Tag: Jose Aldo

UFC 315 live results: Two title fights from Montreal

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

For the first time in ten years, the Octagon returns to Montreal for a big pay-per-view event with two title fights as UFC 315 takes place at the Bell Centre.

The main event sees UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad make his first title defense against challenger Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad is coming off his title fight win over Leon Edwards in July 2024, but injuries have delayed his first defense. Della Maddalena gets the first shot coming off a 16-fight win streak which includes a 7-0 record with the UFC.

In the co-main event, UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko makes her first title defense of her second reign against Manon Fiorot. Shevchenko is coming off a title fight win over Alexa Grasso in September 2024 while Fiorot is riding a 12-fight win streak including seven straight wins to start her UFC career.

Also on the main card is a featherweight bout between UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo and Aiemann Zahabi; a women’s flyweight bout between former champion Alexa Grasso and Natalia Silva; and a lightweight bout pitting Benoit Saint-Denis against the returning Kyle Prepolec.

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

> Bantamweights- Brad Katona (14-4, 4-4 UFC) vs. Bekzat Almakhan (16-2, 0-1 UFC)

Almakhan lands a jab to the body and follows with a combination. Almakhan lands a right hand. Almakhan with an uppercut as Katona lands a right hand. Almakhan drops Katona with another uppercut and lands a hammerfist to finish it off. What a finish from Almakhan!

Fight Result- Bekzat Almakhan def. Brad Katona by knockout (punch) at 1:04 of Round 1

> Featherweights- Daniel Santos (11-2, 2-1 UFC) vs. JeongYeong Lee (11-2, 2-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks before trading punches inside the pocket. Lee lands a pair of leg kicks as Santos lands a right hand. Santos lands a pair of body kicks. Lee lands a body kick. They trade in close range. Lee pushing the pace and lands a right hand and then drops Santos with a right hand. Santos quickly stands as Lee lands an elbow and Santos chases the takedown. Lee defends but Santos takes his back. Santos drags Lee down for a moment but they separate. Santos lands a right hand. Lee lands a jab and they trade inside the pocket. Santos lands a calf kick. They trade jabs. Lee lands a left to the body. They both land flurries in close range. Lee lands a left hook. Santos lands a right hand and Lee stumbles, but he lands a counter right hand. Lee lands a right hand. Santos lands and looks for a takedown, but Lee defends against the fence. They break. 10-9 Lee.

Lee lands an uppercut and Santos lands to the body. They trade inside the pocket. Santos misses a spin attack but is able to score a takedown. Santos has back control as they’re on the mat. Santos lands a knee to the body as they stand. They trade leg kicks. They trade and Santos gets another takedown. They get up and both connect as Lee lands a left hook. Santos lands a jumping knee. They trade leg kicks and Santos lands a pair of them. Santos scores another takedown. Santos landing from inside the guard of Lee. Lee pushes Santos off and Santos grabs the back as they stand. They break and trade. Lee clips Santos with a right hand. Santos with a spinning elbow. They both land inside the pocket. 10-9 Santos, 19-19.

They trade as both solidly land. Santos scores a takedown and looked for an arm-triangle choke but went to side control. Santos lands a pair of short elbows. They stand and Santos gets a brief takedown but they get to their feet. Lee lands a few punches. Santos lands a leg kick. Lee working the jab. Santos pushes Lee against the fence but they break. Santos lands a big right hand. They trade combos. Santos scores a takedown. They get up and Santos lands a knee before they break. Santos grabs a leg and Lee lands to defend and Santos lands a head kick as they separate. 10-9 Santos, 29-28 Santos.

Fight Result- Daniel Santos def. JeongYeong Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Middleweights*- Marc-Andre Barriault (16-9 1 NC, 5-8 1 NC UFC) vs. Bruno Silva (23-12, 4-6 UFC)

*Silva missed weight by one pound

Silva lands a jab and Barriault lands some uppercuts. Barriault lands a body kick and Silva grabs the leg and lands some right hands. Barriault grabs the clinch and lands an elbow and some knees. Barriault with some big punches and lands an elbow and Silva goes down and is out cold! A vicious finish from Barriault to pick up the win!

Fight Result- Marc-Andre Barriault def. Bruno Silva by knockout (elbow) at 1:27 of Round 1

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> Light Heavyweights- Navajo Stirling (6-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. Ivan Erslan (14-4 1 NC, 0-1 UFC)

Stirling throwing kicks early. Erslan lands a combination. Erslan lands a right hand then a left hook. Stirling lands a spin kick. Erslan lands a right hand. Stirling with a leg and body kick. Stirling lands a pair of leg kicks. Erslan with a right hand. He lands another. Erslan with a right hand then a left hook. Stirling with a leg kick as Erslan lands a right hand. Erslan lands a right hand. Stirling with a pair of kicks. Erslan with a combo. 10-9 Erslan.

They trade and Stirling pushes it to the fence, but Erslan takes the back and lands some knees. They separate for a moment and Stirling gets a takedown. Stirling lands some punches as he has Erslan’s back. Erslan is able to reverse and he has the back of Stirling as they stand. Erslan with some soft knees. Stirling with some back punches and they break apart. Stirling with some body kicks. He lands a leg kick then a combo to the body. Stirling just misses a knee but lands a pair of kicks. Erslan lands a right hand. Erslan lands to the body. Stirling with a body kick. Stirling lands a left hand then a leg kick followed by a high kick. 10-9 Stirling, 19-19.

Stirling lands a jab as Erslan lands a right hand. Erslan with an uppercut and a right hand. Erslan landing slightly more. They trade jabs and Stirling lands an uppercut. Stirling lands a leg kick. They clinch for a moment and Stirling lands knees before they separate and trade. Stirling lands a big right hand that stuns Erslan. Erslan tries for a desperation takedown and Stirling lands some punches as he’s defending. Stirling still landing as they stand. They trade inside the pocket. Stirling lands a big elbow and lands a big flurry and Erslan falls face first to the mat but he’s alert. Stirling landing and Erslan gets to his feet and Stirling has the back. Stirling drags it down and lands. Stirling with lots of punches as the fight ends. 10-8 Stirling, 29-27 Stirling.

Fight Result- Navajo Stirling def. Ivan Erslan by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)

> Light Heavyweights- Modestas Bukauskas (17-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (19-10-1 1 NC, 8-9-1 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Bukauskas lands a jab as Cutelaba lands a leg kick. Cutelaba lands a heavy leg kick. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Bukauskas lands another right hand. Cutelaba lands a right hand. Cutelaba lands some kicks. Bukauskas lands a switch kick. Cutelaba lands a right hand. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Bukauskas lands a calf kick. Cutelaba with a leg kick. Bukauskas lands a combination and then follows with another. Bukauskas lands a spin kick. Cutelaba with a spin kick. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Bukauskas with a spin kick. 10-9 Bukauskas.

They trade in close range and Bukauskas lands a right hand. Cutelaba throws a spinning elbow and trips to the mat as he throws it. They clinch against the fence. There isn’t much action happening and they are separated. Cutelaba tries a spin kick and slips to the mat again but gets up. Bukauskas lands a right hand. Cutelaba with a right hand. They trade punches. Bukauskas lands a right hand and they trade late. 10-9 Cutelaba, 19-19.

Cutelaba shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. He lands an elbow. They trade knees while tied up. They separate and trade. Cutelaba lands a leg kick. Cutelaba with a right hand. Bukauskas with a high kick. They trade before clinching up. They trade knees. Cutelaba tries to trip it down but Bukauskas keeps it standing. Cutelaba lands to the body. They separate and Bukauskas lands a right hand before they tie back up. Cutelaba with short punches. Bukauskas lands and they separate. Both land some solid punches. Close fight. 10-9 Bukauskas, 29-28 Bukauskas.

Fight Result- Modestas Bukauskas def. Ion Cutelaba by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)

> Women’s Flyweights- #7 Jessica Andrade (26-13, 17-11 UFC) vs. #9 Jasmine Jasudavicius (13-3, 7-2 UFC)

They trade and both land leg kicks. They trade and Jasudavicius scores a big takedown. Jasudavicius gets the back and lands. Jasudavicius grabs the neck and locks in a rear-naked choke and Andrade taps! Big win for Jasudavicius as she establishes herself as a sure-fire title contender.

Fight Result- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Jessica Andrade by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:40 of Round 1

> Welterweights- Mike Malott (11-2-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Charles Radtke (10-4, 3-1 UFC)

Malott with a front side kick to the quad of Radtke. Malott lands a left hand. Malott with more side kicks. Malott lands a right hand. Radtke lands a jab then a right hand. Malott lands a combination. Malott lands another combo then a spin kick. Malott lands a left hand. Radtke lands a couple of left hands and Malott lands a counter left hand. Malott with a body kick. Malott with a pair of jabs. Radtke partially lands and Malott lands a knee. 10-9 Malott.

Malott lands a left hand as Radtke rushes in. Malott drops Radtke with a combination and starts landing from the top and it is all over! What a finish from Malott!

Fight Result- Mike Malott def. Charles Radtke by knockout (punches) at :26 of Round 2

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> Lightweights- #13 Benoit Saint-Denis (13-3 1 NC, 5-3 UFC) vs. Kyle Prepolec (18-8, 0-2 UFC)

They trade leg kicks and Saint-Denis scores a takedown. Prepolec attacks an arm from the bottom. Saint-Denis has back control but not much action is taking place. Saint-Denis lands some right hands and then some side elbows. Saint-Denis looking for a rear-naked choke but lets go to land some punches. Prepolec stands and Saint-Denis keeps back control and takes it back down. Saint-Denis with more punches from the back. Saint-Denis has the body triangle locked in. Saint-Denis lets go and starts landing lots of punches. He jumps back on the back as Prepolec is on his feet. Saint-Denis looks for the choke but doesn’t have it in. 10-9 Saint-Denis.

Prepolec lands a left hand and they trade. Both land left hands. Prepolec lands and Saint-Denis lands a flurry and a knee and timeout is called for an eye poke by Prepolec. They get back going and both connect with left hands. Saint-Denis grabs the clinch and lands some knees and vicious elbows. They separate and Saint-Denis lands some left hands. Saint-Denis with another knee and lands some elbows in the clinch and then lands some knees. Saint-Denis with more nasty elbows. Saint-Denis grabs the back and drags it down. Saint-Denis locks in an arm-triangle choke and gets Prepolec to tap!

Fight Result- Benoit Saint-Denis def. Kyle Prepolec by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:35 of Round 2

> Women’s Flyweights- #1 Alexa Grasso (16-4-1, 8-4-1 UFC) vs. #5 Natalia Silva (18-5-1, 6-0 UFC)

Silva lands two leg kicks. Grasso with a leg kick and Silva lands a combination. They trade leg kicks and Silva lands a combination. Silva with a leg kick. Grasso lands a double jab. Silva with a leg kick then a high kick. Grasso looks for a takedown but Silva is landing to defend. They both land as they separate from the clinch. Silva with a side kick to the face. Grasso with a double jab. Silva lands a leg kick. Silva with another leg kick. Grasso with a leg kick. Grasso lands a jab. 10-9 Silva.

Grasso with a leg kick. Silva with a head kick. Grasso with a left hook. Silva lands a side kick. They trade. Silva with a leg kick and a left hand. Grasso rushes in and Silva lands a left hook after a high kick. Silva lands a jab. Silva lands a combination as Grasso rushes in. Silva with a head kick that grazes. Grasso lands some big punches late and Silva returns fire as the round ends. 10-9 Silva, 20-18 Silva.

Silva lands a combo and they trade leg kicks. Grasso lands a right hand and shoots for a takedown but Silva defends against the fence. They separate and Silva circles around and lands a hard left hand. Grasso lands the double jab and then a combination. Silva with a combination and a front kick then she lands a side kick. Silva with a combination. Silva lands a head kick that Grasso eats. Grasso continues to press forward and has a cut under her eye from the kick. Silva with a leg kick then a spin kick. Silva lands a leg kick. 10-9 Silva, 30-27 Silva.

Fight Result- Natalia Silva def. Alexa Grasso by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- #11 BW Jose Aldo (32-9, 14-8 UFC) vs. #15 BW Aiemann Zahabi (12-2, 6-2 UFC)

Aldo lands a jab. Aldo lands a body kick. Aldo with a knee and follows with a left hook. Aldo lands a combination and Zahabi is backing away as Aldo rushes in and lands. Aldo lands a right hand and a body kick. Zahabi lands a combination. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a front kick. Aldo lands a combo to the body. Zahabi lands a leg kick. Aldo lands a leg kick. Aldo with the teet kick and lands a right hand. Zahabi lands a left hand. Aldo rips to the body and lands a left hook. Aldo with a leg kick and a jab and a right hand. Zahabi with a left hook. Aldo lands to the body and Zahabi lands a counter right hand. Aldo lands a left hook. 10-9 Aldo.

Zahabi lands a knee to the body. Aldo lands a jab. Aldo with a left hook. Zahabi lands a leg kick. They trade in close range. Aldo lands a combo. Zahabi with a left hand. Aldo works some left hands. Aldo with a right hand to the body. Zahabi with a pair of jabs. They trade in close range and timeout is called for a groin strike. They get back going. Zahabi lands a leg kick as Aldo lands some jabs. Zahabi lands a kick to Aldo’s groin and timeout is called. They get back going and trade leg kicks. Zahabi lands a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Aldo, 20-18 Aldo.

Zahabi lands a right hand. Zahabi with a jab. They trade in close range. Aldo with a left hand. Aldo working the jab. Zahabi lands a combination. Zahabi lands a knee to the body. Aldo drops Zahabi with a right hand and then lands a big head kick as Zahabi stands and he goes back down. Zahabi stands and Aldo is landing as Zahabi is running away. Zahabi recovers and he lands a right hand and a double jab. Zahabi landing some knees now as Aldo is gassed out. Aldo tries a takedown but Zahabi pushes him off and gets on top and lands. Zahabi lands to the body but Aldo gets control of the guard. Zahabi lands from the top. Zahabi lands some big elbows. Both are exhausted, but Aldo is way more. Zahabi with two more elbows and Aldo is cut open. Zahabi landing more elbows. Close fight. 10-9 Zahabi, 29-28 Aldo.

Fight Result- Aiemann Zahabi def. Jose Aldo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship- C Valentina Shevchenko (24-4-1, 13-3-1 UFC) vs. #2 Manon Fiorot (12-1, 7-0 UFC)

Fiorot lands a leg kick. Shevchenko lands a left hand. Shevchenko lands a right hand. Fiorot with a high kick. They trade leg kicks. Shevchenko with a right hook. Shevchenko lands a right hand. Shevchenko misses a spin kick and Fiorot lands a right hand. Shevchenko lands a right hand. Fiorot with a high kick. Shevchenko lands a right hook that stuns Fiorot. Fiorot is bleeding badly from her nose. Fiorot throws a kick and Shevchenko catches it and scores a takedown. Shevchenko lands from the half-guard. 10-9 Shevchenko.

Shevchenko lands a right hand. Fiorot shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. They separate. Shevchenko with a high kick. Fiorot missing the side kick and Shevchenko lands a right hand. Fiorot lands a right hand and they tie up. Shevchenko gets a brief trip to the mat but Fiorot reverses to the feet. Shevchenko with a pair of right hands. Shevchenko grabs the body and looks for a takedown but Fiorot defends. Fiorot looks for a takedown against the fence. Fiorot has the back and lands some knees. Fiorot lands an elbow on the break. Fiorot gets a takedown. Fiorot lands to the body. Fiorot stands and lands an illegal knee that the referee doesn’t call. 10-9 Fiorot, 19-19.

Fiorot with a high kick and Shevchenko lands an inside leg kick. Fiorot with another high kick as Shevchenko lands a leg kick. They tie up and Fiorot lands a knee and elbow on the break. Shevchenko looked for a takedown but lands a right hand. They clinch and Fiorot lands a series of knees then pushes Shevchenko away. They both land and separate. Shevchenko lands a spinning back fist and Fiorot shoots for a takedown. Fiorot has the back and looks to drag it down. Shevchenko lands as they break. Close round. 10-9 Fiorot, 29-28 Fiorot.

They trade kicks. Shevchenko lands a right hook. Shevchenko lands a high spin kick. Fiorot lands a high kick. They clinch but not much happens. Fiorot is pressing forward. Shevchenko lands a spin kick to the body. They tie up and Fiorot lands some knees. They break apart. Shevchenko scores a takedown. Fiorot is able to quickly get up and lands a knee in the clinch. They separate. Fiorot with a side kick. Shevchenko drops Fiorot with a right hand and lands to end the round. 10-9 Shevchenko, 38-38.

They tie up and Fiorot lands a knee. They both land as they separate. Shevchenko lands a left hand. They tie up for a brief moment but quickly break. Shevchenko lands a spinning back fist. Fiorot pushes it against the fence and lands a knee. They both battle for advantage before separating. Fiorot lands a right hand. Fiorot gets the clinch and lands a knee. Fiorot has the back and lands some knees. They break apart. Shevchenko with a leg kick. Shevchenko lands a spin attack. Fiorot with a knee and elbow. 10-9 Fiorot, 48-47 Fiorot.

Fight Result- Valentina Shevchenko def. Manon Fiorot by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47) to retain the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship

> UFC Welterweight Championship- C Belal Muhammad (24-3 1 NC, 15-3 1 NC UFC) vs. #5 Jack Della Maddalena (17-2, 7-0 UFC)

Maddalena lands a right hand and Muhammad lands a body kick. Maddalena with a jab, a leg kick and a right hand. Muhammad lands a jab. Maddalena with a leg kick. Muhammad lands a jab. Muhammad lands a right hand. Muhammad with a left hand. Maddalena lands a head kick then a left hand. Maddalena with a right hand and a body kick. Maddalena with a leg kick. Maddalena lands a leg kick then a high kick. Maddalena connects with a left hand. Muhammad shoots for a takedown but Maddalena defends. Muhammad lands a body kick. Muhammad lands a right hand. Maddalena lands an uppercut and Muhammad lands an elbow. 10-9 Maddalena.

Maddalena lands two body kicks. Muhammad lands a right hand. Maddalena with another body kick. Muhammad lands a jab. Muhammad with a partially landed head kick. Maddalena lands a left hand. Maddalena with some teet kicks. Maddalena lands a right hand. He lands a big right hand. They trade body kicks. They trade right hands. Muhammad hunts for a takedown but Maddalena sniffs it out. They trade in close range. Muhammad looks for the takedown again but Maddalena defends. They trade in close range. Maddalena with a spin kick. 10-9 Maddalena, 20-18 Maddalena.

Maddalena lands a jab. Muhammad lands a combo. Maddalena lands to the body and ends it with a right hand. Maddalena lands a left hand and a body kick. They trade jabs. Muhammad lands a jab. He lands a right hand. Maddalena lands a right hand. Maddalena lands a pair of jabs and Muhammad lands a right hand. They trade in close range. Maddalena lands a left hand. Muhammad lands an elbow and some right hands against the fence as he has clinch control. Maddalena goes for a takedown as Muhammad lands some elbows. Close round. 10-9 Maddalena, 30-27 Maddalena.

They trade and Muhammad lands a jab and a right hand. Muhammad is pressing forward more now and lands. Maddalena lands a quick flurry. They trade jabs. Muhammad lands a combo. Maddalena lands a counter right hand as Muhammad was coming forward. Muhammad with an uppercut and he goes for a takedown but Maddalena defends. Maddalena lands some big punches. Muhammad presses Maddalena against the fence. Muhammad takes Maddalena’s back. Muhammad lands a knee. Muhammad lands more and they separate. Muhammad lands a high kick and a jab. They tie up against the fence. Muhammad has the back and lands a couple of head kicks. They break apart. Muhammad lands a right hand. 10-9 Muhammad, 39-37 Maddalena.

Maddalena lands to the body. Muhammad lands a right hand and a body kick. Maddalena lands two left hands. Maddalena lands a knee that cuts Muhammad open. Muhammad lands a right hand that briefly wobbles Maddalena. They trade and Muhammad is able to score a takedown. Muhammad lands from the top. Maddalena is able to explode to his feet. Maddalena lands a heavy left hand that makes Muhammad stumble a little. Maddalena teeing off with big punches. Muhammad is able to force a clinch. Maddalena lands to the body. Muhammad gets a takedown and is able to get on top. They stand but Muhammad still has control. They separate and Maddalena lands a right hand and a few big punches. Maddalena with some hard right hands. Maddalena with an uppercut. 10-9 Maddalena, 49-46 Maddalena.

Fight Result- Jack Della Maddalena def. Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to win the UFC Welterweight Championship

UFC 307 live results: Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The UFC returns to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the third straight year, this time bringing two title fights as UFC 307 takes place at the Delta Center.

In the main event, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira makes his third title defense in six months when he meets challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. in a battle of former kickboxers. Pereira has scored wins over Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka this year. Rountree Jr. has won five straight fights and is coming off a December win over Anthony Smith.

In the co-main event, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Raquel Pennington defends for the first time against former champion Julianna Pena. Pennington defeated Mayra Bueno Silva in January for the vacant title while Pena fights for the first time in over two years. Her last time out, she lost the title to Amanda Nunes in July 2022.

The main card features a bantamweight bout between UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo and Mario Bautista; a middleweight bout pitting Roman Dolidze against Kevin Holland; and a title eliminator bout in the women’s bantamweight division between Ketlen Vieira and Kayla Harrison.

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

> Welterweights- Court McGee (21-13, 10-12 UFC) vs. Tim Means (33-16-1 1 NC, 15-13 1 NC UFC)

They come out both throwing and McGee lands a leg kick. They clinch and McGee pushes it to the fence. McGee lands a pair of right hands before they separate. Means lands to the body as they clinch but they quickly break. McGee lands a flurry. They trade inside the pocket and McGee gets a takedown. He looks for the back. McGee looks for the neck but then attacks an arm. McGee looks for a choke but doesn’t quite have it in. McGee is squeezing and Means taps! McGee picks up the finish in his home state.

Official Result- Court McGee def. Tim Means by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:19 of Round 1

> Women’s Strawweights- Carla Esparza (19-7, 10-5 UFC) vs. Tecia Pennington (13-7, 9-7 UFC)

Pennington is pressing forward and throwing to start. She lands a right hand. She lands another as Esparza lands a right hand. Pennington with some more right hands. Both land leg kicks. They trade inside the pocket. Pennington lands a right hand. Esparza is able to score a takedown and they scramble. Pennington lands a pair of upkicks. Esparza gets into side control. Esparza landing as she’s controlling an arm and ankle of Pennington. Esparza with more punches and elbows as the round ends. 10-9 Esparza.

They trade at a distance to start the second as both are being patient. Pennington with a leg kick. Pennington with a pair of leg kicks. Esparza is looking for takedown openings but Pennington is landing as she is telegraphing them. Pennington with an inside leg kick. Pennington lands a quick flurry. Esparza lands a right hand. Pennington with more leg kicks. They trade and Pennington lands a big left hand. Esparza gets a takedown but they scramble up. Esparza has the back and gets it back down but they stand at the fence. Pennington lands a left hand as they break. Close round. 10-9 Pennington, 19-19.

Pennington with an inside leg kick. Esparza lands as Pennington lands a leg kick. Pennington with a pair of leg kicks. Pennington with more leg kicks. Esparza lands a leg kick then Pennington goes higher with a kick. Pennington with a leg kick. She lands more kicks as Esparza isn’t doing much. Esparza then lands a combination. Pennington with more leg kicks. They trade in close range. They trade in a quick exchange. Pennington lands a combo. Esparza lands a right hand. Pennington with a hard leg kick. Esparza gets a late takedown and lands a right hand and Pennington lands an upkick. Esparza with a big elbow late. Close fight. 10-9 Pennington, 29-28 Pennington.

Official Result- Tecia Pennington def. Carla Esparza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

> Light Heavyweights- Ryan Spann (21-10, 7-5 UFC) vs. Ovince Saint Preux (27-17, 15-12 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Spann with a body kick. Saint Preux with a leg kick. Spann lands a right hand and Saint Preux with an inside leg kick. Spann lands a left hand. Saint Preux lands a left hand and Spann lands a right hand. Spann rocks Saint Preux with a right hand then grabs the neck and locks in a guillotine choke on the feet. They go to the mat and it is in deep and Saint Preux taps! Spann with the first-round submission win.

Official Result- Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:35 of Round 1

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> Middleweights- Cesar Almeida (5-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ihor Potieria (21-6, 2-4 UFC)

They trade leg kicks. Almeida lands a right hand. Potieria with a body shot then a high kick. They trade kicks. They clinch against the fence but break before anything happens. Almeida lands a big right hand. Potieria shoots for a takedown but Almeida defends. Potieria lands a left hand. Potieria with a body kick. Almeida lands to the body. Almeida with a leg kick then a body kick. Almeida lands a leg kick then a right hand. Potieria is able to get a takedown but they get right back up. They break and Almeida with a leg kick before Potieria lands a combo. 10-9 Almeida.

Almeida with a body kick. They trade quick jabs and kicks. Potieria looks to have been poked in the eye but no timeout is called, but then Almeida punches him in the groin so now we have a timeout. They get back to action and Almeida lands another eye poke on Potieria, and timeout is called this time. They get back to action. Almeida with a body kick and appears to land another eye poke. Almeida with a high kick. Potieria gets a takedown. They get to their feet and Potieria has the back but they break apart. Almeida grabs the neck and drops down for a guillotine choke. He has it locked in from mount position. Potieria is able to get out but Almeida is in the mount position. He lands an elbow. Almeida lands from the top. Almeida with more big shots from the top and Potieria gives up his back. Almeida gets back to the mount and lands some elbows. 10-9 Almeida, 20-18 Almeida.

Potieria pressing forward and lands a body kick and a combination. Potieria gets poked in the eye again but the referee doesn’t call a timeout. Almeida hurts Potieria with a pair of right hands. They clinch against the fence but are quickly separated by the referee. Potieria lands a left hand. Almeida lands a right hand. They trade and clinch and are separated after just a few seconds as both were working. Horrendous referee job in this fight. Potieria lands and they tie up against the fence. Potieria lands a knee. They are separated quickly again. Potieria looks for a single leg and pushes it to the fence but lets go. Almeida lands a right hand. Almeida tries a takedown but ends up on his back. 10-9 Almeida, 30-27 Almeida.

Official Result- Cesar Almeida def. Ihor Potieria by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Lightweights- Austin Hubbard (16-7, 4-5 UFC) vs. Alexander Hernandez (14-8, 6-7 UFC)

Hernandez lands a body kick. Hubbard with a front kick. Hernandez lands as he defends a takedown attempt from Hubbard. They land body kicks at the same time. They both land left hooks and Hernandez was stunned for a moment. Hernandez lands a solid right hand. Hernandez lands a left hand. Hubbard with a solid body kick. Hernandez lands a body kick. They trade and Hernandez wobbles Hubbard with a left hand. Hernandez lands a combination. 10-9 Hernandez.

Both come out swinging but missing. They trade kicks. Hubbard lands a left hand. They trade as Hernandez defends a Hubbard takedown attempt. Hubbard with a short leg kick. Hubbard looks to get it down and has the back but Hernandez escapes. They trade kicks. Hernandez lands a left hand. Hubbard lands a knee up the middle. Hernandez connects with a left hand. Hernandez looks for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Hubbard lands a left hand on the break. They trade inside the pocket. Hernandez with a big left hand. Close round. 10-9 Hernandez, 20-18 Hernandez.

Hernandez presses forward and lands a pair of right hands. Hernandez lands again and defends a takedown attempt from Hubbard. Hubbard lands a solid combination and a body kick. Hubbard with a stiff jab as Hernandez was coming in. Hernandez lands a leg kick. Hubbard with a left hand. Hubbard with a front kick to the body. Hubbard with another front kick and Hernandez lands a left hand. Hubbard shoots for a takedown but Hernandez defends and has body control against the fence. Hernandez lands an elbow as they break then a right hand. Hubbard with a knee. Hubbard with a leg kick then hurts Hernandez with a combo. Hubbard with a pair of front kicks and has Hernandez hurt. They both land right hands. Hubbard with a spin kick. They trade late. 10-9 Hubbard, 29-28 Hernandez.

Official Result- Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

> Women’s Strawweights- #6 Marina Rodriguez (17-4-2, 7-4-2 UFC) vs. #14 Iasmin Lucindo (16-5, 3-1 UFC)

Lucindo with a leg kick. Rodriguez lands a jab. Lucindo with a spin kick. Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a left hand. Lucindo lands as Rodriguez tries to clinch. Rodriguez with a big right hand. Rodriguez lands in close range as Lucindo misses. Lucindo lands a leg kick. Lucindo with a spin kick to the body. Rodriguez rocks Lucindo with a right hand. Rodriguez with a jumping knee. Lucindo scores a takedown. Rodriguez landing from the bottom. Lucindo gets side control and lands. 10-9 Rodriguez.

Lucindo lands a knee up the middle. Rodriguez lands a combo. Rodriguez lands and pushes it to the fence. They separate. Lucindo lands a jab. Lucindo lands a right hand. Rodriguez lands a combo before a brief clinch, and Rodriguez lands a body kick on the break. Lucindo scores a takedown. Lucindo landing from the top. They are ordered to their feet. They trade as both land. 10-9 Lucindo, 19-19.

Lucindo lands a right hand. They have a clash of heads that cuts Rodriguez open. They clinch as both battle for the takedown. Lucindo is able to get a takedown. Lucindo was landing with her head so Marc Goddard stood it up and gave a warning. They trade and Rodriguez lands a right hand. Rodriguez with a quick flurry and a high kick. They trade in close range. Rodriguez with a step-in elbow then a right hand. Rodriguez with a right hand then a knee. Rodriguez gets a takedown and Lucindo looks for a heel hook. Rodriguez lands from the top. Lucindo is able to spin to the top late and ends it on top. Close fight. 10-9 Rodriguez, 29-28 Rodriguez.

Official Result- Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Welterweights- #9 Stephen Thompson (17-7-1, 12-7-1 UFC) vs. #11 Joaquin Buckley (19-6, 9-4 UFC)

Buckley lands and scores a takedown. They get to their feet and clinch before breaking. Thompson lands a right hand. Thompson lands a high kick. Thompson lands a counter right hand and a body kick as Buckley counters with a right hand. Thompson lands a right hand. Buckley shoots for a takedown against the fence. They separate. Thompson lands a right hand. Buckley with a right hand as Thompson lands but Buckley scores a takedown. They get up. They separate. Thompson lands a right hand. Thompson with a head kick. Buckley tries a takedown but Thompson defends. 10-9 Thompson.

Thompson lands a jab. Thompson lands a right hand. Buckley lands a left hand. Thompson lands a right hand as Buckley shoots for a takedown. Thompson defending with some elbows. Buckley briefly gets it down but they stand at the fence. Thompson with a combination on the break. They both land solid right hands. Thompson pressing forward. Thompson with a right hand. Buckley lands a left hand. Buckley rushes forward and looks for a takedown and is able to get it down. They get right back to their feet. Timeout is called for a groin strike. They get back going. Thompson lands a right hand. 10-9 Buckley, 19-19.

Buckley is throwing wild punches and Thompson lands a right hand. Thompson with a pair of kicks. They clinch but break quickly. Thompson with a body kick. Thompson lands a body kick and a right hand. Buckley rushes in and both are throwing and Buckley connects with a right hand that drops Thompson to the mat and it is all over! Buckley with a finish out of nowhere.

Official Result- Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson by knockout (punch) at 2:17 of Round 3

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> Women’s Bantamweights- #2 Ketlen Vieira (14-3, 8-3 UFC) vs. #3 Kayla Harrison (17-1, 1-0 UFC)

Vieira with a leg kick. She lands another. Harrison rushes in but misses. Harrison with a high kick and they clinch. Vieira with some body shots. Harrison with a pair of knees. Harrison with more knees as she has control. Harrison lands a knee and they separate. Vieira with a leg kick. Harrison lands a body kick. Harrison lands a left hand and scores a takedown. Harrison in the half-guard. Harrison gets the back and lands a big elbow. Harrison with some punches and lands another elbow. Harrison lands some more. 10-9 Harrison.

Harrison with a leg kick. Harrison with a left hand and trips Vieira up with an inside leg kick. Vieira lands a right hand. Harrison with a left hand. Harrison lands another left hand. Harrison lands and Vieira lands a counter right hand. Harrison lands a leg kick. Vieira with a right hand. They clinch against the fence. Vieira lands a big elbow but Harrison remains in control against the fence and lands. They are separated and both land. 10-9 Harrison, 20-18 Harrison.

Harrison trips Vieira with a leg kick and they clinch but quickly break apart. Harrison lands a left hand. Vieira with a jab. Harrison trips Vieira up again with a kick. Harrison looks for a takedown as she pushes it to the fence, and is then able to complete it. Harrison lands from the top inside the guard of Vieira. Harrison smothering from the top and lands some left hands. Harrison with some big elbows. Harrison gets to the mount and is landing punches and an elbow. Vieira gives up her back. Harrison has head control but lets go and works in the half-guard and lands to end it. 10-9 Harrison, 30-27 Harrison.

Official Result- Kayla Harrison def. Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

> Middleweights- #10 Roman Dolidze (13-3, 7-3 UFC) vs. #15 WW Kevin Holland (26-11 1 NC, 13-8 1 NC UFC)

Holland with a leg kick. He lands a few more. He lands a couple more and Dolidze lands a right hand. Holland back attacking with leg kicks. Holland lands a right hand. Holland with a jab and a leg kick. Dolidze scores a takedown. Dolidze is controlling from the top and Holland looks for an arm. They scramble and Holland is hurt so Dolidze starts unloading with punches. Holland is blocking a lot of them but Dolidze keeps landing big punches and elbows. Holland survives but is very clearly injured. 10-9 Dolidze.

The fight is stopped after the first round as Holland says his rib is broken and his coach decides to call it off.

Official Result- Roman Dolidze def. Kevin Holland by TKO (injury) at 5:00 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- #10 Jose Aldo (32-8, 14-7 UFC) vs. #11 Mario Bautista (14-2, 8-2 UFC)

Bautista with a quick leg kick. They trade kicks. Aldo with a hard leg kick. They clinch and Bautista lands some knees. They separate and Aldo lands a knee as Bautista lands a leg kick. Bautista with a left hand and a high kick before shooting for a takedown. They separate. Aldo lands a combo. Bautista lands to the body. Bautista with a nice right hand. Aldo lands a right hand. Bautista with a body kick. Aldo with a solid right hand ending a combination. 10-9 Bautista.

Aldo lands some leg kicks. Aldo starts landing the jab and Bautista looks cut open. Aldo with a left hand and Bautista shoots for a takedown but Aldo defends. Bautista pressing forward and lands but Aldo lands a jab then a right hand. Bautista lands a jab. Bautista shoots for a takedown but Aldo defends against the fence. Bautista with a shoulder strike. Aldo is able to cause separation and lands a knee. Bautista with a combo and Aldo lands a right hand. Bautista with a pair of jabs and Aldo returns fire with a stiff jab. Bautista shoots for a takedown against the fence as Aldo defends. They separate and Aldo lands a combo. Aldo lands. Bautista misses a late takedown. 10-9 Aldo, 19-19.

Aldo working the jab. They trade in close range. Aldo lands a combo. Bautista shoots for a takedown but Aldo defends against the fence. Bautista not doing much but pressing Aldo against the fence. They are separated by the referee and Bautista immediately goes back for the takedown but Aldo continues to defend. Aldo breaks free. Aldo lands a combo. Bautista goes right back for the takedown but Aldo defends. Aldo lands as they break and lands late. Close fight. 10-9 Aldo, 29-28 Aldo.

Official Result- Mario Bautista def. Jose Aldo by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship- C Raquel Pennington (16-8, 13-5 UFC) vs. #1 Julianna Pena (10-5, 7-3 UFC)

Pena lands the jab early. Pennington looking to land but is being out-struck by Pena. Pena still working the jab and lands a right hand. Pennington with a short uppercut. Pennington pushes Pena back to the fence and looks to land. Pennington starting to pick up the volume as the round goes on. Pennington lands a leg kick. Pena lands an overhand right. Pennington with a body kick. 10-9 Pennington.

Pennington working the jab to start the second. Pena lands a right hand. They trade in close range and Pennington lands a left hook. Pena lands a right hand. They clinch and Pennington lands some knees but Pena is able to score a takedown. Pena is in side control but not much action is going on. Pena with some knees to the body. They scramble up and Pena is on the back. Pennington with some rabbit punches as Pena is holding on. 10-9 Pena, 19-19.

Pena lands a hard right hand. Pena lands a jab. Pena working the jab. They trade in the pocket as Pennington lands a left hook. Pennington with a body kick. Pena scores a takedown. Pena is in side control and then takes the back. Pena looking for a rear-naked choke and almost had it locked in. Pennington is able to escape and Pena keeps the back. 10-9 Pena, 29-28 Pena.

Pennington hurts Pena with a head kick. She then lands a calf kick. Pennington lands an uppercut. They trade in close range. Pennington with a calf kick. Pena lands a jab. Pennington lands a jab. Pennington with a left hook. Pennington lands to the body. They trade jabs. Pena lands a right hand. Pennington with a stiff right hand. They trade jabs. Pennington drops Pena with a right hand. Pennington gets on top and is looking for a guillotine choke but they scramble up. They separate. Pena lands a right hand. Pennington lands a jab. Pennington lands late. 10-9 Pennington, 38-38.

They’re trading jabs to start the fifth. They’re both landing in close range. They clinch but quickly break. Pennington lands a right hand. Pennington with a jab and lands a right hand. Pena lands a right hand. Pennington initiates a clinch but they break. Pena lands a jab. Pennington lands a right hand and Pena is backing up. Pennington lands a jab then a left hook and Pena is circling away. Pennington lands a right hand. Pennington with a combination. Pennington pressing forward and lands. Pena lands a right hand then a jab. Pennington with a right hand. Pena with a jab. Pennington with a left hook. 10-9 Pennington, 48-47 Pennington.

Official Result- Julianna Pena def. Raquel Pennington by split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

> UFC Light Heavyweight Championship- C Alex Pereira (11-2, 8-1 UFC) vs. #8 Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-5 1 NC, 9-5 1 NC UFC)

Pereira with a leg kick. He lands a high kick. Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira with a leg kick. Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira lands a big right hand. Pereira with a leg kick. Pereira with a high kick. Pereira lands a jab then a high kick and a switch calf kick. They trade as Rountree lands a right hand. Pereira lands a high kick. Rountree with a right hand. Rountree connects. 10-9 Pereira.

Pereira with a leg kick. Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira with a high kick. Rountree lands a right hook. They trade and Pereira lands a right hand then a left hook. Pereira lands a jab then a high kick. Rountree with a quick combo but nothing connects. Pereira with a leg kick. Rountree with a right hand. Pereira lands a stiff jab. Rountree connects with a solid right hand but Pereira recovers. Rountree lands a combination. Rountree with a head kick late. 10-9 Rountree, 19-19.

Pereira lands a right hand. Rountree lands a left hand then a body kick. Pereira with a jab and Rountree lands to the body. Rountree with a high kick. Pereira with a head kick followed by a left hand. Pereira lands a right hand and follows it with a jab. He lands another jab then Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira with a calf kick and then another. Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira working the jab. Rountree lands a left hand. Pereira with a body kick. Pereira lands the jab and Rountree is backing up. Pereira lands a right hand then a high kick. 10-9 Pereira, 29-28 Pereira.

Pereira with a leg kick then a body kick and a right hand. Rountree lands. Pereira lands a hard jab. He lands another. He lands one again. Pereira lands a combination and Rountree is backing up. Pereira lands a big right hand. Pereira with a combination then lands a knee and a jab. Rountree’s eye is destroyed and Pereira is landing tons of punches. Pereira with big punches and Rountree is in serious trouble. Rountree connects but then eats big punches from Pereira. Pereira lands a knee and then another and then a flurry but Rountree is firing back. Pereira lands a combination to the body and Rountree goes down and it is all over! What an incredible finish from Pereira.

Official Result- Alex Pereira def. Khalil Rountree Jr. by TKO (punches) at 4:32 of Round 4 to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship

UFC 301 live results: Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg, Jose Aldo returns

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

The Octagon returns to Brazil this weekend for the UFC’s next pay-per-view offering as UFC 301 takes place inside the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.

In the main event, the UFC Flyweight Championship is on the line as champion Alexandre Pantoja makes his second title defense against fast-rising challenger Steve Erceg. Pantoja is coming off a title defense against Brandon Royval in December and has won five straight fights. Erceg gets a title shot after less than a year on the UFC roster, having won eleven straight fights and three straight inside the Octagon.

In the co-main event, former UFC Featherweight Champion and UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo comes out of retirement to battle Jonathan Martinez in a bantamweight bout. Also on the main card is a light heavyweight bout between Anthony Smith and Vitor Petrino, and a pair of middleweight fights as Michel Pereira takes on Ihor Potieria, and Paul Craig battles Caio Borralho.

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> Flyweights- Alessandro Costa (13-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (9-2, 0-1 UFC)

Costa lands a leg kick then a quick combination. Costa with another leg kick. Borjas lands a jab. Costa with a combo ending with a right hand, then lands a leg kick. Costa shoots for a takedown but they clinch for a second and Costa lands an elbow on the break. They trade combinations. Borjas lands a jab. Borjas lands a nice right hand but Costa fires back with a flurry. Costa lands a left hook that hurts Borjas. Borjas recovers and lands a flying knee. Costa with an elbow late. 10-9 Costa.

Costa lands a jab and a leg kick. Costa hurts Borjas with a leg kick and Borjas starts limping. Costa lands several leg kicks and Borjas goes to the mat and Costa gets on top and starts landing. They get to their feet and Costa drops Borjas with another leg kick and starts teeing off from the top. Borjas is working from the bottom but Costa gets the mount and lands an elbow before taking the back. Costa continues to land and it is stopped! Big finish from Costa!

Official Result- Alessandro Costa def. Kevin Borjas by TKO (strikes) at 1:35 of Round 2

> Lightweights- Ismael Bonfim (19-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Vinc Pichel (14-3, 7-3 UFC)

Bonfim with an inside leg kick. Pichel lands a leg kick. Bonfim with a leg kick. Bonfim with a pair of inside leg kicks. Bonfim lands a right hand. Bonfim with a leg kick then a right hand. Pichel with a calf kick. Pichel lands a jab. Pichel lands a leg kick and follows with a right hand. Bonfim lands an overhand right. Bonfim with a pair of leg kicks. Bonfim lands a left hook to the body. Bonfim with another hook to the body then they trade punches and leg kicks. Bonfim with another leg kick. Bonfim lands a right hand followed by a head kick. Pichel lands a leg kick but eats a counter combo from Bonfim. Bonfim with a flurry of jabs. Bonfim jumps for a guillotine late but Pichel escapes. 10-9 Bonfim.

Bonfim with a quick combo. Bonfim lands a leg kick. Bonfim lands a left hand then a hard right hand. Pichel with a leg kick. Bonfim with a combo. Pichel lands a leg kick. Bonfim hurts Pichel with a body punch and just misses a flying knee. Bonfim landing the jab and Pichel lands a leg kick. Bonfim with a right hand. Bonfim with a combo then lands a left hand to the body. Bonfim with two left hooks. Bonfim lands a right hand. Bonfim lands and slips to the mat late. 10-9 Bonfim, 20-18 Bonfim.

Pichel with a leg kick. Bonfim lands a combination and Pichel lands a right hand. Bonfim with a right hand. They trade with Bonfim landing more and we have a brief timeout for a fence grab by Pichel. Bonfim hurts Pichel with a left hook. Bonfim landing in response as he lands a flying knee and a flurry. Bonfim with a big flurry as he continues to hurt Pichel to the body. Bonfim scores a takedown. Bonfim lands from the top but they scramble up and trade in the clinch at the end. 10-9 Bonfim, 30-27 Bonfim.

Official Result- Ismael Bonfim def. Vinc Pichel by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Women’s Flyweights- Dione Barbosa (6-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (5-0-1, 0-0 UFC)

Barbosa with a body kick. Barbosa lands a right hand that stuns Kareckaite. Barbosa with another leg kick. Barbosa shoots for a takedown and puts it against the fence before getting it down. Barbosa gets the back and locks in a choke but Kareckaite gets her neck free. Barbosa landing from the back. Barbosa still with back control. Barbosa attacking the arm. Time runs out on the round. 10-9 Barbosa.

Barbosa lands a right hand. Barbosa hurts Kareckaite with a short elbow. Barbosa shoots for a takedown against the fence. They separate. Barbosa with a jab then a leg kick before she scores a takedown. Kareckaite escapes to her feet and lands some leg kicks as Barbosa is on her back. Barbosa is ordered to her feet. Kareckaite lands a right hand. Kareckaite gets a takedown but Barbosa is able to scramble for a leg lock. Barbosa is able to get the back of Kareckaite. Kareckaite spins into the guard of Barbosa and ends the round there. 10-9 Kareckaite, 19-19.

Kareckaite lands a leg kick. Barbosa shoots for a takedown but Kareckaite sprawls and lands a high kick as they get to their feet. Kareckaite lands a right hand. Barbosa shoots for a takedown and Kareckaite defends, but Barbosa lands a right hand as they break. Barbosa with a spin kick. Kareckaite lands a combo. Barbosa shoots and Kareckaite sprawls away and lands a right hand. Kareckaite with a combo ending with a body kick. Both are landing with Kareckaite landing slightly more. Barbosa shoots for a takedown and they scramble to the mat. Barbosa is attacking the leg. Kareckaite escapes and lands a standing right hand. Barbosa is let up. Barbosa lands a right hand. Kareckaite with a combo ending with a head kick. Barbosa shoots but Kareckaite sprawls. 10-9 Kareckaite, 29-28 Kareckaite.

Official Result- Dione Barbosa def. Ernesta Kareckaite by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Mauricio Ruffy (9-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (17-7, 5-5 UFC)

Ruffy with an early leg kick. He lands another. Ruffy with a stiff jab. Ruffy with another stiff jab. Ruffy with a right hand. Mullarkey lands a body kick. Mullarkey lands a right hand. Ruffy with a jab and a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Ruffy with a big right hand. Ruffy with a spin kick. They trade some wild flurries. Ruffy lands a right hand that stuns Mullarkey. Ruffy with a sweep trip but they scramble up. Mullarkey lands a right hand but eats a right hand from Ruffy. Ruffy lands a big knee and Mullarkey goes down but gets up. Ruffy with some big punches and lands a big right hand that sends Mullarkey back down and it is stopped after follow-up shots. Big finish from Ruffy!

Official Result- Mauricio Ruffy def. Jamie Mullarkey by TKO (punches) at 4:42 of Round 1

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> Lightweights- Joaquim Silva (13-4, 6-4 UFC) vs. Drakkar Klose (14-2-1, 8-2 UFC)

Silva lands a kick that went low and we have a timeout. They get back to action. Klose with a body kick. They trade kicks. Klose lands a right hand. Klose with a flurry before they clinch but quickly separate. Silva with a leg kick. Klose with a leg kick. Silva lands a body kick. Silva with a left hook. Klose is pressuring Silva against the fence and lands a right hand. Klose with a pair of right hands. Klose lands a right hand and a high kick. Silva with a leg kick. Klose with a combo and a knee. Klose with another combo and a pair of knees. They clinch and Klose with more knees and left hands. Klose lands an elbow. 10-9 Klose.

They trade kicks to start the second. Silva with a body kick. Silva attacks the body and Klose looks for a takedown against the fence. Klose has Silva pinned against the fence and lands some foot stomps and knees. Silva with an uppercut. They separate and Silva lands a combo. Klose pushes it against the fence. Klose with a knee and Silva reverses. They separate. Klose pushes it back against the fence. Klose with some more knees to the body. 10-9 Klose, 20-18 Klose.

Silva with a leg kick. Klose with a knee and a pair of jabs. Silva lands a left hand. Klose with a pair of leg kicks and a right hand. Klose lands a right hand after an exchange. Silva lands a combo. Klose with a leg kick. Silva jumps up for a guillotine choke. Klose tries to get out of it but Silva ends up with the mounted guillotine but Klose is able to escape. Silva hurts Klose with a right hand and Klose goes to the mat. Silva lands and looks for the neck but Klose ends up on top as he pops out. Klose has the back as they get to their feet. Silva lands an elbow. Klose looks for a takedown but Silva defends and lands a knee. They tie up and end the fight with Klose landing a spin kick. 10-9 Silva, 29-28 Klose.

Official Result- Drakkar Klose def. Joaquim Silva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Lightweights- Elves Brener (16-3, 3-0 UFC) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (12-1-1, 1-0 UFC)

Brener with an inside leg kick. Brener with a leg kick. Orolbai lands a left hand. Brener lands a left hook. Orolbai lands a right hand and they clinch. Orolbai gets a takedown as Brener was attacking the neck. Orolbai with a big elbow from the top then lands a right hand. Orolbai stands and goes back into the guard with a big right hand. They scramble and Brener ends up on top and in side control. Brener gets the back. They scramble to the feet and separate. Orolbai with a right hand and then lands a combo. Orolbai looking for the takedown but Brener slips out. Orolbai is able to get Brener down. Orolbai with some short punches from the top. Orolbai with a big elbow. He continues to land from the top. 10-9 Orolbai.

Orolbai with a teet kick and Brener goes to his butt for a moment. Orolbai hurts Brener with a right hand. Orolbai rushes in and Brener lands a right hand but Orolbai is pressuring for the takedown. Orolbai gets it to the mat. Orolbai with a pair of big elbows. Orolbai with a combo from the top. Orolbai gets the mount. Orolbai with punches from the mount. Brener is able to get out and Orolbai grabs the back as they stand. They separate. Orolbai grabs the back. Brener with a body kick as they break. Orolbai with a combo to the body. Orolbai gets the takedown but Brener reverses to the top. Brener mounts Orolbai and lands to end the round. 10-9 Orolbai, 20-18 Orolbai.

They trade and Brener scores a takedown. They get up and Brener has the back and drags it down. He has the hooks in and is landing punches. They are on the feet and Brener drags it back down. Orolbai has a point taken away for grabbing the fence. Orolbai lands a knee to the body. Orolbai gets a takedown. Orolbai is in side control and lands an elbow but Brener slips over and has the back of Orolbai. They separate. They clinch against the fence. Orolbai lands a big left hand. Orolbai drops Brener at the end of the round. Close round. 9-9 round due to the point deduction, 29-27 Orolbai.

Official Result- Myktybek Orolbai def. Elves Brener by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)

> Women’s Strawweights- #13 Karolina Kowalkiewicz (16-7, 9-7 UFC) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (15-5, 2-1 UFC)

Kowalkiewicz with a pair of kicks as Lucindo lands some punches. Lucindo lands a big left hook. They both land as Kowalkiewicz rushes forward. They clinch and Lucindo lands some knees before grabbing the neck. Lucindo with some knees. Lucindo with more knees. Kowalkiewicz tries to break the clinch but is unable to and Lucindo lands some more knees. They separate. Kowalkiewicz lands and Lucindo is able to get a trip takedown right into the mount. Lucindo with right hands from the top. She lands more from the top and ends the round landing. 10-9 Lucindo.

Lucindo with a body kick. They trade inside the pocket. Lucindo with a leg kick. Lucindo with a jumping knee. Kowalkiewicz lands a combo. Lucindo lands a combo in return. Lucindo with a body kick. Lucindo with a spin kick. They trade in close range before Lucindo lands a knee. Lucindo with a combination. Lucindo with a combo. Lucindo with a pair of body kicks. Lucindo with heavy shots as Kowalkiewicz lands some. Lucindo with some body kicks. Lucindo with a flying knee. Kowalkiewicz lands a right hand. 10-9 Lucindo, 20-18 Lucindo.

They clinch against the fence. Lucindo lands and they break. Kowalkiewicz with a leg kick. Lucindo lands a body kick and takes the back of Kowalkiewicz. Lucindo jumps on the back of Kowalkiewicz standing for a brief moment. Kowalkiewicz with some back elbows as Lucindo has the pressure on. They go to the mat and Lucindo is in side control. Lucindo stands and lands some kicks before Kowalkiewicz gets up. Lucindo with a flying knee. Lucindo with a spin kick. They trade. Lucindo with a big right hand. 10-9 Lucindo, 30-27 Lucindo.

Official Result- Iasmin Lucindo def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Featherweights- Jack Shore (17-1, 6-1 UFC) vs. Joanderson Brito (16-3-1, 4-1 UFC)

Brito with a pair of big leg kicks. Brito lands the jab then another pair of leg kicks. Brito with another hard leg kick. Shore lands a jab. Brito hurts Shore with a leg kick and Shore looks for a takedown as he pushes it against the fence. Brito reverses position. Shore with a knee. They separate. Brito with a big right hand then a flurry as they push against the fence. Brito with some knees. Shore changes levels and looks for the takedown but Brito defends. They remain clinched against the fence. Brito with a shoulder strike. Shore lands a knee. 10-9 Brito.

They trade right hands. Shore lands a head kick. Brito pushes it against the fence. Brito with knees against the fence and he gets a brief takedown and still has body control as they get up. They separate. Brito with a leg kick then another. Shore lands a right hand. Brito with a calf kick. Brito looking for a takedown against the fence and Shore defending with elbows. Brito with some short knees. They call a timeout as Shore’s leg is bleeding badly from the calf kicks. There is a big, nasty cut in Shore’s leg and bone may be showing. The doctor calls the fight off and Brito picks up the victory.

Official Result- Joanderson Brito def. Jack Shore by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 3:35 of Round 2

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> Middleweights- #13 Paul Craig (17-7-1, 9-7-1 UFC) vs. #14 Caio Borralho (15-1 1 NC, 5-0 UFC)

Craig lands some kicks as Borralho lands and Craig looks for a takedown against the fence. Borralho defends by landing punches. Craig tries to pull guard but Borralho backs off and they stand. Borralho lands a right hand followed by a left hand. Craig shoots long for a takedown and Borralho easily shakes it off. Borralho with a body kick and left hand. Craig lands a body kick and briefly pulls guard but Borralho gets back to his feet. Borralho lands a left hand. Craig with an inside leg kick. Borralho with a right hand. Craig misses a takedown. Craig with a body kick. Craig with more body kicks. Borralho lands a leg kick. 10-9 Borralho.

They trade kicks. Craig lands a body kick. Craig lands a solid right hand. Borralho lands a big left hand then a flying knee. Craig is on the mat and Borralho backs off to let him up. Borralho lands a left hand. Craig with a body kick. Borralho lands a left hand. Borralho with a combo and Craig is backing up. Borralho lands another big combination and Craig goes down and is out! Big knockout win from Borralho.

Official Result- Caio Borralho def. Paul Craig by knockout (punches) at 2:10 of Round 2

> Middleweights- Michel Pereira (30-11 2 NC, 8-2 UFC) vs. Ihor Potieria (21-5, 2-3 UFC)

Pereira lands a leg and body kick. Pereira drops Potieria with a left hand then does a moonsault into the guard. They quickly get up and Pereira has a standing guillotine choke locked in. It is in tight and Potieria taps then goes out cold! What a finish from Pereira!

Official Result- Michel Pereira def. Ihor Potieria by submission (guillotine choke) at :54 of Round 1

> Light Heavyweights- #10 Anthony Smith (37-19, 12-9 UFC) vs. Vitor Petrino (11-0, 4-0 UFC)

They trade jabs. Smith lands a leg kick. Petrino with a body kick. Smith lands a jab. Petrino lands a jab. Smith with a pair of leg kicks. Petrino lands to the body and looks for a takedown. He gets it but Smith has a guillotine choke locked in tight and Petrino taps! Wow, what a finish from nowhere from Smith!

Official Result- Anthony Smith def. Vitor Petrino by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:00 of Round 1

> Bantamweights- Jose Aldo (31-8, 13-7 UFC) vs. #12 Jonathan Martinez (19-4, 10-3 UFC)

Martinez lands a leg kick then Aldo lands to the body. Martinez with two more leg kicks. Aldo with a right hand to the body. Martinez with a pair of leg kicks. Aldo with a high kick. Aldo just barely lands a right hand. They trade leg kicks. Aldo lands to the body. Aldo with a right hand. Martinez with a body kick. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a stiff right hand. Aldo with a combination to the body. Aldo with a right hand. Aldo scores with a leg kick. Aldo with an inside leg kick. 10-9 Aldo.

Aldo with a leg kick. He lands a right hand to the body. Aldo with a leg kick then a combination. Aldo rips to the body. Martinez lands a jab. Martinez pushes it to the fence. Martinez lands a few knees but not a lot of action happening. They are separated. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a knee to the body. Martinez lands a left hand but then Aldo lands a big right hand. Aldo with a left hook. Aldo with a leg kick. He lands a jab. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a leg kick. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a right hand to the body. Martinez lands a body kick. Martinez with a spinning back fist. Aldo lands a straight right hand. Martinez with a left hand. Martinez lands another left hand. 10-9 Aldo, 20-18 Aldo.

Aldo lands a right hand. Martinez with a body kick. They trade and Aldo almost goes for a takedown but Martinez shakes him off. Martinez with a body kick. Aldo lands a right hand, then a knee to the body, then a body combination. Martinez lands a jab. Aldo with a right hand. Martinez lands a body kick. Aldo rocks Martinez with a left hook. Aldo with a pair of knees then a right hand. Aldo tosses Martinez down to the ground and gets on top. Aldo with right hands from the top. Aldo passes to half-guard. Aldo with shots from the top and they trade on the mat to end it. 10-9 Aldo, 30-27 Aldo.

Official Result- Jose Aldo def. Jonathan Martinez by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> UFC Flyweight Championship- C Alexandre Pantoja (27-5, 11-3 UFC) vs. #10 Steve Erceg (12-1, 3-0 UFC)

Pantoja with a leg kick. Pantoja rushes in with a flurry and looks for a takedown. Pantoja with a knee to the body before they break. Pantoja with a leg kick. They trade right hands and Erceg lands a combo. Pantoja lands a right hand. Pantoja lands to the body as he rushes in. Pantoja with a knee during a brief clinch. Erceg lands a jab. Pantoja with a leg kick. Another leg kick from Pantoja. Erceg with a leg kick. Pantoja gets a takedown and they work to the fence. They almost scramble up but Pantoja lands a knee to the body and keeps it down. Pantoja with left hands and has the back and drags it back down. Pantoja with some big ground-and-pound before they get to their feet. Pantoja drags it back down but they scramble right up. 10-9 Pantoja.

They trade to start. They clinch and Pantoja with a knee. Pantoja with a knee as they break. Pantoja with a left hand. Pantoja lands a leg kick. Erceg with a jab. Erceg lands a combo in close range. Pantoja scores a takedown. He gets the mount. Erceg scrambles out from the bottom and they separate. Erceg lands a left hand. He lands another. Pantoja lands a leg kick and Erceg lands a right hand and an elbow. Erceg lands a left hand as Pantoja shoots for a takedown. They scramble apart. Erceg lands an elbow. They trade. Erceg lands an elbow. Pantoja with a late takedown. Close round. 10-9 Erceg, 19-19.

Erceg lands an elbow then lands to the body. They clinch and Pantoja with some knees before breaking. They trade combos. Pantoja with a leg kick after Erceg lands a jab. Pantoja lands to the body. Both land in an exchange. Erceg with a right hand. Pantoja with a combo. Pantoja pushes it against the fence. Pantoja lands a big combo and gets a takedown. Erceg cut Pantoja open with an elbow before the takedown. Pantoja gets the back and Erceg is trying to escape. Pantoja with some left hands and they stand. Pantoja drags it down. 10-9 Pantoja, 29-28 Pantoja.

They trade and Erceg lands a counter right hand. They trade jabs. Erceg shoots for a takedown but Pantoja slips away. Erceg lands an uppercut and left hand. Pantoja with a nice combination. They trade and Erceg lands a right hand. Erceg with a jab. Pantoja rushes in with a flurry. They trade right hands. Erceg with a jab. Pantoja sprawls on an Erceg takedown attempt. Erceg lands a jab. Erceg with an uppercut as Pantoja grabs the body. They break. Pantoja lands a left hand. 10-9 Erceg, 38-38.

Pantoja lands a right hand. Erceg with a leg kick. Erceg gets a takedown. Pantoja is able to scramble out and he gets a takedown. Pantoja has the back as they stand. Pantoja tried to drag it back down but Erceg grabs the fence and the post. Pantoja drags it down. They get to their feet and separate. Erceg with a short uppercut. Erceg with a head kick. Pantoja lands a jab. Pantoja with a solid left hand. Erceg lands an elbow. Erceg goes for a takedown but gets reversed and Pantoja ends up inside his guard. Pantoja works to half-guard. Pantoja gets the back but Erceg scrambles. Pantoja with right hands from the top. They get to their feet at the end. 10-9 Pantoja, 48-47 Pantoja.

Official Result- Alexandre Pantoja def. Steve Erceg by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC Flyweight Championship 

Daily Update: Jose Aldo, Vice Media, Google trends

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Daily Update

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Latest Free YouTube Video:

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter:

*Performer and match of the week
*Details of the settlement of the Rita Chatterton case
*McMahon suing Chatterton 20 ears ago and details behind that
*What role Vince McMahon has played since returning and what was originally said that has been accurate and things that have already changed, including new office people back and old ones being gone
*The latest lawsuit against WWE for bringing back Vince
*Analysts look at the different sale possibilities
*More on Stephanie leaving
*Nick Khan talks the company and hat he said that does and doesn’t make sense
*Where Dwayne Johnson stands
*Tony Khan talks about his interest in buying WWE
*Dwayne Johnson talks the sale of WWE
*A look at how UFC’s talks with Francis Ngannou fell through and where Ngannou could go next and whether he can return
*Royal Rumble update, who is in, how tickets are moving
*Details on the new MLW TV title with Reelz
*Impact Hard to Kill coverage including PPV numbers
*Saturday’s UFC coverage
*AAA announces big show schedule or 2023 and return of Alberto with Konnan explaining why and we talk about it
*Cage match and Wrestling Observer’s list of the best in-ring wrestles of 2022 based on matches
*What wrestlers were in the most great matches and to 50 of modern times as well as what cities have had the best wrestling.
*Dana White’s Power Slap debut and how it was received
*The most detailed look at te ratings for all the national shows and segment by segment Numbers
*What promotions drew the most fans in Japan n 2022
*Update on another date for Mercedes Mone in New Japan and the Sakura Genesis highlights
*New Japan and Stardom quarterly business numbers
*More on death of Black Warrior
*Ric Flair new endorsement deal
*One of the biggest feuds of the 70s comes alive through each man’s son this past week
*Lots of WrestleMania week news
*How AEW got Kushida
*Danielson talks Takeshita
*More on CM Punk and Colt Cabana in AEW
*AEW gets international TV upgrade
*New documentary on former AEW star
*Streaming numbers
*Dana White talks punishment
*Mike Swick talks cancer battle
*PPV numbers for the shows over the weekend
*Cena WrestleMania note
*News no three major WWE cuts
*What independent promotion has not yet been dropped by WWE for Peacock
*International TV rights

This Week’s Retro Observer Newsletter:

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Sunday Update

Our weekend show is up on the site already with last night’s UFC PPV show. We ran down the show with Ryan Frederick and talked about all the news from the past several days including an update on the daughters of Jay Briscoe and more on that tragedy, Dwayne Johnson and the weekend TV’s and the Okada-Kiyomiya angle.

The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site as well as the new back issue from 2005. The lead story on Jay Briscoe is probably the mos talked about story we’ve done in a long time, even more so than the Vince McMahon and Gene LeBell stories in recent months. We heard from many of his friends, many people who worked with him and it’s filled with things of Jamin Pugh the person, growing up and learning from his mistakes. We talk about titles of course, but it’s more about who he was, even talking to Gerald Brisco about the Brisco name, Delirious, Cary Silkin and Tony Khan talk about working with him from a management standpoint, Frankie Kazarian talks about him outside the ring, Nick Jackson talks about him wrestling, Khan talks about what was planned for him, we go into detail on the tweet that derailed his career and people like Ian Riccaboni and Effy talk about how he had natured and Kevin Kelly talks about knowing him from the start of his career in ECWA. There’s a lot about his family and his getting into the business, his work at the local school, and his kids. I hope you all enjoy it.

Jose Aldo was announced last night for the Class of 2023 for the UFC Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place this summer in Las Vegas.

VICE media, which was valued five years ago at $5.7 billion, may end up being sold for less than $1 billion. 

Not much stuff from wrestling, boxing or MMA trended on Google this week. Jay Briscoe was the most searched topic on the Internet on Tuesday with 500,000 searches. UFC 283 did not trend and this would be the first time a PPV has not. However, Brandon Moreno was No. 11 yesterday and Glover Teixeira was No. 15, both at 100,000. These numbers were a very bad sign when it comes to PPV buys for last night’s show

Regarding the questions on the changing of the Bloodline segment fro an Acknowledgment ceremony with the family of Roman Reigns to the trial of Sami Zayn, rumors regarding this had to do with The Rock pulling out or Vince McMahon changing things are both false. Rock was never booked for the segment. The change was made because Afa & Sika & Rikishi were all not going to be able to be there. They were to be the key people but Afa & Sika were not ready for the trip and Rikishi got sick this week so the idea basically fell apart. Creative was changed with The Bloodline story on Friday to reflect the change in Raw, a what happened was not what was originally scripted to happen. 

We’re looking for reports on these shows
*NXT last night in Melbourne, FL
*WWE last night in Erie, PA
*WWE tonight in Binghamton, NY
We’re looking for results, match finishes ad highlights to [email protected]

We’re also doing polls for the weekend on these shows
*UFC 283
*New Japan/NOAH Wrestle Kingdom
*Great Muta farewell show
You can leave a thumbs up, down or middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

A tribute to Jay Briscoe was set up outside the Manhattan Center in New York. ROH asked the fan who put it up to contact them.

To answer a lot of questions, at this point the day for the Jay Briscoe tribute television show that was taped in Fresno to be put up is not decided yet.

Deiveson Figueiredo suffered a broken nose in his fight with Brandon Moreno but his eye is okay. His eye was shut in the third round causing the stoppage and his losing the flyweight title.

Moreno had a backstage battle of words with Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja, who has two prior wins over Moreno, challenged Moreno to a title fight.

As of last night, the Okada-Kiyomiya angle, which builds to the 2/21 show at the Tokyo Dome had more than 2.5 million views which is a good number for a WWE angle, a great number for an AEW angle and an unbelievable number for a Japanese angle.

Friday night’s Rocky Romero win over Volador Jr. to win the NWA welterweight title was a tremendous match. If you like great wrestling, and/or super heated crowds with great wrestling, the match is here, it starts at the two hour mark of the show.

Young Rock will be preempted this coming Friday for figure skating and will return on 2/3. They have a character playing James Bond Sean Connery from the movie where Peter Maivia and Sean Connery had a Fight scene, “You Only Live Twice.” Other UK wrestlers worked as stunt men on the movie. 

The WWE donated $150,000 to Red Cross relief funds in Connecticut (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)

AEW is closing in on 5,000 tickets sold in Lexington this week which would make five straight shows over that mark. Some of the Texas advances indicate that streak won’t continue but there is clearly ticket sales momentum for the company.

WWE

Montez Ford and Bianca Belair were on NBC yesterday before the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game promoting Raw on Monday. 

BetOnline odds for Vengeance Day
Dijak -200
Wes Lee +150

Gallus +100
New day +150
Pretty Deadly +300

Bron Breakker -700
Grayson Waller +400

Roxanne Perez -1200
Jacy Jayne +500
Gigi Dolin +1000

The Houston Rockets host WWE night on Thursday for a game with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Toyota Center. The first 3,000 fans through the doors will get an Undertaker Bobblehead and there will be Undertaker/Rockets merchandise.

Other Notes

The comedy sitcom Paper Champions, about a failing independent wrestling company, is now available on Tubi (worldwide) and Amazon Prime (US + UK). Paper Champions stars Brady Roberts (Brady Malibu), Paul Lazenby, and Lance Storm also cameos in the show.

The PFL Challengers Series, a series of tournaments where the winners get into the big PFL tournaments this year, start on 1/27 on Fubo Sports.

AHOY Comics announced the release of The Gimmick, a dark comedy about wrestling written by Joanna Starer ad drawn by Elena Gogou. The story is about a fictitious women’s promotion in Pennsylvania. It will be published monthly with the first issue out on 3/5.

AIW on 2/11 in Youngstown, OH headlined by The Sandman.

LFA has two title matches on its 3/10 show in Sao Paulo, Brazil on UFC Fight Pass with the middleweight title up as Lucas Fernando (8-1) faces Jansey Silva (8-2) and Eduardo Neves (6-1) faces Hago Silva (6-0-1).

On Friday’s episode of Toon in with Me on MeTV, a letter was read that said Bill the Cartoon Curator looks like Shawn Michaels and a photo of Michaels was shown (thanks to Brian Henke)

Vendetta Pro Wrestling from last night in Pomona, CA: Davey Richards b Tyler Bateman, Jordan Cruz b B-Boy, Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs b Los Suavecitos, Jacob Fatu DDQ Evil; Uno, Sonico b Shunma Katsumata, Kidd Bandit b Robert Martyr. Mao b Kevin Blackwood, Athena b Miyu Yamashita to keep the ROH women’s title.

Kirk White’s Big Time Wrestling from Friday night in Newark, CA before a sold out crowd at the Pavilion: Big Fonz won the Battle Royal for the Roy Shire trophy, Ishamel Vaughn & Ka Ka Meng b Lost Treasures, D Rouge b Big Fonz, Dave Dutra b Sledge in a no DQ match, The freaks & El Chupacabra b Too Fresh. They did a ten bell salute for Jay Briscoe and Sledge did a tribute speech for him. They return on 3/18 to the Newark Pavilion (Thanks to Jim Davis)

ICW No Holds Barred from last night in Westville, NJ: AKIRA b Eric Dillinger, Tommy Vendetta b Crowbar Devon Storm, Bobby Beverly b Jeff Cannonball, Neil Diamond Gutter b Dr. Redacted, Toshiyuki Sakuda b Eric Ryan, Matt Tremont b Hoodfoot, Brandon Kirk b John Wayne Murdoch to keep the American death match title. Darren McCarty, a former hockey tough guy with the Detroit Red Wings, managed Vendetta on the show. (thanks to Leonard Brand)

Paradigm Pro Wrestling has moved its streaming home from IWTV to Fight+. It debuts on the new platform on 1/31. They will be airing at least 20 weeks of weekly one hour new content with Suge D, Tom Lawlor, Alex Kane, Billie Starkz, Cole Radrick, Dominic Garrini and more.

UFC on ESPN 31 live results: Rob Font vs. Jose Aldo

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN 31: Font vs. Aldo, emanating from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFC action returns after a week off as the first of three December events in Las Vegas takes place, highlighted by a pivotal bantamweight bout featuring one of the UFC’s all-time greats.

Bantamweight contender Rob Font looks for his fifth straight win as he takes on former UFC Featherweight Champion and future hall of famer Jose Aldo in the main event. Font is coming off a decision win over Cody Garbrandt in May, while Aldo has won two straight after scoring a decision over Pedro Munhoz in August.

In the co-main event, it will be a battle of ranked lightweights looking to move up the ladder as Brad Riddell takes on Rafael Fiziev. Also on the main card is a lightweight battle between long-time veteran Clay Guida and Leonardo Santos, a light heavyweight fight pitting Jimmy Crute against Jamahal Hill, a middleweight fight between Brendan Allen and Chris Curtis, and a welterweight fight that sees Alex Morono squaring off against Mickey Gall.

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.

ESPN PRELIMS | 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

> Louis Smolka (17-7, 8-7 UFC) vs. Vince Morales (10-5, 2-3 UFC)
Bantamweights

They trade to start as Morales lands some jabs while Smolka lands to the body. Morales with a combo to the body and Smolka lands a left hook. Smolka pressing forward and lands a combo. They clinch and Smolka lands some knees to the body as Morales is landing to the body, then Morales drops Smolka with a right hand as they break and finishes it up with some follow-up punches. Big finish by Morales.

Official Result- Vince Morales def. Louis Smolka by knockout (punches) at 2:02 of Round 1

> Claudio Puelles (10-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Chris Gruetzemacher (15-4, 3-3 UFC)
Lightweights

Gruetzemacher pressing forward and lands a leg kick early. They trade body kicks and then leg kicks. Puelles gets a takedown and is in the full guard of Gruetzemacher. Puelles working from the top but not a whole lot happening. Gruetzemacher tries to scramble out but Puelles takes his back but Gruetzemacher slides his body to the side of the fence. Puelles trying to take the back as Gruetzemacher is trying to escape. Puelles looking for a mounted guillotine but lets go. Puelles gets the full mount and lands some elbows then some punches. Puelles landing some big hammerfists from the top and then moves to the half-guard. Puelles moves to side control and stands and lands to the body at the end. 10-9 Puelles.

Puelles lands a head kick to start the second and tried for a couple of takedowns but Gruetzemacher defended. Gruetzemacher defending as he has the neck of Puelles and is now looking to get on top. Gruetzemacher is on top and in control but not much is going on. They scramble up and Gruetzemacher with a knee. They break and Puelles throws a head kick but Gruetzemacher blocks. Puelles lands a left hand and shoots for a takedown but Gruetzemacher defends against the fence. They break and both are landing. Puelles shoots for a takedown from a mile away but Gruetzemacher easily defends. Gruetzemacher with a knee in the clinch as they go to the fence. Puelles with some elbows and knees in the clinch against the fence. 10-9 Puelles, 20-18 Puelles.

We have a timeout early in the third as they’re in the clinch and Gruetzemacher lands a low blow on Puelles. They get back to action and both throw before they clinch, but break before anything happens. They trade leg kicks and Gruetzemacher with a right hand. Puelles shoots for a takedown but Gruetzemacher defends and switches to the back. They tie up against the fence and Puelles with some foot stomps and Gruetzemacher gets a takedown. Puelles goes for a leg lock. Gruetzemacher escapes and has the back but Puelles goes back for the leg and has a kneebar locked in and Gruetzemacher taps. Nice late finish by Puelles.

Official Result- Claudio Puelles def. Chris Gruetzemacher by submission (kneebar) at 3:25 of Round 3

> Alonzo Menifield (11-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. William Knight (10-2, 2-1 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Knight goes for an early takedown but Menifield reverses it and is in side control. Knight escapes out and gets to the mount and lands a punch and then takes the back of Menifield. Knight looking for a rear-naked choke. Menifield escapes and takes the back of Knight as they stand. Knight with a knee in the clinch. Knight has a front headlock in as they’re leaning on each other. Menifield is trying for a takedown. They break. Menifield lands a right hand. Knight lands a right hand and then drops Menifield with a left hand and tosses him to the mat and is landing big shots as the first ends. 10-9 Knight.

Menifield landing some good punches to start the second and Knight circles away. Menifield lands a big right hand. Knight just misses a front kick to the face and Menifield lands a right hand. Menifield lands a couple of hard punches. Menifield with a combo and then lands a left hand as Knight has really slowed down. They trade jabs and Menifield lands another nice jab. Knight with a leg kick. Menifield with another jab and just misses an overhand right. They trade late and Knight with a body kick and left hand. 10-9 Menifield, 19-19.

They trade to start the third with both landing hard shots. They clinch against the fence as Menifield has Knight pushed against the fence. Menifield working for a takedown against the fence. Menifield landing some short punches against the fence. Menifield still working for the takedown against the fence. Both landing short shots but neither are doing much. They break. Knight with a body kick then a leg kick. Knight swinging late but doesn’t really connect. 10-9 Menifield, 29-28 Menifield.

Official Result- William Knight def. Alonzo Menifield by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Cheyanne Vlismas (6-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Mallory Martin (7-4, 1-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights

Vlismas throwing punches and kicks early. Vlismas lands a right hand. They trade punches. Martin lands a right hand. Vlismas with a body kick. Vlismas with an overhand right. Vlismas with a combo. They trade punches. They trade inside the pocket. Vlismas with a right hand. Vlismas with a combo. Vlismas with a right hand. Martin lands a left hand. They clinch and Vlismas with some uppercuts and they break. Vlismas with a right hand. Vlismas with some late uppercuts. 10-9 Vlismas.

Vlismas with a right hand. They trade punches and Vlismas with a leg kick. Martin with a combo and Vlismas lands a right hand as she circles away. Martin with a combination. Vlismas with a combo and a head kick. Martin lands to the body and then a left hook. Vlismas with a right hand. They clinch and Martin with a knee to the body. They trade knees to the body against the fence. They break. Vlismas lands a couple of right hands and Martin lands one. Vlismas with a body kick. Vlismas with a combo. They trade late. Close round. 10-9 Vlismas, 20-18 Vlismas.

They trade to start the third. Martin shoots for the takedown as they tie up against the fence. Martin with a knee and they break. Vlismas with a combo. Vlismas with the jab. Vlismas lands a nice overhand right. They tie up and Martin tries hard for the takedown but Vlismas defends. They break. Both are landing and Vlismas with a right hand. Martin coming forward but Vlismas landing more. Vlismas lands a nice right hand. Vlismas with a left hand and continues to land more as the fight is nearing the end. Martin lands a right hand. Vlismas with a combo as she comes forward and she lands more late. 10-9 Vlismas, 30-27 Vlismas.

Official Result- Cheyanne Vlismas def. Mallory Martin by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

> Bryan Barberena (15-8, 6-6 UFC) vs. Darian Weeks (5-0, 0-0 UFC)
Welterweights

Weeks is making his UFC debut, taking this fight on Tuesday. Weeks landing early as he lands a body kick. They trade leg kicks. Weeks scores a takedown but Barberena does a good job of getting back to his feet. Weeks just misses an elbow as they break. Both throwing short kicks and Barberena lands a solid calf kick. He lands another. Weeks goes for a takedown but Barberena defends as Weeks pushes it against the fence. Barberena fights for the underhooks and reverses. Weeks with some knees as they’re tied up. Barberena lands as they break. Weeks with a front kick. Weeks goes for a takedown but Barberena defends. Barberena with a left hand and an inside leg kick late. 10-9 Barberena.

Weeks scores a takedown to start the second. They get to their feet. Barberena still landing the leg kick while Weeks is landing punches. Barberena with a left hand. They trade in close range. Both throw wild shots but neither land. They both then land in close range. Weeks gets a takedown. Barberena works himself to the fence and back to his feet. They break and both land in close range. Barberena with a leg kick. Weeks with a front kick. Barberena with a close combo. Weeks with a right hand. Barberena with a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Weeks, 19-19.

Barberena with some leg kicks as Weeks lands some punches. Barberena with a combo. They tie up and Barberena with a couple of knees. Barberena with some more knees. Weeks tries a takedown but Barberena escapes. Weeks still trying to get the takedown but lets go as they break towards the center. They exchange in close range as Barberena is coming forward and lands to the body. Barberena mixing his punches and lands to the body and head. Barberena with some left hands and an inside leg kick. Weeks with a right hand. Weeks lands some punches and now both landing in close range. Weeks with a solid combination. Barberena with a leg kick. They both land in close but Barberena landing with lots of volume as he lands a big combo to the body. Weeks gets a late takedown. Barberena gets to his feet at the end and rocks Weeks with a left hand at the end. Good fight and close. 10-9 Barberena, 29-28 Barberena.

Official Result- Bryan Barberena def. Darian Weeks by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

> Manel Kape (16-6, 1-2 UFC) vs. Zhalgas Zhumagulov (14-5, 1-2 UFC)
Flyweights

Kape lands some right hands early on. Kape with a leg kick. Zhumagulov with a leg kick. Zhumagulov lands a right hand. Zhumagulov with a right hand and Kape with a leg kick. Zhumagulov lands a big right hand. Zhumagulov with an inside leg kick. They trade right hands. Kape with a knee to the body. Kape with a right hand and Zhumagulov counters with a leg kick and left hand. Kape with a leg kick. Kape with a right hand. Kape with a leg kick and Zhumagulov lands a counter right. Kape drops Zhumagulov with a straight right hand and Zhumagulov is able to get up. Kape lands a flurry against the fence. Kape with big punches against the fence and Zhumagulov is covering up and goes down again and it is over. What a finish by Kape.

Official Result- Manel Kape def. Zhalgas Zhumagulov by TKO (punches) at 4:02 of Round 1

> Maki Pitolo (13-8, 1-4 UFC) vs. Dusko Todorovic (10-2, 1-2 UFC)
Middleweights

Both throwing early but neither really landing. Pitolo lands a solid right hand. Pitolo landing more and then goes for a guillotine choke as they go to the ground. Todorovic escapes and is on top in the full guard of Pitolo. Todorovic moves to the half-guard and then traps an arm and is landing left hands. He almost has the crucifix position in but Todorovic moves to the full mount and is landing big right hands. He flattens Pitolo out and is landing punches. More big punches from Todorovic and it is stopped.

Official Result- Dusko Todorovic def. Maki Pitolo by TKO (punches) at 4:34 of Round 1

ESPN MAIN CARD | 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

> Alex Morono (20-7 1 NC, 9-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Mickey Gall (7-3, 6-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Morono lands a right hand. Morono with an inside leg kick. Gall with a body kick. Gall with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Gall with a body kick. Morono with a couple of right hands. Morono with a right hand. Morono with a right hand to the body. Morono drops Gall with the jab and gets on top in the full guard of Gall. Morono lands some hammerfists. Gall tries for a kneebar. Morono lands some more punches as he’s getting warned about grabbing the fence. Morono back into Gall’s full guard. They get to their feet and both swing wildly late. 10-9 Morono.

They trade to start the second. Morono keeping Gall on the outside with the jab. Gall lands a combo with a nice left hand and backs Morono up. Gall lands a right hand. Morono lands a right hand. They trade punches and Morono throws so hard he falls to the mat for a moment, but pops right back up. Gall lands a right hand. Gall lands a jab. Both land in close range. They swing wildly but neither seem to land. Morono lands a right hand. Morono lands the jab and follows with a right hand. Gall lands a right hand and tries a takedown but Morono defends. Morono lands a looping left hand. 10-9 Morono, 20-18 Morono.

Gall with a right hand to the body as Morono lands a jab. They trade jabs. Morono with a right hand. Morono with a right hand. Gall lands a right hand. The pace has been slowing down here in the third. Morono lands a nice jab. Gall lands a right hand. Morono with an inside leg kick. Morono lands a combo. Gall lands a right hand as he’s coming forward. Gall with a right hand as he pushes Morono against the fence. They break. Morono still landing the jab. Morono with a spinning back fist. They trade in close range as both are throwing wildly. 10-9 Morono, 30-27 Morono.

Official Result- Alex Morono def. Mickey Gall by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

> Brendan Allen (17-4, 5-1 UFC) vs. Chris Curtis (27-8, 1-0 UFC)
Middleweights

They trade in close range to start off. Allen picks Curtis up and slams him down and takes the back as Curtis scrambles up. They break as Curtis escapes. Allen with a body kick. They trade punches in close range. Allen with a leg kick. Curtis with a combo against the fence. Allen lands a nice right hand and then a knee to the body. Curtis with a left hand to the body. Curtis with some leg kicks and Allen lands a body kick. Curtis with a left hand to the body. They clinch and Allen goes for a leg lock and Curtis ends up on top and finishes the round on top. Close round. 10-9 Curtis.

Allen with a leg kick. He lands another and follows it with a right hand. They trade in close range as Curtis lands to the body. Curtis lands a body shot and then a right hand and Allen is rocked and in trouble. Curtis lands some knees and an elbow and then a couple of knees put Allen down and it is over. What an upset by Curtis, his second late-notice underdog win in less than a month.

Official Result- Chris Curtis def. Brendan Allen by TKO (strikes) at 1:58 of Round 2

> Clay Guida (36-21, 16-15 UFC) vs. Leonardo Santos (18-4-1, 7-1-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Santos with a leg kick. He lands another leg kick. Santos lands a body kick that seems to hurt Guida and starts landing a flurry. Santos with some big punches as Guida shoots for a takedown and Santos is landing lots of hammerfists. Guida gets up and Santos is still landing big shots to the body as Guida is trying to defend. Santos lands a big knee to the body and Guida goes down and is scrambling for a takedown. They get up and Santos with another big knee and Guida is still trying for a takedown. They stand and Santos with more knees. They break and I don’t know how Guida survived all of that. Guida coming forward and lands a high kick. Guida tries a takedown against the fence. Guida gets a big takedown and is in the guard of Santos and landing punches. Guida with an elbow from the top. Guida with some shots from the top at the end of the round. 10-9 Santos.

Guida comes out swinging and pressuring and Santos lands a knee to the body. Guida gets the back and tries a takedown but Santos grabs the fence to defend. Guida gets Santos down and lands some knees to the body. Guida looking for full back control. Guida looking for a rear-naked choke. He has it locked in and Santos taps! What a comeback by Guida.

Official Result- Clay Guida def. Leonardo Santos by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:21 of Round 2

> Jimmy Crute (#13, 12-2, 4-2 UFC) vs. Jamahal Hill (#14, 8-1 1 NC, 2-1 1 NC UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Crute landing leg kicks early on. Hill with a body kick and then catches Crute with a right hook that sends Crute down for a brief second. Crute gets up and they clinch and Hill lands a knee to the body as they break. Hill then drops Crute again with a right hook and a follow-up right hand on the ground ends it. What a finish by Hill.

Official Result- Jamahal Hill def. Jimmy Crute by knockout (punch) at :48 of Round 1

> Brad Riddell (#12, 10-1, 4-0 UFC) vs. Rafael Fiziev (#14, 10-1, 4-1 UFC)
Lightweights

Riddell with a leg kick. Riddell with a body kick. They trade punches. Riddell with a leg kick. They’re both still feeling each other out. Fiziev with a body kick and Riddell catches it and lets go. They trade in close as Fiziev lands a body kick. They trade close punches. Riddell lands a right hand. Fiziev with a body kick. Riddell lands a right hand and Fiziev lands a counter left hook. Riddell landing the jab as Fiziev lands a hard body kick. Riddell with a leg kick and a follow-up combination at the end of the first. 10-9 Riddell.

Riddell with a body kick. Fiziev lands a combination. Riddell lands the jab. Riddell with a leg kick. They trade in close range. Fiziev lands an elbow. Riddell with a quick combination ending with a hard right hand. They trade hard leg kicks. They trade hard left hooks. Riddell has a big cut opened up on him. Fiziev lands a right hand. Fiziev misses a flying knee but leads to a clinch. They break and Riddell lands a leg kick. Fiziev with a right hand. Riddell lands a left hand. 10-9 Fiziev, 19-19.

Fiziev landing leg kicks early on in the third. Riddell with a leg kick. Fiziev with a leg kick and Riddell is able to get a takedown. They start to scramble up and Riddell has the back but they separate. Riddell with a leg kick. They exchange and both land hard punches. They trade hard shots in close. Fiziev with a leg kick and Riddell lands a counter leg kick. Fiziev now has a cut open. Fiziev with a spinning wheel kick and Riddell looked out on his feet and then dropped and this was over. What a finish by Fiziev!

Official Result- Rafael Fiziev def. Brad Riddell by TKO (wheel kick) at 2:20 of Round 3

> Rob Font (#4, 19-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. Jose Aldo (#5, 30-7, 12-6 UFC)
Bantamweights

Font landing the jab and to the body early. Aldo with a leg kick. Font with a leg kick and goes for a takedown and has the back of Aldo as they go to the mat. They get up and Font still has the back against the fence. Font tries a slam but Aldo grabs the fence to block and then they break. Font with the jab. Font lands a combo. They both land left hands in close. Font with a jab and Aldo with a right hand. Font continuing to land. Font with a leg kick. Aldo circling away. Font lands and Aldo lands to the body. Font with a right hand. Aldo lands a right hand and Font ends up falling down and Aldo swarms on top and lands at the end. Close round with that finish. 10-9 Aldo.

They trade to start the second. Font landing more early in the second. Aldo with a leg kick. Font lands a leg kick. Aldo with the jab. Font with a combo. Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo rocks Font again with a right hand and just misses a flying knee. They trade jabs. Font with the jab. Font throws a right hand but Aldo blocks it, then Font lands a jab. Font with a right hand and then Aldo lands a right hand. Aldo with a jab to the body. Font with a leg kick. They trade jabs. Font with a combo. Aldo with a body combo. 10-9 Aldo, 20-18 Aldo.

Aldo starting the third with some leg kicks. Font lands a combo but Aldo with another leg kick. Font tries a takedown and Aldo ends up on top. Aldo gets the mount and then moves to the half-guard looking for a choke. He then moves to side control. Both landing short body punches on the ground. They get to their feet and Font lands a couple of punches and Aldo lands a right hand. Font lands a jab. Font with a right hand to the body. Aldo with a leg kick and Font briefly falls down. They trade jabs. Aldo with a right hand and a leg kick. 10-9 Aldo, 30-27 Aldo.

Font landing early on. Aldo with a big right hand and Font is stunned. Aldo with two knees and Font goes down and Aldo gets on top and is landing. Aldo gets to side control. Both look to have orbital bone injuries. Aldo still working from side control and not much is happening. Aldo gets to the half-guard and almost had the mount, but Font got him in his guard. Font trying to land elbows from the bottom. Font lands some. Aldo still trying to set up a choke. Aldo ends the round on top. 10-9 Aldo, 40-36 Aldo.

Font trying to land early to start the fifth. Font with a right hand. They clinch against the fence and Font with a couple of left hands in the clinch. Font lands an elbow as they break. Aldo with a combo. Font pushes Aldo away and lands an uppercut that hits the body. They clinch and Font with some knees and left hands. Font with an elbow and big uppercut as they break. Aldo hurts Font with a combo and gets on top of Font. Aldo in the mount and Font trying to escape as he gives up the back. Aldo trying to find a choke but both look tired. Aldo has the body triangle but looks like he’s just going to hold on. Aldo gets the rear-naked choke locked in but Font is able to escape. Aldo gets back on top and has the back and ends the round on top. 10-9 Aldo, 50-45 Aldo.

Official Result- Jose Aldo def. Rob Font by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)

New bantamweight champion crowned at UFC 251

Posted on by Josh Nason

Two months after the UFC bantamweight title was vacated when Henry Cejudo retired, it now has a new home as Petr Yan defeated Jose Aldo by fifth round TKO at Saturday’s UFC 251 to take the belt.

While Aldo was game, Yan was in attack mode all night, hurting Aldo at the end of several rounds and taking full control in the fifth stanza. He battered and bloodied the former featherweight champion with unanswered ground and pound to the point the fight could, and probably should, have been stopped.

Yan (15-1) landed 62 significant strikes to Aldo’s one in the final round, and Yan’s 192 significant strikes over the course of the bout set a new UFC/WEC record. The 33-year-old Also has lost three straight and five of his last seven.

The 27-year-old has won in all seven of his trips to the Octagon with four stoppages. He now awaits the challenge of Aljamain Sterling who recently defeated Cory Sandhagen to earn the opportunity.

Daily Update: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Terrace House, UFC notes

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

WON NEWSLETTER: May 25, 2020 Observer Newsletter: Death of Shad Gaspard

A story on the life of Shad Gaspard is the lead in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

We cover the circumstances of his tragic death, notes from his family and friends, his acting career, his childhood, his thoughts about MMA, what world champion MMA fighter did he tell to pursue MMA before pro wrestling, and look at his wrestling career.

Whether Vince McMahon is doing an end-around to get out of paying people money owed and then restarting the league.  We look at why the people he owes money to believe that is the case.

The new issue also covers:

A preview for Double or Nothing II.

Update SummerSlam, more on Ric Flair’s new deal, more on Drew Gulak leaving WWE, brand-to-brand changes, IC title tournament, key person in directing television shows leaving, Backlash update, In Your House update, Jim Cornette’s comments on Becky Lynch and Dana Brooke, Seth Rollins and Dana Brooke respond, Glenn Jacobs talks shutting down businesses, WWE star nominated for major sorts award, Lio Rush talks leaving WWE, Nikki Bella talks her back, sports ratings for the past week, Canadian ratings for recent weeks, top amateur star talks going to WWE, WWE market value right now and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.

Complete coverage of this past week’s UFC show.

A feature on the career of Kevin Randleman, the newest UFC Hall of Fame inductee, nothing his amateur wrestling days, his fighting days and his pro wrestling days.  We look at his most famous fights and biggest pro wrestling matches.

A lot more looking back 21 years ago to the tragic death of Owe Hart. We look at comments by Martha Hart and Jerry McDevitt and go back through the legal proceedings.

The highest television rating for any pro wrestling match in history and the legend of Kim Il, a forgotten South Korean sports legend.

The movie “My Dad is a Heel Wrestler,” starring Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • Matt Riddle, Sony Deville, Kane, Johnny Gargano, and Candice LeRae are on today’s episode of The Bump.
  • In a video that aired on The Bump this morning, MVP, The New Day, Drew McIntyre, John Cone, Tyson Kidd, Bobby Lashley, Natalya, Jeff Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, and John Morrison shared their memories of Shad Gaspard.
  • When asked about a potential return to the ring after her pregnancy, Becky Lynch told ESPN: “Yeah. It’s one of those things where I know what I feel and think as a person without a child. I don’t know what that’s going to look like when I do have one, and that’s my priority. I’ll tell you, it’ll give me more motivation than ever, I could imagine. But this isn’t the end of me, one way or the other.”
  • WWE posted pictures of the fight pit that’s being used for Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher’s “cage fight” on NXT tonight. Kurt Angle is the special guest referee for the match.
  • Free matches for today include a six man tag from the June 10, 2019 Raw and Kane vs. Bray Wyatt in a no holds barred match from WWE Backlash 2016.

Other Wrestling

  • The rest of Terrace House Tokyo’s season has been canceled following the death of Hana Kimura. The show had previously been on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Sports Illustrated interviewed Hiroshi Tanahashi about NJPW not running shows during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that running shows now “presents the wrong image of professional wrestling to society and would deal a black eye to the industry that might still remain even after the pandemic ends.”
  • Sports Illustrated also talked to Dark Side of the Ring executive producer Evan Husney. When asked about a third season, Husney said “A third season is something everybody involved wants to do. Vice wants to make a Season 3, we would love to see it happen, and we’re in those stages of conversation. Right now, there are just a lot of question marks about the future of production, and even the future of the world. Our show deals with a lot of travel, and we’d love to go international to places like Japan in Season 3, but there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of that.”
  • Chris Jericho confirmed that Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Rager cruise is going forward, setting sail on February 1-5, 2021 from Miami to the Bahamas. Ted DiBiase, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Bully Ray, Candice Michelle, comedian Brad Williams, and bands Fozzy and Stryper have been announced for the cruise. There will also be wrestling by AEW.
  • Matt Cardona and Brian Myers (formerly Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins) are the guests on today’s episode of Talk is Jericho.
  • Mandy Leon talks about her first match in ROH, which was also her first match ever.

MMA

  • Amanda Nunes vs. Felicia Spencer, Raphael Assuncao vs. Cody Garbrandt, Aljamain Sterling vs. Cory Sandhagen, Neil Magny vs. Anthony Rocco Martin, and Sean O’Malley vs. Eddie Wineland will be the main card for UFC 250 on June 6.
  • Dana White said the UFC is talking about booking Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title. The championship was vacated following the retirement of Henry Cejudo. There’s no date or location set for the vacant title fight yet.
  • UFC has filed four new trademark applications for “UFSEA.”
  • Ariel Helwani noted that for this weekend’s UFC event, fighters are getting throat swab tests instead of the nasal tests that were taken at the Jacksonville events.
  • Colby Covington says he is not a member of American Top Team anymore.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Owen Hart wins IWGP Junior Heavyweight title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Daily Update: WWE notes, Joey Janela, Jose Aldo

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Main roster arrivals and WWE departures

Last week was a period of arrivals and departures for WWE.

Without much advance warning, Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa all debuted on Raw last Monday. After news of them being backstage was reported online, WWE tweeted out pictures of them to hype that they were at the show. Triple H then opened Raw and confirmed that they would be debuting later in the night. Ricochet made a save for Finn Balor and teamed with him to defeat Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush, Black defeated Elias, and Gargano & Ciampa got a win against Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival in a non-title match.

WON NEWSLETTER: March 4, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Roman Reigns returns to WWE after leukemia remission

The return of Roman Reigns and information on leukemia and how some athletes have returned quickly while having it is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

This issue is back to the usual format with a news filled issue, including comparisons of Georges St-Pierre to the other all-time greats in MMA, as well as details regarding the comings and goings in WWE including Bruce Prichard, TJP, Tye Dillinger, Arn Anderson and others.

Look at the background of the hiring of Prichard and departure of Anderson, Prichard’s past roles in WWE, how long Prichard is committed to doing live events with Conrad Thompson, and what this hire says about Vince McMahon.

Also look at plans for 2020 WrestleMania, 2019 Fan Axxess, Hardy’s contract, WWE injury updates, XFL notes, how AAF negotiated with WWE to buy XFL name, how that led to Vince doing the XFL, and football on WWE Network. Also look at how the AAF is doing.

Also look at “Fighting with my Family,” WWE star running for mayor has a major hurdle based on his past, Ric Flair’s real birthday party, Flair and Hogan history, Nikki Bella wins award, and new WWE signees.

Read notes from all the WWE and NXT events at arenas this past week, with results, highlights and business notes.

Have a look at the Matt Hughes situation, with what he’s alleged to have done, his response, and what others have said about him as well as his life post-accident.

ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by  mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA  95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

by Bryan Rose and Joseph Currier

WWE

  • Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. Cesaro & Sheamus has been added to tonight’s SmackDown. The episode is taking place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is the go-home show for Fastlane. R-Truth will issue another United States title open challenge, while The Miz will face Jey Uso.
  • 205 Live’s number one contender’s tournament continues tonight with Cedric Alexander vs. Akira Tozawa and Humberto Carrillo vs. Oney Lorcan in first round matches. The winners will face each other in the semifinals on the right side of the bracket. Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese is the other semifinal.
  • Triple H tweeted about the passing of King Kong Bundy: “Saddened to hear of King Kong Bundy’s passing. A WrestleMania attraction, a true big man and a fan-favorite of the @WWE Universe. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
  • Asuka posted another update on the back injury that she suffered at last night’s SmackDown house show, again noting that she’s feeling fine: “Good morning. I’m very very fine and energetic. Thank you for your concern”
  • Despite Fastlane being billed as the last time the Shield will team up, the Wells Fargo Arena is advertising the same match pitting the Shield against Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre for the 4/22 Raw. The match may just be a placeholder for advertising.
  • Pro Wrestling Sheet reported that the former Kizarny is at the WWE Performance Center this week as a guest coach.
  • John Cena will be signing copies of his “Elbow Grease” children’s book at the Strand Book Store in New York City at 4 p.m. Eastern time on April 5, which is the Friday of WrestleMania week.
  • In addition to the WLW appearance, Tomasso Ciampa has also been pulled from a upcoming Chaotic Wrestling appearance. Hanson will instead be appearing at the Chaotic Wrestling show. It’s taking place in Haverhill, Massachusetts on March 15.
  • Vince McMahon appeared on Forbes’ Billionaires List at number 691, with a net worth of $3.2 billion.
  • ABC News has an article on Dwayne Johnson buying his dad, Rocky Johnson, a house.
  • Former Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman has been introduced as the head coach and general manager of the XFL’s Tampa Bay team.
  • WWE announced that they have signed a deal with SBS in Belgium to broadcast Raw and SmackDown in the country.

Pro Wrestling

UFC/MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Goldberg wins WWE Universal title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC on ESPN+ 2 live results: Assuncao-Moraes, Aldo-Moicano

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On ESPN+ 2: Assuncao vs. Moraes 2, emanating from Centro de Formacao Olimpica do Nordeste in Fortaleza, Brazil.

The Octagon heads back to Fortaleza for the first time since 2017 for the second event to air on ESPN+ with a bantamweight main event that has title shot implications, and the next fight for a future UFC Hall Of Famer in the co-main event.

Third-ranked bantamweight Raphael Assuncao takes on fourth-ranked bantamweight Marlon Moraes in the night’s five-round main event. It is a rematch of a June 2017 meeting at UFC 212, which Assuncao won by close split decision. That was in the midst of Assuncao’s current four-fight win streak, while Moraes has won three straight since, and both are looking to solidify their case for being the next in line for a title shot at 135 pounds.

In the co-main event, former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo guns for his second straight win as he takes on Renato Moicano, who is on the cusp of a title shot and could get it with a win over the future Hall Of Famer. Also on the main card is a welterweight bout between Demian Maia and Lyman Good, and a lightweight bout that sees Charles Oliveira take on David Teymur.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.

ESPN+ PRELIMS | 5 PM ET/2 PM PT

> Magomed Bibulatov (#11, 14-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Rogerio Bontorin (14-1 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)
Flyweights* (Bibulatov missed weight by 1 pound)

They feel each other out early on. Bibulatov landed a body kick followed by a spinning back fist. They clinch and Bibulatov got a judo trip takedown into side control. Bontorin tried for an omaplata but Bibulatov escaped and they got to their feet. Bibulatov with a wheel kick followed by a combo but Bontorin fires back with a hard combo. Bontorin got a sweep into mount and transitioned to the back and is looking for a choke on Bibulatov. Bontorin with some punches from the back. Bontorin looking for the choke once again. Bibulatov escapes and gets Bontorin into his guard. Bibulatov able to get to his feet and lands a spin kick followed by a combo. Bibulatov with a body punch followed by a body kick. Bibulatov with a combo to the body. Those are hurting Bontorin. Bibulatov with a late combo. 10-9 Bontorin.

Bibulatov with another spin kick. They continue to trade punches and they clinch for a moment with neither able to score a takedown. Bibulatov gets a clinch against the fence but they break and Bibulatov gets a warning about grabbing the shorts. Bibulatov just misses a hook kick. Bontorin takes the center and lands a combo. Bibulatov lands a couple of body punches. Bontorin lands a big left hand. Bibulatov with a spin kick to the body and just misses a flying knee as they clinch. Bibulatov gets Bontorin to the ground and goes into his guard and lands some punches but Bontorin escapes to his feet. Bibulatov lands a hook kick but eats a right hand counter from Bontorin. Bibulatov with a big spin kick right before the buzzer. 10-9 Bibulatov, 19-19.

Bibulatov with a body kick. Bibulatov is finding more openings as Bontorin is circling around the Octagon. Bontorin just out of range. Bontorin lands a good combo. Bibulatov just misses a head kick. Bibulatov with some more punches to the body. He backs Bontorin up to the fence with punches and grabs the body looking for the takedown. They trade knees in the clinch. Bibulatov with a knee on the break and lands a good combo. Bontorin getting wild on his feet. They clinch against the fence but break. They trade and Bontorin gets a brief takedown and takes the back with thirty seconds left. Bibulatov with a backwards punch. Bontorin looks for a late choke but time runs out. 10-9 Bontorin, 29-28 Bontorin.

Official Result- Rogerio Bontorin def. Magomed Bibulatov by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Ricardo Ramos (12-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (#12 FLW, 12-1, 1-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

Nurmagomedov with a leg kick. Nurmagomedov with a high kick followed by another leg kick. Ramos just misses a spin kick. Nurmagomedov with a leg kick. He lands a spin kick that backs Ramos up. Ramos just misses a spinning elbow. Nurmagomedov with a spinning back fist. They trade punches and then Nurmagomedov lands a spin kick and hurts Ramos with a head kick and starts teeing off with punches and finishes Ramos off! Wow. Big finish by Nurmagomedov.

Official Result- Said Nurmagomedov def. Ricardo Ramos by TKO (kick, punches) at 2:28 of Round 1

> Geraldo de Freitas (11-4, 0-0 UFC) vs. Felipe Colares (8-0, 0-0 UFC)
Bantamweights

They trade kicks. They trade leg kicks. Colares with a leg kick. Freitas with a leg kick and then comes with a nice combo. Freitas with the jab and then a combo to the body. Colares lands a left hand and they clinch. Freitas with a body kick and then a big right hand. Colares trying for a takedown and picks Freitas up and slams him down and takes the back as they get to their feet. Freitas shakes him off and gets on top and then takes the back as they stand. They scramble to the mat with Colares on top. Freitas reverses position as they get to their feet. Freitas gets a takedown and passes to half-guard. They try to scramble up. Freitas steps over to half-guard and then to side control. Freitas looking for the kimura but Colares escapes to the top and lands some punches and elbows to end the round. 10-9 de Freitas.

Freitas right away with a body kick. Freitas with a combo that rocks Colares and he starts to tee off. Colares has a big cut open. Freitas with a takedown as Colares has the neck to stall. Freitas gets to the full mount. Colares is giving up his back as he eats a big right hand. Freitas looking for a choke. Colares reverses position and is in the guard now. Both battling for position on the mat. Colares now in side control as he moves back to the guard. Freitas not doing much from the bottom. Freitas gets to his feet and gets the advantage in the clinch. Colares with a knee before they break. Colares with a high kick. Colares breathing heavy. Freitas with a late takedown. 10-9 Colares, 19-19.

They trade big punches to start the third round. Freitas tries for a Superman punch and then gets a takedown. Colares able to get to his feet and Freitas has the advantage in the clinch against the fence. Freitas with a knee. Freitas with a combo ending with a knee and lands another knee. Freitas with a combo and then scores a takedown. Freitas moves to side control and Colares gives up his back. Colares gets Freitas back to his guard. Freitas steps over into full mount. They scramble to their feet. Both are tired. Freitas lands a big combo and then gets a takedown. He is messing up by getting takedowns as Colares is hurt on his feet. Colares gets the back of Freitas. Colares isn’t doing much with the back. He does land a knee and some punches at the end. 10-9 de Freitas, 29-28 de Freitas.

Official Result- Geraldo de Freitas def. Felipe Colares by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

> Junior Albini (14-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Jair Rozenstruik (6-0, 0-0 UFC)
Heavyweights

Rozenstruik with a quick leg kick. Albini gets a clinch and takes Rozenstruik down right away. Albini in the half-guard. Rozenstruik trying to explode from the bottom as Albini looks for the kimura. Rozenstruik did block it as Albini lets go. Albini gets to full mount. Rozenstruik with some good defense on the bottom and they scramble to their feet. Albini gets a sloppy takedown and takes the back of Rozenstruik. Rozenstruik able to reverse into the guard but then stands up. Albini lands a big right hand. They clinch. Albini with a body kick. They clinch for a moment. They trade punches. Rozenstruik with a big right hand that rocks Albini. They trade kicks at the end. 10-9 Albini.

Albini with some low kicks. Rozenstruik with a big right hand and then a head kick that drops Albini and he finishes him off with some punches on the ground. Wow. Big finish by Rozenstruik in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Jair Rozenstruik def. Junior Albini by TKO (strikes) at :54 of Round 2

> Thiago Alves (22-13, 14-9 UFC) vs. Max Griffin (14-5, 2-3 UFC)
Welterweights

Alves with a big leg kick to start. They trade early. Griffin wobbles Alves with a big combo. Alves is hurt and Griffin lands some punches and gets a brief takedown but they get up. Griffin with a combo and goes to the body. He’s landing the jab nicely. Alves with a leg kick and Griffin counters with a right hand. Griffin with a right hand. Griffin with another combo to the body and lands a knee to the body. Alves with a leg kick. They trade punches. Alves lands a left hand as he comes forward. Alves with a body kick and then another. They trade big shots and Griffin lands a knee to the body of Alves. They trade punches. Griffin with a hook to the body and Alves counters with a jab. Alves with a high kick. Griffin with a big knee to the body and then drop Alves with a right hand and the round ends before he can finish. 10-9 Griffin.

Alves with a leg kick. They trade in close range. They trade punches and Alves lands a hard right hand. Griffin with a left hand. They trade and Alves lands a right hand. Alves with a leg kick and left hand. Griffin popping off the jab. Alves with a leg kick and Griffin slips to the mat. He gets up and Alves with a big body kick and then another. Griffin lands a right hand. Alves with a combo to the body. They are throwing big punches and Alves has Griffin hurt. Alves hurt Griffin badly with kicks and punches to the body. Griffin gets the clinch to slow the pace. Alves blocks a takedown attempt. Griffin lands a knee as they break. Griffin gets the back for a moment. Alves with an uppercut and lands some more big right hands. Griffin in trouble. Griffin running away as Alves is stalking him around the Octagon. Alves with an uppercut and leg kick. Griffin lands a right hand. Alves with a body kick. They have a big exchange to end the round. 10-9 Alves, 19-19.

Alves lands a big right hand right off the bat. Alves with a leg kick. Griffin fires a combo. Alves with a body kick and combo as they clinch. Alves with a knee to the body. Griffin with a body kick on the break and Alves lands a spinning elbow. Griffin gets a takedown but Alves able to get to his feet. Griffin gets a body lock takedown and moves to full mount. Griffin moves to half-guard. Alves scrambles to his feet almost but Griffin keeps him down. They get to their feet. They break. Alves with a body kick. Alves lands a right hand. Alves gets a takedown against the fence. Griffin sneaks out and gets on top. Fun fight. 10-9 Griffin, 29-28 Griffin.

Official Result- Thiago Alves def. Max Griffin by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

> Mara Romero Borella (12-5 1 NC, 1-1 UFC) vs. Taila Santos (15-0, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights

They clinch right away. Santos gets a body lock takedown and almost got the mount but takes the back and is looking for the choke. Borella stands and Santos has the backpack and has a standing choke locked in for a moment. Santos lets go and they break to the center. Borella gets a body lock now looking for the takedown and gets it and is in side control. Borella with punches and elbows. Borella works from the half-guard and lands a short elbow. Borella now in the high guard. Borella with some right hands from the top. 10-9 Borella.

Borella quickly clinches and has the body lock and lands a couple of knees. They get to their feet and Santos lands a knee. Not much is happening and the crowd is becoming bored and booing. Santos lands a knee. Borella reverses position and has Santos against the fence. They trade short knees. They are broken up by the referee but go straight back into the clinch. They break as Santos lands a knee. Santos with a leg kick. Borella goes back for the clinch and holds Santos against the fence. A whole lot of nothing in that round. 10-9 Borella, 20-18 Borella.

They throw punches to start the third. Santos tries a leg kick but eats a Borella right hand counter. Santos with a leg kick and a right hand. Santos starting to land more. Borella switching stances but not doing much on offense. Santos with a leg kick. Santos with the jab. Santos lands a couple of right hands. Santos with a right hand and Borella tries to duck under for a takedown but it is defended. Santos with the jab. Santos with a couple of right hands and a leg kick. 10-9 Santos, 29-28 Borella.

Official Result- Mara Romero Borella def. Taila Santos by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Markus Perez (10-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. Anthony Hernandez (6-0 1 NC, 0-0 UFC)
Middleweights

They clinch early. Hernandez had position first but Perez able to reverse. Perez gets to the back and picks Hernandez up and takes him down but they get to their feet. Perez still working for the takedown. They break and Hernandez lands an elbow. Perez with a body kick. They clinch for a moment. Hernandez lands an elbow and a big right hand. Perez lands a left hand followed by an uppercut and they clinch but break. Perez with a left hand. Hernandez lands a right hand. Hernandez with a spin kick. Hernandez with an uppercut and lands to the body against the fence. Hernandez with a hard right hand and then a flurry at the end. 10-9 Hernandez.

Perez lands a big body kick that hurts Hernandez and drops him. Perez swarms in and looking to finish but Hernandez gets up and Perez gets the back. Hernandez able to scramble out and they get up and Perez has a standing D’arce choke. Perez drags him to the mat and has the choke locked in and Hernandez taps! Big win by Perez.

Official Result- Markus Perez def. Anthony Hernandez by submission (D’Arce choke) at 1:07 of Round 2

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> Livia Renata Souza (12-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Sarah Frota (9-0, 0-0 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights* (Frota missed weight by 7 pounds)

Souza with a leg kick. Souza with a body kick. Frota, who missed weight by seven pounds, looks two weight classes above Souza. Souza gets a takedown and is in side control. Frota looks for an arm but Souza slips out and they scramble and Frota gets in the guard. Souza defending well from the bottom. Frota with punches from the top. Not a lot of action going on. Frota working the body and Souza grabs the arm looking for the armbar. Frota steps over and they get to their feet. Souza goes for a takedown but it is defended. Frota jumps guard looking for a guillotine and they go to the mat. Souza with a late flurry from the top. Not much of a round. 10-9 Souza.

They trade punches to start the second. Frota stuns Souza with a right hand. Souza lands a punch but eats a right hook from Frota. Souza gets a takedown. Souza landing short punches to the head and body on the ground. They are stood up by the referee. Souza takes Frota right back down. Frota tries for a kneebar on the bottom but Souza spins out and gets to her feet and Frota follows. Frota lands a punch. Souza tries another takedown but this is defended. Frota lands a left hand as they break. Souza tries a takedown but transitions to the back and looks for a choke. She only has one hook in and doesn’t have it locked in. Souza has the choke locked in and Frota trying to fight it off and does just in time for the round to end. 10-9 Souza, 20-18 Souza.

Souza with a body kick. Frota lands a combo. They clinch for a brief moment. Souza lands a right hand and goes for a takedown but pulls guard. Frota with some hammerfists from the top. Not much happening on the mat and they are stood up. Frota misses some kicks. Souza just misses a huge right hand. They go to the mat but get up. Souza lands a flush right hand. Frota with a heavy left hand that wobbles Souza and then lands another left. Frota with a combo. Souza with a right hand. 10-9 Frota, 29-28 Souza.

Official Result- Livia Renata Souza def. Sarah Frota by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

> Johnny Walker (15-3, 1-0 UFC) vs. Justin Ledet (9-1 1 NC, 3-1 UFC)
Light Heavyweights

Walker drops Ledet within the first ten seconds after a hook kick and a spinning back fist and then finishes him off with some punches from the top. That was in less than twenty seconds. Walker came to the Octagon dancing and showing tons of charisma and gets the quick finish. He has a lot of potential to be a star if he keeps this up.

Official Result- Johnny Walker def. Justin Ledet by TKO (strikes) at :15 of Round 1

> Charles Oliveira (25-8 1 NC, 13-8 1 NC UFC) vs. David Teymur (8-1, 5-0 UFC)
Lightweights

Teymur with a high kick and then puts a finger in the eye of Oliveira and we get a timeout. It was a double eye poke and Teymur gets a point taken away. Teymur has a history of poking opponents in the eye. We get back to action and Teymur immediately poked him in the eye again but no timeout there. Oliveira with a jumping kick as we get back to action. Oliveira with a right hand. Teymur drops Oliveira with a left hand. Teymur goes into the guard but gets right back up. Oliviera landed some elbows and cut Teymur open. They get back to their feet. Oliveira tries for a takedown but it is defended and he swings to the back of Teymur. They get to their feet. Oliviera with a body kick. Oliveira with a flying knee. Teymur with a high kick. Oliveira with a right hand. Oliveira with another knee to the chin. Teymur with a leg kick. Oliveira with a spin kick. They trade late. Wild round. 10-8 Oliveira.

Teymur with a left hand and Oliveira lands a high kick. They trade kicks. Oliveira rocks Teymur with a step in elbow. Teymur in trouble and Oliveira is teeing off on him. Lots of shots and this is close to being finished. Teymur survives and Oliveira grabs the neck and drags him to the mat and has a choke locked in and Teymur taps! Wow, what a wild fight. Oliveira has now added to his all-time UFC record for most submission wins.

Official Result- Charles Oliveira def. David Teymur by submission (anaconda choke) at :55 of Round 2

> Demian Maia (#8, 25-9, 19-9 UFC) vs. Lyman Good (20-4 1 NC, 2-1 UFC)
Welterweights

Maia already has Good backed up against the fence. Maia goes for a takedown and gets it. Good gets to his feet but Maia gets him back down. Good is trying to get back up but Maia keeps him down. Good gets up but gives up his back and Maia is looking for a standing choke. Good is on his feet and Maia has the backpack and working for a choke. Good defending the choke as he is fighting the hands. Maia has the arm around the chin and has a choke locked in and Good taps! Maia gets the job done in relative ease.

Official Result- Demian Maia def. Lyman Good by submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:38 of Round 1

> Jose Aldo (#2, 27-4, 9-3 UFC) vs. Renato Moicano (#5, 13-1-1, 5-1 UFC)
Featherweights

Moicano with a front kick. Moicano just misses a spin kick. They both miss punches. They both land. Aldo with a leg kick. Aldo with a leg kick followed by a left hook. Moicano with a leg kick followed by one a little higher. Aldo misses a leg kick and almost slipped. Moicano with a kick. Aldo with a left to the body. Very patient round from both. They trade punches. Moicano lands the jab. Close round. 10-9 Moicano.

Moicano with an inside leg kick. Aldo lands a left hand. Aldo with a combo and he is swarming on Moicano. Aldo with big body shots and Aldo is firing off on Moicano. Aldo landing lots of punches and Moicano is in a lot of trouble. More big shots from Aldo standing and the referee stops it. WOW. Aldo finishes Moicano and then runs into the crowd and celebrates. That was a vintage Jose Aldo finish.

Official Result- Jose Aldo def. Renato Moicano by TKO (punches) at :44 of Round 2

> Raphael Assuncao (#3, 27-5, 11-2 UFC) vs. Marlon Moraes (#4, 21-5-1, 3-1 UFC)
Bantamweights

Assuncao attacking with leg kicks to start. Both feeling each other out and looking for openings. Moraes now attacking the legs. He is throwing more leg kicks than Assuncao. Moraes then drops Assuncao with two big right hands. Moraes gets in the guard of Assuncao and is looking to lock up the arms of Moraes. Assuncao is cut open. Moraes steps over to half-guard and lands some hard punches. Moraes grabs the neck and is looking for a guillotine choke. He squeezes hard and Assuncao taps! Big win for Moraes as he just ran through Assuncao. Moraes certainly made a statement for a title shot here.

Official Result- Marlon Moraes def. Raphael Assuncao by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:17 of Round 1

Daily Update: Khabib, Pro Wrestling NOAH, Jose Aldo

Posted on by Bryan Rose

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News

Latest Audio

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch win Royal Rumbles

For the second straight year, WWE went with two fan-pleasing choices as their Royal Rumble winners. WWE followed up on Shinsuke Nakamura and Asuka’s wins from last year by having Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch win their respective Rumble matches on Sunday night. The results were entirely predictable, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t the right choices. While there are other stories that WWE can tell, top babyfaces beginning their road to WrestleMania by winning the Royal Rumble will pretty much always work. 

WON NEWSLETTER: January 28, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Future of Ronda Rousey, Royal Rumble preview, more

Our lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer talks about Ronda Rousey and her WWE schedule including how long a time frame of when she has talked of stepping away.

Also, look at the top of the WrestleMania card and what major star isn’t scheduled, and what other major star may be having his match changed.

Read the full preview of the Royal Rumble, with notes on ticket expectation, how the market is for all four WWE arena events in Phoenix this week, and the situation with John Cena.

Also, look at UFC’s first show on ESPN, the Dillashaw vs. Cejudo aftermath, the Greg Hardy debut, the business notes on the show and what record was set as well as how streaming sign-ups destroyed any combat sport event in history, and match-by-match coverage.

Break down the latest Jon Jones drug test failure and why failing the test actually gives more credence to his story than if he had passed all of his tests.

Examine a fourth generation wrestler training at the Performance Center, what happened with The Revival, lots of WWE contract news, XFL President announced, XFL TV talks, and injury updates.

Look at the major hearing next week in Nevada, California’s reaction and UFC’s reaction to Jones’ test failure.

This issue has a rundown of the final three nights of the Fantastica Mania tour, including why the third night was such an entertaining show, as well as an update on the talent in CMLL and the unique match that came from a movie.

ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

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If you order by  mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA  95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The last of four straight shows in Phoenix, Arizona concludes tonight as SmackDown will air live at the Talking Stick Arena. Shinsuke Nakamura will defend the United States title against R-Truth, while The Miz and Shane McMahon are set to throw “The Best Tag Team Celebration in The World”.
  • Total Bellas on Sunday did 454,000 viewers, a record viewership low for the series.
  • WWE Studios’ Blood Brother is now out on DVD, digital and Blu-ray. It stars Trey Songz and features R-Truth in a supporting role.
  • No Way Jose, Tyler Breeze, Bayley and Dana Warrior hosted a Kid Power event recently at Valencia Newcomer School in Phoenix.
  • Lacey Evans, Bianca Belair and Montez Ford served breakfast to veterans at MANA House during Royal Rumble weekend.

Pro Wrestling

  • Pro Wrestling NOAH’s parent company has been taken over by LIDET Entertainment, who now own 75 percent of NOAH Global Entertainment. All office members of the parent company will retire next month, which includes Masayuki Uchida, the company’s president. Yusuke Fuwa will continue to be president of the company.
  • Impact has moved a number of people on their roster to their alumni section, including Caleb Konley and Matt Sydal.
  • Sydal posted an update following knee surgery: “Surgery went well! I’m meeting with my doctor tomorrow for more information and to begin the recovery process. Thanks for the support.”
  • Chris Jericho posted on Instagram: “I’m coming back…I will return… @njpw1972”
  • PWInsider reported that MLW has parted ways with Sammy Guevara. They reported that Guevara double-booked himself for select MLW dates, including the show this weekend and felt there was no way to use him consistently.

UFC/MMA

  • Ariel Helwani is reporting that Khabib Nurmagomedov is “done” fighting in Nevada until his teammates’ suspensions were lifted. Abubakar Nurmagomedov and Zubaira Tukhugov received a one year suspension in Nevada due to their participation in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229.
  • José Aldo told Portal do Vale Tudo (via Bloody Elbow) he is planning to retire by the end of 2019, and he no longer wishes to go after UFC gold.
  • According to Aaron Bronsteter, USADA’s testing database was updated today and Brock Lesnar’s name was among those who have been tested since the start of 2019. Lesnar has been eligible to fight since 1/8.
  • Bellator was scored 697,000 viewers on Saturday, placing tenth for the night on cable.
  • Posting a picture of herself in a lucha libre outfit, Joanna Jedzejczyk wrote on Instragram: “@rondarousey can I join ya in @wwe?”
  • ONE Championship wrestling will run a promotional tour in the US next month with new signees Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt.
  • The United States Fight League announced that UFC veteran Joe Stevenson and renowned trainer Duke Roufus will be the coaches for the U.S. youth MMA team.
  • This article is about how reformed gang leader Ruben Saldaña has changed his life and the lives of many through MMA coaching. 

Daily Pro Wrestling History: John Cena defeats AJ Styles to win WWE title

Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events (more to be added):

  • Sunday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
  • Luxury Bus to MetLife Stadium for Wrestlemania: We will depart from the Hilton Midtown (site of Wrestlecon) located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Departure time is 4:00 pm and will return from MetLife approximately 30 mins after the event. Times are subject to change, and cost $67.00 per person for the round trip. Purchase tickets here~!

CONTACT INFORMATION

UFC 212 Observer Panel Picks: Filthy Tom joins the panel

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

The UFC is back on PPV tonight, and while this isn’t the deepest lineup overall, the show is headlined by what has the potential to be the fight of the year. It’s champion vs. champion as featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo goes up against interim champion Max Holloway and his 11-fight win streak.

Both title combatants have something in common in that they last tasted defeat at the hands of the current lightweight champion Conor McGregor. They also, somewhat ironically, both beat former lightweight champions to claim their versions of the title.

The co-main features two of the top contenders to the strawweight title fighting for a title rematch as both Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Claudia Gadelha have lost to Joanna Champion when going for the belt.

Former light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort returns to his home country in what could be one of his last fights against fellow veteran Nate “The Great” Marquardt. One of these guys will come away with a victory and potentially rejuvenate their career.

There isn’t much else on this show in terms of marquee matchups. For our final two panel picks, we’ve gone with the almost always entertaining Erick Silva vs. Yancy Medeiros. The two have combined for 10 post-show award bonuses, so this has the potential to steal the show. Finally, the fight that will anchor the FS1 prelims is former WSOF bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes making his UFC debut against the veteran Raphael Assuncao.

You may notice that our panel has gotten a lot filthier this time out. Joining the crew is UFC veteran and budding pro wrestling superstar Tom Lawlor. Glen Jacobs was not available.

If you’re new here, our panel picks are listed below and listed alongside the fighters’ names are their worldwide FightMatrix rankings, as well as BestFightOdds.com betting odds. The panelists’ 2017 records are in parentheses, and we also have panel consensus picks as well as a line where we show how the betting favorites did:

  • John Pollock (27-11; .711) — Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
  • Consensus Picks (25-11; .694)
  • Dave Meltzer (26-12; .684) — Wrestling Observer publisher
  • Favorites (26-12; .684)
  • Mike Sawyer (25-13; .658) — Tough Talk MMA publisher
  • Steve Juon (25-13; .658) — MMA Mania writer, Angry Marks publisher
  • David Bixenspan (24-14; .632) — Deadspin pro wrestling columnist, Between the Sheets podcast host
  • Josh Nason (23-15; .605) — Host of Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, WrestlingObserver.com assistant editor
  • Mike Sempervive (22-16; .579) — Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
  • Ryan Frederick (21-17; .553) — WrestlingObserver.com UFC writer
  • Paul Fontaine (19-19; .500) — MMADraws.com publisher, WrestlingObserver.com writer
  • Front Row Brian (18-20; .474) — MMA newsbreaker, beloved internet personality, podcast host
  • Tom Lawlor (0-0; .000) — Co-host of Filthy Four Daily, pro wrestling undercard fighter, UFC enhancement talent currently suspended due to wellness violation

UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo (26-2) vs. interim champion Max Holloway (17-3)

Since dropping a third-round decision to future dual-champion Conor McGregor, Max Holloway has been hotter than any fighter in the company. His 10 straight wins have seen him rise from the prelims to the main card to the main events and finally to this main event PPV title shot.

Standing across the Octagon was the man who, not so long ago, was even hotter than Holloway. Before being knocked out cold by McGregor, Aldo had won 18 straight fights, and to this day he’s the only man in UFC history to actually defend the UFC featherweight title.

Both are coming off impressive wins over former lightweight champions as Aldo dominated Frankie Edgar on his way to a five-round decision win and Holloway KO’d Anthony Pettis in the third round in the main event of UFC 206.

  • Aldo #1; -141 betting favorite — Frederick, Juon, Nason, Pollock, Meltzer, Sempervive
  • Holloway #2; +128 betting underdog — FRB, Sawyer, Lawlor, Fontaine, Bix

Karolina Kowalkiewicz (10-1) vs. Claudia Gadelha (14-2) (strawweights)

Between these two, they have three career losses and they’ve all been at the hands of current strawweight queen Joanna Jedrzejczyk. They are also pretty much regarded as the class of the division outside of the current champion, and whoever wins will probably get another shot at the belt.

Kowalkiewicz beat another top contender, Rose Namajunas, in the fight of the night at UFC 201, which was her third straight win in UFC. Gadelha will be fighting in her home country and will be attempting to win her second straight fight in UFC and fourth overall. She is coming off a decision win over the very tough Cortney Casey.

  • Kowalkiewicz #6; +295 betting underdog
  • Gadelha #3; -321 betting favorite — FRB, Frederick, Sawyer, Juon, Lawlor, Nason, Fontaine, Pollock, Bix, Meltzer, Sempervive

Vitor Belfort (25-13) vs. Nate Marquardt (35-17-2) (middleweights)

Both of these guys have seen better days, but they also have enough power to end this one quickly. Every single one of Belfort’s UFC wins has come by way of stoppage. Marquardt has nine such wins on his record in 13 UFC victories.

Belfort would be on a three-fight losing streak if his loss to Kelvin Gastelum hadn’t been overturned due to a drug test failure. His only win since November 2013 has been a first round KO over the now-retired Dan Henderson. Marquardt has lost seven of his last 10, but all three wins have come by stoppage. He most recently upset Tamdan McCrory by knocking him out in the second round.

  • Belfort #11; -152 betting favorite — Frederick, Sawyer, Fontaine, Pollock, Bix, Meltzer
  • Marquardt #36; +147 betting underdog — FRB, Juon, Lawlor, Nason, Sempervive

Yancie Medeiros (13-4) vs. Erick Silva (19-7) (welterweights)

Medeiros is the second Hawaiian on the main card behind main-eventer Max Holloway. Any fans making the trek to Brazil to see Holloway will likely be behind Medeiros as well. But Silva will be the heavy crowd favorite nonetheless as he’s one of the most popular fighters in his home country due to his reckless and exciting style of fighting.

Silva very much has a kill-or-be-killed philosophy as two of his 13 UFC fights have gone the distance. Medeiros is much the same as three of his four UFC wins have come by way of submission. This could be a sleeper of a great fight.

  • Medeiros #71; -135 betting favorite — Juon, Lawlor, Nason, Pollock, Bix, Meltzer, Sempervive
  • Silva #34; +128 betting underdog — FRB, Frederick, Sawyer, Fontaine

Marlon Moraes (18-4) vs. Raphael Assuncao (24-5) (bantamweights)

Long regarded as one of the world’s best bantamweight fighters outside of the UFC, Moraes will make his long-awaited UFC debut in search of his 14th straight win. Standing in his way will be the tough veteran Raphael Assuncao, who holds a win over former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw.

Moraes hasn’t faced a tremendous level of competition on the way to his lengthy streak, but he does have two wins over former TUF fighter Josh Hill. Assuncao is coming off a split-decision win over Aljamain Sterling last time out and, in fact, has only lost one time in the last six-plus years. He could be on the brink of title contention should he knock off the former WSOF champion Moraes here.

  • Moraes #8; -152 betting favorite — FRB, Frederick, Sawyer, Juon, Lawlor, Fontaine, Pollock, Bix
  • Assuncao #11; +145 betting underdog — Nason, Meltzer, Sempervive

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The rest of the card:

Paulo Henrique Costa (9-0) vs. Oluwale Bamgbose (6-2) (middleweights)

  • Costa #75; -269 betting favorite
  • Bamgbose #172; +242 betting underdog

Antonio Carlos Junior (7-2) vs. Eric Spicely (10-1) (middleweights)

  • Junior #50; -211 betting favorite
  • Spicely #26; +201 betting underdog

Johnny Eduardo (28-10) vs. Matthew Lopez (9-1) (bantamweights)

  • Eduardo #28; +160 betting underdog
  • Lopez #63; -160 betting favorite

Iuri Alcantara (35-4) vs. Brian Kelleher (16-7) (bantamweights)

  • Alcantara #10; -309 betting favorite
  • Kelleher #38; +279 betting underdog

Viviane Pereira (12-0) vs. Jamie Moyle (4-1) (strawweights)

  • Pereira #13; -135 betting favorite
  • Moyle #38; +138 betting underdog

Luan Chagas (14-2) vs. Jim Wallhead (29-10) (welterweights)

  • Chagas #99; -249 betting favorite
  • Wallhead #108; +221 betting underdog

Marco Antonio Beltran (8-4) vs. Deiveson Alcantra (11-0) (flyweights)

  • Beltran #81 at bantamweight; +125 betting underdog
  • Alcantra #34; -137 betting favorite

Action begins with the Fight Pass prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET and moves over to FS1 at 8 p.m. ET. The main card airs on PPV at 10 p.m. ET, covered by yours truly. 

JNPO: SiriusXM’s Danny Acosta talks UFC 205 & MMA news of the week

Posted on by Josh Nason

The weekend is here and that means Josh Nason’s Punch-Out is back to help recap the week and look forward to the weekend. Helping Josh do the honors on the final day of September is friend of the show Danny Acosta of SiriusXM Rush!

With so much news happening this week, Josh and Danny were all over the board:

– They talk about the new celebrity owners of UFC, ranging from Tom Brady to Jimmy Kimmel to Tyler Perry and what they could mean for UFC buyrates

– The guys talk this week’s UFC 205 press conference and all that had to happen to bring Conor McGregor to the table

– The “media” questions come in full focus as does the state of the media in the sport today

– Why do fans hate Tyron Woodley so much anyway?

– They look back at Cyborg Justino’s easy victory last Saturday and the weird position UFC is in with her going forward

– They talk about Jose Aldo’s situation and whether he’ll fight in UFC again

– They go over UFC Portland: Catchweight, and the plight of John Lineker

– Plus Renan Barao, weight cutting, and tons more. 

Click below to listen now:

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UFC 200 live results: Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes, Brock Lesnar vs. Mark Hunt, Daniel Cormier vs. Anderson Silva

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 200 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, — the conclusion of UFC’s International Fight Week and the biggest card in UFC history with two title fights, the return of a huge star, and an icon coming in on short notice. 

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate defends her title for the first time against challenger Amanda Nunes in the main event, leading many to speculate that Ronda Rousey may be floating around the venue to challenge the winner tonight. In the co-main event, it is the return of WWE superstar and former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar as he takes on hard hittin’ Mark Hunt.

In other action, light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, originally scheduled to headline against Jon Jones, now faces Anderson Silva, who took this fight on two days notice, in a non-title bout. Also, former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo takes on former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in a rematch of their UFC 156 battle from February 2013 with the interim UFC featherweight champion on the line.

We’re looking for your thoughts on this show so you can send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]

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

Additonal content: UFC 200 DFS Playbook | Our Picks | Wrestling Observer Radio | Wrestling Observer Live

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PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

– JIM MILLER (25-8 1 NC, 14-7 1 NC UFC) VS. TAKANORI GOMI (35-11 1 NC, 4-6 UFC) | Lightweights

First round:  Miller connected with a left.   Gomi went for a kick.  Miller took him down off the kick and immediately got his back.  He’s working for a choke.  Miller has a body triangle.  Miller now throwing hard punches from back position over and over and it’s over.  2:18

– (#8) GEGARD MOUSASI (38-6-2, 5-3 UFC) VS. (#15) THIAGO SANTOS (13-3, 5-2 UFC) | Middleweights

First round:  Head kick by Mousasi.  Mousasi with a left jab.  Low kick by Mousasi and Santos back with a low kick.  Mousasi with a jab.    Mousasi  got the jump on him and landed a lot of punches, took him down and got his back.   Mousasi  working for a choke but doesn’t have it.  Mousasi  took him down again.  Mousasi in side control.  Mousasi landing punches.  Santos up, Mousasi nailed him with a hard right and a hard left that put him down and it was over.  4:32

– DIEGO SANCHEZ (26-8, 15-8 UFC) VS. JOE LAUZON (25-11, 12-8 UFC) | Lightweights

First round:  Body kick by Sanchez.  Sanchez with a flurry.  Low kick by Sanchez.  Lauzon knocked Sanchez down twice and Sanchez is back up.  Lauzon is just killing him with punches.  Sanchez was stunned and was taking several hard flush shots and it was stopped.  Lauzon’s boxing was just on point.  1:26

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/4 PM PT)

– SAGE NORTHCUTT (7-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. ENRIQUE MARIN (8-3, 0-1 UFC) | Lightweights

First round:  Northcutt  fighting karate style.  He threw a high kick.  Marin landed a right.  Nice high kick by Northcutt.  Marin had him pinned against the fence.  Marin took him down.  Northcutt went for a kneebar.  Northcutt reversed to the top.  Northcutt has his back.  He’s working for a choke.  Marin turned.  Marin  got Northcutt’s back.  He flipped him off and is on top.  Northcutt with a few hard punches.   Marin back on top.  10-9 Northcutt.

Second round:  Northcutt with a right.  They traded punches.  Northcutt took him down but Marin reversed and got to the top.  Marin in side control.   Northcutt working for an armbar.  Marin sat on his face and working for an armbar.  Northcutt is in the armbar.  He escaped out of it.  Marin sitting on his face again trying to set up a Kimura.  Northcutt is in trouble again.  Northcutt reversed to the top out of it.  Norrthcutt dropped elbows at the end of the round.  Marin so 19-19.  The crowd loved this round.

Third round:  Both trading punches dtraidng punches.  Marin took him down again.   Nothing is happening against the fence.  Marin is working for a takedown.  Norhcutt blocked and is going for a choke.  Marin out of it.   Marin just took him down.  Marin got his back.  Northcutt threw him off and now he’s on top.  Close round, win or lose a bad showing for Northcutt.  I did have Northcutt winning 29-28 but third could go either way,.

Scores:  All three had it 29-28 Northcutt.  Most fans cheered the decision, I thought they’d boo just because Marin was such an underdog. 

– (#1) T.J. DILLASHAW (12-3, 8-3 UFC) VS. (#3) RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO (23-4, 7-1 UFC) | Bantamweights

First round:  Not much happening here.  Dillashaw tried  a kick but Asscuncao caught the leg.  Assuncao landed a punch.  Head kick by Dillashaw.  Another head kick by Dillashaw.  Assuncao with head kick.  Dillashaw 10-9

Second round:  Low kick by  Assuncao.  Dillashaw tried a takedown but it was stopped by Assuncao.  Assuncao may have a broken nose.  Spin kick by Assuncao landed short.  Dillashaw with a body kick.  Assuncao with a takedown but Dillashaw right back up.  They’re stopping the fight to look at Assuncao’s nose.  The doctor let him continue.  Dillashaw dropped him with a right and went for a guillotine but Assuncao got right out.  Right by Dillahsaw.   Dillashaw 20-18.

Third round:  Body kick by Dillashaw.  Crowd has been quiet this entire fight.  Front kick by Assuncao.  Right by Dillashaw.  Dillashaw went for a takedown but didn’t get it.  Body kick by Dillashaw.  Assuncao’s kicks  are being blocked and Dillashaw missed a kick.  Assuncao tried tried a takedown but Dillashaw easily evaded it.  Body kick by Assuncao.  Dillashaw with a nice right counter.  Dillashaw got the takedown.  Dillashaw 30-27.  He won but didn’t look very impressive in doing so.

Scores:  All three had it 30-27 for Dillashaw.

– (#6) JOHNY HENDRICKS (17-4, 12-4 UFC) VS. (#12) KELVIN GASTELUM (11-2, 6-2 UFC) | Welterweights

First round:  Hendricks missed weight by ¼ pound.  Physically he doesn’t look close to the same guy as fought GSP.  Gastelum landed a left.  Gastelum with a low kick.  Gastelum landing all kinds of low kicks.  Gastelum with a left.  Right by Gastelum.  Left by Gastelum. Hendricks  landed a few.  Low kick by Gastelum. Gastelum landing all kinds of punches.  Hendricks is a different guy.  Gastelum is just nailing him.  Gastelum landed  a hard punch but Hendricks back with some good punches.  Body kick by Hendricks.  Gastelum 10-9.

Second round:   Hendricks with some counter shots and went for a takedown.  Hendricks behind him  but Gastelum escaped.  Hendricks pushed him into the fence.  Gastelum landed a good left.  Spin kick by Gastelum.  Knee by Hendricsk.  Gastelum with a knee to the head and punches.  Hendricks dancing away.  Hendricks landed the left.  Gastelum landed the left.  Both traded punches.  Gastelum 20-18.

Third round:  Gastelum is chasing Hendircks throwing punches.  Knee by Hendricks.  Gastelum chasing him around the cage.  Hendricks back throwing.  Gastelum moving forward  and mostly missing.  Gastelum landed a nice left.  Body kick by Gastelum  Body kick by Hendricks.  Hendricks got the takedown but Gastelum right back up.  Gastelum  with elbows.  Hendricks couldn’t get a takedown.  Gastelum tried for a takedown and couldn’t get it.  Big exchange late that lit up the crowd.  Gastelum 30-27.

Scores:  29-28, 30-27 and 30-27 Gastelum

– (#3) CAT ZINGANO (9-1, 2-1 UFC) VS. (#5) JULIANNA PENA (7-2, 3-0 UFC) | Bantamweights

First round:  Zingano pushed her into the fence and took her right down.  Pena back up.  Another takedown by Zingano.  Pena back up.  Pena got a takedown.  Zingano reversed to the top.  Zingano dropped an elbow.  Pena up and landed some punches.  10-9 Zingano.

Second round:  Zingano with a body kick and a hip toss takedown.  Beautiful belly-to-belly by Zingano.   Pena reversed to the top in side control.  Pena with a crossface.  Pena got her back.  Pena is working for a choke.  Pena is holding her in back position with a body triangle.  Pena’s round so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Nice trip takedown by Pena.  Pena stayed on top.  Pena worked for a choke but didn’t have it.  Pena with a body triangle.  Pena with a few punches fro back position. She’s landing more punches now.  Zingano reversed with nine seconds left.  Pena 29-28, no other score possible

Scores:  All three had it 29-28 Pena 

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

– (#2) CAIN VELASQUEZ (13-2, 11-2 UFC) VS. (#7) TRAVIS BROWNE (18-3-1, 9-3-1 UFC) | Heavyweights

First round:  Velasquez got a big pop.  Browne landed  a right .  Velasaquez with low kicks.  More low kicks by Velasquez.  Knee by Bowne.   Velasquez couldn’t take him down but has him against the fence.  Velasquez moving forward.  Velasquez moved in with punches.  Spin kick by Velasquez and he’s pounding on him.  Velasquez dropped him with a right.  Velasquez landing punches on the ground.  Vealasquez working for a choke but doesn’t have it.  Velasquez throwing punches while having back control.  Browne back up.  Trading punches.  Velasquez with more punches and a knee.  Velasquez took him down and pounding on him.  Velasquez threw punches on the ground and it was stopped.  Fantastic performance by Velaquez here.  4:57

Velasquez didn’t say much in his interview.  He should have challenged directly for the title after that win.

– INTERIM UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: (#1) JOSE ALDO (25-2, 7-1 UFC) VS. (#2) FRANKIE EDGAR (20-4-1, 14-4-1 UFC)

First round:  Edgar the more popular of the two.  This is a heavy American crowd instead of Brazilian crowd.   Nice right by Aldo.  Left by Aldol  Big let’s go Frankie cdhant.  Low kicks by Edgar.  Edgar in with punches and a low kick.  Aldo with a right.  Both traded.  Edgar almost took him down. Edgar with a body kick.  Edgar with a right.  Both tried spin kicks at the same time.  Aldlo cracked him with a right.  Knee by Aldo.  Wild finish with both missing shots.  Great round.  Very close.  Aldo 10-9.

Second round:   Aldo with a right and Edgar with a body kick.  Left by Aldo.  Aldo with a knee, Edgar tried a takedown but Aldo nearly threw him down.  Right by Edgar.  Edgar bleeding from the right eye.  Head kick by Edgar blocked.  Edgar with a right.  Edgar tried a takedown but didn’t get it.  Edgar tried another takedown and didn’t get it.  Left by Edgar.  Left and right by Aldo.  Big right by Edgar staggered him.  Best punch of the fight.  Left by Edgar.  Edgar 19-19

Third round:  Edgar with a left.  Low kick by Edgar.  Right and left by Aldo.  Both trading punches. Edgar tried a takedown but didmn’t get it and punched on the exit.  Edgar pushed him to the fence.  Edgar with knees to the thigh.  Edgar hurt him with two rights.  Aldo with a hard right.  Edga back with a hard right.  Hard knee by Aldo.  Edgar’s right eye is looking bad.  Edgar fighting for a takedown and can’t get it.  Edgar got two punches in on the exit.  Right by Edgar.  Left by Aldo.  Knee by Aldo.  Edgar 29-28

Fourth round:  Edgar is still the aggressor.  Right by Aldo.  Slower round than the first three.  Low kick by Edgar.  Right and head kick by Edgar.  Right by Aldo.  Aldo with another.  Aldo landing good shots.  Edgar bleeding bad from the right eye now.  Aldo with a left jab.  Aldo dropped him momentarily with a left and hit a knee.  Aldo’s round 38-38 going into the fifth.

Fifth round:   Low kick by Aldo.  Aldo with a left.  Left by Aldo.  Aldo with a nice kick.  Left by Edgar.  Right by Aldo.  Right by Aldo.  Edgar with a low kick.  Edgar hurt him with a right.  Aldo with a right.  Very close round.  Aldo landed the better stuff but he was backpedaling a lot late and that could cost him.  Aldo 48-47.

Scores:  49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 Aldo.  Lots of loud booing the decision. 

– DANIEL CORMIER (17-1, 6-1 UFC) VS. (#5 MW) ANDERSON SILVA (33-7 1 NC, 16-3 1 NC UFC) | Light Heavyweights

First round:  Silva got a huge reaction, much more than  Cormier.  Body kick by Cormier.  Cormier took him right down.  Cormier with some body and head punches.  Elbow and punches by Cormier.  Cormier with body punches.  Elbow by Cormier.  Another elbow by Cormier.  Cormier with more punches and elbows.  10-8 Cormier.

Second round:  Sivla with a jumping body kick. Cormier with a nice right.   Head kick by Silva.  Takedown by Cormeir.  He landed in side control.  Cormier is back on top.  Cormier landing  punches.  Clormeir landing a lot of punches form the toip.  Cormier with short elbows.  Cormier landing punches.  John McCarthy stood them up.  That was a bad call because Cormier was hurting him on the ground but the crowd was brutal to the ground, very much like the Lesnar vs. Mir II fight reaction.  Cormier with a right.  Hard knee by Silva.  Left by Silva.  Body kick by Cormier.  Body kick and low kicki by Silva.  The crowd is booing like crazy whenever Cormier neutralizes Silva.  Cormier 20-18

Third round:  Low kick by Silva.  Body kick by  Silva.  Big right by Cormier.  Cormier with a takedown.  The crowd is ridiculous.  Crowd booing like crazy.  Cormier busy with punches from the top.  Cormier with body shots.  Loud stand them up chants.  Cormier busy landing all kinds of punches   McCarthy ordered a standup with 2:00 left.  Low kick by Cormier.  Silva with a low kick and a body kick.  Cormier 30-26.

Scores:   All three had it 30-26 Cormier.  Fans booed the decision bad but it was clear. 

The crowd booed Cormier’s interview heavily.  He said how difficult it was, he trained for someone else, praised Silva for being the greatest ever and still pretty much booed.  The crowd cheered Silva. 

– BROCK LESNAR (5-3, 4-3 UFC) VS. (#8) MARK HUNT (12-10-1, 7-4-1 UFC) | Heavyweights

First round:  Lensar shot for a takedown.  Hunt back up.  Lesnar took him down a second time.  Lesnar in side control.  Lesnar with punches.  Knee to the body and punches by Lesnar. Lesanr hurt with punches.  Lesnar took him down again into mount and more punches.  10-9 Lesanar.

Second round:   Hunt with a right.  Humt blocked the takedown.  Lesnar tried another takedown but Hunt escaped.  Hunt with an uppercut.  Hunt with a right.  Hunt with another right.  Hunt missed a right.  Lesnar with a left. Lesnar going for a takedown.  Hunt punching the body.  Close round for Hunt 19-19.

Third round:  Hunt landed a hard right.  Lesnar took him down.  Lesnar landing punches on the ground.  Lesnar landing lefts on the ground.  Fans boooing.  Lesnar landing hard lefts from the top.  Lesnar now in full mount.  Lesnar landing a lot of punches.  10-8 round for Lesnar, should win 29-27.

Scores:     All three had it 29-27 for Lesanr.  Everyone cheered Lesnar.

He said it took him a while to get acclimated, he thanked the fans.  He thanked the Armed Forces and told people of all nationalities to stand together. 

– UFC WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION MIESHA TATE (18-5, 5-2 UFC) VS. (#4) AMANDA NUNES (12-4, 5-1 UFC)

First round:  Tate got a nice reaction, not nearly as big as Silva.  Nunes with a  low kick. 

Tate took he down but Nunes back up.  Nunes with punches.  Tate went for a takedown, got reversed and Nunes landed a knee.  Nunes conneciting with great punches.  Nunes is destroying her standing.  Nunes pouded away, landed a hard kick.  Tate is all busted up.  Nunes got her back and landing punches.  Nunes got a choke and Tate tapped out.  Tate got destroyed here.   3:16

UFC 194 Las Vegas live results: Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor, Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The biggest UFC event of 2015 is headlined by two title fights, two of the most intriguing fights of the year, and possibly the best main/co-main combination the UFC has ever put together. UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo takes on Interim UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor to unify the titles in the main event, and UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman defends against Luke Rockhold. Follow along with our live coverage beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action. We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send us a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best fight and worst fight to Dave Meltzer.

UFC 194 Weigh-In Results
UFC 194 5 Storylines To Watch
UFC 194 DFS Playbook
UFC 194 Our Picks & Preview

Coverage provided by Dave Meltzer

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

WELTERWEIGHTS- COURT MCGEE (16-4, 5-3 UFC) VS. MARCIO ALEXANDRE JR. (11-2, 0-2 UFC)

First round:  Former TUF winner in the first of 13 matches.  That’s how you know a show is loaded.  Body kick by McGee.  Left by Alexandre.  Body kick by Alexandre landed.  McGee gave him an accidental low blow.  That was a kick straight through the uprights.  Alexandre grabbed a guillotine and pulled guard.  McGee out and threw punches.  Close round 10-9 Alexandre.

Second round:  Body kick by Alexandre and McGee with a low kick.  McGee pushed him into the fence.  McGee with a body kick.  They were in a clinch against the fence and noting has been happening.  McGee throwing knees to the thigh.  They were separated with 50 seconds left.  Body shot by McGee.  High kick by Alexandre blocked.  Left by Alexandre.  Spin kick by McGee barely grazed  him.  McGee’s round so 19-19 going into the third.

Third round:  McGee took him down.  Trading body kicks.  McGee trying for a takedown but doesn’t have it.  McGee can’t take him down but he’s working for it.  McGee finally picked him up low and slammed him and is busy from the top.  McGee working the body.  McGee pounded him out late in the round.  29-28 McGee.  First and second rounds were close however, third was the only decisive round.

Scores:  30-27, 29-28 and 29-28 for McGee      

LIGHTWEIGHTS- JOHN MAKDESSI (13-4, 6-4 UFC) VS. YANCY MEDEIROS (11-3 1 NC, 2-3 1 NC UFC)

First round:  Makdessi connecting on low kicks.  Medeiros with a  solid low kick.  Makdessi with a low kick.  Left and right by Medeiros.  Spin kick by Makdessi.  Close round.  Makdessi 10-9.

Second round:  Makdessi with a  body kick.  Left uppercut by Medeiros.  Head kick by Makdessi.  This fight is more like technical sparring than a fight.  Nice spin kick by Makdessi  just as I wrote that.  Left to the body by Makedessi.  Low kick,but most blows  don’t have a lot of force.  Medeiros with a body kick and and a nice right.  Side kick by Makedessi.  Body shts and side kick by Makedessi.  Medeiros went for a takedown but couldn’t get it.  Spin kick to the body Medeiros.  Left by Medeiros.  Medeiros with  a right.  Another close round.  Medeiros’ round so 19-19 going into the third.

Third round:  Medeiros with aleft.  Medeiros landing jabs.  Right by Medeiros.  Another jab by Medeiros.  Makdessi back with a low kick.  Medeiros with a right. Spin kick to the body by Makdessi.  Body kick by Medeiros but he was momentarily tripped.  Low kick by Makdessi.  Medeiros  landing the jab.  Right by Makdessi.  Makdessi with a side kick.  Big right by Makdessi .  Makdessi landing shots but Medeiros knocked him down.  Very close, Medeiros was winning the round early, Makdesssi was really coming on late but that knockdown may have been the difference.  All three rounds close.  Medeiros 29-28.

Scores:   29-28 Medeiros 29-28 Makdessi 29-28 Medeiros

LIGHTWEIGHTS- JOE PROCTOR (11-3, 4-2 UFC) VS. MAGOMED MUSTAFAEV (12-1, 1-0 UFC)

Magomed Mustafaev (12-1) vs. Joe Proctor (11-3), lw

First round:  Mustafaev moving forward.  Proctor with a low kick.  Proctor in with punches.  Mustafaev with punches.  Body kick by Mustafaev.  Body kick and punches by Mustafaev.  Hard knees by Mustafaev.  Hard knees by Mustafaev and another knee put him down and its’ over.  Proctor’s a tough guy so Mustafaev is clearly legit.  1:54

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

LIGHTWEIGHTS- LEONARDO SANTOS (14-3-1, 3-0-1 UFC) VS. KEVIN LEE (11-1, 4-1 UFC)

First round:  Hard body kick by Alves, Knee to the body by Alves.   Covington took him down.  Alves grabbed a guillotine, Covington power bombed him, in, but Alves held on and Covington tapped out.

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS- (#5) TECIA TORRES (6-0, 2-0 UFC) VS. JOCELYN JONES-LYBARGER (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

First round:    Huge size difference here.  Lybarger much taller and larger.  Torres landed some punches.   Nice combo by Torres.  Left to the jaw by Jones.  Right by Jones.  Torres now landed.  Torres trying for a takedown.    Torres 10-9.

Second round:  Crowd starting to boo as Jones has Torres pressed against the fence.  Now Torres reversed the position.  Body kick by Jones.  She’s again pressing Torres against the fence.  Torres landing punches.  Joes went for a takedown but Torres landed on top and is throwing punches on the ground. Now she’s landing elbows.  Torres landing hard punches from the top late in the round. Crowd gave Torres a big hand.  20-18 Torres.

Third round:   Torres landed some punches.  Body kick by Jones as she moved in.  Nice right hook by Torres.  Torres  now landing several punches.  She’s turning it on.  Torres with hard punches.  Now Jones landed a solid right.  Head kick by Torres.  Crowd really liked this fight.  They raised each others’ arms when it was over.  The crowd took to Torres.  Torres 30-27.  Pretty much has to be that score unless you do a 10-8 second round which is possible.

Scores:   All three have it 30-27 for Torres.

BANTAMWEIGHTS- (#4) URIJAH FABER (32-8, 8-4 UFC) VS. (#13) FRANKIE SAENZ (11-2, 3-0 UFC)

First round:  Trading low kicks.  Faber out fast, landed a right and took him down.  Faber tried another takedown but Saenz ended up on top.  Faber threw a right but it was blocked.  Seanz missed pnches.  Faber ducked for a takedown but Saenz out of the way.  Faber with a left and low kick.  Saenz back with an elbow and Faber with an elbow.  Seanz with a low kick.  Faber wih a knee.  Faber failed on a takedown attempt but back up. Saenz landed good shots.  Body kick by Saenz.  Faber failed on a takedown attempt. But he hit an elbow.  Saenz missed a knee.  Body kick by Saenz.  Faber 10-9.

Second round:   Body kick by Faber.  Faber landing a ton of elbow and has Saenz in trouble.  He’s hurting him with elbows.  Saenz surviving some huge right and left elbows.  Faber with a hip toss into side control.  Saenz reversed to the top.  This is a great fight.  Crowd gave both a huge  hand.  Saenz swept his leg and Faber went down.  Body kick and punch by  Saenz.  Saenz with a punch and low kick.  Right by Saenz.  Low kick by Saenz and another.  Faber  went for a takedown but Saenz blocked.  Faber 20-18 because of the opening flurry but it was Saenz the last half of the round.

Third round:  God low kick by Saenz.  Body kick by Faber.  Body kick by Saenz.  Left and right by Faber.  Knee by Saenz and another knee.  Saenz going for a takedown.  Faber blocking.  Trading knees from a clinch.  Elbow by Faber.  Faber with a punch but Saenz fired back.  Saenz with a  right.  Low kick by Saenz.  Big right by Faber.  Left by  Faber.  Body kick by Saenz.  Faber took him down.    Saenz back up.  Another takedown by Faber.  Crowd gave both a big hand.  Really good fight.  Close round but I gave it to Saenz, 29-28 Faber.

Scores:  29-28, 29-28 30-27 Faber.  Everyone cheered the decision.  I thought they’d boo it just because of how much heart Saenz showed.

Faber said he was going after the belt because at the end of the story the good guy wins and that’s me.  Rogan said you mean against TJ Dillashaw and Faber said Dillashaw or Dominick Cruz.

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#5) MAX HOLLOWAY (14-3, 10-3 UFC) VS. (#8) JEREMY STEPHENS (24-11, 11-10 UFC)

First round:  Both missing punches.  Super hot crowd anyway.  Slow open.  Both continue to miss punches.  Holloway landed a punch.  Stephens with a low kick.  Holloway with a body kick.  Body kick by Holloway.  Stephens with a low kick.  Holloway missed a punch and Stephens got behind him momentarily.   Very close because little happened.  Holloway 10-9.

Second round:  Holloway tried a spin kick to the body but Stephens blocked it.  Crowd is quiet.  Stephens going for a takedown.  Body punch and uppercut by Stephens. Low kick by Stephens.  Holloway with a right.  Stephens landed a right.  Right by Holloway.  Stephens again working for a takedown and can’t get it.  Low kick by Stephens.  Very close round again.  Stephens, so 19-19 after two.

Third round:  Holloway took him down.  Holloway got behind him, throwing punches and working for a choke.  Stephens out of trouble but Holloway is on top.  Holloway with an elbow.  He got Stephens’ back again and is working for a choke.  Stephens back up.  Stephens landed  some punches.  Low kick by Stephens.  Holloway with a left.  Stephens landed two punches and went for a takedown .  Holloway blocking.  Spinning elbow by Holloway.  Holloway got the takedown.  Stephens swinging wildly  but mostly missing.  Both threw at the fight ended.  Holloway 29-28, but this is another close one.

Scores 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 for Holloway

Holloway challenged McGregor  at Croke Park and challenged Aldo as well.

WELTERWEIGHTS- (#6) DEMIAN MAIA (21-6, 15-6 UFC) VS. (#12) GUNNAR NELSON (14-1-1, 5-1 UFC)

First round:  Nelson got the takedown.  Maia back up.  Everyone wanted a Tokoro match on the ground here.  Maia went for a takedown  and Nelson tried to get his neck.  Nelson now on top after a Maia takedown attempt.  Crowd going crazy for Nelson.  He trains in Ireland so he’s honorary Irish.  Maia has his back.  Maia throwing punches.  Maia moved to mount and is punching him.  Maia got his back.  Maia punching hard from back position as the Brazilians chanted “You’re gonna die.”  Maia punching from back position.  He’s got Nelson is a body triangle.  Maia working for an armbar.  Nelson escaped and on top.  The place went nuts for that reversal.  The place is going crazy for a grappling match.  It’s awesome.  Maia 10-9.

Second round:   Both landed punches.  Maia with a takedown and Nelson reversed .  Maia now behind him.  Maia has his back again.  Maia is in the piggy back position with a body triangle.  Maia throwing punches from that position.  Nelson reversed to the top.  Maia reversed to the top.  Maia landing elbows.  Maia 20-18.

Third round:  Maia took him down monentarily.  Nelson trying for a guillotine.   Maia out of it.  Maia with punches and elbows from the top.  Maia with elbows.  Maia is working for a choke but he can’t get the arm under the chin.  Maia gave it up to throw punches.  Nelson reversed to the top with 15 seconds left.  The crowd liked it and the two guys hugged.  Maia easily 30-27.

Scores:   30-26, 30-25 and 30-25.

Maia challenged the Lawler vs. Condit winner. 

MIDDLEWEIGHTS- (#2) RONALDO SOUZA (22-3 1 NC, 5-0 UFC) VS. (#3) YOEL ROMERO (10-1, 6-0 UFC)

First round:    Romero came into the ring and did a roundoff.  He’s an athlete at a completely different level from almost anyone in this sport and a lot of others.  Traded body kicks.  Nice right by Souza.  Souza moving forward.  Body kick by Souza.  Left to the body by Souza.  Romero threw a kick but it was checked.  Romero landed  a hard left.  Spinning  punch by Romero decked Souza.  Romero throwing punches from the top.  Romero starting to land good punches on the ground.  He’s really weary, however.  Romero with punches and elbows.  Romero just got out of trouble and more punches. Romero with hard elbows.  Souza went for an armbar.  Romero  got out and got his back and punching.  10-8 Romero

Second round:  Body kick by Romero.  Left by Romero.  Souza went for a takedown.  Romero totally holding onto the fence but Souza got him down and  Romero reversed.  The ref should have called a penalty point for that one.  It was too long and too flagrant.  Body shot by Souza.  Body kick by Romero.  Body kick by Souza.  Souza landed a right.  Romero looks shaky.  Body kick by Romero.  Body kick by Souza.  Body kick by Romero.  Souza’s round 19-18 Romero after two.

Third round:  Body kick by Souza.  Low kick by Souza.  Souza missed a kick.  Front kick and left by Romero.  Souza tried a takedown.  He couldn’t get it.  Hard left by Romero.  Body kick by Souza.  Souza landed some good shots.   He’s got Romero hurt and took him down.  Souza landign punches on the ground.  He’s working for ahead and arm choke.  Souza with some elbows and punches.  Romero back up.  Souza’s round so I’ve got 28-28, but if not a 10-8 first then it’s Souza’s fight.

The two hugged after the match and both posed with a “Jesus”  flag.

Scores:  29-27 Romero, 29-28 Souza 29-28 Romero.  I don’t agree with that decision in the sense Souza won rounds two and three.   

UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- (C) CHRIS WEIDMAN (13-0, 9-0 UFC) VS. (#1) LUKE ROCKHOLD (14-2, 4-1 UFC)

First round:  Weidman got a huge positive reaction but no boos for Rockhold.  Crowd going nuts and stomping before the match even started.  Trading low kicks.  Chris jumped on his back right away and got in piggy back position.  Rockhold tried to throw him off but Weidman staying out of a bad position.  Rockhold has him against the cage.  Right by Weidman and he got the takedown.  Rockhold back  up.  Loud let’s go Weidman chant.  Elbow by Weidman.  Another takedown by Weidman.  Rockhold had a guillotine.  Weidman motioned like he’s got nothing on it.  Herb Dean called a standup.  Weird to stand up from there.  Hard body kick by Rockhold.  Weidman took him down.  Rockhold reversed and got another guillotine.  Close round.  Rockhold 10-9.

Second round:  Rockhold landing punches.  Hard body kick by Rockhold. .  Weidman with a body kick.  Both missed punches.  Hard body kick by Weidmnan.  Head kick by Rockhold.  Low kick by Rockhold.  Weidnan went for a takedown but Rockhold blocked and landed a body kick.  Hard body kick by Rockhold. Weidman went for a takedown but Rockhold blocked and landed a body kick hard.  Hard body kick by Rockhold.  Another body kick by Rockhold.  Weidman missed a kick.  Rockhold with a right.  Left by Weidamn.  Hook kick by Rockhold just missed.  High kick by Rockhold. Big right by Rockhold.  Best punch of the fight.  Right by Rockhold.  Left by Rockhold.  Body shot by Rockhold.  Weidman with a right.  Body kick by Wiedman. Body kick by Rockhold. Weidman with low kicks.  Rockhold slipped a punch and landed a right.  Low kick by Rockhold.  Body kick by Weidman hurt him.  Rockhold with a left.  Rockhold 20-18.

Third round:  Body kick by Weidman.  Body kick by Rockhold.  Body kick by Weidman.  Weidman wants a takedown.  Rockhold blocked him.  Two body kick by Weidmann.  Hard left by Weidman and he got the takedown.   Rockhold back up.  Rockhold with a left,  a body kick and a low kick.  Another left by Rockhold.  Body kick by Weidman.  Left and right by Rockhold.  Body kick by Weidman.  Another body kick by Weidman.  Both guys are really tired at this point, slower and more measured.  Hard kick by Weidman.  Weidman missed a wheel kick and Rockhold took him down and got his back.  Rockhold has full mount.  Rockhold punching  and elbows.  Rockhold landing a lot of punches now.  Weidman is in big trouble.   Rockhold dropping a ton of punches and elbows.  Rockhold is killing him with punches.  It really should have been stopped.  Rockhold 10-8 round for sure, I’ve got 30-26.  That should have been stopped and I don’t know if Weidman is getting up from that.

Fourth round:  Weidman answered the bell.  Body kick by Rockhold.  He tried for a takedown but Weidman blocked it.  Rockhold got him down.  Weidman has several cuts.  Rockhold landing punches.  Rockhold on top throwing punches again.  Herb Dean stopped it and Rockhold is the new champion.  3:12

Rogan with Luke Rockhold.  “It’s hard to describe.  I can’t believe this is real.”

Rogan with Chris:  He says this was Luke’s night, at the end of the the day I’ve got a beautiful family, fans love me, I’ll be back.  He said the spin kick wasn’t the smartest move, I wanted to give everything I had, all I can do is work hard.   

UFC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP – (C) JOSE ALDO (25-1, 7-0 UFC) VS. (IC) CONOR MCGREGOR (18-2, 6-0 UFC)

First round:  McGregor landed a left and side kick. McGregor knocked him out in seconds.  Aldo went for a left as did McGregor, McGregor landed perfectly on the jaw and Aldo went down.  Aldo is in tears.  :13

UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor weigh-in results and live video

Posted on by Ryan Frederick

Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of the UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor weigh-ins from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fighters will hit the scale at 6 PM eastern time. The card airs on Saturday with the main card on pay-per-view at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off at 6:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass before heading over to FS1 on 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary bouts. This event concludes the biggest week in UFC history.

The event will be headlined by two title bouts, and two of the biggest fights of the year. UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo will finally step foot inside the Octagon across from Interim UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor in a bout that has been brewing for over a year. In the co-main event it will be UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman putting the title and his undefeated record on the line against the number one contender, Luke Rockhold. The main card also features a first in UFC history as every fighter on the main card has previously headlined a UFC event.

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
Jose Aldo (145) vs. Conor McGregor (145) – UFC Featherweight Championship
Chris Weidman (185) vs. Luke Rockhold (185) – UFC Middleweight Championship
Ronaldo Souza (186) vs. Yoel Romero (185)
Demian Maia (170) vs. Gunnar Nelson (170)
Max Holloway (146) vs. Jeremy Stephens (145)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FS1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT):
Urijah Faber (136) vs. Frankie Saenz (135)
Tecia Torres (116) vs. Jocelyn Jones-Lybarger (116)
Warlley Alves (171) vs. Colby Covington (170)
Leonardo Santos (156) vs. Kevin Lee (156)

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT):
Joe Proctor (155.5) vs. Magomed Mustafaev (155)
John Makdessi (156) vs. Yancy Medeiros (155.5)
Court McGee (170) vs. Marcio Alexandre Jr. (171)

*Over 9,000 in attendance at the MGM Grand for the weigh-ins.
*Loud reaction for Conor McGregor and loud boos for Jose Aldo. Dana White had to keep them apart at the staredown.
*Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold had quite a bit of trash talk during their staredown.
*Urijah Faber got a huge reaction from the crowd based on coaching opposite of Conor McGregor on the most recent season of TUF.