Former interim UFC welterweight champion and controversial figure Colby Covington has informed the UFC that he has retired from MMA.
After it was first noticed on the UFC’s official website that he was tagged as retired, the news was later confirmed by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
Covington rose to fame by being an outspoken character, heavily leaning into being a supporter of Donald Trump and befriending the two-time U.S. president. He also leaned into making comments about fighters’ nationalities and other hot button issues as part of his persona.
He fought sparingly in recent years, last competing in December 2024 for his second straight defeat. Joining the UFC after starting his career 5-0, he won nine of his first ten in the Octagon, culminating with a win over Rafael dos Anjos for the vacant welterweight title, later stripped due to him being injured.
During his tenure, he earned three non-interim title shots, the last two coming considerably after his last win and fight in general which drew the ire of fans and his critics.
After a victory over Robbie Lawler to get to 15-1 in August 2019, the collegiate wrestling standout challenged then-champion Kamaru Usman five months later after a very tense buildup and lost via fifth round TKO, getting his jaw broken in the process. He returned nearly a year later with a win over Tyron Woodley before losing to Usman again more than a year later.
That led to the very heated rivalry with former American Top Team teammate Jorge Masvidal in a fight Covington won by unanimous decision in March 2022. The two later got into an altercation outside a Miami restaurant where Covington said Masvid.al sucker punched him. Masvidal was charged with aggravated battery and criminal mischief, later dropped to misdemeanor battery charges.
Covington then got another welterweight title shot, this coming in December 2023 against then-champion Leon Edwards in another heated buildup. Edwards picked up the decision win followed a year later by Covington falling to Joaquin Buckley by third round TKO.
The 38-year-old is currently part of Real American Freestyle and is 2-0 in wins over Luke Rockhold and Dillon Danis. He will face Chris Weidman later this month.
It’s the final UFC event of 2024 as the Octagon visits Tampa, Florid, for the first time in five years for UFC on ESPN 63 at the Amalie Arena.
The main event will be five rounds of welterweight action as Colby Covington returns on short notice after a year-long layoff against rising contender Joaquin Buckley. Covington hasn’t fought since a decision loss to Leon Edwards in a title fight last December, while Buckley is looking to score his sixth straight win.
The co-main event is an exciting featherweight matchup as Cub Swanson looks to keep his career going with another win as he battles Billy Quarantillo.
Also on the main card is a battle of ranked flyweights as Manel Kape takes on Bruno Silva; a light heavyweight fight putting Vitor Petrino against Dustin Jacoby; and a bantamweight bout between knockout artist Adrian Yanez and undefeated Daniel Marcos.
Rodriguez connects with a pair of right hands that hurt Knutsson and she gets it down briefly before they stand and clinch against the fence. Knutsson now pressuring Rodriguez against the fence. Rodriguez gets a takedown but they get up and Knutsson lands a knee. They have a quick exchange and Rodriguez scores another takedown. They get up and Knutsson lands a combination as they separate. They trade and Rodriguez lands a head kick. Rodriguez with a knee and gets another takedown. Knutsson lands some elbows from the bottom that open a cut on Rodriguez. Rodriguez gets to side control. Rodriguez lands some big elbows from the top. 10-9 Rodriguez.
They have a quick exchange and Rodriguez lands a calf kick. Rodriguez lands and scores a takedown. They pop back up and trade, but Rodriguez scores another takedown and works inside the guard of Knutsson landing punches. Rodriguez gets the mount but Knutsson is able to force a scramble up and she pushes it to the fence. Rodriguez grabs the leg and works for a takedown. Knutsson lands an elbow. Rodriguez gets it back down to end the round. 10-9 Rodriguez, 20-18 Rodriguez.
Knutsson lands a right hand. Knutsson with a teet kick to the body. Rodriguez scores a takedown and Knutsson has the neck. Rodriguez landing to the body as Knutsson is holding the neck but doesn’t have a choke fully in. Rodriguez gets her neck out and is landing from the half-guard. Rodriguez lands an elbow then some right hands from the top. Rodriguez still working from the top as she is landing with Knutsson pinned down. Rodriguez gets the full mount and lands. Rodriguez lands from the top to end it. 10-9 Rodriguez, 30-27 Rodriguez.
Official Result- Piera Rodriguez def. Josefine Knutsson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Bantamweights- Davey Grant (13-7, 6-6 UFC) vs. Ramon Tavares (10-2, 1-0 UFC)
Grant with an inside leg kick then two more leg kicks. Grant lands some more leg kicks as Tavares lands a counter left hand. Grant lands a right hand then a high kick. Grant lands to the body. Grant with a pair of body kicks then a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Grant lands a body kick. Grant lands a big right hand as they trade in close range, then a low blow is landed by Grant and we have a timeout. They get back going and trade punches. Grant with a high kick. Grant lands a leg kick. Tavares pressing forward. Grant with a stiff right hand. 10-9 Grant.
Grant lands a series of kicks then a right hand. They trade in close range. Tavares drops Grant with a right hand but lets Grant up. Tavares pressing forward. Grant lands several kicks all over. Grant lands a body kick and a body combo. Grant just misses a spin kick and it allows Tavares to land a couple of punches. Grant lands to the body. Grant lands a few right hands. Grant with a good combination. They trade punches and Grant with a combo. Tavares with a right hand. Grant landing more. Grant with a body kick. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.
They trade to start the third. Grant with a leg kick as Tavares lands to the body. Grant lands a big combination. Grant with a body kick then lands a punch combo. Grant lands a right hand. Grant lands to the body and follows with a jab. Grant with a combo against the fence and comes back with leg kicks. Grant wobbles Tavares with a right hand. Grant lands a leg kick. Grant with a right hand as he continues to pour on the volume. Grant with a big right hand then a leg kick. Tavares lands and they start trading in a quick wild exchange. They trade at the end. 10-9 Grant, 30-27 Grant.
Official Result- Davey Grant def. Ramon Tavares by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
> Women’s Flyweights- Miranda Maverick (14-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (7-1, 2-1 UFC)
They trade kicks. They trade punches as Maverick lands a left hand. Maverick lands a left hand. Maverick with a leg kick. Maverick grabs a leg and pushes it to the fence. Maverick has the body lock. Maverick pressuring for the takedown. Horth defending with some punches. Maverick still working to get the takedown. Maverick gets it to the mat but they scramble up. Maverick lands a knee on the way up. Maverick pressuring against the fence. 10-9 Maverick.
Horth throws a kick and Maverick grabs the leg, pushing it to the fence. Horth defends with an elbow. Maverick with pressure against the fence. Horth is able to get the back of Maverick but there isn’t much action happening. Horth jumps on the back. Horth drops back and they go to the mat with Horth on the back. Horth lands some body shots. Horth looks for a choke but it’s more of a crank right now. Maverick gets out and scrambles up, then scores a takedown. Horth is able to get into the guard of Maverick. Horth landing as they get to their feet as she has body control. 10-9 Horth, 19-19.
They’re feeling each other out to start the third. Maverick lands a left hand. They trade leg kicks. Maverick lands a left hand. Horth lands and Maverick counters into a takedown. Maverick lands to the body as Horth lands a couple of elbows. Maverick lands from the top as Horth is looking to scramble out from the bottom. Horth looks for a leg and Maverick lands a hammerfist. Maverick with a few more hammerfists. They get to their feet and Maverick lands some clean left hands. 10-9 Maverick, 29-28 Maverick.
Official Result- Miranda Maverick def. Jamey-Lyn Horth by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- Miles Johns (15-2 1 NC, 6-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Felipe Lima (13-1, 1-0 UFC)
Lima with a leg kick. Johns lands a right hand. Lima with a body kick. Lima lands a jumping knee after Johns stumbles. Johns looks for a takedown against the fence. They separate. Johns is hurt briefly after a clash of heads. Johns lands a combination. Lima with a leg kick. Lima with a spin kick. They trade jabs. Lima lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. 10-9 Lima.
Lima lands as he switches position. Johns with a leg kick and Lima lands a counter leg kick. They trade in close range. Lima lands a big right hand. Lima with a jab. Lima with the jab again as Johns nods his head. Lima scores a takedown. Lima looked for a choke but Johns is able to squirrel his way out. They separate and Lima lands an uppercut. Lima with a snapping jab. Lima with a right hand and jumping head kick. Johns stumbles Lima with a right hand. Lima lands a left hand and a body kick. Johns with a right hand. 10-9 Lima, 20-18 Lima.
Lima lands a body kick. Johns lands a jab. Johns with a leg kick. Johns lands a combo. Lima jumps on the back. Lima drags it down to the mat. Lima looking for a choke. Johns is able to escape and they get to their feet. Johns jumps on the back but Lima is able to shake him to the ground. They get up and Johns throws but Lima looks for the takedown. They go to the mat with Lima on the back but Johns spins to the top and lands. They get to their feet and separate. 10-9 Lima, 30-27 Lima.
Official Result- Felipe Lima def. Miles Johns by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Featherweights- Sean Woodson (12-1-1, 6-1-1 UFC) vs. Fernando Padilla (16-5, 2-1 UFC)
Padilla lands some punches and a knee but slips to the mat and it allows Woodson to get on top. They scramble and Padilla looked for a side triangle choke but they end up back on the feet. Padilla lands as Woodson is against the fence. Woodson lands a combo. Padilla lands a combination. Woodson lands a right hand and Padilla goes down, but he gets right up. Woodson lands and Padilla again, but gets right up. Padilla lands a knee against the fence. Woodson with a combination. Woodson with a left hand. Padilla lands a right hand. Woodson with a big right hand and he drops Padilla and ends it with a follow-up shot from the top. Big finish from Woodson!
Official Result- Sean Woodson def. Fernando Padilla by TKO (punches) at 4:58 of Round 1
> Lightweights- Joel Alvarez (21-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Drakkar Klose (15-2-1, 9-2 UFC)
Klose with a leg kick and another. Klose with a series of kicks. Alvarez lands a solid right hand. Alvarez lands and Klose scores a big slam takedown. They get to their feet and Alvarez lands a right hand and then stumbles Klose with a right hand. Alvarez with a flying knee and Klose is out as Alvarez lands several punches and it is stopped. An incredible finish from Alvarez.
Official Result- Joel Alvarez def. Drakkar Klose by knockout (knee) at 2:48 of Round 1
> Lightweights- Michael Johnson (22-19, 14-15 UFC) vs. Ottman Azaitar (13-2, 2-2 UFC)
Azaitar with a body kick. They trade punches. Azaitar with a right hand. Johnson with a left to the body followed by a leg kick. Azaitar lands a combo. Johnson lands a left hand. They trade punches as both are circling. They trade inside the pocket. Johnson with a jab. Johnson lands a right hand as he looks for a takedown, but Azaitar breaks it with a knee. Johnson lands a solid right hand. Johnson stumbles Azaitar with a straight left hand. 10-9 Johnson.
Johnson with a left hand. He lands another before they have a wild exchange in close range. They have a quick exchange. They start throwing in close range and Johnson lands a big right hand and Azaitar goes down out cold. Johnson gets a few extra shots in before it’s stopped. Brutal finish from Johnson.
Official Result- Michael Johnson def. Ottman Azaitar by knockout (punch) at 2:03 of Round 2
They trade kicks. Stirling with a teet kick to the body. Stirling with a heavy leg kick and Tokkos lands a leg kick. Stirling with a jab. They trade kicks. Stirling with a series of various kicks, then lands a right hand. Stirling with a left hook to the body. Stirling lands and Tokkos stumbles backwards. Stirling landing some punches and a big knee as Tokkos is hurt. Tokkos lands an uppercut in a brief clinch. Tokkos falls forward and Stirling has the neck but they stand and separate. Stirling lands to end it. 10-9 Stirling.
Tokkos lands a jab. Stirling lands and Tokkos goes for a takedown. He is able to briefly get it as they stand and Tokkos has the back. They stand and Stirling lands a flurry with a knee. Stirling lands some more as they separate. Stirling lands to the body but Tokkos is able to tie up and push it to the fence. Tokkos has the neck and drags it down to the mat. Tokkos moves to the back but isn’t landing. Stirling is able to roll it over and they stand and Tokkos connects. Stirling lands a right hand. 10-9 Stirling, 20-18 Stirling.
Stirling lands a big left hook. Tokkos lands a jab. Stirling with a jab. Tokkos looks for a takedown against the fence as he has the body. They break apart. Stirling lands and grabs the body lock against the fence. Tokkos reverses and looks to get it down but is mostly just holding on. They break apart and Stirling with an uppercut. Stirling lands a head kick. Stirling lands another head kick. Stirling lands to the body. Stirling landing more and Tokkos looks for a takedown late to no success. 10-9 Stirling, 30-27 Stirling.
Official Result- Navajo Stirling def. Tuco Tokkos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Bantamweights- Adrian Yanez (17-5, 6-2 UFC) vs. Daniel Marcos (16-0 1 NC, 3-0 1 NC UFC)
They trade leg kicks as Yanez lands a pair of right hands. Marcos with a leg kick. Yanez with a double jab and a right hand. Marcos lands a big right hand and starts swinging as Yanez retreats. Marcos lands a leg kick. Marcos lands a groin strike and an eye poke at the same time so timeout is called. They get back to action. They trade right hands. Marcos with a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. Marcos connects with a right hand. Marcos with a leg kick. They both connect with hard right hands. Marcos with a leg kick. Yanez gets the body lock and pushes it to the fence. Marcos reverses and lands a knee. Marcos with an elbow. 10-9 Marcos.
They trade and Yanez lands a big left hook. They trade punches. Yanez with a heavy leg kick and lands to the body, but then Marcos connects with a combo. Marcos lands a right hand. Yanez with a calf kick. Yanez lands a big right hand. Marcos with a combo. Yanez with two calf kicks. Yanez with a right hand then another. Marcos lands a right hand. Marcos with a leg kick and they both land in close range. Marcos lands a right hand. Marcos looks for a leg but lets go. Yanez lands a right hand. Marcos lands a right hand. 10-9 Yanez, 19-19.
They trade inside the pocket to start the round as both land big punches. Yanez lands a big right hand and Marcos is able to score a takedown. Marcos is holding on from the top. They stand and are still tied up. Yanez is able to break away. Marcos lands a right hand and scores another takedown. Yanez looks for the neck but Marcos gets his head out. They get to their feet. Marcos walks away with his hands low and is tired. They trade. Marcos with short uppercuts. They swing late. Close fight. 10-9 Marcos, 29-28 Marcos.
Official Result- Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Jacoby lands a leg kick. Petrino lands a leg kick. Petrino lands a right hand and Jacoby stumbles a little. Petrino lands a hard jab. Petrino with a high kick. Jacoby lands a leg kick. Jacoby connects with some punches. They trade as a takedown was attempted but they separate. Jacoby with a leg kick. Petrino lands a leg kick. Jacoby with a leg kick. Jacoby with a solid jab. 10-9 Jacoby.
Petrino lands a stiff jab as he’s pressuring. Petrino with a big flurry of quick shots. Jacoby lands a leg kick. Petrino lands a right hand. Jacoby with a leg kick. Petrino lands two high body kicks. Petrino lands a big right hand that has Jacoby retreating. Petrino lands a right hand as Jacoby lands a body kick. 10-9 Petrino, 19-19.
They trade leg kicks. Petrino lands a left hand. Jacoby lands a right hand. Jacoby with a jab. Petrino gets a brief takedown and has the back as they stand. They separate. Petrino lands a big jumping knee. Jacoby then lands a massive right hand that knocks Petrino out cold as he goes down. What a punch out of nowhere!
Official Result- Dustin Jacoby def. Vitor Petrino by knockout (punch) at 3:44 of Round 3
> Flyweights- #9 Manel Kape (19-7, 4-3 UFC) vs. #12 Bruno Silva (14-5-2 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC)
Silva lands a combo. Kape lands a left hand. Kape with another left hand. Kape lands another. Silva quickly lands and Kape counters with a left hand. Silva lands a right hand. Kape lands a leg kick followed by a right hand and a left hand. Silva with a big punch. Timeout for a groin strike by Silva but they get back going. Silva lands to the body. Kape with a pair of left hands. Kape with a combo and a knee to the body. Another groin strike by Silva and we are back on timeout. They get back going and trade in close range. Kape lands a right hand. 10-9 Kape.
Kape with an inside leg kick then lands another. Silva looks for a takedown but Kape wiggles him off. Kape lands a big combo and starts showing off. Silva lands then Kape lands a big flurry. Another groin strike by Silva and another timeout is called. Silva gets a point taken away. They get back to action and trade. Kape with a big combination. Kape lands a right hand. He lands a leg kick. Kape with a combination. Silva lands a right hand. Kape with more quick big punches. Silva connects with some. 10-8 Kape, 20-17 Kape.
Silva connects to start the third and is trying to find a finish but Kape gets away. Kape now landing lots of combinations and mixing in body kicks. Kape with a big flurry to the body and lands a right hand. Silva with a left hook. Kape lands low and it isn’t called and Silva is hurt as Kape lands big punches and he finishes Silva off. What a finish from Kape!
Official Result- Manel Kape def. Bruno Silva by TKO (punches) at 1:57 of Round 3
> Featherweights- Cub Swanson (29-14, 13-10 UFC) vs. Billy Quarantillo (18-6, 6-4 UFC)
Quarantillo with a body kick and Swanson lands a leg kick. Swanson with a right hand. They trade kicks. Swanson lands a right hand. Swanson with a body kick then lands a right hand. Swanson lands a leg kick. Quarantillo with a leg kick and backs Swanson up with a left hand. Swanson returns fire and lands a combination. Swanson with a big right hand. Swanson stumbles Quarantillo with a right hand. Quarantillo lands a leg kick. Quarantillo lands a right hand. Swanson with a right hand. Swanson lands a big combination. Quarantillo with a leg kick. Swanson lands a leg kick. Quarantillo with a combo. They trade right hands and Quarantillo wobbles Swanson. Quarantillo gets a late takedown. 10-9 Swanson.
Quarantillo with a leg kick and they trade right hands. Quarantillo lands a right hand. Swanson with a combo and they both land. Swanson lands a right hand. Swanson lands a quick flurry. They trade inside the pocket and Quarantillo lands a big knee. Quarantillo follows it up with a combination before pushing it against the fence. Quarantillo with an uppercut and lands as they break. They tie up against the fence and Quarantillo gets a takedown. He has Swanson’s back as they stand. They separate and both land. Swanson lands a combo ending with a head kick. Quarantillo lands a big knee and goes for the takedown as they go to the mat. They stand and trade while tied up. 10-9 Quarantillo, 19-19.
Swanson lands a jab. He lands a right hand. Swanson with another right hand and lands to the body. Quarantillo with a right hand. Quarantillo shoots for a takedown against the fence. Swanson is able to escape. Swanson lands a massive right hand and Quarantillo goes down out cold! What a finish by Swanson!
Official Result- Cub Swanson def. Billy Quarantillo by knockout (punch) at 1:36 of Round 3
Covington lands a body kick. Buckley lands a jab. Buckley with a leg kick followed by a left hand. Covington shoots for a takedown but Buckley defends. Buckley with a pair of body kicks. Buckley lands a combination as Covington has a cut around his eye. Buckley with a head kick followed by a body kick. Buckley lands a left hand. Buckley lands a combo. Covington shoots for a takedown against the fence. Buckley defends and backs away. Buckley lands a big combination. Buckley drops Covington late with a right hand. 10-9 Buckley.
They trade to start the second. Covington shoots for a takedown but Buckley sprawls away and lands on Covington and to the body. Buckley with a right hook to the body. Buckley with a combination. Covington goes for a takedown against the fence and is able to get it down. Covington lands to the body from the half-guard. He gets to side control but they get to their feet and separate. Buckley with a high kick. Buckley with a combo. Buckley with a leg kick. Buckley with a double jab. Covington lands a left hand. Buckley with a jab. Buckley lands two left hands. 10-9 Buckley, 20-18 Buckley.
Covington goes right for the takedown but Buckley easily circles away. Buckley with a jab then a leg kick. Covington lands a spin kick. Buckley lands some big punches. Covington tries for the takedown but Buckley ends up on top in mount. Buckley lands as they stand and lands some more. Covington’s eye is a mess. Buckley with a combination. Covington tries to get it down but Buckley sprawls and lands from the top. Covington trying to scramble but Buckley looks for a triangle choke but Covington escapes. Covington is on top and lands some short punches. They get to their feet. Covington drops down to get it down but Buckley defends and they break. Timeout is called to check on Covington’s cut and the fight is stopped. Buckley picks up the win as he was dominant but in lackluster fashion.
Official Result- Joaquin Buckley def. Colby Covington by TKO (cut) at 4:42 of Round 3
Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio.
We opened up the show talking about Kenny Omega’s illness. Then we talked about feedback surrounding The Iron Claw, which comes out everywhere next Friday.
Ryan Frederick joined us to recap UFC 296. We went over the entire main card and Ryan talked about some of the undercard highlights.
We then discussed the following:
Charlotte Flair’s injury
CJ Perry’s finger ailment
Bandido’s surgery
Liv Morgan’s arrest
WWE Speed
Options for Roman Reigns’ title match at the Royal Rumble
CM Punk’s two house show matches
Dave then recapped ROH Final Battle, I went over the main things that happened on SmackDown, and then we went over AEW Collision.
It’s the final UFC event of 2023 and also one of the biggest events of the year as the Octagon ends the year inside Las Vegas, Nevada’s T-Mobile Arena for UFC 296.
A pair of title fights headline the card with UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards defending against Colby Covington in the main event.
The rivalry between the two has gotten heated this week following some of Covington’s comments. Edwards comes in riding a 12-fight unbeaten streak, and a pair of wins over Kamaru Usman has established him as the best at 170 pounds. Covington will fight for the first time since March 2022 when he scored a win over Jorge Masvidal.
In the co-main event, UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja makes his first title defense against Brandon Royval. These two have fought before with Pantoja scoring a submission win in August 2021. Pantoja won the title from Brandon Moreno in July while Royval has won three straight since that loss to Pantoja.
The rest of the main card is filled with intriguing matchups. Undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov faces his toughest test when he takes on Stephen Thompson in welterweight action, Tony Ferguson looks to end his losing skid against Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight bout, and Josh Emmett takes on Bryce Mitchell in a featherweight bout.
ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT
> Heavyweights- Martin Buday (13-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Shamil Gaziev (11-0, 0-0 UFC)
Gaziev lands a right hand then another. He lads a left hook. Buday lands a jab. Gaziev with a right hand against the fence then lands a combination. They trade before clinching against the fence. Gaziev breaks away and lands a pair of right hands. They trade punches. Gaziev with some big right hands. Buday is bleeding from his nose as Gaziev continues to connect. Gaziev with a knee and some more punches. Timeout is called to check a cut on Buday under the eye. They get back to action and Buday tries a takedown but Gaziev defends and gets on top. Gaziev in control from the top and lands some right hands. Buday gives up his back and Gaziev lands as Buday gets to his knees. Buday covering up as Gaziev lands. Gaziev with a knee to the body then one to the head as they stand. 10-9 Gaziev.
Gaziev landing as they start the second. Buday lands a left hand. Gaziev lands a knee then an elbow. Gaziev landing punches and knees against the fence. Gaziev lands more and it is stopped on the feet. Impressive debut win for Gaziev.
Official Result- Shamil Gaziev def. Martin Buday by TKO (strikes) at :56 of Round 2
> Featherweights- Andre Fili (22-10 1 NC, 10-9 1 NC UFC) vs. Lucas Almeida (14-2, 1-1 UFC)
They trade kicks. Almeida lands a leg kick. Fili lands a left hand. Fili lands a body kick. Almeida lands a leg kick. They trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Fili drops Almeida with a right hand and starts pounding away from the top. Lots of punches and it is stopped! Big win for Fili!
Official Result- Andre Fili def. Lucas Almeida by TKO (punches) at 3:32 of Round 1
Ulanbekov lands a pair of kicks. Durden lands a right hand then a leg kick. Durden with another leg kick. Ulanbekov lands a jab and they exchange kicks. Ulanbekov lands a right hand that drops Durden. Ulanbekov locks in a guillotine choke but Durden is able to fight it off and escape and is on top. They get to their feet and Ulanbekov lands a knee to the body. Durden lands some body punches as they clinch. They trade knees. They’re trading inside the pocket. Durden lands some hard punches. Ulanbekov gets a takedown. Ulanbekov lands from the top and gets the back with the hooks in. Ulanbekov looks for a rear-naked choke and it was in but Durden gets out before the end. 10-9 Ulanbekov.
Ulanbekov lands a knee. Durden lands a jab then Ulanbekov lands one. Durden lands a right hand and they tie up, where Ulanbekov gets a takedown. Durden lands an elbow from the bottom. They are almost to the feet as Ulanbekov gets the back and looks to get the hooks in. Ulanbekov has a rear-naked choke locked in as they’re on the feet and Durden is fighting it. Ulanbekov landing from the back as he goes for another choke attempt. It’s around the chin and he’s squeezing. They fall to the mat and Durden taps. Impressive win for Ulanbekov.
Official Result- Tagir Ulanbekov def. Cody Durden by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:25 of Round 2
They trade and Lipski lands a nice right hand. Lipski lands a flurry of shots in close range. They tie up and Lipski lands a pair of knees as O’Neill is looking for a takedown. Lipski defending with some knees and they break. Lipski lands a right hand. O’Neill lands a left hand. O’Neill lands a right hand. Lipski lands a combo ending with a high kick. Lipski lands a jab. Lipski with a combo and a high kick. O’Neill lands a right hand before they clinch and Lipski lands a right hand on the break. O’Neill lands a right hand. Lipski gets a takedown and they get right back up and Lipski lands a head kick as O’Neill was getting up. O’Neill lands a right hand. O’Neill lands another. O’Neill lands a leg kick. Lipski scores with a combo. 10-9 Lipski.
Lipski hurts O’Neill with a combo early and is rushing in looking to land. O’Neill goes for a takedown and they go to the mat and Lipski is landing big punches from the top. Lipski gets the back and continues to land. Lipski locks in a body triangle and is looking for a choke but loses it. She switches to an armbar and O’Neill taps! What a finish from Lipski!
Official Result- Ariane Lipski def. Casey O’Neill by submission (armbar) at 1:18 of Round 2
> Bantamweights- Cody Garbrandt (13-5, 8-5 UFC) vs. Brian Kelleher (24-14, 8-7 UFC)
Garbrandt lands a left hand. Kelleher lands a leg kick. Garbrandt lands a combo. Kelleher with another calf kick. He lands another. They trade leg kicks. They clinch against the fence. They separate and both land inside the pocket. Kelleher lands a leg kick and they tie up. Garbrandt pushes it against the fence. Garbrandt lands an elbow as they break. Garbrandt rushes in and lands a flurry. Garbrandt lands and hurts Kelleher. Garbrandt drops Kelleher with a right hand and Kelleher is face first on the mat and covering up and it is stopped. Big finish from Garbrandt!
Official Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Brian Kelleher by knockout (punch) at 3:42 of Round 1
> Women’s Bantamweights- #5 Irene Aldana (14-7, 7-5 UFC) vs. #9 Karol Rosa (17-5, 6-2 UFC)
Aldana lands a jab. Rosa lands a right hand and leg kick. Aldana lands a right hand. Rosa lands an inside leg kick. They trade punches and Rosa lands more leg kicks. Aldana lands a combo. Rosa lands a hard leg kick. She continues to land leg kicks. Rosa lands a combo as Aldana lands a jab. Rosa with more leg kicks. Rosa hurting Aldana with leg kicks but Aldana is still landing combinations. Rosa hurts Aldana with another leg kick. Aldana lands a jab. Aldana still not checking the leg kicks. Aldana lands a left hook. They trade right hands. Rosa with a high kick. 10-9 Rosa.
They trade to start the second. Rosa lands some more kicks. Rosa lands a right hand and two hard leg kicks. Rosa with another leg kick and Aldana lands a jab. Rosa lands a right hand. Aldana lands a right hand. Aldana with a quick combo. Aldana lands a combo and clips Rosa with a right hand. Aldana landing more and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana with two right hands and a jab. Aldana lands a right hand then a left hook. Aldana with two left hands and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana landing with more volume as the round goes on. Aldana with a left hand to the body then a jab. Rosa lands a combo. Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a jab then an uppercut and hurts Rosa with a right hand. 10-9 Aldana, 19-19.
They trade and Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a combo. They’re trading in close range and both land right hands. Rosa lands a leg kick then a right hand. Rosa landing more to start the round out. They trade punches and Rosa lands an inside leg kick. They trade and Aldana hurts Rosa to the body. Rosa is covering up as Aldana is landing. Aldana lands a right hand. Rosa’s face is a bloody mess under her eye. Aldana lands a right hand. They trade. Aldana landing more punches right now. Aldana lands a big left hook. Aldana lands a right hand as she’s pressuring. Rosa eating a lot of damage. Rosa lands a leg kick. Aldana lands a right hand. Aldana with a left hook. Crazy fight. Close fight. 10-9 Aldana, 29-28 Aldana.
Official Result- Irene Aldana def. Karol Rosa by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Menifield lands a jab. Jacoby lands a jab. Jacoby lands an inside leg kick. Menifield lands a jab. Jacoby lands a right hand. Menifield lands a left hook. Jacoby lands a body kick. He lands a left hook. Menifield looks for a takedown but Jacoby shakes him off. Jacoby lands a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Jacoby lands to the body. He continues to land left hands to the body. Jacoby lands some knees late. 10-9 Jacoby.
Menifield rocks Jacoby with a left hand and rushes in but Jacoby is able to circle away. Jacoby lands a jab. They trade leg kicks and Jacoby slips to the mat for a moment. Menifield with another leg kick. Jacoby lands a jab. Menifield lands a right hand. Jacoby hurts Menifield with some punches. Menifield hurts Jacoby. Jacoby is backing up and Menifield is swinging hard. Jacoby escapes away. Jacoby lands a jab. He lands two more. Menifield lands a leg kick. They trade left hands. They trade late. Close round. 10-9 Menifield, 19-19.
They trade jabs. Jacoby lands a combo. Menifield lands a left hook. Jacoby lands a right hand. He lands another. They trade inside the pocket. Jacoby continues to land the jab. Jacoby lands a combo. He’s landing with more volume here and is busting Menifield up. Menifield drops Jacoby with a left hook and is trying to finish as Jacoby stands. Menifield with some big punches and gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Jacoby is landing to the body against the fence. They’re both battling for underhooks as Jacoby is hanging on. Jacoby lands a knee. Menifield lands a knee. They separate and both land. Close fight. 10-9 Menifield, 29-28 Menifield.
Official Result- Alonzo Menifield def. Dustin Jacoby by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Emmett lands to the body. Emmett lands a left hand. Emmett lands a right hand that knocks Mitchell out cold. What a vicious right hand from Emmett to get the win.
Official Result- Josh Emmett def. Bryce Mitchell by knockout (punch) at 1:57 of Round 1
> Lightweights- Tony Ferguson (25-9, 15-7 UFC) vs. Paddy Pimblett (20-3, 4-0 UFC)
Pimblett lands early and lands a high kick. He lands a leg kick. Ferguson lands a right hand. Pimblett lands a leg kick. Pimblett lands a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Ferguson lands a counter right hand. Pimblett lands a body kick then a calf kick. They trade jabs. Pimblett lands a leg kick then a right hand as Ferguson clips him with a right hand. Pimblett lands some right hands then a body kick. Ferguson is retreating. Pimblett lands a leg kick then a combo. Pimblett hurts Ferguson with some punches then lands a knee and Ferguson goes to the mat. Pimblett landing from the top. Ferguson gives up his back and Pimblett is landing. Pimblett has the mount and is landing big punches. Ferguson survives. 10-8 Pimblett.
Pimblett lands to start the second. He lands a combo. Ferguson slips on a kick and Pimblett gets on top. Ferguson lands some elbows from the bottom. Pimblett with some big punches from the top. Pimblett still in control from the top. He lands a right hand as he tries to pass the guard of Ferguson. Ferguson was trying stuff from the bottom but Pimblett ends the round on top. 10-9 Pimblett, 20-17 Pimblett.
Pimblett lands a left hand as Ferguson lands an uppercut. Pimblett looked for a takedown and tried to pull guard but Ferguson lets him back up. Pimblett is tired. Pimblett lands a body kick and is able to get a takedown. Ferguson trying for the rubber guard from the bottom but Pimblett passes to the half-guard. Ferguson throwing elbows from the bottom as Pimblett is landing from the top. Pimblett for more shots from the top. Ferguson looks for a choke but Pimblett gets his head out. Pimblett lands from the top as the fight ends. 10-9 Pimblett, 30-26 Pimblett.
Official Result- Paddy Pimblett def. Tony Ferguson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Welterweights- #5 Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0, 5-0 UFC) vs. #6 Stephen Thompson (17-6-1, 12-6-1 UFC)
Thompson lands a leg kick. He lands a left hand as Rakhmonov closes the distance and initiates a clinch. They trade knees to the body as Rakhmonov continues to pressure against the fence. Rakhmonov lands some uppercuts against the fence. There isn’t much action going on. They separate. Thompson lands a body kick. He lands another. They trade punches. 10-9 Rakhmonov.
Thompson lands a side kick. Rakhmonov looks for a takedown but Thompson escapes. Rakhmonov lands a knee to the body as they clinch. Rakhmonov gets a takedown. Rakhmonov with some punches from the top. Rakhmonov is looking for a choke and has it locked in but Thompson slips out. Rakhmonov lands an elbow from the top. Rakhmonov with punches from the top. Rakhmonov gets the back again and is looking for the choke again. Thompson taps! Rakhmonov with the late finish in the second round.
Official Result- Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:56 of Round 2
> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Alexandre Pantoja (26-5, 10-3 UFC) vs. #2 Brandon Royval (15-6, 5-2 UFC)
Pantoja swarms early and lands a body kick then a leg kick. Pantoja tries a takedown against the fence but Royval defends and they break. Royval lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Pantoja lands a right hand and looks for a takedown. They break. They trade and Pantoja lands a body kick. They trade body kicks. Pantoja gets a takedown. Royval playing defense on the bottom and throwing upkicks. Pantoja stands and lands a right hand. Pantoja gets back into the half-guard. Pantoja spins to side control then gets the mount. They get to their feet and Royval lands a left hand. Pantoja lands a body kick. Pantoja lands a right hand. 10-9 Pantoja.
Pantoja lands a right hand. He lands a body kick. They trade knees to the body as Pantoja pushes it against the fence but they separate. Pantoja lands a right hand. Pantoja gets a takedown. Pantoja gets the half-guard. Both being active on the mat as Pantoja is looing for the mount. He ends up in side control. Both landing on the mat. Pantoja with some hammerfists from the top. They get to their feet. Pantoja lands a right hand that stuns Royval. Royval lands a head kick but Pantoja is able to get a takedown. 10-9 Pantoja, 20-18 Pantoja.
Pantoja lands a right hand and Royval grabs the leg but lets go. Pantoja gets a takedown. They quickly scramble to their feet. Royval lands a combo. Pantoja with a body kick. Royval lands a pair of stiff jabs. Royval looks for a takedown but Pantoja defends. Pantoja lands a pair of kicks. They trade punches. Royval lands a body kick. Royval with a combo then some jabs. Royval lands a knee up the middle. Pantoja is able to get a takedown. 10-9 Royval, 29-28 Pantoja.
Pantoja gets a takedown. Pantoja looking to transition as he spins to the back and looks for a choke. Pantoja has the body triangle locked in and is working hard for the choke. Royval is unable to spin out. Pantoja has it around the chin and is squeezing. Royval fights out of it. Royval is able to escape and gets on top and starts landing punches. Pantoja looks for a leg lock. 10-9 Pantoja, 39-37 Pantoja.
They trade punches to start the fifth. Royval lands a nice right hand. Pantoja lands a pair of leg kicks. Royval lands an uppercut. They clinch and Royval lands some punches before they separate. Royval lands a stiff jab. Royval landing with lots of volume. Royval lands and Pantoja is able to get a takedown. They get to their feet but Pantoja is looking to take it back down and he does. Pantoja lands some left hands from the top. Pantoja rides it out from the top and lands some late hammerfists. 10-9 Pantoja, 49-46 Pantoja.
Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Brandon Royval by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship
> UFC Welterweight Championship- C Leon Edwards (21-3 1 NC, 13-2 1 NC UFC) vs. #3 Colby Covington (17-3, 12-3 UFC)
They trade kicks but both got blocked. Edwards lands a leg kick. They trade punches. Edwards lands a left hand then a right hand. Edwards with an inside leg kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Edwards lands some kicks. Covington lands a body kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Not a ton happened. 10-9 Edwards.
They trade kicks. Edwards lands a body kick. Edwards lands a right hook then a leg kick. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a head kick. Edwards lands a right hand. Edwards with a calf kick. Edwards lands a left hand. Covington is not doing much. Edwards lands a body kick. 10-9 Edwards, 20-18 Edwards.
Edwards lands a leg kick. He lands another. Edwards lands a hard leg kick. Covington shoots for a takedown and Edwards defends. Edwards steps over and it allows Covington to get it down. They get up and Edwards lands a big head kick. Edwards shoots for a takedown and gets it. They get to their feet. Edwards lands a jab then lands to the body. They trade leg kicks and Edwards lands a hard one. Edwards lands a leg kick. They trade leg kicks. 10-9 Edwards, 30-27 Edwards.
Edwards lands some kicks early. Covington looks for a takedown and Edwards has a choke locked in, but Covington spins to escape. Edwards lands a big left hand. Edwards lands a body kick. They briefly go to the mat but stand. Edwards lands a knee to the body and the foot caught the cup and we have a brief timeout. Covington lands a left hand. He lands another. Covington lands and goes for a takedown. They scramble to the mat and Covington has the back. Edwards slides out and lands a knee to the body then they stand and separate. Edwards lands a leg kick. Edwards lands a body kick. 10-9 Edwards, 40-36 Edwards.
Edwards lands a high kick. Edwards lands a right hand. Covington is able to get a takedown. Edwards gets to his feet and he takes Covington down. Edwards gets the back. Edwards looks for a choke then looks for an armbar but Covington is able to end up on top. Covington with some body shots from the half-guard. Covington ends the round on top but this should be a win for the champion. 10-9 Covington, 49-46 Edwards.
Official Result- Leon Edwards def. Colby Covington by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to retain the UFC Welterweight Championship
Former UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington will press charges against Jorge Masvidal in connection with an alleged assault Monday outside a Miami Beach, Florida, restaurant.
Masvidal was arrested Wednesday night and charged with aggravated battery with bodily harm and criminal mischief. He was released on $15,000 bond and his first appearance in court will be on April 21st.
Masvidal could face up to 15 years in prison for the battery charge if convicted.
A released police report detailed some of what allegedly happened, the details of which were unknown following Monday night.
According to Covington, the 37-year-old Masvidal allegedly punched him twice while wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask over his face, fracturing a tooth and causing an abrasion on his wrist in addition to $15,000 worth of damage to his $90,000 Rolex watch.
Covington told police he identified Masvidal by his voice and hair sticking out from the hoodie. Masvidal and his agent tweeted on social media shortly after the alleged incident, indicating there was a conflict and that Covington had suffered some kind of injury to his teeth.
The impetus appears to be Covington saying something about Masvidal’s children, but it’s unknown when or to who. Covington claimed Masvidal was saying as much to him during the incident and in a Tuesday morning tweet, Masvidal indicated something of the sort happened.
On Wednesday, Masvidal appeared before the Nevada Athletic Commission as he was applying for a promoter’s license for his bare knuckle fighting organization. However, he asked for the application to be delayed and again alluded to the Covington incident.
“I had a mutual combatant with another athlete, and you know, I can’t say too much on this, but if we could table [the application] for later, that would be amazing,” Masvidal said.
**********
That wasn’t the only notable legal issue involving a UFC star this week as former two-division champion Conor McGregor was arrested and had his car seized in West Dublin, Ireland, Tuesday due to dangerous driving.
McGregor was released after passing alcohol and drug tests and his car was released back to him.
As was reported, McGregor was pulled over, arrested and charged with several offenses that eventually ended up being the dangerous driving charge which comes with a possible six-month prison term and/or fines.
McGregor is recovering from a broken leg suffered in his third fight with Dustin Poirier last July with Dana White saying he expects the 33-year-old to return this fall.
After this month’s UFC 272 when Colby Covington defeated rival Jorge Masvidal, Masvidal said their issues weren’t over.
He wasn’t lying.
The two got into an altercation outside a Miami Beach, Florida, restaurant Monday night and Masvidal has been charged with felony battery as a result.
Covington wasn’t identified due to invoking Marsy’s Law which “gives crime victims meaningful and enforceable constitutional rights equal to the rights of the accused.”
According to Miami Beach Police Public Information Officer Ernesto Rodriguez, the other person involved lost teeth.
The only video was posted by TMZ of Covington outside the restaurant afterward, surrounded by police, talking to a social media personality who he was having dinner with. From what he is saying, it appears Masvidal initiated the conflict in some form.
Shortly after, Masvidal posted a video on Twitter tagging Covington where he said it was a “show your face challenge” and that “if you talk sh*t, you gotta back it up.”
In tweets from Masvidal’s manager, the issue stemmed from Covington allegedly talking about Masvidal’s children in some form. Manager Malki Kawa also alluded to Covington missing a tooth from the altercation which would correlate with the information provided above.
Masvidal also nodded at Covington talking about his children in a Tuesday morning tweet.
Good morning to everyone except those that think talking about someone’s kids is cool
The two were teammates at the Dan Lambert-led American Top Team before Covington left ATT after issues with Masvidal and others. Masvidal claimed Covington didn’t pay a coach that helped him train for a fight which Covington denied.
Ordering Info: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
Tuesday News Update
WWE
After Steve Austin accepted Kevin Owens’ invitation to appear at WrestleMania, Kevin Owens responded on Twitter, writing: “Beautiful! Perfect! I’m looking forward to it, Steven.”
Guests on The Bump this Wednesday include Rey Mysterio, Nikki Bella, and Doudrop.
Matches taped for this week’s Main Event include Veer Mahaan vs. a local competitor and The Street Profits vs. Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander.
PWInsider reported that representatives for Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck are set to sit down for a settlement conference on March 15 in Bridgeport, Connecticut to try and end the multiple lawsuits between the two parties.
PWInsider also reported that Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa are booked for WWE house shows this coming weekend.
Dana Brooke spoke to NBC 5 in Chicago about being WWE 24/7, mentioning names like Oprah Winfrey and Kanye West when asked who she would like to defend the title against.
WWE sent an email to those who purchased travel packages that included WrestleMania Axxess that there will be no Axxess event this year.
WWE applied to trademark their old scratch logo, listing it as “WW”.
On Instagram, Kurt Angle announced that his brother Eric, a former WWE developmental talent, has cancer in his left kidney and is looking for a kidney donor ASAP.
Chris Dickinson vs. Masha Slamovich has been added to GCW’s Paranoid event on April 9.
wXw announced that 4 wrestlers and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, and suggests fans who went to their 16 Carat Gold event this past weekend to get tested.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, UFC star Colby Covington expressed interest in going to WWE once his UFC career is finished. “I’d love to cross over and come into the WWE,” Covington said. “But I love being a UFC fighter. I love fighting; it’s my passion and what I was born and put on this earth to do. After my career with the UFC is done, WWE is something I’d love to dabble in.”
Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura is headlining a 80’s wrestling convention on May 7th at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, New Jersey. Partial proceeds for the event will go to Connor’s Cure. Other stars announced for the convention include Jake Roberts, Ted DiBiase, IRS, Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, Bob Backlund, Tito Santana, Barry Windham, and more. Further details can be found here.
The Now (Hale Collins and Vik Dalishus) have been added to the NWA’s Crockett Cup tournament, and will face The Briscoes in round one.
Austin Aries vs. Colby Corino vs. Darius Lockheart vs. Homicide for the NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship has been added to the second night of the Crockett Cup on March 20.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 272: Covington vs. Masvidal, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Octagon remains in Las Vegas, but shifts to the T-Mobile Arena for this pay-per-view event headlined by a five-round grudge match between two heated rivals.
Former best friends and teammates Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal square off in the main event in a fight that has been building for years. The two used to be long-time training partners at American Top Team, and even lived together at one point, but their relationship deteriorated as Covington was straining his time at the gym. Both are coming off losses in title fights to UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.
In the co-main event, it will be another five-round bout as lightweights Rafael Dos Anjos and Renato Moicano meet in a 160-pound catchweight bout. Moicano is stepping in on just a few days’ notice after Rafael Fiziev was forced out after testing positive for COVID-19. Also on the main card is a featherweight bout between Edson Barboza and Bryce Mitchell, a welterweight bout pitting Kevin Holland against Alex Oliveira, and a heavyweight fight as Serghei Spivac takes on Greg Hardy.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Light Heavyweights- Dustin Jacoby (16-5-1, 4-2-1 UFC) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (16-4 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC)
Jacoby lands a combo and a leg kick as Oleksiejczuk was coming forward. Jacoby with a leg kick. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action and Oleksiejczuk lands a straight left hand. Jacoby throws a high kick but eats a left from Oleksiejczuk. Jacoby tries a leg kick but Oleksiejczuk grabs it and throws Jacoby to the mat but they get up and break. Jacoby lands a left hook. Oleksiejczuk with a left hand. Jacoby with a step-in knee and looks for a takedown against the fence. They’re trading in close range at the end. Oleksiejczuk with a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Oleksiejczuk.
They’re trading and Jacoby tags Oleksiejczuk with some punches and knees and Oleksiejczuk goes down for a moment. Jacoby looking to finish but Oleksiejczuk gets to his feet and both are throwing. They’re inside the pocket against the fence and both throwing and landing. They break to the center. They tie up against the fence and Jacoby gets the takedown. They get up and Jacoby with a knee. They break. Jacoby landing and looks for a takedown against the fence but Oleksiejczuk reverses. Both slowing down. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. Jacoby throws a left hand and they tie up against the fence. They stay clinched at the end of the second. 10-9 Jacoby, 19-19.
Jacoby lands some short shots to start the third. Oleksiejczuk lands a left hand. They’re both landing in short range. Oleksiejczuk gets poked in the eye again and we have another timeout. They get back to action and Jacoby lands a nice jab. They trade in close range. Jacoby throwing the jab. Oleksiejczuk lands a nice right hand. They clinch and Jacoby lands a knee as he’s working for a takedown. Jacoby with a right hand as he’s pressuring against the fence. Jacoby working hard for the takedown. Jacoby with a knee then two elbows. Close fight. 10-9 Jacoby, 29-28 Jacoby.
Official Result- Dustin Jacoby def. Michal Oleksiejczuk by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Lightweights- Devonte Smith (11-3, 3-2 UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (17-4, 1-2 UFC)
Both looking for openings to start the fight. Klein lands a body kick. Smith with a leg kick. Klein with a head kick. They trade punches. Klein lands a hard left hand and a flurry against the fence as Smith clinches him up to stop the flurry. They remain clinched and both landing knees. They’re broken up by referee Marc Goddard. Smith with a leg kick. Klein with a head kick following two punches and had Smith hurt late. 10-9 Klein.
Smith landing lots of kicks to start the second, landing some hard kicks to the body. They clinch and Klein with some shoulder strikes. They break to the center and Smith landing some kicks and following it with right hands. Klein with a leg kick. Klein throws a kick but misses Smith and Smith went for the takedown but Klein defended. They clinch and Klein with some inside knees to the thigh of Smith. Smith with some knees and a right hand. Klein with a short uppercut. They break and Smith almost gets a takedown but Klein defended well and Smith pushes it against the fence. Klein with some shoulder strikes. 10-9 Smith, 19-19.
Smith with two leg kicks to start the third. Klein with a front kick to the body and Smith is retreating. Klein with more body kicks. They clinch against the fence. Klein landing to the body and Smith lands as they break. Smith with a body kick. Klein with a left hand. They trade body kicks. Klein with a leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Klein with some shoulder strikes. They break. Smith with the jab and a left hand. Smith with a combo and Klein lands a body kick. Smith lands the jab. Smith with a right hand. They trade in close and Smith lands a big knee and follows it with an elbow. Klein goes for the takedown but Smith defends against the fence. They break to the center. Klein with a leg kick. Klein with a body kick. Close fight. 10-9 Klein, 29-28 Klein.
Official Result- Ludovit Klein def. Devonte Smith by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
> Flyweights- #13 Tim Elliott (17-12-1, 6-10 UFC) vs. #15 Tagir Ulanbekov (13-1, 2-0 UFC)
Elliott come forward with his lead leg up. Elliott with some low kicks. Ulanbekov with the jab. They trade kicks. Elliott gets a takedown. Elliott lands a knee as Ulanbekov was getting up, and it may have been illegal. Elliott still landing on the feet. Ulanbekov with a right hand. Elliott gets another brief takedown but they’re right back to the feet. They break as both land a jab. Elliott gets another takedown. Ulanbekov with a right hand. They trade in close range. Ulanbekov with the jab as Elliott lands a combo. Elliott lands a left hand and Ulanbekov goes to his knees for a moment but gets up. Elliott gets a takedown but they get up and are clinched. They break at the end. 10-9 Elliott.
Ulanbekov with a right hand. Ulanbekov shoots for a takedown but Elliott sprawls away. Ulanbekov lands a right hand. Elliott with a combination to the body. Ulanbekov gets a takedown. Ulanbekov gets the back as they stand. Elliott scrambles out and lands a right hand as they break. Elliott with a right hand as he grabbed the glove of Ulanbekov, which is illegal. They clinch and sprawl and Elliott ends up in the mount but they stand and break. Ulanbekov gets a takedown but Elliott uses some momentum to get back up. They clinch and Ulanbekov with some uppercuts. They’re tied up against the fence. Ulanbekov drops for a takedown but Elliott defends. 10-9 Elliott, 20-18 Elliott.
Elliott with a body kick. Elliott with some body shots in close range. Ulanbekov lands a right hand. Ulanbekov lands a combination. Ulanbekov landing punches as Elliott is trying to land leg kicks. Ulanbekov gets a brief takedown and has the back of Elliott as they stand. Ulanbekov trying hard for the takedown. Ulanbekov has the back and is landing knees to the thighs and legs of Elliott. Ulanbekov jumps on the back and has the body triangle as they go to the mat and Ulanbekov looking for the neck. He has the neck crank in as he’s trying to find the rear-naked choke. Ulanbekov with some left hands. Ulanbekov is bleeding pretty good right now. Ulanbekov with some left hands. Elliott survives but a big third from Ulanbekov. Close fight. 10-9 Ulanbekov, 29-28 Elliott.
Official Result- Tim Elliott def. Tagir Ulanbekov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- Brian Kelleher (24-12, 8-5 UFC) vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (13-0, 1-0 UFC)
Nurmagomedov with a front kick. Nurmagomedov with a head kick. Both miss on their punches as they clinch against the fence. Nurmagomedov has the double underhooks against the fence. They break and Nurmagomedov goes for a takedown but Kelleher defends and they clinch again. Nurmagomedov has the back and the neck and gets the rear-naked choke locked in and Kelleher taps!
Official Result- Umar Nurmagomedov def. Brian Kelleher by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:15 of Round 1
ESPN PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Women’s Flyweights- Maryna Moroz (10-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Mariya Agapova (10-2, 2-1 UFC)
They feel each other out in the early going before they clinch as Moroz has the body lock. Agapova with some short punches. Moroz trying hard for the takedown as Agapova lands some hard elbows. Some of those were 12-6 elbows. Moroz gets the takedown and has the back of Agapova. Moroz looking for the choke. Moroz has the hooks in. Moroz still working for the choke. Agapova fighting it. It might be in. Agapova gets out and Moroz grabs the arm and has an armbar in but Agapova escapes and has the back. They’re clinched against the fence and end the round there. 10-9 Moroz.
Moroz throws some punches before they clinch against the fence. They battle for underhooks. Moroz trying for the takedown and gets it to the mat. Moroz has the back and is landing punches from the top. Moroz with some big elbows from the mount. Moroz has the back and is landing punches. Moroz goes for the arm-triangle choke. It is in deep and Agapova taps! What a finish by Moroz.
Official Result- Maryna Moroz def. Mariya Agapova by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:27 of Round 2
> Light Heavyweights- Nicolae Negumereanu (11-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-2, 3-2 UFC)
They start slow in the first minute as Negumereanu lands a couple of punches. Negumereanu lands some leg kicks. Nzechukwu lands a jab. Negumereanu with a leg kick. Negumereanu is trying to rush in but Nzechukwu keeping him at a distance. Nzechukwu with a body kick. Negumereanu with a right hand and Nzechukwu lands some counter punches. They trade late. Close round. 10-9 Nzechukwu.
Negumereanu coming forward to start the second and Nzechukwu landing the counter shots as Negumereanu is coming forward. Negumereanu gets the body lock looking for the takedown. Negumereanu trying for the takedown as they go to a knee for a moment. Negumereanu with some knees. They’re separated by referee Mark Smith. Negumereanu with a right hand. Nzechukwu with a leg kick. He lands a jab then a left hand. Nzechukwu with a hard jab and then lands a hard combination that hurts Negumereanu. Nzechukwu lands some left hands. Negumereanu tries for a takedown against the fence but time runs out. 10-9 Nzechukwu, 20-18 Nzechukwu.
Nzechukwu pokes Negumereanu in the eye at the start of the round and there’s a timeout. A point is taken away from Nzechukwu. They get back to action and Nzechukwu lands a big knee and some punches. He lands another big knee and Negumereanu gets a takedown but they quickly get up. They break the clinch and Nzechukwu did grab the fence at one point. Nzechukwu lands a left hand. They trade and Nzechukwu lands more in close range. Negumereanu lands a right hand. Nzechukwu lands some punches and lands a solid combination. Negumereanu with a right hand and Nzechukwu lands some counters. Nzechukwu lands a nice left hand. Nzechukwu landing punches. Nzechukwu with big shots and they trade big punches at the end. 9-9 Nzechukwu with the point deduction, 29-27 Nzechukwu.
Official Result- Nicolae Negumereanu def. Kennedy Nzechukwu by split decision (27-29, 29-27, 29-27)
> Women’s Strawweights- #3 Marina Rodriguez (16-1-2, 5-1-2 UFC) vs. #4 Yan Xiaonan (13-2 1 NC, 6-1 UFC)
They’re both throwing early and Xiaonan has landed a leg kick and right hand. Xiaonan with an overhand right. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Xiaonan with a combination. Xiaonan with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a combination. Xiaonan with a leg kick. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Xiaonan with an inside leg kick. They trade in close range and we have a timeout for a low blow on Xiaonan. They get back to action and trade and Xiaonan with a late takedown. 10-9 Xiaonan.
Rodriguez tries for a takedown but Xiaonan defends. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Xiaonan with a combination. Rodriguez with a leg kick. Xiaonan with a close range combo. Rodriguez lands and Xiaonan looks for the body lock but lets go. Xiaonan goes for the takedown and has the back as they’re on their knees on the mat. Xiaonan has the body as they stand and now has the back. They break. Rodriguez with a combo and lands a knee and then has the back as they scramble for a moment. Rodriguez with a knee to the body and an elbow as they break. Rodriguez lands a big right hand late. 10-9 Rodriguez, 19-19.
Xiaonan with a leg kick. Rodriguez throws some punches but misses. They both land in close range. Xiaonan with a leg kick and Rodriguez lands a counter left. They trade jabs as Rodriguez is the one pressuring. Rodriguez lands a knee to the body as they clinch and then lands an elbow before they break. They’re trading in close and Rodriguez lands a big left hand. Rodriguez with a combo and Xiaonan lands a nice left hand. Xiaonan with a big left hand. Rodriguez with an overhand right. Rodriguez with a big knee and several elbows against the fence. Close fight. 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Rodriguez.
Official Result- Marina Rodriguez def. Yan Xiaonan by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
They both land some hard punches. Turner with a body kick. Mullarkey with the jab. Turner lands a big right hand and Mullarkey looks for the takedown. They break and both land big shots and Turner gets wobbled. They clinch against the fence. Mullarkey with an elbow. They break and Turner lands some big kicks. Turner lands a right hand. Turner lands a big combination. They both land in close range. Mullarkey throws a head kick and Turner catches it and puts him on the mat for a moment. Mullarkey stands and eats some body punches from Turner. Mullarkey lands a right hand. Turner with some nice right hands. Mullarkey with a high kick. Mullarkey gets a takedown and is in side control. Mullarkey tries to get the full mount but Turner gets him inside his full guard. 10-9 Turner.
Turner lands a right hook that hurts Mullarkey and Mullarkey goes down and Turner starts unloading with punches on the mat and it is all over. Big finish from Turner as he scores his fourth straight win.
Official Result- Jalin Turner def. Jamie Mullarkey by TKO (punches) at :46 of Round 2
Hardy with a leg kick. Spivac goes for the takedown and they tie up and Spivac gets the big takedown. Spivac lands a right hand. Spivac has the back as they stand but Spivac gets it down again. They get back up and Spivac gets him back down. Spivac gets the mount and lands big punches and it is over! Big finish by Spivac.
Official Result- Serghei Spivac def. Greg Hardy by TKO (punches) at 2:16 of Round 1
> Welterweights- #14 (MW) Kevin Holland (21-7 1 NC, 8-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Alex Oliveira (22-10-1 2 NC, 11-9 1 NC UFC)
Oliveira with a leg kick. Holland landing a lot of leg kicks. Oliveira lands some leg kicks that trip up Holland. Oliveira gets a takedown but they get up. They both land punches that hurt each other. Oliveira with a body kick. Holland continuing with the leg kicks. Holland still landing the calf kicks. Oliveira lands a nice leg kick and then another and gets a brief takedown and has the back and has a rear-naked choke but Holland is giving a thumbs up at the end of the round. 10-9 Oliveira.
They trade leg kicks to start the second. Holland lands a right hand that drops Oliveira and he’s landing big punches looking for the finish. Holland with big elbows and it’s all over! What a finish by Holland in his welterweight debut.
Official Result- Kevin Holland def. Alex Oliveira by TKO (strikes) at :38 of Round 2
Barboza with some leg kicks to start. Barboza with a leg kick. Barboza with more kicks. They trade kicks. Mitchell drops Barboza briefly with a right hand and is now looking for a takedown. He gets it and is in the closed guard of Barboza and landing punches. Mitchell with an elbow from the top. Mitchell lands more from the top. Mitchell continues to work from the top and is landing some shots but not a ton is happening. Barboza kicks Mitchell off and they stand. They trade late. 10-9 Mitchell.
Mitchell gets a takedown and is in the guard of Barboza. Mitchell continuing to land from the top. Mitchell with pressure as the guard is closed. Barboza is not doing anything to get out from the bottom. They get to their feet for a moment but Mitchell gets it back down and is landing punches. Barboza grabbed the fence at one point. Mitchell with more smothering from the top as this is a dominant round. 10-8 Mitchell, 20-17 Mitchell.
Mitchell throws a kick and Barboza lands a right hand and Mitchell falls to the mat for a moment. Mitchell gets the takedown and is working in the closed guard. Mitchell with some more work from the top and Barboza looks to be throwing up for a triangle choke or an armbar. Mitchell gets out and is back on top and in full mount from the top. He moves to the side and then back on top and is switching positions consistently while landing from the top. He finishes the fight on top and in dominant fashion. 10-8 Mitchell, 30-25 Mitchell.
Official Result- Bryce Mitchell def. Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)
> 160-pound Catchweights- #6 (LW) Rafael Dos Anjos (30-13, 19-11 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (16-4-1, 8-4 UFC)
They trade in close range as Moicano lands a body kick and they clinch. Moicano gets the back of Dos Anjos but Dos Anjos scrambles away. They break and Dos Anjos with a combo and a body kick. Dos Anjos gets the takedown. They get to their feet. Dos Anjos with a knee to the body. Dos Anjos ducks under a Moicano right hand and gets a big takedown. Dos Anjos in side control against the fence. Dos Anjos is smothering from the top as he lands some left hands. Dos Anjos with full control from the top as he lands some punches and elbows. 10-9 Dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos with a body kick. Dos Anjos tries for a single leg but Moicano slips out. Dos Anjos lands a nice left hand. Moicano with a right hand. Dos Anjos tries for a takedown and gets the back of Moicano. They break and Dos Anjos lands some left hands and a body kick. Dos Anjos with a body kick. Dos Anjos gets the takedown. Dos Anjos working from the top and is in the guard of Moicano. Dos Anjos with some big elbows. Dos Anjos ends the second on top. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 20-18 Dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos landing to start the third but neither doing a whole lot. Moicano lands an uppercut followed by a left hand. Dos Anjos with a head kick and then a knee. Dos Anjos lands a head kick and Moicano starts to run away. Dos Anjos gets Moicano down and is landing big punches and looking for the finish. Dos Anjos with big left hands and this should be stopped. Dos Anjos working in the half-guard and has slowed down. Dos Anjos with some elbows and punches. Dos Anjos ends the round on top with a big round. 10-8 Dos Anjos, 30-26 Dos Anjos.
They check on Moicano and let him continue, though the fight should’ve been stopped by someone already. Dos Anjos with a combination. Moicano lands a right hand. Dos Anjos gets the takedown and is working from the guard of Moicano. Dos Anjos continues to work from the top as Moicano is exhausted on the bottom. Dos Anjos with more elbows and punches. Dos Anjos with more nasty elbows that cuts Moicano open again. They get up at the end and this fight should be stopped. 10-8 Dos Anjos, 40-34 Dos Anjos.
Marc Goddard is letting it go on. Moicano with a right hand. Moicano misses a spinning back fist. Moicano with a high kick. Dos Anjos with a combo. Dos Anjos with a high kick. Dos Anjos gets a takedown. They get to their feet. They trade punches. They trade and Moicano making a strong comeback late and landing some solid punches. Moicano with a right hand and a jab. Moicano with an uppercut and Dos Anjos lands a left hand. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 50-43 Dos Anjos.
Official Result- Rafael Dos Anjos def. Renato Moicano by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-44, 50-44)
Masvidal with a leg kick. Covington lands and Masvidal complains about an eye poke. Covington goes for a takedown but Masvidal defending. Covington still has the back and they go to the mat. Covington has a hook in and has the neck. Covington landing punches from the back. Covington landing but some are to the back of the head and he’s getting warned by Herb Dean. They get to their feet and Covington with some elbows before they break. They trade kicks. 10-9 Covington.
The each block kicks as Covington slips. Masvidal with a leg kick and lands a left hook. Masvidal with another leg kick. Masvidal with a body kick followed by a couple of jabs. Masvidal lands the jab. Covington goes for a takedown and Masvidal lands some hard elbows to defend. We have a groin strike but they get back to action and Masvidal lands some good punches. Masvidal drops Covington with a punch and Covington moves to the back and looks for a choke. They got up and separated. Covington throws wild strikes. Covington with the jab. Masvidal lands a combo. Masvidal with a leg kick. Covington lands a left hand and then another. 10-9 Masvidal, 19-19.
Covington with a combo as he pressures Masvidal to the fence. Covington goes for a takedown but Masvidal defends. Covington lands a combo. Covington gets a takedown. Covington with some elbows and body punches from the top. He lands more elbows. Covington with more smothering ground-and-pound from the top as he moves to the half-guard. Covington looks for a choke but lets go. Covington tries again but Masvidal scrambles and Covington gets his back once again. Masvidal gets up late and lands a left hand. He lands another. 10-9 Covington, 29-28 Covington.
Masvidal with a high kick then a leg kick. Covington with a head kick. Covington lands a combo. Covington lands a big punch and looks for the takedown. Covington with a big flurry and he’s looking to finish Masvidal against the cage. Covington presses it against the fence again. They break and Masvidal with an elbow then a body kick. Masvidal lands a right hand that hurts Covington and he’s landing more that has Covington backing up. Covington lands a combo. Covington lands against the fence and they clinch up. 10-9 Covington, 39-37 Covington.
Covington lands a combo and has Masvidal against the fence and gets it to the mat. Covington in the half-guard and the crowd is booing. They get to their feet and Covington still has the back. Covington gets it down and still has the back. Covington hanging on and Masvidal is trying to escape but Covington keeps control of the back. Covington trying to get a choke and is looking for a neck crank but gets the mount for a moment and is landing punches. He gets it back and Covington is talking trash at the end. 10-9 Covington, 49-46 Covington.
Official Result- Colby Covington def. Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision (49-46, 50-44, 50-45)
On a night that featured seven fights ending via knockout or TKO, welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and women’s strawweight champion Rose Namajunas both retained their titles in decision wins at UFC 268 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
Usman defeated Colby Covington (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) by unanimous decision while Namajunas bested Weili Zhang by split decision (49-46, 48-47 for Namajunas, 48-47 for Zhang). Both were rematches.
For Usman, it was his nineteenth straight win with fifteen of those coming in the Octagon where he remains undefeated. This was the fifth defense of the title he won in March 2019, his third this calendar year, and the second over Covington, who has now lost two of his last three.
Usman hit a pair of left hooks in the second round that had Covington hurt, but it was too close to the end of the round for Usman to keep up the attack and go for the finish. Covington started to come on at the end of the third round and it continued in the fourth, gaining confidence as he landed some punches. Usman’s face looked unmarked at the end of the fight while Covington was bloodied up early.
Namajunas defeated Zhang for the title in just 78 seconds this past April, but the two had a much more competitive encounter Saturday with media scores all over the map. Namajunas’ takedowns near the end of the fight helped in her favor as she came on late. She now will likely face former champion Carla Esparza next.
The show had six straight finishes by KO/TKO at one point, all on the prelims. Surprisingly, one of those was not Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler which opened the pay-per-view. Gaethje won a unanimous decision in a fight of the year candidate.
The only main card finish was Marlon “Chito” Vera finishing Frankie Edgar by third round knockout with a front kick reminiscent of Anderson Silva’s famous knockout of Vitor Belfort.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2, emanating from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
The Octagon returns to The World’s Most Famous Arena for the first time in two years, bringing a stacked card with two title fights, both of which are rematches between heated rivals in their respective divisions.
UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman defends against long-time rival Colby Covington in the main event. It is a rematch of their fight that took place at UFC 245 in December 2019, which saw Usman finish Covington in the fifth round of a fantastic fight. Usman has since defended the title three times, with a pair of wins over Jorge Masvidal and one over Gilbert Burns, while Covington has fought just once, a win over former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, which came over a year ago in September 2020.
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas defends against former champion Zhang Weili in another rematch. Namajunas scored a first-round knockout of Weili to win the title at UFC 261 in April, becoming a two-time champion. Weili has her chance to regain the title in this one, while also avenging her first loss in nearly eight years.
Also on the main card is an exciting and pivotal lightweight bout as Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler do battle in a fight that could determine the next title challenger at lightweight. The other two main card bouts see featherweights Shane Burgos and Billy Quarantillo do battle, and it opens with former UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar taking on Marlon Vera.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
ESPN+ PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> CJ Vergara (9-2-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ode Osbourne (9-4, 1-2 UFC) Flyweights* (Vergara missed weight by 1.4 pounds)
Vergara is making his UFC debut and missed weight. Osbourne lands the jab. Osbourne with a left hand. They trade in close range. Osbourne with a flying knee that just barely misses. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches after Vergara lands a left hook. Osbourne lands a left hand. Osbourne with some body kicks. Osbourne lands a left hand as Vergara lands a check right hook. Vergara lands a left hand. Osbourne lands a quick combo then a body kick. Osbourne shoots for a takedown and grabs a single leg. He lets go. They trade late. Vergara with a high kick that gets blocked. 10-9 Osbourne.
Osbourne lands a combo to start the second. Both are looking for openings. Osbourne with a left hook followed by a straight right hand. Osbourne with a left hand. Vergara throwing but not landing much. Vergara with a leg kick. Osbourne with a body kick. They trade in close range and Vergara gets the better of it with a left hook at the end. They trade in close and Osbourne gets a brief takedown but Vergara explodes up. Vergara bleeding a little as he lands a leg kick. They trade and Vergara lands a left hand. They trade and Osbourne gets Vergara down late and has the back at the end. 10-9 Osbourne, 20-18 Osbourne.
They’re trading to start the third and both land kicks. Vergara lands a right hand and Osbourne lands a right hand. Vergara coming forward and lands some knees to the body. Vergara lands a body kick and falls after getting hit from an Osbourne left hand but gets right up. Vergara pressing forward. They trade and clinch and Vergara lands a knee to the body. Osbourne with a left hook and a right hand. Vergara with a knee to the body. They scramble to the mat and Vergara is in the guard of Osbourne. Vergara with some body shots and then lands an elbow from the top. Vergara with some big elbows. Vergara with more ground strikes as he finishes the fight strong. 10-9 Vergara, 29-28 Osbourne.
Official Result- Ode Osbourne def. CJ Vergara by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Melsik Baghdasaryan (6-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Bruno Souza (10-1, 0-0 UFC) Featherweights* (Souza missed weight by 2.4 pounds)
Souza is making his UFC debut and missed weight. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Souza with a body kick. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Baghdasaryan lands a right hand. Souza with a high kick. Baghdasaryan lands a left hand. Souza with a body kick. Souza with a leg kick. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Souza shoots for a takedown but Baghdasaryan defending. Baghdasaryan with a knee to the body before they break. Baghdasaryan with a spin kick. They trade punches and Baghdasaryan with a body kick. 10-9 Baghdasaryan.
Souza with a right hand to the body. Baghdasaryan throws a high kick. They scramble for a moment. Baghdasaryan trying to land kicks and Souza is circling away from them. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Souza with a body kick as Baghdasaryan lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Baghdasaryan lands a left hand. Souza with a body kick and Baghdasaryan lands a nice left hand. Baghdasaryan lands a big uppercut and Souza is retreating away. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. 10-9 Baghdasaryan, 20-18 Baghdasaryan.
Baghdasaryan lands a left hand. Souza with a combo and lands a body kick. Souza with a leg kick. Souza with a right hand. Baghdasaryan lands a knee to the body. Baghdasaryan with the jab. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Baghdasaryan with a leg kick. Souza with a knee to the body. Souza with a body kick. They have a wild exchange and Baghdasaryan with a knee to the body. Baghdasaryan lands a couple of kicks. Baghdasaryan with a body kick. They trade punches. They trade late. 10-9 Souza, 29-28 Baghdasaryan.
Official Result- Melsik Baghdasaryan def. Bruno Souza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Dustin Jacoby (15-5-1, 3-2-1 UFC) vs. John Allan (13-6 1 NC, 0-1 1 NC UFC) Light Heavyweights
Jacoby took this fight on Monday. Jacoby with a leg kick. Jacoby with a leg kick and Allan with another leg kick. Jacoby with a right hand. Allan with a leg kick. Jacoby with a leg kick. Jacoby with another leg kick. Allan with the jab. Allan with a leg kick. Jacoby with an eye poke. They get back to action and Jacoby lands a combo. Jacoby with a combo as Allan misses. Jacoby with another flurry. Jacoby with a body kick as Allan lands a leg kick. Jacoby with a head kick. He lands a leg kick. Allan with a combo. They trade late. 10-9 Jacoby.
Allan with a high kick. Jacoby landing the jab. Allan with a leg kick and lands a left hand. They continue to stand and trade and Jacoby landing the better punches. Allan throws and Jacoby backs up but Allan still landed a left hand. Allan with a combo. Jacoby landing the jab. Jacoby keeps pressing forward and they trade leg kicks. Jacoby with a combo and Allan lands a counter left hand. They both land and Jacoby with an uppercut. Allan with a left hook to the body and we have another eye poke. Jacoby with a leg kick after they get back to action. 10-9 Jacoby, 20-18 Jacoby.
Allan with a leg kick. Allan lands a right hand. Jacoby with a body kick. Allan with a leg kick. Jacoby with a low kick then a body kick. They trade punches. Allan lands a right hand. They both land punches. Jacoby with a high kick. Jacoby with the jab. Allan with a combo. Allan with a combo and a knee. Jacoby with a head kick. Jacoby with the jab and then a right hand. Allan with a left hand. Jacoby with a right hand and a high kick. Jacoby lands late. 10-9 Jacoby, 30-27 Jacoby.
Official Result- Dustin Jacoby def. John Allan by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> Gian Villante (17-13, 7-10 UFC) vs. Chris Barnett (21-7, 0-1 UFC) Heavyweights
Villante announced this would be his retirement fight. They trade kicks to start off. Villante with a body kick. Barnett with a leg kick. Villante with a head kick but Barnett blocks it. Barnett with a leg kick. Barnett with a body kick. Villante with another body kick. Barnett with two leg kicks. Villante with a left hook. Barnett with a left hand. Villante with a leg kick. Barnett with a leg kick. Villante with a kick and Barnett counters with an uppercut. Barnett with a flurry. Barnett with a couple of leg kicks. They clinch and Villante with some knees. 10-9 Barnett.
Villante with a body kick. Barnett with a heavy leg kick. Barnett with a left hand. Villante with a leg kick. Barnett with a leg kick. Villante with a high kick. Barnett with a leg kick. Barnett lands a spinning wheel kick to the head and Villante goes down. Barnett with some big punches and he finishes it. What a finish by Barnett.
Official Result- Chris Barnett def. Gian Villante by TKO (wheel kick & punches) at 2:23 of Round 2
> Ian Garry (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jordan Williams (9-5 1 NC, 0-2 UFC) Welterweights
Williams with a leg kick. Garry with a leg kick and Williams lands a combo. They trade punches. Garry with a high kick. They trade punches and Williams got the better of it. They trade punches. Williams slips on a punch but grabs a single leg and they tie up against the fence. Garry with some knees. Garry with some more knees and lands a few to the head. Garry with a right hand as they break. Garry with a high kick. Williams lands a right hand. Garry lands a right hand that hurts Williams bad and then a couple of other punches knock Williams out cold. What a finish and debut for Garry.
Official Result- Ian Garry def. Jordan Williams by knockout (punches) at 4:59 of Round 1
Shahbazyan with a leg kick. Shahbazyan with another hard leg kick. Imavov with a combo and Shahbazyan lands some left hands. Imavov with a right hand as Shahbazyan lands a leg kick. Shahbazyan with a combo and a leg kick. Shahbazyan lands a left hand and then another leg kick. Imavov with a right hand. They clinch and Shahbazyan pushes it against the fence. Shahbazyan working for the takedown and Imavov lands an elbow. Shahbazyan gets the takedown but Imavov has the guillotine locked in but Shahbazyan escapes and is in the guard of Imavov. Shahbazyan with some shots from the top. They scramble up. The clinch against the fence and Imavov with a knee. Imavov lands a right hand after they break. Imavov with a high kick. Imavov with an elbow as they’re clinched. Close round. 10-9 Shahbazyan.
Shahbazyan with a leg kick as they both miss punches. Shahbazyan with a combo and just misses an uppercut. Imavov with a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Shahbazyan looking for a takedown and Imavov looking for a standing guillotine. Shahbazyan is able to escape and looking for the takedown. Imavov has the guillotine locked in as they go to the mat. Shahbazyan is able to fight it off and Imavov has it locked in again as they stand but Shahbazyan escapes again. Shahbazyan now goes for a guillotine but Imavov gets off to side control. Imavov now in the guard of Shahbazyan. Imavov with a big elbow and Shahbazyan is cut open. Imavov lands another big elbow. They scramble but Imavov remains in side control and has the crucifix position and is landing punches. Imavov with some big elbows. More big elbows and it is stopped. What a finish by Imavov.
Official Result- Nassourdine Imavov def. Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO (elbows) at 4:42 of Round 2
> Phil Hawes (11-2, 3-0 UFC) vs. Chris Curtis (26-8, 0-0 UFC) Middleweights
Hawes with a right hand. Hawes with a body kick then a right hand. Hawes with a body kick and then another. He lands a right hand and then another front kick to the body. Hawes with a combo and Curtis is covering up. Hawes with some big body kicks. Hawes with a hard right hand. Hawes with an elbow then a body kick. Hawes with another right hand. Hawes with the jab. Hawes with another right hand then a knee to the body and another right hand. Hawes with more front kicks to the body. Hawes with a leg kick. They trade body kicks. Curtis lands a left hand and Hawes is rocked. Hawes then stumbles to the mat and the fight is stopped. What a finish and comeback from Curtis.
Official Result- Chris Curtis def. Phil Hawes by knockout (punches) at 4:27 of Round 1
> Al Iaquinta (14-6-1, 9-5 UFC) vs. Bobby Green (27-12-1, 8-7-1 UFC) Lightweights
Green with a leg kick. Iaquinta lands a punch and leg kick. Green with a right hand. Green with a right hook as Iaquinta was throwing. Green lands another right hand. Iaquinta with a right hand. Green drops Iaquinta with a jab followed by a right hand and is on top landing. Green with big punches and it is stopped. What a finish by Green.
Official Result- Bobby Green def. Al Iaquinta by TKO (punches) at 2:25 of Round 1
> Alex Pereira (3-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Andreas Michailidis (13-4, 1-1 UFC) Middleweights
Pereira with a leg kick. Pereira with another leg kick. Michailidis lands a leg kick. Michailidis shoots for a takedown and Pereira defends against the fence. Michailidis is able to get it down. They get to their feet and Michailidis still has the body lock. Michailidis trying to take the back and lands some right hands. Michailidis wearing himself on Pereira. Pereira with a knee to the body. They are broken up by Dan Miragliotta. Michailidis clinches right back up and grabs the fence. Pereira with some knees to the body. Michailidis is grabbing the fence again and eating knees from Pereira. 10-9 Michailidis.
Pereira with a flying knee drops Michailidis and some punches end it. What a finish. That is why he got signed.
Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Andreas Michailidis by TKO (flying knee) at :14 of Round 2
ESPN+ PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Justin Gaethje (#2, 22-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Michael Chandler (#5, 22-6, 1-1 UFC) Lightweights
They are swinging right away. They trade right hands. Chandler with a leg kick. Gaethje lands the jab. Gaethje with a leg kick. Chandler with a leg kick. They trade right hands. They are swinging away and both tag each other. Chandler with a leg kick. Chandler with a leg kick and Gaethje with a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Chandler with a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with a left hook. Chandler with some big right hands. Gaethje with a leg kick. Chandler with a right hand. Gaethje with a left hand. Chandler with a big knee. Chandler teeing off and they are trading against the fence and both hurt each other. Gaethje with a right hand. Gaethje lands an uppercut. Gaethje with a left hand. Chandler with a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with an uppercut. They trade uppercuts to the body in the clinch. Chandler tries a takedown but to no avail. Gaethje with a leg kick. They trade punches. Gaethje with a leg kick. What an insane round. 10-9 Chandler.
Gaethje with a right hand and then a leg kick. Chandler with a right hand. They trade in close range. Chandler lands a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick and then an uppercut. Gaethje with a left hand and then drops him with an uppercut and is teeing off on the mat. Chandler tries a takedown to recover. Gaethje landing some punches from the sprawl position. Chandler is bleeding. They get up. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with the jab. Chandler lands an uppercut. Gaethje with a left hook. Gaethje with an uppercut. Chandler lands a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Gaethje with an uppercut. Gaethje with another hard right hand. Chandler lands to the body. Chandler lands a right hand and there was an eye poke and we have a timeout. They get back and the round ends. 10-8 Gaethje, 19-18 Gaethje.
Gaethje with an inside leg kick. Gaethje with a hard leg kick. Gaethje with a right hand. Chandler lands a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Chandler with some body shots. Chandler with more hard body shots. Gaethje with a leg kick then a combo. Chandler gets a big takedown but Gaethje gets out of it and grabs the back and they stand. They break. Gaethje with the jab. Gaethje with a leg kick. They start getting wild. Chandler with a right hand and then Gaethje stuns Chandler with a right hand. Gaethje with a combo and then lands a right hand. Gaethje with a leg kick. Nothing much happens in the last thirty seconds. Insane fight. 10-9 Gaethje, 29-27 Gaethje.
Official Result- Justin Gaethje def. Michael Chandler by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> Shane Burgos (#14, 13-3, 6-3 UFC) vs. Billy Quarantillo (16-3, 4-1 UFC) Featherweights
They trade leg kicks. Quarantillo lands some uppercuts in a brief clinch. Quarantillo with another uppercut. Burgos with a right hand. Burgos gets the body lock and Quarantillo is landing to the body. They’re tied up against the fence. Burgos with some foot stomps. They break. Quarantillo with a left hook as Burgos lands a right hand. Quarantillo with the jab. Burgos with a leg kick. They trade right hands. Quarantillo landing the jab. Burgos is pushing forward and lands a leg kick. They trade hard right hands. Quarantillo goes for a takedown as Burgos lands some hammerfists to defend. They break away. Burgos lands a right hand that drops Quarantillo to his knees. Burgos then lands some to the body and works the jab. Burgos with a leg kick. Quarantillo with the jab. Quarantillo goes for a late takedown. Great round. 10-9 Burgos.
They trade hard punches to start the second. Quarantillo misses a spinning back fist but lands a left hand. Burgos lands a right hand. They trade jabs. Burgos lands an inside elbow. They trade hard right hands. Quarantillo with the jab as Burgos lands the inside leg kick. More leg kicks from Burgos as Quarantillo goes for the takedown. Quarantillo has the single leg and is working for it but Burgos defends. They trade to the body before breaking the clinch. They tie back up but break. Quarantillo with a right hand. Burgos with the jab. Burgos lands a right hand. Quarantillo with a right hand. Burgos lands the jab and an elbow and they trade. Quarantillo with the jab as Burgos lands the leg kick. Burgos lands some punches that hurt Quarantillo and he’s starting to tee off. Quarantillo can barely stand and Burgos with a late flurry as Quarantillo survives. 10-9 Burgos, 20-18 Burgos.
They trade to start the third and Quarantillo gets poked in the eye and we have a timeout. Burgos lands a leg kick and Quarantillo throwing punches but not landing. Burgos with a right hand and then a leg kick. Burgos with a hard leg kick and Quarantillo’s legs have given out. Quarantillo going for the takedown but Burgos is defending and landing. Burgos scrambles away. Quarantillo throwing punches as Burgos still lands the leg kick. They clinch against the fence. Burgos lands to the body. They break and Burgos with an elbow. They both swing and land elbows. They trade punches. Quarantillo with a left hand. Quarantillo shoots for a takedown but Burgos defends against the fence. They break and Burgos with a combo. They trade in the clinch. Both land knees and they push it up against the fence. 10-9 Burgos, 30-27 Burgos.
Official Result- Shane Burgos def. Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Frankie Edgar (#8, 24-9-1, 18-9-1 UFC) vs. Marlon Vera (#13, 17-7-1, 11-6 UFC) Bantamweights
Edgar lands a right hand. Edgar with a leg kick. Edgar goes for a takedown but Vera defends. Vera with a leg kick. Edgar lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Edgar gets the takedown and Vera is looking for the guillotine. Edgar gets out and is on top and in the half-guard. Edgar continuing to land from the top. Edgar with punches and elbows as he stays in the full guard of Vera. Edgar lands to the body. Vera with some upkicks. Both landing on the ground at the end of the first. 10-9 Edgar.
Both are throwing to start the second and landing. Edgar gets a takedown. Vera with some elbows from the bottom. Edgar in the guard as both look for position. Edgar with some punches from the top. Vera throwing elbows from the bottom. Vera scrambles to his feet. Vera with some left hands. Edgar with a combo. Vera with a body kick. Edgar with a combo and Vera lands a knee. Vera with a knee and Edgar stumbles. Edgar with a leg kick. Edgar with a right hand. Vera with a front kick to the body. Vera with an elbow and Edgar is stumbling. Edgar with a combo. 10-9 Vera, 19-19.
Edgar with a combo. Neither really landing. Vera with a body kick. Vera landing body kicks as Edgar is circling away. Edgar with a combo. They trade in close range. Edgar with a combo. Vera with a left hand and a body kick. Edgar with a takedown and has the back of Vera as they stand. They break and Edgar with a right hand. Vera with a front kick to the jaw and Edgar goes down and it is stopped. Edgar wasn’t happy with it but he was out and the stoppage was justified. What a finish by Vera.
Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Frankie Edgar by knockout (front kick) at 3:50 of Round 3
> Rose Namajunas (C, 10-4, 8-3 UFC) vs. Zhang Weili (#1, 21-2, 5-1 UFC) UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
Weili with a leg kick. Weili with another leg kick. She lands another. Namajunas with some leg kicks as she lands a combo. Namajunas with a leg kick. Namajunas with a right hand and Weili lands a leg kick. Weili gets a takedown. She gets in the half-guard and lands to the body. Weili lands some right hands as she postures up. They scramble up. Weili with a body kick on the break. Weili lands a head kick as Namajunas lands a leg kick. Weili with a leg kick. Namajunas with a right hand and Weili goes down briefly from a slip. 10-9 Weili.
Namajunas with the jab. Weili with the leg kick as Namajunas is looking for an opening. Namajunas with a leg kick and a combo. Weili with a right hand. Both looking for openings still. Weili lands a left hand that stumbles Namajunas. They trade kicks and Weili catches the leg and gets a takedown. Namajunas with an upkick. Weili gets into her guard. They get to their feet and Namajunas gets a takedown. Namajunas with a big right hand from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Weili, 20-18 Weili.
Both looking for openings early in the third. Both throwing but neither able to land. Weili with a body kick. They trade and Namajunas lands a leg kick and Weili slips to the mat, and Namajunas lands a massive right hand as Weili gets up. They clinch against the fence. Namajunas with some shoulder strikes. They break and Weili with a leg kick. Namajunas with a combo. Weili with a leg kick and lands a hard left hook. Weili gets a takedown. She gets the back of Namajunas. They scramble and Weili gets the mount late. 10-9 Weili, 30-27 Weili.
Weili with a combo as both land leg kicks. Namajunas with a right hand. They go to the mat for a moment but Namajunas kicked her way up and they trade punches. They go back down and Weili has the back and is looking for the choke. Namajunas scrambles out and onto the top and is in the half-guard. Namajunas gets back into the guard. Namajunas stands and tries to pass but gets back into Weili’s guard. Namajunas trying for the ground-and-pound but Weili defending well off her back. Namajunas ends the round on top. 10-9 Namajunas, 39-37 Weili.
Weili with some leg kicks. They trade right hands. Namajunas throws a right hand and turns it into a takedown. Namajunas looking to improve but Weili keeps her in the guard. Namajunas with some punches from the top. Namajunas postures up trying to improve as she’s staying busy and lands some shots. Namajunas with some right hands from the top. Namajunas with a nice right hand as she stands. Namajunas lands a nice left hand as she gets back into the guard. Close fight overall, scores will be interesting. 10-9 Namajunas, 48-47 Weili.
Official Result- Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
Usman with the jab. Usman with another jab. Covington with a leg kick. Covington goes for a takedown but Usman rolls over and grabs the neck and they get up and break. Covington with a body kick. They trade punches. Usman lands a right hand and Covington with a left hand. Usman gets a takedown and has the back for a moment and lands a right hand as they scramble up. Usman with a right hand and Covington is cut under his right eye. They trade in close range. Close round. 10-9 Usman.
Usman lands a left hook. Covington with a leg kick after he misses all of his punches. They clinch for a moment and Covington with a knee and Usman lands a right hand after they break. Usman lands an uppercut. Covington with a leg kick. Usman with a body kick. Usman with a left hook. Covington tries a takedown but Usman has the shoulders. Covington working for the takedown against the fence. Usman with shoulder strikes. They break. Usman with a front kick and then a leg kick. Usman with a right hand. Usman drops Covington with a left hand. Covington gets up and Usman drops him again and Covington goes for a takedown. Usman lands some punches from the top and huge shots to the body late. 10-9 Usman, 20-18 Usman.
Usman hunting Covington down in the third. Covington lands a combo. Usman with a right hand and then lands the jab. Covington throws a kick that Usman blocks. Covington tries a takedown but Usman easily defends and lands some body shots. They get up and Usman lands a left hand. Usman with a combo. Usman with a body kick. They trade in close range. Usman with a straight right hand. Usman with a left hook to the body. Covington lands some good punches. Covington gets a takedown and has the back late. 10-9 Usman, 30-27 Usman.
Usman lands a right hand. Covington lands but then follows up sloppily. Covington lands a nice jab. Usman with a body kick. They trade jabs. Covington lands a hard punch and Usman counters with a right hand. Usman lands a hard right hand right after Covington lands. Usman with a body shot. Usman with a left hand and follows it with a right. Covington with a body kick and lands some good follow-up shots. Covington lands a left hand. Covington tries a takedown. They trade on the break. Usman with a hard right hand late. 10-9 Covington, 39-37 Usman.
Covington with a body kick. Usman with a right to the body. Usman lands a left jab. Usman with a right hand. They both land in close range. Covington lands and shoots for a takedown but Usman defends. They get up. Usman with the jab. Usman with a high kick. Usman with a right to the body and just misses a left hand. Covington just misses a head kick as Usman was slipping. They’re clinched against the fence. Usman with a body shot as they break. Usman with the jab. Usman with a right hand. We have a timeout for an eye poke by Usman. They get back to action and Covington with a body kick. Usman with a heavy kick. Close fight. 10-9 Covington, 48-47 Usman.
Official Result- Kamaru Usman def. Colby Covington by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Welterweight Championship
A rematch between two heated rivals is being targeted for the UFC’s planned return to Madison Square Garden this fall.
Dana White told ESPN Monday night that welterweight champion Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington II is a go for November’s UFC 268 — an event they are trying to hold in New York City.
Usman (19-1) defeated Covington by fifth round TKO in a competitive December 2019 clash at UFC 245, a fight that saw Usman break Covington’s jaw. Usman has four successful title defense since taking the title from Tyron Woodley in March 2019 and last defeated Jorge Masvidal in an April rematch.
Covington (16-2) has only fought once since the Usman loss, picking up a dominant fifth round TKO win over Woodley in September 2020 after Woodley inured his rib.
This would be the UFC’s fifth trip to MSG dating back to 2017 with all shows taking place in November. They were unable to run there last year due to the pandemic.
In a fight that never matched up to the vitriol between both competitors, former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington dominated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 36.
Covington defeated Woodley by fifth round TKO when Woodley yelled out that he injured his rib while Covington was on top of him on the ground. That was simply an exclamation point on a fight that Covington had control from nearly start to finish.
The outspoken Covington (16-2) held Woodley in check in all areas, taking him down when he wanted, holding up against the cage when he wanted, and landing enough punches to set everything else up. Woodley did land some blows, but took more of a measured approach.
The fight never broke down into a brawl, nor did it feature any moments of tension or high drama between the two.
Afterward, Covington’s post-fight interview featured a promo about “the silent majority” who are ready to vote in President Donald Trump, how he sick of “woke athletes like LeBron James” and ended with a call out of current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Usman defeated Covington last December by fifth round TKO and broke Covington’s jaw in the process. On the post-show, Covington was grasping at straws trying to tell Usman (who was on the ESPN desk) why he should get another shot at the title, saying Usman didn’t break his jaw, that he takes EPO, and that Usman winning was a controversial decision even though it was a finish.
On the post-show, Trump called Covington while he was on air to congratulate him.
This was Covington’s first fight since that loss while Woodley is now 0-3 since 2019. He was defeated by Gilbert Burns earlier this year.
In other notable results: Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and Niko Price went to a majority draw in the co-main event while Khamzat Chimaev knocked out Gerald Meerschaert in 17 seconds, continuing his hype train as a future middleweight contender.
In a week of bizarre circumstances due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, one of the more heated rivalries in UFC could boil over this weekend in a location that still hasn’t been determined yet.
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley was scheduled to fight Leon Edwards this Saturday in London, but due to the impending mass gathering ban and travel restrictions there, UFC leadership decided to pull the event and find a new location in the U.S. instead.
Enter the controversial Colby Covington, who tweeted that he would like to face Woodley and “beat the f*ck” out of him on ESPN next week. He is recovering from a broken jaw suffered in his December 2019 loss to current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, but has had heat with Woodley for some time. Dana White tried to make that fight several times in 2019, but was unable to do so. It’s unclear if Covington is medically cleared following that broken jaw.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani tweeted that he has spoken with Woodley who was unware Edwards had to pull out as he’s turned off social media. However, he told his management he would like to fight Covington and Covington turned down the fight although Helwani said the fight possibility is very much alive. Gilbert Burns, who just knocked out Demian Maia Saturday in Brazil, also offered to fight Woodley.
The complicating factor is where to actually put on a show as Las Vegas is unavailable due to a Nevada state ban on combat sports. Helwani said UFC is “hell bent” on making their future shows happen, something White hammered home last night on SportsCenter.
The card that will happen also will look quite different as many of the UK and European fighters on the show cannot make the trip due to the travel ban. UFC matchmakers put out an email to agents earlier today and have plenty of interested parties ready to fight, undeterred by the health risks and lack of a publicly outlined COVID-19 testing plan by the UFC.
NXT took advantage of their head start over AEW by hitting a home run with last week’s live premiere.
It wasn’t surprising that NXT’s first live episode was good — it would have been pretty shocking if it wasn’t. Even if there have been occasional peaks and valleys, NXT has always been a good show. Triple H and his team know what they’re doing and the roster is stacked with talent. But NXT was able to pass one of their most important tests: creating a show that feels must-see and different from what they were already offering viewers.
It’s become clear that NXT is going to be a place that features all of WWE’s non-main roster sub-brands. In addition to the regular NXT talent on display, the show featured an appearance by WWE United Kingdom Champion WALTER and his Imperium stablemates. There was also a Cruiserweight Championship number one contender’s match, with Lio Rush making his return and defeating Oney Lorcan.
Due to the final episodes of the USA Network series “Suits,” the first two live editions of NXT are being split across USA and the WWE Network. Last week’s USA Network hour featured a really good fatal four-way number one contender’s match that saw Candice LeRae defeat Mia Yim, Bianca Belair, and Io Shirai to become NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler’s next challenger. Cameron Grimes squashed Sean Maluta, and Roderick Strong became the new NXT North American Champion by defeating Velveteen Dream. The first NXT broadcast of the USA Network era ended with every member of Undisputed Era holding a title.
With perhaps the most important week for the U.S. industry in a decade coming up, a double issue this week:
Goes through details of the moves by WWE and AEW, what plans are, advertisers wants, promotion and much more.
Includes an extensive look at Battle of Los Angeles, New Japan’s upcoming big shows and Tokyo Dome plans, what to learn from the NXT ratings and much more.
The lead story talks about WWE’s big week, the importance of the different shows, overdoing nostalgia, ticket sales, announcing changes, 205 Live’s future, plans for all the shows, what demos to look at, what happened with AEW and ITV, NXT, Smackdown and AEW on the West Coast, replays shows, Smackdown ad rates, as well as a look at Hell in a Cell.
Impact to AXS and what the plans are for specials leading to the regular show.
The keys in week two’s NXT show and the audience change.
Brock Lesnar’s future, John Hennigan coming in, CM Punk, former UFC legend talks coming to WWE, Shayna Baszler talks her career, WWE injuries, WWE stock update, most-watched shows on WWE Network for the past week, as well as a look at every WWE & NXT arena event over the past week with results, highlights and business notes.
NJPW coverage of Destruction in Kobe, Tokyo Doe direction, King of Pro Wrestling, the Young Lions Cup and match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
Battle of Los Angeles, Bandido’s win, past winners, other PWG alumni, business notes, the good and the bad, the stars of the weekend, the stars of the future, Aramis, Alex Zayne, plus match-by-match coverage with star ratings.
Full coverage of the UFC from Mexico City along with business notes.
Full coverage of all the WWE television shows from the past week.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
Additional notes by Joseph Currier
WWE
Tomorrow’s episode of NXT is listed as having a 15-minute overrun, meaning it will end at around 10:15 p.m. ET.
Joaquin Wilde gave an update on his orbital bone surgery: “My eye is swollen shut but i just wanted to let yall know that surgery was a success and im officially on the road to recovery. I have a steel plate in my face now. Surgeon said 4 weeks til i can start doing stuff again. So ill be back at it real soon!”
Jon Moxley sent out a tweet hyping up his appearance on tomorrow’s AEW Dynamite premiere: “Moxley. Live TV. Pissed Off. Tomorrow night. TNT. #AEWDynamite”
Cody, Brandi Rhodes, and MJF are doing a meet-and-greet at Anniversary Plaza on the south side of the Illini Union in Urbana, Illinois at noon Central time this Thursday.
Ohio Valley Wrestling moves to Tuesdays starting tonight on Louisville’s local channel 21, WBNA.
John Morrison has been added to RetroMania Wrestling, an upcoming video game based on WWF WrestleFest that is coming out for the PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
UFC/MMA
UFC today officially confirmed that the Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington Welterweight title fight is back on, this time for UFC 245 on December 14.
A warrant has been issued for Anthony “Rumble” Johnson stemming from a missed court date. He was scheduled to be in court in relation to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge from earlier this year.
The first two episodes of UFC Embedded for UFC 243 are now available.
Georges St-Pierre’s coach Firas Zahabi thinks the ship has sailed regarding the idea of St-Pierre vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at 155.
Kevin Lee vs. Gregor Gillespie is being targeted for UFC 244 in New York.
The final UFC pay-per-view of 2019 will have three title fights.
ESPN’s Ariel Helwani and Brett Okamoto reported Friday night that welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will look for the first defense of his title against top challenger and former interim champion Colby Covington at December’s UFC 245 in Las Vegas.
UFC was trying to put the fight together for November’s UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, but issues with both sides prevented that from happening. Both men are 15-1 with Usman riding a 14-fight win streak (10-0 in UFC) while Covington has won seven in a row. Usman won the title with a dominant victory over Tyron Woodley in March while the controversial Covington (seen above) dominated Robbie Lawler in August.
The two had a memorable exchange of words on the ESPN+ set following Covington’s victory and have been jawing at each other for months.
The fight rounds out an impressive three title fight main card which includes featherweight champion Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski and women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes vs. Germaine de Randamie.
