralho’s edge in striking output, stronger defensive numbers, and ability to keep long stretches upright point to a control-based decision win.De Ridder’s submission game remains dangerous if he can consistently force grappling exchanges.High
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.Raul Rosas Jr.Rosas Jr.’s pressure, finishing instinct, and current four-fight win streak make him a strong stylistic fit in a matchup built around pace and aggression.Font’s veteran durability and punching power can flip the fight if Rosas gets reckless on entries.Medium
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Matheus Nicolau FerreiraGregory RodriguesRodrigues brings the more complete finishing game, with credible stopping power on the feet and enough threat on the mat to dictate the terms.Ferreira is most dangerous in open striking exchanges where he can land clean first.Medium
Drew Dober vs. Michael JohnsonDrew DoberDober’s proven lightweight power and recent momentum give him the stronger upside in what projects as a standup-heavy fight.Johnson’s upset run shows he is still capable of disrupting expectations with speed and timing.Medium

Main Event: Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira 2

Holloway enters as a clear favorite at around -188, with Oliveira priced as a +188 underdog. The key stylistic argument is simple: Holloway’s volume striking at 7.20 significant strikes per minute (via UFCStats) will be the dominant factor if the fight stays standing, and his takedown defense, which is historically elite, should neutralize the biggest threat in Oliveira’s arsenal.

FighterOddsFinish Method Probability
Max Holloway-188KO/TKO: 40%, Decision: 45%
Charles Oliveira+188Submission: 35%, KO/TKO: 15%

Oliveira does hold a 5-inch reach advantage and a legitimate path to victory through his elite submission grappling. One scramble, one lapse in Holloway’s defense, and the fight is over. However, Holloway’s speed and sharp boxing should allow him to control distance and punish Oliveira’s forward pressure on the feet.

Prediction: Max Holloway wins by TKO, Round 4. Holloway’s output accumulates punishment over the championship rounds, and Oliveira’s chin, tested by Makhachev and Poirier, likely eventually buckles under the volume.

Co-Main: Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder

Borralho is a significant -235 favorite, with de Ridder at +180. Borralho averages 3.4 significant strikes per minute to de Ridder’s 2.2, and his striking defense sits at a superior 63% compared to de Ridder’s 44%. De Ridder’s path to victory runs almost entirely through his grappling, as he has 14 submission wins from 21 total victories, but Borralho’s takedown defense and scramble ability should keep this upright for significant stretches.

Prediction: Caio Borralho wins by unanimous decision. Borralho out-strikes de Ridder across three rounds, denies the takedowns often enough to earn the judges’ scorecards, and reasserts himself as a legitimate middleweight title contender.​

Main Card Predictions at a Glance

FightOur PickMethodConfidence
Holloway vs. Oliveira 2Max HollowayTKO R4High
Borralho vs. De RidderCaio BorralhoDecisionHigh
Font vs. Rosas Jr.Raul Rosas Jr.Finish ITDMedium
Rodrigues vs. Nicolau FerreiraGregory RodriguesTKOMedium
Dober vs. Michael JohnsonDrew DoberKOMedium

Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr.

At just 21 years old and riding a four-fight win streak, Raul Rosas Jr. is my pick here. Font is a durable veteran with genuine power, but Rosas Jr.’s finishing instinct and forward pressure represent a stylistic nightmare. Some markets imply a 76% probability of a finish inside 1.5 rounds.

Prediction: Raul Rosas Jr. wins by TKO, Round 2. His pace and aggression overwhelm Font, who has shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent outings.​

Gregory Rodrigues vs. Matheus Nicolau Ferreira

Rodrigues is the more well-rounded and dangerous fighter of the two, as in he brings legitimate finishing ability both on the feet and on the ground, while Ferreira’s primary edge lies in standup exchanges.​

Prediction: Gregory Rodrigues wins by TKO, Round 3.

Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson

Between them, Dober and Johnson have over 30 career knockouts and both operate almost exclusively in standup exchanges. Dober snapped a three-fight skid with a recent KO win, while Johnson has defied the odds on three straight upsets. Dober’s proven power at lightweight and current momentum edge him in this one.

Prediction: Drew Dober wins by KO, Round 1 or 2.​

Prelim Predictions

FightOur PickMethod
Cody Garbrandt vs. Long XiaoCody GarbrandtKO — comeback narrative fuels a sharp performance
Cody Durden vs. TumendemberalTumendemberalDecision — wrestling and pace grind Durden down
Sumudaerji vs. AguilarSumudaerjiDecision — striking separates him cleanly ​
Alberto Montes vs. Ricky TurciosAlberto MontesDecision — more well-rounded on debut ​
Cody Brundage vs. Dante JohnsonDante JohnsonKO — composure and power on display ​
Bolanos vs. LeeBolanosDecision

Finish-Rate Outlook

This card has an exceptionally high finish probability profile. The main event, co-main, Font vs. Rosas Jr., and the Dober vs. Johnson slugfest all carry strong stoppage potential. If the card plays out close to these predictions, expect seven or more finishes across the full slate, making UFC 326 one of the more action-heavy PPVs of 2026.

UFC 326 Picks: Holloway vs Oliveira, Rosas Jr vs Font

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC 326 gives MMA fans two very different matchmaking puzzles, with a five-round BMF title rematch between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, and a classic veteran-versus-prospect bantamweight test between Rob Font and Raul Rosas Jr. The odds favor Holloway at around -235 over Oliveira at +190, while Rosas Jr. sits near -218 against Font at +180, but the stylistic details matter more than just the raw price tags.

Holloway vs Oliveira 2 read

Holloway enters with a 27-8 record and elite volume numbers, averaging 7.20 significant strikes landed per minute with 59% striking defense and 83% takedown defense (via UFCStats).

Oliveira brings a 36-11 record with a very different profile, averaging 2.22 takedowns and 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes (via UFCStats), which explains why he remains dangerous even as the underdog.

The market has Holloway favored because his pace, durability, and layered boxing are built to punish opponents over time, while Oliveira’s path to victory here is far more dependent on creating chaos early or forcing grappling exchanges.

FightOddsKey stats
Max Holloway vs Charles OliveiraHolloway -235, Oliveira +190 ​Holloway: 7.20 SLpM, 83% TD defense ​; Oliveira: 2.22 TD Avg, 2.6 Sub Avg ​
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Rob FontRosas Jr. -218, Font +180 ​Rosas: 4.01 TD Avg, 1.1 Sub Avg ​; Font: 5.36 SLpM, 43% TD defense in recent stretch 

Why Holloway leads

Holloway is the more trustworthy pick here, because he can win minutes in several phases without needing to force a finish. He absorbs 4.74 significant strikes per minute, which is not low, but his own pace and shot selection have historically overwhelmed even elite names when fights move past the early danger zone and into the Championship rounds.

Oliveira’s 54% takedown accuracy and submission threat mean he is a genuine threat at all times, yet his 49% striking defense and the pressure Holloway sustains make extended striking exchanges a real problem for Do Bronx. My lean is Holloway by late stoppage or clear decision, because his style is better suited to a long, high-output title fight.

Rosas Jr. vs Font

Rosas Jr. may actually be the cleaner lock of these two featured fights, even though Holloway is the slightly bigger favorite on the board. The reason is stylistic, as Rosas averages 4.01 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submissions per 15 (via UFCStats), while Font has been taken down 11 times across his previous three fights and owns a 43% takedown defense rate in that recent sample (via UFCStats).

Font is still the sharper boxer with 5.36 significant strikes landed per minute and a 71-inch reach, so if he keeps the fight standing he can absolutely win rounds behind the jab. But over three rounds, Rosas’ wrestling pressure, top control and pace look like the most repeatable edge he has to get the win over the three rounds.

Best lock

If the question is which favorite looks safest on paper, the answer is Raul Rosas Jr. Holloway has the stronger résumé and deserves to be favored, but Oliveira’s finishing/submission danger makes that matchup inherently volatile. Rosas, by contrast, is facing an opponent whose biggest weakness lines up directly with his best weapon, which is usually what creates the closest thing to a lock in MMA.

Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira 2 Fight Preview and Breakdown UFC 326

Posted on by Jake Skudder

On March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Max “Blessed” Holloway defends his BMF title against former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira in the main event of UFC 326, a fight that carries legitimate career-defining stakes for both men.​

The First Fight and What Has Changed

Their 2015 featherweight meeting was anticlimactic. Oliveira sustained a neck and shoulder injury during a takedown attempt in Round 1, meaning he was unable to continue, and Holloway was awarded the TKO. Neither fighter was who they are today though, and since Holloway has become a legend of the featherweight division, captured the BMF title with a fifth-round knockout at UFC 300, and now holds eight wins over seven former champions, including Gaethje, Poirier, and a two-fight sweep of Jose Aldo.

Oliveira, meanwhile, built the most prolific finishing résumé in UFC history, captured and lost the lightweight title, and most recently submitted Mateusz Gamrot in Round 1 back in October 2025.

Tale of the Tape

StatMax Holloway (27-8-0)Charles Oliveira (36-11-0)
Age3436
Height5’11”5’10”
Reach69″74″
StanceOrthodoxOrthodox
Sig. Strikes/Min7.203.35
Sig. Strike Acc.49.56%62.66%
Takedown Avg/15min0.242.22
Takedown Defense83%40%
Submission Avg/15min0.302.61
Career Finishes1421

Oliveira holds a significant 5-inch reach advantage, while Holloway’s striking volume nearly doubles his opponent’s output at 7.20 significant strikes per minute (via UFCStats) compared to Oliveira’s 3.35 (via UFCStats). However, Oliveira’s 62.66% strike accuracy compared to Holloway’s 49.56% tells a more nuanced story…Do Bronx picks his shots carefully.​

Holloway’s Path to Victory

Holloway’s blueprint is simple but brutal: volume, volume, volume. He is one of the rare fighters whose output actually increases in championship rounds, and his takedown defense of 83% should blunt Oliveira’s most dangerous avenue. If Holloway can maintain distance and dictate pace, he will likely accumulate enough damage to earn a late stoppage or wide decision. His chin has been tested by the very best: Poirier, Gaethje, Volkanovski, and it has largely held firm. A long night on the feet is always going to be Holloway’s territory here.

Oliveira’s Path to Victory

Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins (17) and most finishes (21) in history. His path runs through the clinch: closing distance early, dragging Holloway into scrambles, and capitalizing on a single lapse in takedown defense. Holloway has not been tested extensively on the ground at lightweight, and one deep submission attempt could change everything on the night.

Oliveira has also knocked out fighters who underestimated him on the feet, boasting 10 career KO wins. If he can force dirty boxing exchanges and land his high-accuracy shots at close range, his 62.66% accuracy then becomes a targeted weapon that Holloway will have to deal with.

Finish Probability Breakdown

FighterKO/TKOSubmissionDecision
Max Holloway (-188)40%5%45%
Charles Oliveira (+188)15%35%5%

​Holloway enters as a -188 favorite, with Oliveira priced at +188. The odds reflect Holloway’s striking dominance on paper, but Oliveira absolutely has a chance.​

Holloway vs Oliveira 2 Prediction

This fight hinges on one question: can Oliveira survive Rounds 1 and 2 on the feet long enough to shift the fight to the ground? If yes, he’s dangerous. If no, Holloway picks him apart systematically.

Given Holloway’s elite cardio and championship-round output, expect the accumulated damage he puts on to lead to Holloway winning by TKO in Round 4 at UFC 326.

That said, Oliveira’s submissions have ended fights in the blink of an eye, making this an absolute must-watch for any hardcore MMA fan heading into fight week.

UFC 326 Holloway vs Oliveira 2 Main Card Start Times: US, UK, Australia and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder

UFC 326 lands on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, and the main card is headlined by one of the most stylistically explosive matchups in recent UFC history: Max Holloway defending his BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. With five fights across the main card and a historic CBS simulcast debut for the promotion, this is a must-watch night from the first bell to the last.​

Main Card Start Times by Region

The main card goes live at 6:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM ET, with the headliner expected to walk to the octagon no earlier than approximately 10:30 PM ET depending on fight finishes.

SessionPT (Los Angeles)ET (New York)GMT (London)AEDT (Sydney)CET (Europe)JST (Tokyo)
Main Card Starts6:00 PM9:00 PM2:00 AM Sun1:00 PM Sun3:00 AM Sun11:00 AM Sun
Est. Main Event~8:30 PM~11:30 PM~4:30 AM Sun~3:30 PM Sun~5:30 AM Sun~1:30 PM Sun

How to Watch: Broadcast by Country

This UFC 326 main card marks a landmark moment in the promotion’s US broadcast history, the first CBS simulcast under the new Paramount/Skydance media rights deal.​

RegionBroadcasterNotes
USACBS + Paramount+CBS airs first hour; full card on Paramount+
UKTNT SportsMain card from 2:00 AM GMT Sunday
AustraliaKayo Sports / Main EventPPV via Main Event; stream via Kayo
CanadaParamount+Full main card streaming
Germany/EuropeDAZNFull card coverage
JapanUFC Fight PassFull card streaming

UK fans face the toughest watch, a 2:00 AM GMT start with the main event likely not until 4:30 AM Sunday morning. The CBS simulcast in the US is a genuine milestone: it’s the first time a full UFC main card has aired on broadcast television in prime time in over 15 years, expected to draw record casual viewership alongside the hardcore audience.

Full Main Card

Here is the complete five-fight main card as confirmed for March 7:​

Fighter ARecordvs.Fighter BRecordDivisionStakes
Max Holloway (c)27-7vs.Charles Oliveira36-10LightweightBMF Title
Caio Borralho18-2vs.Reinier de Ridder17-2Middleweight—
Rob Font20-8vs.Raul Rosas Jr.9-2Bantamweight—
Drew Dober28-14vs.Michael Johnson24-18Lightweight—
Gregory Rodrigues13-5vs.Brunno Ferreira10-2Middleweight—

UFC on ESPN+ 119 live results: Charles Oliveira vs. Mateusz Gamrot

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Brazil for the first time since May 2024 as UFC On ESPN+ 119 takes place from the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

The main event is a five-round battle in the lightweight division as former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira takes on Mateusz Gamrot. Oliveira is looking to bounce back from a title fight loss to Ilia Topuria in June as he fights in Brazil for the first time since March 2020. Gamrot takes this fight on short notice, replacing an injured Rafael Fiziev, looking to score his second straight win.

In the co-main event, former UFC Flyweight Champion Deiveson Figueiredo looks to get back into the win column as he battles Montel Jackson, winner of six straight fights, in a bantamweight clash.

Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Vicente Luque and Joel Alvarez; a heavyweight bout pitting Jhonata Diniz against Mario Pinto; and a pair of featherweight fights as Ricardo Ramos takes on Kaan Ofli, and Lucas Almeida squares off with Michael Aswell.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT

> Bantamweights*- Luan Lacerda (12-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Saimon Oliveira (18-6, 0-3 UFC)

*Oliveira missed weight by eight pounds

Lacerda throwing punches as Oliveira lands a couple of low kicks. Oliveira lands a knee but Lacerda catches it and scores a takedown. Oliveira is able to sweep to the top, but they scramble up and are clinched. They trade knees. Oliveira trips Lacerda back down to the ground. They get up and Oliveira lands an elbow on the way up. Lacerda with a pair of knees as he reverses position. Lacerda gets Oliveira down to the mat. Lacerda with some elbows from the top. Oliveira throws some elbows from his back as Lacerda lands a few punches. Lacerda takes the back and is looking to set up a choke as he has both hooks on. Lacerda goes for a choke but Oliveira fights it off. Lacerda lands some shots. 10-9 Lacerda.

Oliveira rushes out and lands. They trade heavy calf kicks. Oliveira lands a combo and some kicks as Lacerda is attacking the body. Lacerda lands a head kick and immediately scores a takedown. Lacerda landing from the top as he’s keeping Oliveira pinned on the bottom. Oliveira lands some from the bottom but starts to give up his back. Lacerda flattens him out and is looking for a choke as he lands. Oliveira reverses to the top and lands some elbows. Lacerda trying to work for an armbar but Oliveira escapes and lands more from the top. Oliveira with some damaging elbows from the top. Lacerda locks in an armbar and Oliveira taps! Lacerda picks up the win out of nowhere.

Fight Result- Luan Lacerda def. Saimon Oliveira by submission (armbar) at 3:55 of Round 2

> Women’s Strawweights- Julia Polastri (13-5, 1-2 UFC) vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz (16-9, 9-9 UFC)

Polastri lands some punches as Kowalkiewicz mixes some leg kicks and body shots early. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. They trade kicks and Polastri hurts Kowalkiewicz with a punch. Polastri rushes in and lands as Kowalkiewicz was backing up, but Polastri backs off. They clinch and Polastri lands some knees and an elbow before they break. Kowalkiewicz lands some kicks. They tie up and Polastri lands some knees against the fence. Polastri pressuring and mixing knees, elbows and punches before they separate. Kowalkiewicz lands a combo ending with a body kick. Polastri lands a combination. Polastri hurts Kowalkiewicz again late and lands a big flurry to end the round. 10-9 Polastri.

Polastri comes forward and lands. Polastri lands a knee and a flurry of punches. Kowalkiewicz is backing up and Polastri is connecting at will with a lot of big punches, but she backs off. Polastri still stalking Kowalkiewicz down and lands a head kick followed by some stiff punches. Kowalkiewicz showing damage on her face. Polastri lands some hard calf kicks. Kowalkiewicz gets the clinch but Polastri is able to land some knees. Kowalkiewicz briefly gets Polastri to the mat and has the neck as they stand, but Polastri is able to escape. Polastri lands a left hook. They trade punches and Polastri lands stiff shots. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. 10-9 Polastri, 20-18 Polastri.

Both land some kicks as Kowalkiewicz is coming forward. Polastri lands a leg kick as they trade punches. Kowalkiewicz lands two solid right hands. Kowalkiewicz lands a combo. They trade left hooks and Polastri lands a head kick. Kowalkiewicz with a combo as she pushes forward. Polastri lands and Kowalkiewicz is circling away. Polastri lands a combo and Kowalkiewicz circles away some more. They trade punches. Polastri rocks Kowalkiewicz with a head kick and starts landing a big flurry before it is stopped. Polastri gets the big finish.

Fight Result- Julia Polastri def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz by TKO (strikes) at 2:56 of Round 3

> Flyweights- Lucas Rocha (17-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-1, 0-1 UFC)

Nicoll lands some early leg kicks as Rocha lands some punches. Rocha with a combo against the fence as Nicoll is circling. Rocha lands a flush right hand. Nicoll looks for a takedown but Rocha easily defends it. Rocha lands a body shot. Rocha attacking the body some more. Nicoll with a quick combo. Nicoll looks for a takedown and is able to get Rocha down. They quickly get up. Nicoll has the back against the fence. Nicoll lands a knee. Rocha is able to force a separation. Rocha lands a big uppercut and lands a knee. Rocha lands some more and Nicoll is able to land a right hand. Nicoll shoots and Rocha sprawls and Nicoll ends up on his back. Rocha lands a leg kick and lets Nicoll stand. Nicoll immediately shoots for a takedown but Rocha defends. 10-9 Rocha.

Rocha comes forward and lands. Nicoll with a spinning back fist. Rocha has been warned about eye pokes. Rocha lands a combination. Rocha lands to the body then the head. Rocha lands another uppercut. Nicoll shoots for a takedown but Rocha sprawls. Rocha lands a combo, mixing to the body and head. Rocha lands a combo ending with a knee. Rocha with another combo ending with a knee. Rocha landing and forcing Nicoll to retreat and shoot for desperation takedowns. Nicoll is on his back and eating leg kicks from Rocha. Nicoll is ordered to his feet. Rocha continues to land uppercuts and is mixing in the jab. Nicoll tries for a takedown but Rocha ends up on top and they stand as Rocha lands a body kick. They trade right hands and Rocha hurts Nicoll with a body shot. Nicoll tries a takedown, but Rocha ends up on top and lands to end the round. 10-9 Rocha, 20-18 Rocha.

Rocha coming forward and landing more to start the third as he scores with an uppercut. Nicoll lands a right hand. Rocha working the jab. Nicoll shoots for a takedown, but Rocha sprawls and has neck control. He lets it go and they stand. Nicoll lands a nice uppercut and combination. Rocha fires back with a head kick and a series of punches. Rocha with a combo ending with a knee. Rocha landing more punches and knees as Nicoll looks for takedown openings. They both do flashy kicks before Rocha slams Nicoll down and lands from the back before they stand. Rocha lands more body shots and a cartwheel kick. 10-9 Rocha, 30-27 Rocha.

Fight Result- Lucas Rocha def. Stewart Nicoll by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Bantamweights- Bia Mesquita (5-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Irina Alekseeva (5-3, 1-2 UFC)

Mesquita landing early and gets the clinch and scores a takedown. Mesquita immediately gets the mount and starts teeing off from the top. Alekseeva trying to play defense on the bottom but Mesquita is landing elbows and more punches. Mesquita controlling from the top as she is landing, but Alekseeva is defending. Mesquita lands some hard elbows. Alekseeva’s nose is busted up. Mesquita with some big shots from the top and huge elbows, but Alekseeva is saved by the bell. 10-8 Mesquita.

They’re feeling each other out. Alekseeva lands a leg kick. Mesquita is circling around and lands some right hands. Mesquita scores a big takedown. She passes guard right away and lands some punches. Mesquita gets the mount and then the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and Alekseeva taps! Complete domination from Mesquita.

Fight Result- Bia Mesquita def. Irina Alekseeva by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:14 of Round 2

> Heavyweights- Vitor Petrino (12-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. Thomas Petersen (10-3, 2-2 UFC)

Petersen shoots for a takedown but Petrino defends as they tie up against the fence. Petersen tries a trip but Petrino defends and lands as they remain clinched. Petersen working hard for the takedown as Petrino is defending. They finally separate. Petrino drops Petersen with a big right hand and starts landing from the top as Petersen is trying to scramble up. Petrino landing from the top but Petersen is able to play defense. They stand and Petrino has the body lock against the fence. They both land at the end. 10-9 Petrino.

Petersen lands to the body and Petrino lands a right hand. Petersen lands a right hand after Petrino lands to the body. Petrino looks for a takedown. Petersen is able to defend as they go to the fence. Petersen reverses. They are separated. Petersen looks for a takedown but Petrino defends. Petrino lands and Petersen stumbles around and takes the back as he stands. They go to the mat but scramble up. They separate. Petrino lands some big shots. Petersen with a short right hand. 10-9 Petrino, 20-18 Petrino.

Petrino lands an uppercut and short left hook as Petersen was rushing in and Petersen face plants and is out cold! What a finish from Petrino!

Fight Result- Vitor Petrino def. Thomas Petersen by knockout (punches) at :26 of Round 3

> Flyweights- Jafel Filho (16-4, 2-2 UFC) vs. Clayton Carpenter (8-1, 2-1 UFC)

Carpenter with a pair of leg kicks. Filho with some low kicks. Filho lands solidly. Carpenter lands a left hook and a combo against the fence as they tie up. Carpenter with some knees. Filho gets it down and has the back and gets the hooks in. Filho landing and working from the back of Carpenter. Carpenter is able to spin into the guard of Filho and he lands. Filho attacks the kimura. He has it locked in and uses it to sweep and Carpenter taps! What a finish from Filho!

Fight Result- Jafel Filho def. Clayton Carpenter by submission (kimura) at 4:42 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Lucas Almeida (15-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Michael Aswell (10-3, 0-1 UFC)

Aswell rushes forward and throws as Almeida lands a leg kick. Aswell with a body kick. Aswell lands two big right hands that stunned Almeida. Aswell lands a stiff jab. Aswell with another right hand and he then drops Almeida with a punch. Aswell is landing as Almeida stands. Aswell drops Almeida with a left hook and continues to land as Almeida stands. Aswell with another right hand and Almeida goes down. Aswell gets on top and is landing big punches and elbows and it is over! What a performance from Aswell!

Fight Result- Michael Aswell def. Lucas Almeida by TKO (strikes) at 1:42 of Round 1

ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Featherweights- Ricardo Ramos (17-7, 8-6 UFC) vs. Kaan Ofli (11-4-1, 0-2 UFC)

Ramos circling around and they trade leg kicks. Ramos throws a high kick but Ofli catches it and gets a takedown. Ramos looks for a kneebar and Ofli is fighting it. Ramos still looking for it but Ofli is able to scramble out. Ofli gets the back of Ramos and is looking for a choke. They stand with Ofli on Ramos’ back. They’re hand fighting and Ofli is able to lock in a deep choke and Ramos taps! Ofli gets the submission win.

Fight Result- Kaan Ofli def. Ricardo Ramos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:02 of Round 1

> Heavyweights- Jhonata Diniz (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Mario Pinto (10-0, 1-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Pinto scores a takedown. They get up almost right away, but Pinto takes it right back down and is in side control. Pinto works and gets the full mount but Diniz is able to escape. Pinto gets it back and lands a couple of elbows. Pinto moves to the half-guard as he remains on top. Pinto gets the crucifix position and is landing elbows. Pinto with more elbows as Diniz is trying to escape. Pinto looks for a kimura. Pinto goes back to the mount. Diniz rolls over but Pinto still has the arm. Pinto now with a mounted triangle but he moves back to the half-guard and lands an elbow. Pinto ends the round on top. 10-9 Pinto.

Pinto looks for a single leg and pushes Diniz to the fence. Pinto gets the takedown and is in the half-guard of Diniz. Pinto landing from the top and keeping Diniz on the bottom. Diniz tries to scramble up, but Pinto keeps him down and gets the mount. Pinto lands some big elbows. Pinto landing lots of shots from the top and the referee steps in and stops it. Pinto picks up a dominant win.

Fight Result- Mario Pinto def. Jhonata Diniz by TKO (strikes) at 4:10 of Round 2

> Welterweights- Vicente Luque (23-11-1, 16-7 UFC) vs. Joel Alvarez (22-3, 7-2 UFC)

Alvarez working the jab. Alvarez landing stiff jabs. Luque lands a leg kick. Alvarez with a left hand then goes back to the jab. Luque with another leg kick as Alvarez lands the jab. Alvarez lands a right hand. Luque with an inside leg kick followed by a right hand. Alvarez working the jab and left hook. Luque lands a left hook but gets poked in the eye at the same time, so timeout is called. It was actually a punch and not an eye poke. They get back going and are trading punches. Both land some big shots inside the pocket. Luque lands a left hook and a right hand. Alvarez lands a combination. Alvarez lands a hard leg kick. 10-9 Alvarez.

They’re trading punches and Alvarez lands a jumping knee. They trade leg kicks. Alvarez lands a combo and a leg kick. Luque looks for a takedown but Alvarez ends up on top. Alvarez with a bunch of punches from the top. Alvarez looks for a D’Arce choke. He lets go and gets the back. Alvarez with lots of punches as Luque is covering up. Alvarez with punches and elbows to the body of Luque as Luque is just holding onto an arm in the turtle position. Alvarez with another flurry of lots of punches. Luque rolls but Alvarez continues to land lots of shots. Alvarez with lots more punches from the top. 10-8 Alvarez, 20-17 Alvarez.

They exchange jabs as Alvarez lands a leg kick. Alvarez lands a combination as Luque lands a leg kick. Luque lands a right hand. Luque looks for a takedown but Alvarez ends up on top. Luque still looking for a leg and Alvarez is landing to the body. There is nothing happening right now. Alvarez with body shots. 10-9 Alvarez, 30-26 Alvarez.

Fight Result- Joel Alvarez def. Vicente Luque by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Bantamweights- #6 Deiveson Figueiredo (24-5-1, 13-5-1 UFC) vs. #15 Montel Jackson (15-2, 9-2 UFC)

Figueiredo with a body kick. They tie up and Figueiredo scores a takedown. Jackson is able to force a scramble up and they separate. Jackson with a leg kick. Figueiredo with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Figueiredo lands a right hand. Figueiredo with a body kick. 10-9 Figueiredo.

Figueiredo scores a takedown and gets to side control. He gets the mount and sets up an arm-triangle choke. He almost had it locked in but Jackson is able to roll through and escape, but Figueiredo has back control. They scramble up and separate. Jackson lands a combination. They trade leg kicks. Jackson with a low kick. Figueiredo lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Figueiredo lands a combination. 10-9 Figueiredo, 20-18 Figueiredo.

Figueiredo pressing forward and lands a kick. Figueiredo with a leg kick as both are looking to establish their range. They trade but both are still being patient. Jackson gets a brief takedown. Figueiredo lands some leg kicks on the feet. Figueiredo lands a body kick and a right hand. 10-9 Jackson, 29-28 Figueiredo.

Fight Result- Deiveson Figueiredo def. Montel Jackson by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #4 Charles Oliveira (35-11 1 NC, 23-11 1 NC UFC) vs. #8 Mateusz Gamrot (25-3 1 NC, 8-3 UFC)

Oliveira with some leg kicks. They trade right hands and trade right hands again. They go to the mat and Oliveira looks for an arm. They scramble and Oliveira takes the back of Gamrot. Oliveira gets the hooks locked on and is looking for a choke. Gamrot is trying to escape but Oliveira keeps back control as they scramble. Oliveira keeps back control. 10-9 Oliveira.

Gamrot with a combo. Gamrot with a right hand and Oliveira lands a counter right hand of his own. Oliveira with a pair of leg kicks. Oliveira with a left hand after Gamrot misses his punches. They trade in close range. Oliveira scores a takedown and works to the back of Gamrot. Oliveira working for a choke and has one locked on. Gamrot taps! Oliveira gets the big submission win!

Fight Result- Charles Oliveira def. Mateusz Gamrot by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:48 of Round 2

UFC 317 live results: Two title fights in Las Vegas

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

It’s UFC International Fight Week as the promotion celebrates with all sorts of events in their home city of Las Vegas, capped off by UFC 317 taking place at the T-Mobile Arena.

The main event sees the vacant UFC lightweight championship on the line as former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria takes on former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. The title became vacant following Islam Makhachev’s decision to move up a weight class to challenge for the welterweight title.

Topuria is moving up a weight class after vacating a title himself, dropping the featherweight title in his quest to add his name to the list of fighters to hold UFC titles in two different divisions. Oliveira is looking to regain a title he’s previously held and is coming off a November win over Michael Chandler.

The co-main event will see UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defend against Kai Kara-France. Pantoja is making his fourth title defense while Kara-France gets his second chance to hold UFC gold following an August win over Steve Erceg.

Also on the main card is a potential flyweight title eliminator between Brandon Royval and Joshua Van; a lightweight fight pitting Beneil Dariush against Renato Moicano; and an exciting bantamweight bout between prospects Payton Talbott and Felipe Lima.

UFC 317 ESPN+ PRELIMS | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT

> Heavyweights- Jhonata Diniz (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Alvin Hines (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

Hines lands a right hand. Hines rushes in but Diniz tosses him aside. Diniz connects with a jab and then a leg kick. Hines with a right hand to the body as Diniz lands a left hook. Hines lands a right hand. Hines gets a takedown and lands a knee as they were getting up and separating. Diniz with a high kick and a jab. Hines lands a right hand as Diniz is landing with damage. Diniz with a left hook. Hines shoots for a takedown but Diniz defends and lands as they separate. Diniz lands a leg kick and stumbles and lands a right hand as Hines was rushing in. Diniz with a solid left hook. Hines is busted up. Hines lands a combination. Diniz lands a flurry late. 10-9 Diniz.

Hines looks for a takedown but Diniz shakes him off. Diniz lands a body kick. Diniz lands a calf kick. Hines with a leg kick. Diniz lands a left hook then a high kick. Diniz with a big left hook. Hines looks for a takedown but Diniz defends. Diniz hurts Hines with a left hook. Hines lands a big right hand. They trade in close range. Diniz lands a big left hook. Hines with a right hand. Diniz lands a left hand. They trade late. 10-9 Diniz, 20-18 Diniz.

Hines lands a right hand. He lands another as Diniz blocks a clinch attempt. Diniz with a short left hand. Hines with a left hand. Hines shoots for a takedown but Diniz defends. Diniz looks tired and Hines lands a right hand and a leg kick. Time out is called for an eye poke by Hines. They get back going after the doctor checks on Diniz. Hines lands a right hand. Diniz with a left hand. Hines with a right hand as Diniz lands a leg kick. Diniz with a left hand and a leg kick. Hines with a jab. Hines lands a right hand and a jab. Hines with a big right hand. Hines with a high kick. Diniz with a combo. Diniz with a head kick. He lands a combo. 10-9 Hines, 29-28 Diniz.

Fight Result- Jhonata Diniz def. Alvin Hines by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Niko Price (16-8 2 NC, 8-8 2 NC UFC) vs. Jacobe Smith (10-0, 1-0 UFC)

Price lands a leg kick as Smith connects. Smith is landing and hurting Price. Smith slams Price to the mat and starts landing elbows. Price is warned for grabbing the fence twice. Smith smothering Price from the top. Smith passes guard and lands some punches. Price is attacking an arm. Smith lands some shots that cut Price open. Price gives up his back. They get to their feet. They scramble and separate. Price lands a right hand and an inside leg kick. Smith with a nasty jab. Smith lands a left hand. Smith lands a right hand. Price with a combo. Smith stuns Price with a left hand and lands a head kick. 10-9 Smith.

Smith lands a left hand. Price lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Smith lands a knee to the body. Smith lands a right hand as Price lands a leg kick. Smith gets Price down and lands two right hands. Smith with a couple of hammerfists from the top. Smith smothering and landing from the top. Smith with more punches from the top. Smith gets Price’s back. He is landing and takes full back control. Smith quickly locks in a rear-naked choke that is in deep and Price taps! Smith with an impressive submission to stay undefeated.

Fight Result- Jacobe Smith def. Niko Price by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:03 of Round 2

UFC 317 ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Lightweights- Terrance McKinney (16-7, 6-4 UFC) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (8-5-1, 3-4-1 UFC)

Borshchev lands a leg kick. McKinney gets a takedown and locks in an anaconda choke that is in deep. Borshchev tries to roll out but McKinney has a guillotine choke locked in deep. Borshchev is trying to fight out of it but he taps! Big finish from McKinney!

Fight Result- Terrance McKinney def. Viacheslav Borshchev by submission (guillotine choke) at :55 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #8 Viviane Araujo (13-6, 7-5 UFC) vs. #10 Tracy Cortez (11-2, 5-1 UFC)

Cortez lands a leg kick. Araujo lands a combination. Cortez scores a takedown. Araujo has the neck but Cortez is able to take the back. Araujo reverses and gets the back of Cortez as she gets to her feet. Araujo gets full back control. Araujo has the body triangle. Cortez is trying to escape as Araujo lands. Cortez is able to reverse to top position. Cortez with some punches from the top. Cortez with some punches and elbows to the body of Araujo. Cortez is attacking the neck. Cortez with some hammerfists from the top. Cortez looks for a guillotine choke as they get to their feet. Cortez drops down with it and it’s in tight but Araujo survives the round. 10-9 Cortez.

Araujo lands a jab. Cortez lands a right hand. Cortez with a pair of jabs. She lands another pair of jabs. Araujo lands a combination. Cortez fakes a takedown attempt and lands a right hand. Cortez with a body kick and a right hand. Araujo lands a right hand. Cortez grabs ahold of Araujo and pushes it to the fence. Cortez lands a right hand and looks for a takedown. Araujo looks for a guillotine choke but Cortez ends up on top and lands a left hand. Cortez lands to end the round. 10-9 Cortez, 20-18 Cortez.

Cortez lands a combination. Cortez lands a right hand and Araujo lands a front kick to the chin of Cortez. Cortez scores a takedown. Cortez working from the half-guard and smothering from the top. Cortez continuing to land from the top as Araujo is stuck on the bottom. Cortez with some elbows and follows with some hammerfists. Cortez with a flurry from the top. Cortez looking for an arm-triangle choke. Araujo defended and Cortez lets go and lands some more punches and elbows. 10-9 Cortez, 30-27 Cortez.

Fight Result- Tracy Cortez def. Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Hyder Amil (11-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Jose Delgado (9-1, 1-0 UFC)

Amil with some leg kicks. They clinch up and Delgado looks for a takedown but Amil reverses and they scramble to their feet. Delgado lands a big knee that drops Amil and some follow-up punches lead to the finish. Amil gets up and has no clue what happened. Massive knockout by Delgado!

Fight Result- Jose Delgado def. Hyder Amil (strikes) at :26 of Round 1

> Middleweights- Jack Hermansson (24-8, 11-6 UFC) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (16-6, 7-3 UFC)

Rodrigues lands a combination. Hermansson with a jab. Rodrigues backs Hermansson up with a flurry. Rodrigues lands a right hand then an uppercut. Hermansson with a leg kick. Hermansson lands a leg kick. He lands another. Hermansson lands a right hand and presses forward throwing. Hermansson lands a left hook. Hermansson lands a jab and a right hand. Rodrigues lands a massive left hook and Hermansson goes down out cold! What a knockout by Rodrigues!

Fight Result- Gregory Rodrigues def. Jack Hermansson by knockout (punch) at 4:21 of Round 1

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> Bantamweights- Payton Talbott (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Felipe Lima (14-1, 2-0 UFC)

Lima lands a leg kick after both throw. Lima with a left hand and a knee. Talbott pushes Lima against the fence looking to get it down, but they break to the center. Lima lands a kick and scores a takedown, but Talbott gets up. Lima tries for a takedown, but Talbott rolls and ends up on top. Talbott lands a right hand and takes the back of Lima. Lima rolls for a leg but Talbott is able to scramble out. Talbott with some elbows from the top. They scramble up and Talbott has body control. Talbott makes a mistake and Lima ends up on top inside the guard of Talbott. Lima lands. They scramble up and Talbott lands an elbow. Close round. 10-9 Talbott.

Talbott lands a jab. Lima with a solid combination. Lima misses a right hand and looks for a takedown. They scramble and Talbott ends up on top. They continue to scramble and get to their feet. Lima barely misses a spinning back fist. Lima with a right hand to the body. Lima shoots for a takedown, but Talbott defends and gets on top. Talbott with some punches from the top before he backs off and they stand. Talbott with a spin kick. He lands another to the body. Talbott lands a right hand and Lima lands to the body. Lima drags it down as he has the back. Talbott shakes Lima off of his back and is now in side control. Talbott gets the mount late and lands. 10-9 Talbott, 20-18 Talbott.

Talbott pressing forward and they trade as Lima circles away. Talbott with a body kick then a leg kick. Lima with a right hand followed by a knee. They clinch against the fence. Lima scores a takedown. They scramble to their feet as Lima holds onto the body of Talbott. They break apart. They trade. Talbott lands a spin kick to the head of Lima. Lima throws a high kick and slips. Talbott ends up on top and lands. Talbott gets the mount but Lima is able to slide out. Talbott landing from the top and lands a big right hand before getting the back of Lima. Talbott with lots of punches as they stand. 10-9 Talbott, 30-27 Talbott.

Fight Result- Payton Talbott def. Felipe Lima by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #9 Beneil Dariush (22-6-1, 15-6-1 UFC) vs. #11 Renato Moicano (20-6-1, 12-6 UFC)

Dariush with a high kick. Dariush lands a body kick and a left hand. Dariush with a leg kick. They trade kicks and Moicano lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Dariush with another inside leg kick. Moicano closes the distance and lands a right hand. Dariush with an inside leg kick. Dariush lands a left hand and a leg kick and then another. Dariush lands a kick but stumbles back a little. They trade in close range before clinching up. Dariush lands a body kick after they separate. Dariush with a pair of kicks. They have an exchange in close range. Moicano lands a high kick. Moicano lands a right hand that drops Dariush. Dariush tries to get it down but Moicano scrambles to the back and lands some punches. They get up and Moicano lands a knee and a right hand. Dariush with a leg kick. 10-9 Moicano.

Dariush comes out looking to land and they tie up. They scramble for a moment and Dariush has the back of Moicano. They both battle on the feet for position. Dariush gets the back of Moicano and jumps on it for a moment. Dariush briefly gets Moicano down as he’s pressuring. They stand and Dariush keeps pressuring against the fence and gets it back down. Dariush working from the half-guard and keeping Moicano pinned on the bottom. Dariush with some punches from the top. Dariush looking to set up a choke but gave it up and lands some short elbows. Dariush with some punches from the top. 10-9 Dariush, 19-19.

Dariush with a pair of kicks. Dariush with a Superman punch and then scores a takedown. He looks to take the back but Moicano reverses and is on top. Dariush is attacking the leg and they stand. Dariush lands a body kick then two more. Moicano grabs the back on the feet but they break apart. Dariush lands a left hand and a knee to the body. Dariush with a pair of leg kicks. Dariush with more kicks and Moicano looks for a takedown. Dariush lands two big left hands as they break. Dariush scores a takedown. Dariush has the back and jumps up on it as they stand. Dariush gets it down. They stand and Dariush lands a pair of knees. Dariush pushes it to the fence and lands a knee before they separate. Moicano looks gassed. They tie up against the fence. They break apart. Moicano lands a jab and Dariush lands a left hand. Moicano looks for a takedown but Dariush defends. 10-9 Dariush, 29-28 Dariush.

Fight Result- Beneil Dariush def. Renato Moicano by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #1 Brandon Royval (17-7, 7-3 UFC) vs. #12 Joshua Van (14-2, 7-1 UFC)

Royval with a leg kick. Royval with some more kicks. Royval with more leg kicks as he’s keeping Van from attacking. Van lands a left hook followed by a right hand. Van lands another right hand. Royval with a body kick and Van lands a right hand. They trade in close range as Van lands a combination. Van with another stiff right hand. Royval lands a left hand. Van lands a right hand and Royval stumbles. Royval with a jab. Royval lands a leg kick. Van lands a right hand. Van with another right hand. Van lands a leg kick and some punches. Royval lands a combo. Van attacks the body. 10-9 Van.

They’re exchanging punches early on as Van lands a combination. Royval lands a knee. Royval with a straight left hand. Van lands a right hand. Royval with a combination. Van lands a combination. Royval lands a left hand. Van lands a body kick. Van with a knee to the body. Both are landing in close range. Van with a big combination. Royval works the jab. Van lands a leg kick. Van with a combination to the body. Royval pressing forward and Van lands inside the pocket. Royval with a right hand. Van lands a big combination. They trade big punches. Fantastic round. 10-9 Royval, 19-19.

They trade in close range. Van lands a combination. Royval working the jab. Van lands a combo. Royval with a left hand but eats a right hand from Van. Van with some body shots but Royval is pressing forward and landing. Van with a big right hand and then a combination. Royval lands a body kick. Van lands a combo and Royval counters with a flurry of punches. Van lands to the body as they clinch but quickly break. They trade in close range. Royval throwing more but Van connecting better. Royval retreats a little to reset. Van lands a combo. They trade and Van lands a big right hand. Van with a left hook. Royval with some leg kicks. Royval with a nice combination. Van lands a right hand. Van with another right hand. Van with a combo and a knee. Van with a stiff jab. Van lands a big left hand. They are both swinging for it inside the pocket and Van drops Royval! Van is landing from the top and Royval survives! 10-9 Van, 29-28 Van.

Fight Result- Joshua Van def. Brandon Royval by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Alexandre Pantoja (29-5, 13-3 UFC) vs. #4 Kai Kara-France (25-11 1 NC, 8-4 UFC)

Pantoja lands a right hand and a leg kick. Pantoja is pressing forward and landing. Kara-France swings and Pantoja scores a takedown. Pantoja gets the back and has the body triangle locked on. Pantoja lands some punches from the back. Pantoja is able to get to the top and looks for an arm-triangle choke. He lets go but has the mount though he goes to the half-guard. Pantoja with some shoulder strikes from the top. Pantoja with a knee to the body. Pantoja takes the back and has a choke while landing. 10-9 Pantoja.

Pantoja lands a combo. Pantoja with a heavy body kick. Pantoja with a combo. Kara-France lands. Pantoja lands a leg kick and scores a takedown. They scramble up but Pantoja keeps pressuring, but Kara-France is able to force separation. Kara-France swinging big. He lands a right hand. Pantoja with a jab. Pantoja landing with more volume but it’s a slow-paced round. Kara-France lands a leg kick. Pantoja with a leg kick and a right hand. 10-9 Pantoja, 20-18 Pantoja.

Pantoja comes out swinging and connects and lands a body kick. Kara-France is throwing but Pantoja is able to grab him after Kara-France lands a right hand. Pantoja has the back against the fence. Pantoja drags it to the mat. Pantoja has the back and locks in the body triangle. Pantoja locks in a rear-naked choke. Kara-France is trying to fight it off but it’s locked in and Kara-France taps! Complete domination from the champion as he retains.

Fight Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Kai Kara-France by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:55 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship- #3 P4P Ilia Topuria (16-0, 8-0 UFC) vs. #2 Charles Oliveira (35-10 1 NC, 23-10 1 NC UFC)

Oliveira with a quick leg kick. Topuria lands a jab. They swing inside the pocket as both connect. Oliveira is cut open. Oliveira shoots for a takedown and pushes it to the fence. Oliveira tries a takedown but Topuria ends up on top. Topuria gets to side control and has the crucifix position. Oliveira looking for a leg. Topuria scrambles out. Topuria stands and lands a leg kick. Oliveira is ordered up. Topuria lands a right hand. Oliveira with a short uppercut. Topuria lands a massive right hand followed by a left hook and Oliveira goes down and is out cold! A big knockout by Topuria!

Fight Result- Ilia Topuria def. Charles Oliveira by knockout (punch) at 2:27 of Round 1 to win the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC 309 live results: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back inside the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” marking the return of arguably the greatest fighter in UFC history with UFC 309 from New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones makes his long-awaited return as he defends against former champion Stipe Miocic in a fight that has been years in the making. Originally scheduled for last year’s event at MSG, it was called off after Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle and subsequent surgery that has kept him out of action since then.

Jones won the title with a win over Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Miocic, often regarded as the best heavyweight in UFC history, has not fought since losing the title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. It is possible this will be the last fight for both men while interim champion Tom Aspinall is waiting in the wings for the winner in the event that isn’t the case.

The co-main event will be a five-round rematch of a May 2021 fight as former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Michael Chandler in a no. 1 contender’s match. Oliveira scored a second-round TKO over Chandler at UFC 262 to win the vacant title.

Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between undefeated prospect Bo Nickal and Paul Craig; a women’s flyweight fight pitting Viviane Araujo against Karine Silva; and a catchweight fight between highly-touted prospect Mauricio Ruffy and James Llontop.

Among the fighters competing on the preliminary card are former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman as well as Jim Miller who is the all-time leader in UFC wins and fights.

*BREAKING- Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders has been scratched from the card due to an illness for Anders, who wasn’t medically cleared to compete.

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> Women’s Flyweights- Veronica Hardy (9-4-1, 4-4 UFC) vs. Eduarda Moura (10-1, 1-1 UFC)

Moura connects with a solid right hand. Hardy connects to the body. They trade in close range. Hardy with a body kick and Moura counters with a combination. Hardy lands a body kick. There’s not a ton of action going on. Moura lands a big right hand. Hardy lands a left hand. Hardy with a right hand followed by a body kick. Hardy lands a left hand and a high kick but Moura is able to score a takedown. 10-9 Moura.

Hardy lands a left hand and a body kick. Moura scores a takedown and has the back as they stand. Hardy with some back elbows. Moura has Hardy back on the mat and with back control but not doing anything as Hardy lands elbows. Moura gets inside the guard of Hardy and lands some as Hardy still lands some elbows from the bottom. Moura ends the round on top as both land. 10-9 Moura, 20-18 Moura.

Hardy lands a body kick. Both still looking for openings. Moura lands a right hand as Hardy comes in. Moura lands a right hand. Hardy with a left hand. The action is lacking here. Moura lands a leg kick. Hardy with a hard leg kick. Hardy lands a body kick. Hardy with a couple more leg kicks. Hardy lands a left hand and they trade late. 10-9 Hardy, 29-28 Moura.

Official Result- Eduarda Moura def. Veronica Hardy by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Bassil Hafez (9-4-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Oban Elliott (11-2, 2-0 UFC)

Elliott with some kicks to Hafez’ lead leg. They clinch as both look for a takedown. Hafez lands an elbow as they break. Elliott with a pair of jabs. Elliott with a body kick. Hafez lands a left hand. Hafez missing when he throws. Elliott with a body kick. Hafez lands a big kick. Hafez with a body kick. Elliott continues to land with more volume. Elliott with a series of leg kicks. 10-9 Elliott.

Hafez works the jab. Hafez lands a left hand and Elliott counters with a calf kick. Elliott lands some more leg kicks. Elliott with a body kick and they both connect with a right hand. They trade in close range. Elliott with a leg kick then he lands a body kick. Elliott with another leg kick. They trade. Hafez lands a straight left hand. Elliott with a high kick then a leg kick. Elliott lands a combination. Hafez with a left hand. Elliott lands a high kick. Elliott with a body kick. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.

Hafez lands a left hand. Hafez pressuring and lands some short leg kicks. Elliott drops Hafez with a right hand and starts landing from the top and it is all over! Big finish from Elliott to pick up the win.

Official Result- Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez by knockout (punches) at :40 of Round 3

> Welterweights- Mickey Gall (7-6, 6-6 UFC) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (10-5, 2-3 UFC)

Brahimaj with a pair of leg kicks as they trade punches. Gall lands a right hand to the body. They trade jabs. They clinch and Brahimaj with some uppercuts before he slips and they separate. Gall lands a right hand. He lands another. Brahimaj with a head kick. Brahimaj starting to land more and he drops Gall with a massive right hand and it is all over! What a finish from Brahimaj!

Official Result- Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall by knockout (punch) at 2:55 of Round 1

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> Heavyweights- #9 Marcin Tybura (25-9, 12-8 UFC) vs. Jhonata Diniz (8-0, 2-0 UFC)

Tybura tries a kick but Diniz grabs it and lets go. Diniz with a high kick and then stuns Tybura with a left hand as they go to the mat. Diniz with some elbows from the top. Tybura rolls for a leg as Diniz lands some hammerfists. Tybura ends up on top. Tybura lands and is looking to set up a choke. Tybura with some short elbows and punches as he moves to the mount. Tybura landing from the top. Tybura with an elbow. 10-9 Tybura.

Tybura with a body kick. Diniz lands a right hand. Tybura lands a left hand. He lands another. Tybura lands a jab as Diniz barely lands a right hand. Tybura scores a takedown. Tybura controlling from the top. Tybura gets the mount and is landing punches. Tybura with short right hands and lands a big elbow. Tybura lands some big elbows and Diniz has a big cut opened up. Tybura reigning down with elbows and Diniz is bleeding everywhere. It is close to being stopped as Tybura continues to land but time runs out. 10-8 Tybura, 20-17 Tybura.

The fight is stopped by the doctor after he checked on Diniz. Diniz was stumbling after the round and he was protesting, but this feels like a good stoppage.

Official Result- Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2

> Lightweights- David Onama (12-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Roberto Romero (8-3-1, 0-0 UFC)

Romero lands a right hand and a leg kick. He lands another. Romero with some more leg kicks. Onama lands a pair of leg kicks. They continue to trade and Romero drops Onama with a right hand. Romero jumps on the back and looks for a choke. Onama gets out and they clinch against the fence. They trade knees to the body. Onama grabs the neck and looks for a choke. Romero looking for a takedown but Onama defends and they separate. Romero with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Onama rocks Romero with a left hand. Onama with a big flurry and Romero goes to the mat and Onama lands to end the round. 10-9 Romero.

They’re trading big shots to start the second. Onama landing the jab. They trade leg kicks and both land a jab. Onama lands a heavy jab. Onama with a big combination. Onama with a jab. Onama lands a right hand. Romero is gassing out. Onama lands and Romero goes to the mat and Onama gets into the guard and starts landing from the top. Onama with some big shots from the top. 10-9 Onama, 19-19.

Onama lands a left hand. Onama working the jab. Romero with a pair of body kicks. Onama lands a left hand. Romero with an overhand right. Onama lands a series of jabs followed by a knee. Onama with some left hands and jabs but Romero trips him up with a leg kick. Romero with a high kick and Onama catches it and dumps Romero to the mat. Onama gets into the mount. Onama controlling and landing a lot from the top. Onama stands and lands to the body then gets back on top and lands a flurry as the fight ends. 10-9 Onama, 29-28 Onama.

Official Result- David Onama def. Roberto Romero by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Jim Miller (37-18 1 NC, 26-17 1 NC UFC) vs. Damon Jackson (23-7-1 1 NC, 6-5-1 1 NC UFC)

They come out trading as Jackson lands a body kick and a combination. Miller lands a left hand. Jackson with a body kick. They briefly clinch then break apart. Jackson lands a right hand. Miller lands an elbow. Jackson with a right hand and a front kick. Miller lands a left hand. Jackson looks for a takedown but Miller locks in a guillotine choke. It is in tight and Jackson taps! Miller gets the submission win and adds to his all-time UFC wins record.

Official Result- Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:44 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- #13 Jonathan Martinez (19-5, 10-4 UFC) vs. Marcus McGhee (9-1, 3-0 UFC)

They trade kicks as both land hard leg kicks. McGhee lands a combination. McGhee lands a leg kick. He lands another. McGhee with a right hand and a high kick. McGhee with another leg kick and a left hand. McGhee with a body kick and a combination. Martinez getting nothing going as McGhee is constantly pressing forward and landing. Martinez with a leg kick. He lands another. McGhee lands a combo. Martinez with a leg kick. McGhee lands a leg kick followed by a combo then a stiff jab. 10-9 McGhee.

McGhee lands a combination with a high kick. Martinez lands a leg kick. Martinez lands a right hand as McGhee came in and landed. McGhee with a leg kick. McGhee with a series of jabs. Martinez lands a right hand. McGhee with a stiff jab. He lands two more. McGhee with a quick combo ending with a knee then back to the jab. Martinez with a heavy leg kick. McGhee lands a combination. McGhee landing with more volume. Martinez lands a left hand. Martinez with a jab. Martinez with a step-in elbow. McGhee lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. They trade at the end. 10-9 McGhee, 20-18 McGhee.

McGhee lands a few right hands. They trade leg kicks. Martinez lands as McGhee comes in. They trade leg kicks. McGhee with some uppercuts to the body. They trade jabs. Martinez hurts McGhee with a leg kick and lands two more. McGhee with a right hand. They tie up against the fence. They separate and McGhee is having trouble on his feet. Martinez with a leg kick. McGhee lands a right hand and then another. McGhee lands and Martinez with a leg kick and then lands a right hand. Martinez with another leg kick. 10-9 Martinez, 29-28 McGhee.

Official Result- Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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> 165-pound Catchweights*- Mauricio Ruffy (10-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. James Llontop (14-4, 0-2 UFC)

*Llontop missed weight by 1.2 pounds

Ruffy lands a right hand. Ruffy with a leg kick. Ruffy with a jab. Llontop lands a leg kick. Ruffy lands a leg kick. Llontop lands a leg kick. Llontop connects with a right hand. Ruffy lands a jab. Ruffy with a hard leg kick. Ruffy with a counter left hand. Ruffy rocks Llontop with a hard right hand but then tried a crazy kick that missed and allowed Llontop to recover. Ruffy with a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Ruffy.

Ruffy lands a leg kick. Llontop lands a body kick then a leg kick. Ruffy with a jab. Ruffy drops Llontop with a left hand and starts landing from the top. Llontop is able to survive and gets back to his feet as they clinch against the fence. They separate. Ruffy with a wheel kick and follows with a right hand. Llontop lands a body kick then a leg kick. Ruffy with a pair of jabs. He rocks Llontop with a big right hand. Llontop lands a left hand. Ruffy with some right hands. 10-9 Ruffy, 20-18 Ruffy.

Llontop with a leg kick then a body kick. Llontop pushes it against the fence but they separate. Ruffy lands a right hand. Ruffy is slowing down and Llontop pushes it against the fence. Ruffy lands a right hand as they separate. Ruffy lands a left hook. Llontop lands to the body. Llontop with a pair of leg kicks. Llontop lands a right hand. Llontop with a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Llontop lands a combination as they separate. Llontop with a body kick and a combo. Ruffy lands a big left hand. 10-9 Llontop, 29-28 Ruffy.

Official Result- Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #9 Viviane Araujo (12-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. #11 Karine Silva (18-4, 4-0 UFC)

Silva lands a leg kick. Silva with a body kick. Araujo lands a right hand. Araujo lands a right hand. Araujo lands an uppercut. They trade kicks. Silva lands a high kick and Araujo counters with a right hand. Araujo lands a left hand then a leg kick. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva clips Araujo with a left hand then a right hand. Silva lands a left hand as Araujo was retreating. Araujo lands a right hand. 10-9 Silva.

Araujo lands a combination then lands to the body. Araujo with a leg kick. Silva shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They separate. Araujo with a right hand. Silva lands a kick up the middle and then two big right hands. Silva kind of scores a takedown as they quickly get up. Araujo grabbed the fence multiple times. Silva gets the takedown. Araujo looks for an armbar. She almost had it but Silva was able to transition to side control. Both women are bleeding. Silva looks for a D’Arce choke. Araujo is able to escape. Araujo with some punches from the top. 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva.

Silva lands a body kick. Silva grabs the body lock and gets it down but Araujo ends up on top. They get to their feet. Silva with a body kick. Araujo lands a leg kick. Silva tries a body kick and Araujo grabs the leg and Silva falls right to the mat. Araujo lands leg kicks standing before Silva is ordered up. Both women are tired. Araujo with a body kick and lands an uppercut. Araujo lands a stiff right hand. Silva falls to the mat and Araujo with some standing leg kicks before Silva is ordered up. Araujo with a body kick and a right hand. Silva lands a right hand. She falls to the mat after missing a punch but is ordered up. They clinch and Silva lands a knee. Araujo gets a takedown. 10-9 Araujo, 29-28 Silva.

Official Result- Viviane Araujo def. Karine Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Bo Nickal (6-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Paul Craig (17-7-1, 9-7-1 UFC)

Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal with a pair of leg kicks. Craig lands a leg kick. Craig lands another leg kick. Nickal with an inside leg kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig lands a leg kick. Craig works the jab. Nickal with a leg kick. Craig lands a right hand. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig lands a body kick. 10-9 Craig.

Craig lands a body kick. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig with a short leg kick. Nickal connects with a left hand. Craig with a high kick. Nickal lands a left hand. Nickal lands a solid right hand then a leg kick. Nickal with a left hand to the body. Nickal lands a left hand. Craig with two body kicks. Craig lands a left hand. Craig with another kick to the arms of Nickal. Nickal lands a left hand. Nickal lands a left hand. 10-9 Nickal, 19-19.

Nickal lands a right hand. Craig lands a body kick. Craig with a body kick. They aren’t doing much. Nickal with a leg kick. Craig lands a body kick. Nickal connects with a left hand. Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal lands to the body. Nickal with a leg kick. Nickal lands a left hand. 10-9 Nickal, 29-28 Nickal.

Official Result- Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #2 Charles Oliveira (34-10 1 NC, 22-10 1 NC UFC) vs. #7 Michael Chandler (23-8, 2-3 UFC)

Oliveira with a front kick. Oliveira with a right hand. Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands a body kick. Chandler with a right hand to the body. Oliveira looks for a takedown and is able to get Chandler to the mat. Oliveira has control of a leg as he is on top. Oliveira trying to clear his leg. Chandler with some punches from the bottom. Oliveira ends the round on top. 10-9 Oliveira.

Oliveira lands a leg kick. Chandler lands to the body. Oliveira with a combo and Chandler slips to the mat. Oliveira lands a big right hand and Chandler runs away. Oliveira lands another right hand. Chandler lands a leg kick. Oliveira with a high kick. Oliveira lands a big knee. Chandler loading up and landed a left hand. Oliveira gets a takedown right into full mount. Oliveira with an elbow from the top. Oliveira with more elbows. Oliveira lands some more big elbows. Oliveira with some 12-6 elbows. 10-9 Oliveira, 20-18 Oliveira.

Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands a left hand. Chandler with a leg kick. Oliveira lands an uppercut then a right hand. Chandler lands a jab. Oliveira lands an uppercut. Oliveira with a knee. They trade right hands. Oliveira mixes everything against the fence. Oliveira gets the back and scores a takedown. Oliveira working for a choke and lands some elbows. Oliveira lands to the body. Oliveira almost gets the choke but Chandler slips out. 10-9 Oliveira, 30-27 Oliveira.

Oliveira with a pair of body kicks. Chandler with a left hand and a leg kick. Chandler lands a left hand. Oliveira lands and lands a flying knee. Oliveira gets it down and is on Chandler’s back. Oliveira looking for a choke. Chandler tries to escape. Oliveira gets the choke under the chin but Chandler fights it off. Oliveira holds on. 10-9 Oliveira, 40-36 Oliveira.

Chandler lands a left to the body. Oliveira with a body kick. Oliveira shoots for a takedown but Chandler defends. Oliveira lands a right hand. Chandler lands a right hand and hurts Oliveira with some punches. Oliveira looks for a takedown and Chandler starts landing punches, most to the back of the head. Chandler with some elbows. Oliveira is able to get to his feet. Chandler lands a left hand. Oliveira gets the back and drags it down. Chandler gets to his feet with Oliveira on his back and slams backwards. He does it again. 10-9 Chandler, 49-46 Oliveira.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)

> UFC Heavyweight Championship- C Jon Jones (27-1 1 NC, 21-1 1 NC UFC) vs. #8 Stipe Miocic (20-4, 14-4 UFC)

Jones lands a left hand and Miocic counters with a right hand. Jones with a body kick. Jones with an inside leg kick. Jones gets a big trip takedown and lands a big elbow. Jones with an elbow from the top. Jones with more big elbows. Jones landing tons of elbows and has Miocic in trouble. Miocic gets Jones into his guard. Jones gets to side control. Jones with more big elbows. 10-8 Jones.

Miocic lands a jab. He lands a left hand. Jones with a jab and Miocic lands an uppercut. Jones lands a body kick. Jones with an elbow and lands a body kick. Jones with an inside leg kick and lands a knee to the body. Jones lands a jab. Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a high body kick. Jones with a series of kicks. Miocic barely lands and Jones circles away. Jones with a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Jones, 20-17 Jones.

Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a series of jabs. Miocic with an uppercut and a right hand. Jones with a body kick then a leg kick. Jones lands an elbow then a right hand. Jones rocks Miocic with a right hand. Jones with a head kick. Jones with more kicks. Jones lands a jab. Miocic lands a right hand. Jones with a side kick to the body. Jones lands a left hand. Jones drops Miocic with a spin kick to the body and finishes it off with punches from the top. A completely dominant showing from Jones as he retains the championship and adds to his legacy.

Official Result- Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic by TKO (strikes) at 4:29 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Heavyweight Championship

UFC 289 live results: Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana bantamweight title fight

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon is back in Canada for the first time since September 2019 with Saturday’s UFC 289 — a pay-per-view from Vancouver offering featuring arguably the greatest female fighter of all-time looking to add to her legacy.

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes makes her ninth career title defense, and the first of her second reign as bantamweight champ, when she defends against Irene Aldana in the main event. 

Nunes regained the title with a dominant win over Julianna Pena in July and were scheduled to finish their trilogy tonight, but Pena was forced out due to broken ribs. Aldana stepped in on the heels of wins in four of her last five fights.

The co-main event features a pivotal lightweight bout with title shot implications as former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Beneil Dariush. Oliveira is coming off of losing the title to Islam Makhachev in October while Dariush comes into this fight riding an eight-fight win streak.

Also on the main card: Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt, Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr, and Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders. Capping off the prelims is a battle of ranked middleweights as Nassourdine Imavov takes on Chris Curtis.

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> Women’s Strawweights- Diana Belbita (14-7, 1-3 UFC) vs. Maria Oliveira (13-6, 1-2 UFC)

They’re trading in the center to start. Belbita lands a nice right hand. Belbita lands a leg kick just after Oliveira misses a flying knee. They trade combos inside the pocket. Oliveira lands a right hand and scores a takedown. Belbita throws her legs up and is landing some elbows from the bottom. Oliveira drops back and is looking for a leg lock but Belbita spins out of trouble and ends up on top. They get to their feet and Belbita lands a knee. She lands another as they break. Belbita lands a couple of leg kicks as Oliveira lands the jab. Belbita lands a big combination. Belbita with a leg kick and right hand late. 10-9 Belbita.

They come out swinging and Belbita lands some punches and Oliveira lands a leg kick. Oliveira gets a takedown. Belbita with some elbows from the bottom. Oliveira is doing a good job of defending from the top as both are landing, then they scramble to the feet. Oliveira has it pushed against the fence. Belbita landing right hands to the body as Oliveira isn’t doing much. They break. Belbita landing the jab after they’re separated. Belbita catches a kick and pushes it against the fence. Belbita gets a big takedown and works from side control to end the round. 10-9 Belbita, 20-18 Belbita.

Belbita lands to start and connects with a big left hook. Belbita continuing to fire right hands and lands a knee before they clinch. Oliveira lands a combo in close range but Belbita continues to press forward. Belbita lands a big right hand. Belbita lands a couple of jabs. She lands a combo before they clinch. They break and Belbita lands an elbow. Both are landing jabs but Belbita is being more effective with them. Oliveira lands a jumping knee. They continue to trade until the end with Belbita landing more. 10-9 Belbita, 30-27 Belbita.

Official Result- Diana Belbita def. Maria Oliveira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #10 David Dvorak (20-5, 3-2 UFC) vs. Stephen Erceg (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

Dvorak lands a couple of leg kicks. Erceg lands a leg kick. He lands a big left hand. Dvorak starting to land more as both are landing calf kicks, but Dvorak is landing the right hand. They trade calf kicks. Dvorak misses a right hand and Erceg is able to land a body kick. Dvorak lands a combo. Dvorak lands a calf kick. 10-9 Dvorak.

Dvorak lands a good combination to the body. Erceg lands a right hand and Dvorak lands a counter knee and right hand. Both are swinging as they’re circling around but nothing is really landing. Dvorak lands a couple of leg kicks. They trade kicks. They trade and Erceg has Dvorak in trouble then drops him with a head kick. They scramble and Erceg locks in a guillotine choke but Dvorak is popping his head out. They scramble and Erceg lands an upkick and Dvorak lands some shots from the bottom, then they trade big shots at the end of a wild round. 10-9 Erceg, 19-19.

Erceg lands a combination. They trade inside the pocket. Dvorak tries a takedown but Erceg is able to scramble to the back but Dvorak scrambles out of the position. Dvorak lands a right hand. They clinch for a moment but break. Dvorak shoots for a takedown but Erceg scrambles and looked for the neck but they get to their feet. Dvorak gets a takedown. He’s in the half-guard and lands an elbow. They scramble and Erceg grabs the neck and is threatening. They scramble back to their feet. Erceg gets a takedown and has the back as they get to their feet. Erceg lands a knee. Erceg lands some punches at the end. 10-9 Erceg, 29-28 Erceg.

Official Result- Stephen Erceg def. David Dvorak by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

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> Featherweights- Kyle Nelson (13-5-1, 1-4-1 UFC) vs. Blake Bilder (8-0-1, 1-0 UFC)

Bilder lands a left hand. Nelson lands a right hand. Bilder scores with a left hook. Bilder lands a punch then shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Nelson reverses positions and neither is doing a whole lot. Bilder is landing small body punches as Nelson is landing foot stomps but not much else. They break as Bilder lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Bilder lands a high kick. Nelson lands a nice left hand then hurts Bilder with a right hand. 10-9 Bilder.

Bilder landing the jab early. He lands a body kick and ducks under a right hand from Nelson. Nelson might’ve landed a low blow that got missed and then connects before they clinch up. Bilder is pressuring against the fence. They separate. They trade jabs. Nelson lands a head kick. Nelson lands a leg kick. Both have cuts opened up as they trade. Nelson with another high kick and they trade leg kicks. Nelson is pressing forward and lands some leg kicks. He lands another as Bilder was circling away. 10-9 Nelson, 19-19.

Both are swinging early and looking to land leg kicks. Bilder is looking for a takedown against the fence. Nelson reverses position and has Bilder pressed against the fence. They are separated. Bilder lands a high kick. They’re trading and both land some solid right hands. They trade leg kicks. They trade late and Nelson lands some big punches. Close fight. 10-9 Nelson, 29-28 Nelson.

Official Result- Kyle Nelson def. Blake Bilder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- Aiemann Zahabi (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Aoriqileng (24-9, 2-2 UFC)

Aoriqileng with a leg kick. He lands a body kick. He lands another leg kick but eats a counter combination from Zahabi. Aoriqileng lands another leg kick. Zahabi drops Aoriqileng with a left hand and then lands from the top to end it. Big knockout for Zahabi!

Official Result- Aiemann Zahabi def. Aoriqileng by knockout (punches) at 1:04 of Round 1

> Women’s Flyweights- #15 Miranda Maverick (11-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (8-2, 2-1 UFC)

Maverick lands some left hands early. Jasudavicius lands a combo. Maverick lands a left hand and a body kick. They clinch and trade knees. They trade and Maverick looks for a takedown but Jasudavicius defends against the fence. Jasudavicius is able to get the takedown and is on top against the fence. Maverick is looking for an armbar from the bottom but Jasudavicius is defending from the top. Jasudavicius is still defending as Maverick is attacking the arm as the round ended. 10-9 Maverick.

Jasudavicius comes out with a high kick to start. Maverick lands a left hand then they exchange punches. They trade inside the pocket and Jasudavicius lands a big right hand as they clinch against the fence. Jasudavicius gets a big takedown and is working in the center as she’s landing a lot of punches from the top. She gets the back of Maverick and gets the body triangle locked in. Jasudavicius with some big shots from the back as she has a big round. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 19-19.

Maverick lands a left hand to start then Jasudavicius counters with a left hand. Maverick throwing elbows but Jasudavicius is being more active and landing more. She throws a big flurry and Maverick is on the run. Jasudavicius with some leg kicks. Jasudavicius continuing to push the pace and pressure but Maverick lands a left hand. Jasudavicius gets a takedown and is landing from the top. Jasudavicius has the back as they get to their feet and she is landing knees. She has a big finish to the fight. 10-9 Jasudavicius, 29-28 Jasudavicius.

Official Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #12 Nassourdine Imavov (12-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. #14 Chris Curtis (30-10, 4-2 UFC)

Curtis lands a few leg kicks to start. He lands another then a left hand to the body. Imavov with some leg kicks. Curtis with another leg kick. Imavov lands a combo. They clinch against the fence and both land before they break. Imavov lands a right hand then a short elbow. Curtis lands a left hand before Imavov initiates a clinch. Imavov gets Curtis down and is on the back and is looking for a rear-naked choke. He lets go and Curtis is able to get back to his feet. 10-9 Imavov.

Both pressing forward and Curtis lands a leg kick. Imavov lands some leg kicks. Imavov with a combo. Imavov with a right hand after Curtis attacks the body. Curtis lands a leg kick as he eats a combo from Imavov. Imavov with a right hand to the body. They clinch against the fence and Imavov lands an elbow on the break then a combo. They clinch again and clash heads, so we have a timeout. The fight is stopped as Curtis can’t see and time has run out on the timeout, so this will be a no contest.

Official Result- Nassourdine Imavov vs. Chris Curtis ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads at 3:04 of Round 2

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> Middleweights- Marc-Andre Barriault (15-6 1 NC, 4-5 1 NC UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (15-7 1 NC, 7-7 1 NC UFC)

Barriault lands a body kick then drops Anders with a right hand. He gets on top then gets the back and is landing as they get to the feet and remain tied up. Barriault lands a short right hand that hurts Anders. Anders lands a knee then a couple more. Anders lands a left hand as they almost break. Barriault lands a knee then an elbow then Anders lands an elbow. Anders with some knees. They break. Anders with some knees and a left hand. They trade short elbows. They separate and both land. Anders lands a right hand. Anders lands a knee and follows it with a flurry before they separate. Barriault lands a body kick. They clinch and both land knees. Anders lands some left hands on the break. Barriault lands a knee and elbow as they clinch again. Barriault lands a left as they break again. They clinch again and Barriault lands a big knee as Anders is looking for a takedown. They break and Anders lands a left hand. 10-9 Barriault.

Barriault lands a body kick. Barriault lands another but Anders is pressuring. They clinch and Barriault lands a combo as they break. Anders lands a body kick. Anders lands a left hand. We have a timeout for a groin strike by Barriault. They get back to action. Barriault lands a right hand. Anders lands a straight left hand. Anders lands a couple more left hands and shoots for a takedown against the fence. Anders scores a takedown. Barriault gets up against the fence but eats a left from Anders. They trade before breaking. Barriault lands a short left hand and we have another groin strike timeout by Barriault. They get back to action and Anders lands some left hands. Barriault lands a body kick and Anders lands a combo. Anders lands a couple of right hands. Barriault lands a body kick then a left hand. Barriault with another right hand. Anders lands a body kick then a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Anders, 19-19.

Barriault coming forward and lands a body kick. Anders lands a knee then a left hand. Barriault lands a body kick. They clinch against the fence and Anders lands some knees. They break and Barriault lands a body kick but eats a left hand from Anders. Barriault lands a jab. He lands a body kick. Anders lands to the body but Barriault lands two big shots with an elbow and punch. Barriault lands a nice right hand. They trade as Barriault is circling around. Barriault lands the jab then Anders lands inside the pocket. Barriault lands two big right hands then a body kick in a flurry. Barriault lands a hard jab. They trade big punches. They trade jabs. Anders with a high kick. 10-9 Barriault, 29-28 Barriault.

Official Result- Marc-Andre Barriault def. Eryk Anders by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #13 Dan Ige (16-6, 8-5 UFC) vs. Nate Landwehr (17-4, 4-2 UFC)

Ige coming forward throwing the jab. Ige lands a right hand. Landwehr lands a body kick. Ige comes forward and lands a left hook to the body. Ige lands a combo. He lands another. Ige lands a leg kick. Ige lands to the body. Landwehr lands a leg kick. Ige lands a right hand and Landwehr looks for a takedown but Ige defends. Ige lands a combo then they trade jabs. Ige lands a left hook to the body. Landwehr tries a head kick but Ige blocks it. Landwehr starting to land a little bit more as the round goes on. Ige drops Landwehr late with a big left hand. 10-9 Ige.

Landwehr throwing leg kicks early as Ige lands a combo. Landwehr grabs a leg but Ige defends and escapes. Ige lands a combo but Landwehr makes him eat a knee. Ige pushes Landwehr against the fence and lands a combo. Ige with a right hand to the body. Landwehr lands a right hand but Ige counters with a right hand. Ige is cut open at the nose. Ige lands to the body then a left hand up top. Landwehr lands a couple of jabs. They trade inside the pocket. They trade in close range. Landwehr lands a front kick to the body. Ige is being more active. Landwehr lands an uppercut and they clinch against the fence. Ige drops Landwehr again with a left hand and Landwehr is hurt bad. Ige lands from the top and Landwehr lands an upkick that may have been illegal but it was a wild end to the round. 10-9 Ige, 20-18 Ige.

Ige lands a combo. Ige scores a right hand but Landwehr is coming forward. Ige lands a left hand and Landwehr was wobbled. Ige lands to the body. Landwehr lands a jab. They continue to trade in close range. Ige pushes it against the fence and they trade positions. Landwehr lands against the fence. They separate. Ige lands a right hand as Landwehr lands a knee to the body. Ige lands a nice right hand. Landwehr grabs a leg but lands a right hand as he lets go. They trade in close range. They each go for a takedown late. Landwehr lands an elbow. 10-9 Ige, 30-27 Ige.

Official Result- Dan Ige def. Nate Landwehr by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Mike Malott (9-1-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Adam Fugitt (9-3, 1-1 UFC)

Malott lands a body kick and Fugitt is hurt. Malott lands another as Fugitt landed a left hand. Malott lands a right hand. Malott lands another body kick. Malott lands a groin strike but there is no timeout as Fugitt can go on. Malott gets a takedown and was in side control for a moment but ends up in the guard of Fugitt. Malott stands and Fugitt is able to get up. Fugitt throws a kick and Malott is able to turn it into a takedown. Malott ends the round on top. 10-9 Malott.

Malott lands a body kick and Fugitt falls to the mat. Malott locks in a guillotine choke as he gets on top and it is in tight and Fugitt taps. What a finish from Malott!

Official Result- Mike Malott def. Adam Fugitt by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:06 of Round 2

> Lightweights- #1 Charles Oliveira (33-9 1 NC, 21-9 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Beneil Dariush (22-4-1, 15-4-1 UFC)

Oliveira lands a head kick. Dariush lands a left hand. They clinch and both land knees. Dariush gets it down and is in the half-guard of Oliveira. Dariush then moves to the full guard but both are landing on the ground. Oliveira is looking for a leg. Dariush is able to escape and gets back into the guard of Oliveira. Both are landing punches. They scramble to their feet. Oliveira lands a head kick and follows with a left hand. Oliveira drops Dariush to a knee with a right hand. Dariush is now down and Oliveira is on top landing a lot of punches and it is stopped! What a massive win for Oliveira!

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Beneil Dariush by TKO (punches) at 4:10 of Round 1

> UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship- C Amanda Nunes (22-5, 15-2 UFC) vs. #5 Irene Aldana (14-6, 7-4 UFC)

Nunes lands some early kicks. Nunes lands a body kick. Nunes gets an easy takedown but lets Aldana get right back up. Nunes lands another body kick. They trade jabs. Nunes lands a body kick. Nunes lands a spin kick. Aldana just looks frozen as she’s not really doing much. Nunes with a body kick but Aldana lands a right hand. Nunes lands but Aldana counters with a big right hand. Nunes lands a big right hand. 10-9 Nunes.

Nunes lands the jab. Nunes lands a combo then a leg kick. Nunes lands a couple of leg kicks. Aldana out there not doing a whole lot. Nunes fakes a takedown and lands a combo then scores with a leg kick. Nunes lands a combo and gets Aldana down for a second. Nunes lands some big leg kicks. Nunes scores a big combo. Nunes lands then they trade jabs. Aldana misses a head kick as Nunes ducks under and gets a takedown, but they get right back up and Nunes lands a leg kick. 10-9 Nunes, 20-18 Nunes.

Nunes lands a right hand then some jabs. Nunes with a flurry and Aldana is backing up. Aldana is throwing the jab but not landing much. Aldana lands a leg kick. Nunes gets a brief takedown and they scramble up at the fence, but Nunes gets it right back down. Nunes with some elbows from the top. Aldana scrambles but Nunes slams her back down. They get up and Nunes pushes it against the fence. Nunes gets it down as Aldana almost grabbed the fence and Nunes has the back. Nunes went for the arm but Aldana stood and landed a right hand as Nunes got up. Nunes lands an elbow. They trade jabs. Nunes lands a big right hand then a knee and some big punches. 10-9 Nunes, 30-27 Nunes.

Nunes lands a leg kick then a jab. Aldana lands a leg kick. Nunes lands a big elbow then lands a big combination. Nunes lands a couple of jabs. Nunes lands the jab again. Nunes tries for a takedown but Aldana defends. Aldana defends another takedown attempt from Nunes, but Nunes lands a couple of jabs. Nunes gets a takedown but lets Aldana get right back up. They clinch against the fence but separate as Nunes tried for a takedown. Nunes lands a hard combination. Nunes lands some hard punches and Aldana actually lands some good punches. Nunes lands a right hand. Nunes lands a hard left hook and then a big right hand. Nunes with a right hand to the body. Nunes with some more punches at the end. 10-9 Nunes, 40-36 Nunes.

Nunes lands the jab then a right hand. Nunes goes for a takedown and Aldana lands a knee, but Nunes finishes the takedown. She gets into the full guard of Aldana. Nunes landing from the top. Nunes working from the top and doing enough to keep it on the mat. Nunes gets into the full mount and starts landing body shots. Nunes continues to control from the top and is landing a lot of punches. Aldana is doing nothing on the bottom. Nunes finishes the fight landing from the top. Complete domination from Nunes. 10-8 Nunes, 50-44 Nunes.

Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Irene Aldana by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-43) to retain the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

*Breaking- Nunes announces her retirement following the fight.

UFC 280 live results: Oliveira vs. Makhachev, Sterling vs. Dillashaw

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev, emanating from the Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The Octagon is back in Abu Dhabi for the first time in a year with another big pay-per-view event, with two title fights and one of the best overall cards of the year.

The UFC Lightweight Championship is up for grabs in the main event, with former champion Charles Oliveira battling Islam Makhachev for the vacant title. Oliveira was the title holder until the day before UFC 274 in May, where he missed weight and was stripped of the title. He went on to defeat Justin Gaethje the next night, his 11th straight win. Makhachev extended his win streak to ten with a win over Bobby Green in February, setting up a battle for the championship here.

I the co-main event, UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling looks to hold onto the gold when he defends against former UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw. Sterling became the undisputed champion with a decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 273 in April. Dillashaw fights for the first time in a year after being sidelined with a knee injury, and is coming off a win over Cory Sandhagen in his last fight.

Also on the main card is an exciting bantamweight match-up as former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan takes on the super popular Sean O’Malley in a big test for both men. Lightweight contenders Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot also square off in a fight that could play a role in the future title picture, plus a women’s flyweight battle of contenders Katlyn Chookagian in the main card opener. A strong preliminary card is capped off with a big welterweight fight as Belal Muhammad puts his eight-fight unbeaten streak up against the undefeated Sean Brady.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 10:30 a.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].

ESPN NEWS PRELIMS | 10:30 AM ET/7:30 AM PT

> Women’s Bantamweights- #9 Karol Rosa (15-4, 4-1 UFC) vs. #12 Lina Lansberg (10-6, 4-5 UFC)

Lansberg lands a right hand that puts Rosa on her butt but Rosa gets up. Lansberg with a jab to the body and then lands another overhand right. They clinch against the fence. Rosa gets the takedown and is in the half-guard. Rosa with some punches from the top. Rosa is working from the top trying to set up a choke. Rosa trying to get the mount late but ends the round landing from the top. 10-9 Rosa.

Rosa gets an immediate takedown. She’s in the half-guard and is landing from the top. Rosa with elbows and punches from the top to the head and body. Rosa stands and lands a leg kick as she looks to get back on top. Rosa with more leg kicks from the standing position. Lansberg tries to get up and Rosa lands a knee that might have been illegal as there is a timeout. Yes, the knee was still down and it was an illegal blow. Rosa gets a point taken away. They get back to action and Lansberg lands a right hand. Rosa gets the takedown. Rosa in the half-guard landing and looking to improve. Rosa stands at the end. 9-9 with the point deduction to Rosa, 19-18 Rosa.

Rosa lands a right hand. Rosa grabs the Thai clinch and lands a couple of knees. They tie up against the fence and Rosa has control. Lansberg lands some knees and Rosa is landing knees to Lansberg’s legs. Rosa with a knee to the body. Rosa continues to land and they break. They trade shots before tying back up. They trade elbows and Rosa lands a ight hand as they break. Rosa with an elbow and then lands a combo before they tie up but they quickly break. Rosa misses a right but they tie up. They break and Lansberg with a back elbow. 10-9 Rosa, 29-27 Rosa.

Official Result- Karol Rosa def. Lina Lansberg by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

> Flyweights- Muhammad Mokaev (7-0 1 NC, 2-0 UFC) vs. Malcolm Gordon (14-5, 2-2 UFC)

Mokaev with a body kick as Gordon was pressing forward. Gordon lands a right hand. Mokaev with a right hand then a flying knee and a head kick. They clinch and Mokaev gets the takedown. Mokaev looks for the neck but they get up and Mokaev gets it back down but they stand. Mokaev gets it back to the mat. Mokaev working from the top and lands some body shots and has neck control. Mokaev gets in the full guard of Gordon. Mokaev ends the round dominant from the top. 10-9 Mokaev.

They both come forward throwing kicks. Mokaev kind of show boating here. Mokaev with a side kick. Gordon lands a right hand and Mokaev is able to get the takedown. Mokaev is in the guard of Gordon and lands. Mokaev rolls and they scramble but Mokaev is able to remain on the top. Mokaev looking for a D’Arce choke as Gordon rolls and Mokaev ends up in side control. Mokaev back into the half-guard. Gordon reverses to the top and is in the guard of Mokaev. Mokaev trying for the triangle but Gordon now landing punches. Gordon gets the back and looked for the rear-naked choke late. 10-9 Mokaev, 20-18 Mokaev.

Mokaev gets the immediate takedown and is in the guard of Gordon at the fence. Mokaev working from the top but they get to their feet. Gordon has the back and gets the takedown and looks to get the hooks in. Gordon working for a choke from the back. Mokaev scrambles out but Gordon ends up on top. Mokaev lands some punches from the bottom. They get to their feet and Mokaev is working for the takedown and gets it. Mokaev is on top but Gordon lands some elbows from the bottom. Mokaev with some body punches. Mokaev gets the back and locks in an armbar and gets Gordon to tap! Slick transition to get the finish for the talented prospect.

Official Result- Muhammad Mokaev def. Malcolm Gordon by submission (armbar) at 4:26 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Armen Petrosyan (6-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. AJ Dobson (6-1 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)

Petrosyan with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands a kick and Dobson grabs it and gets it down but they get up as Dobson lets go. They trade in close range. Dobson lands a right hand. Dobson with a leg kick. Petrosyan with a leg kick. They continue to trade on the feet and Petrosyan is mainly landing leg and body kicks. Petrosyan with some more leg kicks. Dobson gets a takedown but they quickly get to their feet and Dobson lands a knee. Petrosyan with an elbow. 10-9 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan landing combos to start as he continues to land the leg kicks. Petrosyan lands the jab and then lands a right hand. He lands another. Petrosyan with a leg kick. Petrosyan lands some counter lefts and is still working the leg kicks. They trade in close and in the clinch and Dobson gets a takedown but they scramble up to their feet. Dobson lands a right hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. They trade right hands. 10-9 Petrosyan, 20-18 Petrosyan.

Petrosyan with a leg kick as they trade jabs. Petrosyan with a left hook. Petrosyan with a body kick. They trade in close range and Dobson lands a nice left hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. Petrosyan lands a combo. They’re just trading with Petrosyan landing more volume but not a ton is happening. Dobson lands a counter right hand. Petrosyan with a body kick. 10-9 Petrosyan, 30-27 Petrosyan.

Official Result- Armen Petrosyan def. AJ Dobson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Abubakar Nurmagomedov (16-3-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev (13-1, 0-1 UFC)

They trade kicks. Nurmagomedov looks for the takedown but Omargadzhiev grabs the neck to stop it and is threatening with the guillotine. Omargadzhiev with some knees and they break. They trade and Omargadzhiev gets a takedown. Omargadzhiev grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine but Nurmagomedov ends up in the half-guard. Nurmagomedov in the full guard of Omargadzhiev as Omargadzhiev lets go of the neck. Nurmagomedov landing from the top and they get to their feet. They stay tied up at the end. 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov with a body kick. He gets the takedown and has the back of Omargadzhiev against the fence. Nurmagomedov lands some knees and then lands an illegal knee. We have a timeout. They get back to action with no point taken away. Omargadzhiev throws a right hand and Nurmagomedov is able to get a takedown. He gets the back of Omargadzhiev. They scramble up but get back down then Nurmagomedov stands, but lands a right hand as he goes into the guard of Omargadzhiev. He ends the round on top landing. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 20-18 Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov lands the jab. He lands again. Both looking for openings as they’re being patient and not doing a lot. Nurmagomedov looks for the takedown but Omargadzhiev sprawls. They break and Omargadzhiev lands a knee and Nurmagomedov lands a counter right hand. Nurmagomedov with a right hand to the body and Omargadzhiev shoots for the takedown. He’s still trying for it. Nurmagomedov escapes and they stand. Omargadzhiev with a body kick. Nurmagomedov clips Omargadzhiev with a right hand. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-27 Nurmagomedov.

Official Result- Abubakar Nurmagomedov def. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Light Heavyweights- #8 Volkan Oezdemir (18-6, 6-5 UFC) vs. #10 Nikita Krylov (28-9, 9-7 UFC)

Oezdemir landing early as he’s coming forward. Krylov with a body kick. Oezdemir with a right hand. Oezdemir rocking Krylov with punches and Krylov is trying for a takedown. They break. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir with some short uppercuts. Krylov tries a takedown and is able to complete it. They quickly get up, though. They break. Krylov with a right hand. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Oezdemir with a left hook. Krylov lands a knee and rocks Oezdemir with a right hand. Krylov now swarms looking to land. Krylov drags it down and has the back. Krylov looking for the rear-naked choke. Oezdemir is out but Krylov is on top. They get up and Oezdemir gets a throw takedown and is standing. Oezdemir gets on top and is landing left hands. They get to their feet. Wild round. 10-9 Oezdemir.

They’re trading big shots to start the second. Krylov lands a head kick and lands a flurry. Krylov gets the takedown. Krylov gets the back and they get to their feet. Krylov still has back control and lands punches and a high kick as they break. Krylov lands some knees. Krylov with an uppercut then lands a combination and scores a takedown. Krylov in the guard of Oezdemir. Krylov landing to the head and body from the top. He finishes the round on top. 10-9 Krylov, 19-19.

Krylov with a leg kick then lands a combo ending with a high kick. Krylov with a combo and some knees. Krylov gets a takedown. Krylov working from the top. He’s landing. They get stood up by the referee. Krylov with a flurry against the fence and scores a takedown. He’s working in the guard of Oezdemir. Krylov lands from the top. 10-9 Krylov, 29-28 Krylov.

Official Result- Nikita Krylov def. Volkan Oezdemir by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Middleweights- Makhmud Muradov (25-7, 3-1 UFC) vs. Caio Borralho (12-1 1 NC, 2-0 UFC)

Borralho lands a jab. Borralho misses a high kick. Muradov with a right hand. Borralho with a leg kick. Borralho with a jab as Muradov lands a body kick. Muradov with a right hand. Borralho gets the takedown and jumps on top. Borralho in the half-guard against the fence. Borralho landing from the top. Borralho in the mount against the fence. Borralho with right hands from the top. Borralho went for the armbar but Muradov escaped and they scramble. Muradov now on top but Borralho lands an upkick and Muradov is standing. Muradov gets into the guard of Borralho. Muradov is warned for fingers in the face. Muradov with a right hand at the end. 10-9 Borralho.

They trade and Muradov goes for a takedown and Borralho locks in a guillotine choke that is in tight but Muradov escapes. Muradov is now in the guard of Borralho and both are doing some shady things on the ground. Muradov landing punches from the top. Muradov with some more shots from the top. Borralho reverses late. 10-9 Muradov, 19-19.

Borralho lands a left hand. Borralho with a side kick. Borralho shoots for a takedown from long range and Muradov easily defends. Muradov gets the takedown and Borralho looks for the guillotine. Borralho is able to reverse to the mount position. Muradov tries to explode from the bottom but Borralho retains guard position. Muradov tries to push Borralho off but Borralho remains on top. Muradov with a right hand from the bottom. Borralho with shots from the top. 10-9 Borralho, 29-28 Borralho.

Official Result- Caio Borralho def. Makhmud Muradov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #5 Belal Muhammad (21-3 1 NC, 12-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #8 Sean Brady (15-0, 5-0 UFC)

Brady with some inside leg kicks. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady lands a right hand and is working the jab. Brady with a leg kick. Brady with a combo. Muhammad with a high kick. Brady with a leg kick. Brady with a body kick. Muhammad lands a body kick. Muhammad with a leg kick. Brady looks for a takedown but lets go. Muhammad with a combo. Brady lands a left hook. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady lands a counter shot. Brady with a right hand that hurts Muhammad, then Muhammad lands a right hand. Muhammad with another right hand. Brady with a right hand and they trade body kicks. Brady with a left hook. Muhammad with a right hand. Muhammad with a big flurry against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Brady.

Muhammad pressing forward and lands a left hook. Muhammad with a leg kick then a combo. Brady with a leg kick. Brady lands the jab. Muhammad with a right hand and Brady lands a body kick. Brady lands a hard right hand and Muhammad counters with a crisp combo. Muhammad with a right hand. Brady with a leg kick. Muhammad with a body kick. Brady with a left hook. Brady shoots for a takedown but Muhammad defends. Brady with a body kick. Brady with a flurry. Muhammad lands a combo. Muhammad is the one pressuring but both are landing. Brady tries a takedown but Muhammad defends and lands on the break. Brady with the jab. Muhammad with a big right hand and he’s landing a big flurry against the fence. Muhammad with lots of punches and he’s swarming on Brady. Muhammad with a massive right hand and then an uppercut. Muhammad lands a right hand and the referee steps in and stops it. Brady protested immediately but what a flurry from Muhammad to close it out.

Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Sean Brady by TKO (punches) at 4:47 of Round 2

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> Women’s Flyweights*- #1 Katlyn Chookagian (18-4, 11-4 UFC) vs. #6 Manon Fiorot (9-1, 4-0 UFC)

*Chookagian missed weight by 1.5 pounds

Chookagian tries a front kick to avoid the attack of Fiorot. Fiorot lands a right hand then a combo. Chookagian with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Chookagian with a leg kick. Fiorot with a right hook and they trade punches. Fiorot with a side kick and Chookagian lands a counter combo. Chookagian with a right hand. She lands another. Fiorot with a push kick. Chookagian lands a front kick. Fiorot with a right hand. Chookagian with a right hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Chookagian with a leg kick. 10-9 Chookagian.

Fiorot with a side kick then a combo. Fiorot with a right hand after they trade kicks. Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian with a right hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Fiorot with a right hook. Fiorot lands the jab. Chookagian is missing most of what she is throwing. Fiorot with a leg kick. Chookagian lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Fiorot lands a right hand. Fiorot with a left hand. Chookagian with a body kick. Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian with the jab. Fiorot with a combo. Fiorot lands some more left hands. 10-9 Fiorot, 19-19.

Fiorot with a combo. Chookagian lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. They both are landing and it’s very close on the volume in the third. Fiorot mainly landing the right hand. They’re both landing and Chookagian with a leg kick. Fiorot gets a takedown. They quickly get up and trade body kicks. They clinch late and Fiorot with a knee to the body. Close fight. 10-9 Fiorot, 29-28 Fiorot.

Official Result- Manon Fiorot def. Katlyn Chookagian by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- #6 Beneil Dariush (21-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC) vs. #9 Mateusz Gamrot (21-1 1 NC, 4-1 UFC)

Dariush lands some body kicks. Dariush with a leg kick as Gamrot drops for a takedown and they scramble all over the mat. Dariush rolls to a leg lock. They get to their feet and Gamrot has the back but they break. Gamrot lands a left hand. Gamrot with a left hand and Dariush lands a leg kick. Dariush with a leg kick and Gamrot gets a takedown. Dariush looks for a leg and it allows them to scramble up. Gamrot has the back and lands an elbow as they break. Gamrot tries a takedown and they go to the mat. Gamrot trying to clear the arm of Dariush to secure the takedown. They get to their feet and break. Dariush with a body kick. Dariush with some body kicks. 10-9 Gamrot.

Dariush looks for a takedown but Gamrot defends and lands a knee to the body as they get up. Dariush with a body kick and Gamrot lands a combo. Dariush lands a knee. Gamrot tries a takedown but Dariush escapes. Dariush with a body kick. Gamrot lands a right hand and a knee to the body. Dariush with a body kick. Dariush with a leg kick and follows it with a left hand. Gamrot with a takedown attempt but Dariush defends. Dariush lands a left hand. They continue to trade and Gamrot lands a knee and gets a late takedown. 10-9 Dariush, 19-19.

Gamrot looks for a takedown but Dariush counters it and they scramble before getting to their feet. Dariush lands a head kick. Dariush with a body kick. Gamrot with a right hand. Gamrot tries a takedown and is working hard for it but Dariush is defending and they break. Gamrot with a body kick. Dariush drops Gamrot with a huge left hand and Gamrot scrambles to try and get a takedown but Dariush defends. Gamrot with a flying knee and tries a takedown but Dariush defends and gets the back, but Gamrot slips out and they end up scrambling up. They trade late. 10-9 Dariush, 29-28 Dariush.

Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Mateusz Gamrot by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Bantamweights- #1 Petr Yan (16-3, 8-2 UFC) vs. #11 Sean O’Malley (15-1 1 NC, 7-1 1 NC UFC)

O’Malley throwing low kicks early. Yan with a leg kick. Yan with a low kick. O’Malley lands a left hand. Yan with a body kick. O’Malley with a leg kick. Yan with a leg kick and O’Malley lands a right hand then a leg kick and another right hand. Yan with a body kick. O’Malley with another right hand. O’Malley with the jab and Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley with a stiff jab. Yan shoots for a takedown and O’Malley is defending and it looked like he grabbed the fence. They break. They trade punches. Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley working the jab and Yan with a left hand. Yan lands and looks for a takedown and is able to get it. Yan lands from the top but they get to their feet and break. Yan with a leg kick. O’Malley gets a late takedown but they get up. 10-9 Yan.

O’Malley with a right hand. O’Malley lands a big right hand that hurts Yan and then Yan lands a left hand that hurts O’Malley and they go to the mat with Yan on top. Yan with some punches from the top. O’Malley tries to scramble up but Yan keeps him down. They get to their feet and Yan with a knee to the body. Yan working hard for the takedown but they break. O’Malley with a right hand. Yan trips O’Malley to the mat but he gets up. O’Malley with a right hand. Yan with the jab. O’Malley with a body kick. Yan with a body kick and O’Malley lands a right hand. Yan gets a takedown. Yan ends the round on top. 10-9 Yan, 20-18 Yan.

O’Malley with an early leg kick and looking to work the jab. Yan with a right hand. O’Malley with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Yan looks for a takedown but O’Malley defends. O’Malley lands a knee and lands some shots and Yan is cut open. O’Malley with a flurry. They trade inside the pocket and Yan lands a huge left hand. O’Malley with a big head kick. Yan shoots for the takedown but O’Malley defends. Yan still working for it against the fence. O’Malley with some elbows. Yan gets it down. They get to their feet and Yan is bleeding everywhere and they break the clinch. O’Malley with a right hand. They trade inside the pocket and Yan tries for a takedown and they scramble away. Yan with a leg kick and O’Malley tried to rush in and Yan got a takedown. Great fight. 10-9 O’Malley, 29-28 Yan.

Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Petr Yan by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Bantamweight Championship- C Aljamain Sterling (21-3, 13-3 UFC) vs. #2 TJ Dillashaw (17-4, 13-4 UFC)

Sterling gets a takedown right away and Dillashaw looks hurt. Sterling in the mount and is looking to set something up. Sterling with some punches from the top and Dillashaw is having trouble defending. Sterling with big right hands from the top. Big shots from Sterling and he takes the back. Sterling looking for the choke. Sterling with more big shots and an elbow and they scramble. Sterling gets the back again and is landing left hands. Sterling with big shots and he’s keeping Dillashaw on the mat but they get to their feet. Dillashaw’s shoulder is popped out. Sterling gets the takedown. Sterling with shots from the top and they stand late. 10-8 Sterling.

They popped Dillashaw’s shoulder back in between rounds. Sterling with a body kick. Dillashaw looks to be fighting with one arm and Sterling gets the takedown. Sterling working from the top and landing punches and elbows. They get to their feet and Dillashaw’s shoulder is back out and Sterling gets it back down. Sterling in the mount and is landing big punches and elbows and he finishes Dillashaw off. Big win for Sterling as he keeps the title.

Official Result- Aljamain Sterling def. TJ Dillashaw by TKO (punches) at 3:34 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Bantamweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship- #1 Charles Oliveira (33-8 1 NC, 21-8 1 NC UFC) vs. #4 Islam Makhachev (22-1, 11-1 UFC)

Oliveira with a flying kick to start. Makhachev lands a left hand. They tie up and Oliveira pulls guard and Makhachev lands from the top. Oliveira is cut open. Both landing on the mat as Oliveira has an active guard. They get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. They trade knees and Makhachev gets a trip takedown. Makhachev working from the top but not doing a ton as he has Oliveira pressed against the fence. Makhachev gets to his feet and looks to improve as the round ends. 10-9 Makhachev.

They tie up right away against the fence and Makhachev lands some knees. They break after Oliveira lands a knee to the body. They trade punches. Makhachev with a combo. Makhachev with a head kick but Oliveira blocks it. Makhachev drops Oliveira with a right hand as Oliveira tried a flying knee. Makhachev gets on top and is looking for an arm-triangle and has it locked in and Oliveira taps! Makhachev wins the lightweight title with the finish.

Official Result- Islam Makhachev def. Charles Oliveira by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:16 of Round 2 to win the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC 274 live results: Oliveira vs. Gaethje, Namajunas vs. Esparza 2

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje, emanating from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Octagon returns to Arizona with a stacked fight card featuring two title fights, one of them one of the most anticipated fights of 2022, and a main card full of long-time veteran and household names.

UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira was supposed to make his second title defense against Justin Gaethje in the main event. It is a fight fans have been anticipating for a while as it promises to be one of the most exciting fights that 2022 has to offer. However, Oliveira missed weight by a half-pound and was stripped of the championship. The fight remains on, but Oliveira is ineligible to win the title, meaning if he wins, the title is officially vacant. A win by Gaethje would make him the new UFC Lightweight Champion.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion makes the second title defense of her second reign as champion as she defends against Carla Esparza. These two have history as they fought in the first-ever strawweight title fight in December 2014, which was won by Esparza. Namajunas comes in having won three straight fights, while Esparza is riding a five-fight win streak.

Also on the main card is an exciting lightweight battle between Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler, a light heavyweight rematch between former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Ovince Saint Preux, and long-time veteran lightweights Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon square off in the main card opener.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru 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].

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> Bantamweights- Journey Newson (9-3 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Fernie Garcia (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

Garcia is making his debut. Newson with a body kick. Newson lands a side kick. Both are landing and Newson scores a takedown. They get right back to their feet and Newson had the back but Garcia escapes. Garcia lands a nice right hand. He’s landing slightly more in the round. Newson with a side kick. They clinch up at the end. 10-9 Garcia.

Garcia lands a right hand and Newson lands a nice calf kick. Garcia lands a calf kick. Newson with another leg kick. Newson lands a big combination and rocks Garcia with a left hook. Newson with a couple of kicks. Newson with a side kick. They trade punches. Newson with a right hand. Newson with a leg kick. Garcia lands a right hand. Newson with a late flurry. Garcia with a high kick. 10-9 Newson, 19-19.

Garcia with a leg kick. Newson lands a leg kick. Newson gets a takedown. He gets the back and has one hook in. They scramble to their feet. Newson with a side kick. Garcia with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Garcia with a leg kick. Newson lands a nice right hand and follows it with a left hook. He lands a jab and is being busier during this round. Newson lands a spinning back fist that backs Garcia up late. 10-9 Newson, 29-28 Newson.

Official Result- Journey Newson def. Fernie Garcia by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

*It was just announced that the fight between Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon, scheduled for the main card, has been scratched due to an illness for Cerrone.

> Women’s Strawweights- Ariane Carnelossi (14-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. Lupita Godinez (7-2, 2-2 UFC)

They trade to start and Godinez gets a takedown. They scramble up but Godinez gets another takedown. Godinez has the neck and is looking for something from the side as they scramble around. They get to their feet and Godinez has the back and they roll to the mat and Godinez is on top. Godinez landing from the top as Carnelossi is pinned against the fence. She ends the first landing punches. 10-9 Godinez.

Godinez with a body kick. Godinez rocks Carnelossi with a right hand and lands a flurry before getting a big takedown. Godinez with some big elbows from the top. Godinez transitions to the back and has the hooks in. Godinez tries to find a choke but lets the hooks go and lands punches. She moves to the top and tries for an arm-triangle choke but Carnelossi survives until the end. 10-9 Godinez, 20-18 Godinez.

Godinez gets a big takedown to start the third and takes the back. She’s landing punches from the back as she pushes Carnelossi against the fence. They trade punches against the fence. They get to their feet and Godinez with an uppercut in the clinch and she gets a big takedown. Godinez staying active from the top landing punches and nasty elbows. Godinez still dominating. She lands big punches as they get to their feet. She lands a big combo against the fence and gets a big takedown and closes out the fight with big punches. Great showing from Godinez. 10-8 Godinez, 30-26 Godinez.

Official Result- Lupita Godinez def. Ariane Carnelossi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)

> Flyweights- Kleydson Rodrigues (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. CJ Vergara (9-3-1, 0-1 UFC)

Vergara is making his debut. Rodrigues lands some body kicks. Vergara with a body kick. Rodrigues just misses a flying knee. They trade in close range. Rodrigues with a quick uppercut. Rodrigues gets a takedown. They scramble up and Rodrigues has the back. Rodrigues with some short knees and Vergara with some short punches. Rodrigues with a left hand and elbow as they break. Rodrigues with a big body kick. Vergara with a left hook. Rodrigues with some teet kicks to the body. Rodrigues lands a right hand. Rodrigues lands a combo. Rodrigues with a leg kick. Vergara lands a solid left hook. Rodrigues with a leg kick. They trade big punches inside the pocket. 10-9 Rodrigues.

Vergara with a body kick. Rodrigues goes for a takedown but Vergara reverses and had the full mount but moves to the back. They scramble and Vergara is back in the guard of Rodrigues. Vergara working from the top and landing punches and elbows. Vergara with some body punches from the top. Vergara with an elbow from the top. Vergara with more punches from the top. Vergara gets the mount and is landing big punches from the top. Rodrigues gives up his back and is able to sweep to the top and lands an elbow. They get to their feet. Rodrigues with a body kick. He lands a spinning back fist. Vergara with some leg kicks. They trade at the end. 10-9 Vergara, 19-19.

They trade to start and Rodrigues misses a spinning back fist. Vergara lands a couple of jabs. Rodrigues with a nice combination. Vergara with a leg kick. Vergara with a nice combination. Vergara lands a knee to the body and they go to the mat with Rodrigues on bottom. Rodrigues is looking to set up a calf slicer. He now switches to looking for a choke. Vergara tries to scramble out and does and moves to side control. Rodrigues transitions to the guard of Vergara. Vergara did grab the fence a couple of times. They get to their feet and Rodrigues has the back and gets it down but they stand. Rodrigues gets it down briefly again but they stand and separate. They trade in close range. Rodrigues gets a takedown but they get to their feet. Rodrigues with a left hook and body kick. Close fight and real fun fight. 10-9 Rodrigues, 29-28 Rodrigues.

Official Result- CJ Vergara def. Kleydson Rodrigues by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- Tracy Cortez (9-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Melissa Gatto (8-0-2, 2-0 UFC)

Cortez with some calf kicks and she scores a takedown. She lands some shots from the top as Gatto is looking for the arm. Cortez slams Gatto to get her arm free and remains in the guard of Gatto. They get to their feet. Cortez with a leg kick. They trade in close range before clinching. Gatto gets the back standing and drags it down as she has the back. Cortez trying to roll to the top and does. Cortez with an elbow. Cortez landing from the top and keeping Gatto from being able to do anything from the bottom. Cortez stands and lands a leg kick. 10-9 Cortez.

Cortez with some kicks as Gatto is throwing combos but barely missing. Gatto rushes forward with a flurry that mostly misses. Gatto pressuring and shoots for a takedown against the fence. They break and Gatto lands a left hook. Gatto gets a takedown but Cortez gets it up. Gatto has the back and drags the fight down. Gatto has the hooks in. Gatto with some punches from the back. Gatto looking for the arm and an armbar. Cortez stands ad gets out and is on top now. Cortez with a hammerfist. Cortez landing from the top late and they stand late. 10-9 Gatto, 19-19.

Cortez shoots for a takedown and lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Gatto lands a right hand. Cortez gets a takedown. Cortez working from the top as Gatto is stuck on the bottom. Cortez lands and moves to the back and lands some right hands. Cortez lands more and Gatto looking for a kneebar but they scramble up. Gatto has the back and drags it down against the fence. Cortez gets to the top and is looking for an arm-triangle choke. Cortez lets go and ends the fight on top. 10-9 Cortez, 29-28 Cortez.

Official Result- Tracy Cortez def. Melissa Gatto by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- Andre Fialho (15-4 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Cameron VanCamp (15-5-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)

VanCamp with a leg kick. He lands another. Fialho with a right hand. Fialho with a leg kick. VanCamp lands a right hand that hurts Fialho. Fialho lands a big counter. Fialho then lands a big left hook that drops VanCamp and a big punch on the mat ends it. What a finish by Fialho!

Official Result- Andre Fialho def. Cameron VanCamp by knockout (punch) at 2:35 of Round 1

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> Heavyweights- #15 Blagoy Ivanov (18-4 1 NC, 2-3 UFC) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (19-7-1, 8-5 UFC)

de Lima with a body kick. He lands another. de Lima with a groin kick and we have a timeout. They get back to action and de Lima with a leg kick. They throw in close range but neither really lands. de Lima with a high body kick. de Lima lands a left hook. Ivanov tries a takedown but de Lima defends. de Lima with a body punch. They trade in close range. They trade again. They clinch against the fence. They break and de Lima with a leg kick. They trade left hands late. 10-9 de Lima.

Ivanov pressing forward and they both land as they clinch against the fence. They break to the center. They trade in close range and de Lima lands slightly more. Ivanov tags de Lima with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. They break and Ivanov is tagging de Lima with punches. Ivanov with more left hands. He lands a massive left hand against the fence. They break as Ivanov lands to the body. de Lima with a right hand. Ivanov with a left hand. He lands another. They clinch against the fence and both land solid punches. 10-9 Ivanov, 19-19.

de Lima with the jab. They trade in close range. Ivanov with a left hand. de Lima tries for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They’re just holding each other against the fence. Marc Goddard breaks it up. Ivanov lands a left hand. He lands another. They tie back up against the fence. They trade in the clinch but not a whole lot is happening. Ivanov lands to the body as they break. de Lima with a right hand. Ivanov with a left hand and they clinch against the fence. They break to the center. de Lima with a body kick. Ivanov lands a combo. de Lima shoots for the takedown and he picks Ivanov up and Ivanov wraps his arm around the top of the cage to block but de Lima still gets it at the end. 10-9 de Lima, 29-28 de Lima.

Official Result- Blagoy Ivanov def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Flyweights- #6 Brandon Royval (13-6, 3-2 UFC) vs. #9 Matt Schnell (15-5 1 NC, 5-3 1 NC UFC)

They’re trading right away. Royval with a high kick. Royval landing the right hand but Schnell is landing nice combos. Schnell drops Royval with a shot and Royval grabs the leg ad Schnell goes to the mat and tries to get the back but ends up in the guard of Royval. Royval looking for the leg but Schnell grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine but Royval ends on top. Royval grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and Schnell taps! What a sequence on the ground to lead to the finish!

Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Matt Schnell by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:14 of Round 1

> Women’s Featherweights*- #11 (WBW) Macy Chiasson (7-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. #15 (WBW) Norma Dumont (7-1, 3-1 UFC)

*Dumont missed weight by .5 pounds

Chiasson with a body kick. Dumont lands a left hand. Both land some punches. Dumont with a left hand. Chiasson with a high kick that Dumont blocks. Chiasson lands a left hand. Chiasson with a leg kick. Dumont lands a combo. Chiasson lands a right hand. They trade late and Chiasson ends the round with a takedown. Close round. 10-9 Chiasson.

Chiasson with a high kick. They trade in close range. Dumont with a leg kick. Chiasson with a left hand followed by a right hand. They clinch against the fence. They trade knees against the fence. Chiasson gets the takedown and has the back and almost had the choke but they stood and Dumont shook her off. They scramble back up and Chiasson has the advantage against the fence. They’re still tied up as Chiasson is pinning Dumont against the fence. They trade knees and Chiasson dragged it down for a moment but still has body control as they stand. 10-9 Chiasson, 20-18 Chiasson.

They trade to start and Dumont lands a right hand and Chiasson gets a takedown. They scramble up and Chiasson has control against the fence. They remain tied up against the fence and trade knees. They break and both land and Dumont lands a good combo. Chiasson gets a takedown and has the body lock as they stand. Chiasson is holding Dumont against the fence. Chiasson tries a trip takedown but Dumont ends up on top, then Chiasson sweeps to the top and they stand. They break and Dumont lands a right hand and rocks Chiasson. They tie up and Chiasson is tired. Chiasson pushing it against the fence. They end the fight against the fence. 10-9 Dumont, 29-28 Chiasson.

Official Result- Macy Chiasson def. Norma Dumont by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

> Welterweights- Francisco Trinaldo (27-8, 17-7 UFC) vs. Danny Roberts (18-5, 7-4 UFC)

Roberts with a leg kick. Trinaldo lands a left hand after Roberts slips on a punch attempt. They clinch and Trinaldo lands an uppercut. They break. Roberts with a body kick. Roberts with a leg kick. Roberts with a left hand. Roberts with a body kick. They trade in close range. They trade left hands. Trinaldo lands a combo. Roberts with a leg kick. They’re trading punches as the crowd is distracted by something. They continue to both land and each lands a left hand and Trinaldo with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Roberts.

Trinaldo rocks Roberts with some big shots and they push against the fence and Trinaldo with some knees. Trinaldo looks for a takedown but they remain tied up. They break. Trinaldo lands a big left hand. Trinaldo with a left hand to the body and lands an uppercut and elbow. Trinaldo grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine but loses it as they go to the mat. Trinaldo gets to the half-guard of Roberts. Trinaldo controlling from the top. Trinaldo passes to side control. They scramble and Trinaldo takes the back. They get to their feet. They trade in close range and both land big shots. Roberts with an elbow. 10-9 Trinaldo, 19-19.

Roberts with a leg kick. They trade big punches in close range before clinching up. They break to the center. Roberts with a left hand. Trinaldo with a left hand. Trinaldo rocks Roberts with some punches and clinches again with him but they break. Trinaldo with another left hand and lands a couple of snap jabs. Roberts rocks Trinaldo with a punch but eats an uppercut from Trinaldo rushing in. They’re tied up and Trinaldo tries a late takedown. 10-9 Trinaldo, 29-28 Trinaldo.

Official Result- Francisco Trinaldo def. Danny Roberts by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)

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> Welterweights- Randy Brown (14-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. Khaos Williams (13-2, 4-1 UFC)

They trade kicks and punches early. They clinch against the fence but break. Williams rocks Brown with a right hand and Brown retreats. Brown looks for a takedown but Williams is sprawling. They get to their feet and separate. Williams with a combination ending with a leg kick. Brown just misses a flying knee. Brown lands some uppercuts. Brown shoots for a takedown but Williams defends. Brown grabs the neck at the end. 10-9 Williams.

Brown with the double jab and lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Brown with a body kick. Williams with a body punch. Brown with the double jab. Brown continuing to land the jab and Williams is having trouble with it. They clinch but end up breaking. Brown with a combo. Brown pressing forward and landing more. They tie up against the fence. They break and Williams with a leg kick. Williams with a leg kick. Williams landing leg kicks while Brown is landing jabs. Brown with a right hand. Brown lands a right hand as Williams was coming in for a takedown attempt. 10-9 Brown, 19-19.

Brown with a front kick that lands to the face. Williams with a quick combo. Brown lands a combination. Brown is pressuring and backing Williams up as he’s landing short shots. Williams lands a right hand and Brown falls to the mat and Williams gets on top. They get to their feet. Brown lands a right hand. They both land solid punches. Brown shoots for a takedown and lands a knee to the jaw of Williams. Brown swings and misses and Williams takes advantage and lands some punches. Brown with some elbows to the head of Williams as they’re tied up. They break. Brown lands a nice elbow. Williams shoots for a takedown but Brown defends and lands some big knees as they break. Close fight. 10-9 Brown, 29-28 Brown.

Official Result- Randy Brown def. Khaos Williams by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Light Heavyweights- Mauricio Rua (27-12-1, 11-10-1 UFC) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (25-16, 13-11 UFC)

Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a body kick. Saint Preux with a body kick and Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a leg kick. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a left hook. Saint Preux with a body kick. Saint Preux lands a left as Rua was trying to rush in. Rua with a right hand. They trade kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with another leg kick. Uneventful round. 10-9 Rua.

Saint Preux with a couple of high kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with more high kicks and Rua blocks one. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a left hand. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a body kick. Rua with a leg kick. Rua with a leg kick followed by a right hand. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a left hand and a leg kick. They trade kicks. Rua with a leg kick. Saint Preux with a high kick but Rua blocks it. Rua with a leg kick. Another uneventful round. 10-9 Saint Preux , 19-19.

They clinch and nothing happens and they break. Saint Preux with a body kick. Rua with two leg kicks. Rua lands a left hand. Rua with a body kick. Saint Preux with a body kick. He lands another. Rua lands a left hand. Saint Preux with a left hand. Saint Preux with a body kick. Saint Preux with a combination. Rua with a leg kick. Boring fight. 10-9 Saint Preux, 29-28 Saint Preux.

Official Result- Ovince Saint Preux def. Mauricio Rua by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

> Lightweights- #5 Michael Chandler (22-7, 1-2 UFC) vs. #7 Tony Ferguson (25-6, 15-4 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Ferguson checks the kick. Ferguson drops Chandler with a left hand but Chandler gets right up and Ferguson lands a jab. They’re trading in close range. Ferguson with a leg kick. Ferguson with a body kick. Ferguson with a right hand and Chandler lands a left hook. They trade punches. Ferguson with a leg kick. Chandler with a leg kick. Chandler gets a big takedown. Ferguson throwing elbows from the bottom and Chandler is cut open. Chandler trying to land big punches from the top. Chandler in the guard of Ferguson and lands some punches. Chandler with some more big punches from the top. Ferguson trying hard to get to his feet. Chandler with a right hand and Ferguson is cut open as well. Close round. 10-9 Chandler.

Chandler lands a front kick to the face of Ferguson and Ferguson drops face first to the mat out cold. What a finish! Absolutely insane.

Official Result- Michael Chandler def. Tony Ferguson by knockout (front kick) at :17 of Round 2

> UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship- C Rose Namajunas (11-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. #2 Carla Esparza (18-6, 9-4 UFC)

Neither has landed in the first minute as they’re feeling each other out. Esparza lands the first punch half-way through the first round. Namajunas with the double jab. Esparza with a leg kick. They aren’t doing anything. They landed a grand total of six strikes in the round. Horrible. A real 10-10 round but 10-9 Namajunas I guess.

Namajunas lands the first punch one minute into the fight. Esparza tries a takedown and gets Namajunas to her butt but they get up. They still aren’t doing anything. Namajunas lands a jab. Esparza with a leg kick. Esparza lands some more. They landed a combined six strikes again in the round. 10-9 Esparza, 19-19.

Esparza lands a jab. Namajunas with a leg kick. Esparza gets a takedown but they get right back up. Esparza starting to land more as the round goes on. Namajunas lands a left hand. They’re more active here but still not a lot happening. Namajunas lands a few punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Esparza, 29-28 Esparza.

Esparza with a leg kick. Namajunas lands a right hand. Esparza gets a takedown and tries to get the back but Namajunas escapes to her feet. They still aren’t doing much. Neither woman deserves to win this fight. Namajunas lands a right hand. Esparza shoots for a takedown and completes it and has the back but Namajunas spins out to her feet and lands a right hand. 10-9 Namajunas, 38-38.

Esparza shoots for a takedown but Namajunas defends. Namajunas with a right hand. Esparza with a left hand. Namajunas with a left hand to the body. Namajunas with a body kick. Namajunas with a right hand. Namajunas landing slightly more as the round goes on. Namajunas gets a late takedown. This is one of the worst fights in UFC history, absolutely horrible. 10-9 Namajunas, 48-47 Namajunas.

Official Result- Carla Esparza def. Rose Namajunas by split decision (47-48, 49-46, 48-47) to win the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship

> UFC Lightweight Championship*- Charles Oliveira (32-8 1 NC, 20-8 1 NC UFC) vs. #1 Justin Gaethje (23-3, 6-3 UFC)

*Oliveira missed weight by .5 pounds. He’s been stripped of the title and is ineligible to win it.

Gaethje with a leg kick and Oliveira with a right hand. Gaethje lands some right hands. Oliveira with a leg kick. Gaethje with a leg kick. Oliveira hurts Gaethje with a punch then Gaethje drops Oliveira with an uppercut. Gaethje with a big right hand and then a left hook and Oliveira falls down but has to get up. Gaethje with a leg kick. Oliveira with a jumping knee. Oliveira with a leg kick. Gaethje with a left hand. Oliveira grabs Gaethje and pulls guard but Gaethje stands right up. Oliveira with a right hand. Oliveira with an uppercut. They trade in close range and Oliveira drops Gaethje with a right hand and grabs the back. Oliveira working for the arm. Oliveira has the back and a rear-naked choke locked in and Gaethje taps! Oliveira wins but now we have no champion. He is the best lightweight in the world and will now be the number one contender, though.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Justin Gaethje by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:22 of Round 1, UFC Lightweight Championship is now vacant

UFC strips Charles Oliveira of lightweight title due to UFC 274 weight miss

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the first time, a UFC title has been lost on the scales.

Following his half-pound weight miss Friday afternoon, reigning lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has been stripped of the title. However, his anticipated main event clash with former interim champion Justin Gaethje Saturday at UFC 274 will still happen.

However, Oliveira will not be eligible to win the title because he didn’t make championship weight. If Gaethje wins, he will be the new champion. If Oliveira wins, the title will remain vacant.

Oliviera will also forfeit 30% of his fight purse to Gaethje. He weighed in at 155.5 pounds as title fights do not get the one pound overage allowance that undercard fights do.

Earlier today, Oliveira tweeted the following about making weight:

Oliveira, who had won the vacant title in a win over Michael Chandler a year ago, will look to extend a ten-fight winning streak Saturday. Gaethje has won five of his last six.

Oliveira has missed weight four times before, but the last time was back in November 2016.

Here’s the main card for Saturday’s pay-per-view in Phoenix, Arizona:

  • Vacant UFC lightweight title: Justin Gaethje vs. Charles Oliveira (only Gaethje can win the title)
  • Women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza
  • Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson
  • Mauricio “Shogun” Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux
  • Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon

UFC 269 live results: Oliveira vs. Poirier, Nunes vs. Pena

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 269: Oliveira vs. Poirier, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The UFC holds their final pay-per-view event of the year in their home arena, the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip, bringing a stacked card featuring two title fights and lots of exciting match-ups all throughout the line-up.

In the main event, UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira makes his first title defense against the top contender, former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier. Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in May to win the vacant title, while Poirier is looking to go 3-0 in 2021 after scoring two wins over Conor McGregor, one in January and the other in July.

In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes defends the bantamweight crown for the first time in two years as Julianna Pena looks to score the upset. Nunes is on a 12-fight win streak, and comes in off a defense of the featherweight title against Megan Anderson at UFC 259 in March. Pena comes in off a win over Sara McMann in January.

Also on the main card is a welterweight slugfest between Geoff Neal and Santiago Ponzinibbio, a flyweight bout as Kai Kara-France battles former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt in his divisional debut, and a bantamweight fight pitting Raulian Paiva against Sean O’Malley.

Among the fights on a stacked preliminary card include a featherweight battle between Josh Emmett and Dan Ige, a bantamweight bout that sees Pedro Munhoz take on former UFC and WEC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz, a heavyweight fight between Augusto Sakai and the popular Tai Tuivasa, and a clash of women’s flyweight prospects as Miranda Maverick squares off with Erin Blanchfield.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru 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].

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> Gillian Robertson (9-6, 6-4 UFC) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (10-3, 2-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights* (Cachoeira missed weight by 3 pounds)

Cachoeira missed weight by three pounds. Robertson with a leg kick and shoots for a takedown but Cachoeira slips away. Robertson closes the distance as they clinch against the fence. They break. They trade right hands. Robertson with a leg kick and Cachoeira with a right hand. Robertson with a right hand and then scores a takedown. Robertson steps over as she remains on top and looks to take the back. Robertson ends up back in side control and lands a big elbow. She moves to the mount and lands a big right hand. Robertson with some elbows. Robertson looking to set up an armbar. Robertson with more elbows and then some big punches. Robertson tried for the arm but gets the back and has a rear-naked choke locked in and Cachoeira gouged Robertson’s eyes to defend but ends up tapping. What a finish by Robertson!

Official Result- Gillian Robertson def. Priscila Cachoeira by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:59 of Round 1

> Randy Costa (6-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Tony Kelley (7-2, 1-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Kelley coming forward right away. Kelley with a leg kick. Kelley pushing forward and landing early. Costa lands an uppercut. They clinch against the fence and Costa landing some body punches and a few knees. They trade knees before breaking. Costa lands some before they clinch again. Kelley lands some knees. They break. They clinch back up and Kelley with some more knees. Kelley lands some punches to the body and more knees. 10-9 Kelley.

Kelley lands some kicks early. They clinch again with neither doing much before they break. Kelley lands some kicks. Costa lands a left hand as he backs up. Costa lands a body kick then a right hand and they clinch and Costa with a knee to the body. Kelley lands some knees and Costa tries for a takedown but Kelley ends up on top. Kelley lands some elbows from the half-guard. Kelley with big elbows to the head and body as Costa is covering up and this is stopped. What a finish by Kelley.

Official Result- Tony Kelley def. Randy Costa by TKO (elbows) at 4:15 of Round 2

> Ryan Hall (8-2, 4-1 UFC) vs. Darrick Minner (26-12, 2-2 UFC)
Featherweights

Minner lands some leg kicks early. Hall scrambles and rolls for a leg and has a leg lock locked in. Minner escapes and they stand and Hall gets it down again and has the leg but lets go and now looks to set up a triangle choke. Minner scrambles to avoid but is in a bad position. They get up and Minner lands an uppercut and Hall fakes him into landing and tries a takedown but they stand. Minner lands more punches and they go to the mat. Hall rolls for the leg and looks for a kneebar but they scramble and Hall is on top. Hall lands some short punches. Hall with more punches as he ends the first on top. 10-9 Hall.

Minner lands some right hands to start the second. Minner pushes Hall against the fence and Hall rolls for a leg. Minner laying on top as Hall is throwing little kicks to the body from the back as he’s looking for openings. Hall is looking for the armbar but Minner picked him up and slammed him to break it. Hall looking for a triangle choke and an armbar as he lands some punches and elbows. Hall with more punches. 10-9 Hall, 20-18 Hall.

Hall with a body kick. Hall barely lands a spin kick to the body. Minner lands a punch but Hall tricks him to get it to the mat and Hall goes for the triangle choke. Minner on top in the guard but Hall is working from the bottom and goes for the leg. Hall sweeps to the top and is in the full guard and is trying to work for an arm-triangle choke. Hall with just relentless pressure from the top and is landing body punches. Hall still trying for it as he continues to land to the body. Hall ends the fight in that position. 10-9 Hall, 30-27 Hall.

Official Result- Ryan Hall def. Darrick Minner by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)

> Miranda Maverick (9-3, 2-1 UFC) vs. Erin Blanchfield (7-1, 1-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They trade early with Maverick landing kicks and Blanchfield landing punches. Blanchfield gets a takedown. Blanchfield has the back and then moves to the top. Blanchfield is in the full guard. Maverick is landing short punches as Blanchfield remains on top and looking to transition. They get up and stay tied up and Blanchfield gets another takedown. She works from the top and they get up late. 10-9 Blanchfield.

They were trading to start the second and Blanchfield gets the takedown and they scramble to the feet. Blanchfield then gets another takedown and is in the half-guard. Blanchfield gets the crucifix position and is landing elbows and punches. Maverick clears the crucifix but Blanchfield is still on top in a dominant position. She gets to north-south position and is looking to step over for the kimura. Blanchfield looks to go for the armbar but Maverick uses her legs to trap Blanchfield at the end. 10-9 Blanchfield, 20-18 Blanchfield.

Maverick lands a combo to start the third. They trade punches and Maverick is getting the better of it. Maverick lands a left hand. Blanchfield lands a combo. Maverick with a high kick and left hand and then they clinch against the fence. Blanchfield gets the single leg and scores the takedown. Blanchfield takes the back and is working for a rear-naked choke. Blanchfield then switches back to being in the guard of Maverick, then passes to side control. Blanchfield with some punches from side control. Blanchfield moves to the mount and Maverick quickly gives up her back. Blanchfield with some punches from the back. 10-9 Blanchfield, 30-27 Blanchfield.

Official Result- Erin Blanchfield def. Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Andre Muniz (21-4, 3-0 UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (14-5 1 NC, 6-5 1 NC UFC)
Middleweights

Anders lands first with the left hand. Muniz with a leg kick. Muniz gets a big takedown and passes to the half-guard. He moves to side control and is looking to set up a choke. Muniz takes the back but they get to their feet and Muniz still has the back. Muniz trips Anders down for a second but they stand. Muniz drags it back down and has the back on the mat. Muniz gets the armbar and Anders taps! Big finish by Muniz to get the win.

Official Result- Andre Muniz def. Eryk Anders by submission (armbar) at 3:13 of Round 1

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> Jordan Wright (12-1 1 NC, 2-1 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (21-6, 2-0 UFC)
Middleweights

They trade kicks to start. Wright lands a big body kick and then a couple of head kicks. Wright lands a combo as Silva was rushing in and they’re teeing off on each other. They clinch and Wright with a couple of knees. He lands more knees to the body. Silva lands a huge combo and then rocks Wright with more punches and drops him and more punches ends it. What a finish by Silva!

Official Result- Bruno Silva def. Jordan Wright by TKO (punches) at 1:28 of Round 1

> Augusto Sakai (#11, 15-3-1, 4-2 UFC) vs. Tai Tuivasa (12-3, 6-3 UFC)
Heavyweights

Tuivasa lands a left hand as Sakai landed a leg kick. Tuivasa lands in close range and then lands to the body against the fence. They’re clinched against the fence with both battling for underhooks. Tuivasa with some right hands to the body and then one to the head as they switch positions. They break. Tuivasa lands an uppercut then a right hand against the fence as they clinch again. Sakai with some knees to the body. Tuivasa lands an elbow and then some punches. Tuivasa lands some punches as they break and then lands some more but Sakai lands a knee as they clinch. Close round. 10-9 Tuivasa.

Tuivasa with a leg kick. Tuivasa lands a left hook and Sakai is backing up. Tuivasa starts landing big punches and lands a right hand through the middle and Sakai goes down and is out cold. What a finish by Tuivasa, and then he does the Shoey. Four in a row for Tuivasa.

Official Result- Tai Tuivasa def. Augusto Sakai by knockout (punches) at :26 of Round 2

> Pedro Munhoz (#8, 19-6 1 NC, 9-6 1 NC) vs. Dominick Cruz (#10, 23-3, 6-2 UFC)
Bantamweights

Munhoz with a leg kick. Cruz lands a nice left hand and then Munhoz lands a body kick. Cruz with a leg kick then a right hand. Munhoz lands a big right hand and Cruz stumbles down and is in trouble. Munhoz jumps on and is landing big punches as Cruz is trying to recover and Munhoz now has the back and is trying to trap an arm. Cruz escapes and they get back to their feet. Munhoz lands a double jab then a right hand. Cruz comes forward throwing a combo. Cruz lands and gets a brief takedown and grabs the neck, lands a knee to the body as they stand. Cruz with a nice combination. Cruz with a big combination late and they trade late in a big flurry. 10-9 Munhoz.

They’re trading to start out the second. Cruz lands a combination. Cruz lands a combo and Munhoz misses his punches. Munhoz with a leg kick. Munhoz shoots for a takedown but Cruz easily stuffs it. They trade in close range as Cruz lands a left hand. Cruz lands a quick combo. Munhoz has a cut open. Cruz lands a combo and then Munhoz lands a leg kick. Cruz with a combo then a knee and then tees off in the pocket. Cruz with a leg kick then a combo. Cruz with an uppercut and a left hand. Munhoz with a leg kick. 10-9 Cruz, 19-19.

Cruz lands a couple of uppercuts to start the third. Munhoz comes forward throwing but Cruz eludes and then lands a body kick and left hand. Cruz with a combo. Cruz with more leg kicks. Cruz lands a good combination. Cruz with more nice combinations as Munhoz isn’t landing as much. Munhoz lands a leg kick but misses his punches. They trade inside the pocket. Cruz with a combination. Munhoz lands a left hand late. Good fight. 10-9 Cruz, 29-28 Cruz.

Official Result- Dominick Cruz def. Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Josh Emmett (#7, 16-2, 7-2 UFC) vs. Dan Ige (#9, 15-4, 7-3 UFC)
Featherweights

Emmett with a big right hand and Ige goes down. Emmett gets on top and lands some body punches. They get up and Emmett lands a knee and then Ige takes it down. They scramble and Ige ends up getting Emmett back down. Emmett reverses and is in the half-guard against the fence. They stand and Emmett with a hard right hand. Ige lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Ige lands a right hand and then a jab. Both are really looking for the right opening. Emmett with a combo. Ige with a late leg kick. 10-9 Emmett.

Ige with a combination. Ige with a combo to the body. They trade in close range then Ige lands the jab. Emmett with a right hand to the body. Ige lands a left hook that stuns Emmett. Ige with a right hand and he shoots for a takedown but Emmett defends. Emmett with an elbow before they break. Ige with the jab. He lands another jab. Ige with a hard right hand and then a leg kick. Ige with a left hand then the jab. Emmett with a right hand. They trade right hands. Ige with a quick uppercut. Emmett with a combo. Ige with a jab and right hand late. 10-9 Ige, 19-19.

Ige lands a right hand. Emmett lands a right hand and a left hook after he lands to the body. Ige lands the jab. Ige with a leg kick. Ige with a right hand to the body. Emmett with a big combo that stuns Ige. Ige with the jab. Ige with a right hand and Emmett counters with a combination. Emmett with a left hook. Emmett with a right hand. Ige tries for a takedown but Emmett defends and they break. Ige fakes a takedown and lands a body kick. Ige lands an uppercut. Emmett with a right hand. Emmett lands a left hand. Super close fight. 10-9 Ige, 29-28 Ige.

Official Decision- Josh Emmett def. Dan Ige by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

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> Raulian Paiva (21-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. Sean O’Malley (14-1, 6-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

O’Malley with a body kick. O’Malley lands the jab. He lands again and then ands a low kick for a timeout. We get back to action and Paiva with a body kick. Paiva lands a right hand. O’Malley with a left hand. Paiva lands a right hand. Paiva with a body kick. O’Malley with a combo. They trade kicks. O’Malley with a jab then a right hand. He lands the jab twice more. O’Malley lands the jab and Paiva with a right hand. O’Malley with a big right hand that rocks Paiva. O’Malley teeing off on Paiva and landing big punches and another right hand stumbles Paiva and then he tees off more and it is stopped. What a finish by O’Malley.

Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Raulian Paiva by TKO (punches) at 4:42 of Round 1

> Kai Kara-France (#6, 22-9 1 NC, 5-2 UFC) vs. Cody Garbrandt (#7 BW, 12-4, 7-4 UFC)
Flyweights

Garbrandt with a leg kick. They trade jabs. Garbrandt with a leg kick. Kara-France with a leg kick. Garbrandt just misses a right hand. Kara-France lands a jab. Kara-France with a leg kick and Garbrandt lands a right hand. Kara-France drops Garbrandt with a right hand. Garbrandt gets up and Kara-France is after him as they run around and then Garbrandt gets a takedown but they get up. Kara-France with the jab. Garbrandt with an uppercut. Kara-France with a combo and he has Garbrandt in trouble and Garbrandt falls down and it is over. What a win by Kara-France!

Official Result- Kai Kara-France def. Cody Garbrandt by TKO (punches) at 3:21 of Round 1

> Geoff Neal (#12, 13-4, 5-2 UFC) vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (#14, 28-4, 10-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Neal with a leg kick. He lands another. Ponzinibbio throws a right hand and lands an inside leg kick. Neal lands a leg kick and Ponzinibbio counters with a leg kick. Neal with a high kick. Ponzinibbio has been warned twice to watch the fingers. Neal with a body kick. Ponzinibbio with a right hand. Ponzinibbio with a right hand. Neal with the jab then a high kick. Ponzinibbio with a combo. Neal with a high kick. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action and trade late. 10-9 Neal.

Ponzinibbio with a quick combo. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick and Neal checks it. Neal with a right hand. Neal with a high kick. They trade and Ponzinibbio looks for a takedown against the fence. Neal is defending but Ponzinibbio is able to complete it. They get back to their feet and exchange punches. Ponzinibbio with a combo. Ponzinibbio with an inside leg kick. They trade and Neal lands a solid combination. Neal lands a left hand. Ponzinibbio is claiming there was an eye poke but they fight on. They trade in close range. Ponzinibbio with a right hand and an inside leg kick. 10-9 Ponzinibbio, 19-19.

They trade to start the third with Neal landing a body kick. Neal tags Ponzinibbio with a combo and had him in trouble for a moment. Ponzinibbio then lands a right hand. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a combo. Neal with a high kick after rushing forward. Neal with a left hand. They trade in close range. Neal lands a left hand. Ponzinibbio lands a right hand. Neal with a left hand and Ponzinibbio lands a right hand. Neal with a left hand. Neal with a right hand and Ponzinibbio stumbles. They both land hard shots. Neal with a right hand and Ponzinibbio is backing up. Neal with a left hand then a cracking combination. Neal lands a right hand. Neal with a left hand. Neal with some straight left hands. Ponzinibbio with a right hand. Neal with a left hand. Close fight. 10-9 Neal, 29-28 Neal.

Official Result- Geoff Neal def. Santiago Ponzinibbio by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

> Amanda Nunes (C, 21-4, 14-1 UFC) vs. Julianna Pena (#3, 10-4, 6-2 UFC)
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

Pena throws and Nunes lands a calf kick at the same time and Pena slips to the mat but gets up. Nunes with another leg kick. Pena lands a right hand. Nunes with a right hand. Nunes lands a right hand and Pena falls to the mat. Nunes enters the guard landing a right hand. Pena scrambles and looks for the takedown against the fence as they’re clinched. Nunes trips it to the mat. Nunes gets the back and is looking for a choke. Nunes with some short right hands. Nunes lets go and Pena turns back in and Nunes has the half-guard. Pena is holding on to a kimura but Nunes is fighting it easily. Nunes ends the first on top. 10-9 Nunes.

Pena trying to land but backing up as she throws. Nunes lands a leg kick. Pena with the jab and Nunes with an inside leg kick. Pena lands a combo. Pena lands a good combination and has Nunes in trouble and then Nunes lands a right hand and a big left. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with a combo. Pena lands a combination and both are landing in close range. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with a right hand. They’re still trading in close range. Pena lands a left hand. Pena with a right hand. They’re trading jabs. Pena with a right hand. Pena has Nunes in trouble as they clinch. Pena gets Nunes down and has the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and Nunes taps! WOW! That is the biggest upset in UFC history as Julianna Pena submits Amanda Nunes to win the championship. Holy cow.

Official Result- Julianna Pena def. Amanda Nunes by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:22 of Round 2 to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

> Charles Oliveira (C, 31-8 1 NC, 19-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Dustin Poirier (#1, 28-6 1 NC, 20-5 1 NC UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

They trade to start. Poirier lands a right hand and Oliveira drops to the mat for a second. Poirier with a left hand. They trade in the clinch as Oliveira lands a right hand and Poirier with an uppercut. Poirier with a left hand. Oliveira lands a knee to the body then a front kick. Oliveira with a knee to the body. Poirier with a left hand and Oliveira with an uppercut. Oliveira pushes it against the fence. They roll to the mat for a sceond and Oliveira with a knee to the body before they break. Oliveira with a right hand. Poirier with a left hand. Poirier with a left hand and follows it with a right hook. Poirier with a flurry against the fence and Oliveira lands a knee to the body. He lands another. Poirier with a left hand. Oliveira with an uppercut. Poirier with a combo and Oliveira gets dropped. Poirier gets on top and then stands and Oliveira gets up. Poirier with a left hand. Poirier with a combo. Oliveira with a combination. Poirier with a combo. Poirier with another left hand. Oliveira lands a right hand. Oliveira with a front kick. What a round! 10-9 Poirier.

Oliveira with a right hand and lands a knee and they clinch against the fence. Oliveira with a knee to the face that just misses as he tries to get Poirier down. Oliveira tries to take the back standing but Poirier pushes him off and lands from the top. Oliveira was grabbing the glove of Poirier and Poirier had to roll to get out and now Oliveira is in the guard of Poirier. Oliveira lands some elbows from the top. Oliveira was holding onto Poirier’s glove illegally and got away with it. Oliveira still on top and lands some more elbows. Oliveira with more elbows as Poirier is stuck on the bottom. Oliveira stands and lands a right hand at the end. 10-9 Oliveira, 19-19.

Oliveira grabs the back of Poirier early standing. Oliveira jumps on the back and looks for the rear-naked choke. He has it locked in and Poirier taps! Oliveira retains the title with another record-setting submission win.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Dustin Poirier by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:02 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC 262 live results: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 262: Oliveira vs. Chandler, emanating from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The Octagon returns to a full arena of fans for the second time since pandemic restrictions started being lifted, as a sold-out crowd in Houston welcomes the UFC back, and they’re going to be treated to seeing a brand-new champion being crowned.

The vacant UFC Lightweight Championship is up for grabs in the main event as Charles Oliveira looks for his ninth straight win when he battles Michael Chandler for the honor to be crowned the new champion. The title was finally vacated in March following the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Oliveira and Chandler emerged as the top two choices to battle for it. Oliveira is coming off a dominant decision win over Tony Ferguson in December, while Chandler had an impressive UFC debut, knocking out Dan Hooker in January.

In the co-main event, Tony Ferguson will look to end a two-fight losing streak when he takes on Beneil Dariush, winner of six straight fights. Also on the main card is a bantamweight bout between ranked flyweights Matt Schnell and Rogerio Bontorin, a women’s flyweight fight as Katlyn Chookagian takes on Viviane Araujo, and a potential Fight Of The Year candidate between featherweights Shane Burgos and Edson Barboza opens the main card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru 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].

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Christos Giagos (18-8, 4-4 UFC) vs. Sean Soriano (14-6, 0-3 UFC)
Lightweights

Giagos rocks Soriano early with a right hand and is pressing forward. Soriano lands a left that stuns Giagos a moment. Giagos goes for a takedown against the fence and is working for it. He gets it and takes the back of Soriano as they stand. They break. Giagos lands a right hand. Giagos with a right to the body. They trade in close range. Soriano with a right hand. They trade again. We have a timeout due to an eye poke but they fight on. Soriano lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Giagos shoots but Soriano defends and lands a leg kick. They trade in close. Soriano with some body shots and then lands a left hand. Soriano with a leg kick. Soriano lands another right hand. Soriano with a left hand and then a head kick that he slips on, but he gets right back up. Giagos gets a late takedown. 10-9 Soriano.

Giagos lands a right hand. They trade and Soriano lands a nice combo. Giagos gets a takedown and is in side control. Giagos looks for the D’Arce choke and has it locked in and Soriano goes out cold. Giagos with the nice comeback after losing the first.

Official Result- Christos Giagos def. Sean Soriano by submission (D’Arce choke) at 1:01 of Round 2

> Kevin Aguilar (17-4, 2-3 UFC) vs. Tucker Lutz (11-1, 0-0 UFC)
Featherweights

Lutz with a body kick to start. Aguilar with a leg kick. Lutz with another body kick and Aguilar lands a combo. Lutz with a left hook and they tie up. They trade to the body and break. Lutz with a leg kick as Aguilar lands a right to the body. Aguilar lands some. Lutz with a leg kick but Aguilar lands some counter punches. They trade in close range. Lutz with a body kick. Lutz lands a right hand and another body kick. Lutz with a leg kick. They trade and Lutz lands a nice left hook and then they exchange some more. Lutz gets a takedown into the guard of Aguilar but Aguilar being active off his back. Lutz lands some left hands from the top. Lutz finishes the round on top. 10-9 Lutz.

Aguilar lands a nice left hook to start the second. Lutz with a high kick that Aguilar mostly blocks. Aguilar with a left hand. Lutz with some leg kicks. Aguilar lands a leg kick and then Lutz lands one. Lutz with a nice left hook. Lutz lands a combo and then they exchange in close range. Aguilar working for a takedown against the fence but Lutz defending well. They break. Lutz lands a nice combo. Lutz with a body kick. They trade and Lutz with a knee to the body. Lutz with a right hand. Lutz gets a nice takedown and works in the guard of Aguilar. They get to their feet and trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Lutz with a leg kick and Aguilar just misses a big right hand. They tie up at the end. 10-9 Lutz, 20-18 Lutz.

Aguilar lands a left hand that connects and then lands a combo followed by a high kick. Aguilar connects again with the left hand. Lutz lands an uppercut. They exchange in close range. Aguilar swinging for the fences and connects. Aguilar with another right hand. He’s trying to knock Lutz out. Lutz with a leg kick and then gets a takedown into the half-guard. Lutz working from the top but Aguilar works his way up. Lutz tries a takedown but Aguilar defends. Aguilar lands and goes for a takedown and lands a knee but Lutz reverses position. They break. Lutz with a leg kick. He lands another. Lutz with a right hand. He lands a leg kick. Lutz with a big left hand. Aguilar fires back and lands and lands a body kick. Aguilar with a combo. Aguilar with a body kick. 10-9 Aguilar, 29-28 Lutz.

Official Result- Tucker Lutz def. Kevin Aguilar by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Gina Mazany (7-4, 2-4 UFC) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (9-3, 1-3 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Mazany with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Both are landing punches as Mazany presses forward and they clinch. Mazany gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Mazany gets it back down to the ground. Cachoeira lands some body punches from the bottom. Mazany pressuring from the top. Mazany lands a sharp elbow. Mazany still landing from the top. They get to their feet. They break and trade in the pocket. Mazany lands some knees in the clinch and gets another takedown. Mazany working in the half-guard and landing punches as Cachoeira is stuck on the bottom trying to play defense. 10-9 Mazany.

Mazany ducks under a Cachoeira punch and gets a takedown right away in the second. Mazany landing from the top. Not much is happening as Mazany has control from the top and Cachoeira has no answer. Mazany tries to work for the back but ends up back on top and lands some punches before getting back in Cachoeira’s guard. Mazany rolls around and lands from the top. They are stood up by Mike Beltran. Mazany with a body kick and then lands another. Mazany with a body kick and Cachoeira lands a right hand. They trade. Mazany with a left hand. Cachoeira lands a right hand. Mazany looking tired. Mazany with a body kick. Cachoeira lands some right hands. They trade against the fence and Cachoeira lands some punches. They clinch and Cachoeira with some knees before breaking. Cachoeira lands a right hand. Cachoeira teeing off and Mazany is hurt standing. Cachoeira then hurts Mazany with some punches and it is over. Cachoeira with the big comeback win in this one.

Official Result- Priscila Cachoeira def. Gina Mazany by TKO (punches) at 4:51 of Round 2

ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Andrea Lee (#11, 11-5, 3-3 UFC) vs. Antonina Shevchenko (#12, 9-2, 3-2 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Lee with a leg kick and Shevchenko lands a counter. They trade in close range. Shevchenko with some punches. Lee lands a right hand. Lee lands in close as Shevchenko slips away. Shevchenko lands some punches and they clinch. They trade knees and Lee lands an elbow as they break. They trade in close range and Shevchenko landed good. They trade and clinch and Lee with some body punches as Shevchenko lands some knees. They trade knees now. They break. They trade and clinch for a second. They trade again and Lee with a body kick. Lee lands a hard body kick and then they connect on each other before clinching. Lee gets Shevchenko down to the mat and is working in the guard. They end the round with Lee on top. 10-9 Lee.

Shevchenko with a leg kick while Lee lands a right hand and they get to the mat after a Lee takedown but scramble right up. Lee gets a head-and-arm throw takedown and is in side control. Lee with some elbows. Lee with a right hand as she gets to the mount and then locks a triangle choke in. Lee landing elbows while she has it locked in. Shevchenko trying to fight it off as Lee lands some punches. Shevchenko is fighting it off as Lee is landing elbows. Lee has the arm and went for the armbar but let go and still has Shevchenko in the triangle. Lee with more elbows as Shevchenko is still trying to escape. Lee still working hard for something but Shevchenko is showing some good defense. Lee has the arm extended and the armbar is locked in and Shevchenko taps! Excellent win for Lee as she stayed patient and finally found the submission she was looking for.

Official Result- Andrea Lee def. Antonina Shevchenko by submission (triangle armbar) at 4:52 of Round 2

> Jordan Wright (11-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jamie Pickett (11-5, 0-1 UFC)
Middleweights

They trade kicks. Pickett lands a body kick asthey trade in close and Pickett goes for a takedown against the fence. Wright landing elbows that hurt Pickett and is trying to finish. They get up and Wright lands some knees and he’s all over Pickett. Wright landing and knocks Pickett down with a knee and a lot of big punches ends it. What a finish by Wright.

Official Result- Jordan Wright def. Jamie Pickett by TKO (strikes) at 1:04 of Round 1

> Lando Vannata (11-5-2, 3-5-2 UFC) vs. Mike Grundy (12-2, 1-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Vannata lands early. Vannata with a body kick and then a leg kick. Grundy looks for a takedown against the fence and lands a low blow and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Vannata lands a right hand and then a high kick. Vannata with a body kikc and Grundy gets a brief takedown before they scramble up. Grunday has the back standing and tries a slam but Vannata rolls and they are on the feet with Grundy having the back. They separate. Vannata with a step-in knee and tries a high kick but Grundy gets him down though they scramble up. They break and both land punches. Vannata with a high kick. Grundy gets the back standing and is tryung a takedown but Vannata gets away. Vannata landing and Grundy gets a brief takedown but Vannata gets up and runs away. Vannata with a body kick. 10-9 Vannata.

They trade to start the second. Grundy was trying for the takedown but Vannata defending. They break and Vannata with some leg kicks. Grundy still trying for the takedown but Vannata is getting away from them. Grundy lands a nice right hand. Vannata with a high kick. There was a fight in the crowd. Vannata lands a combo. Vannata with a combo and a leg kick. Grundy still trying for a takedown but Vannata defending. Vannata with a body kick. Grundy lands a hard right hand that Vannata eats perfectly. Vannata with some body kicks. 10-9 Vannata, 20-18 Vannata.

Grundy trying a takedown but Vannata defending. Vannata lands a hard knee and Grundy gets him down but Vannata trying to scramble up. Grundy has the neck and control in the sprawl and is looking for a choke. They get to their feet and Vannata with a big takedown as he’s on the top and they stand. Grundy lands a right hand but Vannata backs him up with a combo. Vannata lands a knee as Grundy misses a takedown attempt. Vannata with a leg kick. Grundy just barely lands a right hand. Grundy lands a left hand but Vannata with a body kick. Grundy with a right hand. Grundy tries a long takedown but Vannata easily defends. Vannata with a body kick and right hand. Grundy with a body kick and Vannata lands a knee. 10-9 Vannata, 30-27 Vannata.

Official Result- Lando Vannata def. Mike Grundy by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 30-27)

> Ronaldo Souza (26-9 1 NC, 9-6 UFC) vs. Andre Muniz (20-4, 2-0 UFC)
Middleweights

Souza with a leg kick. Souza with a body kick. Souza with another body kick and a right hand. Souza with a body kick and then a flurry as he goes for a takedown against the fence. He gets Muniz down. Souza with punches from the top as he stands. Muniz is able to force a scramble up. They trade and Muniz gets a takedown and is working from the top with short left hands. They scramble up and Muniz has the back against the fence. They break and Souza lands a right hand. Muniz with a high kick. Muniz gets a brief takedown and has the back standing as they get up. Muniz jumps up for a choke but Souza escapes for a second and Muniz is able to lock in an armbar and SOuza taps! Wow, what a submission out of nowhere as Muniz submits Souza.

Official Result- Andre Muniz def. Ronaldo Souza by submission (armbar) at 3:59 of Round 1

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> Shane Burgos (#9, 13-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Edson Barboza (#13, 21-9, 15-9 UFC)
Featherweights

They are swinging right away and Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with another legkick and some more as Burgos is trying to land punches. Barboza with another leg kick. They trade and Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a right hand. Barboza tries a spin kick but Burgos grabs him but they break. Barboza with a leg kick. Both are looking for openings while Barboza continues to land the leg kick. Burgos with a body combo. Barboza with more leg kicks. Burgos lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Barboza lands a spin kick right to the head of Burgos and he eats it. They then trade. Barboza with a right hand and Burgos stumbles. Burgos lands a left hand. Barboza with a right hand and then a leg kick and another. He lands another. Burgos with a left hook late. 10-9 Barboza.

Burgos landing the jab right away. Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with a spin kick to the body. They trade jabs. Burgos lands a right hand. Barboza with a body kick. Barboza with more leg kicks. They trade. Burgos lands a left hand. Burgos with a combo. Burgos with a left hook to the body and Barboza with another leg kick. Burgos with a leg kick and right hand. They trade in close range. Barboza with a spin kick. Barboza with a leg kick. They’re trading in close range. Barboza with a jumping knee. Barboza with a body kick. They trade and Barboza just misses a wheel kick. Burgos lands a left hook. Close round. 10-9 Burgos, 19-19.

Burgos with a leg kick and Barboza fires one back. Barboza lands a left hand and an inside leg kick. Burgos with a left hand. They trade in close range. Barboza lands a big right hand and Burgos stumbles a few moments later and falls to the ground and Barboza gets on top and finishes it off. What a fight as Barboza picks up the win.

Official Result- Edson Barboza def. Shane Burgos by TKO (punches) at 1:16 of Round 3

> Katlyn Chookagian (#2, 15-4, 8-4 UFC) vs. Viviane Araujo (#7, 10-2, 4-1 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

Araujo lands the jab. They each land in a close exchange. Chookagian lands a right hand. Araujo with a combo and then lands a big right hand. Araujo with a combo and then a leg kick. Chookagian lands a left hand. Araujo with an overhand right. Araujo with a right hand. Araujo lands a left. Araujo with another right hand. Araujo lands a right hand. Chookagian throwing a lot but not landing much of it. Chookagian lands a left hand and Araujo with a left hand to the body. They trade and Araujo goes for a takedown against the fence. Chookagian with a knee. They both land knees in the clinch. 10-9 Araujo.

Chookagian lands a body kick and Araujo stumbles to the mat for a moment but gets right up. They trade kicks. Chookagian with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade and Araujo gets Chookagian down to the mat and is in side control. She’s looking for a guillotine choke and has it in. She lets go to land punches. Araujo gets the mount. Araujo landing body punches from the top. They scramble to their feet and break. Chookagian with a left hand. Chookagian with a combo as Araujo looking tired. They trade in close range. 10-9 Araujo, 20-18 Araujo.

Chookagian with a body kick. Araujo lands a right hand. Chookagian with the jab and Araujo lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Chookagian with a leg kick. They continue to trade but neither landing anything clean or damaging. They trade in close range. Araujo tried a takedown but Chookagian defended and they trade on the break. Chookagian with a leg kick and some follow-up punches. They trade late. Both have a late flurry. Close fight. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Araujo.

Official Result- Katlyn Chookagian def. Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Matt Schnell (#8, 15-5, 5-3 UFC) vs. Rogerio Bontorin (#9, 16-3 1 NC, 2-2 UFC)
Bantamweights* (Bontorin missed weight by 1 pound)

They trade in close range. Bontorin with a leg kick as Schnell is pressing forward. Schnell with a combo as Bontorin lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. They trade in close. Bontorin lands a left hook. Bontorin with a leg kick and Schnell stumbles a little. Schnell with a combo in close. Bontorin with a leg kick. Schnell with a body kick. 10-9 Schnell.

Bontorin with a leg kick. Schnell with a leg kick. Bontorin lands a nice left hook. They trade inside the pocket. Bontorin lands a nice combo as they trade a flurry. Bontorin lands a left hook. Bontorin lands a combo and rocks Schnell. Not a lot going on as they’re just trading periodically. 10-9 Bontorin, 19-19.

Schnell landing more to start the third and Bontorin lands a right hand. Schnell with a combo. Bontorin with a leg kick. Bontorin with a leg kick. Both landing and Schnell lands a little more. Schnell lands a combo. They trade in close range. Bontorin landing a flurry against the fence and lands a flying knee and gets a takedown and is working in the guard of Schnell. Bontorin working from the top and keeping Schnell on the bottom. Bontorin in side control. Bontorin gets the back and lands punches and Schnell rolls but Bontorin still on top. 10-9 Bontorin, 29-28 Bontorin.

Official Result- Rogerio Bontorin def. Matt Schnell by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Tony Ferguson (#5, 25-5, 15-3 UFC) vs. Beneil Dariush (#9, 19-4-1, 13-4-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Dariush with a short combo and leg kick. Ferguson with a body kick. Dariush swinging wildly. Dariush with a leg kick and lands a left hand. They are both swinging and Dariush lands and gets a takedown. Ferguson looking for something from the bottom. Ferguson with some elbows from the bottom. Dariush gets back into the full guard. Both landing on the ground. Dariush landing from the top as Ferguson is trying to escape. Dariush ends the round on top. 10-9 Dariush.

Ferguson with a body kick. Dariush throws some punches and backs Ferguson against the fence and gets him down. Ferguson looking for a choke from the bottom. Dariush just holding on but not doing anything to improve. Ferguson lets go of the choke. Dariush throwing wildly from the top. Ferguson able to scramble out. They scramble and Ferguson ends up on top and now Dariush looking for a leg lock. He has a heel hook locked in and Ferguson is screaming but Dariush lets go and gets on top.  Dariush smothering from the top. Dariush ends the second in side control. 10-9 Dariush, 20-18 Dariush.

Ferguson with a front kick and right hand. Both are swinging and Dariush trying for a takedown and gets a slam and has Ferguson pinned against the fence. Dariush not doing much from the top but Ferguson also not doing much from the bottom. Dariush just smothering from the top but still not doing a whole lot. Dariush almost gets the mount but ends up in the guard. Ferguson just throwing legs around but not doing anything of note. Ferguson throws some elbows from the bottom. 10-9 Dariush, 30-27 Dariush.

Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Charles Oliveira (#3, 30-8 1 NC, 18-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Michael Chandler (#4, 22-5, 1-0 UFC)
UFC Lightweight Championship

Oliveira with a quick leg kick. He lands another. Chandler with some rights to the body. Chandler lands a left hook. Oliveira gets a takedown and Chandler has a guillotine locked in but Oliveira pops out. Oliveira gets the back and is working for a choke. They stand and Chandler does a back fall onto Oliveira to try and escape but Oliveria still has the back. Oliveira with an elbow. Oliveira with body punches. Chandler escapes. Chandler with some punches as he stands and Oliveira is on the mat. Oliveira gets to his feet. Chandler lands a left and then a right that drops Oliveira and he’s teeing off. Oliveira survives and tries for an armbar as Chandler gets in his guard. Chandler with punches. Chandler with a big elbow and a hammerfist. Chandler with more elbows and he moves to side control for a second then back into the guard. Chandler ends the round on top. 10-9 Chandler.

Oliveir drops Chandler with a left and is teeing off. Chandler stands and Oliveira drops him again and finishes him off with a huge flurry to win the title. Oliveira runs out into the crowd to celebrate with some friends and the place is going crazy.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler by TKO (punches) at :19 of Round 2 to win the UFC Lightweight Championship

UFC Fight Night 98 live results: Rafael dos Anjos vs. Tony Ferguson

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 98: Dos Anjos vs. Ferguson, eminating from Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico.

After having no action for the last three weeks, the UFC is returning with a stretch that will see nine events take place inside the Octagon over the final ten weeks of 2016.

The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the lightweight division as former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos, fighting for the first time since losing the championship, takes on top contender Tony Ferguson, winner of eight straight fights. Dos Anjos lost the title to Eddie Alvarez in July, and after going through some training camp changes, he looks to get back to title contention and derail the win streak of Ferguson. Ferguson is a former TUF winner who has won eleven of his twelve UFC bouts, and he’s stopped six of his last eight opponents during his win streak. Dos Anjos comes into the fight as a slight favorite according to the oddsmakers.

The co-main event is a lightweight bout between original TUF winner Diego Sanchez and debuting Marcin Held. Sanchez looks to rebound from a knockout loss to Joe Lauzon at UFC 200 in July while Held moves over from Bellator, where he once fought for their lightweight championship. Also on the main card is a bout between Ricardo Lamas and Charles Oliveira. Lamas was originally scheduled to fight BJ Penn at UFC Fight Night 97, but with Penn withdrawing due to injury and that event being cancelled, he was moved to a fight with Oliveira on this card. Oliveira took the fight on short notice and came in missing weight badly, weighing at 155 pounds for a featherweight bout, where the limit is 146 pounds.

Making her UFC debut on the card is Alexa Grasso as she takes on Heather Jo Clark. Grasso is undefeated in her eight-fight career and was one of the top stars in Invicta, and she has all of the makings to be a top star in the UFC with her looks and fighting ability. Clark is a veteran of the sport, but she has lost four of her last seven fights, and she looks to play the spoiler as she comes in as the biggest underdog on the card.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

Some additional coverage:
– UFC Fight Night 98 DFS Playbook

UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT

> Enrique Barzola (11-3-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Chris Avila (5-3, 0-1 UFC)
Featherweights

The first round belonged all to Enrique Barzola. He was landing leg kicks, which weren’t being checked by Chris Avila. That haindered Avila in his last fight with Artem Lobov and it did in this round. Barzola scored a couple of takedowns and had ground control, but Avila was able to get up both times. Barzola went back to landing some leg kicks and was on the attack more. Avila did land some nice punches but nothing that had Barzola in trouble. It was a clear 10-9 round for Barzola.

The second round again was controlled by Barzola. He scored more takedowns and was controlling on the mat. He also was landing leg kicks at will on the feet and getting the better of the offensive striking. Avila has alright technique on his feet but the volume just isn’t there, and Barzola was capitalizing on the openings. On the mat, Avila had no defense for the pressure of Barzola, and while he was in no danger of being finished, he was being outclassed everywhere. It was another 10-9 round for Barzola and I had him up 20-18 going into the final round, and he was well on his way to a win.

Avila was needing a finish in the third to win, but he looked the more tired of the two heading out for the last round. Unfortunately for him, it was more of the same in the last round. Barzola was getting the better of the striking battle, and he had the takedowns and ground control to go with it. Avila didn’t have much of an offensive attack other than landing some slow punches, but takedowns and clinch work wasn’t there for him. Avila was constantly over-reaching on his right hand and Barzola would counter with takedowns. It was another clear 10-9 round for Barzola, and I had him winning it 30-27 as it went to the judges.

All three judges had the fight 30-26 for Barzola. All three rounds were definitely won by him, and while he didn’t come close to stopping Avila, he controlled the fight. He looked solid in this fight, but it was against a very unworthy opponent in Avila. It is going to be hard to gauge where he really stands as any opponent is a tougher one. He looked good in this fight though. Avila is likely on his way out of the UFC, and he really isn’t ready to be there. He is now just 5-4 in his career, and he hasn’t looked good at all in either UFC fight.

Enrique Barzola def. Chris Avila by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

> Polo Reyes (6-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jason Novelli (11-2-1, 0-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Polo Reyes was looking for that knockout in the first round as he was loading up on his punches. Jason Novelli was landing a punch every once-in-a-while but wasn’t following up on it. He did score a takedown and a big right hand but Reyes was able to get back to his feet. Novelli’s footwork kept him on the outside and away from the power of Reyes, but he didn’t do much. He did land a couple of kicks but he was doing his best to stay away from the power right hand of Reyes, and he was able to. It was a close round and Novelli landing some clean punches gave him a 10-9 round on my scorecard.

Reyes came out stronger on the offensive in the second round, landing a lot of punches and kicks. Novelli was constantly circling away and unable to get anything going and had a takedown reversed with Reyes getting on top on the mat. Reyes was landing from the top as Novelli was using bad strategy from the bottom against the fence. This round should go 10-9 to Reyes and I had it tied up 19-19 heading into the third.

The altitude slowed both men down in the third, and that will be a recurring theme on this evening. Reyes was the more aggressive fighter in the third but both were landing. Reyes was landing the bigger strikes, but Novelli did land some clean punches. Reyes had the betting Octagon control in this round, and in the fight overall. Novelli mounted a late comeback with a takedown and some elbows, but not enough in my view to get the round. They went the full distance and I had the final round 10-9 for Reyes, and the fight 29-28 for Reyes overall.

The judges had it a split decision, with two judges giving it to Reyes 29-28 and one giving it 29-28 to Novelli. All scores are justifiable as it should be Novelli winning the first and Reyes winning the second, and Novelli did enough late in the third to steal the round. It was a good fight and Reyes was definitely not as strong as in his past two. Novelli is 37-years-old and now 0-2 in the UFC, and while I think he should get another shot, he may not.

Polo Reyes def. Jason Novelli by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Sam Alvey (28-8 1 NC, 5-3 UFC) vs. Alex Nicholson (7-2, 1-1 UFC)
Middleweights

It was a slow opening round as Nicholson was landing some glazing head kicks and Alvey was looking to counter, where he excels. Nicholson was able to stay on the outside and avoid the counters of Alvey, and neither man had the other in too much trouble. I had this round 10-9 for Nicholson.

Nicholson was getting the better of the action on the feet and Alvey started going for takedowns. They both started landing on the feet but Alvey wasn’t doing a good job of following up his strikes that landed. Alvey rocked Nicholson late and it may have been enough to steal him the round. I gave it 10-9 to Alvey and had it 19-19 after two.

The pace was slow in the third. Alvey was landing more and following up better on his first punch, but neither man fought with desperation. Alvey was spending his time working on the outside and trying to lure Nicholson in for a firefight. Nicholson really didn’t do much when he had the chance as he faded. Alvey having more output with his strikes scored the round for him on my scorecard. A 10-9 round for Alvey and I had him winning 29-28.

The judges’ cards all read 29-28 for Alvey. No post-fight promo for Alvey, which are always a treat. Alvey now has three straight wins while Nicholson is 1-2 in the UFC. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nicholson is cut as he has been under recent fire for domestic abuse allegations, though he was cleared after an investigation. Alvey will probably fight again next month.

Sam Alvey def. Alex Nicholson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT

> Henry Briones (16-5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Douglas Silva de Andrade (23-1 1 NC, 1-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

They were going back-and-forth on the feet in the first with neither man getting a clear advantage. They came on late with Briones rocking Silva late. Briones was pouring it on late and Silva looked stunned, though he fired back. It was close until the end and I gave the round 10-9 to Briones.

The second round was on the feet and much like the first. Silva was rocking Briones and had him rocked with a right hook. They were trading back again and Silva almost finished Briones with a big punch. Briones then did a crazy jumping kick and got dropped again. Silva got a late takedown and I had this fight tied up after two. 10-9 round for Silva and 19-19 after two.

The third round was controlled by Silva but Briones was eating punches well and surviving. Silva was landing big punches and kicks but Briones has a heck of a chin on him. Silva then landed a big spinning back fist that knocked Briones out and the fight was stopped as we got our first finish on the night. A heck of a fight there. Silva is now 24-1 in his career and has a good shot of climbing the rankings. Briones has back-to-back losses, but to two fighters with a combined one loss in their careers. I hope he gets another shot inside the Octagon.

Douglas Silva de Andrade def. Henry Briones by TKO (strikes) at 2:33 of Round 3

> Erick Montano (7-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (12-3, 0-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Max Griffin hurt Erick Montano early and then landed a lot of punches on the mat and this fight was stopped quickly. I didn’t expect this as Montano has a good chin but Griffin landed a big punch and capitalized with a barrage to the point it had to be stopped or he was going to gas himself out. A big first UFC win for Griffin. 

Max Griffin def. Erick Montano by TKO (punches) at :54 of Round 1

> Marco Beltran (8-3, 3-0 UFC) vs. Joe Soto (16-5, 1-3 UFC)
140-pound Catchweight

They were trading early and went to the mat and Joe Soto grabbed the leg, locked a heel hook in and Marco Beltran tapped out. Soto took the fight earlier this week and this is an impressive showing for him with no training camp. 

Joe Soto def. Marco Beltran by submission (heel hook) at 1:37 of Round 1

> Erik Perez (16-6, 6-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Arantes (18-7-1 2 NC, 5-3-1 UFC)
138-pound Catchweight (Arantes missed weight at 138 pounds)

Erik Perez was controlling the Octagon during the first round and scored a takedown. He went to attacking the body and Arantes countered with a heel hook but Perez slipped out and let Arantes on top. Perez was able to escape and was looking for the finish on the top but ran out of time. It was a 10-9 opening round for Perez.

In the second round, Perez was having trouble staying on his feet as his right leg and knee were hurting from the heel hook attempt by Arantes. He ended up taking Arantes to the mount and was dominating there, ending up in the mount. They scrambled and it ended up with Arantes looking for a choke from the back. Perez slipped out and ended back on top and in dominant position to end the round. I gave that round 10-9 to Perez and had him up 20-18 heading to the final round.

A fun moment to start the third round saw both men miss on spinning back fists within seconds of each other, but Perez countered in taking Arantes down. Perez was controlling on the mat but they ended up getting back to their feet and both men were landing solid punches. Perez was still having trouble standing and it caused him to be dropped late. Arantes had a late arm-triangle choke locked in but Perez was saved by the end of the round. Close final round that I gave to Perez, 10-9, and I had him winning the fight 30-27.

The judges had a split decision, with Perez winning on two scorecards with 29-28 scores, and Arantes having a 28-29 on the other. The fight could have gone either way as rounds one and three were close, though I did give both to Perez. It is a solid win for Perez and he fought off a much-bigger opponent. He is popular in front of the Mexican crowd and he has a solid 7-2 record in the UFC. Arantes has struggled but he is solid enough to stick around from prelim fights, especially in Brazil.

Erik Perez def. Felipe Arantes by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

FOX SPORTS 1 MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Alexa Grasso (8-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Heather Jo Clark (7-5, 1-1 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Clark was on the attack early but got hurt by Grasso and Grasso swarmed on looking for the finish. Grasso landed beautiful combinations in looking for the finish and had Clark pinned against the fence. The crowd was very loud for Grasso. Grasso remained really calm and had Clark bloodied up a little. Grasso ended the round with some more hard punches and kicks. Clark survived but the first round definitely belonged to Grasso, who took it 10-9 on my scorecard.

Clark was saying she was having trouble seeing during the minute in the corner. Clark was controlling the center and pushed Grasso against the fence but Grasso was able to take over from there. Grasso slowed down her output as Clark was pressuring more, but once they clinched, it was all Grasso even when she was pinched against the fence. They went to the mat but scrambled up and Grasso landed a nice combo on the scramble up. I gave it 10-9 to Grasso and had her up 20-18 after two.

Grasso got the early advantage in a clinch but Clark was giving her a fight. Clark was trying to land her strikes but Grasso’s footwork kept her out of range. They traded combos as Grasso has slowed her attack just a little on the feet. Clark is a bloodied mess. Grasso got a big slam late and it showed her overall attack. I gave the third round to Grasso 10-9 and the fight 10-9 overall for Grasso.

The judges agreed and gave Grasso all three rounds, with two 30-27 scores and one 29-28. Grasso showed why everyone is excited for her and that she has a chance to be a real player in the division for years to come. It was a showcase fight for her and you can see this and get excited for her inevitably fighting Joanna Jedrzejczyk down the road. She has star potential unlike many in the UFC. Clark gave her a good test but she was overmatched from the get-go, but put in a good opposing showing, something many haven’t been able to do against Grasso.

Alexa Grasso def. Heather Jo Clark by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Beneil Dariush (#9, 13-2, 7-2 UFC) vs. Rashid Magomedov (#15, 19-1, 4-0 UFC)
Lightweights

This is a high-level lightweight bout and it showed early as neither man could get the advantage of the other. They traded takedown scrambles before a break due to a groin strike. Dariush was the fighter who was on the attack more and the more engaging of the two. He also landed some solid kicks and knees. Magomedov went into clinch mode and got a late takedown but Dariush’s striking was the difference in the opening round. I gave it 10-9 to Dariush.

In the second round, Dariush was landing leg kicks and had more of a sense of urgency between the two. Magomedov was defending the takedowns from Dariush but was stuck in the clinch and Dariush had control. The crowd was booing as this fight hasn’t been much action. They broke and each man landing strikes but Dariush pushed him back against the fence. Two rounds down and both were tough to score but I gave the second to 10-9 to Dariush as well, putting him up 20-18 after two.

The third round started with them exchanging big body kicks before the clinch battle started again. They were trading a little but enough to where it prompted the crowd to do the wave. It was a very uneventful final round with a lot of clinch work. Both men landed at the end. The crowd booed at the signal of the end of the fight. Close final round that I gave 10-9 to Magomedov, but I had the fight 29-28 Dariush overall.

All three judges gave the fight to Dariush, with two 30-27 scores and one 29-28. It was a very uneventful fight and not one worth going back to watch. Dariush now has wins in seven of his last eight fights and he is a title contender. It was only Magomedov’s second career loss in 21 fights, and it ended his 12-fight win streak. He has been good but now will find himself out of the rankings and back down the ladder.

Beneil Dariush def. Rashid Magomedov by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Martin Bravo (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Claudio Puelles (7-1, 0-0 UFC)
The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 3 Lightweight Finale

They were trading solid strikes and Bravo was controlling the center of the Octagon. Bravo busted up Puelles’ nose with punches. Puelles got a brief takedown but they got to their feet. Bravo landed better on the feet and was advancing more but Puelles kept him in check with body kicks. Bravo landed a big combo at the end and it got him the round as I gave it 10-9 to him.

They were trading and Puelles got a quick takedown before getting back up. Bravo was getting the better on the feet and landed a big body shot that dropped Puelles and he finished him off with a couple more punches on the mat to become the latest TUF winner.

Martin Bravo def. Claudio Puelles by TKO (punches) at 1:55 of Round 2

> Ricardo Lamas (#4, 16-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. Charles Oliveira (#8, 21-6 1 NC, 9-6 1 NC UFC)
155-pound Catchweight (Oliveira missed weight at 155 pounds)

Oliveira had to be no more than 165 pounds when arriving at the arena, and he was, so the fight did go on. Lamas got an early big takedown and was controlling from the top. They got up and Oliveira got a takedown. Lamas survived a choke from Oliveira. Oliveira got the back and was looking for the choke again. He had it locked in tight late but Lamas survived to the bell. That round had to be 10-9 Oliveira.

Lamas got a takedown and was controlling in side control and had a guillotine locked in. Oliveira tapped out! Lamas gets the submission in the second after surviving a tough first round. I’m sure Oliveira will be forced to move up to lightweight again now, if they don’t decide to cut him after this weight cut issue.

Ricardo Lamas def. Charles Oliveira by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:13 of Round 2

> Diego Sanchez (26-9, 15-9 UFC) vs. Marcin Held (22-4, 0-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Held came over from Bellator and is looking to have an impressive debut but he was having trouble early with Sanchez. Held landed a big right hand. Held did a cartwheel kick that landed. They traded and Sanchez went for a takedown but Held held him upright. Held got a choke but Sanchez ran up the fence to escape and just threw Held off. Close round but I gave it 10-9 to Held.

They went to the mat and Held went for a heel hook but it allowed Sanchez to get on top and land punches. Sanchez with a lot of dominant position on the top. More suffocating top control from Sanchez and he has been doing a great job of keeping Held pinned on the bottom. Held gave up his back and Sanchez landed to end the round. A very clear 10-9 round for Sanchez, and I had it 19-19 heading to the final round.

Held looked very tired going into the third and Sanchez was very fresh. Held landed a huge knee and dropped Sanchez for a second. Held went for an armbar but Sanchez rolled out onto the top. Sanchez was strong on top but Held was continuing to go for leg locks. Sanchez still on top and controlling this fight. Sanchez with big punches from the top as the fight ends and this round belonged to him, 10-9. I had the fight 29-28 for Sanchez.

The judges had it all for Sanchez, with him winning two of the three rounds on all scorecards. This is a huge win for Sanchez as Held is a legitimate great fighter coming from Bellator, and was thought to be another fresh contender at 155 pounds. Sanchez looked fresh throughout the fight and he was never in trouble, and he looked like he’s not ready to wind down his career. Held tried too many crafty things, and he ultimately gave the fight away by trying to do things that ended up with him at a disadvantage. He is much better than this performance showed.

Diego Sanchez def. Marcin Held by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

> Rafael Dos Anjos (#2, 25-8, 14-6 UFC) vs. Tony Ferguson (#3, 21-3, 11-1 UFC)
Lightweights

They traded some big shots. Dos Anjos landed a huge left hand at one point. They were trading a lot of punches and kicks but Dos Anjos was landing the harder punches. Dos Anjos tripped up Ferguson and ended up on top on the ground. Both men landed spinning back fists. Dos Anjos got the better of the round but Ferguson was finding his range late and I think he’s set up to take over starting in the second round. But that round was 10-9 Dos Anjos.

Both guys looking sharp in the second round. Dos Anjos showing a little blood. They are trading. Ferguson does better when he’s just boxing but when he starts mixing everything Dos Anjos is able to fluidly counter and rock him. They are both landing but Ferguson is pushing the pace and landing harder. Straight left hand from Ferguson had Dos Anjos in a whole heap of trouble. Ferguson landed big and blew a kiss to Dos Anjos. That round went to Ferguson, 10-9, and I had it 19-19 after two.

Ferguson continued to have Dos Anjos in trouble as he is the fresher of the two and he is pushing the pace more. Dos Anjos did land a huge head kick. Dos Anjos was having some good timing on his shots and was landing punches and kicks. They were trading hard shots. Ferguson started going after the body of Dos Anjos but Dos Anjos was pressing forward. Dos Anjos has slowed the momentum of Ferguson. Close round there but I gave it 10-9 to Dos Anjos and have him up 29-28 after three.

Dos Anjos has a swollen right eye and Ferguson rocked him with a big knee. Ferguson was getting the edge on the feet in the first half of this round. Dos Anjos would land a kick but then eat a couple punches from Ferguson in return over and over. Ferguson landed a big left hand that rocked Dos Anjos. Ferguson had him in trouble late. I gave round four 10-9 to Ferguson and had it tied up at 38-38 going into the final round.

Dos Anjos hasn’t gone for any takedowns, but that has been because he’s had his back to the fence, and he excels at using the fence for takedowns. Ferguson applied the pressure in the final round and was landing as he had Dos Anjos’ back against the fence. Dos Anjos is bleeding heavily. Ferguson on the agressive attack landing hard combinations. This fight went the full distance and Ferguson had a strong fifth round, winning it 10-9. That gave Ferguson the fight on my scorecard with a 48-47.

The judges had it all 48-47 for Ferguson. That is now nine straight wins for Ferguson. He has earned his title shot and he absolutely deserves it, regardless of whatever happens. He didn’t say much at all after the fight to stamp himself as the next challenger, but he should be.

Tony Ferguson def. Rafael Dos Anjos by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)