The UFC announced two new entrants into the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame class in former middleweight champion Chris Weidman and former UFC editorial director and combat sports writer Tom Gerbasi who passed away in 2025.
Weidman, a New Jersey native, rose to prominence in July 2013 for his upset win over then-champion Anderson Silva at UFC 162. In their rematch in December 2013, Silva famously snapped his leg on a low kick, giving Weidman another win. He defended the title two more times before losing it to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194 in December 2015.
After a rematch with Rockhold was canceled, Weidman never got a shot at the title again, losing four of his next five with finishes in all of the defeats. After picking up a win in August 2020, he lost three of his last four. In one of those defeats, he notably broke his leg in similar fashion to the Silva fight.
Weidman retired from MMA in January 2025, but will compete against Colby Covington for Real American Freestlyle wrestling later this month. He currently does broadcast work for UFC.
Gerbasi passed away in September 2025 at 56 years old after suffering a massive heart attack. He spent decades writing about boxing, MMA, and even pro wrestling which he did for this website. He contributed to UFC publications, UFC.com, and other areas for the promotion, and was a member of the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame as a writer. He will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as a contributor.
Our Dave Meltzer said about Gerbasi, “Everyone in the MMA world on the inside had nothing but great things to say about him. He was one of the hardest working reporters you would find.”
The ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 9 as part of International Fight Week.
– Our weekend schedule is that I’ll be doing a week in review show with Garrett Gonzales today and it’s a huge week of news. We will also be back tomorrow night talking about the weekend news and the first UFC PPV event of the year.
– The new issue of the Observer up on the site is a monster issue with our annual business year in review:
The biggest attended shows in combat sports of 2024
Who drew the most big crowds of the year
What companies drew the biggest crowds
Amazing UFC PPV gates
The biggest pro wrestling drawing card by year from 1916 to 2024
The biggest enduring drawing cards of all-time and where the modern stars rank with the historical stars
Updating all the Vince McMahon legal issues, from the SEC findings, the criminal investigation and the lawsuits, plus several things that have happened regarding the Grant case this past week and who are with Vince for his start of a new company
WWE and NBC book Saturday Night’s Main Event head-to-head with All In Texas
The history of this tactic, and an estimate of how much revenue it would cost AEW
WWE on Netflix, what episode one did for business, trying to figure out what the numbers mean, time of show and more
WWE & TNA make deal
New Japan Battle in the Valley coverage
The arenas in the U.S. that have held pro wrestling for the longest amount of time
Bret Hart talks his favorite wrestler and the life of Sweet Daddy Siki
What is up with Corey Graves
Death of Ray Richard
The most detailed look at the TV ratings over the past week and key takes
Blue Panther vs. Hechicero
Athena tours Stardom
New Japan big shows coming up
Thoughts on the death of Bob Uecker
VOW best wrestlers of 2024
More on the AEW show in Brisbane, Australia
Lots more on AEW ratings declines and where
Darby Allin update
Ticket sales for upcoming WWE & AEW shows
International TV ratings and streaming numbers
Conor McGregor sued again in a sex case
PFL drops the Bellator name, releases Bellator’s biggest star and cuts tournament prize money in half
Lots of new stuff from GFL
WWE sets more business records
Notes on the next Saturday Night’s Main Event
Paul Heyman talks booking
– Arman Tsarukyan’s back went out while riding a stationary bike last night. UFC tried to get him medical help but there was no way he could fight tomorrow, so Islam Makhachev will now defend the lightweight title against Renato Moicano. Moicano was scheduled against Beneil Dariush but that’s off and Dariush isn’t fighting. Jailton Almeida vs. Serghei Spirvac is being moved to the PPV show and Merab Dvalishvili’s bantamweight title defense against Umar Nurmagomedov is now going on last. The show is sold out at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
– Dana White said that Moicano was told about the change before weigh-ins because Moicano had to make 155, rather than 156 for a non-title fight. White said that when they told Makhachev about Tsarukyan being out and offered Moicano, he agreed to it without hesitation. Tsarukayn was considered a far tougher opponent.
– The prelims, originally on ESPN News, will still be there but FX is also going to be airing them. Disney + is as well.
New lineup starts at 6 p.m. Eastern on Disney +, FX and ESPN+
Tagir Ulanbekov (125.5) vs Clayton Carpenter (125.5)
Ricky Turcios (136) vs. Bernardo Sopai (135)
Rinya Nakamura (135.5) vs. Muin Gafurov (136)
Karol Rosa (135.5) vs. Allin Perez (135)
Zachary Reece (185.5) vs. Azamat Bekoev (185.5)
Grant Dawson (156) vs. Diego Ferreria (156)
Bogdan Guskov (205.5) vs. Billy Elekana (200)
Payton Talbott (135.5) vs. Raoni Barcelos (135.5)
PPV at 10 p.m.
Kevin Holland (183.5) vs. Reinier de Ridder (184.5)
Jailton Almeida (235) vs. Serghei Spivac (233)
Jiri Prochazka (204.5) vs. Jamahal Hill (205.5)
Islam Makhachev (154.5) vs. Renato Moicano (155) for the lightweight title
Merab Dvalishvili (134) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (135) for the bantamweight title
– Want to thank people for the feedback on the Sweet Daddy Siki story in today’s issue.
–SmackDown is tonight in San Diego. Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley for the women’s title, Nia Jax & Candice LeRae vs. Bianca Belair & Naomi, Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes plus Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas for a tag team title match have been announced, along with the return of Solo Sikoa. They had 9,800 tickets out as of last night and a sellout for the set-up is 10,700 so it should end up sold out.
– Chris Weidman, 40, the former UFC middleweight champion who ended Anderson Silva’s reign as champion in one of the biggest fights in history, announced his retirement today. Weidman lost his last fight in December to Eryk Anders.
– The NCAA announced that women’s wrestling has been added as a recognized championship sport and the first national tournament will be for the 2026 season. There were 76 schools that had women’s wrestling teams last season.
– Tammy Sytch’s appeal to get her prison sentence cut back was denied.
– A few notes on the AEW quarter hours from Wednesday. The high point of viewers, as is almost always the case, was Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage (831,000/0.19) at the start of the show. The high point with men 18-49, overall 18-49 was the Casino Battle Royal. Jon Moxley vs. Powerhouse Hobbs at the end was the second highest in 18-49 behind the Casino Battle Royal. The high point in every women’s demo was Omega vs. Cage, but the first segment almost always is that because so many women watch Big Bang Theory that Q1 is always the strongest for them. For 18-34 the high point was MJF and Jeff Jarrett. Keep in mind this is only TV viewers and doesn’t include MAX viewership.
– Logan Paul on his podcast said that Conor McGregor called him and said that the boxing match McGregor has talked about could happen in India. Paul said if the $250 million purse is real, he’s got to take that unless Nick Khan matches it. Like that’s going to happen. Paul noted that McGregor couldn’t do the fight without UFC approval. Dana White has said that the fight isn’t going to happen.
– The reason we haven’t heard much on the Dark Side of the Cage ratings is because episode one on 1/8 featuring Kimbo Slice only did 51,000 viewers. That’s well under half of what event the lowest rated wrestling episodes have done.
– CMLL is now headlining Mistico & Mascara Dorada & Neon as The Sky Team. Basically they are going to be the top main event trio going forward. Their first match together since being given the name is tonight at Arena Mexico against Volador Jr. & Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja. Tonight also features a rematch of one of the best matches of last year at Arena Mexico with Hechicero vs. Euforia vs Valiente vs. Esfinge, the anniversary show main event.
– Clay Guida is off the UFC roster. He’s been with the company since 2006 and has had the fourth most bouts in UFC history. Giuda had lost three in a row and had some of the greatest fights in history with the likes of Diego Sanchez and Benson Henderson. If he wants to continue, the GFL is being built on 40+ year old former UFC stars.
– Ozawa makes his first GHC title defense on 2/11 against Galeno del Mal, the son of Dr. Wagner Jr.
– GCW’s show on Sunday at the Hammerstein Ballroom will start at 7 p.m. Eastern.
The UFC closes out a busy month of March with a return to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for the first time in six years for UFC on ESPN 54 from the famed Boardwalk Hall.
The main event is a pivotal bout in the women’s flyweight division as second-ranked Erin Blanchfield takes on third-ranked Manon Fiorot. Both are on long win streaks as Blanchfield has won nine straight while Fiorot has won eleven straight. The winner is expected to earn a title shot at against current champion Alexa Grasso.
The co-main event sees an exciting matchup in the welterweight division as Vicente Luque takes on Joaquin Buckley. Also on the main card is former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman looking to get back into the win column against knockout artist Bruno Silva; middleweights Nursulton Ruziboev and Sedriques Dumas squaring off; and Bill Algeo taking on Kyle Nelson in featherweight action.
Pacheco lands a leg kick. Pacheco lands a jab then Loughran lands a stiff right hand. Pacheco lands to the body. Loughran lands a right hand. Pacheco lands a leg kick. Loughran with an overhand right. Loughran with another right hand as Pacheco lands a leg kick. Loughran lands a hard right hand. He lands another. Loughran with another right hand. Loughran lands a left hook then an uppercut. Pacheco with a jab and leg kick then back to the jab. Loughran lands an uppercut then a big right hand. Loughran with a flurry against the fence. Loughran with a combination. Pacheco with a couple of jabs and lands to the body as Loughran lands a counter right hand. They trade late. 10-9 Loughran.
Pacheco lands a left hook and Loughran lands back with some big right hands. Pacheco lands a jab. Pacheco lands a right hand and Loughran lands one before getting a takedown. Loughran takes the back against the fence. Loughran has the body triangle and is looking for a choke. Loughran starts pouring on right hands and is landing a lot of them but it keeps going. Loughran keeps the back and starts landing more punches. Loughran continues to land as he moves to the half-guard. They get to their feet and Loughran lands an elbow on the break. Loughran with a leg kick. Pacheco lands a body kick. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Loughran, 20-18 Loughran.
Loughran lands and Pacheco lands and lands awkwardly on his leg and his ankle is hurt. Loughran with a flurry of punches and lands a pair of leg kicks. Loughran with a combo to the body followed by a right hand. Loughran looks for a takedown against the fence. They separate. Loughran lands a combo. Loughran continues to land and Pacheco lands a jumping knee. Loughran with a pair of right hands and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Loughran lands an elbow. Loughran with a leg kick then a right hand. Loughran with a leg kick followed by a jab. Pacheco lands a left hand that hurts Loughran and then lands a flying knee but Loughran is able to get a takedown from it. They get up and Loughran with a combo. 10-9 Loughran, 30-27 Loughran.
Official Result- Caolan Loughran def. Angel Pacheco by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
> Middleweights- Andre Petroski (10-2, 5-1 UFC) vs. Jacob Malkoun (7-3, 3-3 UFC)
They trade and Malkoun makes Petroski stumble after landing a jab. Petroski misses a head kick and lands a leg kick as he eats a right hand from Malkoun. Petroski lands a left hand as Malkoun lands a jab and right hand. Malkoun presses forward and lands. Petroski lands a left hand and Malkoun briefly falls to the mat but quickly gets up. Malkoun looks for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. They separate. Petroski with a leg kick. Malkoun lands a right hand. Petroski with a high kick and Malkoun lands a right hand to the body. Petroski gets a takedown and they scramble. Petroski has the back but they get to their feet and separate. Close round. 10-9 Malkoun.
Petroski with a leg kick. Petroski looks for a takedown but Malkoun defends and Petroski falls to the mat after hitting his head on the hip of Malkoun. Malkoun lands with a body kick on the ground and starts landing from the top and gets the finish. Big win for Malkoun.
Official Result- Jacob Malkoun def. Andre Petroski by TKO (strikes) at :39 of Round 2
*Breaking: This fight has been cancelled after Dudakova was pulled from the fight due to medical issues.
> Light Heavyweights- Ibo Aslan (12-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Anton Turkalj (8-3, 0-3 UFC)
Aslan with a leg kick and Turkalj lands a leg kick. They continue to trade kicks. They exchange right hands. Turkalj with a body kick and Aslan catches it and lands a right hand. They trade snap jabs. Turkalj lands a right hand and they trade. Turkalj with a flying knee. Aslan with a leg kick. They trade punches. Turkalj with a leg kick. Turkalj lands a flurry as he rushes in and presses Aslan back. Aslan then lands a combination. Aslan with another winging combo. Aslan with a leg kick. 10-9 Turkalj.
They’re swinging wildly and have a wild exchange in the pocket. Aslan lands a big right hand. They trade inside the pocket again. We have a timeout for a groin strike. They get back to action. Aslan with a calf kick. Aslan lands a left hand that hurts Turkalj. Turkalj slips on a head kick but Aslan can’t take advantage. Aslan lands a right hand. Both throwing wild haymakers. Aslan with a right hand. He lands a leg kick. They trade right hands. Aslan with a big right hand. Aslan with a pair of leg kicks. 10-9 Aslan, 19-19.
Turkalj lands a right hand and a body kick. Aslan catches it and lands a right hand. Turkalj lands a right hand. Turkalj with a combo. They trade right hands. Aslan with a big right hand and Turkalj is stumbling and falls down and it is stopped! Big finish from Aslan!
Official Result- Ibo Aslan def. Anton Turkalj by TKO (punch) at 1:32 of Round 3
> Featherweights- Dennis Buzukja (11-4, 0-2 UFC) vs. Connor Matthews (7-1, 0-0 UFC)
Matthews with a body kick as Buzukja lands a left hand. They trade body and leg kicks. They trade more kicks. They trade wild punches. Matthews lands a leg kick. Buzukja lands a combo. Buzukja with a leg kick. Both throwing a lot but not landing much. Matthews lands a leg kick. Buzukja with a left hand and a leg kick. Buzukja with a leg kick. Matthews lands a body kick. Buzukja lands a left hook then a right hand. We have a timeout for a groin strike. Buzukja lands a high kick as they get back. Buzukja with a high kick. Matthews lands a right hand. Buzukja with a right hand. Buzukja with a leg kick followed by a combination. 10-9 Buzukja.
They trade leg kicks. Buzukja lands a right hand. Matthews with a combo against the fence. Buzukja lands a hook kick to get back to the center. Buzukja lands a left hand and Matthews stumbles a little. Buzukja with a combo and Matthews lands a right hand. Buzukja mixing punches and kicks as he is landing more. Buzukja lands a combo. Matthews with the jab. Buzukja with a body kick. Matthews lands a right hand. Buzukja with a left hook. They trade leg kicks. Buzukja with a left hook. Buzukja lands a big right hand. Buzukja follows with a combo. Matthews grabs the back looking to get it down but Buzukja is defending. Matthews gets the takedown. They scramble to their feet and separate. Matthews lands a right hand and Buzukja counters with a body combination. Matthews with a right hand. 10-9 Buzukja, 20-18 Buzukja.
Buzukja drops Matthews early with a left hand and starts teeing off from the top and gets the finish! Big finish for Buzukja to pick up his first UFC win.
Official Result- Dennis Buzukja def. Connor Matthews by TKO (punches) at :22 of Round 3
> Featherweights*- Julio Arce (18-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Herbert Burns (11-4, 2-2 UFC)
*Arce missed weight by one pound
Burns pressuring early as Arce is circling around, but not much action is taking place. Burns with a body kick. Arce with a stiff jab. Burns with a high kick. Arce lands a left hand. Arce with a left hand to the body. Timeout for a groin strike by Burns. They get back to action and Burns lands a body kick and shoots for a takedown. Burns lands another knee to the groin and we have another timeout. Burns has a point taken away. They get back to action. Burns with a high kick. Burns looks for a takedown. Arce lands a knee as they break. Arce with a left hand to the body. Burns lands a right hand. He lands another as he looks for a takedown. 9-9 round due to the point deduction.
Arce hurts Burns with a right hand as Burns was rushing in. Burns lands a flying knee. They clinch and Burns lands a knee. Arce lands a knee in the clinch. Arce drops Burns with a knee but lets him up. Arce with a combo and a head kick. Arce with a big flurry against the fence and drops Burns with a left hand and it is stopped. What a finish from Arce!
Official Result- Julio Arce def. Herbert Burns by TKO (punches) at 2:00 of Round 2
Jandiroba lands a right hand. Jandiroba with a jab. Godinez lands a jab. They trade in close range. Jandiroba gets a takedown but Godinez is able to get to her feet. They remain clinched against the fence. Godinez with a knee. Jandiroba rolls for a leg lock. They get to their feet and trade right hands. Jandiroba with a jab. Godinez lands a right hand. Godinez lands a right hand. Jandiroba pushes it against the fence. Jandiroba drags it down and is able to get the back of Godinez. Jandiroba looked for the neck. 10-9 Jandiroba.
They trade to start the second as Godinez lands a leg kick. They trade in close range with Godinez landing more. Jandiroba lands a combo. Jandiroba looks for a takedown but Godinez ends up on top. Godinez with a hammerfist. Godinez looking for a leg lock. Jandiroba with a pair of hammerfists. She lands more hammerfists. Godinez lands a right hand from the bottom. They scramble and Jandiroba still landing. They get to their feet. They trade. 10-9 Jandiroba, 20-18 Jandiroba.
Jandiroba looking for the takedown. They are tied up against the fence. They separate. Jandiroba lands a combination. They trade before clinching up. Godinez with some knees. Godinez lands as they break. Jandiroba rushes it and lands. Godinez lands a nice left hand. Godinez lands a knee. Jandiroba shoots for a takedown but Godinez defends. They tie up against the fence and are scrambling on the mat. Jandiroba is on the back as they get to their feet. Jandiroba looking for a rear-naked choke. Jandiroba has it across the jaw and is squeezing as Godinez is bleeding. Jandiroba with punches at the end. 10-9 Jandiroba, 30-27 Jandiroba.
Official Result- Virna Jandiroba def. Loopy Godinez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Emmers hurts Landwehr with a right hand and lands some follow-up shots but Landwehr circles away. Emmers lands to the body but falls off balanced. Emmers with more right hands. Emmers with some more hard punches. Landwehr lands a right hand. Emmers landing some big right hands and Landwehr has a big cut opened up. Landwehr lands a big right hand. Landwehr stuns Emmers with a right hand. They tie up and Landwehr with some uppercuts as Emmers lands some knees. They separate. Emmers lands a combination. Landwehr with a pair of right hands. Landwehr lands an uppercut and drops Emmers with a punch and Emmers is out! What a huge comeback from Landwehr!
Official Result- Nate Landwehr def. Jamall Emmers by knockout (punches) at 4:43 of Round 1
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> Welterweights- Chidi Njokuani (22-10 1 NC, 2-3 UFC) vs. Rhys McKee (13-5-1, 0-3 UFC)
They trade short leg kicks. Njokuani with a pair of leg kicks. McKee lands a grazing right hand. Njokuani with another leg kick. Njokuani with a leg kick as McKee lands a combo. Njokuani with more leg kicks. McKee lands a nice right hand. They exchange leg kicks and McKee with a pair of right hands. Njokuani with more kicks. McKee with a right hand and then another. They trade leg kicks. They clinch and McKee with a little dirty boxing before he pushes it to the fence. Njokuani with a knee in the clinch. He lands another. Njokuani with an elbow. They are separated by Keith Peterson. McKee with a jab. Njokuani with a body kick then a pair of leg kicks. 10-9 Njokuani.
Njokuani with a hard leg kick as McKee lands a right hand. They clinch again. Njokuani with a knee. They separate. Njokuani with an elbow followed by a knee. Njokuani with a pair of leg kicks with a jab mixed in. McKee tries for a takedown and Njokuani lands a knee to the head. Njokuani gets the back and they scramble up and are tied up against the fence. Njokuani lands a hard elbow. McKee trying hard to get it down by sweeping but Njokuani keeping it on the feet. Njokuani with an elbow. McKee lands a knee. Njokuani with more knees. 10-9 Njokuani, 20-18 Njokuani.
Njokuani with a leg kick. Njokuani tries for a takedown but they separate. Njokuani with a body kick then a leg kick. Njokuani with a knee to the body and they clinch up. They separate. Njokuani with a pair of knees. Njokuani lands a right hand. Njokuani gets the takedown. They quickly get up and Njokuani has the back. McKee lands to the body as Njokuani lands a right hand. Njokuani lands a pair of elbows as they clinch back up. They are separated. McKee trying again for the takedown. McKee lands a knee. Njokuani lands some knees as they break. Njokuani with a body kick. Njokuani with a spinning elbow. 10-9 Njokuani, 30-27 Njokuani.
Official Result- Chidi Njokuani def. Rhys McKee by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27)
> Featherweights- Bill Algeo (18-7, 5-3 UFC) vs. Kyle Nelson (15-5-1, 3-4-1 UFC)
Algeo with a body kick and he keeps throwing kicks. Algeo with a leg kick and a body kick. Nelson lands a body kick. Nelson hurts Algeo with a right hand and both are swinging before they tie up against the fence. They break away. Algeo with a leg kick then a body kick. Nelson with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Algeo with a right hand. They trade jabs. Algeo with a spin kick. Nelson lands a left hand. Algeo with a leg kick then a right hand to the body. Nelson rocks Algeo with a right hand and swarms with big punches. Nelson lands a knee and both are swinging with wild punches. Nelson lands a big right hand and then another. Nelson with another right hand and is still landing and it is stopped on the feet. Algeo immediately protesting and it might have been early but he was eating hard punches.
Official Result- Kyle Nelson def. Bill Algeo by TKO (punches) at 4:00 of Round 1
Ruziboev lands a right hand. Dumas with a right hand. Ruziboev with an uppercut and lands a combo. Ruziboev with another right hand. Ruziboev lands to the body. Ruziboev with a body kick. Dumas pressing forward. Ruziboev with an uppercut. Dumas complains of an eye poke and Ruziboev starts landing punches and drops Dumas, then lands a barrage from the top to get the finish. Big finish from Ruziboev.
Official Result- Nursulton Ruziboev def. Sedriques Dumas by knockout (punches) at 3:18 of Round 1
> Middleweights- Chris Weidman (15-7, 11-7 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (23-10, 4-4 UFC)
Weidman with a body kick. He lands a front kick to the body. Silva with a body kick. Weidman with some body kicks. Weidman lands a right hand that hurts Silva for a moment. Weidman lands some knees as he grabs the neck. Weidman gets a takedown and looks for the back. Weidman with some left hands from the back. Not much is happening. Weidman with some knees to the thighs. Silva is doing nothing. Weidman with more knees. 10-9 Weidman.
Weidman with a leg kick and Silva lands a right hand. Weidman with a leg kick. Weidman with a pair of body kicks. Weidman with a body kick. Silva lands a right hand. Both land punches in an exchange. Weidman shoots for a takedown but Silva defends. Silva lands a left hand and complains of an eye poke and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Weidman with a leg kick then a body kick. They trade jabs. Weidman lands a nice jab. Silva lands a combo. Weidman with a body kick. Silva with a combination. Silva with a big left hand. Weidman lands a right hand. Weidman with a left hand. Weidman with a combo as Silva was covering up. Weidman with a big flurry against the fence. Close round. 10-9 Weidman, 20-18 Weidman.
Silva lads a jab. We have a timeout for a double eye poke. They get back to action. Both land body kicks. Silva lands a combo. They trade right hands. Weidman lands a right hand. Weidman drops Silva with a left hand and Silva was grabbing his eye. Weidman with a flurry from the top and it is stopped. Silva is complaining about the stoppage but Weidman picks up a massive win. They originally announced it as a TKO win for Weidman, but it was changed to a technical unanimous decision win after the commission ruled it was a foul and they went to the scorecards.
Official Result- Chris Weidman def. Bruno Silva by technical unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at 2:18 of Round 3
They clash legs with kicks. Buckley with a leg kick. Luque with a leg kick. Luque with a pair of kicks. Buckley lands a double jab. Luque with a body kick and Buckley counters with a combination. Buckley lands a left hand. Luque with a body kick. Luque with a leg kick. Buckley lands a leg kick. Luque with a body kick. Luque gets it somewhat on the mat late. Close round. 10-9 Luque.
Luque with a body kick. Buckley with a flying knee but Luque blocked it. Luque with a leg kick. Luque lands another leg kick. Buckley with a leg kick. Buckley with a head kick that Luque mostly blocks. Buckley with a combination. Buckley lands a right hand. They go to the mat with Buckley on top and he starts landing lots of punches from the top. Big flurry from Buckley as Luque is covering up. Buckley with more punches and it is stopped! Big win for Buckley!
Official Result- Joaquin Buckley def. Vicente Luque by TKO (punches) at 3:17 of Round 2
They trade to start as both land punches and leg kicks. Fiorot with a right hook. She lands a left hand. Fiorot with a body kick as Blanchfield rushes in. Fiorot with a body kick and a right hand. Fiorot gets a big takedown. Blanchfield has the neck and locks in a guillotine choke. Fiorot scrambles to her feet. Blanchfield still has the choke locked in on the feet. Blanchfield lets go. Blanchfield with an elbow as they break. Fiorot lands a left hand. Blanchfield with a leg kick. Fiorot with a combo. Fiorot landing with slightly more volume. They clinch and trade knees and Fiorot lands a right hand as they break. 10-9 Fiorot.
They trade punches as both are pressing forward. Blanchfield with a high kick. Blanchfield gets it down but Fiorot reverses and they stand. They clinch back up and Blanchfield has the body lock but lets go. Fiorot with a right hook. Fiorot with another right hook as Blanchfield tries to land. Fiorot with a jab. Blanchfield with a body kick. Blanchfield is pressing forward but just can’t find openings. They trade in close range. Fiorot with a side kick and a right hook. Blanchfield lands a right hand. 10-9 Fiorot, 20-18 Fiorot.
They trade as Blanchfield is still trying to rush in and land. Fiorot lands a left hand and is working the jab. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield lands a left hand. They tie up for a moment but quickly separate. Fiorot lands a right hand. Fiorot lands a right hand after Blanchfield lands. Blanchfield with a leg kick and body kick. Fiorot with a combo. They trade in close range. 10-9 Fiorot, 30-27 Fiorot.
Fiorot with a combo as Blanchfield rushes in. Blanchfield lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Blanchfield landing some punches as Fiorot is retreating. They both land flurries. Blanchfield with a body kick. Fiorot with a combination. Blanchfield with a body kick. Both are landing a lot but Fiorot with more volume and is connecting better. Fiorot with a side kick. 10-9 Fiorot, 40-36 Fiorot.
Fiorot lands a left hand as Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield lands a head kick. Fiorot with a jab. Blanchfield lands a right hand. Blanchfield with a leg kick. Blanchfield with a body kick. Fiorot with a right hook. Blanchfield with a body kick. Fiorot with a side kick to the body then lands a combination. Blanchfield keeps trying to rush in and land but Fiorot is using her reach to keep Blanchfield from landing. Blanchfield with a combination. Fiorot lands a big left hand. They tie up and Blanchfield pushes it to the fence. Fiorot with a side kick. They have a wild exchange late. 10-9 Fiorot, 50-45 Fiorot.
Official Result- Manon Fiorot def. Erin Blanchfield by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
We have a loaded issue of the Wrestling Observer this week, with business and history features.
We update WWE financials, with comments from Nick Khan, Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon and Kristina Salen talking about the state of the company, the state of sports business, what media companies are looking at right now, AEW, plus a look at WWE revenue and profits. We also look behind the numbers at what they mean, how every category is doing and what categories the company is no longer reporting on. We also look at the decline of WWE ratings as compared to that of cable television and network television.
Also in this issue:
The new attempt at a unique concept PPV with the Triller promotion and Ben Askren vs. Jake Paul, the show, the match, the blitzed announcers, Ric Flair, comparisons to other similar things and long-term sustainability.
Kenny Omega vs Rich Swann match, followed by a story on famous title unification matches throughout pro wrestling history. We look at some of the biggest and most important matches of all-time that were two champions unifying a world title from 1920 to the present.
WrestleMania business numbers when it came to the two live shows, with real attendance, real gates and what it means.
New Smackdown announcing team, Pat McAfee talks his debut, Daniel Bryan talks his current situation and contract, thoughts on Daniel Bryan’s future, new hires and departures at WWE, change in show distribution, former star talks coming out of retirement, how the WWE & AEW shows rank among sports programming, WWE star bio released, Damien Priest talks Bad Bunny, more on Kalisto being let go, Dr. Wagner Jr. talks WWE, political reason for a winning streak, and most-watched YouTube segments on his week’s WWE programming.
A major feature on the career of Steve Austin and the A&E special, his background, how he got into wrestling, the WCW years, the Stone Cold name, life after wrestling, and what were key things not talked about on the documentary.
Mickie James garbage bag situation and the firing of Mark Carrano.
MLW’s new television deal, who else was in talks about that deal, MLW returning to shows with fans and a spinoff planned.
Coverage of this past week’s UFC show, business notes, where the top fighters are headed plus match-by-match coverage.
More detail on ratings than any other source, we have how every segment on NXT and AEW did as well as how it did with different age groups, genders and more, plus a look at all other wrestling shows of the past week.
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking Impact Rebellion and other wrestling news on Wrestling Observer Radio. We also have shows the past two nights, last night’s show talking UFC, Lou Thesz and the latest wrestling news and a Friday show with Garrett Gonzalez.
Dana White last night was asked about Jake Paul and didn’t have bad things to say even though the UFC fan base seems to hate him. Well, most people do. He said the guy has found a way to make money and wishes him luck on the ride, but White said that the kind of stuff he does is not what they do. Last night’s show is what they do. White also said that the Triller show last week did nowhere near the numbers people are reporting. It did really well, but from what I’ve heard, nothing at the level reporting. It was one of those events that did well, but there was huge general public interest in but it wasn’t a thing that they would pay $50 to watch, as compared to say a Conor McGregor fight. It’s Google trends were more than double last night’s UFC 261, but the PPV numbers will almost sure not be anything like that. I would actually think last night beats it but it could go the other way.
There was a confrontation last night with Jake Paul and Daniel Cormier which I’m sure both will give their sides of in the next few days at. It started last week after the Ben Askren fight where Paul challenged Cormier and called him fat. Cormier said “I’m not gonna punch down and fight a guy that’s on YouTube. It’s stupid,” Cormier said. “I’ve fought for world titles my whole life. Why would you start to punch down at a guy that’s trying to, I don’t even know. This dude would never fight me. I would kill him. It’s like, why would I ever fight someone like that? But my immediate reaction was, ‘I can’t stand this kid.’ So it works.” Paul then said, “I’ll beat the f*** out of your fat ass, too.” During the show last night, the crowd continually chanted “F*** Jake Paul, which he egged on. It was bad because they even did it when Chris Weidman was being carried out on a stretcher. Cormier said to Joe Rogan, on the air, about Paul, “Don’t play with me,’ because I’ll smack him in the face. He’s right there. I’ll slap him. I don’t play those games, Joe.”
Then this happened at the show during a break between fights.
Jake Paul then wrote today: “Dana you claimed you would bet $1M on me losing. Set up Askren to train with Freddie Roach… gave him full access to the UFCPI.. and he still got his ass handed to him. Seems like you are the reach douche… not Ariel. In my 3rd fight I made more money in total pay than any fighter in UFC history. Maybe it’s time to pay your fighters their fair share? No wonder they all want to get into boxing,” Jake Paul wrote. “Dana you say you make the fights fans want to see… so hurry up and make Jones vs. N’gannou. Pay them their fair share… $10M purse for each guy, plus PPV. Why are UFC fighters so underpaid vs. boxers? Why did I make more in my 3rd fight than all but two (Khabib & Conor) UFC fighters have in history? I know why.”
Chris Weidman had surgery on his leg that snapped earlier this morning. His wife Marivi wrote:
Well that was horrible. Freak things happen in life and plans get crushed. It’s been a lonnnggg day but so happy to finally see this man of mine post surgery. Everything went well thank you Lord! Very thankful for the medical staff, UFC family @danawhite @reedharrisufc #allieraimondo, our management team @vaynersports @sarahzemonek and our family and friends here rallying to help with the kids,” Marivi Weidman wrote. “My heart breaks for my husband because I know the work and dedication that he puts into his training everyday and the great man that he is, so I only want the best for him. While this absolutely sucks in the moment and for some weeks to come, we are completely overwhelmed by the love and support we have far and wide and are very aware how blessed we are. All of that overpowers the awfulness of this situation. We are blown away by our friends and family offering to hop on flights to come help us without hesitation. We are so grateful and love you all!! It’s been a crazy year so far but us Weidmans are a force and covered in Grace and Mercy everyday! We were reminded this year how precious each day is and I am so thankful to be spending another day on earth next to my love even if it’s in a hospital room far from home.
Impact Rebellion PPV tonight at 8 p.m:
Kenny Omega vs. Rich Swann for the AEW, Impact and TNA world titles in a unification match
Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson for the Impact tag titles
Matt Cardona vs. Brian Myers
Ace Austin vs. TJP vs. Josh Alexander for the X title
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Tenille Dashwood for the Impact Knockouts title
Sami Callihan vs. Trey Miguel last man standing
Rhino & Cody Deaner & Joe Doering & ? vs. Eddie Edwards & James Storm & Wilie Mack & Chris Sabin
Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz vs. Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering for the Knockouts tag team titles
Based on advanced orders as of yesterday, this was ahead of any Impact PPV show in a long time.
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s UFC show as well as tonight’s Impact Rebellion, you can leave a thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match for each show to [email protected]
If you have ESPN+, I would highly recommend watching the Liang Na vs. Ariane Carnelossi and Jeff Molina vs. Aoriqileng fights. They were the first two fights of the prelims. The women’s fight that opened was back-and-forth almost like it was a top tier old UWFI/RINGS era top flight fight. Molina vs Aoriqileng was good enough to be fight of the year. It won’t win because the names aren’t big, but they did get the $50,000 bonus each for fight of the night, and considering the opener and Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal, it’s not like there wasn’t stiff competition.
The show did 3.3 million searches on Google, which would be about what you would expect. Daniel Cormier was No. 4 so far today. Yesterday, UFC 261 was first. Chris Weidman has 500,000 due to his ghastly leg break which was No. 2 and Rose Namajunas was No. 3. Valentine Shevchenko was No. 5 at 200,000 Anthony Smith was No. 16. On Friday, Steve McMichael was No. 9. On Thursday, Loga Paul was No. 10 and Jorge Masvidal was No. 16. On Wednesday, Ronda Rousey was No. 13 due to her pregnancy announcement.
A few more notes on last night’s show. Dana White said Kamaru Usman would face Colby Covington in his next welterweight title defense. Nick Diaz was at the show and Dana White said that Diaz, 37, wants to fight again. There were stories going around about Diaz vs. Khazmat Chimaev. In the Dwight Grant vs. Stefan Sekulic split decision that we discussed on last night’s show, Derek Cleary gave Grant only the first round. Chris Lee and Howard Reichbach gave Grant the first two rounds and a 29-28 win. Media scores were 68% for Sekulic. The first two rounds were close enough that they could have gone either way, but this fight was the perfect example of the flaws in ten point must, because the overall winner of the fight as whole was clearly Sekulic, but because of the nature of ten point must, you could give two rounds to Grant.
Reports are the reason the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is being made is that Saudi Arabia is paying the promoters $150 million or more to get them to bring them the heavyweight boxing title unification match.
Gary Cassidy reported Bill Morrisey, the former Big Cass, would be debuting on tonight’s Impact show.
Raw tomorrow night has Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman vs. T-Bar & Mace and a Bobby Lashley interview announced.
A&E tonight has the Roddy Piper episode of Biography at 8 p.m. and then the Paul Levesque & Stephanie McMahon search for WWE Hidden Treasures at 10 p.m.
New Japan runs Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. Eastern for a live New Japan World show:
Will Ospreay & Jeff Cobb vs. Shingo Takagi & Bushi
Aaron Henare vs. Sanada
Tetsuya Naito vs. Great O’Khan
WWE
John Cone is back in his former position in Talent Relations. The company had taken him out of the position on Thursday and then changed its mind and put him back on Friday.
UFC
SportsBetting.ag has put odds at -500 for Daniel Cormier and +350 for Jake Paul if they were to do a boxing match.
Israel Adesanya is a -250 favorite over Marvin Vettori for their 6/12 fight. Kamaru Usman is -300 for a potential fight with Colby Covington.
OTHER NOTES
Daga has vacated the AAA Latin American title. The new champion is expected to be decided on the 5/1 Rey de Reyes show.
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Thursday night in Omaha: Purple b Pat Powers, Duke Cornell b Xander McIntosh, Mack Riggs b JD Parker, Seto Kobara & Tim Boston DCOR Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus, Joey Daniels b Nino Hatchet, Moonshine Russell b Branden Juarez, Omar Pachecco & Brett Bishop b Pat Powers & Con Artiest. Next event is the company’s 16th anniversary show on 5/20 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
The top results from yesterday’s KSW show in Lodz, Poland:
Phil DeFries (20-6) b Tomasz Narkun (1q-4) via TKO at 3:37 of the second round to keep the heavyweight title
Marian Ziolkowski (23-8-1) b Maciej Kazleczko (7-2) via choke at 4:24 of round two for the light heavyweight title
Marek Samociuk (3-1) b Izu Ugonch (1-1) via punches in :27 of round one
Patryk Kaczmarczyk (7-0) b Michal Sobiech (4-1) via straight 29-28 scores
Tom Lawlor vs. Marshall Von Erich headlines Wednesday’s MLW Tv show.
Qatar Pro Wrestling announced a February 28, 2022 show in Doha at the Lausail Sports Arena and has announced Eric Bischoff, Bret Hart, Booker T, Mark Henry, Ron Simmons, The Godfather, D-Lo Brown, Will Ospreay, Sammy Guevara, Brian Cage, Cinta de Oro (formerly the second Sin Cara in WWE), EC 3, Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Paradigm Pro Wrestling with a UWFI rules tag tam mach with Tom Lawlor & Dominic Garrini vs. Matt Justice & Bobby Beverly airing on IWTV at 10 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday night.
CBS Sunday Morning did a cameo piece showing Ricky Morton, Torrie Wilson, and others on Cameo (thanks to Mike Lano)
The most in-depth look at the WWE’s new deal with the Peacock Network is the lead story in the new double-issue of the Observer.
We look at who the deal was put together, the finances behind it, is it a good deal for all parties, what goals there are for each side, how this affects the TV landscape and Smackdown in particular, how much money WWE was getting before and after from the Network, television vs. streaming when it comes to homes in the U.S., comparisons to UFC’s deal with ESPN, quotes from the key parties, the financial viability of NBC purchasing WWE, the stock price, network subscriber numbers, money in modern PPVs, WWE projected profitability, why the method wrestlers are paid makes no sense in today’s game, and notes fromall ke parties.
Also in this issue:
NBC shutting down NBC Sports Network affects both the USA Network and how it could impact WWE.
Amanda Huber’s timeline of the death of Brodie Lee from her interview with Tony Schaivone and Aubrey Edwards this week, his symptoms, treatments, and what the doctors thought.
UFC 257, including an update on the business of the show and television viewership, plus full coverage of what could end up as the biggest show of the year, and was one of the biggest PPV events in history.
2021 Royal Rumble, people rumored to be in that won’t be, others that could be, and thoughts on the build and the matches.
WrestleMania, Young Rock, Daniel Bryan talks his future, WWE talent listed among the most marketable in sports and losses in ad revenue to performs in social media accounts, Undertaker says current wrestles are soft and Bill Goldberg, Mick Foley and Drew McIntyre respond, Nick Khan talks future of rights fees, where AEW stands, NXT India, Teases of Japanese star signing, International TV ratings, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and strongest athletes in WWE developmental.
New Japan’s show at Ota Ward Gym this past week with its parody main event plus the big shows upcoming this week.
WWE’s TV special for India and look at the talent from that country that the company wants to build a promotion around.
A huge story on Hank Aaron, Civil Rights, Bill Watts and how they all intersected in the early 90s.
Comparison piece on the greatest MMA fighters of all-time, looking at their wins, losses, bouts with major names and where they stand in relation to each other.
The death of El Hijo de Anibal and the legacy of the mask created by his father, one of the biggest stars of the 1970s, including the match that was the first big title match to give the UWA credibility.
Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.
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In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett Gonzalez and I will be doing a weekend show tomorrow covering the news of the week as well as tomorrow’s New Japan show in Nagoya. Bryan and I will be back on Sunday covering the Royal Rumble. We’ll be doing polls on both shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected]
Smackdown, riding high on the back of recent ratings that aren’t that far off from last year, has Bayley vs. Bianca Belair tonight. 205 Live has Ember Moon & Shotzi Blackheart vs. Marina Shafir & Zoey Stark (formerly Lacey Ryan) and August Gray vs. Jake Atlas vs. Ariya Daivari.
Just an update on the New Japan television deal. The deal is completed and has been since December. It’s just a matter of making the announcement.
New Japan’s New Beginning in Nagoya show is at 3:30 a.m. Eastern and 12:30 a.m. Pacific on New Japan World:
Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano vs. Evil & Yujiro Takahashi
Kota Ibushi & Tomoaki Honma & Sho & Master Wato vs. Sanada & Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi
Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Great O’Khan – loser can no longer use Mongolian chops
Satoshi Kojima vs Will Ospreay – no DQ
Shingo Takagi vs Hiroshi Tanahashi for Never Open weight title
Game Changer Wrestling’s Fight Forever 24 hour show starts at 8 p.m. tonight. It airs free on YouTube and FITE TV, but they are asking for donations to help pay wrestlers impacted by COVID this past year. Lio Rush vs. Blake Christian 2/3 falls is the main event tonight. Others on the show are Joey Janela, Myron Reed, Matthew Justice, Calvin Tankman. AJ Gray, Lee Moriarty, Homicide, Mad Man Pondo, Shlak, Jimmy Lloyd, Wheeler Yuta, Eli Everfly, Lucky 13, Parrow & Odinson, Shane Mercer, Solo Darling, Colby Corino, Cheeseburger, Besties in the World, Rohit Raju, Effy, Allie Kat, Ricky Morton, Rickey Shane Page, Gregory Iron, Chris Dickinson, G-Raver and more. The Jordan Oliver vs.Tony Deppen 60 minute Iron man match is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time tomorrow.
The Bella Twins were on the Ellen show (Mario Lopez hosts) and said they were coming out of retirement and talked about wanting to wrestle at WrestleMania next year in Dallas and the year after in Los Angeles. Nikki Bella also announced she was getting married in November to Artem Chigvintsev on last night’s episode of Total Bellas.
Regarding the item in the current issue with Megan Anderson and Casey Kenney where Kenney was asked on a podcast essentially if he’d have sex with Megan Anderson, and he was screwed no matter what he’d say, he has apologized after Anderson got mad about it. “I’m sorry this upset you. I will be more careful with my words. I was just answering a question and thought it was all a joking matter. I see I was wrong and I’m sorry. Best of luck with training camp and your fight.”
John Renesto, a longtime referee out of Dallas, passed away. Renesto refereed for World Class Championship Wrestling in the 80s and was part of the famous Renesto wrestling family, headed by Tom Renesto, a Hall of Famer as part of the Bolos and Assassins tag team and who booked in many parts of the country.
The Zero-1 planned show at Sumo Hall on 3/14 is being moved to 2022. Zero-1 lost the date when the sumo tournament scheduled for Osaka in March was moved to Tokyo.
Legacy Fighting tonight on UFC Fight Pass at 9 p.m. Eastern from Park City, KS:
Zac Pauga (204.6) vs. Ashby Thomas (198.2)
Joshua Silveira (200.6) vs. Matt Paul (202.8)
Tabatha Ricci (115.4) vs. Marie Grimes (115.4)
Dakota Bush (156) vs. Austin Clem (156.6)
Richard Palencia (136) vs. Jeimeson Sandino (135.4)
Lucas Clay (156) vs. J.J Okanovich (155.4)
Josh Friend (185.6) vs. Bruno Oliveira (185.2)
KSW on www.KSW.TV tomorrow from Lodz, Poland headlined by Salahdine Parnesse (145) defending the featherweight title against Daniel Torres (144).
Drew McIntyre and The Miz will take part in The Shaq Bowl, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal,at 3:00 pm ET on Superbowl Sunday, February 7. They will be on opposite teams and compete in viral challenges. It will stream live on Facebook and on SHAQBowl.com.
UFC
Chris Weidman tested positive for COVID so his 2/13 fight with Uriah Hall is off. They hope to make the fight on 4/24.
Ben Rothwell vs. Phillipe Lins has been added to the 3/13 show.
Chase Sherman vs. Parker Porter has been added to the 4/17 show.
AEW
Shaquille O’Neal talked about his match with Cody Rhodes on Inside the NBA on TNT last night. He said that Rhodes could name the place, which is presumably the next PPV show.
Wrestling Travel’s Wrestle Kingdom 16 Packages for 2022 are available now. Following their groundbreaking trip in 2020, Two package-date options are now available, which include; roundtrip airfare, 8-night hotel stay near Tokyo Dome City, Tickets to Wrestle Kingdom 16, Airport Transfers, Guided Tours, Special Guests Appearances, Exclusive Merch and more! Plus now included, tickets for an exclusive Q&A with Wrestling Observers Dave Meltzer at Toudoukan Wrestling Store! Secure your place today at WrestlingTravel.Org and use code ‘OBSERVER50’ for $50 off!
The Washington Post weighs in on the craziness that is Tito Ortiz as a mayor. (thanks to Chris Cruise)
MLW got a national AP story on using former NBA referee Tim Donaghy who was kicked out of the league in 2007 for betting on games he was officiating. (thanks to Paul Kacprzak)
With WWE now announcing Meiko Satomura and regarding her as “The Best In The World” whom Kay Lee Ray was challenging last week, the two have had one match together with what appears to be the exact same storyline at EVE’s WrestleQueendom event, the match is free to watch on the EVE youtube channel.
Pro Wrestling Australia announced Robbie Eagles vs. Jessica Troy for the PWWA title on 2/12 airing on FITE TV.
CFFC kicks off this year with shows on 3/11 and 3/12 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The first night is headlined by Alberto Trujillo (5-1) defending his flyweight title against Pumi Nikuta (2-0). the second night has middleweight champion Collin Huckbody (9-2) defending against Aaron Jefferey (9-2) as well as a heavyweight title match with Jamelle Jones (10-6) vs. Cody Goodale (7-4). C.M. Punk and John Morgan will be announcing both shows for Fight Pass.
NFC tomorrow at District in Atlanta for 7 p.m. Jiu Jitsu show.
AXS TV will be airing the 2009 Final Resolution PPV show at 4 p.m. on 2/9 headlined by A.J. Styles vs. Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle vs. Nigel McGuinness, Scott Steiner vs. Bobby Lashley plus Raven, Mick Foley, Kevin Nash, Samoa Joe and others are on the show.
Wrestler Brady Roberts has a movie called “In Plainview” that was released today on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play across North America. It’s a revenge thriller set in the Canadian Prairies.
Curses might not be real, but the UFC’s attempt to put on a big event at Madison Square Garden in a few weeks feels like it has cosmic forces working against it.
In the latest bit of bad news for UFC 230 on Saturday, November 3rd, Luke Rockhold is out of his co-main event rematch with Chris Weidman with an injury according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. He said the promotion is shuffling things around, presumably to keep Weidman, a New York native, for the event. UFC has yet to formally announce any change.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani confirmed the news, adding Rockhold is dealing with a right knee sprain, left shin infection, and a broken nose, but hopes to be ready to return in four weeks. He added the hope is to rebook Weidman against former title challenger Jacare Souza who is set to fight David Branch on the show.
The UFC’s third effort in “The World’s Most Famous Arena” has had a number of setbacks starting with their effort to book a main event. After months of speculation, they originally were going to go with Valentina Shevchenko vs. Sijara Eubanks for the vacant women’s flyweight title, a fight that was roundly panned when first broken.
They then turned to double champion Daniel Cormier, still recovering from a broken finger, against Derrick Lewis, he fresh off a come from behind win several weeks ago at UFC 229.
Fan sentiment was around the creation of a 165-pound title for a main event of previous co-main eventers Dustin Poirier and the returning Nate Diaz. But, Dana White wasn’t interested in that, nor making Diaz-Poirer the main event. Then, Poirier had to drop out of the fight altogether due to an injury.
The 34-year-old Rockhold is coming off a February knockout loss to Yoel Romero while Weidman is coming off a win over Kelvin Gastelum in July 2017.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 25: Weidman vs. Gastelum, emanating from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the middleweight division as former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman looks to get back into the win column as he takes on former TUF winner Kelvin Gastelum.
Weidman has lost his past three fights and is in a must-win situation. He lost the UFC Middleweight Championship to Luke Rockhold in December 2015, and has followed that with losses to Yoel Romero and Gegard Mousasi, seeing him be finished in all three bouts. Gastelum is unbeaten as a middleweight, scoring his past two triumphs over Tim Kennedy and Vitor Belfort at 185 pounds.
In the co-main event, Dennis Bermudez looks to rebound from a loss as he takes on Darren Elkins, winner of four straight fights. Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout with Patrick Cummins taking on Gian Villante, and the main card opener is a potential barnburner at 135 pounds as Jimmie Rivera puts his 19-fight win streak on the line against Thomas Almeida.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
Rules: We are under the new rules for this event.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT
> Frankie Perez (10-3, 1-2 UFC) vs. Chris Wade (11-3, 4-2 UFC) Lightweights
They’ve fought before, outside of the UFC, and Wade won. Wade picked up where he left off starting out by getting an early takedown on Perez. Wade was smothering on the mat and took the back but Perez was able to get up. Perez got a takedown. Wade landed some elbows on the mat. Wade grabbed the arm and used it to get to his feet. Perez landed some knees and got another takedown. They got to their feet and Wade got a takedown and had the head pinned as the round ended. 10-9 Wade.
They spent the first part of the round striking and neither were landing with a lot of volume. Wade landed an upkick that got Perez and then scored a takedown off of it. Wade was able to get into side control and landed some punches from there before going into the guard. Perez was able to scramble to his feet. Wade couldn’t get the late takedown he was after. 10-9 Wade, 20-18 Wade.
Perez was attacking with kicks very quickly into the round. They traded and Perez ducked under a kick and got a takedown on Wade, but Wade was able to grab the neck and sweep to the top position. Wade went into the guard. Perez kept trying to push off but Wade was able to maintain his top control. Wade able to take the back but Perez got to his feet. Perez landed a big knee late as Wade was going for a takedown. 10-9 Wade, 30-27 Wade.
Official Result- Chris Wade def. Frankie Perez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Pepey was getting flashy with kicks but Burgos saw it all coming and was staying on the inside. Pepey tried to land some spinning back fists but missed. Burgos knocked Pepey down with a big knee. Pepey got to his feet and Burgos was teeing off on him and knocked Pepey down with a right hand. Pepey got to his feet and grabbed the body of Burgos and got a brief takedown. They broke and Burgos landed some big combos that rocked Pepey. Pepey just landed a wheel kick but then ate a right hand from Burgos. Burgos landed some more near the end. 10-8 Burgos.
Pepey was landing the jab but Burgos was slipping under and firing back combos. Pepey tried pulling guard and wanted Burgos to go to the mat with him but Burgos stayed standing and waiting for Pepey to get up. They were trading and Pepey did the same thing trying to pull guard again and the crowd was booing loudly. Pepey tried a takedown and it was defended so Pepey flopped to his back. He wants Burgos on the ground but Burgos is having none of it. Pepey was landing some good punches and inviting Burgos to hit him. Burgos was landing. Pepey was able to get Burgos into his guard late. 10-9 Burgos, 20-17 Burgos.
Pepey came out firing with some right hands. Burgos fired back with punches and Pepey was retreating around the Octagon. Burgos started landing more and more as the round went on. Pepey went for a takedown late but it was stuffed by Burgos. They broke and were trading late. Burgos was landing with more volume and dropped Pepey with a body shot. Pepey still wanted Burgos on the mat but Burgos wasn’t having it. Burgos landed a lot of punches late. 10-9 Burgos, 30-26 Burgos.
Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Godofredo Pepey by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-28)
> Tim Johnson (#12, 11-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. Junior Albini (13-2, 0-0 UFC) Heavyweights
They clinched against the fence early on. Johnson had control of the underhooks. They were trading. Albini landed a knee to the body and then lands a combo that dropped Johnson and he finished it off! Albini wins his UFC debut as a big underdog.
Official Result- Junior Albini def. Tim Johnson by knockout (strikes) at 2:51 of Round 1
> Brian Kelleher (17-7, 1-0 UFC) vs. Marlon Vera (9-3-1, 3-2 UFC) Bantamweights
They traded early and Kelleher landed a big right hand. Kelleher clinched and landed and landed a right hand to the body on the break. Kelleher got a takedown and Vera had a hold of the arm and quickly locked in an armbar and Kelleher tapped out! Impressive counter by Vera there to get the submission win in an upset.
Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Brian Kelleher by submission (armbar) at 2:18 of Round 1
> Kyle Bochniak (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (10-0, 2-0 UFC) Featherweights
Kennedy got an immediate takedown. Kennedy was working from the guard as Bochniak was looking to escape from the bottom. Bochniak got up to the fence but was unable to get out from the bottom. They got to their feet amd Kennedy clipped Bochniak and was landing knees in the clinch and then scored a takedown. Nice work from Kennedy there. Kennedy kept him planted on the mat at the end. 10-9 Kennedy.
Kennedy got another quick takedown to start the second round. Bochniak was able to get back to his feet. Not a whole lot happening and Kennedy then got another takedown. They got to their feet and Kennedy got another takedown and was working in the guard of Bochniak. They got back up and Kennedy again took Bochniak down. 10-9 Kennedy, 20-18 Kennedy.
They were trading during the early stages of the round and Bochniak was landing more, but not with a lot of power behind them. Bochniak landed a low blow and we had a timeout. They got back to action and Bochniak landed a nice combination. Kennedy went for a takedown but it was defended by Bochniak. Kennedy got a takedown and was landing punches from the back of Bochniak. Bochniak tried to get to his feet late and did but Kennedy took him down one more time. 10-9 Kennedy, 30-27 Kennedy.
Official Result- Jeremy Kennedy def. Kyle Bochniak by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Sherman landed an early combo of punches. Sherman with a head kick. Sherman with a leg kick as he ducks from all of Grabowski’s punches. Sherman landed a straight right hand. Grabowski landed a right hand. Sherman with a big knee that rocks Grabowski. Sherman landed a combo and a body kick. Sherman with a liver punch. Grabowski landed an overhand right. Sherman with a leg kick. Grabowski landed another right hand and Sherman countered with a leg kick. Sherman landed a big combination of punches and leg kicks. 10-9 Sherman.
They were trading and both men were landing. Sherman was mixing his strikes well, landing leg kicks and kicks to the body. Sherman with more leg kicks. Grabowski landed an uppercut in close range. Sherman landed a right hand followed by a knee to the body. Grabowski landed the overhand right. Sherman landing a lot of strikes on Grabowksi against the fence. Grabowski surviving. 10-9 Sherman, 20-18 Sherman.
Sherman throwing a lot of kicks and punches to start the third round. Grabowski got a brief takedown but Sherman got right back up. Sherman with a combo. Grabowski with a right hand. This is a slow fight. Sherman landing more punches and kicks. Neither man has good defense and the pace is real slow. Not an exciting fight. 10-9 Sherman, 30-27 Sherman.
Official Result- Chase Sherman def. Damian Grabowski by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
> Ryan LaFlare (#14, 13-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Alex Oliveira (17-3-1 2 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) Welterweights
LaFlare went for an early takedown and pressed Oliveira against the fence. LaFlare got him down and Oliveira tried to scramble out and was looking for an armbar. LaFlare was able to pass to side control. LaFlare was working for a choke but used it for control and landed knees to the body from side control. LaFlare working hard to transition but Oliveira is blocking. LaFlare got the back and was working for an armbar but ran out of time. 10-9 LaFlare.
Oliveira landed a leg kick and LaFlare slipped to the mat. Both were looking for an opening. Oliveira then lands an uppercut right to the jaw of LaFlare and LaFlare face plants to the mat and is out cold. Wow! Brutal knockout win by Alex Oliveira.
Official Result- Alex Oliveira def. Ryan LaFlare by knockout (punch) at 1:50 of Round 2
> Rafael Natal (21-8-1, 9-6-1 UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (7-0, 0-0 UFC) Middleweights
They were trading early and Anders clipped Natal with a left hand but Natal recovered. Natal was rocked by a head kick from Anders. Natal survived and ran across the Octagon head first into the fence and went down and Anders got on the top. Anders with some punches from the top but Natal gets up. Anders landed an illegal knee in there. Anders landed two left hands and the second one knocked Natal out cold. Brutal finish by Anders as he wins his UFC debut.
Official Result- Eryk Anders def. Rafael Natal by knockout (punch) at 2:54 of Round 1
> Lyman Good (19-3 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) vs. Elizeu Zaleski (16-5, 2-1 UFC) Welterweights
Good hasn’t fought in two years due to USADA. Also, no relation to Dean Ambrose. Zaleski was working early for a takedown. Good defended it and landed a knee on the break. Zaleski landed a couple of leg kicks that buckled Good. Good took Zaleski down off a kick but Zaleski eventually got back up. Good was landing with more volume and attacking the leg with kicks. Good landed a good series of punches on Zaleski. Fun round. 10-9 Good.
They were trading and Zaleski almost got a leg grabbed off a kick from Good. They clinched and traded knees before breaking. Zaleski with some knees in the clinch. Zaleski with a combo but Good is finding a home with his left hand. Zaleski tried a takedown but it was defended by Good. Good with an excellent combination inside the pocket. Zaleski landed a perfect flying knee and Good ate it and fired back a combo of punches that landed. Another fun round. 10-9 Good, 20-18 Good.
Zaleski is landing a lot more punches on Good. Zaleski was opening up more and Good seemed a bit more tentative in this round, and this round will decide the fight. Zaleski with a combo of punches and Good is bleeding. Good landed a counter right hand. Both men are throwing hard punches. Zaleski with a side kick. Zaleski is bleeding as well. Good lands the jab. They threw back-and-forth in the last ten seconds and Zaleski landed really hard punches. Very fun fight, and it will be close. 10-9 Zaleski, 29-28 Good.
Official Result- Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos def. Lyman Good by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Jimmie Rivera (#4, 20-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Thomas Almeida (#9, 22-1, 5-1 UFC) Bantamweights
Almeida with some leg kicks early. Almeida landed a right hand and Rivera countered with a left hook to the body. Rivera then dropped Almeida with a right hand but Almeida was able to get back up and clinched. Rivera then spit his mouthpiece out to get a timeout and a break of the clinch. They traded leg kicks. They were trading and Rivera dropped Almeida again with a right hand. They scrambled on the mat and got back to their feet. Almeida with a combo late. Fun round. 10-9 Rivera.
Both were ducking punches early on before they started landing. Rivera rocked Almeida with a left hand. Rivera landed a straight right hand as he timed a kick from Almeida. Almeida landed a left hand. Almeida with an inside leg kick. Almeida then dropped Rivera for a moment with a left hand. Rivera landed a right hand. Almeida back to attacking the lead leg with kicks. Almeida lands a good combo of punches late. Close round. 10-9 Almeida, 19-19.
Rivera got a quick takedown to start the third round. Rivera didn’t do much from the top and Almeida was able to scramble to his feet. Rivera landed a right hand. Almeida with a leg kick and misses a spin kick. Rivera with a left hand to the body. They clinched for a brief moment. Almeida went for a knee and Rivera tried a takedown but Almeida jumped away from it. They each landed punches. Almeida with a flying knee but Rivera was able to reverse it into a takedown. Almeida hit the switch and got back up. Almeida landed a combo of punches and a high kick. We go the distance. Great, great fight. 10-9 Rivera, 29-28 Rivera.
Official Result- Jimmie Rivera def. Thomas Almeida by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 30-27)
> Patrick Cummins (#12, 9-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Gian Villante (#13, 15-8, 5-5 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Cummins goes right for a takedown but Villante gets right back up. Cummins grabs a single leg and gets a takedown but right back up. Villante then rocks Cummins with three straight right hands. Cummins is bleeding from the top of his head, looks to be from a headbutt. They trade kicks. Cummins goes back for a takedown but it is defended. Cummins lands a left hand on the break. They trade jabs. Cummins lands a right hand and the gets a takedown. Villante lands a right hand. 10-9 Villante.
Cummins is landing the short left hook. Cummins shoots for a takedown but it is defended. They traded punches. Cummins is coming on stronger as the fight goes on. Cummins with a nice combination of punches. Cummins landing with more volume. Villante landed a right hand. Cummins still landing with more volume but he eats a big right hand from Villante. 10-9 Cummins, 19-19.
Villante rocks Cummins with a right hand early in the third and that could be big. Villante is pouring it on as he has Cummins in trouble. Cummins is starting to come back with punches and he is bleeding all over the place. Cummins landed a couple of right hands and then a knee to the body. Cummins goes for a takedown but they are battled in the clinch against the fence. Cummins with knees to the legs of Villante. Villante lands a late right hand. 10-9 Cummins, 29-28 Cummins.
Official Result- Patrick Cummins def. Gian Villante by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Dennis Bermudez (#10, 16-6, 9-4 UFC) vs. Darren Elkins (#12, 22-5, 12-4 UFC) Featherweights
Bermudez landed leg kicks early on and followed one with a right hand. Bermudez slipped on a kick and Elkins attacked and took the back. Bermudez got to his feet but Elkins took him down twice. Elkins has the back and is looking for the choke. Elkins with some short punches from the back. Bermudez got to his feet and shook Elkins off. Elkins picked Bermudez up and slammed him down but Bermudez popped back up. Bermudez with a right hand as they break the clinch. 10-9 Elkins.
They are trading and Bermudez just misses a flying knee. Elkins landed a right hand. Elkins is going for takedowns from a distance and Bermudez sees them coming. Bermudez got a takedown against the fence. He didn’t do much with it and they got to their feet. Bermudez went for a takedown against the fence but it was defended. Bermudez landing better punches in the clinch. Elkins landed some knees on the ground that were close to illegal. Elkins picked Bermudez up and slammed him down and took the back but Bermudez got to his feet. Close round. 10-9 Bermudez, 19-19.
They were trading and Bermudez was getting the better of it. Bermudez struck with his head down and it allowed Elkins to grab him in looking for the takedown. They were clinched against the fence as Bermudez reversed position. They broke and Bermudez landed a right hand. Bermudez owning the Octagon right now and he lands a big right hand. Elkins slipped on a kick but Bermudez unable to capitalize. Bermudez with some body punches and a knee against the fence. Bermudez landing some punches late as he is closing the fight strong. Bermudez with some right hands near the end. 10-9 Bermudez, 29-28 Bermudez.
Official Result- Darren Elkins def. Dennis Bermudez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Chris Weidman (#5, 13-3, 9-3 UFC) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (#8, 13-2 1 NC, 8-2 1 NC UFC) Middleweights
Weidman starts with a head kick that gets checked. Weidman lands a right hand. Weidman lands another right hand. Weidman with a takedown. He moves to the back. Weidman with punches from the back. Gastelum gets to his feet. They scramble to the mat and Weidman into side control. Weidman looking for a kimura. Gastelum scrambled to his feet and escaped the kimura. Gastelum with a head kick. Gastelum drops Weidman with a left hand but runs out of time looking for the finish. Think Gastelum stole that round with that. 10-9 Gastelum.
Weidman with a leg kick and then a right hand. They clinch and Weidman gets a takedown with an ankle pick. Weidman gets the back and is working for the choke, landing punches from the back. They get back to their feet and Weidman gets another takedown. Weidman with more punches and they get up. Weidman gets another takedown. Weidman into the guard and landing elbows. More elbows from the top by Weidman. Weidman got the back but time ran out before he could do much. 10-9 Weidman, 19-19.
They were trading aggressively and Weidman dropped Gastelum for a moment. Weidman landed a nice series of punches and he had Gastelum in trouble. Gastelum survived the onslaught. Weidman lands a big right hand. Weidman lands a kick and scores a takedown. Weidman going for the back and has it standing. Weidman with another takedown. Weidman trying to drag for a choke as Gastelum tries to scramble away. Weidman has the arm-triangle locked in and it is deep. Gastelum is in a lot of trouble and in danger of going out. He taps! Gastelum taps out to the arm-triangle and Weidman gets the huge submission win to end his losing skid. The crowd is going crazy for the hometown hero.
Official Result- Chris Weidman def. Kelvin Gastelum by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:45 of Round 3
UFC is back on Fox on Saturday with four+ hours of fights featuring the promotion’s debut at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum, headlined by middleweight title contender Kelvin Gastelum taking on former champ and hometown boy Chris Weidman in a bout that could determine a future challenger for the 185-pound title.
Featherweights take the co-main event spot as Darren Elkins will try to keep an impressive streak going as he does battle with former TUF finalist and local fighter Dennis Bermudez.
Yet another local fighter, Gian Villante, meets former barista Patrick Cummins in a light heavyweight fight while Jimmie Rivera meets Thomas Almeida in a must-see bantamweight tilt.
For the fifth fight of our panel picks, we’re starting early with the show-opening fight featuring a pair of local lightweights with Chris Wade vs. Frankie Perez.
Panel picks are listed below with the panelist’s 2017 records is in parentheses. Listed alongside the fighter’s names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. We also have panel consensus picks as well as a line where we show how the betting favorites did:
John Pollock (35-16; .686) — new dad, Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
Favorites (35-16; .686)
Dave Meltzer (33-18; .647) — Wrestling Observer publisher
Consensus Picks (32-18; .640)
David Bixenspan (32-19; .627) – Deadspin pro wrestling columnist; Between the Sheets podcast host
Mike Sempervive (31-20; .608) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
Mike Sawyer (30-21; .588) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
Steve Juon (30-21; .588) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
Tom Lawlor (8-6; .571) – Co-host Filthy Four Daily; pro wrestling undercard fighter; UFC enhancement talent currently suspended due to wellness violation
Ryan Frederick (28-23; .549) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
Paul Fontaine (26-25; .510) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
Front Row Brian (25-26; .490) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host
> Chris Weidman (13-3) vs Kelvin Gastelum MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Weidman has lost three straight after starting his career with an impressive 13-fight win streak that took him all the way to the UFC title and three successful defences. Now, he’s on the verge of being knocked out of contention thought and badly needs a win here. After having highly publicized weight issues after previous competing at welterweight, former TUF winner Kelvin Gastelum — who won that tournament at 185 — will add his name to a growing list of potential title challengers if he gets a win here.
It’s an intriguing fight with a lot on the line and somewhat surprisingly, the oddsmakers have Weidman as a slight underdog.
> Darren Elkins (22-5) vs Dennis Bermudez (16-6) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Elkins has been on the most impressive run of his career, completely dominating each of his last four fights including a late 3rd round stoppage win over heavily favoured Mirsak Bektic in his last fight. Despite that fact, he finds himself in the underdog position against Bermudez here. Bermudez is coming off a stunning first round KO loss at the hands of The Korean Zombie, which was his third stoppage loss in the last five fights. He needs a win here to remain relevant in the division and to do so, he’ll have to find a way to stop the mauling that Elkins will attempt to put on him.
> Gian Villante (16-6) vs Patrick Cummins (9-4) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
After picking up an impressive KO win in his first fight in his home state in his pro career, Villante suffered a setback in being KO’d by former champion Shogun Rua in Brazil earlier this year. Villante had his moments in that fight, however, and will need all the power at his disposal to smother the wrestling game of Cummins. The guy famous for fighting Daniel Cormier on short notice has lost 3 of his last 5 and shown vulnerability to the KO, being finished in all of his losses. Another loss here could send him packing.
> Jimmie Rivera (20-1) vs Thomas Almeida (22-1) BANTAMWEIGHTS
Rivera dominated former WEC champ Urijah Faber in his last fight to pick up his fourth straight UFC win and 19th in a row overall. The former WEC and Bellator veteran made the most of his second chance in the UFC after dropping an exhibition fight to Dennis Bermudez on the TUF 14 show and now finds himself on the fringe of title contention.
Almeida started his career with 21 straight wins before running into current divisional champ Cody Garbrandt in the main event of an FS1 show last May. He rebounded to KO Albert Morales in his last fight and hopes to keep that run going and eventually get a rematch with the champion.
> Chris Wade (11-3) vs Frankie Perez (10-3) Lightweights
Perez briefly retired after picking up his first UFC win against Sam Stout two years ago in Saskatoon. He returned last December and dropped a decision to Marc Diakese but hopes to rebound here close to his home of New Jersey.
New York State’s own Wade will attempt to kick off the show with a win for the locals in a show stacked with New York fighters. He’s lost two in a row after opening his UFC career with four straight wins and this could be his last chance to keep collecting checks from UFC.
> Lyman Good (19-3) vs Elizeu Zaleski (16-5) WELTERWEIGHTS
Good NR; -155 betting favorite
Zaleski; #49; +160 betting underdog
> Rafael Natal (21-8-1) vs Eryk Anders (8-0) MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Natal #32; +105 betting underdog
Anders #159; -115 betting favorite
> Ryan LaFlare (13-1) vs Alex Oliveira (17-4-1) WELTERWEIGHTS
LaFlare #23; -175 betting favorite
Oliveira #13; +165 betting underdog
> Damian Grabowski (20-4) vs Chase Sherman (10-3)
HEAVYWEIGHTS
Grabowski #83; +220 betting underdog
Sherman #161; -235 betting favorite
> Kyle Bochniak (7-1) vs Jeremy Kennedy (10-0) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Bochniak #202; +225 betting underdog
Kennedy #52; -240 betting favorite
> Brian Kelleher (17-7) vs Marlon Vera (11-3-1) BANTAMWEIGHTS
Kelleher #11; -205 betting favorite
Vera #50; +195 betting underdog
> Timothy Johnson (11-3) vs Junior Albini (13-2) HEAVYWEIGHTS
Johnson #24; -225 betting favorite
Albini #146; +215 betting underdog
Shane Burgos (9-0) vs Godofredo Pepey (13-4) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Burgos #58; -333 betting favorite
Pepey #44; +355 betting underdog
Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 4:00 PM EST and moves over to Fox at 6 PM EST. The main card also airs on Fox at 8 PM EST, and will be covered by our own Ryan Frederick.
UFC makes their Long Island debut this Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum, a place that has been a home to WWE for decades. While there won’t be any cage jumps, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman will be looking for his own memorable moment in the main event against Kelvin Gastelum.
Helping yours truly preview the event on the latest edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out is past guest Mark La Monica, Newsday deputy sports editor and MMA writer.
On this edition of the show:
– Mark recounts his experience at last week’s Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor Brooklyn tour stop.
– We talk about the big series of features Newsday released including a video, ‘Where are they now’ features, and the behind-the-scenes of how they were able to wrangle all of the fighters together for the picture you see above.
– We preview the main talking points from Saturday’s show including Weidman, the potential Fight of the Night between Jimmie Rivera and Thomas Almeida, and more.
With a week in which UFC returns to the Midwest and questions about New York’s athletic commissions are swirling, who better to talk about it all than former Bellator play-by-play man, author, and Kansas Athletic Commission member Sean Wheelock?
On a packed 90-minute edition of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, your host Josh Nason and Sean jumped around the MMA map. A few points of discussion:
– Sean’s current gigs with MMA & boxing and what he takes into consideration when a new company comes calling
– What he thought when Bjorn Rebney reappeared as an MMA association lead and what’s next for him
– Whether time has changed his mind on his surprise release from Bellator MMA
– His thoughts on the current Mauro Ranallo/WWE situation
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II, emanating from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
The event is headlined by a rematch for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship as champion Daniel Cormier defends against challenger Anthony Johnson. They have met before, when the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship was vacant and up for grabs, at UFC 187 in May 2015.
After surviving an early onslaught from Johnson, Cormier was able to take over with his wrestling and ultimately submitted Johnson in the third round to win the championship. Cormier has since successfully defended the title against Alexander Gustafsson and scored a win over Anderson Silva, while Johnson has scored three straight vicious knockout wins over Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader, and Glover Teixeira to set these two on a collision course for a rematch.
In the co-main event, Chris Weidman looks to get back into the win column after losing two straight as he takes on Gegard Mousasi, winner of four straight fights. Weidman finds himself in what he considers a must-win situation if he wants to regain the UFC Middleweight Championship, while Mousasi is looking to get one step closer in securing his first chance at winning UFC gold.
Also on the main card is a bout in the women’s strawweight division as Cynthia Calvillo appears for the second straight time on a pay-per-view main card against Pearl Gonzalez, a welterweight clash between former title challengers Thiago Alves and Patrick Cote, and a lightweight encounter between Will Brooks and Charles Oliveira opens up the main card.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or a thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 6:15 PM ET/3:15 PM PT
> Jenel Lausa (7-2, 1-0 UFC) vs. Magomed Bibulatov (13-0, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights
Bibulatov was threatening with the takedowns early on, as well as spinning attacks, but Lausa was defending. Lausa was being way tentative in this round, but Bibulatov wasn’t doing much to get on the offensive, though he was throwing punches and kicks. The crowd started booing early. Bibulatov landed a spinning back fist and was then attacking the legs with kicks, but did knee Lausa below the belt to cause a stop in the action. Bibulatov got a late knee to the body, maybe after the horn. Bibulatov got the round, 10-9.
Bibulatov landed a big knee and an uppercut and went for a throw but Lausa defended. Bibulatov landed another low blow, this time a big kick, and we had a long break in action. Bibulatov got a point deducted from him by John McCarthy since it was a second low blow. Back to action, Bibulatov landed a takedown and was working from the top. Lausa was defending from the bottom but Bibulatov was smothering from the top. This was clearly Bibulatov’s round, but he was deducted the point, so it’s a 9-9 round. I have Bibulatov up 19-18.
Bibulatov scored a big takedown early and Lausa had no defense for them. Bibulatov was smothering from the top but wasn’t really working for a finish and seemed content to ride out a victory. He was landing some punches and elbows and it wasn’t being defended well, but they weren’t fight-ending strikes. Bibulatov then transitioned to the mount but Lausa got him back into the guard. Bibulatov landed more but Lausa survived the round. 10-9 round for Bibulatov and I had him winning 29-27. All three judges had it 29-26, so Bibulatov had a 10-8 round in there from all the judges, likely the third.
Official Result- Magomed Bibulatov def. Jenel Lausa by unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
They exchanged in the pocket early and Aldana was starting to time the jab of Chookagian. Chookagian was landing her kicks but Aldana was returning kicks. Chookagian landed a solid combo towards the end. It was a real back-and-forth round with both landing quite a bit. Chookagian got a late takedown but Aldana got right back up. Close round with Aldana landing cleaner but Chookagian landing with more volume. I go 10-9 Chookagian.
Aldand was turning up the pressure early and even landed a spinning back fist. Chookagian was getting warned a lot for leading with her fingers out, which is a foul. Aldand was getting the better of the exchanges as she was the last to land. Aldana landed a big right hand but then slipped and Chookagian jumped on the attack. Chookagian went for a takedown but it was defended. Another close round but Aldana was landing better the majority of the round. I had it 10-9 for Aldana, and it tied 19-19 after two.
They were trading with lots of volume but neither was landing anything clean. Chookagian landed some inside leg kicks but Aldana was firing back with punches. Chookagian is being very aggressive but Aldana is landing harder, and this one is going to be very tough to score. Chookagian landed some leg kicks and has landed a lot of body kicks. Aldana started to turn up the volume late but it may be too late. Chookagian controlled the round before Aldana came on late. 10-9 Chookagian in the third, and I have it 29-28 Chookagian.
The judges were split but Chookagian pulled out the decision. Not a bad scorecard from any judge as all rounds were close. Solid fight.
Official Result- Katlyn Chookagian def. Irene Aldana by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Josh Emmett (11-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Desmond Green (19-5, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Green is making his UFC debut in his 25th career fight. Green landed a solid combination early. Emmett landed a solid right hand. Emmett landed a big low blow with a kick and we have a break in the action. Emmett was landing some solid combos but Green landed a big left hand that stumbled Emmett. Green landed some good punches in the last minute of the round. Close round and Green came on strong in the last minute. 10-9 Green.
Emmett was landing the overhand right but Green was executing with his jab early and stuffed a takedown from Emmett. Green was landing much more and more cleaner in this round. Green was finding his range and his timing and his footwork was looking real crisp in this round. He was making Emmett miss and he would land counter punches. Green kept pressuring Emmett late in this round and he was landing his left hand almost at will. Strong round for Green. 10-9 Green, and 20-18 Green.
Green got a takedown at the start of the third and was working from the top. Emmett got back to his feet but gave up a lot of momentum on the ground. Green landed an uppercut and a chant for Green started from the crowd. Emmett was throwing punches as Green was starting to get conservative. Emmett was cut open on the side of his head. Green started to show signs of fatigue. Emmett has thrown a lot of volume and it could sway the judges. Close final round but I had it 10-9 for Green and it 30-27 for Green overall.
This was another split as one judge had gave Emmett two rounds, but the other two had Green winning two rounds and Green winning all three rounds. No bad scorecards in there as they were all close and Emmett was throwing with a lot of volume that had a clear impact on scoring. A solid fight and Emmett is now no longer undefeated.
Official Results- Desmond Green def. Josh Emmett by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
> Gregor Gillespie (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Andrew Holbrook (12-1, 2-1 UFC) Lightweights
This didn’t last long at all. Gillespie landed a left hook that dropped Holbrook and after a few more punches Dan Miragliotta stepped in and stopped the fight. 21 seconds is all it took. Gillespie looked very good here. Gillespie called himself the best fisherman in the UFC in his post-fight interview.
Official Result- Gregor Gillespie def. Andrew Holbrook by knockout (punches) at :21 of Round 1
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Patrick Cummins (#12, 8-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Jan Blachowicz (#12, 19-6, 2-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Blachowicz dropped Cummins with a big uppercut and was starting to tee off but Cummins got to his feet. Blachowicz slipped as he was punching and Cummins went after him and grabbed the neck and was looking for a choke. Blachowicz escaped and landed a big body kick. Cummins is bleeding over his right eye. Cummins is still wobbly on his feet. Blachowicz rocked Cummins again with a punch. Cummins got a takedown and was working in the guard of Blachowicz. Blachowicz was able to get to his feet at the end of the round. 10-9 Blachowicz.
They were exchanging and Cummins got a takedown and into the guard of Blachowicz. Cummins has strong wrestling but has horrible defense on his feet and he is cut heavily on his head. Blachowicz was looking for a kimura but Cummins got out and was landing some big punches from the top. They got back to their feet. Blachowicz got a takedown but they got right back up. Both men are exhausted and Blachowicz put his hands on his knees. Cummins stuffed a takedown from Blachowicz and Cummins landed to the body. 10-9 Cummins, 19-19 after two.
They were trading early on in the third as both are tired. Cummins got a takedown that looked very bad defensively from Blachowicz. Cummins working in the guard of Blachowicz. Blachowicz was able to scramble out from the bottom. Blachowicz landed some body kicks. Cummins landed a series of knees to the head of Blachowicz. He stopped as he was warned by John McCarthy about the placement of the knees. Cummins got the fight to the mat and was landing in the guard as the fight ended. 10-8 Cummins, 29-27 Cummins.
Cummins got the decision, winning two rounds to one on two scorecards, with no 10-8 rounds. We are under the new scoring criteria. The third scorecard was a 28-28, which seems to be Blachowicz getting a 10-8 round one, and Cummins getting rounds two and three. If that judge didn’t have Cummins 10-8 for round three, then I don’t know what the hell they were watching.
Official Result- Patrick Cummins def. Jan Blachowicz by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
> Shane Burgos (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Charles Rosa (11-2, 2-2 UFC) Featherweights
Rosa came out kicking the legs of Burgos as Burgos has a huge reach advantage. Burgos rocked Rosa with a punch early. Rosa was looking to land spin kicks as Burgos was just chasing him around the Octagon. They were trading punches and Rosa was chopping at the leg of Burgos. Rosa landed a spin kick to the head but not with a lot of power. A low blow by Rosa gives a pause in the action. Burgos came back strong by landing punches and took the fight down for a moment. Burgos started to check the leg kicks. Rosa went for a takedown but it was stuffed. Rosa landed a right hand late. Close round. 10-9 Burgos.
Rosa got an early takedown but Burgos got back to this feet. Rosa went back on the attack with leg kicks. Burgos was landing his punches but Rosa was being more active. Burgos landed a big left hand on a counter of a leg kick. Rosa has been very accurate with the leg kicks and they have kept Burgos from going fully on the offensive. Rosa landed a right hand and then came back with a body kick. Rosa landed a spinning back fist. Rosa got this round as he was more active and was landing a lot. 10-9 Rosa, 19-19 after two.
Rosa went for a takedown and had the leg but Burgos was landing big hammerfists and Rosa let go of the leg. Burgos dropped Rosa with a nice combo and then started to tee off. Burgos landed a flying knee and was teeing off on Rosa but Rosa was standing. Rosa was rocked and Burgos landed a big combo against the fence and the referee stepped in and stopped it! Rosa was disputing the stoppage but he looked out on his feet and it was a good stoppage. Big win for Burgos as he remains undefeated. Real good fight.
Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Charles Rosa by TKO (punches) at 1:59 of Round 3
> Kamaru Usman (#11, 9-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Sean Strickland (18-1, 5-1 UFC) Welterweights
Usman got a quick takedown and was landing some knees as Strickland had only one hand down, which are now legal. Strickland tried to protest but was told they were legal so I guess he forgot. Usman was landing more knees against the fence as he had the back of Strickland. Usman got a full takedown and was on the top. Usman landing a barrage of punches and he was in complete control of the round. 10-8 Usman.
Strickland can’t see out of his left eye. Usman tagged Strickland and is clearly the better fighter in there tonight. Usman dropped Strickland with a big left hand and was pounding away looking for a finish from the top. Usman has been non-stop with his pressure tonight. Usman landing from the top as Strickland was looking to scramble out. They got back to their feet. Usman landed a combo as Strickland had his back against the fence. Another strong round for Usman. 10-8 Usman, 20-16 Usman after two.
The doctor checked on Strickland’s eye but let him continue on. Usman was landing on his feet with no return from Strickland. Usman scored the takedown and was landing from the top. Strickland is way out of his league in this fight and Usman is making it look easy. Usman was even punching Strickland in the butt. They got back up and Usman landed a flurry and Strickland had to back away. Strickland doing absolutely nothing. Usman cracked Strickland with a right hand. This is an easy win for Usman. 10-9 Usman, 30-25 Usman.
Usman got the decision and won all three scorecards easily, but one judge did not give a 10-8 round. There was at least one clear 10-8 round under the new scoring criteria, and if a judge isn’t going by it, there needs to be more education on it. Usman called out Neil Magny after the fight.
Official Result- Kamaru Usman def. Sean Strickland by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
> Myles Jury (15-2, 6-2 UFC) vs. Mike de la Torre (14-6 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC) Featherweights
Jury with a very quick takedown and he lands a right hand from the top. Jury takes the back and is looking for a choke. de la Torre in a lot of trouble. He was defending but eating some punches from the back from Jury. Jury flattens de la Torre out and is landing punches from the back. This is close to being stopped. de la Torre has a big cut opened up. Big elbows from Jury. This should be stopped. It finally is and Jury gets the win. Complete domination by Jury.
Official Result- Myles Jury def. Mike de la Torre by TKO (punches) at 3:30 of Round 1
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> Will Brooks (19-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Charles Oliveira (#9 FW, 21-7 1 NC, 9-7 1 NC UFC) Lightweights
They traded kicks and Oliveira scored a takedown. Brooks used the fence to get back to his feet but Oliveira got another takedown and took the back. Brooks stood up but Oliveira is on the back and has a standing rear-naked choke locked in and Brooks is in trouble. Brooks taps out! Oliveira with a big submission win as he jumps over the cage to celebrate and Brooks is visibly upset.
Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. Will Brooks by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:30 of Round 1
Urijah Faber was announced as the first inductee of the 2017 UFC Hall Of Fame class. He will be the inducted into the Modern Era wing.
> Thiago Alves (21-11, 13-7 UFC) vs. Patrick Cote (23-10, 10-10 UFC) Welterweights
They were throwing early. Alves clipped Cote with a knee and Cote was backing up. They exchanged leg kicks. They were trading against the fence and Alves landed a nice combo that backed Cote back up. They traded leg kicks again. Alves dropped Cote with a left hand and Alves swarmed on top looking to finish. Alves with punches and elbows from the top. He gets into half-guard and lands some punches to the body. Alves gets to side control and lands some elbows and more punches as the round ends. 10-9 Alves.
Alves looking outstanding in the first minute of the second round. He rocked Cote with a combo and some leg kicks and had him in trouble against the fence. Alves landed a big leg kick but Cote landed a combo in return. Cote is being more aggressive in this round but Alves is keeping him at a distance with leg kicks. Cote landed some punches but then got dropped again by Alves. Alves landed a knee to the body as Cote got up and Cote did land a right hand. Cote’s lead leg is as red as his shorts. They traded punches and kicks at the end of the round. 10-9 Alves, 20-18 Alves.
Alves landed a groin strike at the start and we have a quick timeout. Cote landed some good punches to the body against the fence. Cote went for a takedown but it was defended against the fence by Alves. Alves got a trip takedown into the guard of Cote. Alves landed some elbows and Cote is cut open big. Cote was able to push Alves off and they got to their feet. Alves with a big body kick but Cote countered with an uppercut. Cote was winding up his right hand up to a big reaction. He did land it on Alves. Alves landed a flying knee to cap off the fight. Excellent performance from Alves.
Alves took the fight on all three scorecards. After the fight, Cote announced his retirement at the age of 37.
Official Result- Thiago Alves def. Patrick Cote by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Cynthia Calvillo (4-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (6-1, 0-0 UFC) Women’s Strawweights
This is the fight that got a lot of attention yesterday. They were trading early. Calvillo is landing punches but they are just hitting the arms of Gonzalez. Gonzalez is pressuring Calvillo around the Octagon. Calvillo landed a combo but it was mostly hitting Gonzalez’ arms. Gonzalez initiated a clinch but Calvillo landed some uppercuts that busted Gonzalez up a bit. Gonzalez got a takedown but Calvillo transitioned to the back and was looking for a triangle. Not enough time left in the round as it ends with Gonzalez in the triangle. 10-9 Calvillo.
Calvillo was landing but Gonzalez got a big takedown. Gonzalez was looking for an armbar but she was in a bad angle for it. She lost it and Calvillo ended up in side control. Calvillo took the back of Gonzalez and was looking for the choke but Gonzalez was defending it well. Calvillo kept working for it and had it across the face. Gonzalez was landing back punches. Calvillo scrambled into the mount and then transitioned back to Gonzalez’ back. Great round for Calvillo. 10-9 Calvillo, 20-18 Calvillo.
Gonzalez came out with a strong leg kick. They were trading and Calvillo got a trip takedown and is in the half-guard of Gonzalez. Calvillo looking to set up an arm-triangle. Calvillo got into the mount and then transitioned to the back of Gonzalez. Calvillo has the choke locked in but Gonzalez slipped out. Calvillo got it locked in again and Gonzalez taps out. Big submission win by Calvillo, her second UFC win in just over a month.
Official Result- Cynthia Calvillo def. Pearl Gonzalez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:45 of Round 3
> Chris Weidman (#4, 13-2, 9-2 UFC) vs. Gegard Mousasi (#5, 41-6-2, 8-3 UFC) Middleweights
Mousasi landed a stiff jab that caught Weidman. Weidman landed a body kick. Weidman with a big takedown early. Weidman has a guillotine locked in but Mousasi defended well and escaped. Weidman with a leg kick. Weidman scored another takedown. Mousasi got back up. Weidman working for another takedown against the fence and he let go. Weidman rocked Mousasi with a right hand but Mousasi rocked him back with a jab. Mousasi slipped to the mat and Weidman ended on top. 10-9 Weidman.
Mousasi hurt Weidman early with a jab and an uppercut and Weidman was retreating. Mousasi went for a takedown but Weidman defended against the fence and they held each other until the referee broke them up. Weidman scored an immediate takedown and is in the guard. Weidman got into the mount on Mousasi. Mousasi rolled over and gave up his back. Weidman working for the choke. They scrambled around and got back to their feet. Mousasi landed a knee. Weidman looking tired. Weidman had both hands down and Mousasi landed a knee. It was close but there is no instant replay. We had a break and no points deducted. The knee was legal. They stopped the fight after mass confusion. Everyone is livid. The doctors called the fight off because they didn’t know the rule.
Official Result- Gegard Mousasi def. Chris Weidman by TKO (knee) at 3:13 of Round 2
> Daniel Cormier (C, 18-1, 7-1 UFC) vs. Anthony Johnson (#1, 22-5, 13-5 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Cormier threw a big right hand that backed Johnson up. Johnson looking for a takedown against the fence but Cormier defending. Cormier with elbows as Johnson got a quick second takedown. They stayed clinched and the fans were booing. Cormier had the front headlock and was landing knees. They broke and Johnson was trying some wild strikes and Cormier got them back in the clinch. They were broke after John McCarthy said Cormier was holding the fence. Johnson landed a big head kick that hurt Cormier. Johnson went for another takedown but Cormier defended and Johnson was just holding on not doing anything. Perplexing strategy by Johnson this round. 10-9 Johnson.
Cormier has a broken nose. They went back into a clinch battle with Cormier having Johnson against the fence. Johnson got a quick takedown but Cormier got back up. Cormier got a takedown and took the back of Johnson. Cormier with punches from the back and he is working for a choke. Cormier landing punches from the back. Cormier has a rear-naked choke locked in and Johnson taps out! Cormier remains the champion.
Anthony Johnson retired inside the Octagon after the fight. That is a huge shocker. He said he gave his commitment to another job outside of MMA. Cormier talked about Jimi Manuwa wanting a title shot and threw him under the bus, and then talked about Jon Jones, telling him to get his shit together.
Official Result- Daniel Cormier def. Anthony Johnson by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:37 of Round 2- Cormier remains the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
After an 11-week hiatus, Josh Nason’s Punch-Out returns to the Internet airwaves with its 62nd episode: a focus on UFC 210 and more with TSN’s UFC Content Editor and Producer of Talent Relations Aaron Bronsteter.
In a 45-minute talk, the two went all over the combat sports map. A few stops included:
– Aaron’s past working on The Fight Show/The MMA Show with Mauro Ranallo, a show Josh did several guest appearances for
– The experience of working on TSN’s Off The Record with Michael Landsberg and some of the show’s most memorable interviews like Chael Sonnen and CM Punk
– A look at this Saturday’s UFC 210 with a deeper dive into the implications from Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson and Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi
– The positives and negatives of working with an official UFC broadcast partner
– The temperature of MMA in Canada now that GSP’s return is imminent
– The unusual feeling of seeing former co-worker and current WWE media star Renee Young on shows like Total Divas…and more.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor, eminating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
This is the much anticipated debut of the UFC in New York, and they are bringing the most stacked card in company history for the Octagon’s first visit to famed Madison Square Garden, capping off a night of action with the biggest draw in company history looking to make history.
In the main event, UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor looks to become the first fighter to hold championships in two divisions at the same time as he challenges Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight Championship. McGregor is coming off two high-profile fights with Nate Diaz while Alvarez makes his first title defense after knocking out Rafael Dos Anjos in July.
In addition, there are two other championship bouts. UFC Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley makes his first title defense against top contender, Stephen Thompson, winner of seven straight fights. Woodley knocked out Robbie Lawler to win the title at UFC 201 in July, while Thompson is getting his title shot on the heels of a dominant win over Rory MacDonald.
UFC Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk makes her fourth title defense against fellow Polish strawweight, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, in the third title fight on the card. Jedrzejczyk last fought in July, successfully defending against Claudia Gadelha, while Kowalkiewicz is coming off a decision win over Rose Namajunas in July. Both women are undefeated in their professional careers, but Jedrzejczyk holds a win over Kowalkiewicz in an amateur bout.
The main card also has a middleweight bout as former champion Chris Weidman takes on Yoel Romero, and Miesha Tate battles Raquel Pennington in women’s bantamweight action. The most stacked prelims of all-time includes featherweights Frankie Edgar and Jeremy Stephens doing battle as well as top lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov taking on Michael Johnson.
We’re looking for your thoughts on the show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbe in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on the event so leave your thumbs up, thumbs in the middle, or thumbs down along with a best and worst fight to [email protected].
The place is fairly empty at this point. More than a Las Vegas crowd but not like a lot of first-time markets. Carmouche is ripped, more than most of the guys.
First round: Carmouche with low kicks. Chookagian landed a right., Carmouche back with a right. Carmouche with a low kick and a right and a takedown. Carmouche is in side control Chookagian back up with minimal damage. Carmouche trying for another takedown. Carmouche has her against the fence. High slam by Carmouche with 1:05 left. Carmouche is just holding her down. Fans chanting Ole for no reason. Carmouche with some short elbows. Carmouche 10-9
Second round: Carmouche has her and trying to throw her. Both landed knees. Chookagian broke the clinch. Chookagian with a low kick. Carmouche took her down with a back suplex. She moved to side control. Carmouche with short elbows. Chookagian regained guard and wants a triangle. Carmouche with some short punches. The crowd is starting to boo them. Carmouche is staying busy but they could stand them up. Chookagaian up. Knee by Chookagian. Left by Chookagian. Chookagian whiffed on a combo. Right by Chookagian landed. Low kick by Chookagian. Carmouche’s round 20-18.
Third round: Chookagian dropped her with a great head kick. Carmouche back up. The crowd exploded. Knee by Chookagian. Carmouche going for a takedown. Chookagian momentarily got behind her but Carmouche turned her into the fence. Knee by Carmouche. Chookagian landed a combo. Big right by Chokagian. Chookagian landed solid punches now. Carmouche is bleeding from the nose. Carmouche took her down which drew a groan from the crowd. Carmouche is holding her down. Chookagian up and Carmouche threw a knee. Chookagian broke free. Head kick by Chookagian. Low kick by Carmouche. Chookagian in with punches. Low kick by Carmouche. Good right by Chookagian. Carmouche shot for a takedown but doesn’t have it. But she’s taking seconds off the clock. Chookagian’s round but Carmouche should win 29-28.
> Jim Miller (27-8 1 NC, 16-7 1 NC UFC) vs. Thiago Alves (21-10, 13-6 UFC)
Catch weight of 162.5
Alves missed weight by 6.5 pounds.
First round: Knee by Alves. Miller with a left. Miller in with an uppercut. Miller landed a punch and took Alves down off a kick. Miller is working to get his back. Alves scrambled up. Left kick to the body by Miller. Both landing now with Alves landing a good knee. Right by Alves and head kick by Alves. Alves came on strong at the end but 10-9 Miller.
Second round: Body kick by Alves. Body kick by Alves. He tried another and Miller tried to take him down off it. Alves defended the takedown. Miller with a blast double leg takedown. Miller cradled him on the ground. Miller is keeping him down. There was a USA chant. Miller landed a few punches as Alves got up. Miller with a left. Alves with a right. Body kick by Alves. Punch and knee by Alves. Alves missed a spinning backfist. Alves landed the backfist. Miller is bleeding. Close round. 20-18 Miller.
Third round: Body kick by Alves. Mller slipped. Alves landing punches and a body kick. Both swinging. Miller hit the blast double again. That could clinch him the fight. Alves back up. Alves with a body kcik. Miller got another takedown. Miller got his back. Alves almost got up but Miller wrestled him back down. Miller tried a guillotine and Alves slipped out and on top. Alves landed some elbows and punches from the top as the round ended. Another close round. Miller 30-27.
Scores: 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 for Miller
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> Vicente Luque (10-5-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Belal Muhammad (10-1, 1-1 UFC) Welterweights
First round: Luque dropped him with a left hook and landed a few brutal shots on the ground before it was stopped. 1:19′
Luque said he dropped 30 pounds for the fight.
> Rafael Natal (#14, 21-7-1, 9-5-1 UFC) vs. Tim Boetsch (19-10, 10-9 UFC) Middleweights
First round: Boetsch landed a right as Natal went for a takedown. Boetsch is the one moving forward. Natal missed a spinning backfist. Trading punches and Boetsch got the better of it. Body kick by Natal. Boetsch dropped him with a right hook that knocked Natal flying and finished him on the ground. It was weird. It was like Natal wasn’t himself at all. 3:22
Boetsch credited the win to the Irish Hand Grenade Marcus Davis for the win. Joe Rogan and Boetch said the first punch early shook up Natal and he was tentative from there.
> Khabib Nurmagomedov (#2, 23-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. Michael Johnson (#6, 17-10, 9-6 UFC) Lightweights
First round: Johnson throwing early. He landed a nice left. He’s landing good punches on Khabib. He’s got Khabib hurt now. Johnson landed a hard left. Johnson blocked the takedown attempt. But Khabib powered him down into side control USA chants Khabib with lefts. Now he’s dropping elbows and throwing hard punches on the ground. Khabib dropping more elbows. Big punches by Khabib. He’s got his back and throwing more punches. Khabib 10-9. The crowd went nuts giving both a standing ovation after the round.
Second round: Johnson landed a left. Left to the body by Johnson. Khabib landing punches now and tied him up. Johnson got away from the takedown attempt. Johnson blocked another takedown,. Knee and punch and Johnson sprawled. Johnson going for a guillotine but Khabib popped out and is on top. Khabib immediately passed to side control and throwing punches. He’s got a crucifox position on Johnson and punching. More punches by Khabib. Khabib with hard lefts from the top. Now Khabib has back position and is throwing a ton of punches. More punches from side position. Now he’s throwing hard rights. 10-8 Khabib’s round so 20-17 after two.
Third round: USA chant to start the round. Both throwing punches. Khabib took him down again. The crowd booed. Khabib is landing punches again from that position. Khabib is trying for a finish with punches but Johnson can take his shots. Johnson tried to kick off the cage to reverse. Now Khabib is working for a Kimura and got the tap. Very interesting because his win was more dominant than Ferguson but Ferguson is a more entertaining fighter 2:31
Khabib said I want to stay humble but I have to talk. I show the crazy power the UFC PR is. He cut a promo on Conor and the crowd stared to boo him. He wanted to face the Irish chicken, said
Irish only six million, Russia 150 million. He then talked Russian. He got great heat. The crowd hated him. He said Joe Rogan knows MMA for 20 years and asked Rogan if he desreved a title shot. Rogan said he deserved it which the crowd didh’t like.
> Frankie Edgar (#2, 20-5-1, 14-5-1 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (#7, 25-12, 12-11 UFC) Featherweights
First round: Edgar got the biggest pop so far. The place is pretty packed now, I’d say 90-95%. Stephens looks 15 pounds heavier in the cage. Edgar tried a takedown and Stephens sprawled. Low kick by Stephens. Edgar moved in for a takedown but Stephens disengaged. Body kick by Edgar. Knee by Stephens. Low kick by Stephens. Edgar with a two punch combo. Let’s Go Frankie chant pretty loud. Edgar with a front headlock and throwing knees. He’s working for the takedown and not getting it. Edgar slammed him but Stephens right baacck up. Edgar slammed him again but Stephens up. Stephens poked Edgar in the eye and a time out was called. Stephens with punches. Edgar 10-9 but closer than you’d think.
Second round: Stephens complained of a low blow. Edgar with a right. Jumping kick by Stephens. Body kick by Edgar. Low kick by Edgar. Edgar got a momentary takedown . He got a back slam takedown. Stephens right back up again. Edgar in with punches. Good right by Edgar. Edgar with punches. Stephens with a great kick to the chin and Edgar went down. Edgar is hurt. Stephens with a right. Stephens going for the finish. Another right by Stephens. Stephens with a left. Hard left by Stephens. Let’s go Frankie chants. Stephens with a right. Edgar back with a combo, and got the takedown and got a guillotine. Stephens out of it. What a great round. Edgar on top. Loud Frankie chants. He’s going for the guillotine again. Edgar landed punches from the top late. 10-9 Stephens for 19-19 after two. Standing ovation for the round.
Third round: Let’s go Frankie chants. Stephens threw a kick and Edgar used it to take him down. Stephens working for a Kimura but Edgar out of trouble. Edgar elbowing the ribs. Edgar staying on top. Edgar trying to work for a choke. Edgar with a back suplex slam. Edgar is behind him working for a choke again. Stephens up with 2:13 left. Big right by Stephens. Edgar went for a takedown and couldn’t get it. Edgar with a left. Edgar with a right. Uppercut by Stephens. Both throwing and Stephens landed some good shots and Edgar back as the fight ended. Edgar 29-28. The crowd gave them a standing ovation again.
First round: Tate didn’t get nearly the reaction she usually gets. Tate with a right. Pennnington landing jabs. Pennington hurting her with punches. Rocky chant. Tate landing punches to the body and head and working for a takedown. Pennington lifted Tate up with a guollotone. It was crazy. Tate tried to kick off the cage. Tate finally go the takedown. Pennington back up. Pennington looks like she wants to do the old pump handle move. That’s a pro wrestling joke. Nothing much happening and crowd starting to get restless. Tate had her back. Tate did control the positioning but Pennington did more damage. Hard to score, 10-9 Pennington.
Second round: Pennington with a nice right. Left by Pennington. Anohter left by Pennington. Penningotn landed solid shots. Tate with lefts. Knee by Tate from the clinch. Tate trying for the takedown. Knee by Tate. Both throwing punches. Pennington got behind Tate. Tate throwing elbows. Crowd is bored by this fight. Pennington landing punches from the clinch. Tate with knees and Pennington with body shots as they’re in the clinch. Body shots by Pennington. Both landed punches as the round ended. Pennington 20-18.
Third round: Both the rounds were close so it’s anyone’s fight. Tate tried to pull guard to get it to the ground. She almost got an armbar. Pennington landing punches from the top. Tate again working for an armbar. Pennington landing punches from the top. Tate now trying for a triangle but doesn’t have it. Tate now going for a leglock. She tried a heel hook but didn’t get it. They’re in a clinch and Pennington is landing some short punches. Pennington took her down and is throwing more punches. Rare boring fight from Tate. Pennington landing a lot of punches late. Pennington 30-27.
Scores: 29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 Pennington. Bad time for a loss for Tate.
Tate announced her retirement after. She said it’s not her time anymore and she’s been around for a long time and she couldn’t pull it off.
> Chris Weidman (#2, 13-1, 9-1 UFC) vs. Yoel Romero (#4, 12-1, 7-0 UFC) Middleweights
First round: This is a really big fight because a strong Weidman win can make him a New York superstar. Not to mention he’ll probably get a title match with a win. Romero is a freak athlete, but he’s also 39 years old. They showed Bisping watching the fight. USA chant to start. Hard body kick by Romero. Weidman tried a takedown but not hard, more diversion. Body kick by Weidman. Ole chants. Weidman took him down once but Romero back up. Body kick by Weidman. Body kicks by Weidman. Another takedown by Weidman and Romero back up. Low kick by Weidman. Left by Romero. Romero with lefts. Body kick by Romnero. Weidman took him down and got his back. Weidman 10-9.
Second round: The referee wiped Vaseline off Romero’s back at the start of the round. Left by Romero. Left by Romero. Body kick by Weidman. Knee by Weidman. Romero claimed an eye poke after the knee. Weidman in on the single but gave it up to land a head kick. Romero took Weidman down and got his back after Weidman got up. Romero with another takedown. Weidman escaped and Romero took him down again. Romero has his back on the ground. Romero’s round so 19-19.
Third round: Boyd kick by Weidman. Romero killed him with a flying knee that nailed Weidman in the left eye and and pounded on him and finished him. That’s not a good thing for UFC. Romero is strutting around the ring like he’s a foreign military soldier saluting the crowd. The crowd didn’t even boo him. They were just stunned. The two hugged. :24 The crowd was eerily quiet when this ended.
Romero said he wanted the belt. Joe Rogan said that Romero will be challenging for the title next. Michael Bisping said he wouldn’t face Romero. Bisping gave Romero the thumbs down and then flipped him off with both hands. Romero kept saying “I love you Mike, see you soon, boy.” Romero said you see now the real champion.
First round: Joanna with low kicks. Ole chants. Joanna with a combo. Both landing. Nice combo by Joanna. Karolina landed some punches. The Irish are singing to entertain themselves. Joanna with another combo. Joanna 10-9
Second round: Karloline pushed her against the fence and went for a takedown but didn’t get it. Joanna with a flurry. Karolina working for a takedown. Joanna has her against the fence and threw a knee. Front kick by Joanna. Spijnning backfist by Joanna. Joanna 20-18.
Third round: Joanna with a knee and punches. Joanna outlandig her. Arolian landed a right. The crowd is so quiet for this fight except a few chants having nothing to do with the fight. It’s like this is Raw from last Monday. Body kick by Karolina. Karolina with a floury. Joannan back and landed a body kick and knee. Elbow and punches by Joanna. Trading punches. Joanna 30-27. Some boos at the end. I can’t tell you how little the people care about this fight.
Fourth round: Joanna with a few kicks and they are back against the fence. Karolina with elbows. Spinning backfist by Karolina. Karolina hurt her bad with a right to the nose. Both are trading. Both trading some more. Karolina landed a big right. Karolina is landing big rights. Joanna took her down but Karolina back up. Joanna looking at the clock. Karolina with more punches from close range. Joanna landed aan elbow. Karolina landed a good right. Trading punches. Joanna seems recovered now. Backfist by Karolina. Joanna tried the same. Joanna with a combo. Both traded punches. Hard knee by Joanna. Joanna got good shots In late in the round. The crowd completely turned and gave both a huge ovation. Karolina’s round 39-37 Joanna.
Fifth round: Good combo by Joanna. Karolina with punches and Joanna with an elbow. Joanna using her kicks to keep Karolina at a distance by Karolina got in and landed a punch. Front kick by Joanna. Joanna landing more punches. Joanna with a left. Karolina back with punches. Joanna with solid punches now. The crowd came alive. Karolina with a spinning punch and Joanna back with punches. Joanna landed punches and elbows. Knee by Joanna. Body kick by Joanna. Joanna 49-46. After all that, the whole place is standing. The fourth round turned the crowd around.
Scores: All three had it 49-46 for Joanna.
Joanna was charming, said she wasn’t hurt in the fourth round. The crowd cheered Karolina a lot after the fight. Karolina said Joanna was the best in the world. She said she’s proud she gave a good fight and the crowd cheered big.
> Tyron Woodley (C, 16-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Stephen Thompson (#2, 13-1, 8-1 UFC) UFC Welterweight Championship
First round: Body kick by Thonpson. Thompson threw a kick, Woodley countered with a right and took him down. Woodley with body shots. Woodley with a lot of short punches on the ground to smother him . He land hard body shots late, bloodied him with elbows and landed a hard shot at the horn. 10-9 Woodley, almost a 10-8.
Second round: Thompson landed some punches and Woodley tied him up. Thompson turned him around and then Woodley turned him back around. Spin kick to the body by Thompson. Left by Thompson. Right by Thompson. Thompson with punches. Thompson landing more. Woodley with a nice right. Body shot by Thompson. Another body shot by Thompson. Woodley with a nice right. Thompson’s round so 19-19 after two.
Third round: Side kick by Thompson. Woodley moved forward with punches. Woodley moved forward and landed again. Ole chants. Head kick by Woodley. Low kick by Thompson. Thompson moved in with punches. Good right by Thompson. Left by Woodley. Left by Thompson and landed more punches. Woodley moved in but didn’t connect. Thompson landed a few. Woodley with two nice rights late in the round. Close round. Thompson’s so 29-28 Thompson after three.
Fourth round: Thompson in with a few punches. Woodley dropped him with hard right. Woodley throwing punches. Woodley dropped him again with a right and throwing punches on the ground. Thompson is in trouble. Woodley is landing shot after shot. Knees by Woodley and punches. Woodley going for a guillotine. Thompson out of it but he’s hurt. Woodley went for a guillotine again and it’s tight. Thompson is surviving so far. Thompson punching back. The crowd went nuts seeing Thompson punch back. He popped out for the biggest pop so far this show. Wonderboy chants. Thompson landing big punches late. This place is now really alive. 10-8 but that comeback could keep it 10-9, but I’ve got 38-37 Woodley after four. This is going to be very interesting how it’s judged.
Fifth round: Jumping kick by Thompson. Body kick by Thompson. Low kick by Thompson. Loud Wonderboy chants. Right and a head kick by Thompson. Body kick by Thompson. Spin kick to the head by Thompson. Left and right by Thompson. Right by Thompson. Left and right by Thompson. Body kick by Woodley. Left by Thompson. Low kick by Thompson. Woodley landed a right. Body shot by Thompson. Left and right by Thompson. Thompson with a left. Two lefts by Thompson. Thompson with a good right. Thompson’s round, I’ve got it 47-47 all. This could go either way depending on a 10-8 in the first or fourth rounds.
Scores: Derek Cleary scored it 47-47, Doug Crosby scored it 47-47, Glenn Trowbridge 48-47 Woodley. That’s a screw-up, as that’s a majority draw but Woodley would still retain on the draw. Bruce Buffer later corrected himself a majority draw. The problem is Trowbridge looks to have given 3 rounds to Woodley and Thompson won three rounds and it came down to 10-8s in round one or four. Either way, Woodley retains on the draw.
> Eddie Alvarez (C, 28-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Conor McGregor (C FW, 20-3, 8-1 UFC) UFC Lightweight Championship
This crowd is now totally electric. They’re booing the hell out of Alvarez. Not the number of Irish flags as Vegas but a totally pro-McGregor crowd. Alvarez is called The Underground King. I wonder if he knows Sami Zayn.
First round: McGregor landed and stumbled. Low kick by Alvarez. Body kick by McGregor. McGregor dropped him with a left and Alvarez back up. Head kick by Alvarez. The crowd is really loud. Alvarez shot for a takedown. McGregor with a body kick. Alvarez landed punches and then slipped. Head kick by McGregor. McGregor dropped him with a left . McGregor with punches on the ground. Now he’s dropping elbows on him. Alvarez back up. Loud Conor chants. Alvarez shot in and McGregor evaded and landed an elbow. McGregor with a left. Body kick by McGregor. Right by McGregor. Alvarez with body shots. Alvarez with a body kick. Alvarez landed a good left. Body kick by Alvarez. McGregor 10-8.
Second round: Big left by McGregor hurt him. Alvarez shot for a takedown and it was easily stuffed. McGregor put his arms behind his back and dared Alvarez a free shot. Alvarez didn’t do anything. Body kick by McGregor. Right and left by McGregor. Alvarez with a right. He missed a left and McGregor put him down with a left. Alvarez working for a takedown. Alvarez pushing hard and couldn’t get the takedown. Push kick by Alvarez. McGregor with a series of punches put Alvarez down and ref John McCarthy waved it off. McGregor is the first two division champion in UFC history. It was a left hook, a right, a left and another right that put Alvarez down. A great combo, all four shots landed hard and McCarthy waved it after two punches on the ground. 3:04
McGregor wanted his second belt. McGregor said they’re not on my level, you need size and reach to beat him. He kept saying he wants that second belt. He I’ve ridiculed everyone on the roster, and I’d like to apologize to absolutely nobody. The place erupted on that one. Then he had both belts. He made no big announcement or anything.
Even though nearly everyone made weight Friday morning, the stars of UFC 205 will take to the MSG stage at 6 PM Friday night to strip down and soak in the adulation from a fanbase that has been waiting for them for years.
One fight was scrapped from the PPV Saturday as Kelvin Gastelum didn’t bother to hit the scales, backing out of his fight against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone on Twitter without letting NY state officials know.
Another fight was slightly changed as Thiago Alves missed the 155-pound mark by seven pounds, resulting in Jim Miller having to actually gain some weight in order to make the fight happen under state rules.
But the main draws made weight with no issues, meaning we’ll get to see whether Conor McGregor’s quest to become a two-division UFC champion will reach its apex, whether Chris Weidman can find redemption in his home state, whether Tyron Woodley can fend off the karate-powered attack of Stephen Thompson, and so much more.
With the UFC 205 card essentially finalized, the main attractions on the show will meet the media and fans Tuesday afternoon at Madison Square Garden at a 6 PM EST press conference.
On Monday night, UFC announced that featherweight champion Conor McGregor will attempt to become the promotion’s first dual-division champion in company history when he faces current UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in the main event.
The show will be the first MMA event in MSG and the first UFC event since 1995 in Buffalo. The sport had been banned there until finally being legalized this year after years of political battle.
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman makes his return to action against Yoel Romero in what is basically a middleweight title shot eliminator, welterweight champion Tyron Woodley will look to make the first defense of his title against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk will face Karolina Kowalkiewicz in a battle of Polish-born fighters.
As if that wasn’t enough, the undercard features Frankie Edgar vs. Jeremy Stephens, Rashad Evans dropping to middleweight to face the returning Tim Kennedy, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, and more!
