Ronda Rousey recently defeated Gina Carano on the first ever MVP MMA card on Netflix. Despite Rousey saying that she is now retired from combat sports, there are still offers out there for her to get back into the cage at some point.
Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of her boxing match against Stephanie Han this Saturday, Holm discussed her win over Rousey and Rowdy’s 17-second defeat of Carano at the Netflix MVP event:
“Yes, a lot of talk with the Ronda fight. I highly doubt she’ll ever want a rematch. I always have said since the minute the last fight was over, I’ll always rematch her. That’s always been available. But she wanted to come back and have this win and go back and enjoy and have a win like that. No hate from me. I hope she does well. I hope she does whatever she wants with her life. That’s her life. I’d always be open to fight her again.”
Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm Rematch
Holm also noted that her win over Rousey was so big just because of how dominant Rousey was in the division up to that point:
“The whole reason why me beating her was such a big deal is because she was so dominant. You have to have a dominant champion in order to have a big upset. So I have all the respect for her and to her. I’ll never say anything negative. But then there’s like the fighter pride of things and a win is great but also to try to win that good or put that much of a stamp on something, anybody would be lying if they said they weren’t proud of it.”
FAQ and Context
Is Rousey really retired now?
Rousey told Ariel Helwani before the fight that the Carano bout would be her last and that she’s done with competition, saying she wants to have babies and grow her family.
Will there be a Rousey vs Holly Holm rematch?
Holm says the door has been open on her side since the night of their first fight, she’d “always rematch her,” in her words, but she doubts Rousey wants the return.
What happened in the original Rousey vs Holm fight?
Holm knocked Rousey out at UFC 193 in November 2015, ending Rousey’s run as the dominant champion of the women’s bantamweight division. It’s still considered one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.
When is Holly Holm’s next fight?
This Saturday, in a boxing match against Stephanie Han. Holm built her combat career in boxing before her switch to MMA.
The Bloodline saga comes very close to a first in the history of pro wrestling on television
A look at the Trial of Roman Reigns, the Reigns vs. Usos feud, and the storyline that has caused WWE business to grow
A preview of all the big matches of the weekend in three different countries, none of which are the U.S., with TripleMania, G-1, Miyahara vs. Nakajima and Collision
Updated news on SummerSlam and Great American Bash and business notes on both shows
The new AEW rules memo, what is and isn’t new and the reality of what this means to talent
Full coverage of UFC 290 with two of the best fights of the year, a unique television situation and two title bouts
Looking at the 2023 Wrestler of the Year award and the top candidates
Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, the questions about the show and why the hope for it to be a success is the evolution of understanding fighting being low
The most detailed look at the ratings of every major pro wrestling and MMA show of the past week, the analysis, competition, segment numbers and comparisons with one year ago
Lots of injury talks regarding major stars
Key husband and wife jumping promotions
Mercedes Mone rivalry planned
Update on major sports rights negotiations in the next few years
The death of Michael Halac, the former Bruiser Mastino and Mantaur
Wrestling magazine pioneer writer Ed Garea, The Phantom of the Ring, passes away
Notes on the new women’s promotion
RevPro Epic Encounters rundown
Battle of the two best 18-year-old wrestlers in the world announced for next month
Ticket sales for tons of big shows
Kenny Omega talks the Tiger driver spot
International TV ratings
Lots of new major UFC fights
Looking at the vacant UFC light heavyweight title situation
World champion in UFC talks about how two years ago he supplemented his income driving for Uber Eats
More major show dates fr WWE
Backstage issue at WWE
A look at all the major TV shows and WWE weekend show coverage
We are currently looking for two people to moderate our message board. Those interested please contact [email protected].
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Sunday Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking all the latest news from a crazy day of wrestling withWrestling Observer Radio. Our weekend show with Garrett Gonzales and Larry Dallas covering the news of the week is back up on the site.
We have video related to the fan hitting Don Callis from behind and choking him after last night’s TripleMania show in Tijuana.
It started out as an angle where Kenny Omega was being interviewed and Don Callis came out and started making fun of him for losing so many matches of late, claiming five losses in a row. Didn’t he beat Wheeler Yuta? Konosuke Takeshita attacked Omega and then a fan was there and attacked Callis. It was brief, one of the videos you only see after it happened. Callis said a punch injured his ear, busted his mouth and his neck was injured and he never saw it coming. Konnan told Callis that the fan was a former security guard who did security for wrestling and concerts so was there because his friends were part of the security detail. He was not supposed to get involved and according to another source he also ripped his suit.
The past few days we had a lot of talk about Saturday being an unbelievable day for great matches. We’ll talk more about it later but people were raving about the FTR vs. Jay White & Juice Robinson match, which was one of the best matches ever on American television, as well a Kento Miyahara vs. Katsuhiko Nakajima on yesterday’s NOAH show, Will Ospreay vs. Taichi in the G-1 along with Shota Umino vs Ren Narita, and the Kenny Omega vs. Vikingo match in Mexico City. The amazing this is that because of travel situations, the four men in the tag match last night in Calgary had very little time to prepare for the match and then went out for 58:00 to do a three fall match. We’ll talk a lot more about it tonight as well as the other bouts that we get a chance to see.
Mayra Bueno Silva became a contender for the bantamweight title vacated by the retirement of Amanda Nunes yesterday in beating Holly Holm via second round choke in the main event of yesterday’s show. The talk seemed to be that Silva would face former champion Julianna Pena for the title, but that’s not official.
For Friday’s ROH show, the belief is that the new opponent for Claudio Castagnoli in the main event for the ROH title will be announced Wednesday. Tony Khan is doing a press conference on Tuesday so he may not have the main event but will have a few bouts. Katsuyori Shibata vs. Daniel Garcia for the Pure title was announced by Khan and Samoa Joe vs. Dalton Castle for the TV title is on based on last night’s tapings. Mike Bennett & Matt Taven may be facing Penta & Fenix for the tag titles and there was an angle with Stu Grayson and Evil Uno. The belief is that Athena will defend the women’s title against Willow Nightingale stemming from Nightingale’s win over Athena in the Owen Hart Cup tournament.
Regarding Jon Moxley’s winning a NAGA novice over-30 no gi BJJ tournament yesterday in Cincinnati, it was just a last minute thing he decided to do but said it was loads of fun.
We’re looking for reports on the WWE shows from the weekend, with dark matches from the Smackdown tapings Friday in Raleigh and reports from last night in Fairfax, VA and tonight in Salisbury, MD, as well as from the Impact tapings tonight in Windsor, ONT with results, finishes and highlights to [email protected]
We’re also doing polls on these four weekend shows:
G-1 Saturday in Sapporo
Impact Slammiversary Saturday in Windsor, ONT
TripleMania Saturday night in Tijuana
G-1 today in Sapporo
We’re looking for a thumbs up, down or middle, best and worst match to [email protected]
Arya Witner, our friend, who has written on this subject in the past, was very mad as were others, at the decision made by Highspots to book Rick Steiner at their convention in Detroit on 8/4 and 8/5. We’ll talk about that tonight but it’s obviously going to be a very controversial topic:
Public Incident, Private Apology? No Way.
by Arya Witner
In October 1992 two-sport athlete Deion Sanders attempted to make history by playing in a professional football game for the Atlanta Falcons in the afternoon and a professional baseball game for the Atlanta Braves in the evening. Since the Braves were in the middle of the National League Championship Series at the time, this was a point of contention with the baseball media, specifically Hall of Fame catcher and broadcaster Tim McCarver. McCarver publicly blasted Deion, calling him selfish for not devoting all his time to helping his team win the pennant. After the Braves won the NLCS in 7 games, Deion Sanders, who had heard about this from his Mom, responded by dumping four buckets of water on McCarver, who was reporting in the locker room that night.
In the aftermath on this incident, which is covered in the ESPN 30 For 30 Documentary “Deion’s Double Day”, McCarver said in an interview that due to the public nature of the incident he would not accept a private apology from Deion, stating that since the incident was public, it deserves a public apology. Deion never did and Tim passed away in February 2023.
In a story that was reported on, talked about and editorialized on at the time, in April 2023 at the WrestleCon convention Rick Steiner decided to let his transphobic side shine through and publicly lambasted and shamed Impact Wrestling’s Gisele Shaw for being a transgender woman, calling her “filth” and “a piece of trash”.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Rick Steiner was kicked out of the convention and was announced to be permanently banned from WrestleCon. Everyone had something to say about the incident, including me writing an article that was published both in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and AngryMarks that week. We all accepted that the incident was taken care of and moved on with our lives.
It turns out, like with most stipulations in wrestling, a permanent ban doesn’t really last long. Today, slightly more than three months after the original incident, WrestleCon announced that Rick Steiner would be a part of their next convention in Detroit over SummerSlam weekend.
Michael Bochicchio, the owner of WrestleCon, went to Twitter to defend this booking. Michael stated that Rick “immediately apologized” during a “private mediated event” with other Impact Wrestling staff which Gisele had refused to attend. Due to this private apology WrestleCon agreed to book Rick for this upcoming event, placing him on a “zero-tolerance scale” where Rick will be permanently banned if he does this again.
Maybe this time the permanent ban could last all the way until January.
Now there will undoubtedly be people who are like “Why are you making a big deal? He apologized!.” The fact is, much like with Tim McCarver and Deion Sanders, if you are going to publicly shame someone, then you need to follow that up with a public apology.
The fact is Rick Steiner has never said anything publicly regarding this incident. Nor has he even “released a statement” talking about regret.
While I do not represent the entire transgender community or the entire LGBT community, I can tell you from experience that if you say something incredibly stupid, we will normally accept your apology once, as long as you show actual contrition and show that you have learned your lesson and are making an effort to become better educated.
If he had done that, or if Gisele comes out and says he apologized to her and she forgives him, then I am more than happy to allow bygones be bygones and let everyone move on with their lives. Unfortunately, neither of those things have happened and WrestleCon has chosen to make whatever money you’re going to make with a Rick Steiner meet and greet in 2023 over making a stand and doing what was right.
Whether or not you agree with our existence, being transgender is not a fad, we’re not undergoing years of therapy and spending thousands of dollars in surgeries just because it’s cool or so we can win a swim meet vs cisgender women.
In a way it makes the aftermath of Jay Briscoe’s comments even crazier. As mentioned, Jay once said something really stupid. He immediately apologized and donated his pay to an LGBT charity. The response was Jay was never allowed to work for a major league company with US national television.
Meanwhile, let’s face facts, at some point Rick Steiner will be on WWE television again doing an angle with his son and by that point no one is going to care.
So, WrestleCon has made their choice and so have I and I choose to not patronize WrestleCon or spend my hard earned money at their sponsored events. Of course, I cannot force anyone else to follow along, but I know the transgender community would appreciate anyone’s support. Ultimately all this has done is make me, and people of my ilk, even more nervous to attend public events such as this.
Brandon Moreno got involved physically at TripleMania. He was coaching Team Baja California against Team Chilango. Even with the broken hand suffered last Saturday in his title loss to Alexandre Pantoja, he was shoved by Daga, and then responded with a spin kick, a jumping knee and then put Daga in an armbar before it was broken up.
Giulia will be defending her New Japan Strong Women’s title on 8/19 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia . So she will be missing a Stardom PPV show which is scheduled on the same day.
Istela Nunes suffered a dislocated elbow on yesterday’s UFC show in Las Vega. She had just started the fight with Viktoriya Dudakova on Saturday when he posted on her left arm and it gave way, leading to a dislocation and a loss via stoppage in 34 seconds. It was her fourth straight loss as well, which puts her UFC status in jeopardy.
As far as Google searches go, UFC did not place in the listings this weekend. Nothing involving pro wrestling did this week. The only MMA related stuff was Tuesday when Tyson Fury was No. 7 related to his signed fight with Francis Ngannou and Mark Zuckerberg was No. 11 for the fight being talked about with Elon Musk.
The G-1 Climax tournament is back Tuesday in Yamagata with a 5:30 a.m. start, and then Wednesday in Sendai.
The new programming season of WWE events on A&E on Sundays is over, but they are replaying the Rivals episodes of Rock vs. Cena at 8 p.m. and Hogan vs. Andre at 11 p.m.
Impact tapings tonight in Windsor, ONT has Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster vs. Chris Bey & Ace Austin for the tag titles, Santino Marella vs. Dirty Dango, Lio Rush vs. Kushida and Tommy Dreamer & Darren McCarty vs. Champagne Singh & Shera.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Dominik Mysterio & Damien Priest has been added to tomorrow’s Raw show.
The 9/25 Raw show in Ontario, CA, basically sold out on the first day tickets were put on sale to the public. It was almost sold out after the presale.
There was an Ali vs. Inoki TV documentary that aired in Japan last week. Josh Gross, who wrote the book about the event, was one of the people interviewed along with Bob Arum, Gene Kilory and they talked mostly about stuff in the Gross book. Hisashi Shinma, Inoki’s manager, Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Seiji Sakaguchi were also interviewed for the documentary.
Other Notes
The Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup will be 7/22 at the RJ Meyer Arena in Joppa, MD. There will also be a show on 7/23 and a Fan Fest on 7/23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the building.
Shane Heimberger on 9/9 in Fairplay, MD is doing a fundraiser for his old neighborhood fire department. There is a 1 p.m. meet and greet with Ricky Morton, Tony Atlas, Shane Douglas, and Godfather. If you mention the Observer you can get $5 off tickets if you send by midnight Sunday to [email protected]
Teddy Hart returned to wrestling Friday night at Team Vision Dojo Hart replaced Bella Snow who caught COVID wrestling in Puerto Rico.
Artemis Spencer & Randy Myers were the opponents of Malakai Black & Brody King on last night’s Collision show in Calgary.
UFC action is back inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this weekend for UFC on ESPN 49: Holm vs. Bueno Silva, headlined by a women’s bantamweight bout that could have title shot implications.
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm takes on Mayra Bueno Silva in the main event as both are in the hunt to compete for the vacant women’s bantamweight title. Holm is looking for her second straight win while Bueno Silva has won three straight.
Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between exciting rising contender Jack Della Maddalena and newcomer Bassil Hafez; a women’s featherweight bout pitting Norma Dumont against Chelsea Chandler; and a pair of lightweight bouts as Ottman Azaitar takes on Francisco Prado, and Nazim Sadykhov battles Terrance McKinney.
Perez lands a body kick. Perez lands a combo. Evans-Smith throws and Perez scores a takedown. Perez is working from the half-guard but not landing as she goes into Evans-Smith’s full guard. Perez now landing lots of shots from the top as Evans-Smith is having trouble defending herself. They get to their feet and Perez lands some knees. Perez gets it back to the mat and is in side control. Perez with an elbow from the top and moves to the mount. She gets the back and is landing punches before Evans-Smith spins over. Perez continues to land from the top. They stand and Perez lands a knee then a combo before they go back to the mat. They stand and Perez lands a combo then a high kick. Perez lands a body kick. 10-8 Perez.
Perez lands a leg kick. She lands a body kick then scores a takedown and is in side control. Perez gets the back as they stand. Perez lands and is trying to get it down but Evans-Smith lands some. Perez then clips Evans-Smith and scores another takedown. She is in side control and lands an elbow. Perez with short punches from the top. Perez continues to land from the top as they get to their feet. They separate. Perez gets a takedown at the end. 10-9 Perez, 20-17 Perez.
They tie up right away and Perez has the back. Perez gets it down and is working in the half-guard against the fence. They get to their feet and Perez lands a knee. Perez is working to get it back down. Perez gets another takedown. She’s in side control and lands a hammerfist. They get to their feet and Perez lands a head kick. Perez gets another takedown. She’s in full mount. Evans-Smith gives up her back. They stand and Evans-Smith lands late. 10-9 Perez, 30-26 Perez.
Official Result- Ailin Perez def. Ashlee Evans-Smith by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
> Lightweights- Alexander Munoz (6-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. Carl Deaton (17-6 2 NC, 0-1 UFC)
Deaton lands a left hand. Munoz shoots for a takedown but Deaton stops it. Deaton lands but Munoz landed and Deaton was backing away. Deaton lands a right hand. Deaton lands a right hand then a combination. Munoz lands an overhand left but eats a flying knee from Deaton as he was chasing him. Deaton lands a right hand. Deaton lands a kick. Close round. 10-9 Deaton.
They trade and both equally land. Deaton landing more in the early moments of the second here but there isn’t a ton happening. Munoz lands a high kick. Munoz lands a nice jab and then a combo. Munoz lands a body kick. Deaton lands a right hand. They trade as both are circling around. They both land. Another close round. 10-9 Deaton, 20-18 Deaton.
Munoz drops Deaton right away and gets on top and starts to land. He has the back and is landing punches. Deaton is able to survive and gets up but Munoz gets a takedown. They get back up and Munoz pushes it against the fence and they’re battling against the fence. They separate. They trade and Deaton lands a right hand late. 10-9 Munoz, 29-28 Deaton.
Official Result- Alexander Munoz def. Carl Deaton by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
> Flyweights- Tyson Nam (21-13-1, 3-4 UFC) vs. Azat Maksum (16-0, 0-0 UFC)
They both land early. Both land the jab. Maksum looks for a takedown but Nam defends. Maksum lands a body kick and follows it with a combo. Nam lands a leg kick. Nam lands a leg kick. Maksum lands a body kick. Nam lands a leg kick that trips Maksum up. Maksum with some leg kicks then one to the body. Maksum gets a brief takedown and has the back and lands late. Close round. 10-9 Maksum.
Nam landing more to start the second as he’s mixing his punches and leg kicks. Maksum lands a left hook and they trade hard punches. They continue to trade in close range. Nam lands a right hand to the body. Nam landing with more volume here as they continue to stand close to each other and look for openings. Maksum lands a nice combo. Nam lands two leg kicks. Nam lands a leg kick as Maksum lands a left hand. 10-9 Nam, 19-19.
Nam landing more to start the third as he lands some inside leg kicks. Maksum lands a couple of jabs. Nam lads the jab and follows with a leg kick. Nam lands a jab then comes in with a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Nam lands a right hand. Maksum swings himself off balance and Nam lands a combo then lands an overhand right. Maksum tries for a takedown but Nam defends. They tie up against the fence and Nam is landing to the body. They trade and Maksum gets a late takedown. Close fight. 10-9 Nam, 29-28 Nam.
Official Result- Azat Maksum def. Tyson Nam by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Elder rocked Valdez right away and looked for a guillotine choke but Valdez escaped. Elder lands a leg kick then follows with a combo. Valdez lands a right hand as Elder landed a leg kick. Valdez lands a jab and right hand. Valdez lands a combo. Elder lands a leg kick. Valdez lands a nice jab. They both land in close range. Elder lands a left hand. Valdez lands a right hand. 10-9 Elder.
Valdez lands a leg kick. Elder sits Valdez down with a punch but he gets right up. Elder lands a leg kick. They trade inside the pocket. Elder lands to the body then an overhand right. Valdez drops Elder with a right hand but Elder stands though he is still in trouble. Valdez looks to capitalize but misses and Elder recovers. Valdez lands a right hand. We have a timeout for an eye poke. They get back to action and Valdez lands a right hand. Elder lands a leg kick. Valdez lands a combo. Elder lands to the body. They trade and both land hard shots. Close round. 10-9 Elder, 20-18 Elder.
Elder lands a jab then a leg kick. Elder staggers Valdez with a punch. Elder lands a right hand. Elder continues to land the jab. Elder lands a jab then a right hand. Valdez missing most of what he throws. Elder continues to work the jab. Elder lands a combo as Valdez lands an uppercut, then Elder fires back with a combo. Valdez lands a leg kick and Elder gets a brief takedown and lands from the top before they stand. Elder lands a combo. They trade big punches in the final ten seconds. 10-9 Elder, 30-27 Elder.
Official Result- Evan Elder def. Genaro Valdez by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
> Featherweights- Austin Lingo (9-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Melquizael Costa (19-6, 0-1 UFC)
Costa lands a body kick. He lands a leg kick. Costa lands a left hand. Lingo lands a right hand. Costa lands a left hand. They tie up but Costa throws Lingo off. Lingo lands a jab. Costa with a left hand then a head kick. Costa lands a body kick. Costa lands a pair of body kicks that hurt Lingo. He lands a big leg kick then a hard body kick. Costa lands another body kick. Costa scores with another body kick. Costa lands a combo. Costa with more kicks and punches. Costa lands a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Costa.
Costa lands a left hand then a high kick. They exchange leg kicks. Costa lands a body kick. Lingo lands a pair of leg kicks. Costa lands a body kick. Costa lands a body kick then Lingo lands a combo and hurts Costa with a jab. Costa lands to the body. They trade and Costa lands a knee to the body. Costa lands a combo as Lingo rushes in and lands. Costa lands a spin kick. 10-9 Costa, 20-18 Costa.
They trade and Costa trips Lingo up and lands a knee as they stand. Costa lands a pair of body kicks. Costa lands a flying knee then a head kick. Costa gets a takedown and has the back. He’s landing from the back as he works to get the body triangle in while looking for a choke. Costa almost had it but Lingo gets out and Costa ends up inside of Lingo’s guard. They get to their feet and Costa has the back standing. Costa gets it back down. He looked for a guillotine choke but time is going to run out. 10-9 Costa, 30-27 Costa.
Official Result- Melquizael Costa def. Austin Lingo by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Nunes lands as Dudakova lands. Dudakova shoots for a takedown and Nunes was posting with her arm and her arm snaps and the fight is stopped as Nunes is badly hurt and screaming in pain. Dudakova is going to get the win here.
Official Result- Viktoriia Dudakova def. Istela Nunes by TKO (injury) at :34 of Round 1
Baghdasaryan lands a high kick. They trade punches. Baghdasaryan with another high kick. Lutz lands a body kick then a leg kick. They trade body kicks. Lutz lands a left hook as Baghdasaryan lands a body kick. Lutz lands a couple of body kicks. Lutz gets a takedown against the fence. Lutz is controlling the body as Baghdasaryan is unable to get to his feet. They get to their feet and Lutz has the back and tried for a takedown but Baghdasaryan grabbed the fence. 10-9 Lutz.
Baghdasaryan lands a hook kick. Baghdasaryan hurts Lutz with a combo and rushes forward as Lutz is circling. They clinch and Baghdasaryan lands in the clinch as Lutz lands a knee on the break. Baghdasaryan lands to the body. Lutz lands a body kick. Baghdasaryan landed a low blow kick then a head kick before timeout was called. They get back to action and are trading in close range. They trade hook punches. They trade kick. Lutz lands a body kick. He lands another. Lutz goes for a takedown against the fence and gets it. 10-9 Baghdasaryan, 19-19.
We have a timeout for an immediate eye poke. They get back to action and Baghdasaryan lands a combo with a body kick. Lutz lands to the body then a right hand upstairs. Lutz pushes it against the fence as he’s looking for a takedown. Lutz gets it to the mat and has the back. He’s not doing much and they get to their feet. Baghdasaryan lands a couple of knees. Lutz is trying hard to get it back down. They separate. Baghdasaryan lands a spin kick to the body. Baghdasaryan lands another body kick then a left hand. They clinch and Baghdasaryan lands a knee before they break. Baghdasaryan lands late. Close fight. 10-9 Baghdasaryan, 29-28 Baghdasaryan.
Official Result- Melsik Baghdasaryan def. Tucker Lutz by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ESPN MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Lightweights- Nazim Sadykhov (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Terrance McKinney (13-5, 3-2 UFC)
Sadykhov lands a leg kick as McKinney lands a left hand. They clinch and McKinney lands a knee. He lands another. McKinney gets a takedown. He gets the back and has the body triangle locked in. McKinney is trying to find a choke but Sadykhov is fighting it off. McKinney is landing from the back as Sadykhov is hand fighting. Sadykhov is able to reverse position and they stand. Sadykhov lands a left hand and then another. They clinch against the fence and end the round there. 10-9 McKinney.
They’re trading to start the second. Sadykhov lands a left hand as McKinney fires back wit a high kick. McKinney is trying for a takedown as Sadykhov is grabbing the fence. Sadykhov is able to get the back and locks in a rear-naked choke and forces McKinney to tap. Big finish from Sadykhov though he did grab the fence and that could’ve helped towards the finish.
Official Result- Nazim Sadykhov def. Terrance McKinney by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:07 of Round 2
> Women’s Featherweights- #13 Norma Dumont (9-2, 5-2 UFC) vs. #15 Chelsea Chandler (5-1, 1-0 UFC)
Dumont landing early. Dumont rocks Chandler and Chandler is running away as Dumont chases her across the Octagon and lands before they clinch. Chandler lands a knee then a left hand as they break. Chandler lands a left hand. They clinch and Chandler is landing in the advantage. They go to the mat and Dumont is inside the full guard of Chandler. Dumont ends the round on top. 10-9 Dumont.
They trade to start the second. Dumont lands a heavy leg kick. They swing before clinching against the fence but quickly break. They trade in close range. Dumont lands a right hand. She lands a big right hand. They trade and Dumont gets a takedown. Dumont is working from the top as Chandler looks for an armbar possibility. Dumont stands and Chandler lands an upkick though Dumont gets back on top and has the back. They stand and clinch and trade knees. 10-9 Dumont, 20-18 Dumont.
They trade before tying up against the fence and Chandler gets a brief takedown but they stand and are tied up against the fence. Dumont gets a takedown. She has the back and is landing punches. Dumont now on top and landing. She postures up and looks to land as Chandler looks for a triangle. Dumont gets back into Chandler’s guard. They end the fight there. 10-9 Dumont, 30-27 Dumont.
Official Result- Norma Dumont def. Chelsea Chandler by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Middleweights- Albert Duraev (16-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Jun Yong Park (16-5, 6-2 UFC)
Duraev lands a leg kick. Park lands a jab. Park lands a right hand. Park lands a leg kick then Duraev lands a big left hook. Duraev lands to the body. Duraev lands a leg kick. Park is landing the jab. Duraev lands a leg kick. Duraev scores with a combo. They trade leg kicks. Duraev lands a combo as Park is landing the jab, and Duraev lands a right hand. Park lands a combo and a leg kick. Park lands the jab. Duraev scores with a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Park catches a kick and almost gets a takedown but jumps for a guillotine choke. It is in tight as they go to the mat. Duraev is able to survive to the end. 10-9 Park.
Duraev presses forward and lands. Duraev gets a takedown. He swivels the hips and looks for the back. They get to their feet as Duraev has the back. They separate. Park is working the jab once again. Duraev lands a right hand and Park counters with a combo. Park pressuring but both are landing. Duraev scores with a right hand. Park lands a combo then starts to land a flurry and Duraev is hurt. Duraev misses a big right hand as Park is pouring it on and then drops Duraev with a left hand. Park landing from the back and he’s looking for a choke. He flattens Duraev out from the back and is landing and now has a choke locked in. Duraev is trying to punch his way out. Park lets go but tries to lock it back in. Park locks it back in and Duraev taps. Great showing from Park to get the finish.
Official Result- Jun Yong Park def. Albert Duraev by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:45 of Round 2
> Lightweights- Ottman Azaitar (13-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Francisco Prado (11-1, 0-1 UFC)
Azaitar lands a leg kick. Prado lands a leg kick. Prado went for a takedown but Azaitar defended. Prado lands a leg kick. Prado scores with a head kick. Azaitar lands a right hand. Prado shoots for a takedown but Azaitar defends and lands some punches before they break. Azaitar lands to the body. Prado tries a takedown but Azaitar defends and lands some punches. Azaitar lands a pair of standing elbows. Azaitar lands a spinning elbow that sends Azaitar to the mat and Prado is landing big punches from the top. He’s landing hard shots and it is stopped. Big finish from Prado and Azaitar is upset at it being stopped.
Official Result- Francisco Prado def. Ottman Azaitar by TKO (strikes) at 4:05 of Round 1
> Welterweights- #14 Jack Della Maddalena (14-2, 4-0 UFC) vs. Bassil Hafez (8-3-1, 0-0 UFC)
Hafez goes right away for a takedown and gets it. Maddalena looks for a guillotine but Hafez is out of it. They get to their feet and Hafez has the back. Maddalena is landing body shots against the fence and they break. Maddalena lands a right hand. They trade in close range and Hafez gets a takedown and is in side control. They get to their feet and trade punches. Hafez tries for another takedown but Maddalena defends. They break and trade. Hafez shoots for another takedown and is able to get it. Hafez threatens with a choke late. 10-9 Hafez.
Hafez tries for a takedown but Maddalena defends. Hafez lands a body kick. Hafez landing the jab. They trade hard punches. Maddalena lands a left hand. Hafez scores with a combo. Hafez tries for a takedown but Maddalena defends. They break ad Maddalena is landing with a little more volume. He lands to the body and to the head and has Hafez in trouble. Hafez tries a takedown but Maddalena defends. Maddalena tried for a guillotine but it let Hafez get on top. Maddalena let go and Hafez is on top but not much is happening. 10-9 Maddalena, 19-19.
Maddalena landing more on the feet to start the third. Hafez tries for a takedown and pushes Maddalena against the fence. They separate. Hafez goes back for the takedown and pushes it against the fence but they break. Maddalena lands a big right hand that rocks Hafez. They clinch against the fence but break. Maddalena lands a knee to the body and is landing big punches. Hafez tries a takedown but Maddalena defends. Hafez is exhausted. They tie up against the fence and Maddalena lands some big punches. Maddalena with some big punches against the fence. Maddalena is on top and has the mount. Hafez is able to spin to the top. They get to their feet. Hafez tries for a takedown. They go to the mat and end it there. Fun fight. 10-9 Maddalena, 29-28 Maddalena.
Official Result- Jack Della Maddalena def. Bassil Hafez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Holm rushes forward and lands. They trade in close range and Holm grabs the leg and pushes it against the fence. Holm landing as they’re clinched before they separate. Holm lands a combo. They clinch and not much happens before they break. Holm lands a combo. Silva lands a left hand then they clinch but separate. They clinch and Holm lands punches as Silva lands a knee. Holm lands some body kicks and Silva lands a big left hand. They clinch and end the round there. 10-9 Holm.
Silva lands a big punch and Holm grabs her and pushes it against the fence. Silva is looking for a standing guillotine choke and has it locked in and Holm taps! What a finish from Silva!
Official Result- Mayra Bueno Silva def. Holly Holm by submission (standing guillotine choke) at :38 of Round 2
*Vince McMahon talks about returning and we talk about the prospects of that, including from those close to him *The Rita Chatterton story resurfaces, and we go back to look at the original story and current legal status as well as a new allegation against Vince McMahon that came up this week *What can’t happen to WWE as long a McMahon wants back in *What would have to take place before McMahon to return to power *What risks are there for the company *The Vice special on Vince McMahon and those who would and wouldn’t talk *Mandy Rose gets fired and details of why it happened and what the original plans were regarding the women’s title *ROH PPV coverage, Honor Club, PPV buys, ROH title change *Sasha Banks and Japan WWE, AEW prospects, a return t WWE and more *Notes on Wrestle Kingdom, the card,te story behind the card *Updates on Matt Riddle *Full coverage of UFC 282, hat happens next, business notes, what’s next for the fighters *ROH Deadline and the debut of Iron Survivor *Just how rapidly is cable losing homes, a list for the stations that air wrestling and MMA and what the numbers are now *Tokyo Sports awards and story behind it *PWG Battle of Los Angels *The most detailed look at the ratings for all wrestling shows on national TV including how each segment did, *Streaming numbers *Advance ticket sales for the major WWE & AEW events *Government works with Arena Mexico for a special event *CMLL’s next tournament *Konnan talks his health *Rules in place for independent promoters and usage of El Hijo del Vikingo *A look at a Mexico match of the year candidate *A look at another match of the year candidate *Finances of major wrestling conglomerate *Future of Kota Ibushi *Why the economics are going to be tougher for New Japan *Coverage of the New Japan tag tournament finals *Update on the MLW lawsuit against WWE *Huge match in London this week *AEW announces new television deal *Behind the Jericho loss to Action Andretti *What famous feud started in a similar fashion *People who have been world champion in the U.S., Japan and Mexico *UFC takes action regarding a suspicious fight *World MMA Awards *William Regal news *WrestleMania news
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Sunday Update
Garrett Gonzales and I will be back tonight talking the news of the week and weekend. If you have any questions for the show send them to [email protected].
We’re looking for reports from the the WWE house show tonight in Rochester, MN, as well as last night’s NXT show in Tampa and RevPro from York Hall in London to [email protected]
In last night’s UFC show, the Rafa Garcia bloodbath is because his artery was cut open by an elbow by Maheshate. The bleeding was on the side of the head and it didn’t affect Garcia’s vision. It took almost two hours to close the cut and stop the bleeding. Garcia said the doctors told him he’d lost 20 percent of his blood because of the cut in the artery. Garcia still won the fight 30-27 across the board despite all the bleeding.
In last night’s UFC main event, Jared Cannonier won over Sean Strickland by scores of 49-46, 46-49 and 49-46. Media scores were 65 percent to 35 percent in favor of Cannonier. Derek Clearly gave Cannonier every round but four. Judge Sal D’Amato only gave Cannonier the fourth round, so he and Clearly disagreed on all five rounds. Junichiro Kamijo gave only round three to Strickland giving Cannonier rounds 1, 2 4 and 5
Holly Holm vs. Yana Kunhitskaya was announced for a 2/25 UFC show in San Antonio.
Results from last night’s WWE show in Moline, IL: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson & Mia Yim b Damien Priest & Dominick Mysterio & Rhea Ripley when Gallows pinned Mysterio after the magic killer Madcap Moss & Emma b Karrion Kross & Scarlett when Emma pinned Scarlett with a roll-up A.J. Styles b Gunther-DQ in a title match when Gunther shoved dow the ref. Kevin Owens & Sheamus & Shinsuke Nakamura b Usos & Sami Zayn when Owens pinned Zayn with a stunner Street Profits b Alpha Academy when Ford pinned Chad Gable wit a frog splash Bianca Belair & Liv Morgan & Candice LeRae b Bayley & Iyo Sky & Dakota Ky wen Belair pined Sky after the KOD Austin Theory b Seth Rollins to keep the U.S. title after a low blow and A Town Down. Rollins laid Theory out with a curb stomp after the match, ducking Theory’s belt shot (thanks to Shannon Walsh, Ronnie Skilor, Brett Robertson, Don Feldman and Scott Minor)
RevPro from yesterday in London: Robbie X won the cruiserweight title in a four-way over Luke Jacobs, Dan Moloney and Will Kaven in an elimination match, Dani Luna b Kanji to win the Southside women’s title, Brendan White & Danny Jones b Callum Newman & JJ Gale in a street fight to keep the British tag titles, Zack Sabre Jr. b Leon Slater, Great O’Khan b Zak Zodiac to win the British title (it was held by Ricky Knight Jr., but vacated due to Knight’s injury), Michael Oku b Conor Mills, Will Ospreay b Tomohiro Ishii. People raved about the main event (thanks to Shannon Walsh)
GCW results from Friday night in Los Angeles: Jack Cartwheel won scramble match over Cold Radrick, Jordan Oliver, Titus Alexander, Nick Wayne and Alec Price, Starboy Charlie b Matt Cardona, Masha Slamovich won three-way over Sawyer Wreck and Dark Sheik, Gringo Logo & Latigo & Toxin b Arez & Kommander & ASF, Joey Janela b Pagano to keep the Extreme title, Willie Mack b Jimmy Loyd, Effy NC Charles Mason, Miedo Extremo & Ciclope b Johnny Yuma & BHK to keep the GCW tag titles, Nick Gage b Tony Deppen to keep the GCw title, El Hijo del Vikingo b Blake Christian
Defy from last night in Seattle: Giullermo Rosas won over El Phantasmo and Jordan Oliver, Artemis Spencer b Alex Shelley, Vert Vixen b Cat Power to keep the women’s title, Judas Icarus & Travis Williams b Schaff & Randy Myers, Titus Alexander b Joey Janela, El Hijo del Vikingo b Nick Wayne
The next show is 1/20 at ALMA Tacoma with Evil, Uno, Alex Reynolds and Marina Shafir
EPW from last night in Western Australia before more than 800 fans for their 21st anniversary show: Davis Storm & Mikey Nicholls b Jarrad Slate & Felix Young to win the EPW tag titles, Mikey Broderick b Mr. Thompson in a schoolyard brawl, Bruno Nitro won four-way over James Hartness, Lucas Fantasia and Joel Hagan to keep the Coastal title, Marcius Pitt & Damian Slater b Dan Moore & Bobby Marshall, Chris Target b Tyler Jacobs to win the SHWA title in a tables match, Aaron Hawk & Stella Nyx & Great George & Cannon Connors b King Shahil & Rogan Karguis & Chadwick Jackson, Julian Ward retained the EPW title over Taylor King and Michael Morleone (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Sammy Guevara & Tay Melo are booked for Adrenaline Pro Wrestling on 2/25 in Melbourne, Australia.
People have been raving about the Mike Bailey vs. Bryan Keith match on Friday night’s Freelane Wrestling show in Chicago. The bottom rope broke five minutes into a 25 minute match. (thanks to Derek Walker, Lance LeVine and others)
Jose Delano (12-2) faces Gabriel Santos (9-0) for the LFA featherweight title on the company’s 1/28 show in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Fight Pass.
Bellator and Rizin have a press conference on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Eastern talking the New Year’s Eve show at the Saitama Super Arena which is headlined by a Best-of-five series with Bellator vs Rizin.
The Tuesday Night shows from Arena Mexico in Mexico City will start streaming on the CMLL digital media channels live, for free, on both Facebook and YouTube.
Stardom from today in Tochigi: Saya Iida won three-way over Saki Kashima and Lacy C, AZM won three-way over Maika and Himeka, Tam Nakano & Natsupoi b Natsuko Tora & Ruaka, Syuri & Mirai & Ami Sohrei b Giulia & Mai Sakura & Thekla, Starlight Kid & Momo Watanabe & Rina won three-way over Mayu Iwatani & Hazuki & Hanan and Utami Hayashishita & Saya Kamitani & Hina
Updates on C.M. Punk, Cody Rhodes, the injuries, how WWE and AEW are booking around the injuries, details of the injuries, surgeries, AEW interim title and medical protocol questions
Hell in a Cell coverage, the matches, the ticket demand, PPV numbers, interest level and WWE & AEW crossover fan base
Hiromu Takahashi sets Best of the super Juniors records, business of the finals, angles for Dominion and more
AEW Double or Nothing PPV number update
Saturday’s UFC coverage and what comes next for the fighters on the show
NXT In Your House coverage
Television ratings for every national show, ups, down and competition
Expected CMLL anniversary show main event
AAA and running in the US
Stardom & New Japan joint show
Movie being made about the life of an active women’s wrestling star and details
Notes about young retirements in Dragon Gate an the booking
CyberFight show at Saitama Super Arena
Kota Ibushi and New Japan update
Benefit event for Shinjiro Otani
More on Ric Flair’s return
Johnny Rodz and the infamous Roddy Piper story
Olympic wrestler talks about better conditions for pro wrestlers
Notes on PBS documentary on St. Louis wrestling
MJF update
All-Atlantic title and thoughts
Forbidden Door notes
International TV ratings
Ticket sales for upcoming U.S. events
Streaming numbers for AEW & WWE
UFC revenue and profits update
This week’s UFC show
Major fight Dana White is looking at for the interim heavyweight title
ONE debuts on Amazon Prime
Bellator allows one of its top stars to do Bare Knuckle Fighting
Update on Stephanie McMahon
More on Vince McMahon autobiography
Hilarious Vince McMahon deposition in the liver Luck case
Why Edge was kicked out of Judgment Day
Reports from all the WWE events this week with business notes
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Monday News Update
Bryan and I will be back tonight and we’ve got a ton of topics to talk about including Jeff Hardy, Keiji Muto, Paige, the All Atlantic tournament and politics regarding the Forbidden Door PPV show.
The big news today is obviously the arrest of Jeff Hardy at about 12:30 a.m. very late Sunday night. The Highway patrol arrest report, first reported by Marc Raimondi of ESPN, said that Hardy was in a white car seen swerving and running off the roadway. The officers made the stop and said Hardy appeared to be in a stupor and confused. He was unsteady walking and smelled of alcohol, said the report. The report said they learned Hardy had bee drinking and he couldn’t complete any portion of the sobriety tests successfully, or without risk of falling down. His breathalyzer tests registered 0.294 and 0.291, which are about 3.7 times the legal limit, so this was nothing where you could even remotely justify driving and not a close call. Why athletes and repeat offenders don’t get an Uber in these situations is beyond me.
While AEW has not said anything publicly WarnerMedia was told to stop all promotion of Jeff Hardy in any commercials or anywhere else immediately. They have stopped promoting the three-way ladder match for Wednesday and not sure if they will have a tag team title match with just the two teams or not. Another question regards the main event of TripleMania on Saturday in Tijuana which was to be the Hardys vs. Dragon Lee & Dralistico. We haven’t heard from anyone there regarding how they will handle that. I don’t know that this is even possible on this date but FTR replacing the Hardys and defending the tag titles against Dragon Lee & Dralistico would make sense. But then we have to open up the can of worms of FTR wrestling at Forbidden Door and also on an AAA show a week apart, because of the New Japan/CMLL relationship.
Raw tonight goes against game five of the NBA playoffs, but no NHL game. Smackdown actually did okay, about the same as they’ve been doing against the playoffs, on Friday night. Even though the finals have pulled much larger numbers than the other rounds, they haven’t seemed to hurt wrestling anymore than wrestling has been hurt since mid-April when they started.
Raw tonight at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita has one of the the lowest advance for a Raw taping since the pandemic. They had a big walk-up today so they will end up slightly above the Chase Center in San Francisco show, but it’ll be in that ballpark. Announced for the show is Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel, Judgment Day will explain their attack on Edge and Seth Rollins will talk about Cody Rhodes.
We are looking for reports from Raw tonight with Main Event matches and any dark matches, as well as from yesterday’s house shows in Albuquerque, NM and Springfield, MO, and any reports from the Cyberfight show yesterday. Send to [email protected]
We are also doing polls on UFC 275 from Saturday and New Japan Dominion on Sunday. You can send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Holly Holm was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday in Verona, NY. She is only the fifth woman boxer inducted into the Hall of Fame. In a trivia note, Marc Ratner is in both the boxing and UFC Hall of Fame.
Thanks to Chris Hendricks for the NXT reports this week.
Still advertised for Dynamite on Wednesday is Chris Jericho vs. Ortiz hair vs. hair, Ethan Page vs. Miro in the All Atlantic tournament and Wardlow in a handicap match against 20 security guards. The show is being called Road Rager.
A correction from yesterday when talking about FTR weekend matches. The match with Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards that got all the raves was not the match with Bret Hart in their corner. The Bret Hart match was with Brock Anderson & Brian Pillman Jr., managed by Arn Anderson.
WWE
Damian Priest was an Ambassador for the Puerto Rican Day parade in New York over the weekend.
AEW
For Dark Elevation tonight, Mercedes Martinez & Serena Deeb face Miranda Gordy & Tootie Lynn, Evil Uno & 10 vs. QT Marshall & Aaron Solo and Nyla Rose vs. Max the Impaler.
UFC
Taila Santos will be undergoing surgery for a broken orbital bone suffered when she and Valentina Shevchenko clashed heads in round four of their fight Saturday night. She is flying back to Brazil to have surgery rather than have it in Singapore because then she would be unable to fly home after the surgery.
Bryan Battle vs. Takashi Sato is scheduled for 8/6.
Rani Yahya suffered a neck injury and pulled out of his 7/9 fight with Cody Garbrandt.
Other Notes
Tickets for the 7/1 Impact Wrestling Against All Odds PPV show from Center Stage in Atlanta are now on sale. They will also be taping television the next day.
AAW from Saturday night in Chicago before 435 fans: Davey Vega b Gary Jay, Manders b Hartenblower, Heather Reckless b Sierra, Fred Yehi b Karam, Silas Young b Brayden Lee (match got strong reviews), Ace Perry & Hammerstone retained the tag titles over Dante Leon & Shane Hollister, Josh Alexander b ACH (also got great reviews), Ren Jones b Corn Boy, Schaff b Russ Jones, Gnaris Garvin b Mike Bennett (got good reviews), Mat Fitchett b Ace Steel to retain the AAW title. Next show is 7/15 in Merrionette Park, IL with Fitchett defending against the winner of a match earlier in the show with Manders vs. Yehi, plus Christi Jaynes defends the women’s title against Heather Reckless.
Northland Wrestling set its record with 425 fans in North Bay, ONT on Saturday night: Josh Bain b Miles Morgan, Magnum McLaren b MC Hardbody, Jimmy Spite b Riot, Tommy McCloud & Rusty blackwell b Warden Slade & Derek Diggler, Jon Gonzalez b Casey Platimum, Tyler Tirva b Matt Black, Jake O’Reilly b Ashe Benjamin, Cody Deaner b Dann Jarris, KC Spinelli b Zandra Lee, Jimmy Spite b Tomer Shalom, Jon Gonzalez won four-way over Jake O’Reilly, Tyler Tirva and Scotty the Body to become the King of the North champion (thanks to Steven Ashe)
Pro Wrestling Phoenix runs Wednesday night in Omaha,NE at the Waiting Room Lounge.
Ninja Mack makes his Toronto debut, plus Drago Kid, Mike Bailey and Gringo Loco appear on a 6/23 show called Lucha Block Party at the Parkdale Hall in Toronto.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 64: Holm vs. Vieira, emanating from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The UFC closes out their month of May before taking next week off with another event inside their home base at the UFC Apex, with this event headlined by the return of a former champion following a long layoff.
Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm returns to action for the first time in over 17 months to take on Ketlen Vieira in a potential title eliminator bout in the bantamweight division. Holm fights for the first time since a decision win over Irene Aldana in October 2020, which was her second straight win. Vieira is looking to score her second straight win following a win over former champion Miesha Tate in November. The winner of this could be next in line for a title shot in the women’s bantamweight division.
In the co-main event, it is a welterweight bout that promises explosive action as Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on the wild-and-crazy Michel Pereira. Also on the main card is a middleweight bout between Chidi Njokuani and Dusko Todorovic, and a middleweight bout that sees Eryk Anders battling Jun Yong Park.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
ESPN+ PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT
> Women’s Strawweights- Elise Reed (5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Sam Hughes (6-4, 1-3 UFC)
Reed lands a right hand. Reed with a leg kick. Reed connects with a combination and Hughes lands a counter left hand. They both land in close range and Hughes pushes it against the fence in the clinch. Hughes working hard for the takedown against the fence. They break and Hughes with an elbow on the break. Reed with a side kick. They trade right hands. They trade and Reed lands more and Hughes pushes it against the fence again and scores the takedown. Hughes works from the top then stands and lands a leg kick and lets Reed up. They clinch against the fence. Hughes with some knees late. 10-9 Hughes.
Reed throws a flurry but Hughes grabs the body lock and gets a takedown and is in side control. Hughes with some elbows from the side as she’s keeping Reed planted on the mat. Hughes still working from the top as she moves inside the full guard of Reed. Reed is hunting for an opening for a triangle choke but Hughes playing good defense as she remains on top. Hughes moves to the half-guard and is looking to go back to side control. Hughes gets to the full mount as Reed has not much defense on the bottom. Hughes with some punches from the top at the end of the round. 10-9 Hughes, 20-18 Hughes.
Hughes gets an early takedown, but they get up, and then Hughes gets another takedown and is in side control. Reed has the neck and is trying for a choke but Hughes is in the wrong position for her to get it. Hughes gets back to the mount but moves back to side control. She gets the mount back and starts landing punches and elbows and keeps pouring it on and Chris Tognoni stops it. Big finish by Hughes for her first UFC stoppage win.
Official Result- Sam Hughes def. Elise Reed by TKO (strikes) at 3:52 of Round 3
> Featherweights- Chase Hooper (10-2-1, 2-2 UFC) vs. Felipe Colares (10-3, 2-3 UFC)
Colares with a body kick as Hooper lands a left hand. He lands another and they tie up but Colares gets the throw takedown and they work to their feet. They break. They trade kicks and Hooper lands a left hand. They scramble to the mat and Hooper grabs the back and has an arm trapped. Hooper lands a left hand and Colares spins into the guard of Hooper. Colares with some big hammerfists from the top. Hooper looks for the leg and Colares blatantly grabs the cage and they are stood up and Colares gets a warning. Hooper shoots for the takedown but Colares reverses it to the top. Hooper looks for the leg and they scramble and Hooper on top then scrambles to the back. Hooper with punches from the back. They get to their feet and Hooper gets a takedown. Hooper with hammerfists from the top. Hooper with some short elbows and looks for the neck. He lets go and is on top and lands some big punches as they stand. 10-9 Hooper.
They clinch up and Hooper has the body lock. Hooper gets it down but ends up on the bottom as he searched for a leg. They scramble up. They remain tied up and Hooper pulls guard and Colares lands some from the top. Hooper lands some from the bottom. They roll around and Colares is on top and has the crucifix position and lands an elbow. Hooper is able to sweep to the top and is in side control and gets the back and is landing punches. Hooper with a strong close to the round. 10-9 Hooper, 20-18 Hooper.
Hooper lands and scores a takedown to start the third. They get up ad Hooper has the leg and gets it down and is rolling for the back. Hooper spins to side control and lands a couple of hammerfists. Hooper with some elbows from the top. Hooper landing big shots from the top as he has the mount and it is stopped. What an impressive showing from Hooper.
Official Result- Chase Hooper def. Felipe Colares by TKO (strikes) at 3:00 of Round 3
> Bantamweights- Jonathan Martinez (15-4, 6-3 UFC) vs. Vince Morales (11-5, 3-3 UFC)
Martinez with a leg kick. He lands another. He lands another. Martinez with a body kick. Morales tries to land to the body but eats a counter jab from Martinez. Martinez landing more as the round goes on, especially with the leg kick. Morales lands in a flurry. Martinez with more leg kicks. Martinez with a leg kick after Morales went for the body. Martinez lands another leg kick. Martinez with a jumping knee late. 10-9 Martinez.
Martinez lands some leg and body kicks. Martinez lands a few punches. Martinez with a leg kick. He lands another as Morales is circling around. They trade some punches. Martinez with a nice combination that included a knee and a left hand on the end. Morales goes for a late takedown but Martinez defends. 10-9 Martinez, 20-18 Martinez.
Martinez with a high kick early in the third. Morales closes the distance but is getting hit by Martinez when he comes in. Martinez with a left hand. Martinez with a body kick. Martinez lands a left hand. They trade in close range. Morales with a left hand. Morales lands a right hand but eats a leg kick from Martinez. Martinez gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Martinez gets a big takedown but Morales is able to reverse to the top in the guard of Martinez. Morales throws some punches. 10-9 Martinez, 30-27 Martinez.
Official Result- Jonathan Martinez def. Vince Morales by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Medic throws a high kick but Morales blocks it. Medic lands to the body early. Morales with a right hand. Morales throws a combo. Medic with a body kick then a high kick. They both swing left hands but miss. Morales with a right hand. Morales with a combo ending with a leg kick. Medic with a jab. Morales with a body kick and Medic returns a body kick. Medic with a leg kick. Morales with a leg kick. Medic with a body kick. Morales with a combination to the body. Medic rocks Morales late but the horn saves it. 10-9 Medic.
Medic throwing and landing kicks to start the second. Morales with a leg kick. Medic with a leg kick. He lands a combo with leg kicks and left hands. They trade punches. They trade leg kicks. Morales with a right hand. They trade in close range and Morales lands a head kick. Medic drops Morales with a left hand and Morales quickly gets up. He lands two more lefts and Morales goes back down and it is stopped. What a finish by Medic!
Official Result- Uros Medic def. Omar Morales by TKO (punches) at 3:05 of Round 2
Almeida goes right for the takedown as he pushes Porter against the fence. He is able to get the takedown. Almeida working from the half-guard and lands some punches. Almeida with some ground-and-pound from the top. Porter has yet to land a single strike as he has the neck but Almeida pops out and lands more punches from the top. Almeida with more punches from the top. Almeida grabs the neck and locks in a rear-naked choke and Porter taps. An absolutely dominant showing from Almeida.
Official Result- Jailton Almeida def. Parker Porter by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:35 of Round 1
> Middleweights- Joseph Holmes (7-2, 0-1 UFC) vs. Alen Amedovski (8-2, 0-2 UFC)
Holmes landing punches and kicks early as Amedovski is trying to load up his punches. Amedovski lands the jab. Holmes drops Amedovski with a knee and lands a punch but Amedovski gets up. Holmes gets Amedovski down and locks in a rear-naked choke and Amedovski taps. What an impressive showing from Holmes.
Official Result- Joseph Holmes def. Alen Amedovski by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:04 of Round 1
ESPN+ MAIN CARD | 7 PM ET/4 PM PT
> Middleweights- Eryk Anders (14-6 1 NC, 6-6 1 NC UFC) vs. Jun Yong Park (13-5, 3-2 UFC)
Anders coming forward and lands a couple of left hands and they clinch against the fence. Park has the neck as Anders has it pushed against the fence. Park lands a groin strike and we have a brief timeout. They get back to action and Anders pressing forward and lands some left hands as he shoots for the takedown. They break and Anders lands. Park with a leg kick. Park with an inside leg kick. They both connect with punches. Park with a body kick and Anders with a left hand and body kick. They have a wild exchange at the end of the round after Anders got a takedown. 10-9 Anders.
They trade to start the second and Anders gets the takedown. He gets the back of Park as they stand. They break. Park with a left hand and leg kick. Park lands a right hand. They trade nice shots. Anders lands a left hand. Park lands a nice right hand. Anders shoots for the takedown against the fence. They break. Park lands a nice combo. Anders lands a knee to the groin of Park and we have a timeout. They trade as they get back to action. They trade inside the pocket. Anders goes for a takedown against the fence. They separate and Anders with some left hands and he pushes it back against the fence. Anders with a left hand. Anders gets the takedown and jumps on the back as they get to their knees but slips off. Park lands a knee. Another close round. 10-9 Anders, 20-18 Anders.
They’re trading to start the third and Park pushes it against the fence. They’re both landing against the fence. Anders lands a left hand and Park starts to land and hurts Anders. They then start trading and both are landing pretty evenly. Anders is trying for takedowns as he’s grabbing the leg and pushing it against the fence. They break and Anders lands to the body. Park with a leg kick and then another. They trade leg kicks. Anders with a body kick and left hand and Park lands a right hand. Anders tries a takedown but Park defends. Park with a combo inside the pocket and he lands a nice uppercut. Anders with a high kick and Park lands at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Park, 29-28 Anders.
Official Result- Jun Yong Park def. Eryk Anders by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Viana with a body kick. They trade and Viana jumps up for the standing guillotine and they go to the mat with Ricci on top. Ricci stands and lands some leg kicks as Viana is on her back. She keeps landing leg kicks and then Viana is ordered up. Ricci lands the double jab. Ricci gets a takedown. Ricci with some punches from the top. They get warned to have more action and Viana lands from the bottom. Viana landing a lot from the bottom. Ricci postures up and stands at the end and lands a leg kick. 10-9 Viana.
Viana with a body kick. Ricci lands a right hand. Viana lands the jab. Ricci throws some punches but misses on them. Ricci with a leg kick. They trade in close range as Viana backs Ricci up with some punches. Viana with a spinning back fist. Ricci gets a takedown but Viana is being active off the bottom. Ricci gets up and works her way inside the closed guard of Viana. Ricci with some body punches. Ricci stands and Viana is laying on her back. Viana with a kick to the leg and she is ordered up. Viana lands a left had and a body kick. Ricci gets a takedown and ends the round on top. 10-9 Ricci, 19-19.
They trade to start the third and Ricci pushes it against the fence as they battle for underhooks. They break and are trading and Ricci gets a takedown. She’s in the guard but stands and postures up and looks to get back inside the guard. Ricci with leg kicks as Viana is laying on her back. Viana is ordered to her feet. Viana lands a left hand. Ricci tries a takedown but Viana is able to reverse it to where she’s on top. They stand but Ricci picks Viana up and puts her on her back. Ricci stands and lands some leg kicks. Viana is just staying on her back. Ricci with a leg kick. 10-9 Ricci, 29-28 Ricci.
Official Result- Tabatha Ricci def. Polyana Viana by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
They trade high kicks to start. Njokuani just misses a right hand and Todorovic looks for the takedown but Njokuani sprawls. Njokuani looks for the D’Arce choke but switches to a guillotine choke. He lets go and they scramble to the fence. Todorovic takes the back as they stand. Todorovic drags it to the knees but they stand. They remain clinched against the fence. They trade knees. Todorovic is trying hard for the takedown. Njokuani with a knee. Njokuani with some knees to the body and he has the back of Todorovic standing. Njokuani with another knee to the body then he lands a big elbow that knocks Todorovic out cold! What a finish by Njokuani!
Official Result- Chidi Njokuani def. Dusko Todorovic by knockout (elbow) at 4:48 of Round 1
> Welterweights- #14 Santiago Ponzinibbio (28-5, 10-4 UFC) vs. Michel Pereira (27-11 2 NC, 5-2 UFC)
Lots of movement to start this fight out. Pereira with a combo and we have an eye poke by Ponzinibbio. They get back to action and Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Pereira with an overhand right. Pereira comes forward and about lands but lets go of Ponzinibbio when he had the chance to grab the body lock. Pereira with the jab. Pereira with a leg kick. Ponzinibbio missing on his shots as Pereira is getting just out of the way. Pereira with a leg kick and lands a right hand. Pereira lands a right hand that stuns Ponzinibbio for a second. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Pereira with a body kick. Pereira with a combo. They trade right hands. 10-9 Pereira.
Pereira lands to start the second. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Pereira with a right hand. Pereira with a big body kick. Pereira just misses a massive right hand but lands a knee to the body. Pereira with a left hook. They trade in close range. Pereira with a left hand. Ponzinibbio lands a jab then a right hand. Pereira with a left hand. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick. Ponzinibbio lands a nice left hand. Pereira with a left hand as well. Pereira lands a punch that puts Ponzinibbio off balance. Pereira with a nice combination. Pereira with another combo. Ponzinibbio gets a brief takedown. 10-9 Pereira, 20-18 Pereira.
Pereira with a right hand. Pereira with a head kick then lands a right hand. Pereira with a leg kick as he’s avoiding the shots of Ponzinibbio. Ponzinibbio then lands a left hook. Ponzinibbio with the jab. Ponzinibbio lands a combo then is backed up as Pereira lands some short punches. Pereira with some jabs to the body. They’re swinging for the fences. Pereira lands a body kick. Ponzinibbio with a leg kick then a jab. They trade jabs. Pereira with some body shots. They’re both swinging for the fences. Ponzinibbio lands a left hook. They’re both landing in wild exchanges. They both land late. Great fight. 10-9 Ponzinibbio, 29-28 Pereira.
Official Result- Michel Pereira def. Santiago Ponzinibbio by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Holm with a leg kick. Vieira lands a leg kick. They clinch against the fence and Holm reverses position and lands a knee and left hand. They trade knees and Vieira is trying for a takedown but Holm is defending and they just remain tied up against the fence. Holm continuing to land knees to the body as she has Vieira pinned against the fence. Vieira lands some knees to the body and they briefly go to the mat but stand and Holm with more knees to the legs. 10-9 Holm.
Vieira with a high kick after Holm lands a leg kick. Holm with some leg kicks as she avoids the counter attack from Vieira. Vieira with a right hand. Holm lands a combo but Vieira gets a big takedown. They get to their feet after not much happens. Holm looking for the takedown as Vieira is attacking the standing guillotine. Vieira has a standing choke in and it was in tight and Holm was turning purple but she escaped. Holm as the advantage against the fence and she lands some left hands and an elbow. 10-9 Vieira, 19-19.
Holm with a leg kick. Vieira lands a leg kick. Holm lands a left hand but eats a right hand from Vieira. They clinch against the fence. They break after not much happens. Holm with a side kick. They clinch back up and Vieira lands some knees to the body. They break. They keep throwing and clinching for a second. Holm with a side kick. Vieira lands a nice right hand. 10-9 Vieira, 29-28 Vieira.
Both are landing to start the fourth. Holm lands a combo but eats a right hand from Vieira. Holm with a leg kick. Vieira lands a combo. Holm with a high kick. Holm with a combination. Holm with a side kick and Vieira falls to her butt but gets up and eats another high kick from Holm. They clinch against the fence. They quickly break. Holm with a side kick. Vieira lands a nice combination. Holm with a body kick. Holm with her patented running combination. Holm with a late flurry. 10-9 Holm, 38-38.
Vieira with a leg kick. Vieira with a head kick. Vieira lands a spinning elbow. Holm with a left hand. Holm with a side kick. They clinch and Holm lands an elbow on the break. Vieira with a right hand and Holm connects before they clinch. They break and Holm lands some front kicks. She lands another then a leg kick. Holm with a left hand and Vieira lands an uppercut. Holm tries for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They remain tied up and Holm as the control advantage. Holm lands as they break. Vieira tries a takedown but Holm easily defends. Holm trying a late takedown but runs out of time. 10-9 Holm, 48-47 Holm.
Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Holly Holm by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It is International Fight Week for the UFC, a full week of fan events capped off by what is traditionally presented as the biggest card of the year with two titles fights headlining in the UFC’s home of Las Vegas.
In the main event, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his next title defense against challenger Thiago Santos. Jones is looking to continue his reign of dominance on the 205-pound division as he makes his second title defense of 2019 after defeating Anthony Smith in March. Santos has won four straight fights, including his last three since moving up to the light heavyweight division, with all three of those wins coming by stoppage.
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion Amanda Nunes puts the bantamweight title on the line against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm. Nunes is coming off of her first-round knockout win over Cris Cyborg in December to become a double champion, and makes her next 135-pound title defense against the former champion Holm, who hasn’t fought in over a year.
Also on the main card is a welterweight fight with possible title eliminator implications involved as Jorge Masvidal looks to keep his momentum going against the undefeated Ben Askren. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold returns to action for the first time since February 2018 as he makes the move up to 205 pounds to take on Jan Blachowicz. Also, it is a battle of Ultimate Fighter winners as the original TUF champion Diego Sanchez takes on Michael Chiesa.
Among the preliminary card fights will be former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion and former UFC title challenger Gilbert Melendez returning from a long layoff as he fights Arnold Allen, and a women’s strawweight battle between Claudia Gadelha and Randa Markos.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
> Julia Avila (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Pannie Kianzad (11-4, 0-1 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
Avila with some leg kicks early on but Kianzad fires back with a right hand. They clinch and Kianzad has the underhooks. They trade knees in the clinch. Avila with a couple of big knees. Avila has the clinc advantage. Avila lands a right hand as they break and Kianzad fires back with a right. Kianzad with a high kick and they clinch again. Kianzad with a combo as she separates. Kianzad with another right hand. Avila lands a right. Kianzad with another right hand. She lands another combo. Avila now landing big punches against the fence. Avila with a knee in the clinch. Even on the feet but Avila landing the harder punches. Avila with a knee and elbow late. 10-9 Avila.
They quickly clinch up to start the second round. Avila lands a right hand as they break. Kianzad with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Avila with a high kick and Kianzad turns it into a takedown but they scramble to their feet. Kianzad lands a hard left hand. Kianzad lands a right hand. Avila lands a combo against the fence and they clinch. Both land as they break and Kianzad with a combo and another right hand. Kianzad with a combo as she urges Avila to come on. Avila now rocks Kianzad and lands lots of punches before they clinch. Avila is cut under her eye. Avila with a front kick to the body. Kianzad just misses a spinning back fist. Kianzad goes for a takedown but Avila scrambles. 10-9 Avila, 20-18 Avila.
Both firing away to start the third. Avila lands some punches as Kianzad covers up and backs to the fence. They clinch and trade positioning. They break and Avila drops Kianzad with a left hand and goes into her guard and lands more punches. Kianzad working for an arm but gives up her back and Avila looks to get the hooks in working for a choke. Avila now gets the mount for a moment, loses it and regains it. Avila has the back again working for the choke. Avila still working for it but Kianzad is fighting it off well. Kianzad survives the round. 10-8 Avila, 30-26 Avila.
Official Result- Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Rencountre with a leg kick and Naurdiev fires back with a kick that hits the arms of Rencountre. They tie up and Rencountre tries a throw but Naurdiev reverses it and they stand. Naurdiev with some body kicks and they tie up and scramble to the mat with Naurdiev in the guard of Rencountre. Naurdiev gets the back as they stand and lands a body kick on the break. Naurdiev with a right hand. Naurdiev with a knee and then some right hands. Rencountre grabs the single leg. Rencountre gets him down and they are against the fence. Rencountre in the half-guard looking to set up an arm-triangle. Rencountre with some body punches. Rencountre gets to side control as the round ends. 10-9 Rencountre.
Naurdiev with a high kick and Rencountre turns it into a takedown and has the back. Rencountre working for a choke. He flattens Naurdiev out and starts landing punches and gets his arm around the neck but lets go. Rencountre with more punches from the back. He flattens Naurdiev out again. Naurdiev spins and Rencountre is in the half-guard. Rencountre lands some elbows. Rencountre continues to land from the half-guard but not much going on. 10-9 Rencountre, 20-18 Rencountre.
They come out trading and Naurdiev lands a flying knee but Rencountre turns it into a takedown but they scramble back up. Rencountre lands a hard left hand. Rencountre rocks him again and goes for a takedown. Rencountre gets him down and takes the back and lands punches. Naurdiev spins out but Rencountre maintains top position. Rencountre remains on top but Naurdiev lands short punches. They get to their feet. Naurdiev with a late takedown. 10-9 Rencountre, 30-27 Rencountre.
Official Result- Chance Rencountre def. Ismail Naurdiev by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)
> Edmen Shahbazyan (9-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jack Marshman (23-8, 3-3 UFC) Middleweights
Shahbazyan with a leg kick. Shahbazyan lands a right hand. Shahbazyan shoots in and completes a takedown and starts landing big punches from the top. Lots of punches as Marshman is fighting to keep him off. Shahbazyan with side control and gets the back and has the rear-naked choke locked in and Marshman taps! What a performance from Shahbazyan, a real prospect.
Official Result- Edmen Shahbazyan def. Jack Marshman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round 1
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> Alejandro Perez (#14, 21-7-1, 7-2-1 UFC) vs. Song Yadong (13-4 1 NC, 3-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Yadong lands a right hand. Both men feeling each other out. Yadong lands another right. Yadong then drops Perez with a massive right hand and Perez is out cold and this is over. Wow, what a right hand by Yadong. Impressive finish.
Official Result- Song Yadong def. Alejandro Perez by knockout (punch) at 2:04 of Round 1
Gadelha with a right hand. Both women land punches. Gadelha lands a nice combo. Gadelha with another hard combo. Gadelha with more punches that land as Markos has been unable to score any offense. They both land punches inside the pocket. Gadelha with another combo. They both land late. 10-9 Gadelha.
Gadelha goes for a high kick but it doesn’t connect. Markos rushes in and misses her punches and backs away. Gadelha lands a combo. Markos hasn’t had much offense and Gadelha is being patient. They tie up and both landing in the clinch before breaking. Gadelha goes for a takedown against the fence but Markos defends. 10-9 Gadelha, 20-18 Gadelha.
Gadelha lands a couple of punches. Markos is doing almost nothing except circling away and throwing the occasional punch. Gadelha lands a short uppercut and then a left hook. Gadelha lands a right hand. Markos lands a left hand. Both land a punch. Markos lands a left hand. Markos with a leg kick but eats a counter combo from Gadelha. Gadelha with a right hand. 10-9 Gadelha, 30-27 Gadelha.
Official Result- Claudia Gadelha def. Randa Markos by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Marlon Vera (13-5-1, 7-4 UFC) vs. Nohelin Hernandez (10-2, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Vera with some leg kicks early on. Vera with a body kick. They trade punches. Vera with more kicks towards the body. They trade kicks and Vera grabs the leg and gets Hernandez to the ground and has the back. Vera gets the hooks in and is working for a choke. Vera with punches from the back as he is trying to get a choke locked in. Vera now transitioning for an armbar. Hernandez escapes and starts landing hammerfists and elbows and punches from the guard of Vera. Hernandez with punches from the top and now grabs the neck of Vera. He looks for a choke but time runs out. 10-9 Vera.
Vera with a high body kick. Hernandez gets a takedown. Hernandez landing from the top and now stands and is throwing kicks to the legs of Vera on the mat. Vera finally gets up. Vera lands a knee and gets the mount as they go to the ground and lands elbows and Hernandez gives up his back and Vera gets the rear-naked choke locked in and gets Hernandez to tap. Big win for Vera.
Official Result- Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:25 of Round 2
> Gilbert Melendez (22-7, 1-5 UFC) vs. Arnold Allen (14-1, 5-0 UFC) Featherweights
Allen with a high kick. Melendez with a combo. Both swinging punches that are missing. They trade punches. Allen lands a left hand. Melendez lands a right hand. They trade punches and Melendez with a body kick and Allen trips him up but Melendez gets to his feet. Allen with a jumping body kick. Allen lands a right hand and then a left to the body. Allen lands some punches against the fence. Allen landing more punches near the fence but Melendez circles away. Allen with more left hands to the body and then a spin kick to the body. 10-9 Allen.
Melendez with a leg kick. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a high kick and then a left hand to the body. Allen with a combo. They both throw wild punches and Allen gets the better of it. Allen with a left hand to the body. Allen landing with more volume here in the second. Melendez with a leg kick. 10-9 Allen, 20-18 Allen.
Melendez with a body kick. Allen tries a kick but Melendez catches the leg though Allen gets the clinch against the fence. Allen gets a takedown and is in the guard of Melendez. They get to their feet. Allen lands a high kick. Melendez circling around and landing a punch every now and then while Allen applies pressure. Allen with a head kick. Melendez lands a right hand. Allen with a body kick. Allen with a jumping switch kick. Melendez lands a right hand late. 10-9 Allen, 30-27 Allen.
Official Result- Arnold Allen def. Gilbert Melendez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Diego Sanchez (29-11, 18-11 UFC) vs. Michael Chiesa (15-4, 8-4 UFC) Welterweights
Sanchez comes running out. Sanchez gets an early takedown but Chiesa calm and reverses. Chiesa now gets the back and is working for an arm but Sanchez escapes and is now in the guard. They work to their feet. Chiesa with a takedown but right back up. Chiesa with a knee to the body. They go back to the mat and Chiesa has the back. Chiesa landing punches and trying to set up a choke. Chiesa has it locked in but lets go. Chiesa landing elbows from the back. Sanchez escapes to his feet and has the back of Chiesa. They go to the mat and Chiesa back on top. Chiesa lands some punches from the top and then gets the back and lands some more. 10-9 Chiesa.
Chiesa gets a quick takedown. Chiesa working for a choke from the top. Sanchez giving up his back and eating punches. They get to their feet and Chiesa with some knees before he takes Sanchez back down and is just landing at will from the top. Chiesa landing more and more and Sanchez is in a whole lot of trouble. Sanchez tries for a kneebar but Chiesa rolls out and has the back. Chiesa flattens Sanchez out and landing lots of punches. This should be stopped. Sanchez just eating lots of shots. Chiesa tries for a choke but Sanchez somehow escapes and gets to his feet. Chiesa gets another takedown. Sanchez trying to roll out but Chiesa still has the back. Sanchez survives the round. 10-8 Chiesa, 20-17 Chiesa.
Chiesa grabs a leg of Sanchez and takes him down. Chiesa has the back and Sanchez manages to escape to his feet. They separate. Chiesa lands some punches and easily takes Sanchez back down. Chiesa gets the back of Sanchez. Sanchez is escaping every time Chiesa gets his back but Chiesa takes it right back. Chiesa with elbows. Chiesa has the hooks in but time is going to run out before he can find a finish. 10-8 Chiesa, 30-25 Chiesa.
Official Result- Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Jan Blachowicz (#6, 23-8, 6-5 UFC) vs. Luke Rockhold (16-4, 6-3 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rockhold right away with a high kick. He throws more kicks to the body and then lands a left hand. Rockhold shoots for a takedown but Blachowicz defending against the fence. Rockhold working hard for the takedown but Blachowicz defending well. Rockhold with some knees against the fence. Blachowicz lands a hard elbow. They break. Rockhold with a head kick and then a body kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Blachowicz just misses some punches. Blachowicz with a leg kick. Rockhold with another high kick. Rockhold just misses another. Rockhold with a spin kick to the body. Blachowicz lands some punches late that wobbles Rockhold and a kick that trips him up. 10-9 Blachowicz.
Blachowicz wobbles Rockhold at the start of the second. They clinch up and Rockhold lands a knee. Rockhold trying a weird strategy of tie-ups. They separate and then Blachowicz knocks Rockhold out with a nasty left hook. He knocked Rockhold down and then finished it with more punches on the ground. Big win for Blachowicz.
Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Luke Rockhold by knockout (punches) at 1:39 of Round 2
> Jorge Masvidal (#4, 33-13, 10-6 UFC) vs. Ben Askren (#5, 19-0 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) Welterweights
Oh my god. Masvidal knocked Askren out cold in less than 5 seconds with a flying knee. This was the absolute craziest thing I’ve ever seen in the UFC. Masvidal came running out with a flying knee than landed clean and Askren went out cold and he landed a couple of unneeded punches before the referee could actually stop it. That is the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history.
Official Result- Jorge Masvidal def. Ben Askren by knockout (flying knee) in :05 of Round 1
Nunes with a body kick. Nunes with a kick and then stumbles over herself. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes lands a head kick. Nunes lands a right hand. Holm with side kicks. They clinch and Nunes with a knee before they break. They trade knees in another clinch and Nunes briefly takes Holm down but they pop right back up. They trade kicks. Nunes with a right hand. Nunes with a leg kick. Nunes with a head kick that knocks Holm down and then she finishes it with more punches on the ground. What a great finish by Nunes as she remains the champion.
Official Result- Amanda Nunes def. Holly Holm by TKO (head kick, punches) at 4:10 of Round 1, Nunes remains the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion
> Jon Jones (C, 24-1 1 NC, 18-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Thiago Santos (#2, 21-6, 13-5 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
Both throwing kicks right away. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos just misses some high kicks but lands a leg kick. Santos with a body kick but Jones catches it and just misses a spinning elbow. Jones with a high kick. Santos just misses a left hook. Santos just misses a punch and Jones loses the mouthpiece. Jones with the oblique kick and Santos lands a counter punch. Jones with a spin kick. Jones with another spin kick. 10-9 Santos.
Santos with a leg kick. Santos landing punches that back Jones up and then lands another leg kick. Santos with a high kick that is blocked by Jones. Jones with a side kick. Jones knocks Santos down briefly with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Jones with a front kick. Santos backs up Jones by throwing some punches. Santos with a right hand followed by a leg kick. Jones with a body kick. Santos throws some more. Jones with a spin kick. 10-9 Jones, 19-19.
Santos might have hurt his leg in the second round. Santos with a high kick. Jones with a leg kick. Santos with a high kick. Santos throwing punches and one connects as Jones backs up. Jones with a body kick and Santos falls on his butt for a second. Jones with a flying knee. Jones with some leg kicks. Santos with a leg kick. He lands another. Santos falls landing a high kick and Jones lands an elbow on him. Jones with a spin kick. They trade close. Jones with a head kick and then a side kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a spinning elbow. 10-9 Jones, 29-28 Jones.
Santos with a leg kick and lands a right hand that backs Jones up. Jones just misses a spinning head kick. Santos has slowed down some. Santos with a leg kick followed by a left hook. Santos with a leg kick. Jones just misses an uppercut. Jones misses a spinning back fist. The pace has really slowed here. Santos with a leg kick. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a leg kick. 10-9 Jones, 39-37 Jones.
This is a close fight heading into the fifth. Santos with a body kick. Santos lands some punches as Jones covers up. Santos with a leg kick. Santos just misses a left hand after landing a jab. Santos with a left hand and then another. Santos with a body kick. Jones with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Jones with a side kick. Santos with a body kick and his knee is hurting from earlier. Santos lands a left. Jones misses a flying knee attempt. Santos with a punch. Santos catches a kick attempt by Jones. Santos with a leg kick. Crowd booing the end but this was a good fight. 10-9 Santos, 48-47 Jones.
Official Result- Jon Jones def. Thiago Santos by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47), Jones remains the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Three UFC title fights are set to take place this summer.
ESPN’s Brett Okamoto reported Wednesday that Jon Jones will defend the UFC light heavyweight championship against Thiago Santos at July’s UFC 239 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
Jones won the vacant title back in December by defeating Alexander Gustafsson. He then defeated Anthony Smith by unanimous decison to retain the title in early-March.
Santos is on a four fight winning streak, most recently defeating Jan Blachowicz by KO in February.
Meanwhile, champ-champ Amanda Nunes will defend her bantamweight belt against Holly Holm in the co-main event. Nunes defeated Cris Cyborg in an upset to win the women’s featherweight title, while Holm defeated Megan Anderson in her last outing. Holm was originally set to face Aspen Ladd earlier this month, but the fight was scrapped as Holm was re-negotiating her contract.
UFC also confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Henry Cejudo will fight Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight title in the main event of June’s UFC 238 in Chicago, IL. The previous champion, TJ Dillashaw, vacated the title after he recently failed a New York State drug test. Cejudo defeated Dillashaw in a champion vs. champion fight in January to retain his flyweight championship while Moraes is on a four fight winning streak.
Plans for All Elite Wrestling started to come into focus at a rally in Jacksonville, Florida last Tuesday. A surprise appearance by Chris Jericho closed the event, with Jericho instantly becoming the highest profile signing AEW has made in its brief history. “I’m Chris Jericho, and I am all in with All Elite Wrestling,” Jericho said to begin his speech. “Surprise — I think we just took things to a different level, didn’t we?” Jericho said he’s not here with AEW for the money — he’s here because he believes in doing something new and different.
The business year in review issue of the Wrestling Observer is out with looks at both the biggest drawing cards and best big match wrestlers of the modern era.
This issue looks at combat sports including the biggest crowds of 2018, what main eventers headlined the most successful house shows, PPV numbers for 2018, big crowds broken down by major promotion, and UFC PPV comparisons over the last 12 years.
Also have a detailed look at the new signings and negotiations over the past week. Look in depth at the battle to sign Rush, including what MLW and RHO offered, how CMLL played a role, and when Rush will be a free agent.
Read the update on the Royal Rumble show, the story behind why Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman was pulled from the show a long time before it got out, the real reasons why the match isn’t happening and why it continued to be pushed even though it wasn’t happening.
Read a complete rundown of the NXT UK show, with match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Examine the success of WWE stock, the new U.K. training center, WWE women’s’ tag team titles, the reasons behind some of the debuts of new characters on television, Vince McMahon’s new XFL update, WWE changing hosts for WWE Network, new contracts signed, injury updates, who wants out, and the Nigel McGuinness documentary.
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TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
SmackDown takes place tonight at the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Matches for tonight include Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade in a 2 out of 3 falls match, Mandy Rose vs. Naomi and The Miz vs. Cesaro with their tag team partners in their respective corners. Mr. McMahon will also moderate a face-to-face between WWE champion Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles ahead of their match this Sunday.
Sasha Banks had some words for Ronda Rousey following what went down on Raw: “You wanna call me a faux horsewomen? I laugh. You wanna say you’re gonna tap me out? I say come try it. You wanna call into question my desire for professional wrestling? I’ll kick your teeth in, tap you out, and send you back to your farm wishing you never even stepped in a ring. Enjoy the next couple of days because come Royal rumble @rondarousey you step into my world. And I ain’t got no time to waste on fake ones. #legitboss”
Performance Center trainees were asked their Royal Rumble predictions.
WWE put out a press release saying they are now partnering with New Era Cap, who will make hats and other headwear for WWE going forward.
Pro Wrestling
The Tag Wars semifinals and finals will take place at the Road to G1 Supercard on January 26. The winners will get a shot at the ROH tag team titles and will be a part of the NWA’s Crockett Cup tournament on April 27.
Marty Scurll will face either Mark Haskins or Jonathan Gresham on the same night. Who he will face will depend on who advances in the Tag Wars tournament.
MLW announced that internet host GoDaddy will be sponsoring future events, starting with next Saturday’s MLW Fusion live event.
PWInsider reported that Roxanne Biggerstaff, who briefly worked for Impact Wrestling as a valet for the Disciples of the New Church, passed away Friday after being found unresponsive in her home.
Impact has renewed their deal for Mexico with MVS Comunicaciones/MVStv.
Ed in San Antonio presents the WON/F4W Empire Events for WRESTLEMANIA Weekend (more to be added):
Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Empire lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 219: Cyborg vs. Holm, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The UFC closes out 2017 with one of the biggest women’s’ title fights in history as UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg makes her first title defense against former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, who looks to become the first woman to win UFC titles in two different weight classes.
Cyborg finally became a UFC champion in July when she scored a knockout win over Tonya Evinger, and she makes her first title defense against Holm, who is most famous for knocking out Ronda Rousey to end her reign as champion at 135 pounds. Holm is coming off of a head-kick knockout win over Bethe Correira in June.
In the co-main event, Khabib Nurmagomedov makes his long-awaited return to action as he takes on Edson Barboza in a bout that could determine who is next in line at 155 pounds. Also on the main card, Cynthia Calvillo takes on former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza, and former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit returns to action as he battles Neil Magny.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
> Tim Elliott (#11 FLW, 14-8-1, 3-6 UFC) vs. Mark De La Rosa (9-0, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Elliott goes for an early takedown but De La Rosa has the neck and Elliott passes to side control as he pops his neck out. Elliott in the full guard. De La Rosa looking for an armbar but Elliott defending. Elliott picks him up and slams him down but De La Rosa still has the arm. He gets out of it and takes the back. They scramble and Elliott gets back into the guard. Elliott lands some punches from the top. Elliott looking for a D’arce choke and then has an arm-in guillotine and has De La Rosa mounted. He lets go but lands some elbows and then takes the back. Elliott with more shots from the top. 10-9 Elliott.
Elliott immediately grabs the neck and goes for a choke before they scramble on the mat. Elliott gets into the guard and is landing punches. De La Rosa looking for a triangle but Elliott is able to grab the neck and locks in an anaconda choke and gets De La Rosa to tap out. Big win for Elliott, who is emotional after the fight after his coach, Robert Follis, passed away two weeks ago.
Official Result- Tim Elliott def. Mark De La Rosa by submission (anaconda choke) at 1:41 of Round 2
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Louis Smolka (#14, 11-4, 5-4 UFC) vs. Matheus Nicolau (12-1-1, 2-0 UFC) Flyweights
They come out swinging and Nicolau landed a big left hook. Nicolau landed a right hand and is showing good movement on his feet. Nicolau then dropped Smolka with a left hand and goes on top and lands some. They got back to their feet and Nicolau dropped Smolka again with a combo. Nicolau in the half-guard and looking for an arm-triangle choke. He has it in deep and Smolka is trying to fight it off and he somehow escapes. They get to their feet. Nicolau rocks Smolka on the feet with a big combo and then drops Smolka once again with another left hook. Smolka somehow survives the round. 10-8 Nicolau.
Smolka firing away some kicks as Nicolau is landing the jab that opens up Smolka. Nicolau rocks Smolka again with a combo. They trade big punches. Smolka starting to land more punches now but Nicolau is quicker on his feet. Smolka with a body kick. Nicolau tags Smolka again. Smolka with another body kick but eats more left hooks from Nicolau. Smolka with another body kick but eats more punches from Nicolau. 10-9 Nicolau, 20-17 Nicolau.
Smolka the one pressing forward to start the round. Both land. Smolka with a high kick but Nicolau grabs the leg and gets a takedown. Nicolau with some leg kicks. Smolka gets to his feet and lands a leg kick. Nicolau lands from the top but they get to their feet. Smolka lands a left hook. Nicolau gets another takedown and looks for a choke but Smolka is able to scramble and pull guard. Nicolau gets the back of Smolka and is looking for a late choke. He almost has it but Smolka escapes as the fight ends.
Official Result- Matheus Nicolau def. Louis Smolka by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
Akhmedov with a leg kick right away. They trade punches and Akhmedov with more kicks, to the legs and body. Akhmedov is landing big punches as Vettori is backing away. They trade big punches in the pocket. Akhmedov hurts Vettori with a left hand and Vettori is pinned against the fence. They trade punches and Vettori looking for openings. Akhmedov shoots for a takedown against the fence but it is defended. 10-9 Akhmedov.
Akhmedov with some leg kicks to start the second round and then lands a big right hand. Vettori coming forward but eating punches and kicks from Akhmedov. Akhmedov gets a takedown. Vettori goes for a triangle but Akhmedov escapes. Vettori is able to get to his feet and they separate. Akhmedov with a spinning back fist. They trade kicks. Vettori with a left hand as he presses forward. Akhmedov is beginning to slow down. They trade and Vettori pushes Akhmedov against the fence but they break the clinch. Both look gassed out as the round ends. 10-9 Akhmedov, 20-18 Akhmedov.
Vettori lands some big punches to start the third round and he has Akhmedov in trouble. Vettori with a step-in knee. They clinch and break and Akhmedov spits out his mouthpiece to induce a timeout. Back to action and Akhmedov with a spinning back fist. They start swinging and both land and Vettori with a body kick. They clinch against the fence. Vettori lands a knee on the break and then some left hands. Vettori lands a big head kick and Akhmedov stumbles back. Vettori with a knee to the body. He is landing lots of punches this round. Akhmedov goes for a takedown but falls to his back and Vettori gets on top and is landing big ground-and-pound as the fight ends. Gonna be close on the scorecards. 10-9 Vettori, 29-28 Akhmedov.
Official Result- Marvin Vettori vs. Omari Akhmedov ends in a majority draw (28-28, 29-28 Vettori, 28-28)
> Myles Jury (#15, 16-2, 7-2 UFC) vs. Rick Glenn (20-4-1, 2-1 UFC) Featherweights
They trade kicks before clinching against the fence. They break as Jury lands a knee. Jury with a body kick. They trade punches and Jury rocks Glenn with a left hand. Jury with a body kick. Jury with another body kick. Glenn gets a brief takedown but Jury sweeps to the top and is in the guard. They get to their feet and trade body kicks. Glenn lands a nice combo. Jury with a body kick. Jury with a flying knee and follows it with a left hand and Glenn was rocked. 10-9 Jury.
Glenn comes forward with pressure and presses Jury against the fence but they break. Jury lands a combo. Glenn goes for a takedown but Jury rolls away. Jury with a body kick. Glenn working for the takedown against the fence and they scramble for a moment. Jury gets on top and working for an arm-triangle but Glenn is able to escape. Jury still on top and is blocking any offense attempts from Glenn. Jury with some punches from the top. 10-9 Jury, 20-18 Jury.
They trade and then clinch against the fence before breaking. Jury lands a left hand and is showing good movement on the feet. They trade and Glenn is trying to apply pressure but Jury is landing kicks and knees to keep him away. Jury lands a left hand. Glenn with a high kick that is blocked. Jury with a knee in the clinch. Glenn keeps coming forward though he is losing the exchanges. Jury with more knees to the body. Jury with a late takedown and some punches from the top.
Official Result- Myles Jury def. Rick Glenn by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Khalil Rountree (6-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (12-2, 0-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rountree with a kick to the body. Oleksiejczuk lands a punch. Rountree with a high body kick and then a leg kick. Rountree with a big combo and Oleksiejczuk is cut around his right eye. Oleksiejczuk gets a takedown. Rountree grabs the neck and gets to his feet. Rountree still has the neck and Oleksiejczuk is in trouble. Rountree with a flying knee and he is now teeing off on Oleksiejczuk. Rountree taking deep breaths and lands a right hand. Oleksiejczuk lands a right hand and then lands a combo. Rountree lands some punches but Oleksiejczuk lands more in return. Rountree is slowing down. Oleksiejczuk with body punches and a body kick. Both landing in close range. Close round. 10-9 Oleksiejczuk.
Rountree comes out firing quickly. They trade punches. Rountree still gassed, though. Oleksiejczuk now landing more and he is beginning to pick Rountree apart. Rountree lands an uppercut though as there are still openings. They trade kicks. Oleksiejczuk with combos to the body. Rountree still throwing punches in return. They trade left hands. Rountree with some knees in the clinch but Oleksiejczuk lands some body punches. Oleksiejczuk with a body kick. 10-9 Oleksiejczuk, 20-18 Oleksiejczuk.
Rountree lands some punches to start the third. Oleksiejczuk grabs a single leg and scores a takedown. Oleksiejczuk landing from the top while holding Rountree on the mat. Oleksiejczuk moves to side control. Rountree trying to get out from the bottom. He starts to scramble but Oleksiejczuk grabs his back and keeps him on the mat. Oleksiejczuk in side control and is landing elbows. Oleksiejczuk grabs the back but gets back to sinde control against the fence. Oleksiejczuk landing body punches. Big round for Oleksiejczuk. 10-8 Oleksiejczuk, 30-26 Oleksiejczuk.
Official Result- Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Khalil Rountree by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Carlos Condit (#8, 30-10, 7-6 UFC) vs. Neil Magny (#12, 19-6, 12-5 UFC) Welterweights
Condit with a quick leg kick. Condit with a kick but Magny grabs it and pushes Condit to the mat. Magny comes in and Condit grabs the leg and is looking to get up but Magny gets into his full guard. Condit gets to his feet. Magny gets a brief takedown. They are clinched and both land before they break. They both land punches. Condit just misses a head kick. Condit with a leg kick. Condit with a combo. Magny lands a right hand. Condit lands a right hand and then a leg kick. Condit with a spin kick. 10-9 Magny.
Condit with a combo ending with a body kick. Condit with a body kick and then a heavy leg kick. Magny with a body kick and Condit follows with a leg kick and they clinch. Magny with some knees and gets a takedown. Condit looking for a leg lock. Magny gets into the guard of Condit. They get back to their feet and Condit lands an elbow on the break. Condit getting aggressive and lands some elbows. Condit with a combo and has Magny clinched against the fence. Magny with a takedown but Condit right back up. Magny gets another takedown. Condit looking for an armbar. Magny with some punches from the top. 10-9 Magny, 20-18 Magny.
They trade kicks. Condit with a body kick and then a leg kick. Condit with a combo. Magny with a leg kick. Condit misses a head kick and Magny grabs his back. Condit has the arm looking for a kimura but loses it. Magny lands a right hand. Condit with a combo. Condit with a combo against the fence and then lands a body kick followed by a leg kick. They trade in close range. Magny with a leg kick. Condit with a spinning back kick. Condit with another spin kick. Condit with a combo and another spin kick followed by an elbow. They clinch and Magny gets a takedown and is in the guard. Condit trying to scramble out from the bottom and does. 10-9 Magny, 30-27 Magny.
Official Result- Neil Magny def. Carlos Condit by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
They trade punches early. Calvillo ducks under a strike from Esparza and gets a takedown. Calvillo in the half-guard. They both look to scramble and Calvillo gets in the full guard. Esparza looking for the armbar from the bottom. She might have it but loses it and Calvillo is in side control. Esparza with elbows from the bottom. Calvillo with some short elbows from the top. Esparza tried to use the fence to spin out from the bottom but Calvillo still landing from side control. They almost get up but Calvillo takes it down and lands some big punches. Calvillo tries to take the back but Esparza ends up on top and lands some punches to end the round. 10-9 Calvillo.
Calvillo with some leg kicks to start the second round. Calvillo lands an overhand right. Esparza with a leg kick and then a combo. Esparza lands a big right hand. Calvillo coming forward but not landing anything. Calvillo lands a left hand after having a takedown attempt stuffed. Calvillo lands a right hand. Calvillo stuffs a takedown attempt from Esparza. They trade punches. Calvillo lands a right hand. Esparza gets a brief takedown and lands a leg kick as Calvillo was standing up. Esparza lands a right hand. Esparza with a body kick as Calvillo lands a right hand. Esparza with a takedown but Calvillo gets right back up. 10-9 Esparza, 19-19.
They trade punches. Esparza grabs a single leg but Calvillo defends and pushes Esparza against the fence. They break. Esparza with a leg kick and then another. Esparza with another leg kick. Neither lady landing many punches. Esparza opens up her combos with leg kicks. They trade kicks. They trade punches. Esparza is applying more pressure this round and lands a right hand. Calvillo goes for a takedown but it is defended. Esparza has the neck and uses it to break and lands a left hook as they break. Esparza lands a combo. Esparza with a takedown but Calvillo scrambles to her feet immediately. Esparza with a leg kick. They exchange wild punches at the end. 10-9 Esparza, 29-28 Esparza.
Official Result- Carla Esparza def. Cynthia Calvillo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Dan Hooker (14-7, 4-3 UFC) vs. Marc Diakiese (12-1, 3-1 UFC) Lightweights
Both looking for their range early on. Diakiese just misses a spinning back kick. They trade leg kicks. Hooker with a big leg kick. Diakiese with a spinning back kick to the body though Hooker catches the leg but lets go. Hooker lands the jab. Hooker with a leg kick. Diakiese with a body kick. He just misses a wheel kick to the head. Hooker gets a late takedown, Diakiese gets to his feet just before the round ends. 10-9 Hooker.
Diakiese lands a left hand. Hooker with a body kick. Both still gauging range. Diakiese lands another left hand. They are clinched and Hooker working for a takedown against the fence. They break and Diakiese with a couple of calf kicks. Hooker with a right hand and then gets a takedown. Hooker has the back but is not doing anything. The crowd is booing and the referee warns them to work. Hooker is working for a choke. Not much happened after. Boring round. 10-9 Hooker, 20-18 Hooker.
Diakiese coming out aggressive. Diakiese with a couple of big right hands. Diakiese with a left hook followed by a right hand. Diakiese looks for a takedown but Hooker grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke. It is in tight and Diakiese immediately taps out. Big win for Hooker.
Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Marc Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at :42 of Round 3
Barboza immediately lands some leg kicks. He lands another. Both throwing big punches but neither landing. Nurmagomedov lands a right hand and then grabs the body lock. Barboza able to scramble away. Barboza with a body kick then followed with a leg kick. Khabib with a flying knee and then grabs the body and gets the takedown. Khabib with some big elbows. He lands some big left hands. Barboza pinned down. Nurmagomedov with some big punches from the top. Khabib with a big right hand. Khabib gets into the full mount but Barboza escapes position. Khabib with big right hands and left hands as he’s looking to finish. Nurmagomedov just mauling Barboza on the mat. Nurmagomedov with big ground-and-pound using elbows. Khabib almost had a choke. Nurmagomedov with more big punches at the end. 10-8 Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov with some body kicks to start the second. Barboza is tired. Nurmagomedov with a big combo. Khabib with a lot of kicks landing. Nurmagomedov pushes Barboza against the fence but doesn’t take him down. They break and Khabib with a lot of pressure. Barboza lands some body punches and a body kick. Nurmagomedov with two big right hands and he has the leg and gets a takedown. Nurmagomedov has the back. Nurmagomedov gets on top and is laying big punches on Barboza. Big ground-and-pound by Khabib to end the round. 10-8 Nurmagomedov, 20-16 Nurmagomedov.
Khabib landing big punches on the feet to start the third. Nurmagomedov grabs the legs against the fence and works for the takedown and gets it. Barboza is able to get up and escape and he lands a wheel kick to the body. Barboza misses another wheel kick attempt and Nurmagomedov gets a takedown. Khabib with punches but Barboza gets to his feet and throws some late offense. Big win for Khabib in an incredible performance. 10-9 Nurmagomedov, 30-25 Nurmagomedov.
Official Result- Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-24)
Holm pressing forward to start the fight. Cyborg tried a head kick but Holm grabbed the leg and threw her down. Cyborg got up and they clinched against the fence but broke. Cyborg lands a left hand. Holm lands a right hand. Both ladies land punches. Holm lands a combo. Cyborg with a leg kick and lands a combo. They trade and then clinch and Cyborg lands a knee. Holm lands a left hand. Holm just misses a head kick and Cyborg lands a right hand at the horn. 10-9 Cyborg.
Both land punches inside the first thirty seconds. Cyborg lands a combo. Holm keeps coming forward but is eating counter punches. Cyborg with a body kick. Holm with a high kick. Holm lands a left hand. Both land punches. Holm lands a left and they clinch again. Holm lands an elbow on the break. Holm lands a left hand. They clinch and Holm lands on the break. Both land big punches. Cyborg with a body kick. Holm lands a left. 10-9 Holm, 19-19.
Holm just misses a head kick. Cyborg misses a body kick. They clinch and Cyborg has the underhooks. Cyborg with a knee to the body on the break. Holm lands a combo. Cyborg with a leg kick. Cyborg lands a right hand. Holm with a right hand followed by a high body kick. Holm lands a left hand. Cyborg with a high kick. Cyborg with a knee to the body. Cyborg with a body kick and Holm counters with a leg kick. Holm just misses a hook kick. They clinch but quickly break. Holm lands the left hand. Cyborg with a body kick. Cyborg lands a right hand and then a big flurry at the end. 10-9 Cyborg, 29-28 Cyborg.
Holm lands a left hand. She just misses a head kick. Cyborg with a body kick. Cyborg landing more combos and lands a high kick. Holm lands a body kick. They trade kicks. Holm lands a left hand but Cyborg counters with a right hand. Cyborg with a teet kick. Holm with a body kick. They clinch but break and Cyborg chases Holm around the Octagon. They trade high kicks. Holm just misses a high kick but lands a combo. Cyborg with the jab. Holm with a head kick that is blocked. 10-9 Cyborg, 39-37 Cyborg.
Holm with a body kick. Holm with a high kick. Cyborg with a high kick. They both land leg kicks. They clinch and Holm has the better position. They break and Cyborg with a body kick. They trade kicks. Holm with a high kick. Cyborg with a right hand. Cyborg with a body kick. Holm with a body kick. Cyborg with a leg kick and Holm lands a left hand. Holm with a body kick. Cyborg with the jab but Holm lands a left hand. Both land punches and Cyborg gets the better of it. Cyborg with a right hand. 10-9 Cyborg, 49-46 Cyborg.
Official Result- Cris Cyborg def. Holly Holm by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), Cyborg remains UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion
It’s the last event of a relatively down year for MMA as UFC 219 airs on PPV Saturday night from Las Vegas, NV.
Cris Cyborg defends her featherweight title against former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in the main event. This will be Cyborg’s first title defense in a division that is relatively contenderless as there’s only 2-3 women in the actual division.
In the co-main, it’s a likely title eliminator situation as the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov returns after a long layoff to face Edson Barboza in a battle of top five lightweight contenders. Nurmagomedov was supposed to face Tony Ferguson for the interim belt earlier this year, but the enigmatic Russian failed to make weight and the fight went to Keith Lee instead. He’s been off for more than a year and will try to keep his streak going against the longtime contender Barboza who was last seen knocking out Beneil Dariush in March.
Outside of the top two matches, this card is relatively thin for a PPV. Jimmie Rivera was originally scheduled to face former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and later John Lineker but when Lineker dropped out due to a tooth infection, there wasn’t enough notice to find Rivera an opponent so that fight was scrapped despite the efforts to get Marlon Moraes to take the bout.
Former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit will meet Neil Magny in a welterweight fight that will kick off the main card, while the unbeaten Cynthia Calvillo will try to keep that zero in the loss column when she faces the first ever UFC strawweight champion, Carla Esparza.
Rounding out our panel picks is a featherweight fight on the FS1 prelims where former TUF lightweight competitor Myles Jury will attempt to pick up his second straight win since moving down a weight class as he meets former WSOF champion Rick Glenn. The latter is coming off a one-sided beatdown of rising contender Gavin Tucker in his last fight.
If you’re new here, our panel picks are listed below and alongside the fighter’s names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. The panelist’s 2017 records is in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks as well as a line where we show how the betting favorites did:
Dave Meltzer (54-26; .675) — Wrestling Observer publisher
Tom Lawlor (27-16; .628) – Co-host of Filthy Four Daily; pro wrestling undercard fighter; UFC enhancement talent currently suspended due to wellness violation
Steve Juon (50-30; .625) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
Cyborg is fighting for the fourth time in the UFC and has knocked out all three of her previous opponents, including Tony Evinger in her last bout to win the title that had been vacated by Germaine de Randamie. She is facing a woman who will most likely be the most skilled striker she’s ever seen in former bantamweight champion Holm.
Holm rebounded from a three-fight losing streak, the first three losses of her career, to defeat former title challenger Bethe Correia with a question mark kick that capped off an otherwise dull fight. If she can withstand with the brutal attack of the champion, her best hope is that Cyborg tires out and Holm is able to catch her late in the fight in similar fashion.
The oddsmakers seem to think that Holm has a better chance of pulling off the upset than any of Cyborg’s previous UFC opponents as she is usually anywhere from a -700 to -1000 favorite. The odds are much closer this time around.
> Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) vs Edson Barboza (19-4)
LIGHTWEIGHTS
This makes for a very interesting style matchup here as Nurmagomedov is known for taking his opponents down at will and smothering his way to victory. It’s not terribly exciting but it’s effective as evidenced by his long unblemished record. Barboza, meanwhile, is one of the most dynamic strikers in the division, capable of a knockout at any time. He’s an almost even-money bet to pick up a post show bonus award as he’s racked up eight of them in 17 UFC fights as opposed to none for his opponent.
With divisional kingpin Conor McGregor seemingly holding the belt hostage, the winner here will almost certainly get interim champion Tony Ferguson sometime in 2018.
Barboza #4; +260 betting underdog: Lawlor, Fontaine, Bix, Dave
> Cynthia Calvillo (6-0) vs Carla Esparza (12-4)
STRAWWEIGHTS
Calvillo has taken the UFC by storm as the Team Alpha Male product debuted early this year with just three fights on her resume. She had the rare distinction of appearing on the main card of two straight UFC PPVs, winning both of her fights by submission. She followed that up with a decision over veteran Joanne Calderwood in July and will fight for the fifth time in 2017 (she also fought on a regional show in January) against former champion Esparza.
Esparza, who was also a champion in Invicta, won the TUF 20 tournament to claim the women’s strawweight title. She lost her first title defense to Joanna Jedrzejczyk but has rebounded to win two of three since then. She does hold a victory over current champion Rose Namajunas so a win here could get her close to a rematch with “Thug Rose”.
Carlos Condit (30-10) vs Neil Magny (19-6)
WELTERWEIGHTS
When we last saw Condit 17 months ago, the former title challenger was submitted in the first round by Demian Maia and many felt it might be the last time we’d see him in the Octagon. After that long time off, he returns tonight and will hope to avoid his third straight loss against longtime contender Magny. Although he’d faced very tough competition, Condit only has one victory in almost five years and badly needs a W here.
Magny’s history is such that he usually beats the guys ranked behind him and loses to those ahead of him, so he’s been stuck in the bottom half of the top 10 rankings for a couple of years now. He’s also lost two of his last three, but a victory here would be the biggest of his long career and might finally move him into the top five of a tough division.
> Myles Jury (16-2) vs Rick Glenn (20-4-1) FEATHERWEIGHTS
Jury returned from a 16-month absence and KO’d Mike De La Torre in the first round earlier this year to snap a two-fight losing streak. The one-time lightweight may be even better than his impressive record shows as his only two losses have come at the hands of Charles Oliveira and Donald Cerrone. He doesn’t immediately spring to the mind when you think of title challengers, but that record is hard to ignore and increased activity will only help his cause.
Glenn has picked up two straight since losing a short notice fight in his UFC debut against the much larger Evan Dunham at lightweight. He’s actually won five straight in the weight class since losing his WSOF title to Lance Palmer in 2014. He couldn’t have looked better in his last fight, destroying the previous unbeaten Gavin Tucker in a bout that got the very rare 30-24 score including one round that was scored 10-7. This fight could steal the show.
> Daniel Hooker (14-7) vs Marc Diakese (12-1) LIGHTWEIGHTS
Hooker #50; +174 betting underdog
Diakese #112; -178 betting favorite
> Khalil Rountree (6-2) vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (12-2) LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
Rountree #49; -300 betting favorite
Oleksiejczuk #97; +285 betting underdog
> Omari Akhmedov (17-4) vs Marvin Vettori (12-3)MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Akhmedov #76 at welterweight; +186 betting underdog
Vettori #55; -205 betting favorite
> Louis Smolka (11-4) vs Matheus Nicolau (12-1-1) FLYWEIGHTS
Smolka #27; +255 betting underdog
Nicolau NR; -214 betting favorite
> Tim Elliott (14-8-1) vs Mark De La Rosa (9-0) BANTAMWEIGHTS
Elliott #9 at flyweight; -200 betting favorite
De La Rosa #108; +185 betting underdog
– Action begins with the Fight Pass prelim at 7:30 PM EST and moves over to FS 1 at 8 PM EST. The main card airs on PPV at 10 PM EST, and yours truly will have play by play coverage of the show.
UFC women’s featherweight champion Cris “Cyborg” Justino vs. Holly Holm — the biggest women’s marquee fight UFC could put on with its current roster — was announced late Thursday for UFC 219 on December 30th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
The promotion had been trying to put the fight together, but last week Holm’s agent, Lenny Fresquez, said the match was dead. However, negotiations restarted the past few days and were just completed, giving UFC a championship fight for a PPV that is just over six weeks away.
Justino (18-1-1) won the championship in a UFC weight division that really only has one competitor, herself. She overwhelmed longtime bantamweight Tonya Evinger to win the vacant title earlier this year.
Holm, who also fights at bantamweight, moved up to featherweight to face Germaine de Randamie in the first-ever UFC women’s featherweight championship fight earlier in the year, created partiall because a UFC PPV in Brooklyn needed a main event title match.
De Randamie won the match via close decision, and then was stripped of the title when not facing Justino, who the division was created for.
Holm (11-3), is beat known for beating Ronda Rousey before more than 56,000 fans in Melbourne, Australia, in one of the most memorable moments in UFC history. She followed that up losing three fights in a row before knocking out Bethe Correia in June.
Holm also drew one of the company’s best television ratings of the past several years in a fight against Valentina Shevchenko, which she lost via decision.
Justino has been a major name fighter coming off a Strikeforce featherweight title win over Gina Carano that set a ratings record at the time for Showtime. She lost her title after testing positive for Stanazolol, but has not lost a fight in more than 12 years.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 111: Holm vs. Correia, emanating from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore.
The event is headlined by a five-round bout in the women’s bantamweight division as former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm takes on former title challenger Bethe Correia.
Holm is looking to end a three-fight losing skid she has found herself on since winning the championship from Ronda Rousey in November 2015, and to start working her way back into the title picture. Correia is looking to extend her two-fight unbeaten streak in her second main event bout in the UFC.
Also on the main card is a heavyweight bout pitting former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski against Marcin Tybura. Two welterweights riding three-fight win streaks, Dong Hyun Kim and Colby Covington, square off in a pivotal match-up, and former UFC Lightweight Champion Rafael Dos Anjos makes his move up to 170 pounds as he takes on Tarec Saffiedine.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4:45 a.m. ET with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4:45 AM ET/1:45 AM PT
> Ji Yeon Kim (6-0-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Lucie Pudilova (6-2, 0-1 UFC) Women’s Bantamweights
They were trading early. Both were landing with Pudilova getting more volume in, but they were both landing shots. Pudilova was really landing with her left hand. Kim was firing back but with each flurry, she’d eat a lot of punches from Pudilova. They were working at a quick pace and Kim landed a big right hand late. Pudilova landed some good punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Pudilova.
They were working at a quick pace to open the second round. Kim was starting to land with more volume, including a huge uppercut, which led to Pudilova initiating a clinch against the fence. Both were looking for position in the clinch but were broken up. They went back to a clinch and not much happened. 10-9 Kim, 19-19.
Pudilova went right to the clinch. They were split up by the referee but went right back to it after getting reset. Pudilova grabbed the neck and was working for a guillotine choke and Kim was having to defend against the fence. Pudilova drug it to the mat working for the choke but Kim was able to pop her head out and was in the guard. Kim landed a right hand before they scrambled to their feet. Pudilova pushed Kim against the fence and had the neck late but time ran out. 10-9 Pudilova, 29-28 Pudilova.
Official Result- Lucie Pudilova def. Ji Yeon Kim by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Naoki Inoue (10-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Carls John de Tomas (8-0, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights* (de Tomas missed weight, coming in at 131 pounds)
de Tomas came out fast with some kicks and left hands and scored a big slam takedown. Inoue was looking for submissions on the bottom by de Tomas was defending. Inoue grabbed the arm and took the back of de Tomas on the mat. Inoue was able to get on top and was working for a submission. Inoue tried to step over to mount but was only able to get to the guard. 10-9 Inoue.
They were trading kicks. Inoue landed a big punch and a nice leg kick. Inoue was landing his punches better as de Tomas was slowing down. de Tomas went for a takedown but Inoue sprawled and took the back and was looking for a choke. de Tomas defending but Inoue landing punches from the back. They were scrambling on the mat but Inoue had the edge looking for an armbar. He had it late but de Tomas was able to survive. 10-8 Inoue, 20-17 Inoue.
Inoue was working for a takedown but was eating elbows from de Tomas. Inoue was able to get the takedown and was working for an armbar. Unable to get it, Inoue took the back and was landing punches from the back. Inoue looked for a choke. Inoue was scrambling around looking for something and they got to their feet briefly. de Tomas had the back and was looking for a choke now. Inoue was able to slip out and into the guard. Inoue landed elbows late. Really fun fight. 10-9 Inoue, 30-26 Inoue.
Official Result- Naoki Inoue def. Carls John de Tomas by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Kwan Ho Kwak (9-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Russell Doane (14-7, 2-4 UFC) Bantamweights
Kwak started off with a big leg kick. They weren’t doing a whole lot on the feet aside from an occasional leg kick from Kwak. They started opening up and traded punches. Doane with a spin kick. Doane with a body kick and a head kick. They were trading and Doane landed a big right hand that dropped Kwak. A couple more punches and the referee stepped in to stop it, Big TKO win by Russell Doane in the first round.
Official Result- Russell Doane def. Kwan Ho Kwak by TKO (punches) at 4:09 of Round 1
> Li Jingliang (12-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Frank Camacho (20-4, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
Camacho rocked Jingliang with a big right hand inside the first minute. Jingliang stumbled and was eating some more punches from Camacho. Jingliang able to survive for now but he is rocked. Camacho landed some more punches. Jingliang went for a takedown but Camacho reversed and scored a takedown and ended up on top. They got back to their feet. Jingliang landed some leg kicks but Camacho was able to counter with a big right hand. Jingliang with a big takedown slam. Jingliang had the back in the last minute and got another slam and looked for a choke but time ran out. 10-9 Camacho.
Jingliang working for a takedown early but Camacho showed good balance in being able to defend it. Camacho has slowed down from his early fight pace. Jingliang landing some punches and kicks. Jingliang landed some kicks but Camacho started to land punches. Jingliang landed a big overhand right. Jingliang was started to land more and more at the end of the round. Camacho clearly gassed at the end of the second. 10-9 Jingliang, 19-19.
Camacho was comng out with punches looking to get a good start. Jingliang slowed him down with a leg kick. Camacho’s lead leg is hurting him. Jingliang was landing punches and kicks. Camacho landed a punch in return. Jingliang with a big right hand that rocks Camacho. Jingliang landing lots of punches but Camacho is surviving and coming forward. Jingliang with a big right hand followed by a big leg kick that has Camacho against the fence. Camacho walking like a zombie and eating lots of punches but survives the fight. Fun fight. 10-9 Jingliang, 29-28 Jingliang.
Official Result- Li Jingliang def. Frank Camacho by unanimous decision (29-27, 28-27, 29-27)
Scoggins got a big suplex slam less than ten seconds into the fight. They got back up and Sasaki got a brief takedown. They got back up and were scrambling all over the mat. Scoggins got on top and landed but they got back to their feet and traded punches. Scoggins landed some punches and dropped Sasaki with a left hand. Scoggins got on top and was landing lots of punches from the top as the round ended. 10-9 Scoggins.
Scoggins dropped Sasaki with a kick to the body and he went right to the top landing elbows and punches. Scoggins with some big elbows from the top. Sasaki trying to sweep out from the bottom but Scoggins scrambled away and was able to grab the back. Sasaki reversed and got into the mount and then took the back looking for a choke. He had it locked in and Scoggins tapped! What a comeback from Sasaki as he scores the upset. Scoggins was the second biggest favorite on this card.
Official Result- Ulka Sasaki def. Justin Scoggins by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:19 of Round 2
> Alex Caceres (12-10 1 NC, 7-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Rolando Dy (8-4-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC) Featherweights
Caceres was landing some punches and leg kicks. Dy not doing a whole lot as Caceres is mixing his strikes well. Caceres with a head kick and then some solid punches. Dy is in trouble. Caceres knocks Dy down and Caceres lands some punches and locks in a guillotine but transitions to the back. Caceres looked for a rear-naked choke and he almost has it locked in. He lets go and lands punches and goes back for the choke. Dy is able to somehow escape. Caceres grabs the back as they get to their feet and separate. Caceres with a body kick. Dy grabs the body and looks for a takedown but the round ends. 10-8 Caceres.
Caceres lands a leg kick and punches and the referee steps in for a timeout as Dy is having trouble seeing. Dy continues on. Caceres swarming on with lots of punches and a spin kick. Dy able to get a takedown and took the back of Caceres. Caceres got on his feet but Dy still has the back. They separate. Dy still having trouble seeing. Caceres has slowed down but still landing more. Dy landed a right hand. Caceres with a left hand and a late head kick. 10-9 Caceres, 20-17 Caceres.
The fight was stopped in between rounds as Dy was having a lot of trouble seeing and the doctor decided to stop the fight, Dy didn’t have the best reaction to the stoppage.
Official Result- Alex Caceres def. Rolando Dy by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 2
> Cyril Asker (8-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Walt Harris (9-5, 2-4 UFC) Heavyweights
Harris with a body kick. Asker lands a right hand. Asker landed another right hand. Harris dropped Asker with two punches and Harris went right into the guard looking for a finish. Harris with big elbows and punches and this fight is stopped! Big finish by Walt Harris in the opening round.
Official Result- Walt Harris def. Cyril Asker by TKO (strikes) at 1:44 of Round 1
> Takanori Gomi (35-12 1 NC, 4-7 UFC) vs. Jon Tuck (9-4, 3-4 UFC) Lightweights
Tuck came out quickly with a big body kick that hurt Gomi and then another that dropped him to a knee. Tuck was landing punches and then took the back of Gomi and had the choke locked in. It was tight and Gomi tapped! Quick win for Tuck as he dispatches the former PRIDE champion.
Official Result- Jon Tuck def. Takanori Gomi by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round 1
UFC FIGHT PASS MAIN CARD | 8 AM ET/5 AM PT
> Tarec Saffiedine (#11, 16-6, 2-3 UFC) vs. Rafael Dos Anjos (#5 LW, 25-9, 14-7 UFC) Welterweights
Saffiedine with a head kick and Dos Anjos fires back a hard body kick. Saffiedine with a kick and Dos Anjos slips on a kick and they go to the mat with Saffiedine in half-guard. Dos Anjos working for a kimura from the bottom but couldn’t get it. Dos Anjos able to scramble to his feet. Saffiedine grabs the neck and pushes Dos Anjos against the fence. They trade knees. Dos Anjos scores a takedown and is in side control. Dos Anjos landed from the top but they scrambled to the feet. A late exchange to end the round with Dos Anjos landing more volume. 10-9 Dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos in control of the striking in the second round. He is finding his punches landing and Saffiedine is missing on his punches. Dos Anjos went for a takedown but it was defended. Dos Anjos has the neck and dragged Saffiedine to the mat and landed some knees. Dos Anjos landed an illegal knee that was missed by the referee. They got to their feet and Dos Anjos had Saffiedine pressed against the fence. Saffiedine landed an elbow as they broke the clinch. Dos Anjos with a knee to the body. Dos Anjos with a left hand but Saffiedine fires back with a leg kick. Dos Anjos with a combo late. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 20-18 Dos Anjos.
Dos Anjos with a big body kick to start the third. The pace has slowed in the third as both men starting to fatigue. Dos Anjos is landing to the body but Saffiedine continues to press forward. They clinch and Saffiedine lands an elbow on the break. Dos Anjos with somre more leg kicks. Saffiedine has abandoned any leg kick attempts. They start trading and Saffiedine is circling away as Dos Anjos lands some body kicks. They clinch and trade knees. Saffiedine attempts a late takedown but Dos Anjos defends it and lands a left hand. Solid showing from Dos Anjos in his welterweight debut. 10-9 Dos Anjos, 30-27 Dos Anjos.
Official Result- Rafael Dos Anjos def. Tarec Saffiedine by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Dong Hyun Kim (#7, 22-3-1 1 NC, 13-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Colby Covington (11-1, 6-1 UFC) Welterweights
Covington slipped early but then got a takedown on Kim. He didn’t do anything with it, though, and Kim got to his feet. Covington with a couple of knees to the body on Kim. Covington has the back working for a takedown. He lands a head kick in that position. Covington gets Kim down. Kim lands some elbows and gets to his feet. Covington lands some hard elbows and knees. They trade knees in a tie-up. Kim with a spinning elbow and then lands some punches. Kim lands some strikes and Covington scores a takedown. They get to their feet. 10-9 Covington.
They traded early. Covington shot for a takedown from a long ways and Kim sprawled and started landing punches to the body and head. Covington scrambled out and finished the takedown. Crowd beginning to boo as Kim gets to his feet. Covington still has the body locked and Kim is having to defend. Kim able to break away. Covington lands a big left hand and then a flying knee and some kicks. Covington got a takedown. Kim sort of got a judo throw but Covington had good balance and landed in a good position. Covington has the body again and landing some knees. 10-9 Covington, 20-18 Covington.
Kim looks tired coming out for the third. Covington landing some left hands. Kim landing some punches as well. Covington lands a solid right hand that hurt Kim and then another. Covington scored a takedown. They get to their feet and scramble around. Covington gets another takedown. Crowd really booing and this hasn’t been very exciting. Kim scored a takedown but is defending Covington trying to get out from the bottom, which he does. Covington with a late takedown. Good performance by Covington but a boring fight. 10-9 Covington, 30-27 Covington.
Official Result- Colby Covington def. Dong Hyun Kim by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-26, 30-27)
> Andrei Arlovski (#8, 25-14 1 NC, 14-8 UFC) vs. Marcin Tybura (#13, 15-2, 2-1 UFC) Heavyweights
Arlovski starts off with a spinning back kick that pushes Tybura back. Tybura catches a kick from Arlovski and takes him down and is in the guard. Tybura landing from the top and Arlovski trying to spin out. Tybura lands and then gets into the mount and is landing hammerfists. Arlovski surviving but is still mounted and then gives up his back. More big punches from Tybura who is looking to finish. Arlovski gives up his back and Tybura landing from the back. Arlovski able to get to his feet and he lands big punches at the end of the round and had Tybura in trouble. Late flurry saved Arlovski from being down big after the round. 10-9 Tybura.
Tybura looks gassed, Arlovski looks better right now. Arlovski with a right hand. Arlovski initiates a clinch and is looking for a takedown. Arlovski breaks and lands a flurry. Arlovski gets a brief takedown. They are tied back up. Tybura doing absolutely nothing right now. Arlovski with a big elbow. Not much going on at all and they are broken up by the referee. They trade and Arlovski gets a clinch and pushes Tybura against the fence. Arlovski with a knee. 10-9 Arlovski, 19-19.
Arlovski lands a couple of right hands but misses a spinning back fist. Tybura gets a clinch but Arlovski is landing elbows as Tybura looks for a takedown. Tybura gets a brief takedown. He’s not doing anything with it. They get up and Tybura with a big takedown now and he’s in the guard. Neither man doing anything on the ground. Tybura gets the back and is looking for a choke. Tybura moves into the mount and has Arlovski in trouble. Arlovski gives up his back again. Tybura lands to end the fight. 10-9 Tybura, 29-28 Tybura.
Official Result- Marcin Tybura def. Andrei Arlovski by unanimous decision (29-28, 28-27, 29-27)
Nothing has happened in the first minute. Holm with a side kick. Holm with another side kick. Another side kick from Holm. Neither throwing many punches or even coming close to landing them. Holm with a leg kick. Correia landed a left hand after Holm landed a left. Correia backs Holm up with a right hand that just misses. Holm with a side kick. Hard to score as neither did much. They landed a combined total of nine strikes. NINE. 10-9 Holm.
Neither landing anything in the second round. Correia lands a right hand. Holm just misses a high kick. Holm with a side kick. Correia with a right hand. Referee Marc Goddard gave them a warning for timidity as nothing has happened at all and we are almost ten minutes into the fight. Correia with a spinning back fist. They started trading and Correia got a body lock against the fence. 10-9 Correia, 19-19.
Correia with a leg kick. Holm with a body kick. Holm with an oblique kick. Correia taunting Holm. Holm then lands a big head kick that drops Correia and one more punch to the chin finishes Correia off. Big knockout win by Holm.
Official Result- Holly Holm def. Bethe Correia by knockout (head kick & punch) at 1:09 of Round 3
After a low key first five months of 2017, UFC will attempt to get some interest going for the summer with a big media event scheduled for Friday at 5:30 PM EST in Dallas, TX, streamed live here.
Jon Anik will host the event where it’s expected that some new fights will be announced like Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier II and perhaps Michael Bisping vs. Yoel Romero. Officially scheduled to be there today:
– UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw who fight at UFC 213 on July 8th in Las Vegas
– Claudia Gadelha and Karolina Kowalkiewicz who fight at UFC 212 on June 3rd in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
– Holly Holm and Bethe Correia who fight at UFC Fight Night 111 on June 17th in Singapore
– Michael Chiesa and Kevin Lee who fight at UFC Fight Night 112 on June 25 in Oklahoma City, OK
The event will be held before the ceremonial UFC 211 weigh-ins.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 208: Holm vs. de Randamie, emanating from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The event is headlined by a bout to determine the first-ever UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion as former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm looks to become the first woman to win titles in two different UFC weight classes as she takes on Germaine de Randamie. Holm is looking to end a two-fight losing skid in the process while de Randamie looks to extend her two-fight win streak.
In the co-main event, it is arguably the greatest fighter of all-time, Anderson Silva, looking to end a five-fight winless drought as he steps inside the Octagon against tough middleweight Derek Brunson, who is looking to get back into the win column after seeing his five-fight win streak stopped in his last fight.
Rounding out the main card are a trio of solid match-ups. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza looks to cement a title shot as he takes on Tim Boetsch, former light heavyweight title challenger Glover Teixeira looks to get back in the win column as he takes on rising prospect Jared Cannonier, and lightweight veterans Dustin Poirier and Jim Miller meet in an explosive main card opener.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
> Ryan LaFlare (12-1, 5-1 UFC) vs. Roan Carneiro (21-10, 4-4 UFC) Welterweights
The crowd was behind LaFlare early. He was landing the strikes early but was having trouble getting the takedown. Carnerio got a takedown but it was reversed by LaFlare. They escaped back to their feet and LaFlare was getting the better of the striking. Carnerio landed a high kick late but the round belonged to LaFlare, 10-9.
LaFlare landed a big kick early in the second and had Carneiro in trouble for a moment. He then knocked Carneiro down with a left hand but went into guard instead of capitalizing. He landed some elbows but they went back to their feet. LaFlare knocked Carneiro down again and capitalized better this time in going for the finish. He slowed down in the later stages of the round but Carneiro was able to get to his feet late. LaFlare’s round for sure in the second, 10-9, and I had him up 20-18.
LaFlare landed a big left hand early on and went on top of Carneiro. They got back to the feet but it was all pressure game from LaFlare against the fence. Carneiro got a takedown late in the round and was on top. Carneiro was working for the choke and looked to have something in but he didn’t though he finished the round strong in the mount. Late charge for Carneiro gets him the round, 10-9, but I had LaFlare winning 29-28.
Official Result- Ryan LaFlare def. Roan Carneiro by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-28)
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Rick Glenn (18-4-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Phillipe Nover (11-7-1, 1-5 UFC) Featherweights
Nover was connecting early with some strikes. Glenn landed some good shots in return. They were feeling each other out for the rest of the round and Nover was getting the better of it. Nover connected with a left hook. Glenn got some late pressure and tried to steal the round. Not much of a round. I had it for Nover as he landed better. 10-9 Nover
They were clinching and not much was happening and the crowd was booing. Nover landed some knees and short punches but Glenn was landing knees to the body. They finally broke the tie up and Glenn was landing some with the left hand. They clinched late again and Glenn landed some knees. 10-9 round two for Glenn and I have it 19-19.
Nover was landing some before the tied up. Neither did much in the clinch before they were broken up. They clinched back up and Nover was landing some knees and Glenn wasn’t doing much except trying for a takedown. They would break and Glenn would land one punch before going back into the clinch. He landed some foot stomps. They brawled late and the crowd booed the end. It’ll be tough to score. I had round three 10-9 Nover, and Nover winning 29-28.
Official Result- Rick Glenn def. Phillipe Nover by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
> Nik Lentz (27-7-2 1 NC, 11-4-1 1 NC UFC) vs. Islam Makhachev (13-1, 2-1 UFC) Lightweights
Makhachev got a takedown and was controlling from the top. He was controlling from the top and landing some punches. Lentz got to his feet. Makhachev got another takedown and ended the round on top. Makhachev’s round without a doubt, 10-9.
Lentz was landing some better punches at the opening of the second round before Makhachev got a takedown. Makhachev was landing from the top and got into the mount for a moment. Lentz had no answer for getting off the bottom. Makhachev switched to side control and landed some short elbows before getting back to the clinch. A big round for Makhachev as I had it 10-8 for him. 20-17 Makhachev after two.
Makhachev got a big slam into the half-guard in the third. Lentz just has no answer for anything Makhachev is coming at him with at all. Makhachev was just smothering Lentz on the mat and landing some big punches. Lentz was surviving and gave up his back. Makhachev went for a choke but Lentz survived the fight. Another big round for Makhachev, 10-8. I have it 30-25 for Makhachev.
Official Result- Islam Makhaechev def. Nik Lentz by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-27)
> Wilson Reis (#5, 21-6, 5-2 UFC) vs. Ulka Sasaki (19-3-2, 2-2 UFC) Flyweights
They were slugging away early. Reis got a takedown went into the guard. They quickly got back to their feet. Reis got a big takedown. He was working for a choke but Sasaki was defending well. Reis landed some punches from the top to secure him the roumd, as if there was any doubt. 10-9 Reis.
Reis got another takedown at the start of the second. Reis took the back and was looking for a choke. Sasaki was able to escape. Reis got another takedown. He was very close on getting a choke locked in but Sasaki was able to sneak out but Reis still had the back. Sasaki escaped and they got to their feet and were slugging before Reis scored a huge takedown. Dominant round by Reis, 10-8 for him, and Reis up 20-17.
Reis got a clinch early but was unable to score the takedown. They broke and were exchanging before Reis went back to the grind and got a takedown. They got back up and Reis was back after the takedowns. He scored two more but Sasaki took his back at one point and threatened with a choke. Sasaki landed some hard elbows from the back. He likely stole that final round late as he had Reis in real trouble. 10-9 third for Sasaki, but Reis winning 29-27.
Official Result- Wilson Reis def. Ulka Sasaki by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Randy Brown (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Belal Muhammad (10-2, 1-2 UFC) Welterweights
They were trading early and Brown was landing some front kicks and Muhammad with some leg kicks. Muhammad was countering well but Brown was using good movement but Muhammad was eating up that lead leg with some kicks. Brown is going to be having trouble walking. 10-9 Muhammad first round.
They traded leg kicks. Muhammad started landing with his hands and clinched against the fence. Brown was able to escape and he started landing some punches and knees in the clinch. Muhammad was showing some blood. Brown was landing but Muhammad got a late takedown and had the back of Brown. Muhammad was landing punches from the back late. I think Brown was winning early but Muhammad stole it late. 10-9 Muhammad round two, 20-18 Muhammad.
Muhammad was going for a takedown quickly in the third. He got it and was landing from the top. Brown went for an armbar from the bottom but Muhammad slipped out. Muhammad had the back but Brown slipped out for a moment. Brown escaped from the back and was landing at the end but not enough to steal it. 10-9 Muhammad in the third and 30-27 Muhammad overall.
Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Randy Brown by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
PPV MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT
> Dustin Poirier (#10, 20-5, 12-4 UFC) vs. Jim Miller (28-8 1 NC, 17-7 1 NC UFC) Lightweights
They were trading early on. Miller went for a takedown but they started brawling in a clinch. They broke and were throwing bombs at one another. Miller was landing some good combinations but Poirier would tag him with a stiff left when in close. Miller scored a takedown and had the back and was threatening with a choke. Poirier escaped and rolled into the guard of Miller. They got up and both men were landing big punches and they had a wild brawl in the last ten seconds that got a standing ovation. 10-9 Miller.
Miller made Poirier stumble with a leg kick. Poirier was landing some big punches that had Miller in a lot of trouble. Poirier landing some crisp combinations. They were trading bombs in a slugfest against the fence. Poirier is controlling the center of the Octagon better in this round. They clinched and Poirier had the edge and scored a takedown with a minute left. They got back up and started trading some more. 10-9 Poirier in the second and I have it 19-19.
Miller dropped Poirier for a brief moment but Poirier sprang right back to his feet. Poirier was controlling Miller along the fence but Miller was landing leg kicks until Poirier secured a takedown. Poirier was really slowing down the pace with the takedown but Miller got to his feet and was landing left hands as he had Poirier pushed against the fence. Poirier got another takedown and was working from the top. Miller went for a kimura late but Poirier escaped and landed big from the top. Excellent fight. 10-9 Poirier in the third and I have it 29-28 for Poirier.
Official Result- Dustin Poirier def. Jim Miller by majority decision (28-28, 30-27, 29-28)
> Glover Teixeira (#3, 25-5, 8-3 UFC) vs. Jared Cannonier (9-1, 2-1 UFC) Light Heavyweights
They were being a little cautious to start out. Teixeira got a takedown and was working on the top. There wasn’t a lot of action on the ground until Teixeira went for a guillotine choke but Cannonier was able to scramble out of it. Teixeira ended back on top and wasn’t doing much except for holding Cannonier down. He got into better position and landed some punches from the top. They got up and traded as the round ended. A clear 10-9 round for Teixeira.
Cannonier was landing the jab until Teixeira took him down. Teixeira was doing enough from the top to keep it there but he wasn’t doing any damage. The crowd was really booing this as this had turned into a boring fight. They got stood up by the referee. That was a bad stand-up. Teixeira landed some good punches at the end. 10-9 for Teixeira in the second with him up 20-18.
Teixeira got another takedown in the first minute of the third. Teixeira had Cannonier completely smothered, even getting mount at a couple of points. He did enough to keep the fight on the mat as Cannonier couldn’t get out from the bottom. Dominant third round for Teixeira and I would go 10-8 for him. I have it 30-26 Teixeira.
Official Result- Glover Teixeira def. Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Ronaldo Souza (#3, 23-4 1 NC, 6-1 UFC) vs. Tim Boetsch (#13, 20-10, 11-9 UFC) Middleweights
They scrambled on the mat early and Souza was eating Boetsch up with some knees. They were trading and Boetsch stunned Souza with a big right hand. Souza got a big takedown and was working very well from the top. Souza with the kimura locked in and it is all over! Boetsch taps out and Souza with the first finish on the night. Souza called for a title shot after the fight.
Official Result- Ronaldo Souza def. Tim Boetsch by submission (kimura) at 3:41 of Round 1
> Anderson Silva (#7, 33-8 1 NC, 16-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Derek Brunson (#8, 16-4, 7-2 UFC) Middleweights
Nothing happened the first minute of the fight. They were feeling each other out. Silva landed so Brunson got him in a clinch. Brunson landed some punches and tagged Silva against the fence. Brunson landed a leg kick. Silva had Brunson running around the Octagon and landed some kicks. Brunson was tagging SIlva in a clinch and then scored a takedown and finished the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Brunson.
Loud chants for Silva as he sprawls a takedown attempt from Brunson. Brunson tagged Silva with a left hand and circled away. Silva landed a spinning back fist and Brunson was retreating and got a takedown but Silva got right back up. They were clinched up for a bit. Brunson retreated. Silva started dancing and caught Brunson with a spin kick and then a right hand. Another close round. 10-9 Silva, 19-19.
Silva defended two takedowns early and hit Brunson with a couple of knees on the sprawls. Intense atmosphere inside the arena and loud chants for Silva. Silva escaping clinch battles and both are swinging. Both men are landing. Silva with a spin kick to the leg. Brunson more tired than Silva but got the takedown. There wasn’t much happening on the mat and the crowd was booing. Brunson finished on top. 10-9 Brunson, 29-28 Brunson.
Official Result- Anderson Silva def. Derek Brunson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
They were feeling each other out early on. de Randamie clipped Holm early. They traded punches. They traded and de Randamie got the better of it. de Randamie landed a right hand. They clinched for a moment and Holm tried for a takedown but it was defended. de Randamie got the better of the striking that round, her round. 10-9 de Randamie.
Holm was missing on her punches and de Randamie landed a right hand. de Randamie clipped Holm again as she was coming in. Holm landed a side kick but ate a right hand from de Randamie. Holm clinched against the fence. de Randamie tagged Holm with some knees. Not much of a round. de Randamie landed a huge right hand late, may have been after the bell. Holm might have gotten it due to clinch work but I have it for de Randamie, 10-9, and her up 20-18.
de Randamie landed a big leg kick. Holm was keeping her at a distance with side kicks. de Randamie just missed a big right hand. Holm landed a body kick off a clinch break. Holm is just missing on most of her strikes. Holm tried hard for a takedown but it got stuffed and de Randamie tagged her good. de Randamie landed some good strikes. Holm rocked de Randamie big late. de Randamie may have landed some again after the bell. 10-9 Holm, 29-28 de Randamie.
They clinched early and nothing happened so they were separated. They were trading and Holm was using good movement away. They clinched again and the crowd was not happy with that. Holm trying hard to get the takedown but she seems to be losing some in the tank. They traded kneesin the clinch and circled around at the end. 10-9 Holm, 38-38 after four.
They were trading quickly in the last round. Holm landed a high kick. Holm tagged de Randamie and they went into the clinch. Not much happened so they were broken up. Holm landed a left hand and clinched and the crowd loudly booed. They traded some knees inside the clinch. de Randamie landed a right hand. Close final round and close fight overall. Not very exciting either. 10-9 Holm, 48-47 Holm but going to be close.
Official Result- Germaine de Randamie def. Holly Holm by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) to become the first-ever UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion
