As the calendars get flipped to 2021 in a matter of hours around the world, the UFC is already having to deal with a COVID-19 related main event change while booking a champion vs. champion fight for the first quarter of the year.
Reported Wednesday by ESPN, middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will look to become the eighth two-division champion in UFC history when he faces light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the main event of UFC 259 on March 6th, location TBA.
The undefeated Adesanya has been champion since October 2019 with two title defenses under his belt while Blachowicz defeated Dominick Reyes by second round TKO at UFC 259 in a bout for the vacant title. He’s won eight of his last nine.
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Fans were excited for the triple bill coming to Fight Island in mid-January including the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Leon Edwards main event set for Wednesday, January 20th that was already pushed back once due to Edwards testing positive for COVID-19. Then, ESPN reported earlier this week that Chimaev had to withdraw due to recovering from his own bout with the virus.
Edwards wanted to stay on the show, but the UFC will instead elevate Michael Chiesa vs. Neil Magny to the main event instead as they hope to rebook Chimaev vs. Edwards to a later date. Edwards, a winner of eight straight, hasn’t fought since July 2019 due to the pandemic canceling a high-profile fight against Tyron Woodley.
At the UFC’s post-event press conference Saturday, Dana White said that middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will challenge light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz for Blachowicz’s title.
White said that he wanted former champion Robert Whittaker to challenge Adesanya again, but Whittaker had an interview saying he didn’t want the fight (“the craziest sh*t I have ever seen”) so Blachowicz seemed like the next logical choice. There was no date or timeframe given for the fight.
When asked about whether former champion Jon Jones could face Adesanya with a win, White said he liked that idea.
The undefeated Adesanya (20-0) recently ran through Paulo Costa in September to retain his title for the second time. Blachowicz won the vacant title with a second round TKO win over Dominick Reyes after Jones relinquished the belt earlier this year after a dispute with the UFC over money for a potential fight with heavyweight Francis Ngannou.
In what can be best described as a dominant performance, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya defeated rival Paulo Costa via second round TKO at Saturday’s UFC 253.
With the win, Adesanya remains undefeated at 20-0 and 9-0 in the UFC. This was the second defense of the undisputed title he won nearly a year ago with a win over Robert Whittaker.
Adesanya was in control from start to finish, attacking Costa’s lead leg with kicks. That eventually opened Costa up to Adesanya’s punches, especially a stiff jab. The champion landed a left high kick that cut Costa open, but it was a left hook that marked the beginning of the end. Costa dropped and Adesanya got in full mount, dropping heavy hands and elbows that resulted in the stoppage.
This is the first loss for the 29-year-old Costa (13-1).
In his post-fight interview, Adesanya said he would like to face Jared Cannonier if he can defeat the aforementioned Whittaker at next month’s UFC 254.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 253: Adesanya vs. Costa, emanating from the Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The Octagon returns to UFC Fight Island, kicking off five straight Saturday’s of UFC events from Abu Dhabi, and kicking it off is one of the biggest fights of the year and one of the biggest fights in middleweight division history.
UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his second title defense when he defends against long-time rival Paulo Costa in the main event. The fight has been years in the making, and both men are undefeated, so when they finally clash, someone will be tasting defeat for the first time. Adesanya is looking to make a statement after winning a disappointing decision over Yoel Romero in March, while Costa returns to action for the first time in 13 months.
In the co-main event, the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line as Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz square off to determine a new man to beat at the top of the 205-pound division. Reyes is looking to get the gold around his waist after a narrow decision loss to Jon Jones in February. Jones later vacated the title during the year after expressing his desire to move to the heavyweight division. Blachowicz gets his opportunity on the heels of three straight wins, the last of which was a knockout win over Corey Anderson in February.
Also on the main card is a flyweight banger between Kai Kara-France and Brandon Royval, a women’s bantamweight fight that sees Ketlen Vieira look to rebound from her first career loss against short-notice replacement Sijara Eubanks, and a featherweight fight that has fireworks written all over it between Hakeem Dawodu and Zubaira Tukhugov kicks off the main card.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 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].
Marques is making his UFC debut. Marques is going for the takedown right away. Ibragimov was grabbing the fence to block the takedown, and that is twice now. They scramble to the mat and Marques is looking to take the back standing but they separate. Marques with a heavy leg kick. Ibragimov lands a combo finishing with an uppercut and then follows it with a right hand. Marques grabs the single leg. Marques finishes the takedown and Ibragimov tried to grab the fence a third time. Marques gets the back and almost had a choke locked in but time ran out. 10-9 Marques.
Ibragimov throws a big right hand but misses and he is shaking his arm like he hurt himself. Marques with a heavy leg kick. Marques grabs the single leg and gets a takedown and grabs the back as Ibragimov tries to stand. Marques working for the choke as he has it on the chin. Marques still has the back and is doing nothing, and Ibragimov is doing nothing to work his way up. This fight isn’t pretty. 10-9 Marques, 20-18 Marques.
Marques looks for a takedown and Ibragimov again grabs the fence to block it and they stay standing. Ibragimov lands a combo and then a hard right hand and Marques tries for a takedown against the fence. Ibragimov has the neck and looks for a guillotine but Marques spins out and Ibragimov grabs the fence standing again. Marques then gets a takedown and moves into the mount. Ibragimov spins out and gets to the top and is in the guard of Marques. Marques takes the back at the end as the fight ends. Boring fight. 10-9 Marques, 30-27 Marques.
Official Result- Danilo Marques def. Khadis Ibragimov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> Juan Espino (9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Jeff Hughes (10-3 1 NC, 0-2 1 NC UFC) Heavyweights
Espino is fighting for the first time since winning TUF in November 2018. Espino lands a left hand after looking for a takedown. Espino gets a brief takedown and then finishes it and gets to side control. They get to their feet but Espino pulls him from the fence and gets another takedown but they get back up and to the fence. Espino trying to get Hughes completely down as he has the back. Espino landing as he keeps pressure on Hughes to get down on the ground. Espino gets a big takedown and works for an arm triangle but Hughes escapes. Espino then moves to side control and locks in a scarf hold and squeezes tight and Hughes taps. Great submission by Espino.
Official Result- Juan Espino def. Jeff Hughes by submission (scarf hold) at 3:48 of Round 1
> William Knight (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Aleksa Camur (6-0, 1-0 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Knight is making his UFC debut. Camur lands the jab. Knight with a leg kick that trips Camur up and they scramble against the fence standing. They battle for underhooks against the fence as they trade position. They continue to battle in the clinch against the fence. They are finally separated by the referee. Knight misses a leg kick and then blocks a high kick from Camur. Knight with a calf kick. Knight with a switch kick and then a quick combo at the end of the round. 10-9 Knight.
They trade kicks to start the second. Camur lands the jab as he presses forward and they clinch against the fence. Knight with a trip but Camur has the back and is working for a choke but Knight reverses out and is in Camur’s guard. They get to their feet and are clinched against the fence. Camur with some shoulder strikes. Knight gets a takedown and Camur is trying to use the fence to scramble up. Knight landing some big punches from the top and looks for the back as they stand. Knight gets a takedown into side control. Knight lands some big punches from the top. Knight takes the back and flattens Camur out. Camur spins back out and regains the half-guard. Knight moves to the mount late and ends the round with a nasty kimura locked in as time runs out. 10-9 Knight, 20-18 Knight.
Knight with a body kick and then a leg kick. They clinch and Knight lands an uppercut as Camur pushes him against the fence. Camur gets a takedown and moves to the top and then they scramble up. Knight now working for a takedown and gets it and moves to the half-guard. Knight lands from the top and is in complete control as the fight ends. 10-9 Knight, 30-27 Knight.
Official Result- William Knight def. Aleksa Camur by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
> Shane Young (12-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (16-2, 0-0 UFC) Featherweights* (Klein missed weight by 4 pounds)
Klein is making his UFC debut but did miss weight by four pounds. They were looking for openings early and traded kicks. Klein then landed a head kick and started throwing punches that dropped Young and he quickly finished it. That was an impressive knockout by Klein.
Official Result- Ludovit Klein def. Shane Young by knockout (head kick & punches) at 1:16 of Round 1
> Diego Sanchez (30-12, 19-12 UFC) vs. Jake Matthews (15-4, 9-4 UFC) Welterweights
Sanchez rushes forward and Matthews lands a right hand to stop him. Matthews with more right hands and lands an uppercut. Matthews with a straight right hand and is moving away from return shots from Sanchez. Matthews lands another right hand. Matthews with another. Sanchez lands a combo as Matthews rushed in. Sanchez rushes in and Matthews lands a left hand as he circles away. Matthews with a combo. Matthews gets a takedown and lands some big punches. Matthews ends the round on top as he lands a couple of big punches before the horn. 10-9 Matthews.
Sanchez coming straight forward throwing punches but nothing landing. Sanchez with a leg kick. Matthews lands a hard right hand as Sanchez was rushing forward. Sanchez with a kick then eats a combo from Matthews. Matthews lands a short uppercut and then both land in close range. Sanchez firing more but Matthews landing more. Matthews rocks Sanchez for a second with a left hook. Matthews with a combo. Matthews with a combo. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.
They were trading and Matthews knocked Sanchez down with a right hand and then gets on top looking to finish. Sanchez is bleeding a ton from his right eye. Matthews in the full guard of Sanchez. Matthews stands and then gets back into the guard of Sanchez. Matthews with a right hand from the top. Matthews with some big hammerfists from the top as Sanchez was trying to get out from the bottom. Sanchez looking for an armbar but Matthews defending. Matthews landing body punches from the top and more big punches from the top as the fight ends. 10-8 Matthews, 30-26 Matthews.
Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Diego Sanchez by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
> Brad Riddell (8-1, 2-0 UFC) vs. Alex da Silva (21-2, 1-1 UFC) Lightweights
Da Silva with a combo and clips Riddell with a left hook. Riddell lands his own left hook. Riddell with a calf kick. Da Silva with a takedown. Da Silva controlling from the top but not doing much. They get to their feet and Da Silva has back control. Da Silva gets another brief takedown but they get up. Da Silva with some knees to the legs. They break to the center of the Octagon. They trade and Riddell goes for a takedown and Da Silva grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke and is looking to improve his position but Riddell defends. 10-9 Da Silva.
Da Silva going for the takedown to start the second and has Riddell pinned against the fence. They break and both are landing. Da Silva with a high kick but Riddell is firing back with punches, landing jabs and an uppercut. Da Silva with a couple of leg kicks. Riddell looks for a takedown but Da Silva defends. Riddell lands a right hand. Riddell with a combo. They trade and Da Silva tries a flying knee but Riddell grabs him and gets a brief takedown. They break and both land body kicks. Da Silva with an uppercut and goes for a takedown but Riddell sprawls out. Riddell with a leg kick and they trade late. 10-9 Riddell, 19-19.
They trade kicks to start the third and Riddell is coming forward more and landing combos. They continue to trade and Riddell landing some left hands. Riddell landing with more volume. They trade and Riddell lands a left hand and Da Silva complains about an eye poke, but a replay shows it was a punch and a knuckle that landed in the eye. Da Silva tries a takedown but Riddell reverses and is on top. They get up and Riddell lands a combo and a body kick. Riddell with a flurry against the fence as he lands punches and a knee to the body. Riddell with a right hand. Riddell looking for a takedown and gets it but Da Silva reverses and ends up having Riddell’s back as the fight ends. 10-9 Riddell, 29-28 Riddell.
Official Result- Brad Riddell def. Alex da Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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> Hakeem Dawodu (11-1-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Zubaira Tukhugov (19-4-1, 4-1-1 UFC) Featherweights* (Tukhugov missed weight by 4 pounds)
Tukhugov missed weight by four pounds. They’re feeling each other out in the first minute. Dawodu lands a punch. Tukhugov lands a left hook. Dawodu with a leg kick. Dawodu with a leg kick as Tukhugov lands a left hand. They’re both throwing but barely missing. Tukhugov starting to throw more but Dawodu lands to the body. Tukhugov is landing and getting out of the way from the counters. Dawodu with a body kick and lands a right hand. Very tactical first round. 10-9 Dawodu.
Dawodu with a switch kick. Dawodu with a spin kick and then a leg kick. They trade right hands. Tukhugov with a left hand and then lands a right hand and Dawodu returns a right hand. They are trading in close range and Dawodu lands some body punches. Tukhugov gets a takedown. Tukhugov is on top and landing some punches to the body. Tukhugov gets the back as they stand. 10-9 Tukhugov, 19-19.
Dawodu with an inside leg kick. Both looking to land and Dawodu lands a leg kick. Dawodu lands a left hand and Tukhugov shoots for a takedown. They scramble as Tukhugov looks for a takedown but Dawodu escapes and they break to the center. Dawodu applying pressure as he lands a couple of leg kicks. Dawodu lands a body punch. They are trading and Dawodu lands a big right hand. Tukhugov circling away. Dawdou applying pressure and lands a switch kick. Close fight. 10-9 Dawodu, 29-28 Dawodu.
Official Result- Hakeem Dawodu def. Zubaira Tukhugov by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
Vieira immediately closes the distance and they clinch against the fence. They break. Vieira lands a jab and Eubanks counters with a leg kick. Eubanks with another leg kick. Vieira lands a right hand. They trade right hands. They clinch again. Vieira tries a takedown but Eubanks defends and lands an uppercut as they break. Vieira lands some hard punches. They trade right hands. Vieira with a right hand. Eubanks lands the jab. Vieira goes for a takedown but Eubanks defends. They trade some hard punches. Eubanks lands some punches and Vieira gets a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Vieira.
Vieira with a body kick and they trade and Vieira gets a takedown. Vieira pushes Eubanks up against the fence and lands some body punches. They aren’t doing much and then are stood up back in the center. They trade punches. They trade and Vieira lands a nice counter right hand. Eubanks with a side kick. Vieira lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Eubanks with a body kick. Vieira with a right hand. 10-9 Vieira, 20-18 Vieira.
Eubanks landing the jab early in the third. Vieira with a right hand and Eubanks counters with a right hand. They clinch and Eubanks tries a trip but Vieira squirms away. Vieira with a right hand. Eubanks lands a hard left hook and then lands a right hand. Eubanks with a leg kick. Vieira lands a combo but Eubanks with some head movement. Eubanks with a body kick. They trade in close range. Eubanks with a right hand. Eubanks with a left hand to the body. Vieira with a right hand. They trade and scramble and Eubanks has Vieira’s back standing. They go to the mat late. Close fight. 10-9 Eubanks, 29-28 Vieira.
Official Result- Ketlen Vieira def. Sijara Eubanks by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Kai Kara-France (#7, 21-8 1 NC, 4-1 UFC) vs. Brandon Royval (#9, 11-4, 1-0 UFC) Flyweights
There were trading. Kara-France dropped Royval with a right hand and then Royval dropped Kara-France with a spinning elbow and then looked to land an illegal knee. They stayed on the mat and both were working for submissions and scrambling. They scramble to their feet. Royval lands a spinning back fist. Royval with pressure and clips Kara-France with a knee. Kara-France landing some right hands. Royval rocks Kara-France with a knee and Kara-France goesdown and Royval grabs the neck and looks for a guillotine. They get to their feet. They trade in close range and Royval with a left hand. Royval with some combos as he pressures against the fence. Crazy, great round. 10-9 Royval.
Royval with some pressure early on as he lands some leg kicks. Royval then grabs the neck and jumps up for a guillotine choke. They go to the mat and Royval has it in deep and Kara-France taps! What a huge upset win by Royval.
Official Result- Brandon Royval def. Kai Kara-France by submission (guillotine choke) at :48 of Round 2
> Dominick Reyes (#1, 12-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Jan Blachowicz (#3, 26-8, 9-5 UFC) UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
They were feeling out each other to start the fight and landing leg kicks. Reyes lands a left hand. Blachowicz with a hard body kick. Reyes with a leg kick. Reyes with a body kick. Reyes with a body kick. Blachowicz with a combo and lands a hard body kick at the end. They are both being patient at the end of the first. 10-9 Blachowicz.
Reyes comes out more aggressive in the second. Blachowicz rushes forward with a combo but Reyes blocking all of them. Blachowicz with a right hand. Reyes with a high kick that just barely connects. Blachowicz lands a right hand. Reyes with an inside leg kick. Blachowicz with a hard leg kick. Blachowicz lands a combo. Reyes with a body kick and then a leg kick. Blachowicz with another body kick. Reyes lands a left hand. Blachowicz with a combo. Reyes with a left hand. Blachowicz rushes in with some punches and lands some good shots. Reyes with a body kick but eats some punches from Blachowicz. Blachowicz with a flurry and he knocks Reyes down and then finishes him off with some punches while standing. Blachowicz is the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
Official Result- Jan Blachowicz def. Dominick Reyes by TKO (punches) at 4:36 of Round 2 to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
> Israel Adesanya (C, 19-0, 8-0 UFC) vs. Paulo Costa (#2, 13-0, 5-0 UFC) UFC Middleweight Championship
Adesanya with a leg kick to start. He lands another. He lands another. Costa with a leg kick. Costa with a body kick. Costa with a body kick again. Adesanya with a leg kick. He lands another. Costa with a body kick and Adesanya lands a counter body punch. Adesanya with another leg kick. Adesanya keeps attacking with leg kicks. Costa put his hands behind his back at one point. Adesanya continues to attack the lead leg of Costa. Adesanya with some body kicks. Adesanya with a hard body kick. Costa rushes forward but Adesanya lands a couple of punches. 10-9 Adesanya.
Adesanya with a hard leg kick. He lands another. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Costa misses a head kick. Costa with a leg kick and then another. Adesanya with another hard leg kick. Adesanya with a left hand and just barely lands a head kick. Adesanya with a snapping jab. Adesanya with a body kick and then a left hand. Adesanya lands a head kick and Costa starts to back up and Adesanya lands a hard leg kick. Adesanya with another inside leg kick. Costa misses some punches. Costa with a body kick and Adesanya grabs the leg and lands a combo. Adesanya then lands some more punches and drops Costa and gets on top and finishes it off. Complete domination by Adesanya as he retains the title.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Paulo Costa by TKO (punches) at 3:59 of Round 2 to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero, emanating from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Octagon heads back home to Las Vegas for a big event featuring two title fights with some of the rising superstars in the sport defending their championships against long-time contenders and a former champion.
In the main event, UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya makes his first title defense since becoming the undisputed champion in October as he defends against Yoel Romero. Adesanya is looking to keep his undefeated record going as he continues his rise to superstardom, but Romero is looking to finally capture gold despite losing his previous two fights. This fight has quickly become one of the most anticipated fights on the upcoming UFC schedule.
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Weili Zhang makes her first title defense when she defends against former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Zhang won the title from Jessica Andrade in August, extending her win streak to 20 straight. Jedrzjeczyk was the champion in the division from March 2015 until November 2017, and she looks to regain the title after coming up short in two prior chances to become a champion once again.
Also on the main card are a pair of welterweight bouts as Neil Magny returns from a long layoff to fight the always exciting Li Jingliang, and a slugfest between Alex Oliveira and Max Griffin is also on tap. Headlining the preliminary card is the long-awaited return of rising prospect Sean O’Malley, who looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Jose Quinonez.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 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].
They trade low kicks to start. Cannetti with a head kick that gets checked. Cannetti with a leg kick. Batgerel lands a straight right hand. Batgerel with a combo and they are trading punches. Cannetti lands a right hand. They are trading hard punches. Batgerel lands a left hand and Cannetti goes down and Batgerel finishes it off with punches on the ground. Great finish by Batgerel.
Official Result- Danaa Batgerel def. Guido Cannetti by knockout (punches) at 3:01 of Round 1
They were trading early and Chikadze was landing some good shots. They trade leg kicks. Chikadze with a right hand that drops Emmers for a moment. Emmers recovers and gets up. Chikadze with a body kick. Emmers with some calf kicks. They are throwing wild kicks and punches and not much is landing. Chikadze with a left hand. Chikadze with a leg kick. They trade at the end. 10-9 Chikadze.
Emmers with a right hand. Emmers with a right hand as Chikadze lands a body kick. Chikadze with a high body kick. Chikadze lands a combo. Emmers with a big takedown and passes into half-guard. Chikadze is able to reverse and ends up on top and lands a big right hand before they stand. Chikadze with a left hand that wobbles Emmers. They clinch and Emmers has the double underhooks. They break. They trade kicks and Emmers shoots for a takedown and lands a knee to the body. Emmers lands a right hand and Chikadze counters with a high kick. 10-9 Chikadze, 20-18 Chikadze.
Emmers lands the jab and Chikadze with some leg kicks and then a high body kick. They are trading and Chikadze is landing some good distance punches as Emmers is just standing right in front of him. Emmers lands some good punches. They trade in close range. Chikadze is starting to slow and showing signs of gassing. Emmers with a right hand as Chikadze backs up. Emmers coming forward and landing but Chikadze is landing some counters. Emmers with a right hand. Emmers gets a takedown. Chikadze is holding on a tries a triangle but Emmers gets out and lands some good punches to close the fight. 10-9 Chikadze, 29-28 Chikadze.
Official Result- Giga Chikadze def. Jamall Emmers by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Meerschaert with a body kick and then a low blow early. Meerschaert using his length well as he lands a left hand and body kick. Winn lands a hard left hand. They clinch and Winn with a foot sweep takedown. Winn stands and lets Meerschaert up. Winn lands a combo and a knee in close range. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Winn with an uppercut. Meerschaert with a left hand. Winn lands a big combo. Meerschaert with a high kick. Winn with a high kick and follows it with a jab and right hand. Meerschaert with a left hand. Close round. 10-9 Winn.
Meerschaert lands a left hand. His right eye is swollen a little. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Winn with a leg kick and follows with a body punch. Meerschaert with a left hand. Meerschaert with a soft body kick. Meerschaert with a leg kick and follows with a left hand. Meerschaert with a left hand. Winn with an inside leg kick. Winn with a body kick. Meerschaert with a body kick. Meerschaert with some jabs. Winn with a leg kick but misses a hard right hand. Winn with a jab and Meerschaert lands a hard body kick. Meerschaert with a left hand as Winn is retreating. Meerschaert with a left to the body and Winn lands a hard right hand. Meerschaert with a knee to the body. 10-9 Meerschaert, 19-19.
Meerschaert landing the left hand to the body. Winn with a leg kick and then follows it with a right hand that rocks Meerschaert. Winn lands another right hand. Meerschaert has recovered and land a left to the body. Meerschaert hurts Winn with some punches and he’s chasing Winn around the cage. Meerschaert landing and Winn stumbles and they go to the ground. Meerschaert grabs the neck and then gets the back of Winn and has a rear-naked choke locked in and Winn taps! Big win for Meerschaert.
Official Result- Gerald Meerschaert def. Deron Winn by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:13 of Round 3
Vieira is jacked. Safarov with a leg kick. He lands a front kick that hurt Vieira. Vieira gets a huge takedown but Safarov able to scramble up. Vieira gets a big takedown again and takes the back. Vieira with some big punches from the back. Safarov was grabbing the gloves and the fence and clearly trying to find ways to treat. Vieira takes the back again and then gets the mount and is looking for an arm-triangle and Safarov taps. Dominant showing from Vieira once he got Safarov to the ground.
Official Result- Rodolfo Vieira def. Saparbeg Safarov by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:58 of Round 1
> Mark O. Madsen (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Austin Hubbard (11-3, 1-1 UFC) Lightweights
Hubbard with a leg kick. Madsen coming forward and grabs the body and works for the takedown and gets a big suplex and has the back. They got up but Madsen still has the back and drags Hubbard down. They got up and Hubbard was able to escape. Hubbard with a leg kick and Madsen was able to grab him and got another takedown. Madsen is looking for a D’arce but Hubbard is able to roll out. Madsen still looking for a choke. Hubbard escapes and Madsen gets in his full guard. Madsen lands before the round ends. 10-9 Madsen.
Madsen gets a takedown to start the second and is trying to work on the top but Hubbard is showing good defense on the ground. They scramble and Madsen has the back. They stand and Madsen gets another takedown and lands a left hand. They stand and break. Madsen gets another takedown. He doesn’t want to strike on the feet. Madsen lands some hammerfists. Madsen is trying for a choke. They stand. Hubbard lands a knee to the body. 10-9 Madsen, 20-18 Madsen.
They trade to start the third. Hubbard was trying to land hard punches but Madsen took him right down and is in the guard of Hubbard. Hubbard able to scramble up. Madsen is looking tired. Hubbard lands a huge knee right to the chin and Madsen was rocked but Madsen is able to grab the body lock and is recovering. They break and Madsen lands a right hand. Hubbard with another knee. Hubbard with a left hand to the body. Hubbard lands some leg kicks. Hubbard with a low kick and Madsen tries for a takedown and has the back against the fence. Madsen drags him down. They stand and break. Hubbard lands a right hand. They trade. Hubbard lands a right hand. Hubbard with another knee and an elbow. 10-9 Hubbard, 29-28 Madsen.
Official Result- Mark O. Madsen def. Austin Hubbard by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Sean O’Malley (10-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Jose Quinonez (8-3, 5-2 UFC) Bantamweights
O’Malley with a kick that stumbles Quinonez up right out of the gate. O’Malley with a right hand that hurts Quinonez and then throws him to the mat. Quinonez gets up and O’Malley with a head kick that hurts Quinonez. O’Malley follows it with an uppercut that keeps Quinonez down and he follows it up with punches and O’Malley finishes Quinonez off. What a performance by O’Malley.
Official Result- Sean O’Malley def. Jose Quinonez by TKO (punches) at 2:02 of Round 1
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> Alex Oliveira (20-7-1 2 NC, 9-6 1 NC UFC) vs. Max Griffin (15-7, 3-5 UFC) Welterweights
Griffin coming forward with some pressure as he’s looking to land. Oliveira lands a right hand and they clinch but break. Oliveira lands a right hand and then a front kick to the body. Griffin lands a right hand. Oliveira with a right hand and they clinch. Griffin gets a takedown. Griffin working in the guard of Oliveira. Griffin landing from the top. Griffin gets the back and they stand. They scramble up and Oliveira with a knee. 10-9 Griffin.
They are trading to start the second and Oliveira lands an uppercut that opens a cut on Griffin. Oliveira shoots in for a takedown and they are clinched. They break and we have a timeout to check the cut on Griffin. They get back to action and trade leg kicks. Oliveira with a right hand as he has his timing down. Oliveira with an inside leg kick followed by a right hand. They trade right hands. Griffin shoots for a takedown but Oliveira defends and they break. They clinch again and break and Oliveira with a front kick. Oliveira shoots for a takedown and the round ends. 10-9 Oliveira, 19-19.
Oliveira with a front kick to the body and then a head kick. They clinch and Oliveira has the body lock. Griffin fights off and is looking for a takedown but eats some elbows from Oliveira. They break and Oliveira shoots for a takedown and gets it. Oliveira takes the back but moves to the mount. Oliveira lands some punches from the top. Griffin is able to slip out and reverse to the top and steps over to half-guard and is landing punches and elbows. Griffin with short elbows from the top and he is trying to finish late. Close last round. 10-9 Griffin, 29-28 Griffin.
Official Result- Alex Oliveira def. Max Griffin by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Neil Magny (21-7, 14-6 UFC) vs. Li Jingliang (17-5, 9-3 UFC) Welterweights
Magny lands the jab and Jingliang lands a right hand. Magny with a leg kick. Jingliang grabs the back of Magny against the fence. He drags him to the mat but Magny pops right back up. They break and Jingliang with a big right hand. Jingliang landing some more shots and now Magny looks for a takedown and has the back and gets it. They get up and trade position against the fence. Magny with some knees to the body of Jingliang. Jingliang gets a takedown but didn’t do anything with it and they scramble up. Magny with a right hand. Magny lands a jab and then another. 10-9 Magny.
Magny lands the jab as Jingliang rushes in for a body lock. Jingliang is just holding on. Magny reverses and goes for a takedown but Jingliang grabs the fence to block. Magny takes the back and is landing right hands. Jingliang is warned multiple times about grabbing the fence. Magny lands a knee and a shoulder strike. Magny gets a takedown but they scramble up. Magny still has the back. Magny with some more shoulder strikes. They break and Magny lands and they clinch. They separate and Magny with a barrage of punches and knees and Magny pours on the punches and gets a late takedown and steps into mount. 10-8 Magny, 20-17 Magny.
Magny comes forward and lands a leg kick. Jingliang lands a combo. Magny lands some jabs and then a right hand. They trade and Magny shoots for a takedown. Jingliang grabs the back but Magny defends the takedown attempt. Magny lands some jabs. Jingliang lands a left hand. Jingliang with a leg kick. Magny with some knees in the clinch. Magny gets a takedown against the fence. Magny landing punches from the top. Magny gets the back and is landing more punches. They stand and Magny lands some punches. Excellent showing from Magny. 10-9 Magny, 30-26 Magny.
Official Result- Neil Magny def. Li Jingliang by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Dariush with a body kick. Klose with a left hand and then a right hand. Dariush gets a takedown against the fence. They get up and Dariush has the back. Dariush was going for a takedown but Klose was grabbing the fence. Klose repeatedly grabbing the cage. Dariush jumps up on the back standing. Dariush looking for a standing rear-naked choke. Dariush still has the back and is landing punches. Dariush is looking for the choke and has it locked in around the jaw. Klose is fighting it off. Big round for Dariush. 10-8 Dariush.
Dariush lands a low blow to start the second. Back to action and Klose lands a leg kick and a right hand. Klose lands a big right hand and is pouring it on. A barrage of punches by Klose. Dariush landing punches. They are just trading punches back-and-forth and then Dariush suddenly knocks Klose out with a big left hand. That was a wild exchange and a crazy finish by Dariush. That was insane.
Official Result- Beneil Dariush def. Drakkar Klose by knockout (punch) at 1:00 of Round 2
They trade leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. Zhang with a leg kick and follows it with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a hard right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a combo. They trade in close range and Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Zhang with a right hand. Zhang with an inside leg kick. They trade in close. Zhang lands a right hand. Zhang with a side kick. Jedrzejczyk with a combo and Zhang counters and lands a low kick. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. They trade in close. Zhang with a combo. Jedrzejczyk with a combo. Zhang with a right hand as she counters a front kick from Jedrzejczyk. They trade body kicks. Jedrzejczyk lands some punches. Zhang with a combo. Jedrzejczyk landed after the bell rang. 10-9 Zhang.
They trade in close range. They each land a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a combo ending with a leg kick. They trade hard kicks. Zhang lands a right hand. Zhang goes for a takedown and Jedrzejczyk defends and pushes Zhang against the fence. Jedrzejczyk with a knee in the clinch. Jedrzejczyk with some knees to the body and Zhang with an elbow as they break. Zhang with a right hand. She lands another. Jedrzejczyk is retreating. Zhang with a side kick. Zhang gets a trip takedown but Jedrzejczyk gets up. Jedrzejczyk with a front kick. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. They trade. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a body kick. 10-9 Zhang, 20-18 Zhang.
Jedrzejczyk with a right hand followed by a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a body kick. Zhang with a right hand. Zhang with a left hook. Jedrzejczyk with a combo. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand. Jedrzejczyk with a combo and she’s tagging Zhang. Zhang is slowing a little. They trade kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand as she’s switched stances. Jedrzejczyk with a combo and a front kick. They clinch and Zhang gets a brief takedown. They break. Zhang with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. They trade kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand. Jedrzejczyk has a big hemotoma on her forehead. Jedrzejczyk with a body kick and they exchange late. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 29-28 Zhang.
Zhang with a body kick. They exchange in close range. Zhang with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand. Zhang with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a head kick and follows with a left hand. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. They both land hard punches. Jedrzejczyk with a knee to the body. Zhang is throwing hard but looking more tired. Nice combo from Jedrzejczyk. Jedrzejczyk with a head kick. Jedrzejczyk with a left hook. They trade in close range. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Zhang with a right hand. Zhang with another hard right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Jedrzejczyk with a big elbow in close range and they clinch. They trade in close range. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand and a head kick. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 38-38.
They trade in close range to start the fifth. Jedrzejczyk with a leg kick. Zhang with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a left hook. Zhang also with a left hook. Zhang with another left hook. Jedrzejczyk with a right hand. Jedrzejczyk with a left hand and then another. Zhang with a right hand. They exchange. Zhang with a right hand. They trade kicks. Zhang with a left hand and they clinch. They break and Jedrzejczyk with a body kick. Jedrzejczyk with a body kick. They trade kicks. Jedrzejczyk with a spinning back fist. Zhang with a right hand. This was an all-time classic fight and arguably the greatest women’s fight in history. 10-9 Zhang, 48-47 Zhang.
Official Result- Weili Zhang def. Joanna Jedrzejczyk by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47) to retain the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship
> Israel Adesanya (C, 18-0, 7-0 UFC) vs. Yoel Romero (#3, 14-4, 9-3 UFC) UFC Middleweight Championship
Romero standing there with his hands up and not moving. Nothing has happened over a minute in. Still nothing happening two minutes in. Adesanya with a low kick. Romero with a low kick. Romero lands a left hook. Adesanya with a leg kick. Romero with a jumping body kick. 10-9 Romero.
Adesanya with a leg kick and Romero lands a counter left hook. Adesanya just misses a head kick. They trade kicks. Adesanya with a high kick. Adesanya with a body kick followed by a low kick. Adesanya with a low kick. Romero explodes with a flurry against the fence. Adesanya with a high kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and then a high kick. 10-9 Romero, 20-18 Romero.
Romero ducks under a high kick from Adesanya. Adesanya with a leg kick. Romero with a left hand. Adesanya with a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Romero with a leg kick. Romero lands a left and slips. They trade leg kicks. Romero with a body kick. Adesanya with a front kick to the body. Adesanya with another body kick and then a leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Romero.
Adesanya with a low kick and Romero acting all weird. Adesanya with the jab and a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. We have an eye poke and a timeout. We get back to action and Romero with a brief takedown. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Romero’s right leg is red. Adesanya with a hard leg kick. Romero shoots and Adesanya defends. 10-9 Adesanya, 38-38.
Adesanya with a high kick and then a low kick. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a leg kick and Romero with a left hand that gets checked. Romero tries a takedown and Adesanya defends and then lands a leg kick. Adesanya lands a left hand. Romero with a left hand. Adesanya with a leg kick and then trips trying to evade. Adesanya with a head kick. Adesanya with a right hand and then a leg kick. This was not a pretty fight. 10-9 Adesanya, 48-47 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Yoel Romero by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship
Rising star and UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will look to defend his title for the first time this March against Yoel Romero, according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
Adesanya vs. Romero will be the main event of UFC 248 on March 7th in Las Vegas once contracts are signed.
The undefeated 30-year-old won the title by second round knockout in a unification bout against Robert Whittaker last October, his seventh win in the UFC. Romero is an interesting choice as his first challenger given he has lost his last two fights and three of his last four. He missed weight for his last two title opportunities.
Paulo Costa was expected to get the shot, but is injured.
Like Adesanya-Romero, the bout has yet to be officially signed.
Woodley has been on the shelf since losing his title to Kamaru Usman last March, his first loss in five years. The 28-year-old Edwards, a winner of eight straight, has been calling for a big name and finally got one and in his home country.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya, emanating from Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
The Octagon heads back to the biggest venue in Melbourne for the most anticipated fight in Australian mixed martial arts history.
UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker makes his long-awaited return to action when he takes on Interim UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya in a title unification bout. Whittaker hasn’t fought since a June 2018 win over Yoel Romero, while Adesanya looks to remain undefeated in his career and become the undisputed champion after beating Kelvin Gastelum in an interim title fight in April at UFC 236.
In the co-main event, it will be a battle of exciting lightweights as Al Iaquinta looks to get back into the win column when he takes on Dan Hooker. Also on the card is a heavyweight battle between Tai Tuivasa and Serghei Spivac, and a welterweight bout between Jake Matthews and Rostam Akman headlines the preliminary card.
This show is expected to be one of the highest attended UFC events of all-time, and could potentially surpass UFC 193, which was also held at Marvel Stadium, as the most attended event in UFC history.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:45 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].
> Khalid Taha (13-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (11-3-1, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights* (Taha missed weight by 1 pound)
Very tentative start in the first minute and Taha knocks Silva down briefly with a left hook. Silva gets up and gets the clinch. They break and trade. They trade kicks and punches in close range. Taha just misses a right hand. Silva with a body kick and Taha counters with his own. Taha lands another right hand. Silva with a low kick and we have a timeout. Back to action and they clinch and Silva knees Taha in the cup and we have another timeout. No point was taken. They get back to action and clinch and the round ends. 10-9 Taha.
Taha dropped Silva right at the start of the second with a right hand and almost landed an illegal kick. Silva got up and they were trading. Silva grabs a single leg but Taha defends though Silva does get him down. Silva with some hammerfists from the top before he moves to side control. Silva remaining on top as he is looking for transitions and lands some elbows. Taha tries to sprawl out and Silva has his neck. 10-9 Silva, 19-19.
Silva gets an early takedown to start the third but they scramble up and Silva has Taha pinned against the fence. Silva trying to get Taha down but Taha landing some elbows. Taha grabs the neck and drags Silva down and tries to transition but Silva gets up and they remain clinched before breaking. Taha with a body kick. Silva shoots but Taha sprawls and lands some big elbows and grabs the back and lands punches. Taha looks to put his arm under the neck. Taha gets on top and has an arm triangle locked in and it is tight. Silva taps! Taha gets the submission win in the third.
Official Result- Khalid Taha def. Bruno Silva by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:00 of Round 3
> Nadia Kassem (5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ji Yeon Kim (8-2-2, 2-2 UFC) Women’s Flyweights* (Kim missed weight by 2 pounds)
Kassem with a side kick right at the start and then gets dropped with a left hand but she gets up. They clinch and both looking for a takedown and Kassem gets it. They get up. Kim lands some punches. Kassem with some side kicks. Kim lands some punches and they clinch. They trade knees in a tie-up. Boring first round. 10-9 Kassem.
Kassem throws a couple of kicks. Kim misses a right hand. Kim lands a combo. They trade in close range and Kim lands an uppercut. Kassem staying more active and trying to throw Kim off rhythm. Kim started landing punches and knocked Kassem’s mouthpiece out and the referee broke it off during action. Bad mistake. They got back to action and Kim lands some punches. Kim landing more punches with a hard right hand. Kim rocks Kassem with a left hand. Kim landing a flurry of punches and Kassem is in trouble. Kim trying to finish. Kim lands big punches and drops Kassem with a body punch and the fight is stopped. Big finish by Kim to get the win.
Official Result- Ji Yeon Kim def. Nadia Kassem by TKO (punches) at 4:59 of Round 2
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> Megan Anderson (9-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Zarah Fairn (6-2, 0-0 UFC) Women’s Featherweights
Fairn with a combo right at the start and they clinch. Anderson has the body lock. Fairn landing some punches. Anderson gets the takedown. Anderson has the mount against the fence. Anderson with some short elbows from the top. Fairn is cut open. Fairn able to explode from the bottom and is in the guard. Anderson looking for a triangle choke. It is locked in and Fairn taps. Anderson with the big win.
Official Result- Megan Anderson def. Zarah Fairn by submission (triangle choke) at 3:57 of Round 1
Mullarkey with the jab and Riddell lands a right hand. They trade combinations and Riddell with a leg kick. Riddell with a combo in close range. They clinch and Mullarkey has Riddell pushed against the fence. They break and Mullarkey with a left hand. Riddell with a left hand. Riddell with a left hook to the body. They exchange late. 10-9 Riddell.
Mullarkey gets a brief takedown in the second off a kick from Riddell but they get back up. Riddell with a kick and Mullarkey catches it and takes Riddell down. Riddell reverses to side control. They scramble up and Mullarkey looking for a takedown against the fence. Riddell with a big left hook. Mullarkey shoots for a takedown but Riddell defends. Mullarkey tries again and Riddell sprawls and ends up mounting Mullarkey. Mullarkey reverses and ends the round on top. 10-9 Riddell, 20-18 Riddell.
Mullarkey tries a takedown but Riddell defends. Riddell then gets a takedown and works from the top landing punches. They get to their feet and are trading big punches. Mullarkey lands a big left hand and takes Riddell down and has the back and looks for a rear-naked choke. Mullarkey rocked Riddell badly there. Riddell escapes and they start trading on the feet. Riddell with a big combination and takes Mullarkey down. Riddell landing big punches from the top. They get up and are trading. Riddell landing big punches to the head and body. Riddell with a hard right hand and Mullarkey is really rocked. Riddell lands a hard right and slips to the ground. Mullarkey tries a takedown and is on the bottom and Riddell lands punches from the top. They are both tired. Riddell lands a hard right hand as they are both on the ground and the fight ends. The last round was crazy. 10-9 Riddell, 30-27 Riddell.
Official Result- Brad Riddell def. Jamie Mullarkey by unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-26)
> Callan Potter (17-8, 0-1 UFC) vs. Maki Pitolo (12-4, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
They trade early and Potter lands a left hand and they clinch but break. Pitolo landing a good combo and they each land punches. Both throwing big bombs. Potter lands a right hand and then a left hook. Potter tries a takedown but pulls guard. Pitolo gets the back and looks for a rear-naked choke but Potter escapes. They got to their feet and Potter gets a slam takedown but they get to their feet. Both landing punches and Potter lands a nice left hook. Potter lands a right hand. They clinch at the end. 10-9 Pitolo.
Pitolo lands a good combo to start the second. Potter lands a left hand. Pitolo with a combo. Potter with a left hook and a knee to the body. They trade punches and both look tired. They clinch and Pitolo has the body lock. They now battle for underhooks. Potter with short knees to the legs. They break to the center. They trade punches in a close range brawl. They break and exchange punches at the end of the round. 10-9 Potter, 19-19.
They tie up right away and Potter reverses a takedown attempt from Pitolo and ends up on top in the half-guard. They get to their feet and trade and Potter gets a takedown. Potter working from the top and gets the full mount and Pitolo is doing nothing to get up from the bottom. Potter landign from the top. Potter ends the fight in the mount. 10-9 Potter, 29-28 Potter.
Official Result- Callan Potter def. Maki Pitolo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Matthews with a leg kick. Matthews with more leg kicks. Akman comes forward with punches but Matthews slips away. Akman with a left hand. Matthews with a right hand and then lands a quick flurry. Matthews with a right hand and then a left. They trade and Akman with a right hand. Matthews with a right hand. Matthews with an overhand right. 10-9 Matthews.
Matthews with a right hand. Akman just barely lands a right hand. Both men being patient and trying to find openings. Matthews with a high kick and follows it with a right hand. Both throw heavy right hands that miss. Matthews with a combo. They trade. Both landing punches and Matthews with some heavy kicks. 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews.
Matthews still looking to land a good punch but not doing much of anything else. Matthews now landing jabs to the body. Matthews with a combo and a leg kick. No one taking any real risks inside there. Matthews gets the back standng and gets a brief takedown. Akman reverses and they both land as they break to the center. Matthews with a counter right hand. They trade late and Matthews gets the back. Akman grabs the neck and drops down but the fight ends. 10-9 Matthews, 30-27 Matthews.
Official Result- Jake Matthews def. Rostem Akman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Justin Tafa (3-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Yorgan De Castro (5-0, 0-0 UFC) Heavyweights
Tafa lands a big left hand to start. They clinch and break and both throwing bombs. De Castro with a body kick. They clinch but nothing much happens. Tafa lands an uppercut to the body. Tafa rushes in and De Castro lands a right hand that puts Tafa out cold. Wow, that was a great knockout by De Castro.
Official Result- Yorgan De Castro def. Justin Tafa by knockout (punch) at 2:10 of Round 1
> Luke Jumeau (13-4, 2-1 UFC) vs. Dhiego Lima (14-7, 3-5 UFC) Welterweights
Jumeau with a leg kick. Lima with a leg kick. Lima with another leg kick and Jumeau counters with a high kick. Lima with a leg kick. Not a lot of punches being thrown. Lima with a hard leg kick. Jumeau with a leg kick. Lima with the jab. They trade leg kicks. They trade punches. A lot of feinting going on in this round. Jumeau with a right hand. 10-9 Lima.
Lima lands a hard leg kick that sends Jumeau down for a moment. Jumeau gets up and tries a high kick and Lima grabs the leg and takes him down. They get to their feet. Jumeau throws a kick and Lima grabs it and they clinch against the fence. They break and Lima with a leg kick followed by a left hand. They both rock each other with punches. Jumeau now stalking Lima around the Octagon. Lima gets a takedown. They get to their feet before the round ends. 10-9 Lima, 20-18 Lima.
Lima attacking with more leg kicks to start the third. Lima lands an overhand right. Jumeau misses a left hook. Jumeau tries to land a combo but not much lands. Jumeau misses a loaded right hand. Lima with a leg kick. Lima goes for a takedown and pushes Jumeau against the fence but Jumeau defends. They break. Jumeau lands a right hand. Lima tries a takedown but Jumeau defends. Not the most exciting fight. 10-9 Lima, 30-27 Lima.
Official Result- Dhiego Lima def. Luke Jumeau by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
> Tai Tuivasa (#14, 8-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. Serghei Spivac (9-1, 0-1 UFC) Heavyweights
Tuivasa kicks Spivac’s legs out from under him and lands a hammerfist and lets Spivac up. Tuivasa with an uppercut and then a right hand. Spivac with a right hand and takes Tuivasa down. Tuivasa slides to the fence. They get up and break. Tuivasa with a left hand and Spivac counters with a body kick. Spivac gets a takedown but they get up. Tuivasa with a combo against the fence. Spivac with another takedown but Tuivasa works his way up. Spivac with another headlock takedown. Spivac with some left hands. Spivac trying a bulldog choke but Tuivasa escapes to his feet. Spivac gets another takedown. He ends the round on top. 10-9 Spivac.
They trade and Spivac gets another takedown against the fence. They get up and trade knees and Tuivasa with an elbow. Tuivasa lands a right hand. Tuivasa with a left hand. Spivac tries another takedown and gets it. Spivac gets the mount and lands some strikes from the top. Big elbow from Spivac cuts Tuivasa open. Spivac with punches from the top. Spivac gets an arm-triangle choke locked in and Tuivasa goes out cold. Spivac with his first UFC win in an upset.
Official Result- Serghei Spivac def. Tai Tuivasa by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:14 of Round 2
> Al Iaquinta (#6, 14-5-1, 9-4 UFC) vs. Dan Hooker (#15, 18-8, 8-4 UFC) Lightweights
Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with another leg kick. Iaquinta with a body kick. Both land in an exchange. Hooker lands a right hand. Iaquinta lands a right hand. Hooker with a body kick. Hooker with a leg kick. Iaquinta grabs a single leg looking for a takedown. Hooker defends and is landing big elbows and punches. Hooker now has top and lands and grabs the neck but Iaquinta escapes. Hooker now has the back and the hooks in. Iaquinta escapes to his feet. Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with a high kick. 10-9 Hooker.
Hooker with some leg kicks and Iaquinta lands an inside leg kick. Hooker with an inside leg kick as Iaquinta lands a punch. Hooker with a leg kick as Iaquinta shoots in for a takedown. Iaquinta just misses a right hand but lands one as he comes in. Hooker with calf kicks that are hurting Iaquinta. Hooker with a leg kick and Iaquinta tries a takedown but Hooker defends. Hooker then gets the back of Iaquinta as they stand. They break and Hooker with a combo and then knocks Iaquinta down with a right hand. Hooker gets the top and lands an elbow and follows up with punches. Hooker tries for a leg lock and Iaquinta tries an ankle lock. 10-9 Hooker, 20-18 Hooker.
Iaquinta lands a left hand as Hooker lands a leg kick. Hooker with a head kick. Iaquinta with a left hand. Iaquinta landing some punches. Hooker with an elbow as Iaquinta comes in. Hooker with a left hook. Hooker tries a high kick and almost slips. Iaquinta lands a big right hand. Iaquinta is bleeding. Iaquinta with a leg kick and then an uppercut. Iaquinta with a right hand. Hooker with a leg kick. Hooker with a right hand. Iaquinta with a left hand. Iaquinta with a left hand but Hooker is landing counters. Hooker with a leg kick. 10-9 Hooker, 30-27 Hooker.
Official Result- Dan Hooker def. Al Iaquinta by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
> Robert Whittaker (C, 20-4, 11-2 UFC) vs. Israel Adesanya (IC, 17-0, 6-0 UFC) UFC Middleweight Championship
Both looking for leg kicks early. Whittaker with a leg kick. Whittaker cracks Adesanya with a punch. Whittaker lands a left hand. Whittaker with an overhand right as Adesanya lands the jab. Adesanya lands a right hand. Whittaker just misses a right hand. Whittaker with a left hand and then a leg kick. Adesanya with a high kick. Whittaker blocks a head kick attempt from Adesanya. They trade punches. Whittaker with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya knocked Whittaker down right at the end of the round with a big right hand. 10-9 Adesanya.
Whittaker with a right hand and then lands a left hand coming forward. Whittker with the jab followed by a right hand. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a right hook that hurts Whittaker and then lands a head kick. They trade in close range. Adesanya rips a combo to the body. Whittaker with a combo. Whittaker with a left hook. They trade in close and Whittaker with a head kick. They trade in close. Adesanya then drops Whittaker with a left hand and jumps on him for the finish and it is stopped! Adesanya has knocked out Whittaker in the second round to become the undisputed champion.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Robert Whittaker by knockout (punches) at 3:33 of Round 2 to win the UFC Middleweight Championship
The UFC will be crowning an undisputed middleweight champion this October.
Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker vs. interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in a unification fight is officially set for UFC 243. The pay-per-view is taking place on Saturday, October 5, but the location for it has yet to be announced.
While speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Whittaker said he’s been told that UFC 243 will be held in either Melbourne, Australia or Las Vegas, Nevada. At today’s UFC summer press conference, Dana White said the UFC has options and the location will be confirmed soon. When asked if it was guaranteed to be in Australia, White reiterated that they have different options and said Australia is one of them.
Whittaker was scheduled to defend his title against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234 in Melbourne this February, but he had to pull out of the fight due to injury. Adesanya defeated Anderson Silva in what became the new main event of that show.
Adesanya and Gastelum then faced off for the interim middleweight title at UFC 236 in April, with Adesanya winning by unanimous decision.
Whittaker has only fought twice since the summer of 2017. He defeated Yoel Romero in both of those bouts.
Whittaker has a 20-4 record, while Adesanya is 17-0.
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 236: Holloway vs. Poirier 2, emanating from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Octagon returns to Atlanta for the first time since 2016 with two title fights headlining the card, albeit they are for two interim championships.
UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway moves up to 155 pounds in an attempt to become a two-division champion when he takes on Dustin Poirier for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Holloway and Poirier fought once before, at UFC 143 in February 2012, a bout won by Poirier. Since then, both have grown as competitors to become two of the best in the world.
In the co-main event, the Interim UFC Middleweight Championship will be on the line as Kelvin Gastelum and Israel Adesanya do battle. Gastelum lost his chance to become the UFC Middleweight Champion at UFC 234 in February when champion Robert Whittaker had to pull out on fight day due to emergency surgery. Adesanya ended up headlining that event, scoring a win over Anderson Silva to remain undefeated at 16-0.
Also on the main card is a pair of light heavyweight bouts as Eryk Anders takes on Khalil Rountree, and a rematch between Ovince Saint Preux and Nikita Krylov takes place with Krylov looking to even the score between them.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:15 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].
> Brandon Davis (9-6, 1-3 UFC) vs. Randy Costa (4-0, 0-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Davis right away with a leg kick but Costa counters with a big right hand that rocks Davis for a moment. They start throwing bombs at each other. Davis with a body kick followed by a knee as they clinch. Costa with a head kick after they break. Davis with a right hand. They both land punches. Costa with the jab and an uppercut to the body but Davis tags him with a right hand. Each man landing punches. Both landing the jab. Costa with a right hand as Davis is against the fence. Costa with a high kick and a knee to the body. They trade leg kicks. Davis with an elbow. They trade at the end. Fun round. 10-9 Costa.
Costa rocks Davis with a right hand and starts throwing punches but Davis gets a clinch. They break and both throwing punches and kicks. Davis lands a combo and a knee and hurts Costa. Costa shoots for a takedown and Davis defends and gets the back and has a rear-naked choke locked in and Costa taps! Nice submission for Davis in a real fun fight.
Official Result- Brandon Davis def. Randy Costa by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:12 of Round 2
Botelho with a leg kick. They trade punches and kicks. Botelho with a spin kick that partially lands. Botelho with a big body kick that hurts Mueller. Botelho gets a takedown and is in the half guard. Botelho gets to the full mount. They get back to their feet and Botelho has the clinch and is landing knees against the fence. 10-9 Botelho.
They trade punches. Botelho with a leg kick. Botelho just misses a spin kick to the body but lands a high kick. They trade punches and then clinch. They battle for underhooks. Mueller with a hard elbow but it allows Botelho to get a takedown into the guard. Mueller able to get to the fence and uses it to get to her feet. They battle for underhooks against the fence. Botelho lands some short knees against the fence. Botelho with a spin kick to the body after they are broken up by the referee. Mueller lands a body kick followed by a right hand. 10-9 Botelho, 20-18 Botelho.
Mueller stalking Botelho and landing some punches as Botelho backs up. Botelho misses a spin kick. They clinch and Mueller has the edge against the fence but Botelho reverses. Not much happens and the referee splits them up. They each land a jab. Botelho shoots for a takedown but Mueller shakes it off. They trade punches and Mueller lands some big punches. Mueller landing big shots and lands a leg kick that trips Botelho up. Mueller goes into the guard and that might have cost her the fight. She could have possibly finished Botelho standing. Mueller gets to the half-guard but Botelho hanging on as the fight ends. 10-9 Mueller, 29-28 Botelho.
Official Result- Poliana Botelho def. Lauren Mueller by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
> Montel Jackson (7-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (13-6, 2-3 UFC) Bantamweights
Soukhamthath with a leg kick. Jackson with a left hand. Jackson with a combo. Jackson with some leg kicks. Soukhamthath with a leg kick. Slow pace to this first round. Jackson with a high kick and Soukhamthath throws a leg kick. They trade body kicks with Jackson landing harder. Soukhamthath with a knee to the body. Jackson with a combo and looks for a takedown. Jackson completes the takedown. Soukhamthath uses the cage to get to his feet. Jackson gets another takedown. 10-9 Jackson.
They trade to start the second round. Soukhamthath with a leg kick. Both men being patient. They trade leg kicks. They are trading and Jackson is landing big punches. Soukhamthath is firing back but Jackson really opening up and landing lots of big punches. Big right hand from Jackson and Soukhamthath has one hell of a chin. Jackson gets the clinch. Jackson gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Soukhamthath. Jackson finishes the round on top. 10-9 Jackson, 20-18 Jackson.
Jackson starts landing the jab. Soukhamthath goes for a high kick but gets hit in the groin with a kick and goes down and we have a timeout. Jackson gets Soukhamthath to the ground and is in the full mount. Jackson landing big punches and elbows. Soukhamthath giving up his back and Jackson still landing punches. Soukhamthath recovers half-guard. Jackson looking for the kimura and landing body punches. Jackson gives it up but still landing in the full guard. Soukhamthath goes for an armbar but Jackson easily defends. Jackson with hammerfists at the end. 10-9 Jackson, 30-27 Jackson.
Official Result- Montel Jackson def. Andre Soukhamthath by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
> Curtis Millender (17-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Belal Muhammad (14-3, 5-3 UFC) Welterweights
Millender just missed a head kick to start the action. Millender with a leg kick and then one high. Muhammad with a right hand and then a left hook. Millender with a leg kick. Millender cuts Muhammad open with a jab. Millender with another jab. Muhammad goes for a single leg but Millender defends. Millender stuns Muhammad with a right hand and then a late body kick. 10-9 Millender.
Muhammad initiates a clinch against the fence right at the start of the second. Muhammad with short knees and some foot stomps. Muhammad working for a takedown but lets go and they break to the center. Millender just misses a flying knee. Millender lands a right hand. Muhammad with a leaping left hook. Muhammad just misses an uppercut. Muhammad shoots in and finishes the takedown. Muhammad with some punches from the top. Muhammad keeping Millender on the bottom. Muhammad in the full guard and landing to the body. Muhammad with two big elbows. 10-9 Muhammad, 19-19.
They trade kicks. Muhammad shoots for a takedown but Millender defends with a knee to the body. Muhammad with a right hand and then a left hook. Muhammad with another right hand. Millender is slowing down. Muhammad shoots deep for a takedown and completes it. Muhammad in the half-guard of Millender. Muhammad with punches from the top. Muhammad gets to the mount. Muhammad with more punches from the top. Muhammad goes to side control and back to mount and reigning down elbows. Millender gives up his back and Muhammad looking for a choke. Muhammad with punches. Big finish by Muhammad. 10-9 Muhammad, 29-28 Muhammad.
Official Result- Belal Muhammad def. Curtis Millender by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26)
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> Boston Salmon (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Khalid Taha (12-2, 0-1 UFC) Bantamweights
Taha lands a right hand and then drops Salmon with a huge left hand and then finishes him off with punches on the ground. This went less than a minute. Salmon got up and was upset at the stoppage but he was done and was stumbling to his feet. Huge knockout win for Taha.
Official Result- Khalid Taha def. Boston Salmon by TKO (punches) at :25 of Round 1
> Max Griffin (14-6, 2-4 UFC) vs. Zelim Imadaev (8-0, 0-0 UFC) Welterweights
Imadaev with a leg kick but Griffin takes him down and has the back. Imadaev has grabbed the fence three times during the takedown and using to get his feet up. The referee calls a timeout and docks Imadaev a point for the fence grabs. Imadaev lands a knee and Griffin looking for a takedown and gets it. Griffin has the back and working for a choke. Griffin has a neck crank in and is squeezing. He lets go though. Imadaev grabs the cage again. Imadaev keeps grabbing the fence as Griffin is trying to improve his position. They get to their feet. Imadaev lands a spinning elbow and a high kick. Imadaev has the body lock. Griffin lands a knee to the body. 10-8 Griffin.
Imadaev tries a spin kick but Griffin grabs the back mid-spin and gets a takedown. They get to their feet but Griffin still has the back and switches to front control. Imadaev reverses positions. They break and Griffin with a leg kick. Griffin gets a takedown but Imadaev gets back to his feet. Imadaev misses the spinning elbow. Griffin gets another takedown against the fence. They get up and Imadaev with a knee to the body. Imadaev with a right hand. Both men are tired. Imadaev with a body kick. Imadaev lands a spinning fist. 10-9 Imadaev, 19-18 Griffin.
Imadaev with a left hand. Imadaev looks to be the fresher fighter. Griffin with a body kick and Imadaev counters with a leg kick. Imadaev with a left hand followed by an uppercut. Imadaev with a combo. Griffin with a leg kick. Imadaev with a right hand. Imadaev with a combo. They trade punches. Griffin with a right hand and he is tired. Griffin gets a takedown but Imadaev gets up. Griffin lands some knees to the body and Imadaev is hurt. Griffin has the body lock. Griffin with a knee to the body in the clinch. They break and Griffin lands a right hand. They trade late and Imadaev rocks Griffin. This may be a draw. 10-9 Imadaev, 28-28.
Official Result- Max Griffin def. Zelim Imadaev by majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)
> Wilson Reis (#4, 23-9, 7-5 UFC) vs.Alexandre Pantoja (#5, 20-3, 4-1 UFC) Flyweights
Reis with a leg kick and Pantoja counters with a right hand. Reis lands a right hand and goes for a takedown against the fence. Reis tries for a trip but Pantoja defends. They break. Pantoja then drops Reis with a right hand and starts landing punches on the ground. Pantoja with big punches and the referee stops the fight. Big knockout win by Pantoja.
Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Wilson Reis by TKO (punches) at 2:58 of Round 1
> Jalin Turner (8-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Matt Frevola (6-1-1, 0-1-1 UFC) Lightweights
Frevola gets a takedown and takes the back. Frevola with punches and still has back control. Turner defending. Turner rolls out and they get to their feet. Turner lands a right hand that hurts Frevola. They trade punches and Turner grabs a guillotine as Frevola goes for a takedown. They go to the mat and Frevola has side control. Frevola then locks in a guillotine and rolls to the top. It is in tight but only an arm-in guillotine. Turner gets out and Frevola on top. Turner rolls from under and is on top and lands punches. They scramble to their feet. They trade at the end. 10-9 Turner.
Frevola goes for a takedown but Turner defending it against the fence and he gets free. Frevola shoots again but Turner escapes. Turner with a combo. Frevola with a body kick. He’s landing the lead left hook. Frevola goes for a takedown but Turner has the neck and looks to lock in a guillotine choke. Frevola rolls out and ends on top in Turner’s half-guard. Frevola grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine but Turner pops out. Frevola lands an inadvertent upkick that was illegal. They continue but the round ends. 10-9 Frevola, 19-19.
Frevola with a leg kick and a right hand. Turner lands a combo. They trade punches and Turner lands a big right hand. Turner with a left hand. Frevola shoots and completes the takedown. Turner went for a triangle choke but Frevola escaped. Frevola with body punches from side control. Frevola remains in side control but they scramble up. Turner lands a big knee and Frevola backs up. Turner with a spin kick. Turner couldn’t connect with a flying knee. Frevola with a right hand. Turner with a left to the body. They trade at the end. 10-9 Frevola, 29-28 Frevola.
Official Result- Matt Frevola def. Jalin Turner by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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> Ovince Saint Preux (#12, 23-12, 11-7 UFC) vs. Nikita Krylov (24-6, 6-4 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Krylov with a body kick to start things off. Saint Preux gets a takedown against the fence. Saint Preux trying to pull Krylov to the center but Krylov gets to his feet. Saint Preux gets another brief takedown but they get back to their feet. Saint Preux gets another takedown and is in the guard. Saint Preux gets full mount and lands elbows but Krylov escapes and they get to their feet. Krylov lands some knees. Saint Preux misses a left hand. Krylov gets the clinch against the fence and misses a high kick on the break. 10-9 Saint Preux.
Krylov with a body kick. Krylov with a right hand. Saint Preux goes for a takedown. Krylov gets a takedown and has the back of Saint Preux and is working to set up a choke. He lands punches from the back. Krylov has the rear-naked choke locked in and it’s in deep and Saint Preux taps! Big submission win as Krylov evens the score with Saint Preux.
Official Result- Nikita Krylov def. Ovince Saint Preux by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:30 of Round 2
> Alan Jouban (16-6, 7-4 UFC) vs. Dwight Grant (9-2, 1-1 UFC) Welterweights
Jouban gets a takedown right away but Grant gets right up. Jouban just barely misses a head kick as they break. Grant with a big punch. They are separated and both looking for an opening. Grant with a leg kick and then hurts Jouban with a combo and a big left hook. Jouban ate them good. Grant with a looping left hand. Jouban with a high kick. Grant with an inside leg kick. Grant with a body kick. Jouban looking for a head kick but eats a right hand from Grant. 10-9 Grant.
Grant with a combo on Jouban. Jouban missing on his punches and Grant is missing now as well. Jouban with a leg kick. Grant with a combo and backs away. Grant with a leg kick and they both miss punches. They clinch for a moment but break. The crowd is booing as there hasn’t been a lot of action. Jouban with an inside leg kick. Not a lot to this round. 10-9 Grant, 20-18 Grant.
Jouban with a combo. Grant with a leg kick. Jouban with a leg kick and Grant fires back with a combo. Grant with a high kick. Jouban blocks a high kick from Grant but eats a right hand. Jouban with a leg kick. Pause in the action as a kick hit Grant in the groin. Back to action and both land kicks. Leg kicks from both men. Not an exciting fight at all. Jouban gets a late takedown and has the back as the fight ends. 10-9 Jouban, 29-28 Grant.
Official Result- Dwight Grant def. Alan Jouban by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
> Eryk Anders (11-3, 3-3 UFC) vs. Khalil Rountree (7-3 1 NC, 3-3 1 NC UFC) Light Heavyweights
Rountree with a leg kick. Rountree with more leg kicks. Rountree with more fast kicks. Rountree with a left hand. Anders unable to land anything halfway through the round. Rountree with more hard leg kicks to Anders’ lead leg. Anders lands a combo but eats a knee to the body from Rountree. Anders with a left hand. 10-9 Rountree.
Rountree drops Anders with a left hand and Rountree landing kicks to Anders on the ground. Rountree with a hammerfist and lets Anders up. Rountree drops Anders again with a left hook. Rountree with more kicks to a downed Anders. Anders gets up and shoots for a takedown but Rountree defends. Anders with a high kick. Rountree with a left hand. Rountree with a combo and he drops Anders again with a right hand. That is the third knockdown for Rountree this round and he lets Anders up again. Rountree with a body kick. Rountree knocks Anders down again. Rountree lets him up. Rountree with a leg kick. Big round for Rountree. 10-7, 20-16 Rountree.
Anders continues to fight. Rountree lands a combo. Rountree misses an uppercut but lands a left hand. Rountree with an inside leg kick. Rountree with a combo. Anders looks like he’s going for a takedown but Rountree stops it with a right hand. Anders misses a combo. Rountree with a right hook. Rountree with an inside leg kick. Anders lands an uppercut. 10-9 Rountree, 30-25 Rountree.
Official Result- Khalil Rountree def. Eryk Anders by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Adesanya with a leg kick followed by a left hand. Adesanya with a hard body kick. Gastelum with a leg kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Gastelum trips Adesanya up with a left hook. They trade left hands. Adesanya with a high kick. Gastelum lands a left hand. Gastelum lands a lead right hook. 10-9 Gastelum.
Adesanya with a body kick. They trade punches. Gastelum lands a left hand over the top. Gastelum with a left hand and Adesanya counters with a body kick. They trade strikes. Adesanya with a high kick and Gastelum counters with a combo. They trade punches and Adesanya drops Gastelum with a right hand. Gastelum gets back to his feet. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Adesanya with a right hand. Adesanya landing moe punches now and a hard right hand. Adesanya with another right hand. Adesnaya with a spinning elbow that connects and Gastelum is hurt. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Gastelum attempts a takedown but easily defended by Adesanya. 10-9 Adesanya, 19-19.
Adesanya with a leg kick. Gastelum with a left hand to the body. Adesanya with a right hand followed by a head kick. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Gastelum with a leg kick and Adesanya counters with a high kick. Adesanya with a right hand and a knee to the body. Gastelum lands a right hand. Adesanya with a right hand followed by a body kick. Gastelum gets a takedown but Adesanya pushes off and gets to his feet. Adesanya with a high kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 29-28 Adesanya.
Gastelum gets a clinch but lets go. Adesanya with a leg kick. Gastelum with a leg kick. Adesanya with a knee to the body. Adesanya with a hard right hand. Gastelum lands a short left hand. Adesanya with a right hand and then lands a straight right hand followed by a high kick. Gastelum lands a jab. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Gastelum lands a head kick and Adesanya wobbles. Gastelum with a punch and Adesanay is still in trouble. Adesanya with a right hand. Gastelum with a left hand. 10-9 Gastelum, 38-38.
Gastelum with a left hand. Adesanya with a quick combination. Adesanya with a front kick to the face. Adesanya lands a left hand. Adesanya lands a huge right hand. Adesanya gets a standing guillotine but Gastelum spins out and they get to the mat and Adesanya looking for a triangle but Gastelum gets ut and they scramble to their feet. Adesanya with a big combo. Adesanya with a huge right hand. Adesanya with another right hand followed by a leg kick. Adesanya with another huge right hand. Adesanya drops Gastelum with a big combo ending with a right hand. Gastelum gets up and shoots for a takedown. Adesanya with some big elbows. Adesanya landing more big punches and Gastelum in trouble and gets dropped again. Adesany grabs the neck on the ground and then lands punches. They get to their feet and both landing punches and Adesdanya drops him again and they finish on the mat. Absolutely tremendous fight. 10-8 Adesanya, 48-46 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Kelvin Gastelum by unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46) to win Interim UFC Middleweight Championship
Poirier with a front kick to the body. Poirier with a leg kick. Holloway with a combo. Poirier with a body kick. Poirier with a left hand and then a combo. Holloway clips Poirier with a right hand. Holloway with a combo against the fence. Poirier resets. Poirier with a right hand that hurts Holloway. Poirier landing big punches. Holloway eating them and firing back. Poirier with another big right hand. Poirier with some knees and another huge right hand. They trade punches inside the pocket. Holloway now landing punches as Poirier takes a deep breath. Poirier hurts Holloway again. Poirier with another big combo. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a head kick. 10-9 Poirier.
Holloway with a looping left hand. Holloway lands to the body and then to the head. Poirier with a leg kick. Poirier with a combo. Poirier with an inside elbow. Poirier with a snapping straight left hand. Holloway with a high kick. Poirier attempts for a takedown but Holloway pushes him off. Poirier with the jab. Holloway with a combo ending with a body kick. Holloway with another body kick. Holloway with a right hand. Poirier hurts Holloway with a punch and starts throwing against the fence but Holloway circles away. Poirier rocks Holloway with a right hook. Poirier rocks him again late. 10-9 Poirier, 20-18 Poirier.
Holloway with an inside leg kick. Holloway with a right hand to the body but Poirier lands a counter right hook. They each land left hands. Poirier with a body kick but Holloway counters with a combination. Poirier with a huge combo. Holloway lands a right hand. Holloway with a combo. Poirier with a right hand. Poirier with a straight left hand. Holloway with a right hand. They trade punches inside the pocket. Holloway landing a lot of punches against the fence on Poirier. Holloway with a flying knee to the body. Poirier grabs the body looking to score a takedown. Holloway defending with hard elbows against the fence. 10-9 Holloway, 29-28 Poirier.
Holloway lands a right hand. Poirier tries deep for a takedown and gets it against the fence. Holloway gets up and has Poirier’s neck. Poirier with a knee to the body as they break. Holloway pouring it on with combinations against the fence. Poirier looking tired. Poirier now fires back with punches. Holloway with combos against the fence and landing to the body. Holloway to the body and lands a right hand to the body. Poirier with a right cross. Poirier lands a knee and Holloway has a massive cut on his forehead. Holloway lands a combo and is coming on strong. Poirier tries a takedown but Holloway has the neck. We are going to a final round. 10-9 Holloway, 38-38.
Poirier with a leg kick. Poirier with a left hand. Huge chants for Holloway. They each land right hands. Holloway with a combo. Holloway with a body kick. Poirier with the stiff jab. Holloway with a combo. Poirier with a left hand. Holloway with a combo. Holloway is draining blood. They trade punches. Poirier trying for a late takedown but Holloway defending against the fence. Both men are a mess right now. They break the clinch. They both swing wildly at the end. Close fight. 10-9 Poirier, 48-47 Poirier.
Official Result- Dustin Poirier def. Max Holloway by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) to win Interim UFC Lightweight Championship
With Robert Whittaker targeting this summer for his return, the UFC will be crowning an interim middleweight champion while he’s out of action.
Dana White told ESPN that Kelvin Gastelum vs. Israel Adesanya in an interim middleweight title fight has been booked for UFC 236. The pay-per-view is taking place on Saturday, April 13, but the location for the show is to be determined.
Gastelum was supposed to challenge for Whittaker’s middleweight title in the main event of UFC 234 in Melbourne, Australia on February 9, but their fight was canceled on the day of the show due to Whittaker needing to undergo emergency surgery for a hernia and collapsed bowel.
With Whittaker and Gastelum off the card, Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva headlined UFC 234. Adesanya won by unanimous decision to improve his record to 16-0. Five of Adesanya’s fights have been in the UFC.
Gastelum is 15-3 with one no contest.
Gastelum tweeted about facing Adesanya for the interim title: “April 13th , of 2013 I was crowned the Winner of The Ultimate Fighter of season 17. It only makes sense that on the 13th of April, the entire journey comes around and it makes a full circle. #OnAmission4Gold”
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 234: Adesanya vs. Silva, which is emanating from the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
The UFC heads back to Melbourne for their first pay-per-view event of 2019, and the first of the ESPN era with prelims airing on ESPN, with an event that has been marred by chaos on fight day.
This event was supposed to be headlined by UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker defending against Kelvin Gastelum in the main event. However, Whittaker has been forced out of the fight on the day of the event due to a hernia and emergency surgery, causing a huge shift in the fight card.
Gastelum has been pulled from the event, and now a middleweight bout between Israel Adesanya and former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the greatest of all-time, Anderson Silva, has been put into the main event slot. Due to the late change, it will remain as a three-round fight.
Also on the main card is a bantamweight battle between Rani Yahya, winner of three straight, and Ricky Simon, who has won seven straight, and a light heavyweight battle between undefeated Jimmy Crute and fan favorite Sam Alvey, who fights on a numbered UFC event for the first time in his 17th UFC bout. The prelims will air on ESPN headlined by an exciting lightweight battle between Devonte Smith and Dong Hyun Ma.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 7 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and a worst fight to Dave at [email protected].
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> Wuliji Buren (11-6, 0-2 UFC) vs. Jonathan Martinez (9-2, 0-1 UFC) Bantamweights
Martinez right away with some kicks. They trade kicks. Martinez throwing high kicks. Buren with a combo ending with a kick and he shoots for a takedown and finishes it after an inside trip. Buren looking for a guillotine from the half-guard but Martinez defends as he gets to his feet but Buren still has the neck. Martinez defending from the side mount as he escapes and takes the back of Buren. Martinez throws some elbows from the back control. They scramble to their feet and Martinez lands some knees and a big left hand. Martinez lands a knee as they break. They trade kicks and Martinez slips to the mat. Buren goes into his guard. Martinez with an elbow from the bottom. Buren with a hammerfists and more punches at the end. Close round. 10-9 Martinez.
Martinez right away with a leg kick. Buren with a step-in knee and follows with a kick to the body. Martinez comes back with a body kick. Martinez with a leg kick. Buren lands a left hand. Martinez landing some kicks. Buren shot for a takedown, Martinez grabbed the neck to defend, but Buren completed the takedown and is working in the half-guard. Martinez reveresed to the top but Buren swept from the bottom and got back to the top. They are working to stay on the mat. Martinez gives up his back but they scramble to their feet. Martinez grabs the back of Buren. Martinez looking for a choke against the fence. Martinez with a hard knee to the back and then another. Buren defended well at the end. 10-9 Martinez, 20-18 Martinez.
They trade and Buren grabs the body and gets a trip takedown straight into mount. Buren grabbed the arm and had an armbar locked in deep but Martinez able to scramble out and gets the back of Buren and is landing big punches. Martinez got both hooks in against the fence. Martinez gets the mount for a moment but Buren gives his back up. Martinez looking to get his arm under the chin but Buren gives up mount and then his back again. Martinez with some big punches from the back. Buren able to scramble to the guard of Martinez. Martinez looked for a kimura for a second. Buren with a right hand but Martinez pushes him off. Buren goes back down and grabs the neck and works for an anacond choke. He loses it and they scramble. Martinez has the neck and goes to the guard of Buren and lands some punches. Should be a win for Martinez here. 10-9 Martinez, 30-27 Martinez.
Official Result- Jonathan Martinez def. Wuliji Buren by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
> Callan Potter (17-7, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jalin Turner (7-4, 0-1 UFC) Lightweights
Potter with a leg kick and goes right for a takedown but pulls guard. Turner escapes back to his feet. Turner lands some right hands and then drops him after a left hook and a body kick and then finishes him off with some punches on top. Impressive win by Turner as he showed some quick hands there. It went less than a minute.
Official Result- Jalin Turner def. Callan Potter by knockout (strikes) at :53 of Round 1
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> Teruto Ishihara (10-6-2, 3-4-1 UFC) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (14-8 1 NC, 3-2 1 NC UFC) Bantamweights
They trade kick attempts to start. Kang lands a right hand. They trade kicks. Ishihara lands a right hand and follows with a left. Kang hurts Ishihara with a right and rushes in and Ishihara rocks Kang with a right hand. Kang recovers. Kang lands a right and follows with a knee. Kang with another right hand. Kang lands a knee that drops Ishihara to one knee. He gets up and Kang lands more big right hands. Kang with big uppercuts in the clinch. They are just throwing back-and-forth. Kang is landing bigger. They are swinging. Kang gets a takedown and takes the back. He’s too high on the back. Kang has hooks in and has the choke but Ishihara grabs the fence. Kang gets the choke in deeper and Ishihara goes out cold! Wow. What a great one-round fight as Kang gets the win.
Official Result- Kyung Ho Kang def. Teruto Ishihara by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:59 of Round 1
> Kai Kara-France (18-7 1 NC, 1-0 UFC) vs. Raulian Paiva (18-1, 0-0 UFC) Flyweights
They trade leg kicks. Kara-France rocked Paiva with an overhand right. Paiva went to his knees for a second. Kara-France with another right hand. Paiva shoots for a takedown against the fence after eating some right hands. Kara-France defends and they get back to the center. Kara-France lands an uppercut followed by a left hook. Paiva with a high kick. They trade punches. Paiva with a leg kick. Paiva lands a right hand and goes for a takedown but Kara-France scrambles away. Paiva lands a combo. Paiva with a high kick. 10-9 Kara-France.
Kara-France goes for a takedown but Paiva defends and ends up on top. Paiva passes to side control. Paiva with some punches from the top. Kara-France scrambles to his feet and lands a right hand on the break and then he lands another. They break to the center and both are landing. Kara-France has slowed his boxing. Paiva lands and then lands a knee to the body. Kara-France tries another takedown but Paiva defends and is on top and lands. Paiva stands and lands punches on a downed Kara-France who was throwing upkicks. Kara-France lands a hard right hand after he stands. Paiva lands an uppercut. Paiva with a right hand. Kara-France lands the jab but Paiva is landing leg kicks. They trade in close range. They both land right hands. Kara-France with a right hand. Paiva lands a right hand and tries a late guillotine but time ran out. 10-9 Paiva, 19-19.
Kara-France with some short leg kicks. They trade punches in close range. Paiva landing some combos. Kara-France lands a right hand. Paiva with a combo. They trade. Kara-France with a leg kick and Paiva lands a big kick right to the cup and we have a timeout. We get back to action and both men are throwing hard punches in the pocket. Paiva lands a right hand. Paiva is landing combos and hurts Kara-France for a moment. Paiva grabs the neck and it allows Kara-France to get a takedown. They get back to their feet. Kara-France lands a right hand. Kara-France lands another. They are trading in the pocket. Kara-France lands a left hook. Paiva counters with a combo. Kara-France is landing harder while Paiva is landing with more volume. Kara-France gets a late takedown. Close fight. 10-9 Kara-France, 29-28 Kara-France.
Official Result- Kai Kara-France def. Raulian Paiva by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
> Shane Young (11-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Austin Arnett (16-5, 1-2 UFC) Featherweights
Young looking to land the jab early. Young landing the combos in close range. Arnett is eating them well. Arnett lands a left hand in close range. Young with a leg kick. Arnett with a left hand. Young lands a short right hand. Young with a leg kick as he looks to get inside the reach of Arnett, who lands two left hands. Arnett constantly switching stances. Arnett lands the jab. Arnett is just landing with more volume. Young can’t get inside the reach. Arnett with a body kick. Young with a body kick in return. Young lands a big combo late that hurts Arnett. 10-9 Young.
Young with a body kick. Young with a leg kick. He is still trying to get in the reach of Arnett. Young with a body kick. Arnett with the jab. Arnett lands a left hand but he isn’t following up on them. Arnett lands another left. Young is eating them well. Young with a left but Arnett counters with a right. Young with a right hand. Young with a body kick. Arnett with the double jab. Arnett with a right hand and Young fires back with some punches. Young with a body kick. Young with a right hand. Young landing some big punches late here. Arnett retreating around the Octagon. Young with a combo and tries a takedown attempt but lets go. Arnett lands a left on the break. Young fires back with a right hand. They trade late. Flurry to end the round. 10-9 Young, 20-18 Young.
They are trading to start the third. Arnett trying the double jab but Young firing back. Arnett lands a right hand as he grabs the leg of Young. Young with a combo and lands a right hand. Young with a leg kick. They are trading in close range. Young with a combo as Arnett was backing up. Young with another combo. Arnett with the double jab. They are trading. Arnett with a high kick. Young is landing with more volume and lands an uppercut. Young coming on strong late. Arnett lands a right hand. Young with a leg kick. Arnett with a hook and then an elbow. They throw down late and Young drops Arnett right at the end. Wild finish. 10-9 Young, 30-27 Young.
Official Result- Shane Young def. Austin Arnett by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Devonte Smith (9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Dong Hyun Ma (16-8-3, 3-2 UFC) Lightweights
Smith landing early. Smith with some leg kicks. Ma is unable to get anything going on his feet in the first two minutes. Smith back with some more calf kicks. Ma starting to throw now but not landing. Smith with a right hand. Smith now landing some combos and hurts Ma. Smith drops Ma with a right hand. More big right hands on the ground from Smith and Herb Dean stops the fight. Wow. Violent finish from Smith. He has tons of potential at 155 pounds.
Official Result- Devonte Smith def. Dong Hyun Ma by TKO (punches) at 3:53 of Round 1
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> Jimmy Crute (9-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Sam Alvey (33-11 1 NC, 10-6 UFC) Light Heavyweights
Crute with a leg kick. They trade punches. Crute with a high kick but blocked by Alvey. Crute just misses a high kick but lands a leg kick. Crute with a body kick. Alvey lands a left hand. Crute then drops Alvey with a right hand. Crute tried to walk off but the fight wasn’t stopped. Alvey recovered and got to his feet but Alvey hurt him again and Alvey was on the mat and Crute lands a lot of punches and the fight was stopped. Alvey is very upset at Marc Goddard about the stoppage and complaining a lot but Alvey wasn’t defending himself well and the stoppage was good.
Official Result- Jimmy Crute def. Sam Alvey by TKO (punches) at 2:49 of Round 1
> Montana De La Rosa (#14, 9-4, 2-0 UFC) vs. Nadia Kassem (5-0, 1-0 UFC) Women’s Flyweights
De La Rosa landing right away as they get to the fence. De La Rosa gets Kassem to the mat and goes into her guard. De La Rosa with some punches from the top. Kassem remains on the bottom and looking to throw her legs up. De La Rosa works in the guard. De La Rosa continues to land punches from the top. De La Rosa still landing. Kassem keeping her in her half-guard but not attacking. De La Rosa looking for an armbar and then kimura late but time runs out. 10-8 De La Rosa.
De La Rosa with a combo as she backs Kassem up against the fence and then scores a takedown. De La Rosa gets to side control and lands some punches and elbows. Kassem has no answer for having her back on the mat. De La Rosa gets to the mount and has a triangle locked in and lands elbows. De La Roa transitions to the armbar but Kassem trying to roll out. It is in deep but Kassem not tapping. Kassem gets out of it but still in the triangle. De La Rosa with a mounted triangle and landing elbows. She goes for the armbar again and Kassem taps! Big finish by De La Rosa.
Official Result- Montana De La Rosa def. Nadia Kassem by submission (armbar) at 2:37 of Round 2
> Rani Yahya (#15, 26-9 1 NC, 11-3 1 NC UFC) vs. Ricky Simon (14-1, 2-0 UFC) Bantamweights
Yahya with a high kick and Simon counters with a left hand. They trade and Simon lands a big uppercut. Simon coming forward. Yahya with a combo. Yahya with the jab but eats a counter right from Simon. Yahya shoots Simon stands clear. Yahya with a body kick and hurts Simon with a right but Simon drops Yahya with a right hand. Simon goes to the mat for a moment but they get back to the feet. Yahya gets dropped again by Simon but gets up. Yahya lands a right hand but is still hurt. Simon showing great fight IQ by not going to the ground with Yahya. Simon gets a takedown off a timed-right hand from Yahya. Yahya wants Simon on the ground but Simon having none of it. Simon with a head kick. 10-9 Simon.
Yahya with a leg kick. Yahya with a front kick and then lands a right hand. Simon lands a right hand. They continue to trade and Simon has a cut over his right eye. Yahya shot for a takedown but Simon defends. Simon gets a brief takedown and Yahya gets up. They trade right hands. Yahya hurts Simon with a right hand. Simon sprinting around the Octagon. Yahya chasing him down. Yahya lands two more right hands and then a left hook. Simon drops Yahya with a shoulder bump. Yahya gets back up. Simon with a takedown and he goes to the mat with Yahya. Yahya landed an illegal kick but didn’t get called by the ref. 10-9 Simon, 20-18 Simon.
Yahya with a high kick and is able to pull guard. Yahya tries for a triangle but Simon escapes to his feet. Yahya gets up. Yahya with a high kick. Yahya stuns Simon with a punch. The strikes are close. Yahya with a high kick and Simon counters with a right. Yahya tries hard for a takedown but Simon sprawls away. Both men are cut open and it was a headbutt that cut Yahya open. Yahya shoots again but can’t complete it. Yahya with a high kick but Simon counters with punches and Yahya is eating a lot of damage. Simon with the jab. Simon gets a takedown and in the guard of Yahya. Simon rides it out on top. 10-9 Simon, 30-27 Simon.
Official Result- Ricky Simon def. Rani Yahya by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)
> Lando Vannata (9-3-2, 1-3-2 UFC) vs. Marcos Mariano (6-4, 0-0 UFC) Lightweights
Mariano with a high kick. Vannata misses a right hand. Mariano with another high kick and then they trade leg kicks. Vannata gets a body lock and scores an easy takedown. Vannata in the half-guard. Vannata with some elbows from the top. Vannata gets inside the closed guard of Mariano. Vannata with more punches from the top. Mariano doesn’t have an answer from the bottom. Vannata with more and more punches and elbows from the top. Vannata clearly the superior fighter. Vannata with more ground strikes as he postures up. Vannata grabs the arm for a kimura and he gets Mariano to submit with seconds left in the round. Easy work for Vannata.
Official Result- Lando Vannata def. Marcos Mariano by submission (kimura) at 4:55 of Round 1
> Israel Adesanya (#6, 15-0, 4-0 UFC) vs. Anderson Silva (#15, 34-8 1 NC, 17-4 1 NC UFC) Middleweights
Both looking for openings inside the first minute. Neither seem to want to take a huge risk. Adesanya lands a leg kick. Silva counters with his own. Adesanya tries a hook kick but Silva grabbed the leg. Adesanya tries a kick but misses and Silva chases him. Adesanya hurts Silva with a right hand. Adesanya lands an elbow and a knee. Silva holding his hands low. Adesanya with an inside leg kick. Silva chases Adesanya around. They trade body kicks. Silva lands a right hand. Adesanya lands a right hand. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya lands a left but just barely misses a head kick. Silva misses a spin kick. Adesanya lands a left hand. Adesanya with a taunt at the end. 10-9 Adesanya.
Silva just misses a hook kick but the heel did land. Silva with a right hook. Adesanya with a leg kick. Silva with a body kick. Adesanya with a body kick. Adesanya with a combo and Silva eats it. Adesanya misses a head kick and Silva lands a counter right hand. Silva lands a combo and they clinch and Silva lands on the break. Adesanya with a leg kick. Adesanya with a low kick. Silva lands the jab and then another. They clinch and Silva with a body punch. Adesanya with a leg kick. Silva with a leg kick and then lands a left hand. Silva chases Adesanya around the cage and lands an uppercut and body kick. 10-9 Adesanya, 20-18 Adesanya.
Adesanya with a leg kick and it hurt Silva. Adesanya tries a kick and Silva grabs it and Adesanya goes down for a moment and Silva misses a huge flying knee. Silva has his back against the fence. Silva telling Adesanya to come after him. Silva with a side kick. Silva’s right eye is closing from what may have been an eye poke. Adesanya with a leg kick and then another. Silva with a leg kick. Adesanya lands a left hand. Silva with a body kick. They trade left hands. Adesanya with a high kick followed by a right hand. Silva lands a right hand. They both miss spinning attacks. Really wish this was five rounds. Fun fight. 10-9 Adesanya, 30-27 Adesanya.
Official Result- Israel Adesanya def. Anderson Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
One of the UFC greatest fighters against one of the promotion’s fastest rising prospects is set for February’s UFC 234 in Melbourne, Australia, as former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva is set to face Israel Adesanya, according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
After a year away, Silva is coming off his second USADA suspension after taking tainted supplements. He’s just 1-4-0-1 in his last five dating back to July 2013 and hasn’t been in the cage since earning a unanimious decision win over Derek Brunson in February 2017.
Following an extensive kickboxing career, the 29-year-old Adesanya is undefeated (15-0) in MMA and is 4-0 in the UFC. He is coming off a first round win over Brunson at November’s UFC 230.
The show features a main event of middleweight champion and Australia native Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum. One would assume that if Gastelum suffers an injury, the New Zealand native Adesanya will be given the opportunity.
